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Northern Star (1837-1852), 16th December 1843, Edition 5 of 5, Page 6

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    • tl €%t Con^aujn *>f <£wslanfc <gtttegtftn." " lairs grind the poer, and rich men rale the lair."
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      Tl €%T Con^Aujn *≫F ≪£Wslanfc ≪Gtttegtftn." " Lairs Grind The Poer, And Rich Men Rale The Lair."

      tl €% Con ^ aujn *> f < £ wslanfc < gtttegtftn . " " lairs grind the poer , and rich men rale the lair . "

      Untitled Article

      THE DOBSETSHIBB IOOE AKD LOiD ASHLEY . The state nf the Jabonring-clssses iif Dorsetshire ia the subject of special and active discussion , Mr . Richard Brinsley Sheridan recently published some account of the miserably insufficient waje ? , the squalid dwellings , tbe confined space , leading to the most immoral practices—all things previously asserted over ami over again , trnt now confirmed by the testimony of an independent coin-tiy-gentleman . Some persons , including certain clergymen , denied Mr . Sheridan ? statements ; but , as be remarks in a letter to tbe Times , in doing so they corroborate -what they contravene . One clergyman mentions a couple { the man being very aged ) whose ¦ Wfiies are 2 s . 6 d . and three loaves : ana several who

      have from 2 s . with all , or to 5 s . a week -with part , © f tbsirfood . Mr . Sheridan says , the price of a peck of wheat per diem has been considered the proper rate of wnres for a labourer 5 that / would be 9 & » ^> d . per week , at the present cost of -wheat : bnt figures are adduced ti i-how that even that sum is insufficient For example , a man , his wife , and eight children , earn 11 s . 6-. L a w « k ; they spend it thus—10 loaves , 5 s , ; half abnsbel of barley , Is . 6 d . ; soap and . candles , lOd . ; eleven pc-ncda « f snet to mix -with potatoes and oread , 6 d . ; honee rent , 2 s . 3 d . ; total , 10 a . Id . ; leaving Is . 5 d . to clothe and supply -with other necessaries ten persons ! Farther , the Jower rate of waees , $ -. or 7 s ., are given in Particular districts—notgenerally throughout £ he « ountry 1 which proves that there is in justice somewhere .

      "Lord Ashley comes out in support of Mr . Sheridan , Pie -purity of whose motives ts Iwldly assert * . At the Stunninster agricultural dinner , he observed that DuiattehirB was becoming a by-word in man ' s months . Be asked whether such charges were true ? whether fhc eoi ± sg £ 3 -were filthy , ill-drained , and calculated to increase immorality and disease ?—"Are we prepared to refute these statements or not ? Is the rate of wages afforded to the labourer a fair remuneration far his labour , and in fail proportion to the profits of the soil ? Or if the evil la not to be trsced to this cause , and if it is not immediately obvious "what it is , I advise that counsel 1 » taken between the owners and occupiers ol land to discover where it be , and endeavour to find the remedy ; for I am sure that something must be done . I am net prepared to say What ; bnt , if necessary , let na practise more seHdeniaJ , abridge oar Inxaties , aad lei this be commenced wiih the highest and . wealthiest in the county "—( loud cheers ) .

      He gave his hearers gcod advice—to pay their labourers in money and in good time ; to shut not the glt ^ nersfrom thfiir fields , and to avoid the truck system . He exhorted those Jjresent to look the charges full in tllfc face , and to disprove the evil , or remedy it .

      D 1 STBKSS 15 rEICESTBBSHIBB . The TBnckley S . ockinger has sent a second letter to ike Morning Chronicle . He says" Since the publication of my list letter I have per-BOEhiiy investigated the homes and circumstances of £ ftj families , averaging six persons each , and tafcea from their own lips theii weekly income aswTexpen&iture . I have not taken the worst c&sea in this -town , or the Bcs : unskilled -workmen in the trade , bire present a fMy specimen of the actual can&ition of the people , and defy contradiction . The following presents tbe result of my laWurs ;—Xomber of families visited , 50 ; number of individual- - ;? umoBiDg these families , 321 ; number of looms in ditto , 109 . Average -weekly pnrmngB per family ,- lls 3 ^ d ; average ditto par loom , 5 s 2 i

      Average expenditure of each family—House rent , Is S-i ; loom rent , 2 s 3 d ; coal and candle , is 6 d ; soap and needles , 53 j total expenditure , SOfliL Weekly inctme , lls 3 | ij weekly expenditure , 03 10 d ; leaving 5 s i } i . It wDlte seen at once from the above that there only KmaiEs lid ptr head per -week , or lid per day , a < um Brercdy sufficient to procure food enough for the snsten&acs of life . In my visits to these abodes of misery It was forcibly impressed on my mind—' Eye hath not seen , ear barn not beard , the heart cannot conceive , " the half of the sufferings endured by this poverty-stricken people . In onelnstance I found a bed { ike only one for the family ) , without pillow or bolster , or sheets , or blankets , and nothing to

      eover them but old nee bags . In another I found two beds slf beds they might be-called ) , cne ' without a i-teei * acd tfee other without a blanket . When I saw tbe groups of shoeless aad ragged urchins , some at work , others playing round their cfeeerlers hearths , ar . d witnessed tbe tear roll down many a faded yet manly cbetk , arid beard the filtering tangnB exclaim , We never tasted meat ihU many a day '— we have almost forgotten iia taste , * I cauld not help , but wish that our rulers wonld come here , and take a lesson of human suffering and leam the duty of devotsdness and disin- ' trrestedness for the common cood . J ? or the last fort- ; idght , the quiet of the Sabbath has been disturbed by ?" ie . rattle of tl * eloom- A tb > Bg so imumal made no ! jfpmii stir . I visited two myself to inquire into the

      ¦ lonvts which led them to this reckless contract One jo . \ n -look at my children and my home , and ask no more ; I ¦ will tell you , however , why 1 work on this day . It is because my poverty compels me ; 1 auinoi * - > d iriH not bear my children cry for bread without taiirg tbe only means honestly to get it . List Monday sum . leg I rose at two o ' clock , and worked till near midnight . 1 rose at six each succeeding morning , and ; woiktd till between eleven and twelve each night , and now you see what I have for dinawr . 3 cannot do it . longer , I shall go to an cntimely grave if 14 o ; I will therefore end my labours at ten o ' clock eachnfht , and , make ftp the time thus lost by labouring en the Sunday . ' He had fout children , the oldest , only six years old ; fiieother had a family of the same number , and abeut the same age .

      Untitled Article

      tn « y were when they ^ ers born . The door of the vi . ult or cell was open at the time , and tbe man was ; giving them food . I did not see them came oat I I never saw any person except Harris talking to them . I ! told Mr . M'Pherson the men were in the vault , and that they asked me for bread , and that I would , have ! given it to them if I dared . 1 Other witnesses were examined who corroborated the evidence prerouily given .

      THE SECOND CHJLBGE . The Commissioner said , he wished Iheboy , Roper , to be brought in , who , he understood , was an inmate in the House . The boy wasthea brought into the room , and , after hearing a bri % f narrative of the case which he was called to support , The Commissioner said , before he examined the boy , he would go with binij and he should point out the places in which he was pnt , and to which hs would have to refer when giving his evidence . Any of the

      Guardians who wished to attend him in this part of his enquiry , might do so . it -was necessary that the boy should point out the different rooms in which he was placed before he look down Mb evidence . The Commissioner then left the room with tbe boy , and proceeded with several Guardians and the reporters to tbe passage leading to the Infirmary . The Commissioner—Now , my little boy , point out to me the jtlace you were first placed in . " The boy pointed to the first door in the passage on the rigkt band side .

      A Guardian present— " 0 , no ! that cannot be : that is a lumber-room . " The CommisBioEer—You make a mistake , boy ; was it not the ntxt door f No , Sir ; I was put in here first Commissioner—Are you sure" of that , my boy ! Yes , Sir . —Where iB the key ? Let the door be unloeked . A Guardian—No person is ever placed there ; it ia full of lumber . The Commissioner—The boy adheres to it that fee wsb put in there- Let the door be unlocked . One of the servants , who bronght the key , said tbe boy was put in there first Commissioner—You see , gentlemen , however ineredible his statement at first appeared , the boy is rignt . Ltt the door be unlocked .

      The door of the vault was then unlocked , and one of the most dark and dismal places it wsb ever our lot to beho'd was opened to view . It was an arched vault , without any window or grating for the admission of light or air , ailed with lumber , leaving scarcely room for three persons to stand is . Its appearance produced a strong feeling of disgust in the minds of all who saw it Commissioner—Where were you next taken to 1 The b > y then proceeded to the door of the b ' aek-hole , where the four men were confined . This horrible hole we gave a faint description of in cur last . ^ Commissioner—How long , my boy , were you confined in this place . '—One night the first time , and three days and tbretj nights the second time , —Where were you next taken to ?—The room opposite . —Shew us the room .

      ! The boy then walked across the passage to a vault or cell directly opposite to the black hole , which was formerly called the black hole . Commissioner—How long were you kept here ?—Three days and three nights . i Commissioner—We will now go to toe tramp-room . : The Commissioner , tbe Guardians , and the reporters : then proceeded to what is called tbe tramp-room at the top of the yard , on entering which the stench was dreadful , and the scene revolting . It was a small ¦ confiaed cell , around which were fixed boards which , were called bedsteads , without bedding or straw upon : them . In one corner of one of these bedsteads , at i the further end of the cell , lay & boy huddled up in a rug ; and in the opposite corner another boy in a similar position .

      Commissioner—What is that ?—pointing to one of the . miserable objects—is it a human being ? i A Guardian—Yes , Sir . ! The CammiBsioner—Gat up . ' Two young , wretched , and filthy human creatures then rt'se up . ' The Commissioner—What a state foi human beings to fee in ! Then addressing the younger boy , he said—How old are you ^ — Nine years . How long bave you been here ?—A week last Saturday . To the next boy . How old are you ?—Fourteen , Sir . How long have you been here ?—Four days . Sir . They cave no business to remain here bo long

      The Commissioner asked a man who was ill , how long be had been there , and he aaid several days . He then visited other parts of the House , ' the appearance of which and tbe unfortunate inmates was / as our contemporary justly observe * , ' thoroughly revolting . * The reporter , at the request of one of the Guardians , went through the House , but we must not here give his description of the scenes he met with , and his remaiks thereon , as it is understood that many of them will be the subject of official investigation . On tbe return of the Commissioner to the committee room be called toe boy Roper to him , and after seriously cautioning him to speak the truth , the whole truth , and nothing but the tmth , and explaining to him the awful responsibility of giving utterance to

      , . j falsehood , when he called God to witness , he most solemnly administered to him the oath . The boy Roper said , 1 am twelve years of age . And I was brought to this Workhouse by my mother , for being a naughty boy . I was tak « n into a room , before some gentlemen , and they were asked if they would take me into the Workhouse for being a bad toy . My mother took me into the kitchen ,- to the Governor . The Governor called a roan , who took me into tbe \ darfc-hule . His name was John . He gave me up to a man named John , with a wooden let ; . This man put me into tbe first hole in the passage , on the right hand side of the passsge leading to the Infirmary . I ; staid there until from about six o ' clock to eight at ; night , when Mrs . Hirst came , and I . was taken out

      ' and put into tbe second door in tbe passage , meaning . the black-hole . When I was first put into this second I place , there was no one there . Two boys came in * about five minutes afterwards . Some men came in , 1 and there were seven of us altogether in the cell . ' Mrs . Hirst and a female servant came and gave ' us some tags . She gave ns all one a-piece . I do sot \ recollect of either of the other boys or the men refusing \ the rag . Our supper , of soup and bread , was brought to us . Two af the boys had no shoes on . About halfpast seven o ' clock tbe next morning Harris let us out , and be pat me into a room on the opposite side , where I had my breakfast At ten o'clock Harris took me out ; of tbat room , and put me into the top men - fl tramp-> ; room , where I remained three days and three nights .

      Every night I was there , tramps were sleeping iu this room ; I can't say how many , but there were a good many . I shauld think on tbe Saturday night there were twenty . After that I was taken to tbe dark hole , where I had before been in on the right band side of the passage , and there kept three days and three nights ; and I was then removed to the opposite side , and there I stopped three days and three nights . I never slept in the dark hole by myself . There were always tramps thera There were not more than seven in the hole ; it wonld not hold more . The grating waB open to the top . I had no "water or convenience to wash myself the first morning I was in the Workhouse . Iatbenpper tramp room I did wash once . Harris gave me soap

      and water , and 1 wiped myself on my handkerchief . On the Snnday I came out I was washed , when I was taken to a bath . I had no clean shirt or clean clothing during that period . I had nothing to sleep npon bnt beards from the Wednesday until the following Sanday week , when I left I was kept in bed a fortnight by Sirs . Hirst After I first went to bed on a Sunday evening , and kept my bed for a fortnight , the Schoolmaster told me not to get up . He told me that the matron had ordered him not to let me get up . 31 y clothes were taken from me when I went into the bath . A dean Bhirt and pinner was then given me . The boys brought up my food . The Schoolmaster said I was kept in bed for punishment . I was a week and three days in bed , and the other days kept in the room .

      Edward Rogers , fourteen years of age , sworn—He corroborated the testimony of the feoy Roper as to being kept in bed nine days . The investigation was then adjonrned-Fbidat , Dec . 1 . —The Commissioner read a paper from the Governor , containing his reply to the charge relative to tbe four trimps . None of the facts given above were disproved ; tbe reply was a mere piece of " explanation , " not at all mending the Governor ' s case . The Mother of thB boy Roper was examined , and her evidence confirmed that of tbe boy . William Harris , the man who was ordered by the Governor to put the boy in the black hole , confirmed all the important points of the boy " 3 evidence . Mr . Charles Smith , tbe house surgeon , "was next examined , after which , the investigation was again aujourucd .

      THE IHIBD CHARGE . Satxteday , Dec . 2 . —The Commissioner , on taking his seat this morning , said he was now about to enter upon another charge , which was this , viz — Thai a young woman , named Harriet "Rodder , wr ? put into the tramp-room by way of punishmen t Mrs . Hirst—She is very HI—she is in the Infirmary . The Commissioner—I wish to examine her on oath . Mrs . Hirst—She is unable to attend here , Sir . The Commissioner—If she be nnable to walk to this room , I must go to her and teke her evidence . Let tbe surgeon be sent for .

      Mr . Smith , Che House Surgeon , was then sent for , and on hia coming into the room , the CommiBsloher asked bim if be thought Harriet Rodder " *» capable of being Twmghl to that room to ghre evidence . Mr . Smith raid he considered that she was . forawi £ T lffldB 8 iOner ~~ I < et h 6 r ften ** troa 8 ht iere ? ^ r ' 2 f ! t ~ 1 *** to observe , Mr . Weale , previous to the witness Rodder coming in , that the tramp-rooma are not cenwdered places of punishment , but © nly places for separation . The Commissioner—We shall see . This , gentlemen , is a different and distinct c-e . The witness was then brought into tbe room—she appeared to be vaj 3 L

      Untitled Article

      This witness deposed that ehe had been confined in the tramp room " from a Saturday night to tbe next Wednesday morning . " She was ill and taking medicine at the time . In answer to questisns by Mr . Boucher , tbe witness said , I have known women put in the black-hole for quarrelling . Ann Morris , the woman who quarrelled with me , was put in tbe black hole about three or four months ago . I have known other women separated and put in tbe tramp-room I was In for quarrelling . Ann : Morris , I understood , was pnt in tbe black-bole because she refused to go to chapel . She was put in about five o clock in the afternoon , and taken out about nine at night , and she then went to bed with the other women . Tbe Commissioner—Are you certain that Ann Morris was pot in the black-bole , and that you saw her put in ? Witness—Yea , Sir .

      The Commissioner—This ia a new charge . It iB the first 1 bave heard of a female being pat in the blackbole . Sorely it cannot be tbe horrible place tbe four men and tbe boy were confined in . She Bh&ll SQOW US this black-bole where she states she saw Ann Morris placed in . Sirs . Hirst—I do not think Bite is able to walk there and back to thiB room . . The Commissioner—I will take tbe pen and ink with me , and if sbe finds herself unable to walk back here , she can sign her deposition there . Mrs . Hirst—Are you able , Harriet , to go there and walk back ? Witness—Yes . The Commissioner— Let hei show us the way . The wUneas , followed by tbe Commiasiener , several Guardians , and tbe reporters , proceeded to the passage leading from the Workhouse to the Infirmary .

      Tbe Commissioner—Now Bhow ub the place into which you saw Ann Morris put The witness then pointed out the horrible black bole in which the four men and the boy were confined . The * Commissioner—Are you certain you saw Ann Morris put iu there ? Witness—I am , Sir . The Commissioner—Now show us the tramp-room id which yon were placed . The witness then walked to a miserable and confined place , which is called the female tramp-room . I The Commissioner—How long were you kept here f Witness—I was kept bore from tbe Saturday to tbe Wednesday . The witness was cross-examined by the matron , but made no alteration in her statements .

      Mr . Smith , house-Burgeon , was agaim examined at considerabls length . He stated that last witness was ; ffiicted with a chronic disease , an 4 that her confinement in the tramp-room was most improper in her state of health . Sarah Morley was then examined en tbe part of tbe Governor . She denied that the boy Roper bad been confined to his bed nine or ten days . The boy wpi re-examined , but persisted in his former statement William Wear and John Fair were then examined ; they admitted that they bad put Ann Morris in the black hole , by order of tbe matron ; but denied that she was placed in a straight jacket .

      MONDAT . —Mr . Edward Townsend Cox , of Birmingham , surgeon , said he bad been surgeon to the Infirmary connected with the Bitmingbam Workhouse for upwards of thirty years . Harriet Roddis , otherwise Rodder , was under my charge on tbe lat of March last At that time sbe was suffering from stricture of the rectum and fistula . She was discharged from the Infirmary on the 17 th of July , relieved . She was again admitted on tbe 2 nd of September , and attended by me for the same disease ; discharged on the 7 th of September , relieved . Sbe was again aCraitted on the 13 th of October , and attended by me for the same disease , and is at this time a patient in the Infirmary . Sbe has , since her last admission , had an operation per- !

      formed on her by me for fistula . I know the female tramp-ward ; from what I know of this tramp-room , with the knowledge I have of the state of the woman . Rodder , is now in , and my previous knowledge of her state , I should say it was not a fit place for her to be placed in during the time she has been under my charge . I was not aware she was there . Had I seen her in the tramp-ward at any period from tbe 7 th of September to the 13 tb of October , I should unquestionably have suggested to Mr . Smith , the House Surgeon , to bave had her removed , I do not think her disease has been increased from her being placed there , but tbat she must necessarily have experienced increased inconvenience and suffering from pain from the circumstances .

      JUr . ScboleneJd , MR for the Borough , requested admission , which was immediately . granted .

      FOURTH CHATtOE . William Weare . keeper of the lunatic ward , was then examined . We cannot find roon for bis evidence at length , frem which it appeared that a poor man named Bates , weak in intellect but perfectly harmless , had been confined in the lunatic ward as a punishment , and there strapped to a chair by order of the governor and matron . Mr . Smith , honse-snrgeon , confirmed this statement Mr Smith had ordered ths poor man to be released which had given great offence to the Governor . From tbe evidence of Ann Titley , keeper of the female Insane ward , it appeared that a female not insane had been sent to the lunatic ward by tbe Governor as a punishment for some offence . Mr . Hirst ( the Governor ) was not in attendance todny on account of illness .

      Tuesday . —The iiquiry was resumed at ten o ' clock Mr . Mole , solicitor , attended on the part of the Work-. house Governor . Tbe Commissioner addressed Mr . Mole , and said that be would now proceed with tbe Governor ' s defence . He would read over bis notes , and point out those facts of tbe evidence which most affected Mr . Mole's client There was no doubt about the confinement of the four men , or the treatment which they received . Mr . Hirst had himself admitted this . The Commissioner then read over the charges , and those parts of the evidence wbicu in any way affected tbe Governor and the Matron . Mr . Mole—It is necessary for me to see the Governor for tbe- arrangement of the defence . I shall be occupied with him some time

      The Commissioner—We went on till Friday night before It was stated tbat Mr . Hirst wished his professional advioer to ba present . I will give you until Thursday morning to prepare the defence . I am wiiliDg to afford you every facility , and to give you every information you may require in preparing the defence to the charges . Mra . Hirst stated tbat tbe Governor was too ill to attend . After tbe hearing of some unimportant evidence , the I > QUiR"i was adjourned until Thursday morning .

      Untitled Article

      course , quite dead . Mr . Juppett bad the mutilated remains removed to the union workhouse , which was resorted to during the day by numbers of persons , in order to the body being identified . Information was sent to Mr , E . Eagles , the coroner , who issued bis warrant for the inquest , which waa held on Saturday ; the only Witnesses examined that day being the labourers by whom the fire was discovered , and who could not account for the origin of the calamity . The inquiry was consequently adjourned ever till Tuesday , when the body of the deceased waa folly

      identified * His name is John Simmons , and he was said to be about fifty-seven years old . He Was a native of the town of Bedford , and entered tbe army when a mere boy . By good conduct , ho attained the rank of colour-sergeant in the 40 th Regiment of Foot He was In the battle of Waterloo , where he was wounded in the bead and in the leg , and was commended by the Duke of Wellington for his bravery on several occasions . The poor fellow was in receipt of Is . a day pensien . Owing to the wound in his head , he had for some years been subject to periodical attacks of insanity , and had been for some time an inmate of Bedford

      Lunatic Asylum , from which he bad been lately discharged . Having no employment , he was in the habit of wandering about the precincts of the town , and about an hour before tbe fire , broke out be was met by a man in the employ of Mr . Francis , builder , of this town . He was at that early hour proceeding towards the Kimble toD'ioad , but for what purpose no one could form any probable conjecture . By direction of . the coroner , &post moitem examination of the body was made by Mr . Mitcnell and Mr . Blore , surgeons . These gentlemen stated , tbat one of the arms and one of the legs were burnt off : that the

      body was in other respects extensively injured . They had also found a contused wound on the head , which they were of opinion had been caused after death , probably by the falling of a piece of timber from the roof of tbe barn . They concluded tbat death bad been caused by suffocation . There was no evidence adduced tending to implicate the men in custody ( the brothers Parkins ) beyond the fact of the workmen having seen them come from the barn , as already described , which they accounted for by showing that on the previous night they bad slept at a cottage in the neighbourhood , and , when dressing , were attracted to tbe spot by the strong glare of light

      Tbe Coroner recommended the Jury to return an open verdict , in case additional evidence might be obtained at some future time . The Jury concurred in tbe suggestion , and a verdict to that effect was accordingly recorded . Tbe Parklnses have undergone two Ions examinations before the bench of magistrates , including Mr . Joseph Brown ( the late Mayor ) , Mr . G . P . Livius , Mr . T . A . Green , and Mr . Davis . The witnesses were the ime as those called before the coroner ' s jury . There being no evidence to justify the further detention of the prisoners they were discharged . They gain a livelihood by repairing rush-bottomed chairs , and travel about the country in that character .

      This appalling affair , together with tbe repeated recurrence of incendiary fires , produced the most feverish state of excitement in the town and . county of Bedford , and has been rapidly followed by another conflagration within a short distance of the town of Ampthill . The latter fire broke out on Saturday morning , at a place called Hownea , about six miles from Bedford . Bere a large barn and out-offices , in the occupation of Mr . Eanies , an extensive farmer , were wholly consumed . Fortunately this is not accompanied , as in the other C 886 , with Iosb of life ; but the destruction of property is very great , and the owner is only partially insured . Upwards of fourteen stacks of corn , a large quantity of agricultural implements , together with the buildings , bave been sacrificed by the torch of a nocturnal incendiary , who , happily for the ends of justice , has been secured . His name is Thomas Elmer , a native of Ampthill , and be is said to be a person of all others the least likely to ba auspected of a crime so heinous

      as tbat of arson . Having received a fair share of education be obtained the appointment of master of tbe Sunday school in connexion with the National Society which has recently been established in the village of Hownes . Owing to some information obtained by Captain Boultbee , Chief Constable of the Bedford Rural Police , Elmer was apprehended ei tie was leaving the church on Sunday lost , to tbe great astonishment of the congregation . He was conveyed to Auipthill by Superintendent Bates , when he was examined on Thursday before the Rev . J . B . Whit burn , one of the district magistrates . Tbe evidence was so strong as to leave no doubt that he was » principal in , if not the sole author of , the fire at Mr . Eamea ' s premises . When in the cage the prisoner made a voluntary confession of his guilt , which being reduced to writing , he signed it in presence of the Bunch , and has been fully committed for trial on the capital charge at the ensuing assizes

      The terror excited- amongst tbe farmers throughout the agricultural districts in this neighbourhood is quite painful . The rural police discharge their duty , wearisome as it has become , owing to the frequency of incendiary fires , with laudable zeal and alacrity ; but they are too few in number to overcome the marauders -who are prowling about every night over a county of such extent The Bedford Association ( county ) for Protection of Property have employed a number of men to co-operato with the rural police , but this ia not enough to restore confidence . It is reported that a meeting of the magistrates is about to be held , in order to consider the propriety of an application being made to the Secretary of State for sumo increase of the constabulary force daring the remainder of the winter .

      SWING IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE . ( From the Cainbridge Independent Press . J F £ N Ditton . —It ifl our melancholy task to record ene of the largest and most calamitous fires that has occurred in this part of the country for many years , and which there is no doubt was the work of an incendiary . On Thursday evening , about five o'clock , a stack of oatstraw , sta ding in a farmyard belonging to Mr . J . Fyson , of Fen Ditton , about two miles and a balf from Cambridge , Was discovered to b 3 on fire . The yard contained seventeen stacks , of every description of grain , two large barns , a granary , pigeon-house , cart-hovels , piggeries , and other outbuildings . It was of great extent , the stacks and buildings forming a large square . In a few miontes from the discovery of tbe fire , the Whole of the stacks were in a blnzi . Tbe wind blew from t&e west with great violence . The alarm speedily reached

      Cambridge , and in ;; a very brief space the Norwich Union fire-engine , which was accompanied by Mr . W . Ekin , reached the spot The Ptceuix-ofllce end other engines aoon arrived .: Tbe stack in which the fire commenced was situate at tbe southern extremity of tbe yard : and at the time when tbe flist engine arrived the fire might easily have been extinguished , but , unhappily , there was a most deficient supply of water , and the flames spread with such rapidity as to defy the feeble opposition that was brought against them . The fire communicated from stack to stack with alarming speed , and in less than ten minutes the whole yard was in a blaze . The barns , which were of great size and contained a large quautity of grain , were quickly enveloped in flames . The cattle and farming implements were , by strong exertions , safely removed , with the exception ef two wooden rollers . At this moment the fire waa

      grandi and awful in the extreme . A space which occupied an area of more than two hundred yards square , was crowded with immense burning masses of material . The wind blew with great violence and carried the flames with terrific force to a height and extent which threatened destruction to the whole village . The efforts of the firemen were powerless to stay their progress . At this time , to add to tbo horrora of tbe scene , eome burning materials fell upon the stack ef Mr . Kent , whose farmyard was ou the opposite side of the road . This yard contained cine lurga stacks of barley and hay . Ia a moment all Were iu flames , and another fire almost equal in extent to the one we have been describing raged most fearfully . Fortunately the wind carried thj fliaies from the house of Mr . Kent , and tbe larger

      yard in which were the barns . Twenty-six large stacks and numerous buildings were now all on fire at once , and to stop the ravages of the devouring flames seemed utterly impossible . The scene was terrific , and amidst it all we were grieved to observe the apathy and reckless indifference displayed by the labourers , but few of whom manifested the slightest desire to aid in extinguishing the fire . The engines were chiefly worked by members of the University , many of whom moat actively and energetically employed thmselves in attempting to save the property of the bufferers . Some were seen up to their knees in water , passing buckets of water from one to the o ' -her ; but the fire was beyond control . Its ravages were unstopped until all on which it could spend its fury was destroyed . The noise of falling tiles—the crush of burning beams —the cries of the fowla and pigeons as the poor

      creatures fell into the flames—the shouts of the thousands assembled , and the awful grandeur of the flUraea sending up to heaven lurid clouds of smoke , presented a scene of such awful sublimity that words cannot describe it . The fire was extraordinary from the immense extent of ground which it covered . Look on all sides and you were surrounded by burning masses . Had the wind been in an opposite direction tbe whole village must have perished . That thin awful calamity waa the work of an incendiary , there is unhappily no doubt Two men were apprehended , one of whom is now in custody ; against the other no evidence was adduced which warranted his detention . The village during the whole night was thronged with labourers , hundreds of whom came from distant aud adjacent villages . The loss cannot be under £ 5 000 . All the property was insured in the Norwich Union Office .

      Box worth—On Wednesday evening last , shortly after eleven o ' clock , Mr . Ktrby , farmer of Boxwortb , wh » had retired to rest , was awakened by a man named EHard , an inhabitant of the village , who three years since worked with ; Mr . Kirby , tad who communicated the alarming intelligence that hia premises were on fire . On descending he found that a barn containing unthrashed barley , was in a blaze in the middle The flames rushed forth with great fury , and speedily communicated with the . eaves of the dwelling bouse but were prevented extending further in this direction by the great exertions of Ellard and Kirby . The fire had by this time been perceived by others in the village , and the whole neighbourhood was speedily alarmed . A messenger was despatched to SwaveBey for tbe engine , which speedily arrived , and proved to be rnoBt efficient in preventing the extension of tbe fire to I the dwelling-house fcom a neighbouring BtohJe , In lt 8 H

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      than ten minutes from the discovery of the fire the whole of the contents of the yard were in flames , together with two cottages , occupied by a wheeler named Butler I who ] his seven children ) and a farm labourer named Allen ; these tad barely time to escape , as they , with their families , were in bed when the flxe caught theirfroofa . Tbe whole of their furniture , with the exception of one bed , was consumed . The children of Butler , in a partially naked state , were some of them afforded shelter by the villagers , and the remainder , with tileir unhappy mother ; might have been seen congregated round the Ingle nook of the only pnbnchouse of the village , in a state of hopeless despair . The labourers used every exertion possible , and removed the furnitufe of Mr . Kirby , part to- a close

      opposite the residence , and the remainder to tbe premises of his neighbour , Mr . Wolfington , where his family , bonsisting of his wife and three children , the eldest of ! them under eight years of age , also found shelter , and : this was all the assistance that could be rendered , asj the fire was blazing with such fury as to prevent : all hopes of saving any of tbe contents of the yard . The heat was most intense , and the dwellinghouse from this cause was not out of danger till nearly half-past thrle o ' clock , at which time the supply of water was becoming exhausted , the pump being consumed and two ponds having been drawn nearly dry in pumping on this and the ! nearest stacks . Almost the whole of the stock , 11 or ] 12 cows , and as many horses were got out of the yard , and te accomplish this , they had to ba

      ltd through a pond ; but two horses , one bud , fourteen store and three fat hogs were burnt , together with a large quantity of poultry . Another horse was so mncb burnt that ife Is doubtful whether he will not have to be slaughtered . I The contents of the yard were the whole of the produce of a 450 acre farm , and consisted of sixteen stacks , [ namely , three of wheat , two of peas , one of barley , one of oats , and one of tare stubble . These , contrary to the usual practice of Mr . Kirby , were this year all stacked in tbe yard . The buildings consisting of a barn containing chaff , two of barley , one of wheat , and one of oata , nag stable , and cart-shed , log'hovel , cow-lodge , two granaries over stable next the house , and a wheat case , containing about three bays or eighty loads of wheat , with piggeries , henhouses , < fec

      The grain was in the straw , with the exception of from eighteen to twenty loads of wheat and feurteen or fifteen quarters of barley , and the greater portion of this was thrashed on the Wednesday . The cottages ! were completely gutted , the walls only being left standing , and those in a tottering condition . The party wall was an unusually substantial one , and fell with a loud crash about five o ' clock . The implements burnt [ oonsisted of five carts ^ one waqgon , a drill , a gig , dressing-machine and blower , ploughs , barrows , &e . No accident occurred to any human being , although the occupants of the cottage had a very narrow escape . A Boutta-weBt wind was blowing the whole night ,

      which towards morning veered a little more to the west At half-past ( eleven o ' clook on Thursday , at which hour our informant left ( having been attracted from Cambridge the previous night by the rtflection on the horizmt , the stacks were still burning , although , of coarse , there was no danger of the flames extending , and the fury of tbe devouring element was well nigh spent . This comfortable homestead at that time presented a meloncholy picture of desolation . We regret that we cannot close this report without adding that not tbe slightest doubt exists bn the mind of tbe proprietor , or any iu the village , that ] the conflagration was caused by an incendiary , i

      i MORE DREADFUL FIRES . SteepleJMORden . —On Monday night , about eleven o ' clock , a fire broke out in the rickyard of Mr . S . Strickland , of Steeple Morden , Cambridgeshire , which consumed all the ricks , barns , corn , and outbuildings , leaving only the farmhouse . The fire is supposed to have been the vile act of an incendiary , and a person is taken up on strong supposition . This is the second flre within a period of six months at this farm ; consequently the whole of the newly-erected buildings are destroyed . Had it not been for tbe attendance of tbe Ba 8 singbourn engine very little doubt is entertained but the house must have fallen a sacrifice to tbe flimes ; for although { there were hundreds of the labouring class of both sexes ia attendance , with the exceptien of a very few , they rendered no assistance in saving it .

      Maui . den . —Ou Friday evening , Dec . 1 , a fire broke out at Maulden , which has caused the greatest possible alarm . Two ! large bean-ricks , the produce of twenty , one acres , the property of Mr . John Seabrook , were entirely destroyed . The Ampthill engine , and it * complement of firemen , promptly attended , but was of no avail , as no water could be procured ; and bad there been plenty ] of water it would have been useless to play , as the stock was a complete mass of fire in a few minutes after it was discovered . Mr . Seabrook is , we understand , insured to the full amount

      SaWbridgewobth . —On Monday evening , about ten o ' clock , a tire broke out in the farm of Mrs . Bennett , called Noon ' s farm , near Sawbridgewortu , in the vloinity of the farm which was destroyed lost week . The whole of the outbuildings and a part of the dwellinghouse were destroyed , together with a quantity of pigs and poultry , and a calf . There is , we fear , little room for doubt that this fire is the work of an incendiary . Two men , suspected of the crime , were taken before the Rev . C . S . Bourchier , who remanded them until Monday next—Herts Reformer .

      On Sunday night last , another fire broke out in Rowell , by which a hovel and a . barn were consumed . They contained a quantity of corn , which , fortunately , was saved , i On tbe next evening , a fire broke out in tfce rick-yard of Mr . Horspool , of Broughton , which consumed a stalk of wheat and a stack of barley , and occasioned the destruction of a hay-rick . Both are presumed to be the work of incendiaries . —Northampton Mercury . \ On Friday se'nnight a double barn , filled with barley , the property of Mr . Stephen Crooch , of Honingham , was entirely consumed by fire . Mr . Goock had a stack burnt the previous Friday . Three men—two Lincolns , father and son , and Weight , the son-in-law of Lincoln—are in custody , and remanded till Tuesday ; and Hunt , another man , is taken up . They all reside at Honingbam . —Norwich Mercury .

      Early in the morning of Wednesday , last week , the stackyard of Drumraawhanee , near Crieff , was discovered to be j on fire by an individual belonging to a neighbouring farm , who immediately gave tbe necessary alarm . | Considering the untimely hour , a great number of persons , anxious to arrest the work of devastation , were soon collected to tbe spot ; but , in defiance of every exertion , eight stacks were consumed beforo any effectual resistance could be offered to the ; progress of tbe flames . How tbe flre originated is still a mystery ; Jbut , from certain circumstances , strong I suspicions are entertained of its having been the work : of an incendiary . The proper authorities , we believe , I are busy investigating the affair ; but , so far as we ' have heard , without elucidating anything as yet to criminate any person in particular . —Glasgow Chro- i nicle . :

      Darlington . —On Thursday evening , the 30 th ult , the sUble of ] Mr . Stockdale , butcher , waa discovered to be on fire ; but so prompt and energetic were the persona living in the neighbourhood , that it was extinguished without tbe aid of the fire engines . On tbe same evening tbe stable was again on fire , but quite in another pait ; j which excited suspicion that it has been the work of ; an incendiary . Happily it was extinguished by the same energetic means as the former . — Sunderland Herald . Fire at j Claphah . —On Saturday night , a little before ten o ' clock , a fire broke out in the rick yard of Mr . Crisp , of Clapham > Beds . The flames reached to

      so great an I height that they were visible in Budford , and the engines were drawn out and in the road tafore the messenger arrived to give the alarm . In leas than half an hour from this period some hundreds of persons were on their way to the flre . Two stacks of barley , one ; of beans , and one of wheat were entirely consumed , together with the barn and some adjoining buildings , anjd a thrashing machine , which had been at work on that day u ^ on some clover seed , was also burnt We j have at present heard no estimate of the damage , but learn that the property is insured in the Sun Fire Office . The origin of the flre has not been ascertained . —Herts Reformer .

      I MORE INCEN » IARISM . Bishop S ^ obitord , Dec . 11 . —The following in . cendiary fires have occurred in thia neighbourhood within the ) last few days : —On Friday morning , about six o ? clock , the farm-yard of Mr . Rogers , of Shorley Hall , was discovered to be in flames . Express was immediately sent to this town for engines , and assistance being speedily procured , and a plentiful supply of water , the fire was confined to a large shed filled ] with agricultural implements , - a haulm stack , and other small buildings . The morning was fortunately ivery calm , else the large barns adjoining must have fallen before the devouring element . On Sunday evening another large fire was observed to break out north of the town . The engines were speedily despatched in . the direction of the fire , which waa found to be the Parsonage Farm , Maunden , in

      the occupation of Mr , Smith . On arriving , we found the whole of the extensive buildings , with the exception of one small barn , in flames . The attention of the firemenjwas directed to the dwelling-house , to which the lames were fast approaching . Water being short , it was with difficulty saved ; bat the remainder of the premises waa soon a mass of ruiflS . Two goats , and one fat hog were the only live Block destroyed ; [ the rest were saved . Mr . Smith , the occupier , bears a most excellent character , and what could induce the perpetration of this act we are at a loss to conjecture . It broke out while the family were at tea , in the thatch of the middle barn . Letters have been picked up in the town , in which Other property is threatened . The greatest alarm prevails , this being the fourth fire in rather more than a fortnight .

      Incendiary . Fibes in Beekshire . —We regret to state that two more incendiary firea have taken place in this county . ; The barn of Mr . Matthews , a farmer at Stockcross , { containing a quantity of corn , wag fired a few evenings since , and , with the whole of its contents , totally consumed . A poor and industrious man , named ; John Grey , living at Barden ' s Heath , near Thatcham , had his little barn , and all it contained , burnt to the ground . There is very little doubt that both tbess fires were wilfully caused by iBCen * diarie 8 =

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      More INCENDIARISH . ^ -Informatlon been re . celved at the Bow-street Police-office , and circulated , that on the night of Tuesday last seme persons mallclousJy set fire to a barn occupied by Mr . James Hindley , Hunt Hall , Calchett . During , tbe burning of the barn the following property was stolen—namely , & coat , waistcoat , an j other articles of wearing apparel On the same night , between the hours of eleven and twelve o ' clock , some persons set fire- to a barn belong ing to Mr . James Blackburne , of Astley , in Lancashire , and the building waa destroyed , together with a quantity of hay . Suffolk . —In the county of Suffolk no fewer than four incendiary firea attended with seriouB Iosb , have occurred within the space of forty-eight hours .

      Bedfordshire . —Incendiarism , by the frequency of its occurrence , has ceaMd to be considered a crime by the generality of labourers ; and some , I am persuaded , have been excited to commit the crime by the force of example alone . —Lelier 0 / a Bedfordshire Farmer in the Mark Lane Express . Beccles , DEC II . —It is our painful duty to inform you of the further spread of incendiarism in our district On Sunday night last a fire of no ordinary character took place at the village of Stockton , Norfolk , on s farm in the ocenpation of Mr . Robert Grimmer ; and in a short space of time a large barn , filled with the produce of twenty acres of barley , was entirely consumed . The utmost exertions were used to save the property , but entirely without effect . Mr . Grimmer , we understand , is insured . —Chronicle , Wednesday ,

      Goveenment Bewards . —The . Government Police Gazelle exhibits too faithfully the alarming progress of incendiarism throughout the country . The determin . ation of Government to punish with the utmost degrc 3 of severity the perpetrators of these incendiary acta n manifest by the large rewards offered for the apprehension of the chief actors , and the inducements held out to the less guilty accomplices that may choose to turn Qaeen's evidence . The following are the last cases of incendiarism which have been communicate ! to the proper authorities ;—Ou the morning of the 12 th ultimo a bam and other out-buildings , the property of Mrs . Tyrrell , of Polstead Hall , In the occupation of Mr . William Tabar , together with a quantity of beau ?

      and straw , were feloniously set on fire . Government offers £ 50 reward ; C . Tyrrell , Esq ., £ 50 ; and the Soffolk Fire-office £ 50 , for the apprehension and : conviction of the offender or offenders , together with her Majesty'a pardon to any but tbe person actually firing the premises . On the same night a stack of barley on the farm of Mr G Gayford , of Rymer-house , in the connty of Suffolk , was wilfully set on flre and destroyed ; £ 259 reward is offered . Her Majesty ' s Government and his Grace the Duke of Grafton each offer £ 50 . In this case the Royal clemency will be extended to any but the actual Incendiary . On the morning of the 18 th . ultimo the barns and out-buildidgalo the occupation of Mr . Samuel Buck , of Hawsteai ^ Bdge farm , also in

      the county of Suffolk , were wilfully set on fire and deHtroyed , together with a quantity of com therein ; £ 208 reward is offered , £ 100 being given by the Government , besides the inducement of pardon to accomplices being holdout On the night of the 18 th ult . a stack of barley , on the farm of Mr . Thomas Eersey , Fakenhata , Suffolk , was wilfnlly set on fire and destroyed ; £ 250 reward in offered , £ 100 by her Majesty ' s Government , and £ 50 by his Grace the DnTce of Qrafton , and in th ^ case the Royal pardon will be granted to any accomplice who may turn Queen ' s evidence . For the bean hovel of Mr . Thomas French , of Whitfield , two carts , and also hay-rick damaged ; for the bean-rick of Mre .

      Brown , of Rothwell , Northampton , together with a wheat-rick , barley-rick , and range of beast hovels , £ 50 by Government For a barley-stack , belonging to Mr . George Nead , of Easton , £ 52 10 s . by the Norwich Union Insurance Company . For the barley stack of Mr . S . Goocb * of Honingham , £ 105 , by the Norwich Union Fire-office , and also £ 105 by Mr . S . Gooch . In the first case a man named Thomas Heyes , farm labourer , twenty-five years of age , five feet five inches high , fair complexion , light hair , small whiskers , and dark brown eyes , is snspecte *! of setting Mr . Hindley ' a property on fire , he shortly afterwards having left the village .

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      THE IMPOBTA >* T I 2 » Y 35 TIGATIO 2 f AT THE BIRMINGHAM T ^ ORKHOITSE On Thursday , the investigation was resumed , Mr . Iiuc- % one of the Guardians of the Poor , in the chair . There * w « e present during the day the following Coardisusi—Messrs . Byda , Knight , " Pritehard , W . Cheaaaire , Malms . Birley , Matchett , Robinson , Boderok , 3 o 8 epu Corbstt , HoUingawortti , Boucher , Efcbbert , Turner , Alldridge , Potter , and Taylor , of Bdgbc ^ ton-street . It had been clearly established , hy the evidence of Several witnesses at the former meetings , that four tcainos bad been eonfined , contrary to law , ia a horvJjlehole . for eight days and eight nights , ia a stats of nndi-y ,. without bedding or covering , except a rug each , and that they were supplied with very inferior food all tbe rune .

      The Commissioner commenced the further inquiry ty E 3-tta& , that be should like'to examine Mr . Ta'Phersou . After looking at the cell in which the four men -were confined , he thought it impossible but that the persons in the Infirmary Dispensing Room must haveheard the tramps in the place they were . : Mt . Xai « 5— I bave been told , Ssj , that the boy , < jf whom we have heard so mush , is now in the Workionf \ Tae Commissioner—If that be the case , I am very sorry for it . The Governor has positively stated that he knew nothing about him . .

      Mr . Robert M' Pherson , a member of-the College of Apothecaries , and Apothecary to the Infirmary , waa then examined . He stated he knew of the four tramps 1 ring eosfiEed in tbe " black . hole , " bnt did not see them . I shonld say they were in eight or ten days . The first three or four dsys they seemed very cheerful , singing and making a soise ^ which annoyed us very much . Afterwards ihey were -very quiet ; in fact they trcame so quiet that 1 had forgotten they were there Ttntn the Sunday , -when my little boy , -who ~ was with me , saw the man taking food to them- He told his mother whfiD he got home he saw three or four naked

      men . His mother asked me if such 'was the case ; and not believing it possible , I told her I thought it imp > ssible . When I returned from dinner I made inquiries of James Dawson and John Farr- if the men were still there , and if they Trere really naked 7 Xfcey i -sured me thsy were . James Dewson told me ths men had wanted bread , and- that he could save them some of his if he dare give it them . I nerai saw the menatalL I did not report the subject to anybody . I might hs .- ? e ialked about the sufcject to the House Surgeon ; I made no reserve , for the matter was talked of v = ry freely by the BervanfT .

      James Dawson was then called , and examined by the Commissioner . He said , I am a pauper in the Binninghim "Workhouse , and I have been an inmate in the House about two years . About two months ago I recollect four men being pnt in the vaalt or cell in the passage leading to the Infirmary . 1 had nothing to do for them-when they were there . I saw them in that jlace for a ¦ s&ek or tatter . They said they were hungry , and * hat it wi" : very cold . They were naked when Isawthem . ThB Commi « sioner—How often did you Bee them in a state of nakedness ?

      " Witness—1 sa . 'w them naked two or £ hree times , as T mi going tfcrcugh the Ssuagewaen Harris < was gvring r : em fooi . Once , ul wb , pa *^ at tte ^ of ^ OH , they asked me to hand them some ragB which they bad thrust through the grating at one corner of the ¦ wait . They weroiagswMchTiad beenpnt through the window or grating , as 3 understood , to keep the eold « afc Afc ibis tSxoeibey Baked me it j ^ a a O it of mouldy crust of bread to give them . They complained of baing hungry . I wonld have ? iven them some bread Etthattime , if Idared , The Commissioner—What time of ths day was It hen tfeey « ked jou fo ^ bread 7 Mr . Joseph Corbett—Waa It tafore breakfast , or after , mat they asked yoo- for tbi » bit of mouldy ami ?

      Witnea—It wm about eleven 01 twelve o'clock . Mr , J . Corbett—What time did they have their fcreakfcrt given to them ? Wiinea- ^ The breakfast was josnally given out to them sJbonfc nine o ' clock . The CommiBsioDer—Are yon , witnass , qnile jnre yon BSWthe men naked ? Witness—I am quite confident I saw them naked . The Commissioner—All four nak&d ? Witness—Yes , 8 j ; I saw them naked several times as I was passing . They were as entirely naked ss

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      INCEKDIARISM IN BEDFORDSHIRE AND SUPPOSED MI 3 KDEB . —ALARMING STATE OF THE RURAL TllSTKinTS .

      ( From a Correspondent of tlie Times ) Bedford . Friday . Dec . 8 . —During the last fortnight thia generally tranquil county has been disturbed from end to end by repeated nightly fires , and unhappily , there is bat too much evidence to show that these atrocious outrages upon property have been the work of incendiaries , although it is impossible to assign to tbe commission of such wanton mischief any probable motive , inasmuch as the agricultural labourers appear to be generally more contented than In other rural districts of the kingdom .

      To the long list of fires ascertained to be cases of arson , and of which some particulars have already appeared in the London and local papers , fresh outrages of a similar kind have been added this week , a brief account of which is subjoined . Before adverting to the new cases , It may ba right to state the result of the investigation which has been going on relative to Jhe fatal fire at Mr . Alderm&u Higgins ' s barn on the Kimbolton-road , near tbis town , last Friday morning . That disastrous affair , In which an unfortunate man lost his life , remains involved in mystery , though the magistracy and the police have been actively engaged in an endeavonr to obtain some cine by which it could be explained . Though ' the inquiry has closed for the present without any definite result , the suspicion at first

      entertained of a murder having being committed previous to tbe fire ( tbe latter course being resorted to in order to conceal the crime ) , seems to be the generally received opimon of all those -who iuwve attentively considered the subject . The following is a brief outline of the facts , as stated on the coroner ' s Inquest , and in the progress of the inquiry had before the magistrates , which closed yesterday afternoon with the liberation of two men , who were apprehended under circumstances of strong suspicion . It appears tbat , on the morning of Friday last , just at daybreak , seme labourers in the employ of Messrs . Green , of Bedford , were commencing work at a brickkiln on the Kimbelton-road ; they observed flte issuing from the windows and doors of a large bam a short

      distanc 3 from the road , and in tbe occupation of Alderman Higgins , of Bedford . An alarm of flre was promptly given , and a number of persons hastened to tbe spot On approaching tbe house two young men , brothers , named Parkins , were seen to ruBh from the barn , which was then on flre in three separate places , and blazing furiously . When questioned as to the origin of the fire , they pleaded ignorance of it , the elder brother merely remarking tbat they had attempted to enter the barn , and bad narrowly escaped with their lives . An express was despatched to Bedford for the engines , two of which were speedily on the spot , but were wholly inoperative owing to want of water , which

      was slowly obtained and in small quantities from an adjacent draw-well . The barn , which contained several quarters of com , was totally consumed , and the rick escaped destruction only through tbe active exertions of the firemen and the police , aided by Messrs . Green ' s workmen . The two Parkinsea were observed to be only partially dressed ; one assisted in extinguishing the fire ; bnt tbe other brother remained a listless spectator of the conflagration . These circumstances lending to raise an unfavourable impression against the two young , men , Mr . H . J . Juppett , superintendent of the police , took them into custody , and they were removed to Bedford for examination before the magistrate .

      When the flames were got unser , which was not till the barn was reduced to the bare walls , tbe firemen and police entered , and discovered , on turning over the fjhes , the body of a man frightfully burnt , and , ot

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      COVENTRY ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROTECT TION OF WAGES IN THE PLAIN RIBBON TRADE . At a public meeting , holden in the large room , Rose and Grown Yard , Coventry , the Committee to the Trade bronght forward the following report , which waa unanimoosly adopted . Its insertion in the pages of the Star will much oblige , v The Trade . HALF YEARLY REPORT , DECEMBER 1 ST , J 843 . Gentlemen , —Your Committee , in presenting their half-yearly Report , congratulate yon on the increasing prosperity of the funds of the Association . During the last six months , your delegates have had various difficulties to contend with , arising in part from the conef to

      tinued ^ determination some manufacturers nse every artifice to evade the present list of prices . For this pnrpose , they bave oppressed some of the moat needy of our fellow-workmen with extortionate hire for their hand-loom machinery , first ascertaining where the | greatest necessity existed amongst tneir workmen , and ' then taking a mean and base advantage of those very necessities , which , had they been possessed ol one spark of humanity , Christianity , or common sympathy , they would have done all in their power to Alleviate . A small advance has lately been gained on the weaving of shaded ribbons ; and some dissatisfaction has been expressed by certain members of the Association , because an advance has not been obtained

      on tbe weaving of plain Swiss ribbons : your Committee , after canvassing the opinions of the manufacturers , and giving the subject their most mature consideration , have come to the conclusion that it would be unwise for tbe sake of an advantage , which is not likely to ba permanent , to force a rise in the present instance , and thereby provoke retaliation , aud endanger the stability of the present list . Taking this view of the subject , and yet being well aware that the aforementioned article is highly deserving a rise on the price of weaving , we nevertheless think it most prudent to let the question rest at present , at the same time assuring the members of the Association , their Committee will take advantage of the first favourable opportunity to gain tbis desirable object , feaving been promised the

      assistance of some principal manufacturers should the demand for Swiss ribbons continue . Although yoar delegates condemn tbe oppressive conduct of some manufacturers , there are others who profess themselves willing to lend every assistance in their power to ^ for ward the objects ot our Association . To these gentlemen we return oar grateful acknowledgments , trusting our proceedings will always gain , as we intend them to merit , the approbation of every friend of the peace and well-being of society . We wish it to be distinctly understood that we are willing to make any reasonable alteration which necessity may require . ¦ All that we desire is to be met in an open straightforward manner , and to have proof that such alterations are requisite , and for the benefit of both parties .

      Ia conclusion , while taking a review of the events of the last six months , we call upon you to be more firmly united than ever . In thus calling upon you , we wish yon to force no ene , nor to injure any class of society . All that we ask of you is that every member of the Association will do his duty to himself , his family , and posterity , by using every lawful means to establish such a price for labour that the working man , instead of being the slave of avarice , may shake off the bondage of oppression , and rise to his prof st position in society .

      Follow Artizins , —We , in common with yourselves , feel the accumulation of evil that is , year after year , pressing upon tbe productive classes cf this country . We witness with grief the honeBt industrious man walking the streets of hia native city in ragged raiment , with starvation and despair depicted on bis deathlite countenance , receiving the smile of cen » mpt , inateid of commiseration , from the very men who have r iised their fortunes on the poverty of their workmen . Wh « n we behold you surrounded by such humiliating circumstances as these , we must acknowledge you bin experienced sufficient to cool your ardour , and prostrate your energies . But still we have a hope ; still we have confidence in you , that you will not suffer yea > selves to sink step by step : into degradation and rain , without striving , by every constitutional effort , to better your condition .

      Total amount collected since the formation of the Union in May , 1842 , up to 30 th October , 1843 , inclusive 275 9 « Disbursed in same period 92 1 * 182 18 U in bands of Treasurer of General Committee 2 10 Jl £ 185 9 IlJ

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      It is gratifying at all times to be able to ref er to persons whose position in sooiety place them » wW the cummon sphere , for when they exert themselT « to advance the cause ef truth its progress is mow accelerated . Thia is strongly evidenced ia * " * generous testimony of T . R . Mandali , Esq ., coroner * Doncaster , who permits reference to be made to ™» with regard to the restorative power of Blair ' s W » j and Rheumatic Pills , he having been a m&rtj 1 " gout for many years . The Mysterious Travelleb and the Is ^ ttvb Scot . —Two gentlemen fell in together , w » travellers 6 n horseback , and strangers to each ^ when the following conversation took place : r " , ^ - . evanin * . ftitv T « . tti «» . nhaarvori tViA rmtt with an , om "

      deen accent . * Yes , rather , " replied the om "You will likely be a stranger in these p » f » f ^ continued the Aberdonian . u If I can , " laeom ^ S replied the other , looking neither to the « & »•»? £ the left . « Perhaps , like myself , you may . be « g on to Banff ? " "Perhaps , " responded the . « £ » yawning . "In that case , perhaps , ya *™» zLA at the Cullenl" "I may of may not" aWjSg his companion . "Pardon me the iiberty _ or _ jrt question , sir , may I ask you if yoa areabaof «» j "No" » O ! married ?' -No , nog -Sgj . beg your pardon , sir : a widower ? " No no * ¦? ^ " Neither a bachelor , nor married man , not wid ° « Thou what can you be V " A divorced ^ J . you must know !» exclaimed the stranger . ^ TO jj his spurs to hia horse , and dasHing out tfsw " an instant .

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      6 THE NORTHERN STAR- _ . ~ I m ' I - II III ¦ - — ¦ ' ¦ " i ' .-li—' . . I II . I ¦¦ — J I ¦ ¦¦¦ ¦ ! „

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 16, 1843, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct959/page/6/