The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — London, England, 1825-03-12 00:00:00

': 114 _ COURT I' = Yeetwday a Coen of emnon Council was held at the Guild -1311, which was specially movened by the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, at the lemma of Mr. Alderman Wsitionan, for the rue- Pam at taking int* consideration the tendency of the Bill now i.- !regress tbrcugh Parliament relating to the Equitable Loan Bank Camparly. BLACKFRIARS' BRIDGE. Mr. Dismal' begged to be allowed to ask a question of that ma'am Che-rman of the Corumitme for General Purposes. when he was glad to observe was present. He had noticed the foot . of Blachteisre 6 Bridge was so very inconvenient and dangerous that he conceived it required some explanation why the Committee • dermal Purports. had not, before this time, effected an alteration, which vet obeli:ltaly required for the purposes of public safety: The plan of Mae Adamizing the read •and bridge he highly ap proved of, as being a ve r y goo d o ne , but he never could see why it was umeesary to leave the Bridge in its present state. Upon the mance of tne answer which would be given by the worthy Chair. man, it depended whether it would be necessary for him to trouble the Court further upon the subject or not Thethairman of the Cont armee for General Purposes said, that the nuenstiou of the Committee had certainly been called to the state of the pathway on the bridge, but they did not feel themselves justified in `icing further orders until they bad amerteir.ed whether Mr. .11`Adam censidered himself to have completed his contract. It was the opinion of the Committee that he had not ; but as soon as this had been ascertained. they would then do the best they could meanie remedying the evil complained of. )jr. 8. Dixow said, that the thing was of the most serious na ture, as it remised the public constantly to the most fatal accidents. It would tie too late to remedy it when a few more lives had been tom. 01 all the shabby appearances he ever saw, be never wit. AMMO one so disgraceful to this metropolis as the present condition ot Blackheath. Ridge. Jles..tGairr Iva made a few observations as to the disgraceful slimmer on which the contract.bad been hitherto performed by Mr. .11d•Adant. The LOUD MATOU was of opinion that the present state of the bridge should not be suffered to continue ; and that whether the fault was with Mr. 4 Adam or with the Committee, he thought it ' was highly necessary for the safety of the public that some temedy should be immediately applied. (Hear, hear.) Mr. OLDHAM replied, that as he understood from the worthy "Chairman that the Committee were quite satisfied something was repaired to be instantly done in order to prevent the accidents which were liable daily so occur from the present improper state of the bridge, he should not at this time carry the subject further, in the 'hope that the evil would be remedied. THE EQUITABLE LOAN BANK COMPANY. Me. Alderman WAirseseaw said, he held in his hand a petition Which was signed by several very respectable individuals belonging to the body of Auctioneers, praying that the Corporation of the City f London would adopt measures to oppose the Bill now before Parliament relative to the Equitable !men Bank Company. He should now move that the petitioners be called to the bar of the Coutt, and their petition be heard. Mr. Campion and several otherauctioneen were then called in, and presented themselves at the bar, while the Recorder read the petition. The petitioners having withdrawn— :dr. Alderman Warr HAW again rose, and said, that he would not trouble the Court at that moment with any observations, but reserve himself until he should bring forward the Resolutions which he intended to propose for the adoption of the Court. He would therefore merely move that the petition just presented be received by this Ccurt. Mr. S. Dtiox observed, that he most readily accorded the unto. tion of the worthy Alderman. A better illustration of the nature of the Bill now before Parliament could not be made than was con tainei in this petition. It stated the number of the persons who were Members of the British House of Commons who were inter ested in this, and he believed in many, many other projects of a similar nature. It appeared to him that these Gentlemen must be constituted very differently from what mankind in general were, if they could discharge the honest and impartial duties of Legislators me questions in which their own individual interests were so nearly concerned. Pure as their characters might be, he thought it wholly beyond their power not to be in some way influenced by these pant cipations in the Companies. But they professed their sole object to be to advance money to persons who needed temporary loans, and to supersede the present pawnbroking system, which was so injurious to that class of persons. Now he thought that it was im. possible that their objects were merely such as they bad stated; for if It were only to lend money to poor persons the sum of two mil lions could hardly be necessary to form a capital ler such a purpose. These persons claimed great credit for not charging more than tire per cent. interest ; but as they could not legally take more, be thought no credit was due to them for their forbearance. This pe tition, however, showed the fallacy of such a claim to moderation ; fur it appeared that although they charged indeed only five per cent. for interest, yet there were other charges, in the shape of commission and agency, which would extend the whole to a very considerable amount beyond that arm. He held in his hand • circular which had been addressed by the Company to the member of this Court. It stated that " the Bill did not create or establish the Company, who were already established." Then why this Bill ? But the Company was net established in the sense they wished it to be; it was OM yet only a partnership, and not an Incorporated body. The circular went on to say—" that the Bill did not confer on the Company any one exclusive privilege or right ; the Bill was only a Bill to enable the Company to sue, and be sued in the name of their clerk. It therefore could not be disapproved by the highest legal and financial authorities in either House of Parliament, who had repeatedly declared that such Bills were as convenient to the public as to the Companies, be- cause they facilitated proceedings against Companies if they should incur a debt, or be guilty of any wrong." l'he Hon. Member was proceeding to read other passages of the circular, when Mr. DUINFORD rose to order. He thought the Hon. Member was quite out of order in reading a document not properly before the Court. Mr. S. Omen mild, that he was certainly at liberty to read it sea part of his speech. But it was not necessary to go furtherinto this matter. Ile would exclaim as the writer of old once did— "ol that mine enemy would write a book." For he considered this circular to speak truths which went altogether against those veto uttered them. (Cries of question, question.) lie would not detain the Court longer, but second the worthy Alderman's motion. The question was then put, and the petition agreed to be received. Alderman WAITHMAN then presented a petition from several Pawnbrokers of the City against the Bill, which was also read. Mr. ft. TAT LO u said, he was quite unprepared when be came to that Court to agree to these petitions being Alderman WAITHMAX rose to order. He begged to inform the iftmumble Member that it was now his intention to move several orations founded upon those petitions, which would give the enemeable Member an opportunity of expressing his opinion _men the subject. He believed that when a Member introduced • =teasers before this Court, he generally persuaded himself to be- Mere that it was of great Importance. The impression upon his mind was, that there never was a question which more seriously al. Meted the wading interests of this City than the one he was now pe:ng to introduce to the notice of the Court. What he was about in bonplain of was, not only a measure fraught with injustice, but sine that was sustained throughout by the grossest hypocrisy. It must be obrious that the persons who had concocted this plan Lad most skilfully selected individuals of every description to . herenne its supporters. There were Members of Parliement of all creeds, those who invariably voted with the Minister, and those -*he were ranked on t h e Opposition • and it really was extraordi. nary to cbscrve how well these Gent lemen, who were opposed on mowed every other question, agreed upon this solitary one. There were by acme means or other a great many . individuals who bad taus' far gone on without exciting opposition ; it would appear teampeeple Wanted courage openly to come forward and arraign emir (deduct. lie should consider himself unworthy of being a member of this Court if he did not come forward and openly de -elm his opinion upon the subject. There was another reason why end measure, earned on as it was, had not hitherto been opposed. 'rps whole proceeding had been conducted with the most astonish. tete species of deception. The great object of the projectors had teen all along kept out of sight, and that wa , the reason why so Itteie interest had been excited in the public mind towards its per retious tendency. The manner in which these things were got up ems pretty well known by the Members of this Court. First, some mover and ingenious man schemes the general outline; then there mast be a Pauor., a President, Via Presidents, Directors, Secretary, 'eteseurer, and all the other modes of public officers nominated. emCommittee of the Directors is then appointed, and these self cenatituted perewages meet together and deliberate on the number ei! tuxes to be created. They then begin to make their appro. pWatlon of them. Bach Director takes seven hundred shares tomlenself, as was the case in the Company now under the notice 4):aat (Intuit; they next take especial care of their friends, rot for. ✓e*ng those who are in Parliament, nor do they by any chance o eisieok. thew Members who are apprehended to be opposed to tents-this crushes all opposition. new shares being thus mo xvetheiri. the parties then bring them out into the market, and :4,:tieern at a premium, at five and sometimes even eight per cent. and is this way any one of these Honourable Directors, without Ireetwe advanced I s ingle shilling, might realise no lean a Burn than and, while doing ell this, he still had the audacity to met• ed op and tell the public that his motives were pure and dear.- temmted, and that be was solely actuated by a feeling of compassiou lodate poor. n• held in his hand a provincial Paper , in which teotnpany advertised their concern, and in which they set out hick. Motive s to be pore compassion for the poor, indignation at tic exerlluint aunts exacted by the pawnbrokers, and then caine tee verde ' 6 with the expectation of a fair but eery moderate profit reale their capital." But, although they made preterce to these Oimethropie feeling., they were at the very moment doing all they cenlid to deprive other meta, not only of their characters, but of teeeeMadc, which would necessarily involve their ruin; for they, is wa Advertisement, represented the whole body of pawnbrokers ea ifrentsetious and usurious set of men, and the wont oppressors e au; poor, 'and they had published and widely distributed these caimentes in ads country . Paper ; and yet these men came forward ra4 timillatiee these motives of pure compassion for tint poor! ltleseirme Bee It is net the pawnbrokers that they have alone at. tayiNl, for they have also :aid In thus advertisement that their objets we, to 'react pitmans . from jobbers, warehousemen, and ow ls. who oatortaat, soon be temporary deposits. In fact, 100 tad attached. me merchants, backees, brokers, and t all tuba d ntr4tersiyaadt eywarilloor bringing i n ~ a Aser V. eatable chess M sna MEW and monepou e: to Ihmteselves dot wilds ow. The only I MP /M UNI 1 1/1k iH lkolomocisia which e z ereet; ., •'•',.•••• • +I •?, •••,•"' • orinterett, brit they were to ly - e&w - eTio charge commis sun; so that under the shape of commission they Might in fact charge what they pleased. If with two millions of capital they were allowed to ou under the pretence of ebokalsig. asppase it were Only 24, nay 1 per cent., yet they might byhowiseheiso and other kinds of charge ruin all compention, and monorails, the whole business of the metropolis to themselves. It thereforeerould be a most cruel thing if this Corporation did not step forward as the guardians acid protectors of the trading interests of the City of London, and oppose this magnitude of evil. There was another ground on which they were bound to act thus—they were the legally-constituted guardians of the pawnbrokers of the City, to whom their license was necessary before those of that business could act. Now this Company was coming among them to act as pawnbrokers, without applying to the Corporation for a license to empower them to do so. But the effect was not confined to this Bin ..re was another Bill about to be pawed, called " The Birmingham and Manchester Loan Bank Bill ;" and if the Cor poratioa did nut oppose the pretest Bill, they' would be giving en couragement to every other of the same description that might hereafter be brought forward. There were no less than 22$ other bubbles on foot ; every kind of trade had its Company ; he bad even heard of one, started up within these few hours, called " The Leather Company," and in all these cases there was some pretence of fraud and mal.prncitcee imputed to the present traders. It woe important to notice, that this Company was to have a Sale Do partment, to sell by auction the goods unredeemed, to pay themselves the amount of the money advanced on them, and a commission on the sales, so that there was to be no end or limits. tion 'o their charges. But could any individual suppose for an *n atio& that these persona meant only to hold goods on pawn ? It was impossible. It was lamentable to witness so many Members .of Parliament in these concerns. But be really thought, that if any man writ: with 10,000/. and purchased • Borough and obtained a seat in the House of Commons, it would be the best speculation hit ever made, for he would be instantly overwhelmed with shares from She factitious Trading Companies with no real capital, and which he could take into the market and convert into bowl fide cash„ and afterwards remain as an Honourable Director, without possessing a prwle share, or running the least risk by the ursting of the bubble. The persons who formed these directions were merchants, bankers, magistrates, and Members of Parliament I Was it possible, that they could be disinterested in these schemes, thus to give up their time to them ? Deny one went to see them, they could not get an audience, because they were engaged by the projectors of these dif. ferent Companies. 'We might even come to this Court day after day, and not alert those who were bound in duty to attend : thus was public busimess neglected, and all for these things of speculation. Why, what were we coming to? (Hear, hear.) He really thought they all ought to go to Parliament in a body, and represent these evils and pray for their suppression. (Cheers.) The Corporation of the City of London ought not only to petition the Hot{se not to pass this Bill, but to investigate this pernicious system to the bottom. There was one thing to which he would allude heft:oho moved the Resolutions he had prepared. That the Bill asked only to allow the Company to realise 7.; per cent. besides what went to pay the various incidental clusges. Now here was one of those features of deception which he had attributed to the whole scheme. For it was obvious, that if they were merely to divide per cent. on the whole of their capital, they would still in effect be sharing more than 70 per cent. because it was very well known that only I/. per cent. had been advanced by any of the shareholders towards the capital, consequently they would be receiving at the rate of 7j upon 11 instead of 1001. bona fide laid out by them. But the thing was a mere pretence altogether; the truth was, they meant to carry on the business of bankers, brokers, and merchants, and with their assumed capital supersede all others in trade. There was no difficulty in procuring small loans at present, and therefore the necessity for such a Company did not exist. Such a Company could only be necessary when money was scarce; but their plea was that Capital was plenty, and they asked Parliament to aid them because they had more money than they knew what to do with. If these persons imagined the pawnbrokers to be an enviable trade, fur God's sake let Sir Wm. Congreve put up the three balls in Fleet -street, and let the other Directors do the same, and then they would come into a fair competition with their brethren of loans and pledges. The worthy Alderman then moved the Reso lutions —(For which see Advertisentent.) Mr. /LIPP asked whether the Bill now before the House ex tended the powers of the former Bill ? Alderman WAITHIMAN said that it went to empower the Clerk to sue and be sued. But it had happened that where a Pawnbroker had been convicted of receiving stolen goods, he had been trans ported, but how could they transport the Clerk of this Company ? JUPP repeated hie question, adding that his object was to know whether this Bill altered the nature of the Company. The CITY REMEIIBIASOCER said the Bill of last Session only enabled the Company to act as a Copartnership, but this Act went to give them life, and soul, if he might so speak, for it con. atituted them into a C orporation. Mr. Sassy EL DIXON complained of the non-attendance of the Aldermen at the Courts of Common Council. If they were met for the purpose of an election, if it were only that of a Marshal's man, they were then sure of their attendance. The Loan MAYOR said that Mr. Alderman Wood and Mr. Alderman Vennbles he knew were publicly engaged elsewhere. Mr. CROXER observed, that he should with much pleasure 'agree to the Resolutions upon these grounds—first, because be had heard of no reasons assigned in the House of Commons in favour of the Bill; and seccudly, because he felt that if the country had been made fairly acquainted with the nature of it, it would not have proceeded so far as it had done without considerable opposition. So far from the young tradesman who sought the aid of this Com pany being benefited by it, it was his opinion that it would be most injurious to him, and ultimately to his creditors. He hoped that by the petition of the Corporation going to the House of Com. mons, it would lead to some investigation, and be the cause of a complete exposure of the fallacious pretences on which those schemes were foisted upon the public. Mr. Ju PP thought that there must be some mistake in the title of the Bill, and that it ought to be denominated " A Bill to per petuate Usury." Mr. PET/TRESS said, that the Bill, instead of being called the Equitable, should be called the Iniquitous Loan Bill. (A laugh.) He thought a greater mass of iniquity and injustice never came together before. Parliament had restricted pawnbrokers from ad vancing more than 101. at a higher rate of interest than 3 per cent., but this Company sought to advance whatever sum they pleased. From the very liberal manner in which trade was now carried on, he would venture to say, that any man possessing any property at all might obtain any extension of credit, and that without any excess of interest, but at the very moderate rite which was lega lised in this country. Mr. Alderman 000, who had just entered the Court, said he wished to say a few words, to set his worthy friend (31r. Croker) right upon one point. That Honourable Member had said no notice had been taken of the Bill in Parliament : now, it would be ranentbered that last Session— Mr. Coon:iv—l mean this Session. Alderman WOOD—Oh ! this Session ; that makes a material difference. The Court would see that this Bill had passed the stage when great stress was generally made against Bills in the House. This had happened because the trade had not made so great a stand as they did last Session. At that time, it would be remembered, that he had opposed it in every stage; and if allowance were made for the Members who voted for the Bill on that occasion, and who were personally Interested in it, it would appear that be and his friends I had a majority, fur the numbers were 43 to M. With regard to the present Bill, it had passed the second reading, and they must now object to it clause by clause in the Committee, where they might be heard by Counsel. if this Court should send up a pets. tion, he wauld do what he could to support it, anti to oppose the Bill. If they did not do this, they must be prepared to make a stand at the third reading. As be conceived this Company to be fraught with much mischief he should certainly oppose it. Mr. DORI:FORD said a few words, but was almost inaudible. We untie mood him to speak in favour of the Bill, and to ob. serve. that he considered every man had a right to do what he pleased with his own money. Mr. Alderman WAlTliztAx admitted that individuals had cer tainly a right to do what they pleased with their money ; but they had no right to a monopoly, and he would further say, that this was not an appropriation of money, but a shameful Priem of gambling, at the expense of those who unwisely ventured to purchase shares in these infamous speculations. The Resolutions were then put and unanimously agreed to. The draft of a petition, praying to be heard against the Bill, was now read. Mr. Alderman WOOD suggested, that it ought to be against certain clauses in the Bill, as it was after the second reading. The REXEXDRANCEIt explained to the Court, that by a stand. ing order of the House, the petition must specifically charge some particular clause, as it was presented after the second reading, and not against the whole of the Bill. Mr. Alderman WAITLIMAN said, that might be, but it was against the whole principle of the Bill they petitioned. It was then unanimously resolved, that the petition should be presented to both !louses of Parliament, and the Sheriffs, with the Reme:r.braocer, were directed to present the same forthwith, and the Representatives for the City were requested to support the prayer thereof. METROPOLITAN WATER COMPANY. On the motion of Mr. Alderman WOOO it was resolved that a petition should also be presented against certain elapses in the Bill for forming the above Company, which professed to draw their weer,. from ti.e springs in the metropolis, it being the opinion of the Court that such a course would tend to exhaust the pump springs, and make the citizens pay ler water which they had at present for nothing. The Court then Adjourned at Four o'Cloct. BRITISH INDnarny.—Mr. Peter Mandan& of Stock port, has for some past been weaving woollen by steam, an undertaking in which he is eminently contributing to the welfare of his country. We have had an opportunity of seeing a piece of blue cloth, which be has woven for his Majesty, and it appears to us tote the finest and most per fezt fabric ever exhibited. His Majesty's tailor, Mr. Weston, has compared it with some French cloth worn by the Emperor Alexander when here, and woven expressly for him, and which he then thought the finest he had ever seen. He says Mr. Marsland's is much superior, and that, indeed, there is no comparison in quality. It has long been a common boast in trance and the Netherlands that we could no:equal theirbroad cloths. Mr. Marsland has answer ed it, and he is proving more and mare that the industry of Manchester is far'froze its erimax. . ..• . TH 'RESS. 1.1-' IMO Wo CIRCUIT. - --- ESSEX ASSIZES—CHELiasroaD, klAaan 10. CROWN SIDE. James Mint, Wm. Fletcher, and Thomas Finch. were indicted for burglarioutly breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Eli zabeth Catley and Susan Catley, at Halstead, on the night of the 16th December, and stealing a silver tea-pot and se nal articles of wearing apparel. tile. K•oi conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Bsoncnica the defence. The prosecutrizes were maiden women, living in a lone house in the neighbourhood of Halstecd. In the dead of night, on the 16th of December, they were aroused from their rest t•y some persons breaking into their house. Mies Elizabeth Catley rose and struck • light, and descending to the ground floor, she perceived the pri soner Finch just quitting the house with a bundle under his arm. Both ladies being greatly alarmed, screamed aloud, and presently afterwards the same prisoner returned to the house, and affecting great concern for their uneasiness said he came to their assistance, and asked what was the matter. Both ladies were satisfied that the prisoner was one of the gang who broke open the house, and they expressed their conviction to him at the time. He protested his innocence, and assured them that they were mistaken. Upon his withdrawing, it was ateeraired that the house had been entered by violent means, and robbed of the property mentioned in the indict ment. The only eirctisteatanee to affect the other prisoners was, that Finch had been seen in their company at a neighbouring pub. lie-house on the night previous to the robbery. The Jury, under the Learned Jut:ins:la direction, found Finch Gaily, and acquitted the other prisoners. Sentence of Death Irks recorded rgainst Finch. ' Richard Byford, Francis Dale, and John Shipman, were In- dieted on the 67th Gee. 3. c. 9. F. I. for being found armed in the night nf the sth of Fibruary, with intent to kill game in a close called Childerditch Field, the property of Lord Petre. Mr. BRODICRICI conducted the prosecution, and Mr. CLARK. SON the defence. It appeared from the evidence of the Noble prosecutor's game keeper, and others, that the prisoners and another man named Rindersole were found armed in the wood in question, on the night of the sth of February, in the field above-mentioned, which was a game preserve. The principal witness was Rindersole. who having been • parti. ceps criminis, and an old poacher, turned King's evidence, and swore positively that the prisoners and himself hail committed the offence alleged in the indictment. There being no substantial defence set up, the prisoners were all four.d Guilty. The sentence wan reserved for further consi deration. OXFORD CIRCUIT. WORCESTERSHIRE ASSIZES—WoacEsT Es, MAace 10 CITY ASSIZES—CROWN SIDE. FORGERY. Adolphe Jonnanean, a Frenchman. of very respectable appear. ante, was indicted for forgery in altering a bill of exchange for 211. drawn by the prisoner ou Mr. William Barrow, by inserting the words " one hundred and " before the words " twenty-one pounds." As coon as the prisoner had pleaded to the Indictment, the Learned Judge told him, that lie, being a foreigner, had a right to be tried by a Jury of six foreigners and six British born subjects t and his Lordship then asked him whether he chose to be tried by a Jury of that sort, or a Jury composed of all English. The prisoner said, that he had always found the English ho nourable and just, and he had no objection to being tried by a Jury entirety English. The prisoner was then removed from the bar, because his Coun sel, Mr. CUSWOOD, was engaged in the A'isi Prise Court; how ever as soon as Mr. Justice Li rrt.EDALE had concluded the Civil business, the indictment was taken into the Nisi Prial Court ; and as soon as it was announced that the case would be taken in that Court, the rush was tremendous, and in attempting to get into the gallery of the Court, several persons were thrown down and trampled on, so great was the interest excited. A good deal of difficulty occurred in impanelling a Jury, though the priscs-er had consented to be tried by a Jury of Englishmen, because Ur. Curwood, the prisoner's Counsel, objected to all Jurymen that were either glovers, or in any way connected with the glove trade. The regular Jury list was gone through, and only eight Jurors could be found who had not been objected to. The Under-Sheriff was therefore obliged to summon a fresh list; however, this was not a matter of so much difficulty, as a great number of persons qualified to serve on Juries were attracted by curiosity to hear the case. Mr. RYAN stated, that the prosecution was instituted by Messrs. Lechmere and Co., bankers of Worcester. The prisoner was a native of Paris, and had been employed by Messrs. Ball, who were glovers. also residing in Worcester, and in 11124 set up in business in Worcester, and had dealings with Mr. Burrow, on whom he drew bills. He opened an account with the bank of Messrs. Lechmere, and drew on them on the credit of Mr. Bur. row's acceptances. Mr. Burrow accepted a bill for 211., which he returned to the prisoner. This was on the 24th of June, and on the next day the prisoner paid in the same bill at Messrs. Lech , mere's, it being then a bill for one hundred and twenty-one pounds, and the words " one hundred" having been added. The prisoner soon after this was arrested for a debt unconnected with this case, and as soon as be got out of prison he went to Birmingham, and lived there under a feigned name, and at that place he was appre• hended. Marie Joseph Silvestre—l hare known the prisoner for four years. Mr. Justice LITT L EDALE—Does the prisoner understand Eng lish ? Mr. CULIWOOD —Yes, my Lord ; there will be no need of an in terpreter. To the prisoner—Entendez vous bien l'Anglais ? The prisoner—Oui, Monsieur. Examination resumed.—The prisoner was a glove-cutter ; I hare seen him write very often. The prisoner and I were employed by Messrs. Ball, who are glnvers. The prisoner remained in their employ about a year. and then went to France. He returned to England in February, 11121, and commenced business in Worcester for himself as a dealer in skins, by commission, for Monsieur Du puis. In July or August the prisoner was in custody for debt; and woo after he got out of custody I received letters from him at Birmingham. I knew the prisoner's hand-writing; they were signed by his mother's name, as he wished to teach French, and did not wish to use his own name; and he thought his being known by the same name as when he was a leather-dresser would be inju rious to him as a teacher; the name was Belgic. (The forged bill was put into his hand.) I think this is like the prisoners hand writing, but I have never seen his writing in English ; it looks like his. Cross-examined by Mr. Custwooti—When the prisoner was gone to Birmingham I knew where he was. I heard about the Excisemen being after him because the skins were smuggled, and it was given out that he was in France to escape the Excise. Mr. Burrow-1 am a glover at %Vora-stet.. 1 hod dealings with the prisoner. I bought a quantity of kid skins of him to make gloves, and was to pay 211. for them. I paid it by accepting the bill in question, which is drawn by the prisoner. Before I ac cepted it I looked at the sum it wag drawn for, and I am sure it was for only 21!. This is the bill I accepted. I never accepted any bill drawn by the prisoner for so large a sum as 1211. To the best of my belief the added words " one hundred and" are of the prisoner's hand-writing. I went to Birmingham in search of the prisoner, and there found he was called Monsieur Belgie, teacher of the French language. Cross-examined by Mr.Cutwoop--I have accepted many bills I frequently examine the. stamps. I have accepted bills for 211' four months after date, as thisis. It is not usual to take four months' credit for 211. I believe the prisoner had sold unexcised skins. The bill, if it had been fur 211. would not hare been paid. I have had my bills often dishonoured. I never accepted a bill without looking at it. I never said to Mr. William Bristow that I often accepted bills without reading them. Thomas Hughes--I am a cashier in Lechmere's bank. I re ceived this bill. It was when I received it a bill for 1211. I don't know who brought the bill to the banking house. Mr. CUllwooD objected that there was no evidence that the bill had been uttered by the prisoner at all, and no evidence that he had forged it in the city of Worcester. The Learned JUDGE held that there was n, evidence of the uttering; but as to the forgery, he would if necessary reserve the point. Thomas Hughes was recalled, but he did not know the prisoner's hand-writing sufficiently to tell his writing in the bill. Thomas Lascelles—l know the prisoner's hand-writing. The body of the bill has not the appearance of being his hand-writing, and I have groat doubt about the signature. The bill was then read. The prisoner left his defence to his Counsel, who called no wit nesses. The Learned JUDGE summed up the evidence, and the Jury returned their verdict—Not Guilty. WESTERN CIRCUIT. WILTSHIRE ASSIZES. Thomas Flower, who had held the responsible situation of Treasurer to the 31elksham Turnpike Trust, was put to the bar. charged with having uttered a forged paper, purporting to be a receipt for money, with intent to defraud the Commissioners of the Trust. There were several other charges against him. The prisoner, who had absconded, was arrested in Holland on the Bth of last month, and brought to England. He was now dressed in a handsome suit of black, and as soon as he appeared at the bar, leaned his head upon the front rail, and ejaculated a prayer. Ilk whole frame was tremulous; he held a handkerchief to his eyes, which were suffused with tears, and when called on to plead he had scarcely strength to articulate his plea. When asked, " How will you be tried ?" he faintly said, " By Ood and my country," and then bid his face, turned round, and sat down. While the indictment was reading, Mr. Tilby handed him a slip of paper. When called upon to plead, he pleaded " Guilty." JcuoE—Does he plead Guilty? Clerk of the Arraigns—Yes. 'sty Lord. Jcisoc—Prisnuer, are you aware of the course you are ? Your pleading Guilty will Ent benefit you ; if you persist in your plea, I will visit it with tha full punishment that the law inflicts. Do you poisist la it ? Ask him again. Clerk of.. the Arratitut- r iteer say you, Ttotots Flower, an you Guilty or not Guilty of the charge for vbieb you stand in. dieted ? Prironer—Guilty. Mr. Sergeant PaLL—Hy Lord, it is now my duty to state to your Lordship the course I mean to pursue. The life of a fellow creature is at stake ; the crime and the prosecution originated in a public trust. In the present way in which that mist is composed and conducted. I shall have to meet with difficulties which I shall not be able to sumtount. The long list of names of which it con sists renders it almost impossible to say to whom the trust belongs. These difficulties may at a future period be removed by the Le gislature ; at present they exist, anti therefore I shall offer no evidence whatever in support of the indictments against the prisoner. JUTIOT—Does what you say apply to all the cases Sergeant PELL—I am afraid it does, my Lord ; I cannot find out the mist. %lUD or —We'll swear the Jury. The Jury were sworn, and the several indictments preferred in the names of Poore, Goddard, and Bradford had a verdict of Noe Guilty returned upon each. his Lordship then proceeded to pass sentence upon him fur the charge to which he had pleaded Guilty r Junor —Thomas Flower, you hare been found guilty of a most serious and heinous charge, upon your own confession. Your legal advisers no doubt told you the proper path to pursue ; if not, you might have referred yourself to then for counsel. Whether, in the course you hare pursued, you have achil righter wrong, is not for me to say. In one thing you have done wrong—you have embez zled the property of your employers ; you were a servant, and your conduct has been fraudulent in the extreme. Robbing a master is a crime that the laws of this country always visit with the se verest punishment. The sentence of the Court is. that you, Tho. mas Flower, foe the offence of which you have been found guilty, shall be transported beyond the seas to such place as his Majesty shall think fit, for the term of seven years. The prisoner bowed and retired, covering his face. The sentiment of commiseration was universal; it seemed to per vade all ranks, and did honour to their hearts. NORTHERN CIRCUIT. LANCASHIRE ASSIZES.—LANcAsTta, .slAacu 9. WYKE V. APPLEBY. . . Mr. PAR I stated, that this was an action of trespass brought by the plaintiff, as Lord of the Manor, against the defendant, for tree passing on his grounds, not being qualified. The Learned Gentleman then called Isaac Irelar.d—Witness lives in Pete; knows defendant. Wit ness works at the house of the plaintiff; plaintiff resides at Spike Hall. he is Lord of the Manor; witness is employed about the manor to preserve the game. In January 1824, he met a man of the name of Thomas Whally and the defendant in a lace; they had two dogs, and the defendant a gun in his hand ; asked them if they had a right to be there—asked them to show their autho- rity ; they said they had left it at home. He did not say he was qualified, he had no protection himself. They passed over into the fields, but witness did not see them kill game; they were on the plaintiff's field ;it was called a yard. Tliey did not beat about the bushes ; the dogs hunted; the defendant had the gun. He saw them go over three fields which belonged to the plaintiff; he did not call after them. The field was sown with grass and clover seed. He had never seen them before. Croce-examined by the A TTORNEY•ORNIRAL—IIe has since heard that he had his certificate; he afterwards produced it before the Magistrate; it was on parchment. Can't say what damage was done to the clover. Dr. Jerrard was the Magistrate. The charge was then abandoned. lie saw a grave-looking gentleman sitting. (A laugh.) Can't say that he looked like a Justice of Peace. (A laugh.) Mr. SCAR LJF:T T said he was really sorry to see such en action as this brought. The time, he trusted, would yet come when he hoped the Game lams would be meliorated, and that which so pressed on the poor be removed, and the angry feelings of the rich brought to a termination. The plaintiff ought to recollect, that although the defendant was only a grocer, still he was as much entitled to sport as the plaintiff, and he (Mr. Starlets) had °ritually risen from the same honest calling. The Learned JUDGE charged the Jury, and said that the plain. tiff must recover a verdict for the trespass. The Jury consulted, and gave a verdict—Damages one farthing. Mr. PARE—I hope you will certify, my Lord. Certified en the first count. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL read part of the first count, which set forth that the defendant had killed 20 hair:, 20 pheasants, 20 pettsidges, &c. MAacte 8. DEFAMATION. CHAPMAN V. COATES. Mr. STAIIILIZ opened the pleadings in this case, which was an action brought to recover compensation in damages for certain slim derous words used by the defendant against the plaintiff: Mr. SCARLETT stated the case. The plaintiff wsa a farmer residing near Ingleborough in this county, and most respectably circunistanced there ; and having his lands bordering a common, as well as the defendant, also a farmer in that neighbourhood, he had frequently been obliged to use some means to prevent the defendant from overstocking it with sheep, and thereby, as he supposed, incurred the anger of the defendant, which had induced him to use expressions reflecting on the plaintiff's character in a roost serious way—no leas than charging him with a felony. l'hinc reports were circulated, as is usual, tot a long time without coining to the knowledge of the plaintiff, and he then accidentally heard of them from a neighbour of his, who the de fendant had given as his authority for the charge. The expres sions complained of were used to a Mr. Lupton, a farmer, whom he accosted on the common, and asked had he any of his (the defendant's sheep) amogg his? Lupton said he had not, and the defendant replied, " I Piave lost four, and cannot find them, but I suppose Jackson Chapman has them ; he steals sheep ; Jem Foster says so." Jens Foster was applied to, but he denied he had ever said so. The defendant had also said that his sheep had got amongst 'some of the plaintiff's; be immediately sent to him to come and sear:h for them. The Jury would therefore say what damages they would give that would lead the defendant to restrain his tongue in future. Robert Lupton was called, and stated the slanderous words were uttered Nov. 10. Ins, at Bentham Fair, and had been soon after told by him to the plaintiff: The witness was cross-examined by Mr. J. Witizials at some length, and he appeared in the greatest trepidation at the most simple question ; at length he became totally unable to an. ewer. The Court was convulsed with laughter, and he at length said he was an honest man, and came to speak the truth. Mr. WILLIAMS—I know you are. I only want you to speak out. Why do you stand there so silent ?—I am an honest man; I am willing to be searched. I don't suppose _you have a sheep in your pocket. (Laughter.) Only speak out. I/0 the parties live in Yorkshire ? No answer. Wby do you look so like a sheep ?—I don't know I'm sure. (A. laugh.) Did not think the worse of the plaintiff for the words used by the defendant No. Another witness stated that the defendant said, that if Jackson Chapman did not take care of himself he would be brought to the gallows. Do you know what the gallows is ?—You ought to know better than me. Indeed ?—Yea, Sir. (Laughter.) Well, what do you think it is for ?—I heard my father say it was to hang people on, and such bike. (Laughter.) J. Foster examined by Mr. WILLIAMS—Are you a farmer?— Yes, I is. (Laughter.) Did you ever hear of Chapman having stolen sheep ?—Not since the law was executed on him. What ! has he beer hanged ?—Not that L knows of. Is he not alive ?—Yes, to be sure. (Laughter.) Oh ! you mean this action when you say the law was executed on him ?—Yes, I do. Did you ever say he stole sheep ?—No, I did not. Cross-exasnined—All the farmers may put what quantity they like on the common. This was the plaintiff's case. Mr. WILLIAMS addressed the Jury for ihe defendant ; and Mr. Justice HOLROYD summed up the evidence; after which The Jury, having corsulted for a few minutes, gave their verdict for the plaintiff—Damages is. At Durham Assizes Joseph Lowton, of Newbottle, pit man, was indicted for the wilful murder of his wife, on the 13th of , 1 October last. The prisor . cr threw an iron bar, which was used as ' a poker, at the deceased, which stuck into her left temple, and caused her death. The prisoner was then asked If he had any thing to say in his defence, and observed, " I certainly did throw the weapon, but not designedly—l did it through passion." The Jury, after consulting together for a few minutes, returned a ver diet of Guilty of Manslaughter. Sentence—" To be imprisoned in gaol one year." At Ennis Assizes, James Kean, a soldier of the 35th Regiment, was tried for the murder of Patrick Riedy, at Kildy sari, on the 31st January. By the examination of several wit nesses, it appeared that Kean and one or two other soldiers were drinking in a public-house. when some disturbance arose between them and the country people who were in the house ; in a scuffle that ensued, Kean stabbed the deceased with his bayonet. The Judge (Pennefather) having charged the Jury, they retired for a few minutes and brought in a verdict of Manslaughter. His Lord ship sentenced the prisoner to transportation for life; but said,. that there were other dr:stratagem which should be considered, and he would reserve to himself the discretion of commuting the sentence, if he found It deserving of it, before he left the town. THE NEWS Or LITERATURE AND FASHION.—NO. 40 of this Weekly Journal (which is just published by Mr. E. I). Pouchlie, No. 7, Brydges.street, Covent-gardeo, and sold by all Booksellers and Newsmen) contains, among many other interest ing articles—l. A Morning Call-2. Hyde Park Promenade-3. Public Charscter of Mr. Peel-4. Public Schools and Pugilism 3. The New Aspasia-4. The Parson and the Poor Willow-7. Miss Paton-8. Professed People, No. IV.. Musicians-2. The Life of a Tar, No. 7-10. My Back Window-11. The Hay market Opera-12. Poetry—l 3. Engravings--14. Our Arehitee ture—lS. Conversations of Napoleon with Canova—lt The Übe rata and the Catholics.. - 17. Astrosontical Phenomena for the en suing week—l& Numerono Reviews of New Books, &c. &c. Ate. Uostamped Edition of " The News of Literature and Fashion," for town circulation and transmission to the country in parcels, mina W. Stamped Edition tor transmission by post, price Is, 711 E ARMY. LEVY FOR INDIA. By the last returns that have been received from the different Recruiting Parties in Ireland, it appears that 1,600 men have been enlisted in that country for the British Regiments now serving in India. A detachment belonging to the 2d (the Queen's) Regiment of Dragoon Guards has received orders to march this day, front Westminster for Norwich, where that Corps is at present stationed. Detachments belonging to the 41st, 59th, and 67th Regiments of Infantry, are ordered to march this day, from Westminster for Portsmouth. Detachments belonging to the 6th, 13th, 44th. 45th. 64:h. 70th, llst, 74th, R9th, 91st, and 99th Regiments of Infantry, have re. mired orders to march this day, from Westminster foe the Isle of Wight. INDIAN ARMY. The troops tosembling at Chittagong and on the frontier of Sylk for service, are Brigaded as follows . First Brigade—His Majesty's 44th Regiment, 47th Regiment of Native Infantry, and62d Regiment of Native Infantry, under the command of Brigadier Shapland, 27th Native Infantry. Brigade Major, Captain White. Second Brigade—His Majesty's 64th Regiment, 42d Native Infantry, and 26th Native Infantry, under the command of Brigadier Colquhoun Grant, his Majesty's 64th Regiment. Brigade-Major Third Brigade—His Majesty's 47th Regiment., the 7th Regirnert of Native Infantry, and the 44th Regiment of Native Infantry, under the command of Brigadier-General Cotton. Brigade-Major, Captain Sadlier, of his Majesty's 47th Regiment. Fourth Brigade—The 14th Regiment of Native Infantry, the 39th and 52d Regiments, under the command of Brigadier lanes, C.B. Brigade-Major, Captain Currie, 14th Native Infantry. Fifth Brigade—The 10th Regiir cot Madras Native Infantry. N. I. , and the 16th ditto ditto, under the command of Brigadier A. Fair. Brigade-Major, Lieutenant A. B. Dyce. His Majesty's 47th Regiment, which landed at Calcutta on the 7th October, from Bombay, was reviewed on Saturday last by his Eacellency the Commander in Chief, on the Esplanade, to the Southward of Fort William, previous to its embarkation on service. COURT MARTIAL Head-quarters ' Calcutta, 0ct.23, 1824. At a General Court Martial, held at Fort William, on the 19th October, 1824, privates William Walsh, of his Majesty's 13th Regiment, and John liendrie, of his Majesty's 47th Regimen:. were arraigned on the following charge : " For having, about the hour of one r.x., on the 11th instant. assaulted (loofah Rowlee, Sepoy, 62d Native Infantry, then in the execution of his duty as a sentry, posted at the south-eut end of the staff range in Fort William, knocked him down, and violently beaten and kicked him, until assistance arrived, and freed him from further ill-treatment: such conduct being in direct violation of the Articles of War." Upon which charge the Court came to the following decision : Finding and Sentence—" The Court having, fully deliberated upon the whole of what has appeared before it, is of opinion that the prisoners are both guilty of the crime laid against them, which being in breach of the Articles of War, do sentence them each to be placed in solitary confinement for the space of six calendar months, wherever the Commander in Chief may be pleased to direct." Confirmed _ _ (Signed) EDWARD PAGET, General. Commander in Cbief in India. The foregoing Order is to be entered in the General Order Book, and read at the bead of every regiment in bia Majesty's service in India. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. H. Jolliffe, Esq.'s for-bounds will meet on Monday at Ru;per Village--at nine; on Thursday at ChoWoo, and on Saturday at Out Wood—at eleven. The Surrey fox-hounds on Monday at Riddlesdown, on Thurs day at Godstone, and on Saturday at Locks Bottom—at halt-past ten o'clock. Mr. Aleynell's hounds on Monday at Shirley Park, on Thurs day at Swarkstone Bridge, and on Saturday at Elmhurst . —at half past ten. The East Sussex fox-hounds on Monday at the Rocks, Uckfield. They had a most capital day on Thursday last ; they found near the Race Course, and from the Downs to Itiellingham, through. Alr. Grantham's yard, to Mr. Campion's, at the Deanery, where the fox went through the river. There were nearly ISO horsemen our. Earl Fitzwilliam's hounds on Monday at Averaley Wood, on Wednesday at Abbots Ripton, and on Friday at Fineshade Hall. Lord Yarborough's hounds on Monday at Holton Cross, on Wednesday at Horkstowe, on Friday at Croxby Pond, and on Saturday at Stallingborough Hall. THE BuRTON HUNT-Sir Richard Sutton's hounds on Mon day at Cainhy Village, on Tuesday at Seotgrove Wood, on Thurs day at Swallorbeek, and on Saturday at Gate Burton . The Conock harriers on Monday at Cpavon Plantation, and on Friday at the Bustard. Sir B. Graham's hounds on Monday at Sheriff Hales, on Wed nesday at Battlesfield, on Thursday at Lee Bridge, and on Satur day at Montford Bridge. Sir Richard Pulestou's hounds on Monday at Gallantry Bark, nn Wednesday at Knoulton Bridge, and on Friday at Duck ington. The Cheshire hounds on Monday at Shjpbrook Bridge, on Wednesday at Toft Hall, on Thursday at Weaver Hall, and on Saturday at Delamere House. The Earl of Derby's stag-hounds on Tuesday neat, at Woo l manstone, and Friday at Addington Village. CORONER'S INQUEST. listaatnnot.w Sutetristerday afternoon an Inquisition was held at Green's Hotel, Portugal-street, upon the body or Daniel Cox, Esq. a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, who committed suicide on Thursday, by hanging himself in his bed chamber et the Hotel. Among the gentlemen in attendance to give evidence was Mr. Alderman Cox. Mr. James Green, the proprietor of the hotel, stated, that the deceased had been in the habit of coming to his house at intervals for &considerable period. He was with Sir Thomas Hardy during the whole of the time that that officer commanded on the South American station. Ile was brought up under Sir T. Hardy, who was much attached to him. Ile was about 25 years of age. He had lately been staying with his relations in Dorsetahire, whence he returned a few days ago. On Wednesday night he came in about 12 o'clock, and inquired for Captain Wallace, a friend of his, who was staying there. Captain Wallace was out, and the deacesed ordered a bed. fie went to bed soon'after. On Thursday afternoon, about two o'clock, witness was informed that the door of the room in which the deceased slept was locked, and that the chambermaid had several times tried to wake him, but could not. He then went up to the room. lie saw the unfortu nate gentleman hanging by the neck to the bed post. On the table near an open razor was a piece of paper, which witness now produced. Upon this paper was written as follows : " I die the victim of folly, adopting a character foreign to my natural one. God forgive me. DA,: Cox." Mr. Green, junior, stated, that he saw the deceased on Tuesday, when he brought a letter for Captain IVallace. On %redneaday he came in about 1 o'clock, and took luncheon. He afterward* threw himself along on some chairs in the Coffee-mom, and called out to the waiter, "If I fall asleep call me at half-past one. He did not fall asleep; but after reading a newspaper for some time, he got up and walked about in rather a hurried manner. He came up to the bar and said, " Green, are my clothes fashionoble ?" Witness gave his opinion on th a t subject, and he went away. On Wednesday night he came in about 12 o'clock, anti asked for Captain Wallace, who witness said was gone to smoke a segar, and would most likely be late. He said, " That will not do for me. I can't either smoke or drink. I am ill—my head is not right—l can't tell what's the matter with me—l must get down to Cheltenham. He then muttered something to himself, and wit. ness caught only the words, " then I shall not see him." Captain James Wallace, R.N. sworn.—fle first knew the de. ceased about five years ago, andlhad since sailed with him when in the Superb, Sir 'r. H. Hardy, on the South American station. He always considered him perfectly sane. He knew that he had been unwell, but had no idea that his mind was unsettled. Alr.tAlderrnan Cox--Captain Wallace has ',forgotten to state that the deceased had • deformed spine, a fact which perhaps will prove to be, material. His sisters are unhappily afflicted in the same way. Doctor Haslam can give important evidence on that point. Doctor John liaslam said, he knew the deceased and his family intimately. He had a distorted spine. A distortion of the spine renders a person more liable to an affection of the brain, which was sometimes actually produced by it. Mr. Alderman Cox sworn—l know the deceased intimately—he wls distantly related to me. He had ofte n comp l a i ne d to me of a pain in the head, which he said was produced by the distortion of the spine. Captain Wallace, questioned by a Juror—lie had often seen the deceased within the last twelve months. His means were always more than adequate to his expenditure: he was not gay nor expensive. Witness never knew hint addicted to women, to drinking, or to gaming. Had not the least idea what the deceased meant by stating that he was "the victim of folly." He stood high in the opinion of his superior officers, who regarded him as a very talented young man. Several Jurors thought there was sufficient proof of insanity, while others strongly expressed the contrary opinion. After a long argument, the room was cleared, and the Coroner put the question to the vote ; when there appeared for a verdict of Insanity twelve, and on the contrary six. A verdict of " Insanity" was consequently recorded. DIED. On the 34th ult. at Florence, Anne Janet. wife of W. O. John. atone, Esq. and eldest daughter of Samuel Halliday, Erg. Lowe:- Berkeley -street. On Sunday, the 6th inst. Mr. Christopher Dunkin, of Pearson's. wharf, Shad Thames, aged 66, universally respected and regretted. - - HIGH WATER THIS DAY AT LONDON BRIDGE. Morning II min. after S. I Afternoon 30 min. after 7. -- Printed et TH E BRITISH PRESS Office. by J.R'.Cnasnron, 181, Strand, and published by R. Cannon, sante place. ..~, 111$ T