Current:

Northern Star (1837-1852), 30th January 1841, Edition 4 of 5, Page 3, Brinctos

Page 3
Page 3
3 of 8

On this page

  • Departments (4)
    • ifoct?g
    • A PRAGUE^
    • Brinctos
    • ILotal a«U General UnUW&ence.
  • Text (6)
  • Transcript

    • Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

      Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.

      Ifoct?G

      ifoct ? g

      1 ZL WILLIAMS ANI > BIKKS , ON THEIB RETURN FBOil PRISON . ¦ o- Ei- coif s , ye patriota < ye gems of creation , rndMnted and free , from a prison * lone eell ! - ^ W fought for tbe righto ot a nation , T i 3 ^ 3 * Vto tale that oppi «* km doth WD 1 _ . *_ ,,, * , shall know that the rloom of a-prison—^ IhTSto , * - «» » b » W * Btrengt ^ bendeth to ^ t ^ t those natiiote who / or justice hare risen , P SaSJSr « S ?« d *» lore to be tee . ?*»? notr sDiinr at your coming in gladness , ^ SjS ^ Sbrigbt taurel . your memTfes snail « rv « 1 S » ItT no more can rink millions in sadness , *? £ S £ w t ^^ braTe ^ Chain '

      - -r- t thrones shall totter to th' verse of oblmon *^ ' vT- ^ -n w mankind , but as things that have been _ ^ Xnrish again - neath the smiling of Heaven , eh-11 oa « rf to fight ! the tyrants subduing , S proclaims "tie people are free "—-XS ° ™ ° PP »« ^ Dt ^^ irJ fflai iyt »» ' da * " B 0 loa S 6 ha 11 * ¦ sn -ho « -who have toUed until life ' s day is closing , No more in a bastile their misery bewail ; T .-fi paiacc-bred rogues , amid plenty reposing jfo mort can mock freedom iour right ; with a gaoL W . A . Thompson . BisiioDwearmocth , January , 1 S 41 .

      A Prague^

      A PRAGUE ^

      THOSE are not always of the lowest ranks _ Of men , -whom dire mischance assails , or binds Wi ; h pjrerty ' s unconquerable bonds . R-szt for a time enthralls , but cannot mar Or « haie the brightness of th' ennobled mind . Bonds , so « h m ^ e 9 * - are bnt external ones 5 lis those whom poverty afflicts in mind , jOthoagh arrayed with prond magnificence , Aad shielded from the rankling shafts of lank And pije-f&ced penury ; those only feel The ntt <* weight uf hopeless poTcrty . All outw&rd wants , if in their fiercest mood And looses : day , mast yield to time , and close With life ; * - ' when the mind Is shackled with fouLt takers , it wears the uubloue 1 mart Of slavish bonds Ihroughuut eternity . J . Yeb * o ? S ' -ttth Jlolton , llth January , 1841 .

      Brinctos

      Brinctos

      THE RIGHTS OF WOMAN : exhibiting ker >' a ; -iii 2 ' . Csll , and Polkical C : a . ms io a Share in the Legi ^ ative and Executive Poww of the S * 3 te . Bj B . J . Kachardson , Author of the Bla : k Book , Bighu oi Englishmen , 6 lc . < kc . Edinburgh : John Do-v-aa , 214 , Hi ^ h-street ; Juaa Cleave , London ; Hevwood , Manchester . This := a mOzi a 0 ^ e publication . The various jkras grounds , natural , civil , and sacred , on which Tomennu : oaiy may out oa ^ at tointerf ' ere m political iiiirs axe a ere set ' forth , with a lucidity and clearcess which n-jthing but the most determined obstiemt sad blinded teia-hness will be able to resist .

      ! Qe writer , in the most forcible manuer , falls back epos the Bible , and proves from thai unerring jundard of truth the natural equality of woman , and her it valuable right to a conjoint rule with bib over t ' ne ihii-gs ot' the earth . He shows that slieisno :, by the Divine institution , placed under dominion as a woman , but on-v as a wife , and that but in a -iiniied decree . HaviE - established her daims t-o eqaaluy from tbe divine law , be strengthens Ms posiiiou by an appeal to the civil law , and by vgvneuis which , for cogency acd force , cannot be inrpassed . He answers trie question '" U u ^ hi womaii to interfere in the political affairs of the countrj V m the amrmiUTe , for the following reasons : —

      " First . Bsc 4 U 3 e she haa a natural right . " Seeund . Bacanse she has a ciTil right " Third . Because she has a political right . " F- ; uith- Because it is * duty imperatiTe upon her . " Fifth . Because it is derogatory to the drrine will to neglect so imperative a duty . " All of which he ably supports . We invite the especial attention of our readers to the five propositions by which the third reason is supported , and which Tre here subjein : — " Js '_ Because , by tbe ancient lawg of the English ? onstituticn , she is admissible to every executive offics in the kbtgdom , from the monarch npon the throne to the parish OTerseer , the Tillage sextan ., or the reip ^ nslble oSee of post mistress , which is idll common in small towns .

      " ¦ 2 nd . Because , by the present law of tenures , of powers , of contracts , of bargains and sale , of inheritance , of wills , and every other matter or tiling touching tbe rights of property and trais / er , fromm except in femme cover t ) is qualified to be , and , t ' Lerrrfore , is admissible , as a contracting party , save during her minority or a ward in chancery , then her affiirs are manage i fey trust . " 3 d . Because , woman is responsible in her own pertsn for any breach ot contract , for any offence againit tee pe * ee and laws of the laiid . In the cSurch , by the penalties of imprisonment , excommunication , and prennmire ; in the state , by fine , imprisonment , banish Esnt , and death . " iia . Because , she is taxed in the same degree with others for the maintenance of the state and iti append-* ta nndtr all circumstances .

      " 5 tfc , and lastly , because , * ae contributes directly and indirectly to the wealth and resources of the nation bv hir labour and skilL " In the latter part of the pamphlet we have a most appalling detail of the numbers of females who are employed in various agricultural , mining , and manufacturing employments , many of which axe of a natsre so m . erly onsaited to the nature of " lovely woman , " with all her fine and tender sen-dbilities , i =, if we weie no : a nation of apostate Christian ? , bowing down at the shrine of Mammon , would no ; be tolerated for a moment . We give the statement of the employment of females in miniDg departments is full , as weapprehend the facts are Yery little known to a majority of our readers . On a future occasion we wid return to this important subject : —

      " Let us examine the mining population , iLe-i th&se Trio produce , by tiieir labonr « nt of the b « wels of the e » ih , ill the iron , lead , copper , tin , and other metals , besides ceils , salt , slate , » tone , &c There are fewer fsTTia ' ss eaiployed in this dtpartment than either of the others , because of the greater strength of body and Eind required to undergo the fatigue and danger of Escicg ; bat I may fairly say , that one third of those emplcjed in mines are women , more especially in the coai mines , which are the most numerous of any other . In the coal mines of Staffordshire , Lancashire , Durham , and >* arthumberlaad , women are constantly employed

      tbe stms ts the men , earning from four t * twelve fciTrinp per week . It is no uncommon thing to see them suspended by a rope in the act of being lowered RTeral handled feet below the lice of the earth into th * mine , where they drati vxsogom laden with coal to G& bottom of the shift ready to be raised up , and also vhere they sqa 3 t down on their knees , and sometimes ia _ & half-retiming position , for the purpose of hewing wi ; a » Email pick , six or eight pound weight , the coal fron the seam . la many instance * the seam or stratum of coal , being oaly fourteen , sixteen , eighteen , twenty , GJ treaty-fear inches thick , and in this narrow space , Tomm , tbe fairest and tenderwt of God'i creatures .

      *»• ionnd wiih a solitary candle , ot D * Ty-lamp , * frstched at full length , hewing ont the coal , and thia , too , for little wages ; as they are paid for by weight , c £ e » ar * s , where it i * so difficult to get , le * s will be &l io see them at meal times rising from the mouth of the shaft , hiotc " like demons from the lower deeps , " fiaa thoae angelic ereatares , our poeta call women , is a * Sbt that would " hurrow up the souls of men , " if &sj possessed the feeling * of humanity , and create a feling of disiust for the institations that can . allow

      " ¦ woman , loTely woman , " to be forced , by porerty and < kRre « , from her domettic duties down these hell «> 1 m of coal mines . And yet , such is the apathy , such *** cold , eelfijh indifference of the women of these fckads , that they will sit by their heartlis , enjoy the comfort of that fire made from coals dug out of the Dowels of the earth by theEr poor countrywomen , and ytt breathe no sigh of pity , speak no word of sorrow , * " » a * k of their husbands and fathers why are these Poor collier women tin * abused , degraded , and enslaTed DJ then- country's laws ?

      " Who will say tbe poor women , who , at the ha » rd w their liTe « contribute to our comfort when the rcy bonds of winter , and the cold biting blast of Deoember fimptU dx to seek refuge from the cold in the artificial neat arising from coal got by hex handi , hare no right *» a Tote in the lejiriatm powers of tbe country ? y ! not CTen the sarage ; bnt , should one be found ** t ¦ will dire to deny ot -withhold tkat right , he is less wta man , he is a nothing . " W e sincerely hope that this unpretending little Pttnphlet mxj find jts wjy into 9 jbtj cottage , fuddle class residence , and palace in th « land ; and * e recommend all those who sincerely wish to J ^ ach the truth of God , ratber than the fancies of no to take it with them into tbe pulpit , and for ¦^ w Beek to edify their flocks , by making them ac-? aau « d with its important contents . -

      A SEOOKD LETTER TO THE RIGHT HON . LORD JOHN RUSSELL , on the Plan of the Society for the Civilization of Africa . By Sir George Stephen . London ; Saundera and O ; ley . Toig-rery able and well written pamphlet is in ? 6 ply to " Remarks by an anonymoos writer , " who , « sfceme , is not inimical to the objects of the African ^> "ety , but dissents from the plans proposed by Sir fovdl Boston and the Committee . To shew the aiiaey of the author of the " Remarks , " Sr Gtorge »« phen , one of the Committee , has given to the

      Untitled Article

      world , the publication before as , not as official , bat as his own fiews on the designs of the African Society , and of Sir Fowell Baxton , with whom it originated . We think Sir George has at least the merit of placing before them a statement which every body who will may understand , and as we are confident that we owe an immense debt to Africa , we * shall present oar readers with a short statement of the objects of this Society , and advise all who take an interest in the question to bay the book . The generous exertions , and the costly sacrifices whkh this country has made for the abolition of slavery and tb& slave trade , are woll known : bat we , in eommoS with- all Tight thinking men , most rvgret that to a vast extent thu generous effort of

      British benevolence has proved in vain . Sir Fowall Buxton , impressed with this fact , some time since published a book , calling the ' attention of those who had the power to H » ve'ia tie affair to the subject , and the response to which was the formation , of a Society embraciDg men of all political patties and religious creeds , under the name of the Society for the civilization ot Africa , To thia Society some zsalous parties have opposed themselves ; first , on the ground that the first step to be taken , was the introduction of Christianity ; and second , that the plaus o the Society are not clearly defined . To both these objections Sir George has , in this letter , undertaken to reply . He shewB that from the nature of the enterprise much expence mast be incurred , and that a union of pnrpose and action was

      indispensable to the insurance of success , and that from the conscientious differences which exist on the subject of religion , such a union was altogether impossible , that to have made the introduction of Christianity a leading object of the Society would have destroyed it altogether . On the other subject he shews that it would have been imprudent in the Committee to have laid down definite plans of action before they had ascertained exactly the positions ihey might be able to occupy , yet that their general object was well defined , and likely to succeed . He also Ehews that the Committee had no intention of being either a missionary or a commercial body , but that , by their efforts , they should , without question , prepare the way for all who felt disposed to employ their energies on tho African soil . " 13 it nothing 1 " he

      asks" Is itnothing to simplify the acquisition of language ? —to obtain for it a written character , and thus facilitate the circulation of the Scriptures ? Is it nothing to discover new means of ea * y communication with countries , to which even the missionary his not as yet found access ? Is it nothing to promote tbe health , as well as extend the migrations of those excellent men , wbo , for tbe lore ol God , expose themselves to the npestilence of the nndraincd swamjs and the uncleared jungle , careless of climate , and defying danger , where a soul can be found in darkness T or to proride the easy and sure suppry of those European necessaries that may secure their comfort , and sustain tiieir strength in prosecuting their arduous labours within the tropics ? And above all , is it nothing to propitiate the unwilling ear , by drawing the African to us in grateful affection , as the instruments of his reirase from bondage and the slave trade , and of his introduction to the intellectual as well as the physical advantages of civilised life ?"

      That the civilisation of Africa , injured as her sons have been , is an object that ought to be dear to every British heart , there can be no question ; and we cordially wish the African Society success . At the same time , we beg to tell them that a sincere and honest effort to extinguish all kinds of slave trade , in professedly Christian England , would be the most sure , and effectual way to secure cordial Bupport to ibeir benevolent endeavours for the civilisation of Africa , or of any other portion of the globe . THE DOOM OF TOIL ; a Poem , by an Ambassador in Bonds . Sunderland : Williams and Binns .

      This is an effort of the imprisoned muse of one of the best hearted Chartists of whom we know any thing . A man may who has large claims upon the gratitude of his countrymen , having persevered in a course of patriotism against opposition , through much persecution and at the cost of much suffering and loss . Its poetic merits are not ou the whole equal , we think , to some shorter pieces , which we have seen from the same pea , and some of whichbave appeared in the Xorthern Star ; yet are the sentiments such as become a patriot , and it has many passages which would sadly shame many of the educated" and " higher" class of poetasters . In reference to the cursed Factory System , be exclaims : — My corse upon the mercenary soul That climbs to wealth , regardle&s of the means ; * May heaven's thunder o'er him wrathful roll ; And dash to dust his base ambitious dreams . There ' s cot a child , howerer ragg'd and bare ,

      Whose early years are spent in yonder mill , But's dearer than the wealth that s gather'd there ; Though eVry brick were gold , and ev ' ry wheel . The tear that falli in silent-eorrow there Is register * d by God ' s unerring eye ; The poorest slaye ' s despised , neglected , prayer Will some day seal the doom of tyranny . Te murd ' ring Cains ! yeavarieious few , Who flourish o ' er your wretched country ' s grave , A day of fearful vengeance loons for you , From ¦ which no tyrant ' s arm nor sword can saTe There is a ju 3 t estimate of cirenmstances , as well as the expression of a natural preference , in the following lines : — Is there no flowret on the mountain brow As sweet a * grows npen forbidden ground . * - Is there no maiden in the cottage row

      With charms as winsome as in palace found ? Yes ' . there is one who rests witain this breast , Whose flowing ringlets I delight to curl , Whose ruby lips I oft have fondly prest , Without a crown , she is a queenly girl . Let gaudy gems around a monarch bloom , Give me that lovely er&s enchanting hue 1 We think it the duty of the people to support talent in their own " order" under any circumstances ; and if so , the circumstances we have stated give the author of " The Doom of Toil" a double claim upon them , which we doubt not they will readily acknowledge . THE-SU > T ) AY SCHOLAR Published Monthly Heywood , Manchester .

      This is a new candidate for public favour , and , a 3 far as we can judge by a single number , is calculated to do considerable service in giving a right direction -to the mind 3 of those for who 3 e especial benefit it is intended . It contains " Little Willy , " " The wrong step , '" "What is death ! " Poetry and the Scrap Book ,, containing various articles . The work i 3 for the most part of a practical tendency , and is free from that sectarian bias by which similar publications are frequently disfigured . We learn from a note by the publisher , that 3 , 000 copies are in circulation . The work is printed on a good paper , and with a clear type , vie wish it all the success it merits .

      THE CORN LAWS , AND THE NATIONAL DEBT ; or theParson ' s Dream , and the Queen ' s Speech . By a Somersetshire Clergyman . London : John Green , 121 , Newgate-Street . 1-841 . . This is a well written and sensible little pamphlet . The- worthy divine ha 3 evidently thought much upon the subject upon wnich he treats , and has not been induced , like too ma ay of his sarpliced brethren , to discard the precepts of the Bible for the infamous doctrines of modern expediency . The author states

      that his attention had been especially directed to the-subject of the injustice of tbe Corn Laws , by reading au extract from our old friend Taxi , and that that , in connection with other matters , gave rise to a vivid dream , in which be imagined he sent a statement relative to the mischievous operation of those . laws , to the Queen , and that , in reply , he received the following communication from Windsor Castle . We sincerely wish that her Maje 3 ty would be as attentive to the real appeals of ^ ier subjects , as the parson ' s fancy represented her to be .

      " Windsor , January 14 , 18 U . " Rev . Sir , —I thank yon for the extract frein Tait I was not previously aware of the injustice practised npon my people . I laid it before the Privy Council , but my Lords declare that is consequence of the NationalgDebt , domestic agriculture cannot compete with foreign agriculture without the protection of the Corn Laws . My Lords tell me that the empire over which I reign is a mortgaged estate ; and that high price * and high rents are necessary in order to enable them to pay the interest tf the mortgage . I will direct my attention to the subject of Free Trade ; in the saeaa time I will impose a task npon you : —Write for my inspection the speech which yon would desire me to deliver from the throne , on the opening of the ensuing Session of Parliament " TlCTOETA . "

      In . obedience to thia royal request , the Rev . Gentleman transmitted to the abode of royalty a speech such as he conceived it would be her Majesty ' s duty to deliver from the throne , and which certainly does credit both to the head and heart of the writer . In it there breathes a spirit of pare benevolence and genuine patriotism , such as we fear will not , for some time , be found either in royal speeches ox in royal hearts . PalaceB , revenue , and the trappings o f royal foolery will , we opine , be long preferred before the comfort , happiness , and prosperity of the

      people ; and if the so-called National Debt be never liquidated till the means recommended in thisvisioiiary speech be adopted voluntarily by the Queen , Qer illustrious pensioned relatives , and the mushroom nobility , who fatten upon public plunder , we believe the time for the removal of this incubus from our shoulders is very far distant indeed . We should indeed rejoice if our costly chief magistrate would be thus careful to secure the nation ' s interest , and shall be glad to see the day when the following royal recommendation , aiudl be earried into full &p . u practical effect : —

      Untitled Article

      " As head of the Church , I farther propose that the property of all chapters and cathedrals , all incomes o ( deans , canons , and prebends , and of all livings , the excess abore £ 300 a-year , be devoted to the same great object ; and as it is one of the first lessons which the instructors of youth should instil into their minds to ' owe no man anything , ' and as that precept is equally true of men In their collective as in their individual capacity , I would suggest to the masters , tutors , and fellows of all colleges and endowed schools , to surrender one half of the eatatea of Buch colleges -and schools . . i ¦ ¦

      •• The prsperty of the Lords Temporat , an * of all wealthy Oommonen , I propose to setireo from all entail , and , by an act of the legislature , to abolish tbe law of primogeniture ; and I recommend that your Lordships-vie with eaeu other in the extent of property that you will dedicate to thii great object ; " and let it henceforth be deemed a crime against the state for a wealthy man to leave property to those who are already wealthy , instead of bequeathing it to provide for the reasonable expenditure of the country to which he owes his birth , his many privileges , and the protection of his property .

      " I am credibly informed that the leas respectable portion of the aristocracy are in the habit of violating the laws , and committing breaches of the peace , by wrenching off knockers , breaking windows , and assaulting the police , for which tbe punishment which the laws provide is utterly inadequate ; I therefore propose that a fine of ; £ 1 , * D 0 for each offence be paid towards the liquidation of tbe National Debt ; and if the offence be that of endeavouring , by bribery or intimidation , to influence an elector in the exercise of his franchise , that the fine in such case be the forfeiture of one half of the estate to the Bame purpose ; and if the person ao o / Ttn < iing be ia his minority , or not come into possession of his estate , one half of the estate of his father , who has brought up a son in principles and practices to diskonourable . "

      We regret that the Rov . Author of this little work should be so indefinite as to the extension of the suffrage ; his heart is evidently in the rignt plane , and we think when next he dreams be will see the propriety of recommending Universal Suffrage as the only one likely to Sficure a fair representation of the whole people . The various effects supposed to be produced by the delivery of this address are so graphically drawn , that we cannot withhold them from our readers , to whom we cordially recommend an attentive perusal of the work .

      " This speech was delivered from the throne amidst the consternation of the selfish and the delight of tbe patriotic : its contents were spread with railway speed throughout the kingdom ; the hearts of the people were brought back to their Queen as the heart of one man . The Cbarsist declared that be would wait for the Queen ' s promised Charter ; the Socialist that he would wait for the new order of things ; the Republican declared that even if there were a republic he would vote for Victoria as President ; but that with such principles , be should be quite reconciU d to tbe monarchy : the proud priests and prelates frowned ; but the words of Scripture , as in letters of tire , condemned them for theii greediness of filthy lucre ; all faithful pastors and their flocks rejoiced ; England laughed in every valley and on every hill ; every town was illuminated , and in the midst of the shouts of ' God save the Queen , ' ' Long live the Queen , ' I awwke and behold it was a dream !"

      THE CHARTIST WARBLER . By Thomas Haig , Kinross , Perth . Printed at the Chronicle Ofiice . 1841 . Th ;' s is a collection of patriotic song ? , recitations , &c , by a Scotch ChartUt , who ia desirous that justice and truth should be universally diffused . We hope the present generation will learn to discard the foolish ditties which have hitherto been the appendage of the nursery and the workshop , and substitute for them the effusions of men who write and live to promote their country ' s /? ocd .

      Ilotal A«U General Unuw&Ence.

      ILotal a « U General UnUW&ence .

      ( The following were set for our paper lust week but omitted for want of room . ) HTTLXh—Holy Catholic Guild . —The members and friends of this important aud flourishing institution celebrated their first anniversary by a public tea party and meeting , in the spacious Musio Hall , JarraU-street , on Wednesday evening , the 13 th lost ., the Rjv . J . Render , chaplain to the Guild , in the chair . The Rev . J . Conaty presided a 3 vicechairman . Tbe room was decorated with various rich and beautiful banners belonging to the society ; and when lighted up , and filled with company , a large proportion of whom consisted of elegantlydressed females , tbe scene presented to the eye of

      the spectator was one of the most brilliant and fascinating that can be conceived . The entertainment was provided under the superintendence of Mr . Bishop , of the public rooms , and gave , truth compels us to say , general dissatisfaction . Though we have had many opportunities of attending tea parties , we nevermet with one , the arrangements of which were so defective ; the tea and its appendages ( except the beef and ham , which were excellent ) were of the commonest quality ; and the quantity provided was not more than sufficient for 400 persons , and had to be shared amongst upwards of 609 . We think a good substantial tea ought to have been furnished at Is . 3 d . per head , which was the sum paid to Mr . B ., exclusive of the hire of

      the Hall ; but , doubtless , the ruling motive was a good one . The meeting was to be of an intellectual character , and the provider doubtless has found out that an overloaded stomach is unfavourable to mental enjoyment . We heard many persons remark , that the tea was a perfect contrast to that provided by Messrs . Glover and Curtis , at the Victoria RoomB , on the previous anniversary . After the repast , the National Anthem was giv « n in excellent style , by a most efficient orchestra , Mr . Sigment presiding at the organ . During the evening tbe company were entertained with a choice selection of music , both vocal aud instrumental , Mr .

      Philips , and the Signors Valentine , having , in the most handsome manner , volunteered their gratuitous services on the occasion . No intoxicating drinks marred the pleasure of the evening , but as a substitute for toasts , the Rev . Chairman , after an introductory address , breathing the purest spirit of Christian benevolence , gave several appropriate sentiments , which were responded to by the Rev . J . Conaty , the Rev . P . M . Kaye , of Bradford , the Rev . H . N ewsham , of Hedon , and Mr . T . B . Smith . Altogether the evening was one of the most delightful we ever spent in a public assembly ; all seemed desirous of contributing to tbo happiness of the rest . —From a Correspondent .

      SUNDERLAND . —Specimen of Magisterial Justice . —A few weeks ago , a boy , while passing along one of the back streets in Sunderland , on aa errand on which he had been sent by his master , was assaulted by a dog , belonging to Mr . G . Booth , one of the aldermen of the borough , and so severely bitten , as to be unable to work , and to be under medical treatment for a week . The father of the boy having in vain sought for redress from the owner of the dog , applied at length to the magistrates for a summons to bring Booth before tbe bench . On the application being made , Kidson , the clerk to the magistrates , who it appears is a relation of Booth ' s , requested the business to be ltft in his hands , and undertook to effect such an arrangement

      as would give full satisfaction to the complainant . To this proposal complainant readily acceded ; but hearing nothing , either from Booth or KidsoD , called upon the latter , a few days afterwards , to ascertain if he had performed his promise , when he was received with a torrent of abuBe , and told by Kidson , that he had something else to do than seek redress for such petty grievances . Next day complainant again appeared in the court , and renewed his application for a summons , when he was called upon to swear that he saw the dog bite the boy . He replied that he did not see the occurrence himself ; that all he wanted on that occasion was a summons to bring the owner of the dog before the court , and that he would then be prepared , with competent

      witnesses , to depose to the fact . The magistrates still appearing disinclined to grant the summons , complainant observed , that he apprehended the oase would have been very different , had it been the reverse of what it was ; if the dog had belonged to himself , and the boy to Booth ; upon which he was called a drunken , dissipated vagabond , and ordered to be immediately put out of the court . By this mean , arbitrary and illegal conduct , the magistrates , no doubt , imagined that they had quashed the complaint . Complainant , however , was not a man to bear tamely the indignity he had suffered . On the following day , he appeared at the Mayor ' s chamber , accompanied by a young woman who had witnessed the occurrence , and tbe

      master of the boy , who stated that his boys had repeatedly been bitten by the same dog . Mr . Backhouse , one of the magistrates , who had not been present when complainant was put out of the court on the preceding day , stated that he had known the complainant for a period of twenty-one years , and that he was a sober , industrious , and peaceable man , the very reverse of what had been stated from the Bench on the day previous . The Mayor , R . White , Esq ., also observed , that he had leamt something of tbe complainant ; that he anderstood he was one of the . leading Chartists in the town , and that , no doubt , when he behaved himself so

      rudely in the court on the preceding day , he had tbongbt himself io one ot the Chartist meetings . Mr . Backhouse indignantly replied , that they were not there to inquire into complainant ' s political principles , bat to grant him justice . After some altercation between Mr . Backhouse and the rest of the Bench , a warrant was granted for the apprehension of Booth . On Monday , the case came before the magistrates , when the facts being proved , Booth was fined 2 s . 6 d . and costs ; the complainant giving notice of his -intention to commenoe proceedings against the magistrates for illegal ejeotme&t from the court .

      Untitled Article

      BX 8 QOP AUCKLAND . —No Pkctecttom FOB Property . —At Bishop-Auckland , some time ago , a person of the name of Wheatley Morgan , had an ass stolen from him . Tbe other day he found it in the possession of a man at South Hetton , of the name of Richard Walker ; Morgan not being able to obtain any satisfaction frem Walker , took out a summons , and had him before the Bench . Morgan , was able to prove that the ass was his , by marks which were to be found on the-animal . Walker could not tell of whom he bought the ass ,- neither could he tell when he had bought it , and , the magistrates very properly decided that Morgan should have the ass . Bat this was only conditional . ; This Walker not being able f we presume ) to pay the expenses of the summons , dec ' Morgan was

      told that he must pay Uie expenges , amounting to thirteen sbilliH «« « nd sixpence I $ To w , supposing that Walker ( which Is Very impriibabte ) had bought the ass of "h& didn't know who ; " is It not cleat that-his negligent * prevents all . clup : being obtained to the real thief » Why , then , ought he not to have been , made to pay the expenses arising from his negligence , instead of the man from whom the ass was stolen r But why , we ask , was this suspicious Walker allowed to'walk off unmolested , without being not only made to . pay , but also to take his trial ? Wheu a thief is caught with stolen property on him . how often does he tell us

      he bought the goods of ¦ be didn't know who ! " What will the people of property think in this neighbourhood ? Suppose a shop to be broken open—and gutted by thieves ; suppose a suspicious character like this Walker , were caught with the stolen property in his possession , and , on being brought before the Bench , was liberated , because he said lie bought tbe goods of he " didn't know wbo , " and the honest tradesman left to pay all the lexpenses ; what would they think ? Verily , this decision of the Bench , smacks of honour amongst thieves . They may have a head full of conceit , but they know very little of law . Can any on © tell us the difference between an asa aud a Just-ass 1

      OLD HAM . —Fibb at Oldham . —On Monday night , the 18 th iust ., a few minutes before eight o ' clock , a fire was discovered in the Commercial Mills , Rails' Gate , Oldham . The fire engines were brought immediately on the Bpot , from the fireengine station , and with great exertions on the part of the work-people in the neighbourhood , the fire was got out without doing much damage to the premises ; though it was the opinion of every one present , that the whole of them would have been burnt down , when first discovered . The workpeople received the thanks of the owners of the premises , Messrs . Collinge and Lancashire , for their exertions . How the fire originated is not known . — f Correspondent . )

      Untitled Article

      Dr . J . Borthwick Gilghrist died at Paris on the 8 th , at au advanced age . The Royal Standard Theatre , from a licensed theatre ' , haa become a duly registered Baptist Chapel . It is said that Mr . Macready received for his services , during the past season , at tho Haymarket Theatre , the sum of four thousand three hundred pounds . The next meeting of the Wesleyan Conference will be held in Manchester next July , aud it is generally expected that the Rev . James Dixon , of Manchester , will be elected to fill the ofiice of president . During the past year the Wesleyan Methodists have erected no fewer than 130 chapels , at a cost of £ 80 , 000 , and beiug a larger number thau in any other year duiing their existence as a bouy .

      Durjkg » he late frost , the train on the Hull and Selby railway was on one occasion two hours iu running two miles 1 Fatal Accident . -Two poor men were killed last week , at Paddington , by the falling-in of the roof of an oven upou them . The oven had been built during die frosty weather , and therefore insufficiently cemented . Upwards of £ 40 , 000 has been made in St . Itos this year by tho pilchard fishery , tho fish selling at from £ 4 to £ 4 lid . per hogshead . Aim-TfETOTALrsic at tiie Palace . —During her Majesty ' 8 residence at Buckingham Palace , the large quantity of 140 hotheads of strong beer is monthly forwarded trom Church ' s brewery , at Burbage . —Devizes Gazette .

      Admiral Sir Robert Stopford has accepted the Governorship of Greenwich Hospital . Admiral Stopford is a member of one of the most Tory of the Irish noble families—the Courtowns . He is expected in England about March . New Penny Pieces—Specimens of new coins have just been issued from the Mint , consisting of penny pieces . M . Zellar , director of the Agricultural Society of Darmstadt , in 1839 , planted two plots of ground , of the same size , with potatoes . When the plants had flowered , the blossoms were removed from those in one plot , whilst those of the other were left untouched . The former produced 476 lbs . ; the latter only 3701 bs .

      Mr . Eliha BuRRiTT . of Worcester , Massachusetts , a blacksmith , has made himself perfect master of more than Si ' ly languages . He is not yet thirty years old ; but is thought to kuow as much of the languages of the earth as any other man . Murder of Mr . Westwood . —It has been ascertained that the story told by Roberts , the convict sentenced to transportation from the Hull Sessions , is a fabrication , having the double object of saving himself from transportation , and revenging himself on his paramour , who had been instrumental in procuring his conviction . Abusive Language . —On Fridy , Robert Reed , a master blacksmith , was fined in the mitigated penalty of twenty shillings , at the Lambeth-street office , under the New Police Act , for using abusive language a gentleman named Fisher . The defendant seemed quite astonished , and declared that the new Police Act was a bad law . "

      Railwa y partlt Destroyed . ^ -A part of tho rails , on the Midland Counties line , near to Loughborough , was washed away last week by the Hood . The station was also injured . Fatal Effects of Drunkenness . —A woman named Mary Ann Stones , drank herself to death , on Sunday week . The Jury , on the Coroner ' s inquest , returned the absurd and impious verdict of ' Died by the visitation of God . " Liability of Cabmen . —On Thursday , in last week , a cabman , named Thomas , was fined 40 s . by Mr . Greenwood , at the Hatton Garden Polioe-office , for refusing to convey a fare , and using abusive language . Female Smuggler . —A "lady , " dressed in the first-rate style , has been apprehended by the authorities in London , with a large bundle , containing black silk , and thread lace of French manufacture , to the amount of £ 250 , for which no duty had been paid . The suspicion of the officers was excited from seeing her in company with a known smuggler .

      Total Loss of the Philestrus . —The Philestrus , of Greenock , from N « w Orleans , with a valuable cargo of cotton , and with a crew of nineteen men and three boys , has been wrecked in Dundrum Bay , on the Irish coast . The vessel was a perfect wreck . All perished eave the second mate and two boys , who were washed ashore on a spar , to which they had lashed themselves . Fatal Accident . —On Saturday , a poor fellow driving a cart , in the neighbourhood of Limehouse , coming in contact with a steam-borer , drawn on a truck , was jammed in between his own cart and the wall , and killed .

      It is said that the Portuguese Government have concluded a contract for 2 , 000 sets of saddlery , 12 , 000 sets of accoutrements , and other military stores ; and that the English Government has agreed to give them on credit a large quantity of muskets , pistols and other arms . —London paper . The Truth . —At Sheffield , the Chartists have both strength and organization sufficient to impede the proceedings of any public meeting , in which they choose to take part . — Weekly Chronicle . English Taxation . —We are told by Bulwer , in

      his work on England , that the taxes in that country amount to just about one-third of the earnings of labour . A skilful mechanic , who earns £ 60 sterling a-year , or nearly 300 dollars , pays to the government £ 20 , nearly 100 ioWtn . —American paper . Remarkable Occurrence . —During the past ten days two or three whales have been seen in the channel , one of which , described as being sixty feet in length , was so near Plymouth , that a trawler was in great danger of losing her nets by the huge mass becoming entangled in them . —London paper .

      Suicide of Mr . A . Grant . —Mr . Alexander Grant ,. of Carnousie , the Ministerial candidate for the Elgin burghs , committed suicide on Monday last , the 18 th instant . Beep speculations in tea are said to hare turned out unfavourable , and to have prompted the unfortunate gentleman to this rash act . Burma the Cinders . —We hear that certain tontractors have sent in , to the veatry ot Marylebone , tenders ( which have been accepted ) , to the amount of £ 4 , 160 , for permission to cart away the einders ( breeae ) of the inhabitants . News from C ^ iha . —It is asserted th » t the Government is in possession of important aad favourable newB from China , which is kept back either for announcement in the speech from the throne , or to give effeot to some explanation or statement from one of the Ministers . —Hampshire Telegraph .

      Mb . John O'Connbil at LIVERPOOL .-J-QII Saturday evening the repealers of Liverpool invited Mr . John O'Ceunell to a public dinner , at the Queen ' s Theatre , in that town . It was a poor affair , and as regards numbers and respectability a wretched failure . The company broke up at midnight . Coiipsb found in thb Thames . —On Saturday morning last , a corpse was found floating in the Tbs . nws , near the Tower , whioh is supposed to have be ' jn that of a murdered Eeaman , from the cuts and ir . jurto apparent on the body . Various other articles were found upon him , andth * boots , with , cloth tops , I were Barked , " Captain Collins , Leith . "

      Untitled Article

      Crujbltt to thk Poor . —The poor of the parish of Combe , in the county of Hants , had the right of cutting wood upon the common of the said parish for upwards of eixty years . The Provost and fellows or King ' s College , Cambridge , to whom the parish belongs , tried theiaid right with the poor , and were beaten . The College then gave five families notice to quit their houses . The notice "baring-expired , they Kot « l ; notice from the magistrates under the Tenement Act . On Monday , the 4 th of January , 1841 , these five families were tnrned into the road , and their ; neighbours took them in , or they must have perished from the cold during this inclement season . One Woman has been in fits ever since , and is not expected to recover . A great deal of their furnitttre was on Sunday , the lOthinst ., still in tbe road , and neatW bnried in the snow .

      Increasing Distress among the Poor . —At the Marylebone Board of Guardians , on Friday , the mastet of , the workhouse stated that 10 , 471 iba . of bread had been given to the out-door poor during the , preceding eix days , and that the total quantity of bread given to both out-dpor and in-door poor , during the ^ above period , was 166 owt . Sqts 81 b ., or nearly 5 , 000 four-pound loaves . It would , it is apprehended , be somewhat difficult to carry out , uuder these circumstances , the New Poor Law test of poverty—namely , no relief exoept within the walls of the workhouse . Besides , there are , at this moment , nearly two thousand persons in the workhouse . " Physical Force" Arrangements . —We are happy to hear that our army is to be increased to the extent of 10 , 000 men . There is also a rumour ( how true we know not ) that an addition is to be made to the Marines . —Brighton Gazette .

      Shipwrecks . —We learn from Bilboa that , on the 5 th iust ., the steersman of the English ship , Jemima , laden with cloth , wishing to get over the bar , and misunderstanding or disregarding the signal of the port pilot , struck upon it , and was lost . On the same day , a schooner , called Le Jeune RufHn , was wrecked on the shore near Guecho , and the captain and one sailor were drowned . A female passenger got to the main-topmast , and there cluug . Two young men of Algarta determined to save her , and succeeded , although they had no other means than by swimming to the ship at the imminent risk of their own lives . She ia said to be the wife of a soldier quartered at St . Ander , whom she came to join . — London Paper .

      Effects of Cold . —The effect of cold on life in poverty and want is thus exemplified : —In the week ending November the 28 ; h , the total number of deaths from all causes was eight hundred and sixtytwo . Just at this time the temperature fell to thirty degrees , at the Royal Society ' s apartments ; and the immediate effect of its descent below the freeaing point was an increase in the weekly number of deaths from eight hundred and sixty-two to one thousand and eighty-seven , being the greatest amount registered this year . The next week presented a similar result , the total of deaths being one thousand and fifty-nine . [ Think of this , ye who have soft beds , warm fires , and food enough . ]—A tint .

      A Live Snow Ball !—On Sabbath evening last , while going through one of tho squares here ( Glasgow ) our attention was arrested by au immense snow-ball . We at first thought it to be the handiwork o f boys , but , on a closer view , we were truly astonished to see a man ' s head peeping out from the centre of the ball ! We could scarcely credit the evidence of our senses . It certainly was au outlandish sort of a creature we had stumbled upon . After a very cautious scrutiny , we , with some assistance , and with a treat deal of difficulty , got the young gentleman divested of hi 3 snowy shell , and so far recovered as to learn from him where he resided . He was immediately conveyed home , and

      every means used to prevent any fatal effects that might arise from his lying in his snowy mantle . It appears that a number of young men had been enjoying themselves , and partook of more Gienlivet than they could well carry . For a lark" they bad thrown down one of the party , covered him up with enow , which stuck to his clothes , and then proceeded to roll him round the square , till the immense mass which had attracted cur observation accumulated . In this miserable plight they left him , unable to do anything for his own preservation , and but for our timely notice , he must inevitably have perished . We are happy to learn that he is nearly recovered , and blesses our curiosity as the means of extricating him from his coffin of snow . —Glasnoio Paper .

      vibqvstino Treatment of a Child m a Umox Workhousk . —The cruelties recently perpetrated in the Hoo Union , by Miles , the Governor , and the rascally treatment of a female pauper in the Eaton Union Bastile , were sufficient to excite in the breast of every human * man , a thrill of horror . But we have met with a parallel case ; and that the miscreant involved in the business may not escape exposure , we lay the particulars before the public . It would appear that some time since , a fellow , named Thomas Totmau , ( to call him a man would be a degration of the title ) , was appointed to superintend the education of the children in Warwick workhouse ; and this scoundrel was on Monday taken before K . Greenway and Richard Hiorns , Esquires ,

      at the Court-house , charged with misconduct , in ill-treating a poor , friendless child , named Thomas Hewins , aged about two years and a half , the son of a widow at Budbrooke . We are not so squeamish about things as to prevent us describing the nature of the offence , for so gross an instance of inhumanity ought not to be concealed from any false delicacy towards Totman , whose own delicacy may be estimated by his actions towards a poor , helpless , and unoffending infant . The child in question was a temporary inmate of the Bastile ; and , unfortunately , was placed under the care of the monster Totman . The child was in the habit of " dirt / ing itself , " moat probably its bowels being affected by a bhange of diet , or from natural causas ; and for this , what does

      the reader suppose was the remedy inflicted on the poor innocent by this infamous scoundrel ! It is with utter disgust that we describe it ; the child , an infant two years and a half old , was punuhed , by having its own « xcrement forced into its mouth ! The beastly act was made known to the master of the workhouse , who communicated the affair to the Guardians , and the schoolmaster was dismissed from the ofiice he had thus disgraced , and the Board ordered him to be taken before the magistrates above-named sitting in petty session , " to be dealt with according to law , " pursuant to tbe 93 rd clause of the New Poor Law Act . When Totman vrai ushered into the presence of the Justices , he held down his head , and looked as shespish as a

      convicted felon ; and when the chargo was read , he , in humiliating tones , at once admitted his guilt . Of course , the magistrates visited a sin of such vast magnitude with severe punishment—of course , they held the filthy blackguard to bail , to take his trial for the offence ! No , they did no such thing ; th » y treated the case with leniency ; they made the crime an affair of the breeches pocket . Instead of obliging him to pay the penalty f or bo detestable an offence in person , Totman w * s fined 10 s ., with 10 s . costs ; and being thus set at liberty , he may get appointed to some other Union , and repeat his nasty practices , seeing that persons without character are now elected to the control of those places . —Weekly Dispatch .

      Thief Hunting . —An occurrence of rather a ludicrous character took place at Watford on Monday . Two fellows , strangers to the town , watched an opportunity , when no one was in the place , to go into the shop of Mr . Fulwood , a corn-chandler at Watf ord , and they were in the act of rummaging the till when the servant accidently came in , and a iked them what they wanted . They made some evasive reply , and attempted to get out of the shop , and , when the servant endeavoured to stop them , they forced their way past her , and ran off , An alarm was immediately given , and West , the constable of Watf ord , soon came up , and , having ascertained that the two men had gone down the town in the direction of Rickmanswonh , he set off after them , accompanied

      by about forty or fifty men and boys , dogs , ( fee . The fugitives took to the fields at the back of the town , and ran , for two miles , like deer ; they then began to flag , and , hearing the pursuers close in their track , they doubled back again , and endeavoured to conceal themselves under a hedge . Their f ollowers , however , were $ oo keen for them ;—they were quickly driven out , o f coarse , and they again started towards the Hempstead-road , and when they came to the f encing round Cashiobury , the Earlof Essex ' s seat , they sprung over and teok to the wood , hoping that they should be able to conceal themselves iu it . The constable . however , was close upon their heels , and whea they had got some distance in the wood , they took separate paths , and

      the officer followed the on * nearest to him , and just as he was in the act of climbing up a tree , he caught him by tbe legs , and palled him down , and secured him , is a nearly exhausted state , and he was escorted back to Watford , and safely lodged in the cage . The prisoner was subsequently taken before the Rev . Mr . Capel , » magistrate for the county of Herts , vrhen he gave Mb name , William Bawkms , and Mid that he came from Windsor to look for work . The charge of felony was clearly naade > out against him , and the magistrate committed him to St . Alban ' s gaol for trial . The fellow's companion succeded in getting away fr # » his pursuers . ; Worth Knowing . —On Friday a gentleman named Walker . & solicitor in Linoola' 8-inn .-appeared before

      the Excise Court to solicit the return of £ 11 las , being Auction Duty on some property sold under the following circumstances : —Mr . - Schenberg ^ a foreigner , died a short time ago , leaving a cumber of leasehold houses , whiefc be directed- should , be sold , and the money arising from such sale to . be equally divided between certain relatives . The property Was sold by public buotioai + ad fetched a very large sum ; but the purchaser refused to complete his bargain , by advice of Counsel , oir the ground that the deceased Had not been naturalized , arid-consequently could not bequeath property of the description specified ; The Court held the objection of the purchaser ' s Counsel to be good , and tbe Commissioners returned the duly . .

      Untitled Article

      Canterbury . — Novel Plak ton Dstegtinb Theft . —A . person not far fi-oin here , being much annoyed by frequent depredations of his fences , and . unable to discover the offenders , resorted to a novel expedient to satisfy himself . He had some large hedge-stakes perforated with an augur , and the holes filled with gunpowder . Like many before , the Bttkee were stolen , by an old offender , we suppose , and a little time brought intelligence that a certain person ' s chimney-piece had been blown out , and the lurniture disarranged , mnch to the alarm of the inmates of the bouse . Inquiry convinced the owner of . the stakes who had stolen them , nor was thb fright produced to the offender on the occasion of his mantel-piece ornaments dancing about the room without effect .

      The Catrglic Church . -Contrast between the salaries or sums now paid to the dignitaries of the Catholic . Church in France , and those paid to the archbishops and bishops of the Church of England : —The Cardinal Archbishop of France has 25 , 000 francs ^ or £ 1 , 041 13 s . 4 d . a year to live npon ! Tho Archbishop of Canterbury has annually to live upon £ 15 , 000 ! - . A French Catholic archbishop has annaally to live upon 15 , 060 francs , or £ 625 . The Archr bishop of York has annually to live upon £ 10 , 0001 A French Catholic bishop has annually to live upon 10 , 000 francs , or £ 416 133 . IA . An English Protestant bishop has annually to live upon £ 5 , 000 >—True Scotsman .

      The Ice turned BiRD-CATCHER . —The inhabitants of oaint Just Antoigne , and other communes along the Canal de la Dive , in the Maine et Loire , are accustomed , at this time of year , to catch an immense number of larks on the plains , but had been deprived ot their sport by the fall of snow . The Preeurseur de lOuest , of Angers , relates that a slight thaw coming on some evenings back , the sportsmen went out the following morning , assured of finding plenty of thoir smalTgame . To their utter astonishment not a feather was to be seen—not the sound of a wing , not a chirp was to be heard . Soreading about

      to ascertain ,. if possible , what had become of their intended victims , the mystery was solved * by another still more surprising , and altogether without a precedent . They found hundreds of birds safely encaged under their feet by a net-work of ice , sufficiently strong to retain the little flatterers , but not to resist the force of their own hands , and they were able to take as many of them as they pleased without using any of tiieir usual arts . The fact was , that , while the poor birds were busily employed in seeking their food through the snow , a cold breeze came on and froze them into the small cavities they had made in order to reach the ground .

      A Law Suit for a Pbjwt . —At the Sheriff Court , Edinourgh , -the following case came on for trial , before Sheriff Tait : —A farmer ' s wife and daughter had lately occasion to c ome to Edinburgh , which they did in one of iheir own carts . The carter , to protect the . clothes of the ladies , took the precaution of strewing the bottom of the vehicle with two small bags of etraw , for which , on entering the city , Messrs . Boyd and Latta , thetaoksmen , insisted upon charging one penny in name of custom , which was p aid . The farmer , however , being persuaded of the illegality of the charge , brought an action before the

      famall Debt Sheriff Court for the recovery of the penny . Tie case was argued on both sides at great length . On the one hand , the ta . tsmen contended that straw was an article subject to custom , however small the quantity ; that even a straw seat , or a chaff bed , was liable ; in support o f which they handed up the new Act of Parliament , which the Sheriff carefully examined . The pursuer , on the other hand , maintained that straw was only subject to custom , if brought to the market for sale . The Sheriff was dearly of the same opinion , and adjudicated for the recovery of the penny , with expenses . —Scotsman .

      P&isox HirjfANirr . —A married woman was sent up on the Htli from the New Prison , Cierkenwell , to the Thames Police-office , to be examined on a charge of receiving stolen property , fourteen days after her confinement . The poor woman begged to be allowed another Week , saying she was very ill ; the matron of the prison also interceded with the doctor , but the fellow was inexorable . The matrou stated that during an experience of eighteen years she has never before known such a case . The doctor ' s name is Wakefield .

      A Washing-tub Rebellion . — Monday week being the washing-day at the Chesterfield union workhouse , aeyen female inmates began to wash at the usual hour , and continued their work until about eleven o ' clock , in the forenoon , when the governor sent them a small allowance of bread and cheese , ready cut and weighed . Monday was a soup day , and the women not being satisfied with their fate , refused the bread and cheese , and instantly M struck f * the consequence was that they were all of them locked up by the governor , all reeking from the wash-tub as they were , in the refractory hole , where they continued till about seven o ' clock in the evening , when they were released on several of them promising not to offend again . There are nearly 250 pauperi in the house .

      Mj . H . Vincent . —The Marquis of Normanby signified , on Friday , to Mr . Serjeant Talfourd , that he had advised her Majesty to remit the remaining term of imprisonment of Mr . H . Vincent , '' on condition' of his finding security , himself in £ 100 , and two securities in £ 50 each , for his good behaviour f or the period required by his sentence . " It will be recollected that Mr . Vincent is now in Oakham gaol , and the report is , that Judges' warrants from the Wiltshire magistrates are lodged there against him . Will these now retain him f We shall seel—London paper .

      Inquest on a Mother and her Child . —An inquest was held , a few days ago , in London , on the bodies of a woman and her child . The following evidence was elicited . The woman was a widow , and had been seduced by a milkman , resident in Noel-street . She had lived about five months with the landlord of the Horsely Down , as housekeeper ; and nothing was known of her pregnancy , though she had had for a few days before her death , medical attendance , for a sore throat , of which she complained . The body of the child was discovered in her box after her death . The surgeon stated that lie had made a postmortem examination of the body , and was of opinion that over-excitement having produced conjestion of the heart , was the cause of death . He believed the . child bad never breathed . Verdiot as to both , "Natural death . "

      A Cnunca Struck ur LrGHTNrjfG . —On the 13 th instant the church of Prayssas , in the Lot et Garonne , was struck by lightning . The covering of the steeple was . almost entirely torn off , and immense blotsks of stone were thrown down into the body of the church . The electric fluid , after damaging the clock and its tower , descended into the nave , nearly destroyed the high altar , and then , returning to the tower , made its way out by the aperture which'had been covered by . the dial . The commotion was so violent that , not only all the windows of the church , but . those of many surrounding houses , were shattered into fragments .

      Joseph An y and thb Post-office . —Sir Peter Laurie and the press have nearly put an end to Mr . Ady's benevolent intentions of informing persons of " something to their advantage , " for the trifliug fee of a sovereign . Like aome other pnbli * benefactors , hia name had become somewhat notorious , and of late nearly all his obliging letters have been returned . The Post-ofiice authorities , finding a great accumulation in the returned letter department , directed their solicitor to take the necassary steps for compelling Mr . Ady to take back his letters , and pay the double postage owing thereon , which was found to amount to j 6230 i Several

      applications were made without mcceis , and Mr . Peacock , the solicitor , probably conceiving that legal process would be equally unavailing , the suit has not been pressed , and the Por t-office abandoned the claim , upon Mr . Ady ' s promise t » prepay all his future correspondence , thus iniariBg to the department a considerable increase of revenue , and relieving the public from future annojance . Ady complains bitterly of Sir Peter Laurie for having impounded his books , owing to which circumstance he asserts that he has already lost between £ 2 , 000 and £ 3 , 600 , whilst many other individuals have lost the opportunity of succeeding to handsome fortunes .

      Wholesals Plunder . — Abscondmete- o » a . Whole Board of Directors , with £ 2 OOJ 3 OO . — At the Mansion-House » n Wednesday , Sir Peter Laurie read a letter which had been sent to him by the editor of the Scotch fteforaten ' Gazette , at Glasfow , respecting the absoondment of the "West liddlesex Assurance Company , " with £ * 200 , 00 t , which they , bad obtained from various persons wbo had purchased annuities aad insured their lives at tbe Company ' s office , and are now rained . The offices were ia Baker-street , Portman Square ; and it seenu carious that the announcement of tbe flight of the Directors should come via Scotlaad to the-Mann ' on-house . It appears , however , that tn « Scotch paper , baying ome knowledge of the parties , had prerionBly exposed thna : when action * for libel were brought to vindicate their character * The proprietors of the Reformer ? Gazette had sent

      an agent from Glasgow to London to institute the closest enquiry ; audit had been ascertained that all the Director ! bad absconded , taking away with them upwards of £ 98 , 000 of annuities , cash paid to then , exclusive altogether of the aaonnta paid for policiei for fire and lire assurance , tbe whole amounting to not less than SE 15 t , 000 . Alderman Pirle said , b * understood the Directors of tbe Company had lited in handsome houses and kept up splendid establishments . Sir Peter Laurie regretted that he bad not the opportunity of punishing then * , bat he hoped this exposure would at least serve at a warning to thepnblic / There are , he said , several flaak ^ rtablishments in London at the present time , obtaining large Bums of money fraudulently . "The Wert Middlesex AssOTanw Co ^ any' * preWadedWtiaTa been established in the year 1696 , wiWa . capital of £ l , < JO # , pOfc having T < nlWiteiip& d $ mot * than ftar years , during wtacfc tier ^ ed it wft e $ jrik * id in ttlftaderiog the pjablfo . — $ * # Jaft * v ; ™ 15 P . :, f . ; .

      Untitled Article

      ^^ _ ____ THE NORTHERN STAB . g

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 30, 1841, page 3, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct692/page/3/