Northern Star (1837-1852), 1st March 1845, Edition 1 of 4, Page 6, Untitled Article

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  » . .. . THE TENURE OF LAND IN IRELAND . LORD DEVON'S COMMISSION . SEPOBT Of Commissioners appointed to inquire into the state vi ihe law and practice in respect to the occupation of land in Ireland , and in respect also to the burdens of . v . unij cess and other charges which fall respectiTely on the landlord and occupying tenant : and to report as to amendmcnts , ifany , oftlie " esistingla \ V 5 J wWc 3 i , haTingdueregard to the just rights of property , may be calculated to encourage the cultivation of the soil , to extend a better system of agriculture , and to improve the relation between landlord and tenant in that part of the united kingdom . Our attention was , in the first instance , naturally di-•• . . leatoantsraniation of thestate of the law of landlord and tenant , jin < l the practice under it ; and with this view w « examined ninny of the assistant barristers and agents extensive ! y « i ^ 'scd in the management of estates in different parts vf tiie country , and other persons whom we lliausM'ikd v to give us general information .
  
  Porihc purpose also of obtaining evidence upon the subjects of our inquiry from different parts of the country . -. : < 1 from various classes of persons , we addressed a Irtivr i « j every board of guardians throughout the coun-=.-.. v . ov « ay "bishop of the Established Church , to every JH-naj Catholic bishop , and to the heads of the Presbyv-Ma Church , from whom generally we received material a- ^ rtance . In tie selection of witnesses for examination , we were - guided by the recommendation of the boards of guardians , or of the clergy and others , made in consequence of our circular ; we also examined numerous persons who tendered evidence , and sought out others from whom we thought that we might derive useful information .
  
  Among many measures professedly for the improvement of Ireland , an Act was passed in 1771 , which allowed Boman Catholics to take a lease for sixty-one years of not less than ten acres , or more than fifty , of bog , with ' only half an acre of arable land for tie site of a house , but not to be situate within a mile of a town ; and if it was not reclaimed in twenty-one years , the lease to be void . The Act of 1829 destroyed the political value of the 40 s . freeholder , and to relieve his property from the burden which this chain of circumstances brought upon it , the landlord , in too many instances , adopted what has been called the ¦ " clearance system . "
  
  After detailing the proceedings of various Commissions and Committees of the Bouse of Commons , appointed to inquire into the state and condition of Ireland , the report proceeds thus : — At this stage of our report , and before adverting to those details to which the course of our inquiries has directed oar attention , it may be proper to make a few observations of a general nature , and having , as we conceive , an important bearing upon every part of the subject under consideration . Whatever difference of opinion may be pnt forward or entertained npon other points , the testimony given is unfortunately too uniform in representing the unimproved state of extensive districts , the want of employment , and the consequent poverty and hardships under which a large portion of the agricultural population continually labour .
  
  The obvious remedy for this state of things is to provide remunerative employment , which may at once increase the productive powers of the country , and improve the condition of the people . By what means , and under what arrangements for the occupation of land , this object can be most certainly attained ; what difficulties and impediments may be removed ; and what assistance can he properly given by the interference of Parliament or the exertions of individuals—are points well worthy of consideration by all those who have the welfare of Ireland at heart , and upon which it will be our duty to offer some suggestions ; but we wish in this place to record our decided opinion , that agricultural improvement—that is , an increased and improved cultivation of the soil of Ireland—is one of the first and most important steps towards improvement in the condition of the people .
  
  Another general remark which our tour through the country and an extensive intercourse with the { arming classes enables us to make , ia , that in almost every part of Ireland unequivocal symptoms of improvement , in spite of many embarrassing and counteracting circum . stances contiuuallj present themselves to the view : and that there exists a very general and increasing spirit and desire for promotion of such improvement , from which die most beneficial results may fairly be expected . Indeed , speaking of the country generally , with some exeppiions , which are unfortunately too notorious , tee believe that , at no former period , did so active a spirit of improvement prevail , nor could well-directed measures for the attainment of that objeet have been proposed with a better prospect of success than at the present moment .
  
  • rssvax . The expression "tenure of land" may be used with reference either to the landlord ' s estate , or to the interest which an occupying tenant has in his farm . In this latter sense it has been commonly used by the witnesses , and is generally understood in Ireland ; and in this sense we consider it to form the principal subject of our in . quiry ; bnt we think it necessary in the first instance briefly to notice a . few cases in which the nature of the landlord ' s interest may have an influence upon the dealing with his tenants . The naniber of proprietors of land in Ireland is small when compared with its extent and the amount of its agricultural population . This circumstance , while probably it is one of the causes which has led to the want of that personal attention to the condition of the tenantry ,-which is at once the duty and interest of landlords , renders also the impediments in ihe way of improvement , arising from the nature of the proprietors' tenure , a matter of more urgent public importance in Ireland than elsewhere .
  
  In adverting to the character of the landlords' tenure in Ireland , it is oar duty to observe upon a species of tenure , scarcely known elsewhere , which prevails very extensiTely in that country , one-seventh of Ireland being - aaidtobeheldnnderit . We allude to the tenure by lease for lives , with a covenant of perpetual renewal on pay . ment of a fine , sometimes merely nominal , on the fall of each life . The origin of this tenure is said to be trace , able to the condition and state of property , consequent upon the extensive confiscations to which nearly the whole of Ireland has , at different periods , been subjected ; the grantees , bnng generally absentees , and desirous of securing a recognition from time to time of their proprietorship , as wsll as the power of recovering their rents , are supposed to have originated this form of demise .
  
  To remedy the inconvenience and ill effects which arise from this species of tenure , we recommend that powers should be given to the lessor and lessee in all cases to commute the fines into an increased rent , and thus to convert the tenure of leases of lives renewable for ever into an absolute perpetuity—a power being given , as in the Church Temporalities Act , to distrain and eject in In case of non-payment of the reserved rent , and to refer to a court of equity all questions as to the pecuniary value to be placed on any reservations by covenants which may interfere -with the proper cultivation of the land . Under the influence of this custom , the tenant /> l » ims , and generally exercises aright to dispose of his holding for a Taluable consideration , although he may himself be tenant-at-will , and although he may have expended nothing in permanent improvements .
  
  Proprietors generally hare been enabled to place a restriction upon this tenant-right , so far at least as to securea power of selection with respect to the tenant , and to place some limit upon the amount to be paid : wisely judging , that a tenant who pays a large sum of money ( part of which he probably borrows ) in entering npon a farm , will be crippled in his means for the proper management of it It was formerly the practice with most landlords , particularly those who were absentees , to grant long leases of a large tract to some individual who was answerable for tae renti sad wlo undertook the responsibility of divid ing and under-letting the land . Those lessees were usually designated " middlemen . ''
  
  The practice of letting land to middlemen is now rare . Cpon some well regulated estates , the property of inteUigeat and liberal landlords , who are upon the best footing with their tenants , no leases are given ; but we cannot forbear to express our opinion , that as a general ¦ jfcieiu it is more for the interest of both landlord and tenaat that leases of a moderate length should be granted . We fed , however , that this is one of the points which must ieleft to the discretion of individuals , and we cannot recommend any directinterference by the Legislature , The most general , and indeed almost universal , topic of complaint brought before us in every part of Ireland , was the " want of tenure , " to use the expression most commonly employed by the witnesses .
  
  It is well known that the want of "fixity of tenure " baa for some time past been sedulously pnt forward as one of the most prominent grievances of the Irish tenant . IHFBOVEMEXTS . Before we proceed further in dealing with this part of the subject * it may be necessary , in the first instance , to give some explanation of the particular expression— "Improvements f the want of which explanation would probably lead to much misconception on the part of persons unacquainted wifli rural affairs in Ireland . Itis well known that in England and Scotland , before a l-mdlcrd offers a farm for letting , he finds it necessary to = rorids a suitable farm-house , with necessary firm-L . i&li !! gs , for the proper management of the farm . He m . _ the gates and fences into good order , and he also UxU ^ i upon himself a great part of the burden of keeping ihe buildings in repair during the term ; and the rent is cod with reference to this state of things . Such , at I a .-t , is generally the case , although special contracts may occasionally be made , varying the arrangement bet ween landlord and tenant .
  
  In Ireland the case is wholly different . The smallness of the fermi , as they are usually let , together with other circumstances , to which it is not necessary to advert , render the introduction of the English system extremely _ -difficult , and in many cases impracticable . Jt is admitted on all hands , that according to the gene-¦ nfl practice in Ireland , the landlord builds neither dwelSag-house nor farm-offices , nor puts fences , gates , &c , into good order before he lets his land to a tenant . In some instances the tenant may have capital which hewiS readily expend npon . . thp _ Iand , if he can only he assured that he shall enjoy an adequate return ~ for his expanditare in the letgth and Otrtainty of bis tenure , or can have secured to him a fair compensation for Ms outlay and labour or quitting the farm .
  
  On the outer iand , it not tmfrequentty occurs that the only capital which the occupier of the soil possesses is to be found in the labour of himself and his family ; if yon
  
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  show to Mm in what manner the application of that labour may be rendered most conducive to his own comfort and permanent benefit , and assist him with money or materials which his labour cannot Supply , you will generally find the Irish peasant ready to co-operate with you In effecting Improvements beneficial alike to himself and to the country . The state of Ireland in this respect has not unfrequently engaged the attention of Parliament : in the years 1835 andl 83 fi , and again in 1813 , bills were presented to the House of Commons , of which the objeet was to . secure for tenants compensation for any outlay which they make of a permanent nature upon their farms .
  
  Although it is certainly desirable that the fair remuneration to which a tenant is entitled for his outlay of capital , or of labour , in permanent improvements , should be secured to him by voluntary agreement rather than by compulsion of law , yet , upon a review of all the evidence furnished to us upon the subject , we believe that some legislative measure will be found necessary in order to give efficacy t © such agreements , as well as to provide for those cases which cannot be settled by private arrangement . The power which we have already recommended to be given to enable persons under legal disabilities to charge their estates for certain purposes will assist in rendering effectual the provisions for compensation here referred to , and in providing against an undue pressure on existing landlords from their operation .
  
  CON 80 MDAMON OF FAXH 8 . Feeling this subject to be oneof vast importance , we have been very anxious to acquire correct information upon it . In our printed queries we directed attention to the consolidation of farms and the eviction of ¦ pants ; and in the oral examinations we constantly . addressed questions to the witnesses upon these points . Upon a review of the whole subject , we feel bound to express our opinion , that there has been much of exaggeration and mis-statement in the sweeping charges which have been directed against the Irish landlords . A considerable period has elapsed since the consolidation system first commenced , and the recent instances hare been ijomparatively few . Much , however , of the evil caused by former clearances still remains , but we trust that the increased care and attention given by landlords to their estates will prevent its recurrence .
  
  It is certain that the removal of a number of poor occupiers from the dwellings and the land which they have once held , must be the cause of much individual suffering ; and no humane landlords will adopt such a course without using his best endeavours to alleviate that pressure . The cause which most frequently , at the present day , leads to the eviction of a number of tenants on a particular estate , is the wish of the proprietor to increase the size of the holdings , with a view to the better cultivation of the land ; and when it is seen in the evidence , and in the returns upon the size of farms , how minute those holdings are frequently found to be , previous to the change , it cannot be denied that such a step is in many eases absolutely necessary , and called for by a due regard to the interest of both landlord and tenant .
  
  Some witnesses , who put forward most strongly as matter of complaint , the consolidation of small holdings , into what they call large farms , in answer to the further question—'• To what size wore the farms brought ?" describe them as enlarged to the extent of twenty-five , twenty , or even ten acres .
  
  BECOVEKT OF SENT . "We recommend that the right to seize growing crops by way of distress for rent shall be altogether takcu away . We recommend that it shall be made imperative upon every person malting a distress to serre , or cause to be served , such a notice at the time of making the seizure , and that the want of it snail render a distress illegal . We therefore recommend that it should be provided by law , that no distress shall be legal , unless made by virtue of a warrant or order to distrain in writing , signed by the landlord or his agent , directing the bailiff to distrain the tenants named therein , and bearing upon the face of it the date when , and the place at which , it is signed ; and further that no warrant shall be sufficient to authorise distress which is not so signed within twenty days of the time when the seizure is made .
  
  TTe believe that as the law now stands , any irregularity in any part of the proceeding renders the person making the distress liable to be treated as a trespasser ab initio . We think that some alteration should he made in this respect , and that landlords should only be liable to an action for irregularity . We come now to the process of ejectment . We recommend that in any ejectment brought in any court , the plain riff should be bound to serve notice upon the tenant , setting forth the amount due , and how made up ; and further , that in any writ of " habere" issued upon a judgment in ejectment for rent , the amount claimed , together with the amount of costs , should be inserted , aud that the sheriff should have power at any time to stay the proceedings , upon payment of the debt and costs .
  
  As connected with the ejectment system , we have to notice a practice which prevails iu some parts of the country , of serving , periodically , notices to quituponlarge numbers of tenants holding from year to year , not with any fixed intention of proceeding upon such notices , but in order to keep np a continual power over the tenant , in case he should not pay his rent , or should otherwise misconduct himself , and which may be acted upon from caprice , or in case of any offence given by the tenant in some matter wholly unconnected with the occupation of his hind . With a view to lessen in some degree the evil resulting from this practice , we propose that hi all such cases the tenancy shall not be determined without twelve months' notice .
  
  We further recommend , with a view of encouraging leases , that the stamp duty , in all cases where the rent does not exceed £ 50 per annum , and the term shall not beless than fourteen years . or more than thirty-one years , be reduced to 2 s . 6 d . ; but that this reduction should only apply to leases prepared according to a form to be specified in the schedule of an Act to be passed for that purpose , and which should also provide that all tenants holding- under such leases , shall do so on certain simple conditions , including particularly an undertaking on the tenant ' s part , not ' to sublet or subdivide , and- on the part of the landlords an obligation to make allowance to the tenant for improvements , either according to the mode we have suggested , or such other as Parliament may adopt . We believe that the revenue would gain , rather than lose , by such an alteration .
  
  A further improvement would , be made , if the practice were introduced of describing , shortly , the building 3 ( if any ) actually existing , or which the landlord allows to be erected on the premises ; and it would be desirable that a cheap aud easy mode of registering such documents with the clerk of the peace should be provided . We are glad to find that , notwithstanding the great and increasing competition for land , the practice of endeavouring to fix the fair value by a close valuation is becoming every day more general ; and although very loose modes of valuation still prevail too extensively , yet there is evidence to prove a growing disposition to adopt sounder principles in this respect It appears that in some cases public boards , having the management of estates , are directed by the Act under which they are constituted , to advertise and let their lands to the highest bidder ; we think that power 6 hould be given , in such cases , to let land upon a fair and just valuation . AGENCY .
  
  It must frequently happen that the landlord cannot give that personal attention and superintendence which , under present circumstances , are essential to the proper management of land in Ireland . This naturally leads us to make a few observations with respect to agents , a most numerous class , comprising persons of almost every rank of life , of various qualifications , and upon whose conduct the comfort of a large population and the tranquillity of a district frequently depend . We examined several agents resident in Dublin , under whose management numerous estates are placed , some of which appear to be well conducted ; but as a general proposition we must express our opinion , that in cases in which the landlord is not resident , it is of importance that the principal agent should reside either upon or near to the estate which he manages .
  
  The estates of large absentee proprietors are frequently managed by a resident gentleman , who supplies , as far as possible , the want of a resident landlord ; other estates are intrusted to the care of persons in almost every situation of life . In former times the practice of accepting bribes and gratuities by agents , bailiffs , or others connected with the estates , was frequently denounced , and was , we fear , too general . We cannot say that this has altogether ceased , although we are satisfied that such occurrences are becoming more
  
  rare . SALE OF ESTATES . It now rarely happens that land in Ireland is brought into the , market for sale in lots of a moderate or small size . Estates are so generally encumbered by family settlements or otherwise , that the expense , delay , and difficulty whieli would attend the dividing them , so as to sell in separate or detached portions , deter s proprietor from taking this course , although a larger sum might be raised by it in the whole . We believe that there is a huge number of persons hi Ireland possessing a small amount of capital , which they
  
  would gladly employ in the purchase and cultivation of land , and a still larger number , now resident iu different parts of the country , and holding land for uncertain or limited terms at a rent , who would most cheerfully embrace the opportunity of becoming proprietors . The gradual introduction of such a class of men would be a great improvement in the social condition of Ireland . A much larger proportion of the population than at present would become personally interested in the preservation of peace and good order ; and the prospect of gaining admission into this class of small landowners would often stimulate the renting farmer to increased exertion and persevering industry .
  
  AGBICOITORAL INHTBDCTIOX . There is a great desire amongst all classes in Ireland for improvement in agricultural knowledge . In many parts of tie country farming societies have been established upon a large scale . Without wishing to underrate the usefulness of such societies , we must consider as even more important the adoption of such plans as shall give to the small farmer practical instruction in the best method of cultivation . In many parts of Ireland the question is not alone , as in England or Scotland , whether improved cultivation will enable a tenant to make a better profit or to pay a better rent , but whether the small portions in wMch it is certain that , for many years at least , the land must be occupied , will enable the holder to provide sustenance for his family and pay even , a moderate rent ,
  
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  The establishment and maintenance of agricultural schools , -such as that carried on at Templemoyle , in the county of Derry , of such smaller establishments as that at larne , described in the evidence of Dr . Kirkpatrick—the employment of an agriculturist who shall give personal instruction and assistance to the small farmer and peasant —the introduction of a good system of draining , ef better implements , better seeds , and improved breeds of cattlethe cult ivat ion by spade , or , at the least possible , expense , of asmall farm asamodelwhichitmay he within the reach of a poor person to follow—all these are methods of teaching , each or any of which a landlord or an agent may employ upon a greater or smaller scale according to circumstances , and by the use of which he will lay tho sure and solid foundation of general improvement .
  
  EMIGRATION . The Committee on Public Works ( Second Report ) in 1835 , on the contrary , cannot concur in" the opinion that the social disease of Ireland is produced by a real excess of population . " It may be doubted whether the country does contain a sufficient quantity of labour to developers resources ; and while the empire is loaded with taxation to defray the charge of its wars , it appears most politic to use its internal resources for improving the condition of the population , by which the revenue of the Exchequer must be . increased , rather than encourage emigration , by which the revenue would suffer a diminution , or than leave the labouring classes in their present state , by which poverty , crime , and the charges of Government must be inevitably extended . "
  
  WASTE LANDS . It may be worthy of serious consideration , whether the State mightnot very usefully make for these purposes , at a moderate rate of interest , some advance , regulated , within such limits as Parliament may prescribe , by the amount wMch companies or individuals may advance in aid of such operations . The funds which could be so required would not probably be larger in any one year , and yet a great public benefit would be attained in increased employment for labour , in the progressive extension of productive land , and in the opportunity thereby afforded for the location of industrious families who may have been from unavoidable circumstances compelled to quit their former holdings . We are desirous only of stating our opinion that , under proper arrangements , the reclamation of waste lands , whilst it gives useful and permanent employment to the labouring population , will , at the same time , produce a fair return for the capital employed upon ih
  
  . Under the sanction of the Board of Works , large sums have been borrowed and expended in the promotion of works of public utility , and £ 125 , 000 has been granted for similar purposes . It is , however , deserving of remark , that while that sum has been granted , the State has derived a profit under the system of loans , amounting already to about twofifths of those grants . This has arisen , as explained in the evidence of Sir John Burgoyne , from the difference between the rate of interest at which the State has obtained money , and that at which loans have been mado under the provisions of the Public Works Act .
  
  PUBLIC WOEES ACT . Two important principles have been recognised by the legislature , with respect to the advances of money for the improvement of Ireland—1 st . That it is desirable and proper to give assistance by way of loan towards the agricultural improvement of that country ; and , 2 ndly , that in cases in which the property of individuals is to derive a permanent benefit from the execution of such works , it is just and proper to give power to persons having limited interests or being under legal disability to charge such property with the repayment of money advanced in aid of such improvements . We recommend that two members shall be added to the Board of Public Works in Dublin , of high legal station and character .
  
  That upon any application for a loan by persons under any legal disability to charge their estate , it shall be the duty of the Board to examine , not only into the propriety of the improvements proposed , but also into the state and condition of the property , the interest of the various persons connected with it , and the propriety of making a charge upon the estate for repayment of such loan ; and that no advance shall be made unless upon the certificate of the chief commissioner and the two legal members of the Board , recommending such advance , and stating the nature of the security to be taken . That all advances shall be made by instalments not exceeding- £ 300 in amount , and that no further advance be made until it has been proved to the satisfaction of the said commissioners that the former instalment has been ' properly applied . That in every case of a party applying for an advance , who is entitled as tenant-in-tail or for life to the income of
  
  the estate to be charged , he shall be required to enter mto a personal obligation , by way of collateral security , to the extent of double the amount of instahrientof the proposed loan .
  
  LABOtJSERS . We have already adverted to the con-acre system . It will be seen in the evidence that the contracts between the labourer who hires , and the farmer who lets the plot of ground in which the potatoes are to be planted , are usually verbal , and how completely the latter is in the power of the former , in the event of any dispute arising in reference to those contracts . We recommend that a summary jurisdiction should be given to magistrates at petty sessions to hear and adjudicate upon disputes respecting con-acre , where the plot of ground shall not exceed half an acre .
  
  Considering also the wretched condition in which so many cabins in Ireland are found , and the .. sufferings and disease to which our fellow-creatures , living in such hovels , are exposed , it would be extremely desirable , if it were possible to effect it , that in all . cases of cottier holdings the person who lets the cabin . should be . bound to keep it in sufficient repair , and that he should be Cotnpellable by magistrates to do so . It may also be proper to enact that the person letting a cabin shall not be entitled to recover his rent by any legal process , if it can bu shown that he has not kept it in tenantable repair . We cannot , however , disguise from ourselves the great difficulty of dealing by law with such matters , and the danger lest evils of this nature may be aggravated , rather than diminished , by too hasty attempts to remove them by legislation . We have , therefore , felt ourselves unable to recommend any direct measure for that purpose .
  
  We trust the exposure of such a state of things may lead to its remedy . ¦ COUNT ! CES 8 . In considering the subject , we have examined the nature of the respective items of county expenditure—how far they may be considered as fitting matters for local or general taxation—how far the proprietor and occupier are respectively interested in them , and how far they are of prospective or immediate advantage . As the result of this investigation , we recommend , for the reasons hereafter given , the transfer of the constabu . lary charge to th » Consolidated Fund—of the support of charitable institutions to the respective unions—and that the cost of erecting permanent county buildings should be borne by the proprietors . ^ ¦ The offices also of treasurer and secretary of the grand jury should be united under such arrangements as might prevent an increase in the burdens of the counties , and secure the residence of an efficient officer .
  
  the inspection of weights and measures may be at once transferred to the constabulary . The inspectors-general of prisons should be remunerated for their travelling expenses , as in Oreat Britain ; particularly as they have now the examination also of lunatic establishments . The cenveyance of convicts and the expenses of prosecutions should also be placed on the same footing in both countries . The system of county surveyors and their deputies gives rise to much dissatisfaction .
  
  AGXA 3 IAN OUTRAGES . In&foi'nYsi ' partofthis report , when we expressed our favourable opinion of the general state of the country , we felt it necessary to allude to some lamentable exceptions . We regret to find that these exceptions appear to be on the
  
  increase . We made inquiry , throughout the whole of our tour , respecting the existence of agrarian outrages . In Tipperary for a long time past , and in some other counties more recently , there has prevailed a system of lawless violence , which has led in numerous instances to the perpetration of cold-blooded murders . These are generally acts of revenge for some supposed injury inflicted upon the party who commits or instigates the commission of the outrage . But the notions entertained of injury in such cases are regulated by a standard fixed by the will of the most lawless and unprincipled members of the community .
  
  If a tenant is removed , even after repeated warnings , from land which he ha 3 neglected or misused , he is looked upon in the districts to which we are now referring as an injured man , and the decree too often goes out for vengeance upon the landlord or the agent , and upon the man who succeeds to the farm ; and at times a large numerical proportion of the neighbourhood look with indifference upon the most atrocious acts of violence , and , by screening the criminal , abet and encourage the crime . Murders are perpetrated at noonday on a public highway , and , whilst the assassin coolly retires , the people look on , and evince no horror at the bloody deed . The whole nature of Christian men appears , in such cases , to be changed , and the one absorbing feeling as to the possession of land stifles all others , and extinguishes the plainest principles of humanity . ' We cannot but feel that this state of things calls loudly for correction , although it does not come within our province to discuss what measures should be adopted under such circumstances for the detection and repression of crime . It must be obvious that none of the suggestions which we have offered , nor any measures founded upon them , which Parliament or Government could devise , can be applicable to a state of things so appalling and disorganised as that which we have described . We have given our best and most anxious consideration to the means of ameliorating the condition of the well-disposed Irish pea . eant , and we feel that the greatest allowance is to be made for his sufferings , his poverty , his ignorance ;* but we can make no allowance for the deliberate , cold-blooded assassin , or for those who abet assassination . We wish it were possible to make the peasantry in these unhappy districts aware , that all measures for improvement presuppose the security of life and property ; that the districts in which both are systematically rendered iusecire must he regarded as beyond the reach of such plans of amelioration as we can suggest ; and that
  
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  while crimes of so fearful a character prevail , it is hopeless to expect , in reference to thoae . districts , much practi cal improvement in the relation of landlord and tenant , or any security for the permanent happiness of the peop le . ¦ ¦ ¦
  
  Gcetotntt* Mntttf, & H\M*Te*
  
  gcetotntt * Mntttf , & h \ m * te *
  
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  Hokrible Mubdeb and Highwat Robbebt ^ of a GBKTLBMAif at Hamp 8 TEad . —In our latest edition of last week we gave a short account of the discovery o a dreadful murder committed in the vicinity of Hampstead ; * e n 0 W S" ' ^ Mowing . additional particulars : —It appears that about twenty minutes past seven o ' clock on Friday evening , Mr . Hilton , baker , of West-end , was proceeding along the Finchley-road in the direction of the Swiss Cottage , in his cart , when his attention was suddenly attracted by bearing screams of distress and distinct cries or " Murder ! " proceeding from the direction of the patliwav leading towards Bellsize Park . At this moment he observed a gentleman , who turned out to be Mr . Kilburnjun . the son of a . ' gentleman
  
  re-, , siding in Haverstock-terrace , Haverstock-hill , coming from the direction of the Swiss Cottage , and about to take the path from the road in the direction from whence the sounds had proceeded . Mr . Hilton at once told him what he had heard , and added to Mr . Kilburn , " If you see about it , I will at once drive to the Swiss Cottage and follow you . " Mr . Kilburn proceeded in the direction of the stile above referred to , which was his direct road to his own residence , and on reaching it was horror-stricken at seeing the body of a man lying on the ground on the other side . In alarm he ran back towards the direction from which he had started , crying at the top oi his voice " Murder , murder ! " His cries , it appears , reached the ears of Serjeant Fletcher , of the S
  
  division , who was on duty near Haverstock-terrace , and who , accompanied by police-constable Abbott , 124 S , hastened in the direction of the cries , and shortly after were joined by several other persons from the Swiss Cottage . The body of a man was then discovered about three yards on the Hampstead side of the stile , l y ing on his face in a pool of blood . He was quite dead , but still warm , and the blood was pouring from a frightful gash inflicted by some sharp instrument over the right eye and temple and from the back of the skull , which was literally dashed in , and caused the brain to protrude . Assistance having been procured , the body was placed upon a stretcher and conveyed by the police to the Yorkshire Grey p&blic house , and on being examined the pockets of
  
  the deceased were some of them turned inside out , and ifc was evident from the appearance of the waistcoat left-hand pocket that deceased had been in the habit of wearing a watch , which was gone . Nothing whatever was found on his person with the exception of an envelope , with the superscription " I . Cooper , Esq ., Hampstead-road . " Near where the body was discovered was found one of the deceased ' s gloves ( a black kid one ) , the other being still upon his left hand , flia hat was found some yards from the spot where his body lay , in the narrow ditch passing along the outside of the wall of Bellsize Park . It is of beaver , nearly new , having on the inside " Massey , maker , Hampstead-road . " Immediately on the arrival of the body at the Yorkshire Grey , Mr . Perry , of the firm of Davis and Perry , surgeons , of Hampstead , was sent for and promptly attended . On examination of the head , he unhesitatingly expressec his conviction that the unfortunate gentleman had
  
  been most barbarously murdered . As early aB eight o'clock Messrs . Hughes and Carter , superintendents of the D and S divisions of police , visited the place , which presented the following appearance : —In consequence of the solidity of the ground occasioned by the intense frost no traces of footsteps or of struggling were discernible , but the deceased had evidently diedvery hard , and had fallen once or twice before he fell in the spot where he was found . This point is indicated by ' the large pool of blood which was still lying there . About two yards to the right , and immediatel y against the dead wall , was another large pool of blood , and the wall also was bespattered with it . The bottom rail of the stile is broken , and against this it wouldappeartho unfortunate man must also have staggered , as at the point where it is broken it is covered with blood . There are also the marks of bloody fingers on the stile ; but they could not have been those of the murdered man , as , on examination , there was no blood whatever found on his lands .
  
  Identification of the Body . —On Sunday the body of the deceased was identified by a baker named Kitchener , living at 55 , WMttlebury-atreet , Euatwisquare , in which house deceased had lodged for the last ten years . His name was Delarue , an Englishman by birth , and by profession a teacher of the pianoforte and singing . His age about 30 . He left us lodgings precisely at six o ' clock on Friday evening , without saying whither he was going , and Mr . Kitchener ' says he has no doubt that deceased had then on his person a watch , rings , and money . He was a steady person , and was seldom from home later than ten o clock at night . His landlord believes that he taught music to some young ladies either at schools or at private residences at Hampstead or its vicinity .
  
  Inqubsi on the Bonr . —On Monday , at ten o ' clock , Mr . Wakley , M . P ., coroner for tho western division of Middlesex , and a jury of gentlemen resident in the parish of St . John , Hampatead , assembled at the Yorkshire Grey Tavern , to inquire into the circumstances connected with the above horrible affair . The jury , twenty-one in number , having been impanelled , accompanied by the coroner , proceeded , to view the body , which lay in the same state in which it was deposited after the discovery of the murder on Friday evening , in a small cottage in the rear of the Yorkshire Grey . The face was covered with blood , and the head presented a dreadfully mutilated and repulsive appearance . —Mr . Richard Rogers Perry was first called : He said I am a surgeon , and reside at miie woukoh
  
  lampsteaa . Aoouia quarter ueiore o . Friday evening last , I was called to this house to see the body of the deceased , by a policeman . I found it lying in the cottage where it has just been viewed by the jury . On examination I found that the deceased was quite dead , and that he had received several wounds on the head . At the back of the head I found a wound of great extent , lacerating the scalp to the length of about four inches , and another smaller wound just above it , about an inch and a half long . The first wound appeared to me to have completely divided the scalp , Ibut the second wound did not . Therfi was a large contusion ovev the right eye and temple , and a wound in the centre of it , from which blood was still oozing , and also a bruise on the left temple . I have no doubt that the
  
  wounds I have described were inflicted by some blunt cutting instrument . —Mr . Wakley : In such an inquiry as the present it is of the highest importance that it should be distinctly , if possible , ascertained by what sort of weapon the injuries were inflicted . I must , therefore , request the surgeon to make a more minute examination , and ascertain if the wounds were really inflicted by a blunt instrument or not . — Mr . Edward Hilton , of West-end , examined : I am a master baker , and on Friday evening I was at No . 6 , Haverstock-terrace , bjrthe gate , when I heard the acreamB of "Murder" in the direction of ihe dead wall of Bellsize Park . I should say I heard that cry from six to eight times . I thought it was a woman ' s cry at first , but could not tell if it was in
  
  the Barnet-road or not . I said to Mr 3 . B&kewell ( of No . 6 ) , who had come to the gate , " Do you not hear cries of' Murder V " but she did not answer . I then heard " Murder" cried again , and went about twenty roods into Haveratock-fieW to listen , but heard no more . About two minutes afterwards I met a policeman , and told him what I had heard . The spot where the body was afterwards found is in the exact direction whence I heard the cries—about half a mile from where I was standing . —Mr . Daniel Delarue said : I reside at the Albion Coffee-house , Upper Marylebone-atreet , and am a compositor by profession . I identify the body of the murdered man as that of my brother James . He was a professorof the pianoforte , and resided at 55 , Whittlebury-street , Euston-square .
  
  He was a single man . I hist saw him alive on Sunday week , when ne asked me to send him a ticket for the Anti-Corn Law League . He taught many pupils in this neighbourhood . —By the Coroner : I never knew of any one having threatened him . I have no suspicion of any one whatever . At this stage of the proceedings the coroner adverted to those murders in he metropolis which had never been found out , and said he should take all the evidence that day that he could withsafety ; butthemomentanythingroseattachingsuspicionto anyone , he would have the court cleared of all but the jury , aa publicity being given would defeat the ends of justice . —Police constable 304 S said , that receiving information of cries of "Murder" having been heard whilst on duty on Haverstock
  
  hill , ho ran into the uaverstocK new , duc am not find any cause for the outcries . He then ran through Bellsize-lane into the road opposite the George public-house , where he met Serjeant Fletcher , who accompanied him again to the Haverstock-field , in the west corner of which they found the body of the deceased . He was lying against a wall , which formed an acute angle with a wooden railing . There were marks of bloody . fingers on the railing , and two pools of blood upon the ground . He found the hat at some distance from the body , which was afterwards brought to this house . His coat was wide open ; no part of his clothes were torn . [ The unfortunate gentleman ' s hat was shown to the coroner ; it was > roken in several places , as if from severe blows . )
  
  le found m his lett-hand pocket some keys , snuffbox , and paper , with some writing on it , and a letter . [ The letter was handed to the coroner . We understand the purport of the letter to be , that the writer ( CaroliHo ) requests Mr . Delarue to meet her at the place where they had spent so many half-hours together , as she had something of the first importance to communicate-l He observed a large pool of blood on the ground , his shirt was covered with the same , as werealsotherailingsnearhim . Wenttherethefollowing morning and found no weapon of any kind near the glace . —Susan Kitchener : Lives with her brother . Air . Delarue lodged with them . Saw him on Friday evening at haif-past six , in the back parlour . He tad on his hat and wrapper coat , and said he was
  
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  going out . He did not say where he was going , but he told her to keep the tire in . He had a watch and gold chain . Saw it on Friday morning . —The coroner here expressed a wish that the room should be cleared , as he wished to consult with the police as to the best mode of tracing the guilty parties . The worn was accordingly cleared , and the jury aat with closed doors for nearly an hour , during which time it was understood that the coroner had a long conversation with the police officers of the detective force and
  
  several of the witnesses who had been previously examined . At the end of that period the inquest waa adjourned sine die , and the jury and the reporters were informed that they would receive an intimation of the day fixed for the next sitting . This course was deemed necessary in order to enable the police to follow up the clue which has been obtained as to the perpetrators of this atrocious offence . It is not true , as previously stated , that the lady with whom the deceased had an appointment has come forward . Up to the present time nothing is known as to who that
  
  person is . Examination of the Body , — In accordance with the request of the coroner , Mr . Perry , the surgeon , immediately on his retiring from the inquest-room , took steps for making a minute examination of the injuries which the unfortunate Mr . Delarue had sustained , and . the hair having been removed from nis head , wounds were exhibited of a much more frightful character than they were at first supposed to be by that gentleman , and which he reported to the COVOlier and jury prior to the adjournment taking place . The large wound mentioned by Mr . Perry m his evidence , it appeared , on opening the head , had fractured the skull to a considerable extent , and had produced internal injuries exactly corresponding with
  
  tho outward appearance . There was a great deal ot coagulated blood near the place where this as well as the wound on the right temple was inflicted , and both had produced extensive extravasation of blood upon the main , Mr . Perry states that either of these wounds was quite sufficient to have produced death j and he still adheres to his previously-expressed opinion that the wounds were inflicted by some blunt cutting instrument . From what transpired before the coroner after the jury-woni was cleared of stranger , there is little doubt that a clue has been obtained which will eventually lead to the apprehension of the perpetrators . The statement made by Mr . Smith , the carpenter , is , that shortly before seven o ' clock he met three men in BeMze-lane , who
  
  demanded his money , and any other property ho might have about him ; but on his proving to their satisfaction that he had neither , they allowed him to pass unmolested , and then went on down the lane in the direction of the place where the murder was committed . They were shortly after seen by a lad , a groom in the service of Mr . Martini , the present occupier of Bellsize-house , still pursuing their course in the direction of the Haverstock-field ; and now comes a circumstance which , has been elicited , and which leaves scarcely any doubt upon the matter with respect to the tliree men in question being connected with the murder and robber }' . Shortly before seven o'clock Mr . Svmonds . clerk ill . a mercantile house , and
  
  residing at Norfolk Cottage , ^ wnslure-lull , came across the path from the direction oi the Swiss Cottage , in order to reach his residence . On Si'i'iving in the centre of the Haveretock-field ( the very P elli where tho murder took place ) , Mr . Syinonds states that he was accosted by three men , who appeared to him to be navigators , and who exactly answer the description given by Mr . Smith of the men who stopped him . They offered him a horse for sale ; and , in consequence of their menacing appearance , Ml * . Symonda states that he became so mucn alarmed that he bought the horse solely through fear ; and , having given the man who offered it the money , made the best of his way towards his residence , This circumstance could not have taken place many minutes before the cries of " Murder" from the unfortunate deceased were
  
  heard on Haverstock-terrace . Apprehension of the Sotposed Murderer . — On Wednesday , at eleven o ' clock , Thomas Henry Hooker was placed in the felons' dock , at the Marylebone police-court , before Mr . Rawlinson , charged with the murder of Mr . James Delarue , pianoforte teacher , of No . 55 , Whittlebury-street , Euston-square , The prisoner is a young man about twenty-five years of age , or less , slightly made , and about five feet seven inches in height ; he was well-dressed in a dark brown beaver taglioni great coat ; his countenance has a Jewish cast and shews determination ; Ilk demeanour was perfectly calm and collected . —Mr . Rawlinson : Prisoner , there is a very serious charge against you ; have you any friends or legal advisers
  
  present ? Prisoner : No , sir . —When were you taken into custody ? Last night at twelve o ' clock , sir . —Mr . Rawlinson : Then you have had plenty of time to give your friends notice of the position in which you are placed . I must therefore hear the witnesses against you . —Edward Hilton , the baker ; Mr . Perry , the surgeon ; Sarah Kitchener , and James Kitchener , were then examined , but their evidence was only a repetition of that given at the inquest . They knew nothing of the prisoner . — Constable 2 ! T , on the Hammersmith and Chiswick station : Between seven and eight o ' clock yesterday evening I received information that Thomas Hooker ( the prisoner ) was the particular acquaintance of the deceased , Delarue , and that he had been seen with a considerable quantity ot money in his possession . In
  
  consequence of this information I went with Inspector Partridge and Serjeant Bickerson to the prisoner ' s lodgings , at No . 11 , Victoria-terrace , Portland Town . This was about a quarter-past one this morning . I rang the bell , and a person came down partially undressed . I asked if Thomas Hooker lived there . He said he was Thomas Hooker . I then went in and told him 1 was a Serjeant of police , and was going to take him into custody on suspicion of being concerned in the murder of the deceased Delarue . Up to that time he had not said anything . I asked him to shew me his apartments . —Mr . Rawlinson : What ! when you said you were going to take him into custody for a murder , he said nothing ?—Witness : He said he knew Delarue . I told him I wished to see his
  
  apartments . He said , "I will show you them ; follow me . " He took me to a room on the second floor . His brother was in bed in the same room , and he told him to get up and dress himself . I commenced searching , when his brother said to the prisoner , " Tom , tell the policeman all you know about it . " The prisoner then went to the bed side , took a watch from under the pillow , and said , "That is Delarue ' s ; he gave it to me last Friday morning , about ten o ' clock , for me to sell it for him . " He afterwards gave me some duplicates , which he aaid related to other property which he had pledged for Delarue . ( They were for a watch-guard and seal and a ring , pledged in September and October last . ) I afterwards took him downstairs , and his brother went
  
  with m . I then went to Inspector Partridge , who was waiting at a short distance , and gave him the watch and other articles . After that Tie was taken to Hampstead station . Inspector Partridge said to his brother , " It ' s no good your going with us , becausey ou can't remain with your brother . " —Inspector Partridge , of the A division of police : The last witness came to me at about eleven o ' clock last night , and told me of the information he had received . In consequence of that I went to 17 , Charles-street , Portland Town , at which house I waa told that the prisoner ' s father lived then , and where I expected to get some important information , but failed , and therefore sent the last witness to Hooker's own lodging . When the prisoner was taken into custody , fie
  
  said he wished to go to his father ' s to put on a pair of boots . When he got there I told his father that he was apprehended on suspicion of being concerned in the death of Delarue . After he had put on his boots I took him back to his lodging in Victoria-terrace , obtained a light , and went up to his room , examined every article , and found some old clothes between the sacking and the bed , and alao some on the top of the bed . In the drawer of a table in this room there were letters , papers , and memoranda . The letters which the last witness gave me are seventysix in number . These were in addition to those I found . I have not had time to examine them , but I believe they are all in the handwriting of one young lady . On the mantel-shelf I found a half
  
  sovereign and p . shilling . The prisoner said he had more money , and he supposed he had dropped a sovereign on the bed , and on going towards it he found the sovereign on the bed . From thence I conveyed him to the Hampstead station . —Joseph Shackell stated—I am an inspector of the A division of ( "detective" ) police . I received information of this murder on Saturday night . On examining the place where the crime had been , committed I came to the conclusion that deceased had been robbed , and learned that he had had a watch with him on the Friday , at two o ' clock . I then , with other officers , proceeded to the deceased's lodgings in Whittleburystreet , and with a number of obscene prints found , rolled up , some bills and receipts ; one of the bills
  
  was for a watch , which had been purchased of Mr . Finer , of High flolborn , in May last . The description of the watch given in the bill answers exactly with that of the watch delivered up by the prisoner , and which was seen inthe possession of the deceased at two o ' clock on Friday . —Mr . Delarue identified the watch as that of his deceased brother , but the chain attached , he said , was not that which he had seen on it on the Sunday previous to his death . The chain then attached was a solid gold chain worth about five pounds . —The Magistrate having been informed that there was no more evidence forthcoming at present , addressed the prisoner , and said : I find it necessary to detain you upon this charge , and you
  
  will be remanded , unless you can tell me anything to convince me of your innocence . You will use your own discretion as to saying anything , but it is my duty to tell you , that whatever you do say will be taken down , and maybe used against you . Prisoner ( in a calm tone of voice , and unshaken manner ) : I will say one thing , and that is , that I can bring witnesses to prove that I did not leave home on Friday evening until a quarter or ten minutes to eight . That is all I will say to-day , if you please . —Mr . Rawlinson : Well , then , I shall remand you until Tuesday next ; and in the meantime , if the coroner chooses to see you , I shall have no objection Prisoner ( calmly ); Very well , sir . —The prisoner was then removed .
  
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  Alarming Fire in GnosvENOR-siiKAitK . —On Monday evening , between eight and nine o ' clock , iuuch alarm was created in Gi-osvenor-square , owing to a very serious fire breaking out at the mansion of the Hon . Captain Duncombo , situate at No . 23 in the square , adjoining the residences of the Earl of Derby and Sir G . Talbpt . .. The di s ^ erv was made by some of the domestics , ih consequence of the building being gradually filled with smoke ; and on their proceeding into the hall to ascertain the exact locality of the flames , they found the flooring to be all on fire . The engines from Baker-street Well ' s-street , and King-street were quickly in attendance , and on firemen Loder and Hordcn entcrintr the hall the flooring suddenly fell in , the supportim ? beams being entirely burnt away . They were lmma .
  
  diately extricated trom their dangerous situation when they were found not to be so seriouslv hurt as was anticipated , a few sprains and bruises being the extent of their injury . In the meantime the most active measures were taken to suppress the ravages of the fire , and Mr . Braidwood , the superintendent of the force , having arrived with a reinforcement of en . gines and men , the fire was prevented extending be . yond the basement of the mansion ; the whole , how . ever , of the costly furniture has suffered much injury from the dense body of smoke that filled the building for some time . On instituting an inquiry as to the cause of the outbreak , it was ascertained to have originated from the overheating of a hot air stove which , communicating to the flooring of the hall ' fired the house . '
  
  Iscekdiauy Fire at SiREATiiAit . — On Monday night , shortly after eight o ' clock , a fire broke out upon the extensive premises belonging to Mr . Henry Fife jun ., known as Bridge-house-farm , situate at Lower Streatham , about three miles from Croydon . The stock being of such an inflammable char-actei 1 , the fire in the space of twenty minutes had obtained the complete possession of every portion of the buildin » and at one time the strongest apprehensions were eni tertained lest the conflagration should extend to the contiguous property . The horses were all got out of the stabling , but not without considerable difficult y . As soon as intelligence was received in town , Mr ' Connorton started to the scene , with the West of England firemen and engine , and was followed by the
  
  Brigade engine from Southwark-bridgc-road , with Mr . Henderson , the foreman of the district . Both engines were instantly set to work , but the fire wag not entirely distinguished until nearly eleven o ' clock , and not before the building in which it commenced was burnt to the ground , and its contents consumed . Another Fire . —Accident to a Female . —Whilst the brigade were employed in subduing the fire at the mansion of the Hon . Capt . Duncombe , M . P ,, they were called to another at the nursery-grounds of Mr . Smith , in Manchester-terrace , Liverpool-road , Islington , which originated in the glass-houses , but the flames were promptly got under . The damage done is extensive , more than a thousand valuable plants , geraniums , &c , being destroyed by heat and smoke . Whilst the Watling-street station engine was proceeding along the New-road to the fire , an accident happened to a young female named Peirsen . She wag crossing the road from Burton-crescent to
  
  Willstead-street , when she was knocked down by the engine , and the horse 3 trampled on her ; but as the wheels did not touch her , her life is not in danger , though she was considerably injured . JJxiraordin-aky Case . —On Friday Ia 9 t a fine boy of fiv g vears old , named Redmond Prenderwcll , was brought to v }« y ' s Hospital after having drunk boiling water from the spoilt of a teakettle . The rapid swelling and inflammation frM ensued , had so com . pletely obstructed tjie air passage , that death from suffocation seemed inevitable , and on the arrival of Mr . Edward Cock he determined at once to open the windpipe below the seat of mischief , as the only chance of saving life . Before this could be accoint pushed the child had quite ceased to breathe , and life was apparently wholly extinct . By means ofartificial respiration carried on through the opening in the windpipe , animation was soon restored , and the child is now rapidly recovering from the effects of the injury and the subsequent operation .
  
  Further Particulars . —On the arrival of the prison-van at Clerkenwell , the prisoner , who appeared very downcast , was delivered , over to the authorities of the establishment . On his arrival at the searching-room he was carefully searched with a view to prevent his having anything in his possession whereby he might lay violent hands on himself , to ,, and he then consented with evident reluctance to take off his clothes . This being effected , however , on examining the interior part of the cuffs of his coat , it was found that they were covered with Weod , After this setach , the prisoner was taken to th © platft in the prison appropriated to persons under so heavy acharge , and strict guard and watch were placc ^ over the prisoner .
  
  Additional Particulars . — Presumptive Lvr . DENCE OF THE GUILT OF THE PRISONER . — Tile impression made on the mind of Inspectors Shackell and Haines was , that a sufficiently minute search had not been made of the lodgings of the alleged murderer , or of those of his father , by Inspector Par . tr idge and Serjeant Scotney , at the time they apprehended the prisoner Hocker . Acting on this impression , they at once proceeded to the residence of Hooker ' s father , No . 17 , Chaitestreet , Portland Town . The inspectors , on their arrival , made known to the father the object of their visit , and at once , without any hesitation on the part of the father , every facility was offered them to make a search of the premises . They were first shown into a front
  
  room on the first-floor , which was the one occupied by his son , who also had a lodging where he was captured , No . 11 , Victoria-terrace . In this room the officers found that which is presumptive , if not conclusive evidence of the atrocious guilt of the prisoner . Secreted in this room were found a pair of trousers , stained with blood and CO ' vered with dirt . A pair of stockings , the Ieg 3 of which were also bloody , the blood having gone through the trousers , and a Macintosh , the front and back of which were also splashed with blood . On these things being shown to the unfortunate parent he identified them , as those of his son . After this discovery Inspector Haines proceeded to the New Prison , Clevkenwell , to which place Ilocket was conveyed in 'the prison van immediately after
  
  his remand , for the purpose of making a minute examination of the prisoner ' s dress and person . With this view he directed the prisoner to take off his coat which he wore on Friday night , the cufis of which , upon examination , were all over blood . A button was found in the field near the spot where the deceased was murdered , and alao one found at the lodgings of the -accused in Victoria-terrace , and on Inspector Haines comparing them together tiey exactly matched each other ; and what is more conclusive , oft the inspection of the prisoner ' s coat two buttons were missing , and on comparing both of these buttons with the remainder of those on the coat they exactly tallied with them . The pair of drawers which the prisoner had on were found , on examination , also spotted with blood .
  
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  Arab Fanaticism . —We find the following in the Echo of Oran of the 1 st inst ., on an event which had just happened at the camp of Sidi-Ben-Abbes : — I' This post , situate 18 leagues to the south of Oran , is composed of a redoubt and an intrenched camp , in which are stationed a battalion of the 6 th Li » M Infantry and - two squadrons of Spahis . Yesterday morning Chef-de-Bataillon Vinoy , Commander-in-Chief , was informed that a certain number of cattle had been taken away from some friendly tribes . He immediately went with his cavalry and a goumtotne quarter where the robbery was committed , in orderto gather information . About ten o'clock , the liour at which the soldiers and non-commissioned officers ate
  
  taking repose , about sixty ArabB , preceded by a number of children , came to the entrance of the camp . They all carried a traveller's staff , but no arras were to be seen . They demanded an audience of the commandant , that they might lay some comp laints be « fore him . The sentinel suffered the foremost to enter , but soon found cause to doubt the object of toe visitors , from their strange appearance a « d £ " endeavouring to prevent the rest from Mwivng nc was at once killed by a pistol-shot . This report *» the signal of an attack . All these fanatics immediately rushed into the camp , drew arms from under their garments , and threw themselves upon our soldiers , thus taken by surprise . The residence ot the coriunandant was attacked , and the guard at the
  
  door killed . Our soldiers immediately ran to tiicir arms , and came from all directions on the Arabs . These endeavoured to escape , but all the issues were already occupied , and every Arab that had entered was killed , 53 bodies being afterwards counted dead on the ground . This conflict , hand to hand , w " fanatics who resolved to sacrifice their lives , cost us dear . We reckon more than thirty killed and wounded . A cannon fired from the redoubt announ ced to Commandant Vinoy that he was recalled to the camp by some extraordinary circumstance . Believing that some band of marauders must have made their appearance , and confiding in his garrison , ne came back by the road by which he judged the enemy must retreat . He thus * met face to face the douavs of the men who had come to find their death among us . Here , however , none remained but the old taen , women , and children , and their cattle , all of wnicn cafflP
  
  were taken from them and brought into the - This act of madness is thus accounted for . A Marabout , who arrived a few days ago from the west , ! }» £ announced that the Emperor Abderahmann , having made peace with the French , had just been deposea * that a pretender had been set up for his successor , and that he ( the Marabout ) , as the envoy of this pretender , had for mission the expulsion of the tunstians from Africa . By his speeches and entreatt " he had excited the fanaticism oftwo douars of «« Ouled-Selimans , and had induced them to reso lrc w the massacre of the garrison of Sidi-Ben-Abbes . 0 e * fore their departure he had made them eat bread an * salt , and had pronounced over them the holy words which , in the opinion of Mussulmans , render . tw » invincible and proof against the arms of Christw ^ These men arrived at our camp reciting prayer * inspired persons , and thus excited the hilarity oi w » soldiers , who were far from imagining whatw » intended ,
  
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  -ju -. __ _ .-... ^ ~ . ~ . - . _ THfc NORTHERN STARi Much . 1 , ing .
Citation
- Northern Star (1837-1852), March 1, 1845, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1304/page/6/

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