The Sun. — London, England, 1858-08-26 00:00:00

COMMISSION OF LUNACY ON MR. RUCK. The proceedings under the commission de lunatics inquirendo into the state of mind of Mr. Lawrence Ruck, of Sittingbourne, Kent, !and Montgomeryshire, were conti nued yesterday by Mr. Commissioner Winslow and a special jury, in the hall of St. Clement's-inn, Strand. The interest awakened by the extraordinary disclosures which this most painful Inquiry have brought to light was heightened by the fact that the alleged lunatic was called and examined at considerable length by the Commissioner. This further ordeal did not occasion any perceptible differ me in the calmness of his demeanour since the commence ment of the inquiry, and his whole conduct continued to be marked by strict propriety. His replie s to the rigid exami nation of the learned Commissioner were given without hesitation, but In so low a tone that their effect was almost wholly lost, except to those who occupied seats in his immediate vicinity. Mr. Montagu Chambers, Mr. Sergeant Ballantine, and Mr. Vaughan appeared as counsel in support of the com mission which had been sued out by the wife of the alleged lunatic. Mr. Edwin James, Mr. Sergeant Petersdorff, and Mr. Gordon Allen represented Mr. Ruck. The proceedings commenced at 10 o'clock with the ex amination of Dr. Stillwell, the proprietor of the Moorecroft Lunatic Asylum, in whieh establishment Mr. Ruck is confined. He said—Mr. Ruck was placed in the asylum on the sth Novem ber, and is there still. He was admitted because be laboured under delusions respecting his wife's fidelity. Mr. Ruck bad accused Mr. Barnet, Mrs. Matthews, and Mrs. Ruck of conspiring against him. lam of opinion that he is insane, labouring under delusions. Since this commission has issued Mr. Ruck has declined to speak on the subject, ex cept In the presence of his solicitor. On Sunday evening last he wished to take his gun sad pistol case to town with him. I objected to his doing so, and he then said " It is that Barnet again with my wife." lam 27 years of age. Cross-examined by Mr. James—l cannot form an opinion bow long it will be necessary to keep Mr. Ruck at Moore eroft. I have kept Moorecroft for two years; previously I was superintendent of the Derby County Lunatic Asylum. I did prevent Mr. Ruck seeing any one except a bar rister and his brother-in .law, Mr. Fisher, and that was in accordance with the instructions of Mr. Barnet, because he thought there would be an attempt to get Mr. Ruck to sign some money order. I con cluded that Mrs. Ruck had empowered Mr. Barnet to interfere. On one occasion I interdicted Mr. Ruck from posting a letter when out walking with the attendant. If the letter had been given in the usual way, it would have gone to the post. Ido not read the letters written by my patients, but I look at the addresses, that I may know with whom they are communicating. On one occasion I told Dr. Conolly that Mr. Ruck was improved. On the 14th of November the Commissioners of Lunacy paid their ordinary visit to the asylum, and then Mr. Ruck had an opportunity of stating his case in my presence. They made the following report :—" We have conversed with Mr. Ruck, who we understand is much improved, and will shortly be discharged, but it does not appear to us that the delusions attributed to him are entirely removed." The commissioners were Mr. Campbell and Mr. Gaskell. On that occasion I said he would shortly be discharged, because I could not retain a sane man. On the 1 tth of December the commissioners again called, and reported that Mr. Ruck was out at the time of their visit. Commissioners Nairn and Lutwidge made another visit on February 2, and reported that Mr. Ruck was still labouring under the delu sions he bad entertained with regard to his wife and others. On the 13th May Commissioners Campbell and Wilkes reported he was still labouring under delusions. On the 19 , 11 of the present month the commissioners reported, "We have had a separate interview with Mr. Ruck, who declined to enter into conversaiien, as his ease would be the matter of an inquiry on Monday next." Mr. James—Then the commissioners saw Mr. Ruck four times altogether ? Witness—They did. Mr. James—When do you mean to say was the last time on which Mr. Ruck expressed any delusion Witness—l made my stfidavit on the 14th of June, and it was about a wfkk afterwards. Mr. James—Do you, as in all well-regulated establish ments, keep a case-book Witness—l do. Mr. James—Where is that book Witness--It is not here. Mr. James—Then I must trouble you to send for it. Is there any entry of the lest date in which he expressed ary delusion which justifies you in saying he is mad ? Witness—l all not certain. Mr. James—You are not certain. You have stated on your oath that the gentleman behind me is mad, and that he expressed delusions for the last time on the 21st of June. Where is the entry of this ? Witnes—l think there will be found such an entry. Mr. James—Since be has been with you he has been rather economical I believe ? Ile did not squander his money. Witness—As far 23 I can judge he took care of any money which he had in his pocket. Mr. James—Have you not said that as regarded money Le was as sensible as any man could be. Witness—l might have said so. Mr. James—But do you not think so, that is the queition ? Witness—He takes care of any money he has. Mr. James—You state in your certificate of the 9th Of November that " with respect to his mental state he i insane and labouring under excitement from the abuse 0 ntoxicating liquors." Witness—l believed at that time he was labouring under excitement from the abuse of intoxicating liquors. Mr. James—Have you altered that opinion ? Witness—l have, in consequence of inquiries which I made. Mr. James—Of whom did you make those inquiries? Witness—Mr. Barnet said his madness was partly here ditary and partly arose from intemperance. From the con clusions which I drew from the history of the case, I thought it arose from the abuse of intoxicating liquors. Mr. James—When did you alter your opinion. He has been with you 10 months; has he ever been suffering from an abuse of intoxicating liquors in your house ? Witness—No. Mr. James—Did you not say on the 10th of May he was excited from drink ? Witness—l do not recollect. He was not excited from drink then. Mr. James—No. But did you not then say that when he was brought to your house he was excited by drink? Witness—l do not recollect. Mr. James—When did you change your mind? Witness—l cannot tell. Mr. James—Did you not tell Mr. Fisher, his brother-in law, that Mr. Ruck had been suffering from delirium tremens'! Witness—l heard so from Mrs. Fisher. Mr. James—Did you not say it was delirium tremens? Witness—No. Mr. James—That you swear ? Witness—l de. Mr. James—Have you had in your asylum persons suffer ing from excitement caused by the abuse of intoxicating liquors ? Witness—Yes. Mr. James—How many such patients have you had ? Witness—l daresay two or three. Mr. James—Have you cured them ? Witness—y es . Mr. James—How soon ? Witness—Perhaps in two months. Mr. James—Have they delusions under excitement from the abuse of intoxicating liquors? Witness—Yes. Mr. James—What was the average time of cure ? Witness—lt varies from years to months. Mr. James—Were they all cured of delusions of every form ? Witness—yes. Re-examined —The commissioners visit asylums without notice. Whenever any case of difficulty presents itself to my mind, I consult Dr. Conolly. There is besides the surgeon of the establishment, who visits the patients every day, and other medical men if required. If a person is suffering from excitement caused by stimulants taken off and on, It is more injurious than from a single instance. I n my treatment of Mr. Ruck he is allowed two glasses of wine after dinner, and beer or wine and water at dinner. He has not exhibited any symptoms of delirium tremens since be came to my house. I was aware of Mrs. Ruck'd desire that some of his relations should take charge of bum, and did nothing to prevent such an arrangement from being carried out. My reason for still thinking that lie is under delusions Is that if he bad been sane be would have said, "Doctor, I find all these things about my wife are untrue," but instead of that he declines spea kin g on the subject. Sup posing a person is under delusions be has sufficient power over his mind to conceal them. The Commissioner—ls that an isolated case ? Witness—Yes. I have frequently met with cases in which mind could not continue the delusions . The 'Commissioner—When did you last call Mr. Ruck's attention to the subject? Witness—Oa Sunday evening; but he declined to speak except in the presence of his lawyer. The Commissioner —Has he done so on other occasions ? Witness—Yes, on Monday morning. Mr. Thomas Weller examined—l am superintendent of , the Moorecroft Asylum. I have been there for 16 or 17 years. I remember that in March last Dr. Stillwell was unwell. Some time in March Mr. Ruck desired to have an interview with me the next day. I went to him accordingly, and we bad a conversation in a room alone. He began by telling me of Mrs. Ruck's infidelity—that he had ocular THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, AUGUST 26, 1858. 0••••••••••••00. demonstration of it at Welchpool. He said he saw Mrs. Ruck making signs to some men, who said hush, " he" meaning himself, "is not asleep." He said he saw her drinking with those men. He said that on the platform, on the journey to Shrewsbury, all the people noticed her in decent conduct, and pitied him very much indeed, some of them saying if they were Mr. Ruck they would get rid of such a wife as that. He also said that on his arriv ing at Reading he discovered his wife had criminal conversation with Mr. Barnet. He said that Mr. Barnet had tried to poison him. The conversation lasted an hour and a half. The next day he went over the same ground, and when I attempted to reason with him he was very angry with me. There were four conversations on four consecutive days, and during all these conversations he manifested the same delusions. About a fortnight ago I came to town with Mr. Ruck, who saw his solicitor, Mr. Wainwright. I had been with them all the morning. Mr. Ruck, later in the day, saw Mr. Wainwright again, and though he had been with him all the morning, he said, " Who is this Mr. Wainwright ?" I said, "Do you not know him ?" He said, no. Cross-examined by Mr. Sergeant Petersdorfi—l was brought up as a medical man, but never qualified. I was apprentice to an apothecary. I should say that when I conversed with Mr. Ruck on other occasions he showed that he was under delusions. He had spoken of Mrs. Ruck before. The last occasion was in April, when he was visited by Mr. Ackworth. On the 9th of November Mr. Ruck was in a fit state to drive himself out. I asked him to drive me out twice, but he refused, on the ground that the horse would come down; and he did come down since. Mr. James—Perhaps the horse was unsound also. (Laughter.) Witness—Not in the head—in the legs. (Laughter.) Mr. Chambers —ln the understanding. (Renewed laughter.) Mr. Sergeant Petersdorff—You dined with Mr. Ruck and Mr. Fisher ? Witness—l did. Mr. Sergeant Petersdorff—Of course yon did not take too much wine ? Witness—Well, I bad quite enough. (Laughter.) Mr. Sergeant Petersdorff—You were there to control others—why did you not control yourself ? Witness—l did, sir, when I paid the bill. In this case it was paid by Mr. Fisher, and I thought I had no right to interfere. Mr. Sergeant Petersdorff—Did not you take Mr. Ruck somewhere else afterwards ? Witness—We went to the Radnor. Mr. Sergeant Petersdorff—Did not you and Mr. Ruck have some spirits afterwards ? Witness—Decidedly not. Re-examined—Between the, time when Mr. Ruck parted with Mr. Wainwright in the morning and saw him again in the afternoon, when he did not know him, we went to Dr. Johnson's, at Woburn-square. We afterwards went to the Radnor Luncheon-rooms, at the corner of Chancery-lane. He took nothing but a pint of stout and some sandwiches; with the exception of these delusions he was enabled to talk rationally and to act with propriety. The dinner party with Mr. Fisher was at the London. After we had got out after dinner I perceived Mr. Ruck was somewhat intoxicated. I did not perceive it when it was going on. _ _ Mr. Chambers—But you were not se much affected that you could see it in him ? Witness—Well, I am not much used to taking wine. Richard Brown examined—l am an attendant at Moore croft Asylum, and attended on Mr. Ruck. In July last he told me that while he was at Reading Mr. Barne and his wife tried to poison him. He also said that three years before his wife and her mother had tried to poison him. He did not like women with red petticoats. He would not meet them. He would say, "- it, I can't stand this," and he would walk round two miles to avoid them. (Laughter.) Last Sunday week we walked to Southall, and went into a public-house for refreshment. Two drover, came in there. One of them began talking about Welch pool. Mr. Ruck winked at me, and whe❑ he came out he said " I thought that man knew something of my case," and that if so he would have sent me out of the room, as the conversation would not have bee❑ fit for me to bear. He said it was a - hard case that he was confined in such a place, as he could not open his mind to any one, as his solicitor had told him not to say anything except in his pre sence. Mr. James—But that is true ; he could not say anything without it being reported. Witness—l am not bound to report everything. Mr. James—But you do when you think it worth while. Witness—Yes. Mr. James—Did you thank this conversation on Sunday about the Welsh drover was a delusion ? Witness—l did. Mr. James—Have you ever seen a Welsh drover ? Witness—l have seen 'em with Welsh cows. (Laughter.) Mr. J ames—W ell, altering a quotation from Dr. J ohnson, " Who drives Welsh oxen should himself he Welsh." (Great laughter.) Did he look like a drover? Witness—lie wa , dressed like one. Mr. .James—Oh, I do not ask you whether lie locked like a Welsh drover naked. (Laughter.) Did be look like one dressed? Witness—He did. Mr. James—And after all he was an undertaker ? Witness—He was. (Roars of laughter.) Mr. James—Did you consider his aversion to ladies in red petticoats as a delusion? Witness—l did. Mr. James—Did you report that to Dr. Stillwell. Witness—l did. Mr. James—Why ? Witness—l thought it an extraordinary thing that a gentleman should be afraid of three ladies! Mr. James—By no means. (Laughter.) Mr. Chambers said that perhaps it would be now a conve nient time to examine Mr. Ruck. _ The Commissioner having assented, Mr. Ruck left his place behind his counsel, and took his seat near the learned Commissioner, by whom he was exa mined to the following effect : The Commissioner—You have been present during the whole of this inquiry ? Mr. Ruck—l have. The Commissioner—And it has not disturbed your mind ? Mr. Ruck—Net at all. TheCommissioner—Having heard the whole of the evidence, have you anything to say in reference to these alleged delusions Mr. Ruck—At the time when these suspicions took pos session of my mind I was then in an agitated state of mind from drink, and thus the suspicions were formed ; and at that time I was put into the asylum without any means of inquiry whether my suspicions were founded on facts, and up to this hour I have had no opportunity of investigating the facts. I merely wished for inquiry. I should not have taken much trouble, and as soon as I was told I had in a drunken state made charges which were false I should immediately have abandoned them. I believe if I had seen Mr. Fisher there would have been no necessity for my going t• Moorecroft. I was then as sane as lam now, thOugh I bad my suspicions as to my wife. The Commissioner —You were a little intemperate at that time? Mr. Ruck—Yes. The Commissioner —And you have been abstemious since you went to the asylum ? Yon had not seen your wife for a considerable time until yesterday ? Mr. Ruck—Not since February. The Commissioner —January, I believe. Mr. Ruck—l don't think it was in January or February. I think it was last November. The Commissioner—lt must have afforded you great pleasure to see your wife yesterday. Mr. Ruck—l was very happy to see her looking so well. The Commissioner—Your mind has been disabused of all the impressions it had formed ? Mr. Ruck—Yes. The Commissioner—Can you explain to the jury how it happened that they took possession of your mind ? Mr. Ruck—lt must have been from jealousy and excite , ment. The Commissioner—Assuming that these suspicions were caused by inebriety, then when the effects had gone off did the suspicions last? Were the suspicions entirely removed from your mind ? Mr. Ruck—l wished to ascertain if I had good ground for my suspicions, and requested to see my solicitor that I might investigate the facts. The Commissioner—And have the facts been investigated to your satisfaction ? Mr. Ruck—Yes, entirely. The Commissioner—Who has been investigating them ? Mr. Ruck—My solicitor, Mr. Wainwright. • The Commissioner—Did you entertain suspicions until you saw Mr. Wainwright ? Mr. Ruck—My mind was not divested of them. Tke Commissioner—What facts did he Investigate ? Mr. Ruck—Quite sufficient to prove to me that my sus picions were purely imaginary. One fact was that a gentle man who was mentioned was not at Welchpool at the time. Another was that Miss Jones lay down by my side at night. I have found that was untrue. The Commissioner —Were there any other facts brought to your knowledge by Mr. Wainwright which aided you in throwing these impressions off your mind? Mr. Ruck—Yes, I find that the name of the commercial traveller whom I suspected of familiarity with my wife was Bailey, and not Beach. The Commissioner —Was there any other fact communi cated to you by Mr. Wainwright which opened your mind? Mr. Ruck — Yes , that Mrs. Rucak untain ted. well was ted. A receivedso h t t in e un society, and that her character at the railway station, I w remar ks which I stated were made r must w: a h n a d v eexsctai excitement etnht I em m no us d t o h u a b v t e , bruatnacmieid o I a mi dst te so hae rn rrad. uc o h e b m u ! tie ; can only say I don't think anything m ore d of the investi. T'pe Commissioner—But up to the pencil gation by Mr. Wainwrght you still entertained these sus picions ? Mr. Ruek—Yes. I said when I obtained satisfactory in formation that such things had not occurred I would be satisfied. The Commissioner—When did Mr. Wainwright com municate to you the resalt of his investigation ? Witness—On the 14th of June. The Commissioner—Then what did you mean by your observations on Sunday week as to the supposed drover ? Mr. Ruck—We went into a house at Southall to get a glass of ale after a long walk. Two men came in. One of them said he was going to Welchpool, and I thought it had something to do with my case. I winked at the fellow who was with me, and said that if the man had touched on my case I would send him out of the room, for I knew Dr. Stillwell had the pull over the man. The Commissioner—When did you last see Miss Jones ? Mr. Ruck—The last time was in my own house. The Commissioner—You are the father of several children by her? Mr. Ruck—l am. The Commissioner—Where are they new ? Mr. Ruck—l don't know. I have never seen them. The Commissioner—You have never seen them ! Do you think they are living ? Mr. Ruck—l suppose they are. The Commissioner—What was your motive for locking her up in the room ? Mr. Ruck—Because she was drunk. The Commissioner—When did you first discover any cir cumstance which led you to entertain suspicions of your wife's fidelity? Mr. Ruck—l never discovered any circumstance to prove she was unfaithful tome; but on one occasion she threatened that she would do by men as I had done by women. The Commissioner—But you never, in point of fact, did discover any proof of her infidelity. Mr. Ruck—Oh, never. The Commissioner—But you have accused her of infidelity with mere than one man. Mr. Ruck—l can only say that what I did say has en tirely escaped my mind. The Commissioner—Why, since your mind has been dis abused, did you not seek to see her? Mr. Ruck—l can only state that I wrote her an affec tionate letter on the second day after I was at Moorecroft, and two or three afterwards she promised to come to see me, but did not. I saw it was perfectly useless to seek to see her. My wife was willing to come, but the doctors would not allow her. I had no previous notice of this inquiry, which I consider most cruel, for everything might have been suppressed which has now gone before the public. The Commissioner—Do you recollect anything about poisoning your dogs ? Mr. Ruck—Yes ; I put strychnine in the eye of a rabbit, which I had shot, to poison wild foxes, which abound in Wales. They would not touch it, and I told the man to take it away. He thought I said to the boiler. He gave it to the dogs in their food. Two of the dogs had died. The Commissioner—ls it not true that you struck and kicked Mr. Thurston Mr. Ruck—lt is not true. The Commissioner—Was he not one of those with whom you suspected your wife was unfaithful ? Mr. Ruck—No, I never did. He came to the house on one occasion, and I requested my wife not to see him ; but she did not comply with my request. I had no idea there was anything improper between them. The Commissioner—The persons whom you did suspect were strangers—persons on the road—drovers'? Mr. Ruck—Yes. The Commissioner—But your suspicions are entirely dis- Felled ? Mr. Ruck—Yes. A Juryman—Are you sorry for having caused your wife so mach pain ? Mr. Ruck—Well, I have expressed my great regret for it. The Commissioner—Will you inform the jury what were your suspicions about your wife ? Mr. Ruck—l had a general suspicion that she was un faithful to ale. The Commissioner—With a great many ? Mr. Ruck—l never said so; she might have been un faithful with any one, or with a great many. The Commissioner —How many did you suspect? Mr. Ruck—l cannot say. If she had connection with uue man, she might have had connection with a great many. I say now there is no evidence to establish one tittle of any suspicions. The Commissioner—Why are you more satisfied with the investiga'ion by Mr. Wainwright than with the explana tions of Mr. FisLer ? Mr. Ruck—Well, I aha a rather positive sort of a gentle man, and I wished to have some proofs. Tire Cotendisioner—What did you drive about the country for Mr. Ituck—l had no one in the house to cook my dinner ; no one but a Welshman and his wife, and I went out a pre:A deal for my amusement. Then, as to crossing over the river, there was not tile least danger. Where we crossed was a ford, and the water was not two feet deep. The Commissioner—But there is a hit of immorality of which we have heard—your offer t , .) that past-boy about his wife. Mr. Ruck—Olt, he is a notorious liar. The Commissioner—What is the amount of your pro perty ? Mr. Ruck—l have about £1,500 a-year. I have made some good investments in land. The Commissioner—Out of the savings of your income ? Mr. Ruck—Yes; and by the sale of some laud. The Commissioner—You were under the impression that there were v aluable mines on your estate ? Mr. Ruek said he had been, but bad net acted without the advice of competent persons, and handed in some opinions in support of his assertions. The Commissioner—One of the jury wishes me to put this question—Can you guarantee that these suspicions will never be revived ? Mr. Ruck—Most decidedly. The Commission er—On what terms were you with your wife before you became possessed of these suspicions? Mr. Ruck—Always on unhappy terms. I can only say I was wretched for years. She drove me to drink; she re fused to have any intercourse with me. The Commissioner—You wisk to be separated from her. Mr. Ruck—Yes. The Commissioner—Why ? Mr. Ruck—My wife has no desire to live with me. At the desire of Mr. James, Mr. Ruck explained with regard to his alleged aversion to red petticoats. He said that on one occasion he saw some ladies near Moorecroft Asylum, and not wishing to meet them wont another way, but nothing like two miles round. He added—As to my objection to red petticoats, I may remark, now that I am asked, my objection to them is that Welsh cows are very muck frightened by them. Mr. Ruck's examination being concluded, a short adjourn ment took place; and on the re-assembling of the Court, Dr. Alexander John Sutherland was called and examined by Mr. Chambers. He said—l am a doctor of medicine, and a member of the College of Physicians. I have paid great attention to mental disease. I saw Mr. Ruck in May and June. I had been furnished with the history of his de lusions. On the first occasion he refused to communicate with me as a stranger. On the second occasion he said " You must hear my story." He said he thought Mary Jones had murdered the two illegitimate children she had by him, for when she was sleeping in the next room with a commercial traveller lie heard him say, " If you don't pacify him you will swing for it," on which she came to his room, lay down by his side, and said, " Dearest Lawrence." He said that on one occasion he heard Mr. Lloyd go to his wife's room, and say, "Will you have me?" and she refused him very de cidedly. He said two attendants had been employed to watch him, and that on one occasion he beard his wife's step come along the passage, and she then bad connection with the tall attendant. He said that Mr. Barnet accom panied them to Reading. Hesaid that Mr. Barnet bad tried while in the railway carriage to put his foot on Mrs. Ruck, id oa t shut journey, a t l ee a y! t n hl e o e rt hearda or g i o a u e people saying, " How strange; s a a was cro s m s r h s s Ruck k r R i n u fi c k d e ' s l t y l e t g h s a . t 1 4 ! in e s t s ith a the lady who has bilked her husband." He said there were some drovers on the platform, when one of them made a remark about Mrs. Ruck, which it is impossible for us to give. On another occasion he said that w hile walking by the river at Reading, a gentleman came up to his wife and said " W—." I asked him if he did not resent it. He said no, it was too notorious. Ile said that on one occasion, while at his house, Mr. Barnet and his wife drank sherry and he was passed a half bottle of port. When be tasted it he thought they intended to poison him, and be left the house. Mr. Barnet and be had a row in the street, and Mr. Ruck charged him at the station house with drugging his wine, and a policeman w as sent to taste it, but said there was nothing the matter with it. Mr. Ruck said the wine had been changed. He said that he thought Mary Jones had murdered the children she had by him, and that he was determined to investigate it. From the conversation I had with him, I had no doubt he was of unsound mind. With regard to the present state of his mind, having heard the whole of the evidence, I think he is much better than when I saw him in June, but I don't think he is well. I do not think it would be veryf acts long o n safewhich hletr rely alleged intimacy of Mr. Barnet and his wife , and his stating that he had not torn up his clothes, but that M ar y Jones misgohiasadaenfiraele with respect One t o o f the had. Cross-examined by Mr. James—l first saw Mr. Ruck at the request of Dr. Stillwell. Dr. Stillwell told me he had delusions about the value of his property, but I do not now think that was a delusion. I think that intemperance has a good deal to do with Mr. Ruck's insanity. That is a disease the most curable, but the most liable to relax. Mr. James—l ask you, is it a proper course of treatment to keep a man who has delusions in his mind, the result of intemperance, for months in a lunatic asylum without giving him an opportunity of an investigation ? Witness—l think it would have been better if the inquiry bad taken place sooner. utl ße-examined—He Dlhr edrnwe. tri iWinslow of fitr:tebehlglweiasrhedmheitxelnndsrn at he. made this statement to me volun tarily. He said he would make his statement before a jury bois m eNd wife'sn. lo o went crueltiesi e n ec fi nrot d f e tdw l i ot t w y sayn M was sorry r there. . Williams's request, to se e Mr. Ruck, on the Ath of May conduct to her cLarac him and his wife. y He e s r a e ld w h a e s any l a as nd t. id l s sa im id p l res w si whatever andn v :ne m e r were Orranaeerrympe such Jones'ser scncthft Moorecroft e x ati d - st I s e t estrangement e infamous, ment be tween he could never live with her again, been guilty of gross inWelity hltn. said she had He Blinded to her familiarity with Mr. Barnet. He mentioned about Mr. Barnet putting his feet in the railway carriage on Mrs. Ruck's. He said that several of the railway officials put their heads in at the windows and said, "There's the woman ho bilked her husband." He said that even the stable boys remarked it, and that when she came to London there was no prostitute in London more indiscriminate in her acts of infidelity. He also mentioned about his wine having been drugged. I regarded these as delusions. I cannot say his evidence to-day is satisfactory. I don't think the delusions are entirely removed from his mind. I think after Mr. Ruck's examination to-day I am bound to say he should be allowed considerable latitude with a gentle supervision to see if these hallucinations have in reality left his mind. I cannot take on myself the grave responsibility of recommending that he should be set entirely free. By the Commissioner—His evasive answers are not such as to warrant me in recommending that he should be set at liberty. He is no doubt better, and I hope he will eventually recover. The Commissioner—The question for the jury is whether these delusions are still in his mind. Witness—On that I cannot give an opinion. The Commissioner—Are the grounds on which be says his mind has been divested of these delusions satisfactory to your mind ? Witness—No, they are not. Dr. Conolly was then recalled, and stated that having heard the evidence of the alleged lunatic, the opinion which he had formed had become modified, but not altered. Mr. James having objected to Dr. Conolly giving evi dence of this nature, and thus usurping the province of the jury, The evidence was not pressed. Mr. Ruck was then recalled by the C o mmissioner, and stated in the most positive terms that he had never torn his clothes, but believed they had been torn by Mary Jones i when she was locked up n the dining-room. This closed the case in support of the allegations of lunacy; and Mr. Sergeant Ballantine having summed up the evidence, The proceedings were again adjourned until :this morning at ten o'clock, when Mr. Edwi n James will address the jury on behalf of Mr. Ruck, in support of whose case evidence will afterwards be adduced. was afraid of a collision between the troops and my officers if they attempted to put a passenger in irons. My reason was that soldiers would feel a sympathy for their officers. as they have done in the streets. The cargo was worth £150,000. I said to the plaintiff, " I shall have to confine you if you don't be quiet." That was immediately after saying I was a landlord. He was surrounded by people on the deck. I sent the chief officer up to him to bring him down to his cabin. Mr. Thompson addressed the passengers, saying tbey ought not to resist the authority of the captain. I said Mr. Krog had only to express himself as sorry, and there would be an end of it. He refused to withdraw the expres sions. He came out of his cabin, and I sent messages to tell him he must remain in his cabin. There were no means of confining him to his cabin but by fastening him up. He was confined as a refractory sailor would be. He was able to talk to the other passengers, and played at cards and chess. Every day I sent to tell him if he would confine himself to his cabin he should be released. I wrote an apology, which I thought necessary, but he refused to sign it. The apology was that he was sorry he had used the words " that I was a landlord, and the ship a float ing hotel." On the 15th of June I released him, on the representation of the doctor that his health was in danger. On the sth of June my wife went into hysterics. Cross-examined—I did not order him to be locked in ex cept at dinner time. They could not find the key. I did not say there was a conspiracy to take the ship from me. I be lieve I said there was an inclination among the passen gers to upset my authority ; they were most of those witnesses who were called yesterday—Captain Hunt, Lieut. Armstrong, Mr. Krog. I can't mention any more names exactly. I don't call any of them mutineers. I believed they intended to upset my authority, and that I understand to be mutiny. They were verging on mutiny. I don't say that two officers conspired to mutiny. I considered, as soon as Major Longden said he would support me, that all danger was over. I put Mr. Krog in irons after that—it was not to prevent a mutiny. If I was publicly insulted my authority would be at an end. Baron Martin—l think the witness has negatived the plea. I threatened to pull Lieutenant Armstrong's nose. I did so because I was in a passion because my wife was in hysterics. I afterwards apologised to the commanding officer. I did threaten Capt. Hunt. I told Capt. Green that I was ready to meet him at 12 paces. I did not do that to prevent a mutiny. I did not use strong language to the other passen gers. I kept Mr. Krog in irons 10 days. I did not expect a mutiny each of those days. Reexamined—l did not jeer at Dr. Veale ;we bad an altercation. I said I thought he was not in a position to talk to me. I meant because he was wounded. There was an altercation; with Capt. Green, and I said a blue jacket was as good as a red one, and I was willing to meet him at 12 paces. At that time I had been up all night, the ship had been in danger, and I was annoyed. There were high words on both sides. I did not release Mr. Krog, be cause I considered that my authority would be at an end as regarded the crew and the stewards. This is the first time I have had an action against me. Philip Bonarius and George Cook, the first and second stewards of the ship, Mr. Smyth, the first officer, and Mr. Lansbery, a passenger, were called in corroboration, and all swore to Capt. Hunt, one of the officers on board, having said, " Turn out the hands, and then we will see who is strongest." Mr. Smyth described the passengers as noisy, and said they made the ship more like a pothouse than a quarter deck. Mr. Coleridge and Mr. Collier having addressed the jury, Mr. Baron Watson summed up, and The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff —damages, £375. (Special Jury.) BARRITT Y. TUE MIDLAND RAILWAY COMPANY. Mr. M. Smith, Q.C., and Mr. Kingdon, were for the plaintiff; and Mr. Butt, Q.C., Mr. Stone, and Mr. Cole ridge for the defence. This was an action by a poor woman to recover compen sation for injuries she had received through the alleged negligence of the company's servants. The plaintiff, Mary Barrett, lived with her husband in one of a row of cottages on the verge of the Midland Rail way, at the parish of St. Philips, Bristol, and opposite the cottage is a footway across the line. It was frequently the case that trucks remained on the line, and on such occasions it was the custom to separate the trucks so as to leave open the footway for passengers. On the morning of the 10th of January,lB.s6, Mrs. Barrett had occasion to go into Bristol on business, and as she was crossing the railway at the path in question (which was, in fact, the continuation of a foot way which had existed before the railway was made), and in so doing she had to pass through the opening between two lots of trucks. She saw no engine—heard no engine or any signal or warning, but immediately the trains closed up and caught her arms between the buffers of the trucks. The carriages then opened and she got out, and was removed to the Bristol Royal Infirmary, when it was found that both arms had been so badly et ushed as to render immediate amputation neces sary above the elbows. She was in the family-way at the time, and was confined in three months afterwards of a child which subsequently died ; while, to complete her mise ries, her husband deserted her, and she had to be removed to her friends, poor people, in Cornwall, on whose bounty she was dependent. It was admitted that the action had been brought through the kindness of the vicar of the parish in which she lived in Cornwall, who commiserated her situa tion, and assisted her with means. On the part of the railway company, it was contended that the accident arose through the negligence of the plaintiff, and ihe engine-driver and stoker were called to state that she was seen and called to, and stoo I back for a few minutes, and t hat on the engine going on again, she ran forward, and got knocked down through her ow❑ default. The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff—damages, £4OO. POLICE INTELLIGENCE. Alderman Phillips—As far as I have beard the evidence, I do not think it is a case I can decide here. Mr. Lea—l wish the law to take its full course, in order to put a stop to this system of robbery, as there is a great deal of it in the book trade. Mr. Deacon continued—l have also a quantity of the London Journal, but I cannot say how much, or what quantity, I bought of Elliott. Alderman Phillips—But is the London Journal a work likely to be sold for wastepaper ? Witness—Oh, yes, sir; plenty of it. As much as 40 tons at a time have been tendered for. On the 10th of August Elliott came again with a quantity, about 401 b. weight, of the " Curse of Clifton," and some quires of " Godfrey Malvern," in all icwt. 211 b., and I paid him at the same rate as before. On each occasion the paper was brought in Edmonds and Remnant's cart. I have never done any business with Wiseman. Mr. Martin—ls there any charge against Bryant, the man who commissioned Wiseman to sell this paper? Moss, the detective officer—No, sir; for he bought the paper of Deacon and sold it to Wiseman. Benjamin Bryant was then examined and said—l am a wastepaper and general dealer. I employed Wiseman to sell the 200 quires produced of the " Curse of Clifton," the whole of which I bought of Mr. Deacon. Upon seeing Mr. Lea's imprint upon them as the publisher I told Wiseman I would let him have them at 41d. per lb., and that if he took them to Mr. Lea I thought he would get 6d. per lb. I bought other paper of Mr. Deacon at the same time, and paid him 30s. per cwt. for it. Alderman Phillips—What made you think Mr. Lea would give more than any one else ? Witness—Because I ascertained it was a current work, and, being got up very nicely, it was not like waste paper. Alderman Phillips—That is rather a dangerous admis sion for you to make. Moss—Since the last examination I have searched Mr. Deacon's premises, and now produce 80 quires of " Godfrey Malvern" and 15 quires of the Home Magazine which I found there. There was also a quantity of the London Journal, but I could not ascertain how much, as it was mixed with other things. He had previously told me he bad them by him. Mr. Deacon—l purchased these works also of Elliott. The weight was a little more than 561 b. He brought the Home Magazine on tho 2d of August, and "Godfrey Mal vern" on the 10th. MANSION-HOUSE.—Two lascars, who have been often seen soliciting charity through the City, were brought before the Lord Mayer upon the charge of having " pushed their trade" in a most persevering manner in the large thoroughfares, as well as in the narrow passages, near the Royal Exchange. A policeman said—Between three and four o'cicck yester day afternoon I saw Cassim (one of the defendants) in Corn hill begging. After a few mice ssfdl experiments he went to the corner of Lombard-street, and met two other lascars, with whom he communicated. They soon separated, and 1 followed Cassim, who walked into a respectable oyster shop, and had bread and cheese and beer there, and then went into a cigar shop. (A laugh.) I took him into custody, and I found fivepence in his pockets • but I am sure that he had got much more money in his walks. The Lord Mayor—No doubt of that at all. Those who do the business of begging are in the habit of meeting by ap pointment some of their countrymen, and handing over to them the alms they receive, knowing that if they did not dishurthen themselves, the police would do that office for them. The policeman—At 10 minutes past five I saw the other defendant (Ranighrani), in company with four other las cars, in Cheapside. He quitted the rest, and went into a tavern in Bucklersbury, and begged there. I followed him to several ocher places, and saw him beg of every well dressed person he met, and at last I took him into custody. We know that men of this description get a great deal of money in the streets of the City. The Lord Mayor—l have ascertained that they carry on a most successful trade in the City, and their wretched appearance is well calculated to touch the compassion of the unreflecting passenger. The defendants—We could not get a ship to go home in, and were obliged to beg to save us from starvation. The Lord Mayor—No, but you would rather quietly beg here, and live comfortably upon the pity of the public, than go home and work. You know both of you, as well as I know, the clause in the Merchant Shipping Act by which you are completely protected. I Aall read that clause, not for your instruction, but in order to prevent compassionate people from foolishly supplying the numerous impostors who infest our streets with the means of extending the sys tem. It is impossible to go along without being solicithd by multitudes of lascars, and I trust that those who read the newspapers will, by withholding their hands in every similar case of solicitation, assist me in checking this great evil. The help I require can be easily afforded, and our efforts will put an end to an evil now become intolerable. (Le of the police inspectors said the directions given to the force, in consequence of former suggestions made by his lordship on the subject, had been strictly observed ; and no doubt if the aid required by his lordship from m public were given, the advantages would be very soon felt and acknowledged by men of business in the City. The Lord Mayor—The clause to which I allude treats of relief to destitute lascars, and is as follows :—" 22. It shall be the duty of the East India Company to take charge of and send home, or otherwise provide for, all persons being lascars or other natives of the territories under the govern ment of the said company, who are found destitute in the United Kingdom; and if any such person is relieved and maintained by any guardians, overseers, or other persons administering the relief of the poor, such overseers, guar dians, or other persons may, by letter sent through the post or otnerwise, give notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Court of Directors of the East India Company, specifying, as far as practicable, the particulars ; and the said East India Cempany shall repay to the said overseers, guardians, or other persons out of the revenues of the said company, all moneys duly expended by them in relieving or maintaining such destitute persons after the time at which such notice aforesaid is sent or otherwise given." The defendants, who showed by various actions and ejacu lations that they knew all about the matter, here said that if his lordship would let them go he should never see their faces again in this world. The Lord Mayor however sent them off, under the super intendence of an officer to the authorities of the un i on , w h o will forthwith communicate with the East India Company's secretary on the subject of their immediate departure from this country. A fellow named George Marsham , who has been long in the habit of working about the mar kets, was committed to the House of Correction, and ordered to undergo hard labour for two months for having smashed a window of the value of about £lO, in the shop of Mr. Benson, of Cornbill, jeweller. - The prisoner had struck the window with a bottle, and a valuable watch, which had been hanging by a chain in the window, was found upon the pavement, but no statement was mule as to the probability that the fellow's intention was to commit a robbery. He said that he smashed the glass because he had been refused assistance at the union, and upon being told that if he would not pay the amount of £5 on account of the damage he must go to prison, he said, " Very well, that'll do; it's what I wanted." The Lord Mayor requested that the press would acknow ledge his receipt of £1 from "F. M. E. ;" 103. from Sigma; ani ss. from " H. J.," for Mrs. Soden. GUILDHALL.—ROBBERIES IN THE BOOK TRADE. —Matthew Elliott, a carman in the employ of Messrs. Edmonds and Remnant, bookbinders, in Paternoster-row, was placed at the bar before Alderman Phillips for further examination, charged with stealing 200 quires of publica tions called "The Curse of Clifton" and " Godfrey Mal vern," the property of Mr. Lea, bookseller and publisher, of Warwick-lane, and JohniVixemait a waste-paper dealer , was charged with h av i ng th e same u nlawfully in his pos session. Mr. Lea—The 80 quires of " Godfrey Malvern" and 15 quires of the Home Magazine are my property, and one of the bundles bears my private mark. They were taken from the same place as the ‘ Curse of Clifton." .. _ Alderman Phillips—l have made up my mind what to do in this case, Mr. Lewis, unless you have anything to say to alter my determination. Mr. Lewis—lf you have decided to commit Elliott for trial I will not say another word, but I should have thought it was a case which you might have disposed of under the Criminal Justice Act. Mr. Lea—l wish to state, sir, that if Wiseman had not brought this paper to me for sale, I should have missed it next week, and the consequence would have been I should have discharged two of my servants, who have the keys of this warehouse, on suspicion. Alderman Phillips—l think Wiseman and Bryant are in nocent of any guilty knowledge in this matter, or they would never have offered this paper to Mr. Lea, from whom it had been stolen. Wiseman is therefore discharged, but I shall commit Elliott for trial. I think Mr. Deacon might have exercised a little more caution in making some in quiries about the prisoner when he came to him with this paper, before buying it. The prisoner Elliott was accordingly committed to New gate to take his trial. BOW-STREET.—A summons against one of the con ductors of the Saloon Omnibus Company, for having caused damage to one of the vehicles of the General Omnibus Com pany, by careless driving, was partly heard Wore Mr. Henry, who, perceiving that the collision was the result of the system of " nursing" adopted by the General Company, with the view of driving the rival omnibuses off the read, ordered the case to stand over fora month. His worship stated that his reason for adopting this course was to give the companies an opportunity of altering their time in such a way as to prevent the continuance of what had now be come a very serious nuisance in the streets of London. He had little other fault to find with them. Great improve ments had taken place in omnibus accommodation since the London General Company had been established; but if this " nursing" system was not immediately put an end to by themselves, he would direct the police to interfere, and they might readily conjecture from fbrmer experience what would be the result. Mr. Sleigh, on the part of the General Company, under took that his worship's suggestion should be attended to. Catherine Owen, a girl of 15, was charged with stealing a purse containing £23 and other money belonging to as old Irishwoman named Catherine Murphy, living in St. Giles's. The prosecutrix always carried her money in a bag, which she wore round her neck, and having taken a drop too much and fallen asleep, the prisoner, a servant in the house, took the bag from her. It contained, besides the money, an 1 0 U for £8 and two others for £6 each. These and 13 sovereigns were recovered. Remanded for further examination. WESTMINSTER.—A GANG OF JUVENILE PICK POCKETS.-7'homas Keates, aged 13, who stated that be was living in Old Pye-street, Westminster, a notorious neighbourhood, inhabited by some of the worst characters in Westminster, was charged before Mr. Paynter by Edward Webb, a Mendicity Society officer, with picking the pocket of a lady unknown in Victoria-street, and with stealing a purse therefrom. Webb stated that on the afternoon of Tuesday, the 17th inst., he was in Victoria-street, when he saw the prisoner make several attempts to pick the pockets of persons passing there to and fro. He watched the prisoner a long while, until at length he saw him take a purse out of a lady's pocket. There were some other boys with him, one of whom was named Harrington. He went in pursuit of Keates, who happened to see him, and who succeeded in making his escape. He (witness) on his way back found Harrington in the custody of Police-constable Burr, 70 B, by whom he was told that Harrington had stolen two books from a bookseller named Harrison, and on which charge he should take him into custody. He (Webb) had not met with the prisoner till the evening previous, when he took him into custody, and placed him in charge of Burr. As is usual in cases when juvenile prisoners are charged with an offence, the officer was asked by Mr. Paynter if the parents of the prisoner were present ? Burr said that the mother of the prisoner was in court, and that sl4 said to him on Monday night that she could do nothing with him. _ Mr. Paynter remarked that he would send the prisoner for trial. Mother—l hope that will do him good. The prisoner here shed tears, and did his best to suppress his feelings but he could not. The depositions were then taken by Mr. Taylor, chic clerk, and he was fully committed for trial. There was anothei: charge against the prisoner, who, while in the company of another boy, took 31d. from a lad pissing down Victoria-street. The lad pursued him, and he was stopped by Mr. T. Bull, butcher, 9, Great Chapel street. The lad told him (Mr. Bull) that the prisoner had taken his money, when be gave it to Mr. Bull, who re stored it to the lad, when he let the prisoner go away. In answer to Mr. Paynter it was stated by Mr. Bull that he had no doubt but that the prisoner was the boy whom he stopped. In respect to the boy Harrington, who was also placed at the bar, there was no prosecutor. His tither came forward, and promised to take care o him. Mr. Paynter observed that he had got among some evil companions, and that if be would answer for his future good conduct be would place him in his (the father's) hands. The father promised that he would send him to sea, or place him in some situation where he would be away from his present companions. The father was then held to bail in his own recognisance of £lO for the good behaviour of his child. CHARGE OP ROBBERY AGAINST AN ASSUMED LATIN DRESS.—IsabeIIa Reed, a middle-aged female of short stature and rather stout build, was charged with stealing a large quantity of linen and wearing apparel from various persons, which she obtained by representing herself to be a laundress. _ It appeared that on the previous day the prisoner called at the house,of Police-constable Bellchambers, 283 A, who resides at 26, St. George's-terrace, Pimlico. She saw the constable's wife, and said that she called on account of her mistress for the week's linen to wash. Mrs. Bellchambers told her that she bad called rather early, when she remarked that her mistress was unwell, which was the reason she was sent to obtain the week's washing. She received the same, and also the money for the previous week's washing. As she was leaving the house the laundress arrived, when the prisoner was allowed to return the money and the linen. She was seen to go to No. 18 in the terrace, where she got some things to wash, but before she got away, Bellchambers, who had returned home, heard of her adventure, and suc ceeded in taking her into custody before she was able to make her escape. Two other charges were preferred against the prisoner, and it was stated by Bellchambers that if she werereroandbed he thought he should ha ve other char g es a g ains t her, as she ans wered the description of a female who h t ad e s a u r e t e ic e l e e d s e . dio o btaining a large quanti t y of linen an d wearing apparel y represen ting that she came from the laundress who was engag ed by the persons from whom she got the She was accordingly remanded. mARYLEBONE.—ASSAULTS ON POLICB-CONSTA BLEs,Patrich Lyon, an Irish labourer, was charged on a warrant with violently thatassa atult lingl O'clocktw two constables. on Monday f nig T h n t ff i r a e s Y t ' h 6 e 2 topok, deposed a man into custody for an assault upon him in Marylebone-lane, and that while conveying him to the station-house, the prisoner rushed forward, exclaiming You shan't take him," and struck him (witness) several blows. He was knocked down, and while lying on the ground prisoner kicked him. His back was still sore from the injury which he bad received. Collins, 055 D, said that on going to his brother officer's assistance the prisoner attacked him, and he was also knocked down. Mr. Long (to prisoner)—What is your answer to these charges of assault? Prisoner—l admit that I was drunk, but as to assaulting the constables, I deny that I did so. Mr. Long—Have you any witnesses to call? Prisoner—No, sir. Mr. Long convicted him in two separate penalties of 208., and in default of payment 14 days in each case in the House of Correction. Prisoner —Thank you ; I'm much obliged to you. He was then locked up. ALLEGED ROBBERY EY MEANS OF CHLOROFORM.— A decently-dressed man, who at the station-house gave his name John Jones, was placed at the bar charged with having been concerned with others in stealing a silver watch from the person of Mr. Francis Stretch, residing at 13, Little Marylebone-street. Prosecutor, on being sworn, said—Betwefn. 10 and 11 Mr. Morgan appeared to conduct the case for the prose cation; Mr. Lewis, jun. defended Elliott; and Mr. Clark attended on behalf of M r .' Deacon, a waste-paper dealer,who purchased the paper of Elliott. Mr. Martin (the chief clerk) having read over the evi dence taken on the former oecssion, explained that the robbery was discovered through Wiseman offering the pro perty for sale to Mr. Lea, from whose premises it had been stolen. Alderman Phillips—l understand from that evidence that there was about 1 cwt., but how many copie s were there? Mr. Lea—There were 200 quires of the " Curse of Clifton," and the trade value of them was Bd. per dozen sheets or numbers. Cross-examined—That is the publishing trade price, not the price as waste pape r . The " Curse of Clifton" was not sold in large quantities to any one. We never sell more than a single quire to any Ine except Vickers. Alderman Phillips—Have you not in yo u r trade " re mainders," which you sell as waste ? Mr. Lea—Yes, sir; and it would not be irregular for a waste-paper dealer to buy 200 quires of a work out of sale o'clock last night I was passing down Munster-street, Re as waste. I have sold the Home Magazine and such gent's-park, and just as I had got to Clarence-gardens I things as waste paper, at 18s. and 20s. per cwt. The stoped down to fasten up my boot lace. While engaged in " Curse of Clifton" did not sell very well. I have only a long so the prisoner and two others came up to me, and few copies left. The 200 quires produced were stolen since one a them placed upon my face a handkerchief which was the 30th of June last, when I took stock and saw them safe. net. I immediately missed my watch, which I distinctly I will swear they have not been sold in the trade, because saw the prisoner take from my pocket, and had no sooner there is a large quantity of each signature, and they are called out that I had been robbed than I became insensible done up in a different form to that in which they are usually from the effects of what had been administered to me when sold. I have never sold such stack as this as waste paper. the handkerchief I have spoken of was applied. My im- Mr. Deacon, a waste-paper dealer, of Dog and Duck- pression is that it must have been chloroform which was yard, Bedford-row, said—On the 2i of August the prisoner applied to me in the way I have stated. Elliott came to me with I cwt. of waste paper, which I Whinkles, an active officer, 191 S, said—l heard a female bought at the rate of 18s. per cwt. There were about 201 b. cry " Stop thief !" and saw her in pursuit of the prisoner of the " Curse of Clifton" amongst it. and another man. The prisoner was stepped in Mary-street, Mr. Lewis—l cannot offer any defence to this charge Hampstead-road. He got away from the party who seized after the evidence of Mr. Lea, sir, and I would therefore him, and I took him into custody in Charles-street. Just ask you, considering that it is not a case of a servant robbing before I did so I beard the prisoner's companions in his his master, to deal summarily with the case. You have flight say to him (prisoner), " There's no Peeler here; ample powers to deal with him, and if you put the City to change your coat." The female said that she saw the pri the expense of a trial be will probably not get a heavier soner and the prosecutor together just before the watch was punishment than you can give him. stolen. It seemed to have been done instantaneously. Mr. Martin—The charge is that of breaking into Mr. Wm. Taylor—l was with prosecutor at about half-past Lea's premises, and stealing this paper. It is a very serious 10, and he then had his watch safe in his possession. offence. Mr. Long (to the officer)—ls the watch found ? Officer—NO, sir. Mr. Long—ls the female you speak of here Officer—She is not, but I can get her on another day. The prisoner, who said he knew nothing about the watch, was remanded till Wednesday next. SOUTHWARK.—DARING HIGHWAY ROBBERY AT THE FORESTERS' FETE.---John Burn, a smart-looking fellow, belonging to a notorious gang of thieves, was brought before Mr. Comte, charged with stealing a watch from the person of Charles Beresford on the incline of the Crystal Palace Railway, London-bridge. The prosecutor, a jolly-looking tradesman, said that be belonged to the Ancient Order of Foresters, and the pre vious day being their annual fete at the Crystal Palace, himself, wife, and some portion of his family, accompanied several thousands to enjoy' the pleasures of the day. They arrived there safe enough by the railway, and everything passed off comfortably during the day. About eight o'clock they arrived by train at the London-bridge terminus on their return home. When he get on the platform his watch was safe in his waistcoat pocket attached to a heavy silver chain, which was round kis neck. As soon as he got on the incline he felt a tug at bis chain, and putting his band down he caught hold of the prisoner's hand near his waistcoat pocket. He was then surrownded by several rough-looking fellows, who pushed him about; but finding that his watch had been broken from the bow, and stolen, he retained hold of the prisoner until a constable came up, when he gave him into custody. At the time there were hundreds leaving the railway, and he heard several call out that they were robbed. Mr. Combe asked him whether he saw anything of his watch when he caught hold of the prisoner's hand? Witness replied in the negative. His hand had evidently just left his waistcoat pocket, and being pushed about so roughly by his cempanions, tie had no doubt the watch was passed to them. Mr. Combe asked him whether he was sober at the time ? He replied that he was. He had enjoyed himself ration ally, and was returning home with satisfaction, when he was hustled and robbed. Reed, 235 M, said that he was on duty in Wellington street, near the end of the incline of the railway, when he heard cries of " Police" proceed from the latter place, and on his going there he saw the prisoner struggling with the prosecutor, who gave him in charge for stealing his watch. The prisoner denied all knowledge of the robbery. Mr. Combe told the prisoner that it was a case for trial, and he must either be tried by him or go to the sessions. Which did 'Lie prefer ? If tried by him he must plead guilty. The prisoner preferred being tried by his worship, and pleaded guilty. Mr. Combe said there could be no doubt as to his guilt, therefore he should sentence him to four months' hard labour in the House of Correction. EXTENSIVE PLUNDER BY A BARMAN.--Henry Howes, a young man about 18 years of age, under barman to Mr. William Sudell, the proprietor of the Noah's Ark public-house, Blackfriars-road, was charged with stealing £24, a quantity of cigars, and a pint and a half of brandy, the property of his master. Mr. Solomon appeared for the prosecution, and stated that the charge against the prisoner was of a very serious nature. He had been in his client's employ 12 months as a potman and under barman, at a salary of ss. a-week with board and lodging. For some time past Mr. Sudoll's returns so diminished that he thought that his busi ness had fallen off, but he could not account for it, as he seemed to have the same amount of customers. On the previous night, however, the prisoner was seen to take 2s. from the till, when he was given into custody. His boxes were searched, and £24 in gold, silver, and copper money was found in his boxes, besides a pint and a half of brandy, some cigars, and a great deal of wearing apparel, quite new- The prosecutor deposed to the above facts, and the pri soner was remanded until Friday next. The prisoner told his worship that £lB out of the money was given to him by his uncle, who lived at No. 6, Bedford row, Clapham-rise. ' Mr. Sudell said that he identified several of the coins as having been in his possession, and he had no doubt the prisoner had been robbing him at the rate of £5 a week. A WHOLESALE POT STEALER. — William Mills, a middle-aged man, was charged with stealing four pewter pots, the property of Mr. Walker, of the Rising Sun Tavern, Blackfriars-road. Jones, 151 L, an active officer, stated that he met the prisoner and his son in Marlborough-street, New-cut. The latter was about six years of age, and he carried a pint pot in a handkerchief. He was induced to stop them both, when he found that the pot belonged to Mr. Walker, of the Blackfriars-road. He then took the prisoner to the sta— tion-house, and on searching him found a half-pint pot near his breast, a pint pot in his coat pocket, and another in his hat, all belonging to Mr. Walker, of the Rising Sel l ' Witness wished for a remand, as he had reason to believe the prisoner had stolen a number of pots from Mr. Elt, the Feathers Tavern, in the Waterloo-road, the petman baying seen him in the house just before the pots were missing. The magistrate accordingly remanded the prisoner until Friday. C&UNT EY MARKETS. LAW INTELLIGENCE. CITY SHERIFFS' COURT.—Aug. tn. (Before Mr. Prendergast, Q.C.) A JUVENILE BILL DISCOUNTER-RAYNE V. MACKAY. The plaintiff In this action sought to recover a sum of money upon an overdue bill of exchange. The plaintiff is a minor, and Mr. Orgood, the chief clerk, objected to his appearing as plaintiff, but his Honour overruled the objec tion, as the defendant did not appear. The plaintiff said he had discounted the bill upon which he now sought to recover. His Honour—All ! A young beginner in the money line. Did you see defendant sign the bill? The plaintiff—No, I did not see him sign it; but he must have done so or his name would not be there. (Laughter.) His Honour—You must be more careful for the future. You ought to prove handwriting. The plaintiff—Well, I did not think that was any business of mine; all I bad to do was to present the bill when it fell due, and get the money. (Laughter.) He has paid £9 103. His Honour, referring to the back of the bill, and finding this to be the case, said he would take that as an admission. (To plaintiff)—Well, you bad better take the balance in two payments. Plaintiff—Oh, no. I want the money, or I wouldn't have summoned him. (Laughter.) His Honour—Well, you had better take it in a month. Plaintiff—l'd rather hays it at once. (Laughter.) His Honour—Well, but you have taken it in portions yourself. Plaintiff—Yes; but I want it all now. In fact, I want money, and that quickly. (Laughter.) His Honour—Well, you had better take it in a month. ASSIZE INTELLIGEN CE. WESTERN CIRCUIT.—BnesTon, Aug. 24. (Before Mr. Baron Watsan and a Special Jury.) KROD, V. FRANKLIN. This case proceeded after our despatch left yesterday. Mr. Coleridge addressed the jury for the defendant. He was happy that this case was tried In the city of Bristol, be cause all persons living in it had a due appreciation of the ' importance of keeping strict and proper discipline on beard a merchant vessel. If they should think that there had been intemperance, the plaintiff was not the person to complain, because, if he had led to all this altercation , Capt. F rank l in had only exercised that authority which was requisite for the maintenance of good order in the ship. The ship was of , first- class size, having a most valuable cargo and a crew and passengers amounting to nearly 400 souls. To the captain all had to look for protection, regulation, and control ou board. A large authority was therefore vesttd In his hands ; they would not forget the great responsibility attached to him. In every club, in every hotel, there must he regu larity and rules. Chief Justice Tindal held that a captain was justified in excluding from the table any passenger who I had used improper language, and Lord Ellenhorough had said that he might put a passenger in irons who refused ,to fight in time of war. The principle to be looked at was that no person should break the captain's rule. There was a necessity for some strong, controlling power, :and if oarce disorder was allowed no one could tell where it would end. There was a great distinction, he admitted, between the authority over the crew and that over the passengers. It was to be mitigated by common sense; at the same time it must not be permitted for any one to insult the authority of the captain of the ship. These being the on]) general observations, he would come to the facts, and see whether they did not make out a complete defence for Captain Franklin. They must be aware now how his friend opened cases when he was to have the last word ; it was, ha supposed, in the way of trade. Numbers of things were stated which his friend must have 'flown could not be proved, and which, if proved, mild have nothing to do with the case. Ile did not com plain, but Ire wished to draw a distinction between the state ments and the irrie,fs. Taere was 1.0 attempt to extort an apology. What were tire facts stripped of the brilliant co louring that had been thrown over them ? Captain Franklin had sailed fitorn Melbourne, and had called at Calcutta, where he took in many passengers. They arrive at the Cape, and there they took ins Mr. Krog. He must ark thew to believe that Capt. Fr anklin had an answer to the aTersions that had been cast upon him; but Capt. Franklin would be called, and his friend might ask him what questions he pleased. Let them see how the matter stood after their arri ea! at the Cape. This was clear, that the troops anti the offi cers had not been known to each other, and he thought their conduct had not been so satisfactory that the captain could feel very comfortable. There had been complaints made as regarded the Lascars. The whole were not well assorted. Mr. Krug appeared to be the only lawyer on board, and he thought that some of the rules were not according to law. As a lawyer and the son of a lawyer it would not do to dis parage his profession or to foul his own nest. As there could not be a more useful 'eau than a lawyer, still there were sottne who had a smattering of law who became dangerous in matters of law; and those who knew a little of law were anxious to have their first case. Mr. Krog soon set him self to work to draw the first lezal blood on board this ship, the Undaunted. He had given those on board his opinion of the status of the captain by telling them that his posi tion was that of a landlord of a floating hotel. He should show them that there was that which justified Captain Franklin in the course he had pursued. Captain Frank lin being obliged to be up all night, was obliged to get his rest at any time he could. He WV, disturbed on the evening in question ; perhaps some of the parties were not the better, but the worse for wine, but the captain ran down and was told that they would insist upon retnoviug the lamp —a trivial thing, he should have thought—but the captain said it must not be removed. An altercation took place, and while everything was hot Mr. Krog interfered, and that in terference was too warm, and Captain Franklin not so rough as had been stated. But he should satisfy them that Captain Franklin was in fear. The Judge.—That won't do; you must prove a commence ment of the mutiny. I have been reading your pleadings with great care, and have seen that you studiously avoided coming to that point. show T that , tto Mr. Coleridge — lt was Ig n orance. The eCij ;" 'f y . B ou ar louse N o,n o not ignorance in you, Mr. Coleridge was necessary to imprison him in order to prevent mutiny. Mr. Coleridge said he must show that there was danger of (ronnu— impending mutiny to justify the captain in his acts. The captain would tell them there were such numbers about the cabin doors that he was under an apprehension that there would be an attack by the soldiers. He should ask whether that would not justify the captain in point of law. Was it or not true that there was that well-grounded apprehension? He came before them with an excellent character, and he should ask them to believe that he apprehended an appeal would be made to the soldiers. If this was not so, why were the soldiers sent down below ? This fact, he submitted, was worthy of their consideration. The captain having matte up his mind to imprison the plaintiff, what was there to justify angry feelings towards Capt. Franklin ? Moral coercion was sufficient for a military or naval man—he was told he was under arrest, and that was sufficient. If Capt. Franklin was justified in sending Mr. Krog to his cabin, he was justified in putting him in irons because he would not remain in the cabin. His coming out of the cabin was setting his authority at defiance. As to keeping him so long in irons, they must take into account the apprehensions of the captain. Ile de tained him for the vindication of his authority. The ortoment his health began to suffer the captain said he must come out. Ile should call the defendant and different officers of the ship, and they should hear the account of Mr. Lansberg, and he should ask them to come to a concluelon that the defendant had only done that which was right. The Court was then adjourned till to-morrow. WEDNESDAY, AUG. 25. The trial was resumed this morning. Captain Franklin—l was the commander of the ship. I have been a commander 20 years. The tonnage was 1,470. I bad 140 troops on board. lii the course of the voyage the troops did not give much trouble. They fought a little at the Cape, and I interfered. I had 65 Lascars for a drew. They struck work at the Cape. They were taken before a magis trate. In the saloon there were four lamps, all lighted at dark. The time for putting them out was 11 o'clock, half-au-hour later than was usual in other ships. I was in the habit of tak ing rest when I could. On the evening of the 4th of June there was a whist party. They made a considerable noise, and re mained haratneziug and breaking made remarks net complimentary, to me. I desired the steward to remove the lamp further down the table, as I was went I heard into t a h great r salon.ea t noise disturbed by the noise. On the sth of June a party re dinal Pull." glasses Baron Watson—Drinking wine and breaking glasses is not a mutiny. playing at " Car strong standing. The steward said the gentlemen insisted on moving the lamp. I said I had the right to put out the lamps at 8 o'clock. I heard a voice , i Y have no authority to g say, You Cwaapstawinalkllinnut oaondthLeiePtiOtO.PArml do it." _. _ Baron Watson—You had no right to put out the lights. It is the custom to put out the lights at half-past 10 in all well-regulated ships. The plaintiff called out in a loud tone that I should not do it. I asked who spoke. He said, " I am Mr. Kror ;" and he said I was only the landlord of a floating I said, "Gentlemen, arc you aware you are approaching a mutiny o n th e hi g h seas ." . 1 did not recollect his name. I did not repeat his name in a sneering tone. The soldiers were close to the cabin doors; there was a regular eineutc on board—or a row, iu English. Toe plaintiff had joined the ship 20 days; but among 40 passengers we can not know them all in that time. After this a lt er cation I threatened to put Mr. Kroh in c on fi neme nt. I asked Major Longden it he was inclined to assist or resist me. He said, "To assist, but he could not interfere in a private quarrel." I piped up the hands, but when I found the soldiers were ordered down, I piped the hands down again. Capt. Hunt said, "We will see which is the stronger." I went into coy cabin and put a revolver in the waistband of my trousers, and gave another to the chief officer, and I then said they were verging on a mutiny on the high seas, and I thought they had been trying to take the ship for 24 hours. I bad been informed of this by the chief officer. At this time I NEWCASTLE CORN-Aim. 24. At our exchange the supply of wheat was good, both of old and new qualities, and the former realised is per qr more money th last week, but the latter remained unaltered, being in inferior coi dition. All other descriptions as before. Flour a slow sale, illO in some instances lower rates had to be taken.. HULL CORN-Au°. 24. A small supply of both old and new wheat, which sold fah I tL the extreme rates of last Tuesday. Foreign held firmly. Seders for which there is a fair inquiry, at prices in favour of the seillel Beans and peas very firm. Oats steady, and line old samples lin scarce. EDINBURGH MEAL —Ate. 23. There were in the market to-day eleven sacks new oatmeal, each weighing 2801 b. imperial, which sold thus at 425 and 6 at 415. Average of the whole, £2 is 5d 5-12ths. EDINBURGH HAY AND STRAW—Auo. 23. Supplies of all kinds these last six days small. ' Oat straw, Its to 14s I Wheat do., 105 to 13s I barley do., Ils to 128. Hay, old, is to Is Id ; new, 8d to lid. DALKEITII MEAL—Ata. 22. There were in the market to-day five bags of oatmeal, and sales were dull. Oatmeal, highest price, per sack of 2801 b £2. BELFAST CORN-AUG. 23. At our corn exchange this morning there was but it moderate attendance of dealers. There was no activity In the trade, and prices remained unaltered. CORK CORN—Auer. 28. At this morning's market the trade was steady, at the following Prices—White wheat, 19s to 23s ; extra, —s; red wheat, 218 to 225; extra, —s ; barley, —s to —s; beans, —s to —s; oats, ISs to 10 6d. DUBLIN CORN—Am. 24. There is very little demand to-day, and prices for old grain were about the same as last week. The supplies of new grain, excepi barley, are increasing. New bere and oats at about late rates. New wheat was 6d to is and rapeseed Is to 2s per qr. cheaper. One sample of now barley, of middling quality, was sold at 16s. Little doing in Indian corn, and our quotatisms are as before. _ Wheat, white 28s Od to 23s O n d I Oats --- 156 Od to 162 Od Ditto, red 23s Od to 26s Od Ditto new iss Od to 15s Oct Barley 13s Od to 17s Od Bere . ....... .....--s Od to —s odL Rapeseed 47s Od to 30s Od I Oatmeal 14. s 6d to 169:6 4 Indian corn 31s Od to 33s 0.1 I Bakers' flour 10 6d to 198 Qd LOCAL SHARE MAI?KETS. LIVERPOOL, Aug. 23.—The market was good to-day, and advanced nearly 4 per cent. Grand Trunk Stock was in demand, closing at au advance of 2 per cent. Birkenheads, 67; B—Blackburns, 11 5-16 I—Caledonians, r2l 8 3—Chester and Holyhead. 36 37- - Eastern Counties, 611 21—East Lancashire, 93 4—Great Western, 501 I—Lancashire and Yorkshire, 931 I—London and North-We" - ern, 931 I—Sheffield, 341 I—Midland, 961 I —North British, 584 4- - Berwicks, 93 I—York and N or th Midland, 721 3l—Leeds Northers. 45; 6—Dovers 711 I—Dutch Rhenish, 44 4 dis.—Grand Trunk of Canada, 361 7—Great Western of Canada, 17; 1. MANCHESTER, Aug. 25.—Grand Trunks rallied, and the market generally was rather firmer, but only a limited business was done. Dovers, 211—Trunks, 9—Shefftelds, 344—Leeds. 934.--Midlands, Eastern Counties, 121—East Lancashire, 94. BIRMINGHAM, Aug. 25.—There was a brisk business done in this m a arket tuChr Valley. to-day. s llth s i t_ G taff re or a d t s w. w e e s r t e e d r o zi n ; e s a ol_ t 10 3/ 3- 1 1 d 6 la — n B ds ir , m 4 i 6i ngh tm als. Birmingham Canals, 92—Birmingham Waterworks, 36. BIRTHS. FECEN.—On the 22d inst., at Bury, near Gosport, the Wife of F. T. Fegen, Esq., R.N., of a son. LASCELLES.—On the 22d inst., at Goldsbro' Hall, the lion. Mrs. * farness Lascelles, of a son. LIVINGSTON.—On the 18th inst., the wife of the Rev. Thomas Gott Livingston, M.A., of a daughter. MORsE.—On the 22d inst., at Emswortb, the wife of the Rev. Her— bert Morse, of a posthumous son. STEELE.—On the 25th inst., at 36, a Chester-square, the wife of Colonei Steele, Coldstream Guards, of son. MARRIAGES. MAsON—HAIImoNu.—On the ISth inst., at St. Saviour's, Jersey, by the Very Rev. the Dean of Jersey, uncle of the bride, the Rea. Jackson Mason, eldest son of the Rev. Wm. Mason, Vicar of Nor manton, Yorkshire, to Eleonora Gertrude, youngest daughter of John Hammond, Esq., bailiff, of Jersey. MicitAzt—LEvrAux.—On the 18th inst., Lemon Hart Michael, sou of J. Michael, Esq., of Southfield Lodge, Wandsworth, Surrey, to Adelaide Matbilde, daughter of Henry Leveaux, Esq., of Tran mere, Cheshire. STErr—CousEvs.—On the 19th inst., at St. Saviour's Church, Hamp stead, by the Rev. J. P. Fletcher, William Robert Steet, Chance lier du Consulat Undrale d'Espagne A Londres, to Louisa Cousins, of Chalcot Villas, Hampstead, youngest daughter of Chas. Cousins, of Bradfield, Essex. WILKINSON—GOSLING. — On the 19th inst., at Sutton, Surrey, by the Rev. Chas, Allix Wilkinson, doviestic Chaplain to H.M. the Sing of Hanover, Goorge Allix Wilkinson, Capt. Royal Horse Artillery, to Eliza, third daughter of the late Francis Gosling, Esq., al Sut ton, Surrey. DEATHS. HARM:Y.—On the 24th of June last, at Jul'under, Punjab, Brigadier Henry Winchcombe Hartley, Colonel in her Majesty's Service, and Lieutenant-Colonel of the Bth (King's) Regiment. DIII7IIIIOND.—On the 23d inst., at 20, Brunswick-terrace, Brighton , Charles Drummond, req., of Stratton-street, Piccadilly, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. Sminv.--On the 20th inst., Ann, the wife of Mr. Thomas Smart, iri the eighty-third year of her age. SMITIL—On the 22d inst., suddenly, while on a visit at 30, Clifton road, St. John's-wood, Miss Caroline Amelia Smith, aged forty' five. SMITH.—On the 23d inst., Thomas Smith, Esq., of Virginia-terrace. Dover-road, aged seventy-eight. STEVENSON.—On the 22d inst., at Guildford-road, Mrs. K. Stevenson, aged ninety-one. STZWART.—On the 20th inst., at Beverley, the Rev. F. Stewart, BA curate of St. Mary's, in that town, and formerly curate of Stil lington, aged forty-two. LONDON : Printed and Published by MURDO YOUNG, of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at The Sun Office, No 112, Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in the county of Aliddlcsex, Thur•clay, August 26, 1858. t' T SPEC their e'eloe Court of DU Sir jc G a y day s, back , at 6.5 retur --__ Chelt 7 .15 E eiren 14q. s Onie( 2u s. 2 28. 17a • 24R. Ti c tr a i n 1.4 ;Ave] .ta n Rua, Lone kat; - 'tone 85 10. 45 Po cad Vbar, RII i ALL or al Tt ()? t