The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — London, England, 1825-09-07 00:00:00

PARIS ROYAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES—SECTION OF MEDICINE. 4,Yl,Sitting of 11;a institution in the last mouth, M. LassVi iwesented a memorial to the academy, stating his rea- Viiol' considering the plague and yellow fever noecoo •ous. The subject having been already before the pub bc, we shall state but in a very gown! manner the asser tions which it contains:— • "Ancient Rome (said M. Legit.), like France, was un known tp America and to the East, but nevertheless they ,both aufered from the yellow fever and the plague. When ver an epidemical disease exists, it is produced by local causes, which can always be explained. The yellow fever is nothing but very intense fever, accompanied by the jaundice—the plague is nothing but an intense fever, at tended with buboes, parotides, &c. These pestilential buboes are absolutely the same as the pustules of the nature of carbuncles which we notice in all parts of France, and whieliare in a manner endemic in some of the provinces.— The disorders called yellow fever and plague appear( d con tinually in all parts of France; but as they are called by 'mother name no mention is made of contagion, and no pre cautioo is taken. It is for this reason ',hat they are not attended with the fatal consequences which always follow th; §fEcial declaration of these maladies. The measures which are called sanitary occasion all the accidents which they profess to prevent. At Cairo, a; at Constantinople, when the plague has a a contagious influence, it ravages only certain quarters, whiled others more healthy are al-, ways exempt from it. The plague which exists in Lower Egypt never penetrates into the Upper." lit. Lasses then made some observations relative to the late epidemy at Barcelona. A committee was formed, which declared unanimously that contagion was but a chimera ; this committee published the reasons upon which they had formed this opinion, which were so conclusive that that effected the conversion ofes celebrated physician, who bad fonnedy been at the head of the contagionists. M. L. pre sented a list of ten communes in Barcelona, enclosed with in the cordon sanitaire, in which three hundred sick took refuge. The inhabitants communicated constantly with the city, but no alteration took place in their health. M. Lassie concluded by declaring that he not only did not be lieve that either the plague, the yellow fever, or any other typhus, was contagions, but lie denied also the existence of infection, and he thought that the adoption of this latter opinion did not sense less calamitous results than the idea of contagion itself. At the conclusion of the memoir, of which we have given an imperfect sketch, a very interesting discussion took place in the Academy relative to contagion. M. LAENNEC commenced the discussion, and interro gated the author as to whether he absolutely denied the ex istence of contagion in every species of disease, without restriction. M. LASSIS replied, that he always excepted the measles and syphilis, but he excepted those only. • " Since M. Lassie (continued M. LALNNLC) assimilates the malignant pustule of Burgundy to the pestilential buboes of the plague; and as he pretends that these two diameters are the same, would it not be better, according to him, to begin by making experiments on the disorder which we have now before us ; and thus arrive at a conclu sion which, in the opinion of non-contagonists, might be legitimately extended to the plague ?" M. LASSI s replied, that the malignant pustule of Bur gundy is not more malignant than the plague ; but that the experiments which might be made on it could not undeceive the public. "We must strike at the root of the evil," said be ; " it is the plague of the Levant which is feared, and it is to the plague of the Levant that we must address our selves." cEOF7ROY SAINT-HIT AIRE observed, that he would 'essromunicate to the Academy the result of the observations which he had himself made in Egypt. " I have never made them public," added lie, " either in my lectures, cr It means of the journals ; and though the communications Which I am going to make do not positively refer to the fundamental merits of the question, yet I think they are rot entirely devoid of all interest. The plague does not re' exclusively in Lower Egypt ;it ravages sometimes the Lower and sometimes the Upper, but never both at the same time ; and it is always subordinate to the influence of the overflowing of the Nile. If this river rises very high Upper Egypt is attacked by the plague, because it is influenced by the exhalations which rise from the damp earth heated by the sun. The lower country, on the contrary, situated beneath the place where the ema nation of deleterious gases takes place, is exempt from It. The upper country remains healthy, because it is exempt from humidity ; but Lower Egypt, being in its turn subject to the influence of damp and heat, is ra vaged by this destructive scourge. It is, therefore, to the Nile alone that we must attribute the plague in Egypt ; and to deliver that country from it, it would be heoisesary to take away that iver. The Nile, throughout the ecurse of the year, dominates over the health of the span try; and its variations totally change the medical con ciliations of the regions which it waters; and it results that these constitutions have an energy of which we have ti example in this country. This energy is such that when there is a reigning disorder, any cause of interrup ttiti to the health whatever, produces always that dis order, and no other." M. Geoffrey Saint Hilaire sup ported this position by a number of facts, among which is the following:-1 waterman, after violent exertion, had the imprudence, whilst in a state of perspiration, to throw himself into the river. In any other situation he would letve contracted a cold or a pleurisy. In Egypt, however, the plague being raging at the time, he died the day after committing this rash act, as was predicted by M. Geoffrey St. Hilaire at the moment when it took place. The same thing happened to a soldier addicted to drunkenness, who, having-one day escaped from the vigilance of the persons appointed to watch him, drank to excess: his misfortune was also predicted. "It would be useless," said M. Geof frey St. Hilaire, "to enter minutely into the detail of other facts which I could cite. I have in my remem brance fl ve or six cases exactly similar to those I have treaded. With another constitution, the same men who died of' the plague would have contracted the ophthalmia of the country, or perhaps an affection of the intestinal canal. Ih ebort, in every month, whatever we may do, we can never contract any thing but the reigning malady; and it is possible to say with certainty beforehand, such and such month I shall have such a disorder, and such and such month another." Nr:LOI:YER.VILLEILIKEY related a circumstance which appeared to him to strengthen the opinion as to the iden tity of the plague with the yellow fever. " One of the most enlightened men of America," he observed, " told me abet at New York, whenever the yellow fever manifested itself at the sea-side, the inhabitants of the port alone were affected with it, whilst merchants and persons in easy circumstances, who lived upon higher situations, were preserved from it. Those alone who came into the plains contracted it." A similar circumstance as to a street which traverses Nevi York, and eparates the healthy from the unhealthy part of the city. was mentioned by M. Desormeaux. Mr. Bose tasted the same fact, but stated that persons might descend into the port without contracting the conta gion, but that they could not with impunity make it their usual residence, or even sleep there. Mr. LAENNI c observed that in spite of all that had been said, es to the climate being as powerful an agent in the production of the plague as the yellow fever, he thought there w::s no rcasin to believe that an identity existed between those two dim:lnters. It was requisite then to divide the question, and to make isolated experiments. The author then reverted to his first proposition, re kti►e to the maligoant pnstuie of Burgundy, and observed that researches on contagion shotild commence with an in quiry into this. Mr. PAD.IIET slid, he was astonished that in this dis cussion the mast notorious facts relative to the late epidetny at Barcelona alone should have been brought forward. It signed to have been forgotten, that Tortosa was infected by a patient, who, on leaving Barcelona, took refuge there; irr•wfts also Palms ; and that in the port of Ma bee similar commur.i.mtions ...had caused the same disor der. A vessel from Lars-, fhwiinF the ports of Spain shut, pit into the Lae:vet:o at Marseilles. This vessel had communicated with Mahon, - and almost the whole of the cm, perished at Marseilles. " There is not, perhaps," continued M: Parities, " a more healthy village in the wield than Carlotta. Situate on the declivity of a hill, ewil removed from all specks of forest or stagnant water, the air there has a free circulation, the .strects being .60 feet bioad ' • and yet this spot, so healthy and delightful, has sufFered from the yellow fever, which had been brought there by patients afficted with it. It has been said that the villages in the vicinity of Barcelona were exempt from the yellow fever, in spite of the number of sick who had perished there; but it is certain, on the contrary, that when an infected person is assiduously taken care of, either by a parent or a friend, the person who had constantly come in close contact with him is sure to contract the disorder. It is, however, true, that the new patient would scarcely ever transmit the disor der himself, for, ail contagious disorders lose their force in passing from an individual, other thin t one who first propagated it. Numerous facts mig tht iled of 1 11 muleteers, who, in transporting merchandise, brought the disorder into places where it had not before existed. 'These facts are notorious, and I ran assure *sou, upon my honour, that the great majority of Spanish physicians 4 9 notin any way doubt the reality of contagion." The Tatsizr NT obsirved, that as the Academy of Me dicine were to discuss the subject of contagion when the report was presented, it would' be desirable to close the de bate upon the subject. . . M. LASSTS, who was about to addreis the Academy be fore the Closing wait_ orilereJ, contented 'himself with oh serving that it AcitifttfiCit foe difficult to refute the asser tions of M. ritiltet. COURT Of COMMON COUNCIL. Yesterday a Court of Common Council was held, in ennse quence of the death of Mr. IVoodthorpe, the Town-Clerk, i being thought necessary to use the utmost expedition in appoint_ ing a person to fill that office. The Loot) MAYOR informed the Court that he had called the members together on account of the death of Mr. Woodthorpe, their worthy Town-Clerk, who suddenly expired on Sunday morning. The Court were aware of the highly important duties of the situation. and of the manner in which it had been filled for many years by Mr. Woodthorpe's son, who manifested, in the most decided manner, his qualification for the office. It was indeed well known to the Court that no man could perform the business of the office with so much accuracy as Mr. Henry Woodthorpe, or with greater zeal. (Hear.) It was, in his Lord ship's opinion, a grateful consideration that, in the midst of the general regret for the departure of so able and valuable a servant of the Corporation, it was in their power to testify their feel ing towards him by appointing his son to the same situation. (Cheers.) Mr. S. Hixow, as the oldest member of tile Court, .rose to do justice to the excellent individual whom they all lamented, as well ' as to point out to the Court the whole admirable course of Mr. Henry Woodthorpe's conduct. He at the same time thought it necessary not to deviate from thausual course observed upon occa sions of the kind, but to appoint a Town Clerk pro tem. until a person should be appointed according to the accustomed forms. Hs then represented that Mr. Henry 11 oodthorpe had performed For several years, during the infirmity of his father, all the duties of the office that the moat indefatigable attention had been paid by him to everything connected with those duties, which he had uni. brad' , executed in the most able and courteous manner. !Cheers.) Mr. H. Woodthorpe was appointed the Town Clerk Jiro ton. ' A short conversation took place upon , the necessity of abolishing certain fees which were paid upon the appointment of the Town Clerk and other City Officers: and of certain gratuities, and It seemed to be generally agreed that the various of fi ces alluded to would be benefited by the abolition, insomuch as they would be come more independent. The Court then adjourned. MANURE F.XEMPTION: CODHETT v. TYE, Our readers will recollect that in consequence of the Bench of Magistrates at Bromley, Kent, having at their last meeting dis missed the charge against Steadman, the keeper of the Huxley turnpike, for taking toll of a wagon sent to London for dung, which did not return laden until the next day, Alr. Cobbett pro cured a MITIIIIOIIII for the collector at the Footscray gate, to chew cause why he allowed the same wagon to pass and re-pass without demanding any. As it was evidently 111 r. Cobbett'a intention to entrap the Magistrates, if possible, into an opposite decision, the novelty of the case excited correspondent interest, and came on for hearing on Monday last, Sept. 6, at the Bell Inn. Holland, the former witness, proved that the wagon passed through late on Friday night, June 24, and returned betwned three and four on Sa turday, without any toll being demanded by Tye, the collector This evidence was not attempted to be controverted, and Mr. Lewis Levy, the lessee for the last 17 years, acknowledged that he never thought any was doe for manure, but if the late decision proved him mistaken, he should feel much obliged to Mr. Cobbett, as it would put more than 1001. in hit pocket, though he much feared whether Mr. C.'s late friends, the farmers, would be so; still as this was the first instance upon record of a collector being sum moned to recover a penalty for letting carriages go toll free through a turnpike, he trusted the Magistrates would dismiss the use.— After a short private consultation, finding them of a different opinion, 31r. Levy contended in somewhat unguarded and intern perate language, Ist, that it was Impossible for them to convict his servant, unless they had proof that toll was actually due—Second, that Tye was collector on the day alleged—and 3d, that they had the Local Act lying before them, to show the table, and thus ascertain that he Witless thank naught to hare taken. These objections, how. ever, though backed by the Solicitor of the Trust with references to Acts of Parliament, were finally over-ruled, and, the collector convicted in the mitigated penalty of one shilling and seven shil lings costs. This penalty Mr. Levy declared it to be his intention not to pay, but suffer it to be recovered by distress upon the collector. In the course of the discussion, Mr. Du DI.OW, the Solicior for the Trust, stated that Mr. Cobbett had inserted several convictions in his Register which had never taken place, and if we did not mistake, particularised one stated to be gained by Mr. William Cobbett, which he actually lost, and was compelled to pay 201. penalty. TURNPIKE TICKETS. CODNETT t. STEADMAN. Immediately after the hearing of the above, Mr. Cobbett again rose to prefer an information against the Collector of the Rualey Gate, for not giving him (Mr. C.). ticket on paying the toll when passing through on horseback the 29th July last. The Magistrates having decided against the objections of the So licitor of the Trust, that Mr. Cobbett was incompetent to be both witness and prosecutor in the same case, since in the latter capacity he was entitled to half the penalty upon conviction, Mr. C. proceeded to observe, that if aggrieved individuals were not allowed to be witnesses, it would be next to impossible here after to convict turnpikemer; their extortion or insolence usually taking place when there were none others present. He did no, how- ever. complain of any incivility, for the keeper knew him, and was therefore upon his guard, but of his not giving a ticket upon the payment of the toll. Solicitor—Did you ask him for one ? Mr. C.—No. I do not charge him with relating but omitting to give. The Solicitor here read several clauses of the Turnpike Acts to show that gate-keepers were only required to give tickets where other gates were e-ected upon the same road, and under the ma nagement of the same trust, and contended that as this gate did not tree any other, a ticket was altogether unnecessary. Mr. Cobbett replied, that the omission of giving a ticket was altogether a trick ; the law required him to give one to on who passed through I", and asked how a stranger upon the road was otherwise to secure himself upon his return on the same day against a second demand—stated that the keeper of the Andover gate had once served him so, and compelled him to pay twice, but, added Mr. Cobbett, " I informed against him, and made him pay the penalty." After a short consultation, Lord SYDNEY announced that the Ma‘istrates decided that the Ruxlty Collector should pay 40s. pe nalty for the omission. • dlr. Cobbett subsequently observed, that the collector at this gate was now so convinced of the necessity of giving tickets, that he actually gave him one last Sunday evening, unasked, when lie parsed through in a post-chaise. THE NEW COURTS AT WESTSIINSTEL—As Michael mas Term approaches, the banisters, attorneys, and others make inquiry respecting the progress of the New Courts 'erecting near Westminster Hall. After some delay, occa sioned by the altering of the first building, the work has pro ceeded with as much expedition as circumstances would allow. The inconvenience which the Judges have so long suffered in temporary Courts is likely to be soon removed, as the King's Bench and Common Pleas, in the opinion of the workmen now employed, will be ready by November. The Common Pleas, which is in a more forward state than tiro King's Bench, appears to be built and fitted up like , the old Court, though it is larger than it was, and there is some difference in the architectural ornaments. The ca nopy over the bench is new in carving and design. There is a door on the right of the Jtolgea, which leads from the bench to apartments intended for .their accommodation. The Jury-boa, and that for the witnesses, stand as before, and the seats for the Sergeants-at-Law, in front of the Judges, are enclosed by a circular partition of oak. The Ind evils, want of space and light, are likely to be the sub ject of complaint. The Royal Arms are displayed over the bench in good style. These high Courts of Record, when finished, will still occupy the site upon which they have stood since the reign of Edward 111. DREADFUL At CI DE NT.—On Monday Major Ridge, who was at his brother's seat, at Vining, near legate, Peterstield, on a shooting excursion, went out with his servant to enjoy the sports of the field. After going over a hedge, his servant handed him his gun through the hedge, with the muzzle towards him, when it accidentally went off, and the contents passed through the Major's body. When the account le ft he was alive, but there was little hope of his recovery. The family were in the greatest ells , tress, and the whole perish lamented the accident, as he was universally respected. • • roLrci. • MANITOV-HOESt, SEPT. 6.—A man named Metes was , charged with having stolen a watch from the constable of the night, who presides at the watchhouse in Duke's-place, whilst his: worship, the constable, was uleep on his post. Trip, the beadle, .who is in the habit of paying frequent visits to the watchhouse, to ascertain whether the duties are properly per- I formed. suited, dist he coiled in on the night before, and found Air. Al inden,Abarbonstable. awake, and apparently (ratified to per fonn the ardlious duties of his oilier. fie left him alone, and , i upon returning, found him taking a comfortable nap in the eau ' chair by the tire-side. Raving awaked him, and qui stioned him about.' young man who had been seen leaving the watchhouse the moment before. he perceived that the constable must have slept as sound as a w9ehman, for he had seen no young man. He watt very anxious to supposed to have shammed sleep, anti began to joke upon flee abject, when putting his hand to his pocket, he be came suddenly convinced, and he admitted that the sleep he bad enjoyed was rcal 4 for his watch was gone. The complainant himself said that, somehow or other, he had been overcome with sleep after Ur. Trip left the watehhouse, but iten the sleep and the robbery had occupied no more time than a ketuaner ofan hour. He bad not seen a human being in the interval between Trip's visits. Trip said, that as he approached the watchbonse, while the night constable was asleep, he saw the prisoner look over the door, but as the young man had been accommodated with a lodging in the watchhouse before, behad no suspicion of any bad motive, as the watchhouse WU, he thoug'in, the last place a man would go to for the sake of plunder. The prisoner at tint denied that fie hod been in the watchhouse, but admitted that lie had looked in and saw his worship the night constable fast asleep, upon which he walked out but without seeing either watch or clock. The Loan Maxon said he considered the theft almost in the light of a judgment upon the night constable, who had niade good the old charge against the guardians or the night by falling asleep instead of attending to his business, which was little more than keeping himself awake. The conduct of the prisoner was extremely suspicious, and he should be remanded until inquiries could he matte about the watch. Twenty thieves, however, might have visited the night constable In his sleep. The prisoner was remanded. The keeper of one of the booths in Bartholomew fair was brought before the LORD Alavott, charged with having offered gingerbread for sale on Sunday evening. and with having ob. strutted two of the City officers in the performance of their duty. Daniel Forrester and another officer stated, that on Sunday, as ' they were on duty in Smithfield, they saw the defendant, who stood before his booth on the footpath, stopping the passengers, and soliciting them to purchase his gingerbread. The officers in formed him that nothing was allowed to be sold there during the Sabbath, and advised him to desist.. He, however, bawled louder arid louder, and raised a mob about them. They were jostled about and threatened with serious ill-treatment; and were finally obliged to take the defendant into custody. The LORD MAYOR said the whole of the keepers of those booths which were placed upon the footpath should know ;hat they were there merely upon sufferance, and that he had the power to order the Immediate removal of all of them. In fact they were liable to heavy penalties under the new Street Act. Ills Lordship, how ever, thought the night's confinement sufficient punishment, and was unwilling to prejudice the sale of the defendant's ginger_ bleed. BARTHOLOMEW FAIR. ro.ntr ALL, SEPT. 6.—The extra number of constables em ployed in Bartholomew fsir this year has had the efkct of keep ing nearly all the regular thieves sway from it, for out of upwards of twenty prisoners (mostly boys) brought before the sitting Magistrate, Mr. Alderman Bridges, only two are recognised as having b e en in custody before. A desperate gang, however, made a bold attempt on Monday night to create a panic in the fair. About 400 fellows, Just after dusk, hunted a bullock from Holborn towards the fair. A great number of them were anned with sticks, and the uproar and alarm occasioned by its passing up King-street, across Smith fi eld, and through houg-lane, sur passed description. The beast itself, however, did no mischief beyond knocking a number of persons down ; but many oyster and apple stalls were overturned by the efforts of the females in particular who rushed towards the pavement. Only one person was secured—Hobcrt Moon, an apprentice to Mr. Manton, glazier, New -street, Shoe-Line. Ile was seized while shouting " Turn him into the fair! floor 'em ! what a latk !" The prisoner was a particularly swift runner, kept close to the beast, and seemed to take a prominent part in the hunt. The prisoner denied having followed the animal farther than from St. Andrew's church, Holborn, and said he was merely holding up his arms, and shouting- to keep hint off the pavement, when the officers seized him. The prisoner's master spoke favourably of the boy's conduct till within et fortnight, since which time he had become connected with some had characters. 31r. Alderman BRIDGES said, that he could either tine him live pounds,, or commit him to Etritlewell for two months; but as the master preferred to pay the fine himself, rather than let his boy go to prison, the worthy Alderman advised him to take the lad before the City Chamberlain, to be dealt with as he thought it. • • • Bow-iITIIEILT, SEPT. 6.—Two gentlemen were this morning ' stopped In endeavouring to make their way into the public office. They were resisted at the street-door by an officer placed there for that purpose ; but they contrived to get past this obstacle, persist ing that they had a right to enter the office where public business was being transacted. Ford, the gaoler to the establishment, laid hold of them in the passage, and brought them before Mr. Max- SHULL. One of the gentlemen stated, on being summoned to give an ac count of his conduct, that he had a country friend with him to whom he was anxious to show, amongst other things, the manner in which the business of Police Offices was conducted. He would not have persisted in pressing his way in as he had done, had he not considered that it was a public office, and, as such, one into which he had a right to enter. Mr. 11l 12:SA 1: it. informed both the Gentlemen that they were much mistaken in supposing that office to be °pea to the public. It wassprivate room in which business was transacted for the fur therance of public justice. None could claim a right to come there but the parties setnally concerned in the business on either side ; and all others who were allowed to be present, were there by cour tesy alone After this admonition, the gentlemen were allowed to remain. Jane Seek, a young girl of very prepossessing appearance, was brought before Mr. Mr N sittruk, charged with having robbed her master, Mr. Wallace, of Cbarlotte.street, Blackfriara-road, of plate to a considerable amount in value, and also with stealing the whole of her fellow-servants' wardrobe. . The prisoner when very young got into vicious courses, and hap pening to become qualified by the commission of a theft for admit tance to the Refuge for the Destitute, she was placed there by some humane persons who, thought there was yet a chance of reclaiming her. She behaved uncommonly well there, and in due time, so strongly was she recommended by the people of the establishment, she was taken into the service of a subscriber to the Institution. She remained twelve months and then lett the service with an ex cellent character, and soon after obtained a situation in the family of Mr. Wallace. During the time shelwas there several trifling articles were occasionally missed, but she was not suspected more than the other servant; inquiry was made, no discovery took place, and there the . matter ended for the time. On Wednesday la:,t Mr. Wallace returned home from the country, atter a short absence, and found the prisoner absent, and a note left on the kitchen table. written by her and addressed to her mistress, the substance of which was, that during the time she had been in the family she had used the utmost of her bumble endeavours to give satisfaction, but she seemed to have failed, as her master and mistress appeared dissatisfied. Besides, she added, several things had evidently been stolen since she came into the family, and, as suspicion might fall upon her, site chose to quit the service altogether. Very soon after reading this plausible note, Mr. Wallace discovered that I addition to the things missing before, a pair of silver candlesticks, cream ewer, tea-pot, spoons, and many other articles of plate, be sides wearing appartl, were missing. The other female servant also discovered that all her best clothes were gone. The prisoner was of course suspected ; and information being given to the po lice, Dickens, a patrol, Found her at a public-house, where she had an acquaintance, in the Westminster-road. Duplicates for several ot' the stolen articles were found in her possession. Several pawnbrokers attended this day with part of the stolen property, and the prisoner was identified as being the person who pawned the different articles. lilr. Wallace expressed a willingness to forego apt-mention, but Mr. MIN3IIULL said she was. in his opinion, a very &object for punishment, and ha committed her for trial at the next Surrey A makes. Charlet Smith, a young fellow, was charged with It robbery, which, though comparatively small in amount, was attended with circumstances of aggravation the most base and cruel. _ _ The prosecutor was a poor shoemaker, of the name of John Rice, living at No. 1, Compton.place, llrunawick.aguare. The prisoner, who had been but slightly instructed in the business, being some time ago in the greatest possible distress, the prosecutor kindly gave him an asylum, and remunerated him for the little assistance he was able to render in the trade, by giving him food and clothing. While poor Rice was labouring hard to keep his numerous family from want, sickness attacked his wife and two or three of his chil dren; and on the same day (Wednesday last) the wife and one of his children died. Sunday wda appointed for the funeral, and Rice being naturally anxious to pay proper respect to their remains, and having no clothes good enough of his own, borrowed a suit of black and a good shirt from a friend. The night before the funeral the prisoner slept at Rice's house, and early in the morning, the latter having occasion to go out, the former took advantage of his absence, and went away with the borrowed suit of clothes, the shirt, • pair of boots, and some money which Rice had left is the room. On Monday, two of the prosecu. tor's sons, wandering through Bartholomew fair, saw the prisoner swaggering about in the stolen clothes; and though mere children they seized hold of him, and, in spite of his efforts to shake them Mt they clung to him until a City policemdicer came. The Magistrate ordered the coat and waistcoat to be taken from biro ; and he was fully committed for trial, and taken to prison without those necessary articles of covering. SWINDLING. ..... lIATTON-GARDEN. SEPTEMDFIt 6.—Another of those often repeated tricks which the cupidity of tradesmen allow to be played off upon them was investigated at this office to-day. A tall young msn, of deep olive complexion, and dressed in the first style of fashion, was charged with having swindled Mr. Wingfield, the proprietor of the White Hart Hotel, Holborn, out of the accom modation of a sitting-room and bed-room, with the necessary ac companiments of soups and vermicelli, wine, and walnuts, for the space of two entire days, in figures GI. 3a. 3d. The genaeatins palmed himself upon the hotel-keeper as a 3lr. Boller, a Demerara proprietor, from which place he had only just arrived, and that his . _ luggage was still on hoard the vessel lying at the docks. Ile then asked if he could be accommodated with a pair of horses and a ser vant, as he was particularly partial to riding. Mr. Wingfield said he had better apply to some of the livery stable-keepers, and men tioned the name ot one, Mr. Anderson, of Gray's Inn-lane. The hint was taken, and the following day the gentleman turned out in the very first style, mounted on a beautiful blood mare, and at ' tended by a stna ,, ly cockaded groom, and agreed to pay for the establishment" the vulgar stipend of twenty guineas per month during pleasure. Thus equipped, the supposed 'Nabob found little difficulty in obtaining goods to any extent in the neighbourhood. I Mr. Sergeant St LLOw—Have you any friends or acquaintance in London to whom you can refer ? jPrisoner —Olt ! yes, several Gentlemen of the first respectability. Sergeant Bough knows me and my coonexions in India perfectly ' well. It finally appeared by a letter found on the prisoner that his name was Boma, though he assured the Magistrate that in assum ing the fictitious one of Boller he had no improper motive. As the prisoner could not pay the several persona who appeared tomake claims on him he was remanded for further examination. MARI.3OIIOI/0/1-STREET, SErT:6.—Mr. Tate, a book Me -1 tioneer, residing in Holborn, appeared before Mr. Cowitryr, to answer to a charge of assault preferred against him by Mr. James Biggs, the deputy overseer of the united parishes of St. Gilea's and St. George's, Bloomsbury. By the statement of Mr. Biggs, it appeared that he went into the shop of the defendant in Holborn, on Monday night, where the defendant was selling books. After having knocked down a copy of "Blair's Sermons." the auctioneer asked what book he should next have the pleasure of offering to their entice; a looker-on cried out '• Fanny Hill !" and 31r. Tate thinking that it was meant as an insult, got down from his desk, and mistaking Mr. Biggs for the offender, began kicking and otherwisesssaulting him. Ur. Biggs accordingly gave the auctioneer over to the watchman, and he, as a matter of course, appeared here this morning. The auctioneer In defence said, that Mr. Biggs had been for I some time using very improper language, and that he was not able to endure it any longer, therefore he endeavoured to turn him out of the shop. The Magistrate ordered the auctioneer to put in bail to appear at the Seslion3. A parish watchman was fined frs. for appearing in a state of ine briety at the office. A MURDEROUS PLOT DISCOVERED. A youth, about 18, named Edward Cleveland, late a groom in the service of Mr. Robinson, a gentleman of fortune, residing at No. 811, Greek-street, Soho-square, who has been several days in custody, charged with committing very extensive depredations on his master's property, was brought betere the Magistrate for final examination. It unfortunately happened, that Mr. Robinson took the prisoner into his service without ascertaining his character from his former master. The neceuity of this precautionary step will appear more than ever obvious, from the conduct of this wholesale plunderer. From the day he entered Mr. Robinson's service, that gentleman was continually missing articles of every description, but more particularly from his library, but so plausibly did the prison er conduct himself, that Mr. It. never once suspected him. Indeed the apparent application of the 1...! to reading and writing, induced a very favourable opinion en be entertained of him, and Mr. Ro binson, finding that he had acquired the specious show of educe. tion by reciting pieces of poetry, would sometimes introduce him to his friends, that he might display his talent that way. About six weeks ago. Mr. Robinson went to France fur a short time, but before his departure he discharged the prisoner, because Mrs. Ro binson, his mother, had, from the commencement, disliked the prisoner, and did not wish him to remain in the house in the ab sence of her son ; but the prisoner was not suffered to take away his boxes, because he had borrowed a sum of 41. of the housekeeper, which he was not prepared to pay. Mr. Robinson was not long gone to France, before a discovery was made of sew and greater de predations, which, on Mr. Robinson's return, led to the appre. , hension of the prisoner, when the particulars stated in the BRITISSI PRESS of the 30th August were ascertained, by which it appeared the prisoner, in concert with his mother and others, had robbed his master of property to a very considerable amount. Various lother articles (not 31r. R.'s) werefountl stale houseof the prisoner's I mother, some of which were marked with the name of Mr. Ham mond, the prisoner's late master. But great as have been the losses sustaincii by Mr. Robinson through the prisoner's means, they are nothing when compared with the injury with which hint. selt sad his family appear to have been threatened. Within these few days, and since the prisoner has been in custody, a letter had been thrown Into the area of Mr. Robinson's house, addressed to that gentleman, well worded and written, but evidently in a feigned hand, which describes a plot laid for therobbery of ha house, and the destruction of his whole family, either by setting the place on fire, or otherwise, which would have been effected had not the ap prehension of " one person," es the letter says, now in custody.' broken up the design, which the writer of the letter says he had himself entered into, having been led on by the plausible intrigues of others, and having unfortunately from evil habits, listened particularly to the counsels of " one person." But the welter is now struck with remorse at the design, and takes the earliest op. l portunity of cautioning Mr. Robinson, even still, although he does not now think there is danger, to search every part of his house nightly, before he goes to rest. On one night, he says, all would have been accomplished, had not the old lady been awoke and got up (this alludes to one night that Mr. Robinson's mother, after going to bad, thought she heard a noise, and got up, and had the house searched), for there was then a person concealed in the house to let others in, but who escaped, on hearing the old lady get up. After many more particulars and cautions, the writer says, that were he known to be the author of such information, his life would be the sacrifice, awl is the desperation of the gang he has to deal with. Since the receipt of this letter, many . circumstances have struck upon the minds of Mr. Robinson and Ins family. Such as the prisoner Cleveland having been often, since his dismissal, found at all hours, late and early, in the house, without any one being able to tell how he got in, and his pretences, to which much attention was not paid, was, that lie came to get something out of his box. A gentleman on a visit with Mr. Robinson on smother night, heard footsteps on the stairs, when the family were in bed, and got up to see who it was, but could perceive no person. Since the Information conveyed in the anonymous letter, Mr. Robinson has adopted every means of security, having a good supply of arms, &c. in the house, and makes a regular nightly search to see that every thing is secured. Mr. Hammond, the termer master of the prisoner, was expected to come forward this day, but be is supposed not to be in town, and the prisoner was fully committed for trial, on the charge of stealing two articles of jewellery, which were produced and identified by Mr. Robinson. The prisoner observed, that he supposed there must be a sort of trial and, until then, he should not say any thing. MELANCHOLY EFFECTS OF SEDUCTION. MAHY 7 LATIiONNE7 IlOSißieeitillir . ;CL;e was witnessed at this Office, and which appalled every individual present. It is the custom, at stated periods, for the Parish Officers to ' bring to the Office, in order to make the necessary affidavits, those unfortunate persons who have been seised with madness, in order to their being forwarded to the Lunatic Asylums, to which custody they cannot be consigned unless the course described be adopted. Two females were by them this day brought up, one of them, an elderly woman, was raving mad, and her frightful cries excited the deepest commiseration. The other was the opposite, depicting that almost incurable state of the disease, called "melancholy madness," and on being brought before the Magistrate she was recognised to be the unfortunate victim of seduction, the beautiful Miss Maria Douglas ; but no more like what she was when last at the Office than night is to day. Her eyes were sunken and hollow, and the death-like paleness of her face showed the deep inroads of affliction upon her evidently susceptible mind. She was attired in the pauper dress, and confined in the strait-waist coat (like her unhappy companion) having attempted suicide in the work-house. Both were under the evident control of some nurses who accompanied them. The opportunity, and the conversation that took place respecting her case, has enabled our reporter to give the most affecting par ticulars connected with her unfortunate situation. Miss Douglas is now about nineteen years of age, and is the daughter of a highly respectable family, but who, from accidental causes, have been dashed from the highest style of life to the very extreme of poverty. Her father, it was said, died of a broken heart, caused by his misfortunes. His daughter, moving in a splendid sphere, and possessing, in addition to an extremely hand. some person, accomplishments of the first order, received the atten tions of a number of very respectable gentlemen, and shortly be fore the general wreck of her father's fortune, she fell a victim to the arts of a most accomplished seducer of rank, but whose name she will not divulge, although she admits he is of a noble house. She resided in a cottage in St. John's Wood with him for some time, but very soon was deserted, and then,the dark clouds of ad versity began to collect around her. She, about four months since, being ejected from the cottage, having disposed of almost every thing, and abhorring the courses of profligacy, determined upon committing suicide, and, in the night-time, was observed wander ing near the canal in the Regent's Park, by a watchman, who, from her evident agony . of mind, followed her, and saw her plunge into' the water, and sink. fie quickly procured assistance, and just as she rose to the surface, succeeded in rescuing her by catching her hair. She was immediately taken in a state of insen. sihility w one of the lodges, and the usual restoratives being applied, she was restored to sensibility, and on the following morn. mg brought to the office, when her attempted suicide was detailed. She very unwillingly stated to the Magistrate the history of herself, and the causes that led to a determination to rid herself of life and sorrow at the same time. Her misfortunes excited pity, and she re. ceived some relief ; and the publication of the case in the news. papers led many benevolent persons-to send money to the office for her use. She was then very elegantly dressed, and extremely beautiful, but to-day presented an afflicting contrast and those appearancri which precede a premature death. On the occasion above alluded to, an asylum was procured for her in Chapel_ street, Llason-grove ; but she had not long been there, before the weight of her affliction brought on the disease of the mind. She was removed to We infirmary, and very soon the complaint became evidently settled. Having attempted some days ago to cut her throat the usual restraint was applied, and in the state described she was brought to the office. Mr. flossixs asked Mr. Goodger, the parochial surgeon, his opinion of her state of mind. Mr. Goodger said she was insane. Miss Douglas mildly, and bursting into tears, " No, Sir, I beg leav,: to Say that I am not deranged, indeed I am rot. I am only ill, and will soon be well again." Mr. Hoseirta—You then are not well in health. Miss Douglas—Oh, dear DO, but i am not mad; I am quiet ; a circumstance has occurred which affitcts me. Mr. Hosixites-.-Will you describe that? Miss Douglas—Oft, Sir, I cannot now, its a long story and an affecting ore, the circumstance ;marred some time ago, and has made me very unhappy; it is silely of a private nature. /I ut lam not mad, oh no, I am not mad, L am only unhappy. Mr. OS N s—Aye your parents alive. Miss Douglas sighing, I have no friend living. She then sat down almost exhausted, and the lassitude of the disease appeared gradually stealing over her. The order for her removal was then made out. The other woman appeared not to understand say thing, but swore and raved with the most frightful vehemence. They were removed in a coach. LAMBETH-STREET, SEPT. 6.—A complaint was made at this office, by Charles Oliver, Esq. against a Waterman, for demandthg and receiving more than his legal fare, in conducting him to r steam-boat off Thames Stairs. The fact having been proved, Mr. 'WYATT, the Magistrate, said, he was much suprised at seeing a case precisely similar to the present reported as having occurred at another office, wherein the Magistrate was made to say that thcre was no remedy in such cases. The public were as amply provided against abuses of this description, and remedies provided for them, as they were in every other ordinary grievance. His Worship then referred to Stat. 31, Geo. 111. c. 65, s. 20, which enacts that if any waterman should demand and receive a higher fare for this labour than should be set and assessed by the Lord Mayor sod Court of Aldermen of the City of London, he should forfeit a sum not exceeding twenty shillings, and not less than fire. The latest assessment of fares, made during the mayoralty of Alderman Coombes, in 1803, fixed the sum for crossing the river at 2d. This be conceived tp be quite inadequate ; but such-being thsestablished r and legal maximum, the waterman subjected himself to the penal ties of the Statute if he demanded more. The worthy Magtstrat, then convicted the defendant in the penalty of 20s. It however wa mitigated to the sum of 10s. with costs. The defendant immediately paid the penalty, and the parties lel: DARING HIGHWAY ROBBERY. UNION-HALL, SEPT. 6.—'Tree youths, named Hunt, l lai, and Wilkinson, were brought up for examination, charged with having attacced three young ladies, of ‘ValWorth, nanig Turner, in the middle of the day, and robbed them of a parcel, containiag • pelisse and some other articles of but trifling value. From the evidence of Miss Sarah Turner, it appeared that on Friday last, in the day time, as she and her two sisters were pro. ceediog towards Lewisham, on arrivingiat the skirts of Sydenharr. wood, they passed four or five boys, and had scarcely done so, when they were followed by the tallest of them, who spoke to witness, and said, `• I want that bundle." • She thinking he was in a joke, refused giving it up, and desired him to walk abort his bu. sinews. Upon which he elevated his voice, and held a stick over her head, saying that he wanted the bundle, and must have it, or else he would knock her down. Miss Turner still unwilling to give up the parcel, the boy who first accosted her immediately seised it, and forced it from her, and jumped across a hedge into the fields, and was followed by his companions, two of whom wore green jackets. The place at which the circumstance occurred was a very unfrequented one. Proceeding on. wards, the complainants met with a man, to whom they re. lated what had happened; but all the comfort he gave them was, that they ought to be thankful that they were not murdered br. sides. On their arrival at Lewisham information was given to the constable there. Inquiry was instantly made at the National Green School, at Camberwell, the boys belonging to which are clad in green, when it was discovered that two of them, named Purcell and Wilson, had absented themselves the whole of the day in question. Upofi interrogating them they confessed where they had been, and gave the following account of their. proceedings :--On Friday morning they played the truant, and went away from school to the Camberwell Canal, on the banks of which they had not been long before the three prisoners, or whom they had some slight knowledge, invited them to walk to Sydenham, to which they eon. writer!, and when they got as far as Sydenham.wood they observed three or four young ladies walking along the road. Upon seeing them, Hunt. who is about 17 years of age, desired the two wit. nesses to jump across the hedge out of the road, which was no sooner complied with than he and the two other prisoners went towards the ladies, when both witnesses saw Hunt snatch a bundle out of the lady's hand and run off with it. The two witnesses ob serving them followed, and when they came up with Hunt he opened the bundle which he had taken, saying that it was a good prize, and that he would pawn it. The two lads who gave the above particulars added, that they heard no previous conversation between the prisoners as to their intention of rubbing any one. The complainants said that their terror was so great, that they could not now speak accurately as to the persons of any of them but they recollected the person who threatened them was dressed hi Ration blue jacket and trousers (this was the dress which Hunt wore when apprehended), and resembled the prisoner Hunt. The Magistrate told Hunt that'he was at liberty to say anything he pleased, but cautioned him against saying any thing that might be used as evidence against him hereaf t er. Hunt detailed the facts of his meeting with his two fellow prisoners, and also the boys belonging to the National School, and their proceeding to. gether to Sydenham.wood. That on their arrival at the wood four ladies were in advance of them ; and one of them dropping a bundle, he (Hunt). seeing it in the road, ran and picked it up. He did not deliver it to those to whom it belonged, but ran away with it, and had concealed it in his uncle's yard at Walworth. Au officer was despatched there, who found it in the place described, and the complainants immediately identified it. The other two prisoners said nothing in their defence, when they together with Hunt, were committed for trial. ACCIDENT TO THE LEEDS COURIER Coactr.—M twelve o'clock yesterday, the Courier, a Leeds coach, was overthrown opposite the church at I slington,by the near hind wheel coming off. Several persons acre severely hurt, and one gentleman (an outside passenger,) had his thigh broken, and an infant inside, an arm crushed. No blame appears to attach to the coachman, who was himself severely bruised. „ LPETERMINED SUICIDE.—On Tuesday last the body of Charlotte Kinganorth, a very amiable young woman, about nine. teen years of age, a domestic in the service of Colonel Espinesee, at Twickenham, was found drowned in the Thames, opposite to a place called Marble Hall. On Thursday evening an inquest was held at the sign of the Swan, and the following is the substance of the evidence then given before the Coroner and Jury ap peared that the deceased had for about six weeks or two months previous kept company with a young man of that neighbourhood, and had been seen frequently walking out with him, and they were considered by the neighbours as lovers. About three weeks ago the young man left Twickenham, as it was understood, to pro cure employment at a distant town, and from that time until the morning on which the fatal deed was accomplished, the deceased had appeared very uneasy and much disturbed in her mind, so much so, that George Smith, also in the service of Col. Espinasse, had, on the Sunday morning before, closely questioned her; on which she replied to his interrogatories, "that she had something on her mind which she meant to keep.” She also had a lett% which *he put into her bosom, and told him " he should not look at it for Ina ;" and that •• if she lived, she never should be happy." It was remarked that she had for some time put been in the habit of rising much earlier in the morning than site had bete accustomed to do, and her general conduct had excited some op. prehension. She was seen by Smith, about five o'clock on Tues. day morning, and it being washing-day, he was not surprised at her being up so early. lie slept in the hall, through which she afterwards contrived to pass without his seeing her. The washer woman came at six o'clock, when the deceased was missed, and search instantly made after her. Smith went to lsleworth turnpike• gate to learn if she had beerethrough ; he there met Mr. Hamlin, a green.grocer, who informed him he had seen the deceased going up Royal Oak-lane, leading to Richmond. Smith then went to Richmond-gate, to ascertain if a person of her descriction had been through there, but he could obtain no information of her. On the same morning she was discovered floating in the Thames. by Thomas Muilard, of Twickenham, who was passing by end saw a bonnet in the water, and on his going nearer to it. per ceived the body of a ; he went immediately and procured the assistance of two men; they took a boat and got the body out of the water, and brought it on shore. She appeared to hers been dead some time. A surgeon was sent for and attended, but it was evident he could afford no beneficial assistance. It ruches appeared that the unfortunate young woman had so complete)? made up her mind to self-de s t ruct i on , t h at s h e h a d pac k e d up dl her clothes, and written a letter to her father and mother, informing them what wages were due to her, and what money she 01 , 0 1 . with an injunc , ion on th e m t o see every t hi ng paid. She vn generally beloved by her acquaintances. The Jury. after a shed deliberation, returned their verdict--." The deceased drowned ha. self during a fit of insanity." BIRTHS. At Lincoln, on the 2d instant, the lady of William 3111 cs, E`9• of a son. At Middleton House, Linlithgowshire, the lady of E. W. Sehenley, Esq. of a son. MARRIED. On the lat Instant, at Cudham church, Kent, J. 'Andre' , Esq • of Conway-street, Fitzroy-square, to Belinda H. A. P. Po cock, second daughter of L. Pocock, Esq. o f Ashmore llous , county of Kent. On the 30th tilt. at Cork, Morgan Price, Esq. to Ifr rn ''' Louisa, second daughter of Major Armstrong, of Holy.cross.abbry , Thurles. Oo the 3d instant, at Milford, near Lymington, Ilants. the Henry Jones, A.M. Vicar of Northop, in the county of Flint. Domestic Chaplain to the Right lion. Lord Bray brooke. to }la! Frances Forde, eldest daughter of the late Jas. 3lapp Allen, E* of Lymington. DIED. At 31mantainhall, on the 27th ult. %Wm. Brand, BK. of : 3611. tainhall, aged 100 years. On the 27th ult. at Forty-hill, Enfield, of a decline, Lieutere t Thos Vi itherby, of the Royal South Gloucester Militia. On the :ith inst. in Cockspur.street, Mrs. Kier, relict of Nr• Geo. Kier, late of Parliament-street, aged 76. On Saturday, in Hanover-square, aged 26, Mary Wake, e ldest dog: . ter of Sir William ake, Bart. of Coutteen Be ll , orthamln shire. At At Maravilhas, Madeira, on t h e 9 t h u l t . lady Jardine. 1 , widow of the late Sir Al ex . J ar di ne , B art . o f Appigneal , Pun ' fries-sh ire. On Sunday evening, Sir Thomas Stepney, Bart. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE THIS PA' Morning 43 rain. after 8. 1 Evening 21 min. after 2. Printed •t THE BRITISH PRESS Office, by;]•WR• ffievaT"' Hil, Strand, and published by R. Casts oa, sum nx 4' Z Pn . I MN bet and Ttv and exp Astor a nil 411; A. ACI Ditt Si SI '-'HEL The areci 'wade fl N. 13 prinelp TH mlnatio has obi IlYPery their fill either I and pec various dular to those c Routs, ri pouloos , he titer 4c. vthj, The • Which "I serve chi 6411) , it I ts VIA amen , 0 .Medicine Uaited ( lePu Calcutta,