The Sun. — London, England, 1834-03-31 00:00:00

SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS , We have taxen the earliest opportunity that has presented itself, to notice a pamphlet by Sir Edward Sugden, entitled Cursory Observations on a General Re,gister—meaning a general register of deeds. The object of the writer is to show the inexpediency of such a measure, and his observations may be reduced to two points —first, that the existing registries are defective ; and, secondly, that there are defects in the plan recommended by the commissioners for inquir ing into the law of real property, to carry which recommendation into effect a bill has been intro duced into parliament by Mr. Brougham. Now, supposing that Sir Edward Sugden had esta blished both these propositions, it does not appear to us that he would be warranted in the con clusion he draws namely, that the establish ment of a general registry would be inexpedient. That the existing registries are defective, seems to be admitted on all hands, and by none more readily than the commissioners themselves, who are of opinion that the plan recommended by them will obviate the inconvenience at present felt. To prove, therefore, that there are defects in the present system of registration, or even to prove still fur ther (which however is not attempted) that a better plan than the one proposed might have been devised, would not dispose of the real question at issue, which is—registry or no re gistry. It is not now our intention to enter into the general question, but we will very shortly. Our object at this time is to dispose of the objections of Sir Edward Sugden to the plan of registration suggested, and to show that his opinion is opposed to that of several per sons who are, to say the least, as competent judges of the matter as himself, while, unlike him, they are not totally irresponsible for the opinion they have given. Of the eight com missioners who made the report in favour of a general registry, and of the specific plan to which Sir Edward Sugden objects, five were practising conveyancers of the first eminence, and therefore peculiarly well fitted to judge of a question of this de scription. The commissioners, too, acted under a responsibility, and in the performance of a duty they circulated their proposed plan throughout the profession ; they obtained a large body of evidence and several written communi cations from members of the profession and from other parties ; and, after a full consideration of the matter, they came to the unanimous resolu tion that the establishment of a general register would be expedient, and they recommended the plan in question. Now, we cannot help think ing that the opinion of the commissioners, under the circumstances we have mentioned, is entitled to a greater degree of attention than that of Sir Edward Sugden, who has not for many years practised conveyancing, and who is not only wholly irresponsible for the opinion he gives, but, from his extensive practice in a different branch of the law, cannot have had an opportu nity of devoting that time and attention to the subject which the commissioners were from their situation compelled to employ. It should be recollected, too, that the opinion and recom mendation of the commissioners have been con firmed by a committee of the House of Commons. Sir Edward Sugden asserts that " the proposed system is a complicated one." Now, to an swer this general assertion satisfactorily, would require more space than we can devote to this part of the subject. We may say, however, that to us the system appears quite the reverse of complicated, and we arc borne out in that opinion by most respectable authorities. Let us hear what Mr. Bell, whom all will acknow ledge to be one of the most eminent property lawyers, says on this point. We have selected this gentleman as an authority, not merely on account of his eminence, but because his testi mony is peculiarly unexceptionable for the rea sons we are about to state. Mr. Bell was to tally unconnected with the commission, and, although he never entertained any doubt as to the expediency of the principle of registration, he is known to have been of opinion that there would be great difficulty in framing a satisfac tory plan of registration. When examined before the committee of the House of Corn- Meng, he said, in reference to the sys tem proposed, " that he thought it an ex ceedingly good one—and that it would obviate the inconveniences which he dreaded." Being asked his opinion of the proposed mode of indexing (a most important part of any system of registration), he said, " I think it would be very simple and very ffirectual." The com mittee of the House of Commons say, " they refer with great satisfaction to the plan which has Keen suggested by the commissioners on the law of real property, and which in the opinion of persons most competent to form a correct judg ment upon this subject unites simplicity with clearness and accuracy in a most remarkable 4egree." They add, "It is impossible within the limits of a report to enter into the details of this plan, but after a careful examination and trial, your committee are satisfied that it is at once effectual and practicable." Sir Edward Sugden objects to a metropolitan register chiefly because " a collection in London of all the title deed; of all the property in England and Wales would in times 'of confusion and revolution probably invite the first blow ;" and adds, that " they who approve of Spencean prin ciples would doubtless consider it a con siderable step towards an equal division of property, that no man could show a separate title to any given portion of it." Not to urge the absurdity of legislating on the speculation of a revolution, it must be observed that every person will have the option of depositing either the original deed or a duplicate copy of it, and as, according to Sir Edward Sugden, "an Englishman likes to have his sheepskins' in his own box, in his own castle,' "it is not probable that the original title - deeds will be often deposited. But admitting that the case were otherwise, Sir Edward Sugden knows (though the followers of Spence might not), that the destruction of the deeds could not have any such consequences as those which he pre tends to dread, the possession of the property always furnishing a primg fade title, and putting all persons claiming adversely to proof of their right, a proof which would certainly not be the less strict in the case supposed. Besides, the objection applies with equal force to the books of the Bank and public companies, which in volve property of no trifling amount, and all the other valuable records deposited in London. Now, let us ask, can such remote and improba ble contingencies as these weigh against the superior economy, simplicity, security, unifor mity of practice, and facility of improvement of a metropolitan register over district registers ? On the score of experfse, too, it should be recollected that the circumstance of the register being a metropolitan register will occasion no additional charge to persons resident in the country, for the deeds are to be transmitted through the post-office, and the same sum is to be charged for postage on every registration, whether the deeds are actually sent through the post-office or not, and whatever may be the dis tance from London. Another ground of objec tion taken by Sir Edward Sugden to the pro posed plan is on account of the disclosures it will cause. This is a favourite point with the opponents of all registration, and it is so because Tbeing addressed to the fears of people, it has considerable effect. The learned gentleman thinks the proposed system peculiarly objection able on this head, from the entire instrument being accessible through the registry instead of a memorial or partial statement. Now, the Commissioners were unanimous in their recom inendation that the deed should be registered at length ; and the committee of the House of Commons " suggest that if registration be adopted, unless. the register contain the whole contents of the deed, it will in a great degree fail in its object." The reasons for this opinion appear to us very strong. A memorial would often raise difficulties which an examination of the deed itself would remove ; and if the deed were lost, or not forthcoming, a purchaser could not, with the notice afforded by the me morial, complete his contract safely. Again, by having the deed registered at length, a remedy would be afforded for the inconvenience at pre sent felt from the want of covenants for the pro duction of deeds, and the proof of instruments in legal proceedings would be facilitated. We now come to the evils of disclosure. Sir Ed ward Sugden says, " If all the dealings of men of property, and all their title-deeds, were to be disclosed to the world, the mischiefs would be obvious ; immediate ruin would not unfrequently be occasioned—flaws in titles would be readily discovered—for the plan will not add to the learning or sagacity of real -property lawyers, and Jews" (we presume he means money-lend ers of all religious denominations) " would have an opportunity of ascertaining to what extent they could safely supply the demands of an im provident heir." Sir Edward Sugden adds, " Many a young man has been saved from ruin, because he had not the means of proving to money-lenders what his interest was in the family property." The learned gentleman treats with contempt the precautions sug gested by the Commissioners to prevent im proper inspections (although to us they appear likely to be effectual); he disregards the argu ments so often urged, that in a busy country like this people will not spend their time, still less their money, in searching a register from mere curiosity. All this is as nothing when opposed to his suppositious case. And then, what is one of the mischiefs to be anticipated ? Immediate ruin. Now, in what situation must a man be whose immediate ruin would be occa sioned by ascertaining that he had sold or in cumbered his property ? And has it not oc curred to Sir E. Sugden that the registry, on the other hand, might prevent the ruin of many persons against whom a party contemplated the commission of fraud by representing himself as the possessor of property which he had parted with or incumbered ? Another alleged evil is the discovery of flaws in titles. Now, as the registry is not to be retrospective, this can apply only to future titles, and let us ask whether that can be called an evil which, without affecting any present rights, or even alleged rights, tends in some degree to afford a person having a rightful claim the means of establishing it ? Lastly, as to the case of the improvident heir, if he have an actual interest, he has clearly a right to charge such interest, and even under the present law may in many cases compel the production of the instrument conferring the interest. If he have a mere expectancy as heir, there can be no instrument the production of which is necessary to enable him to raise money, nor probably would an inspection of the family settlements show what the value of his expectancy might be, for it is seldom that deeds contain a rental of the estates, besides that this information may always be obtained through other channels, such as solicitors, receivers, agents, or tenants. Further than this, we con fidently appeal to every practical man whether the want of information of this kind has not often had the effect of throwing persons into the hands of money-lenders, who have made them pay most heavily for the risk thus in curred ? The most important objection taken by Sir Edward Sugden is to that part of the plan which provides that (except in certain cases of fraud) a person claiming under a registered deed shall hold out against a prior unregistered deed, although he had notice of it before he took his conveyance. Upon this point the commis sioners were divided in opinion, but the majority came to the above conclusion, and their reasons appear to us perfectly satisfactory. The law is so in Scotland and in France, and several of our statutes operate in a similar manner. The deci sions under the English and Irish register acts are to the contrary, but have been spoken of in terms of dissatisfaction by several of our most eminent equity judges. We should do injustice to this part of the subject if we did not give some of the reasons assigned by.the commis sio4ers in ' Support of their opinion. They say, "If the public good require that a purchaser, to have the protection of the law, should comply with a form, and that form be made simple and easy, a purchaser omitting the form has no just ground of com plaint that the protection is not given. If the omission were not wilful, he should still blame his own want of care, or that of his agents. It is greatly for the public good, that civil rights should be capable of being ascertained without difficulty, and for this purpose the law, on which they depend, should as far as possible be general, and not varying in different circum stances, which would lead to mistakes ; they should be supported by evidence not open to doubt, and as little as possible exposed to falsi fication. For these reasons it has been thought necessary, in most countries, to require the title of land to be proved by written documents, and thereby prevent attempts to enforce pretended claims by parole testimony, or circumstantial evidence. A registered title possesses the ad vantages of certainty. and security in a high degree ; but they will be impaired, if prefe rence be given to an unregistered over a regis tered deed, on the ground of notice. The fact of notice will in every case be possible, and in many probable ; there will be a tempta tion, therefore, to the unregistered claimant to commence a suit, in the hope that the other claimant may confess notice, or circum stances from which it may be implied ; and there may also be a temptaion to support the suit so commenced by false evidence." We may add, that if registration were made an es sential requisite to the validity of every transac tion effecting land, it would no more be omitted than is the enrolment of a security for an an nuity which be c omes wholly void unless that • form be complied with. Another objection of Sir _Edward Sugden is, that the appointment of the Registrar-General is proposed to be in the Crown, and of the inferior officers in the Trea :ury. The learned gentleman appears to think it would be better if the registrar were appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant of the county, and the clerks by the chief officer. This of course as sumes that there should be local registries. We have already stated why we consider a metropo litan register better ; and even if that plan were not adopted, we think the public would not de sire to see patronage of this description in so many or in such hands as Sir Edward Sugden suggests. The last objection we shall allude to is the provision that actions for damages occa sioned by the omission or misfeasance of any officer of the registry shall be brought against the Registrar-General, as the nominal defend ant, and the damages recovered paid out of the Consolidated Fund. Now it appears to us that this is an extremely beneficial provision for the public ; the p ersons registering are entitled to such a protection, and it will have the effect of securing the appointment of proper persons to the offices. The profits derivable from the registry are to be carried over to the consolidated fund, and the losses occasioned to individuals by the officers should be paid from the same source ; leaving the Treasury to recover from the officer guilty of the neglect, under the secu rity he is required to give for the due perform ance of the duties of his office, the nature and amount of which security is to be in the discre tion of the Treasury. We have now noticed all the objections stated by Sir Edward Sugden to the proposed plan that appear to us of im portance. We shall shortly return to this sub ject, being assured that if the opponents of a general register of deeds have no other argu ments to urge against the establishment of a general register than those contained in Sir E. Sugden's pamphlet, there can be no satisfactory reason why the reproachful question put, by Sir R. Peel during the debates on the Reform Bill should still be answered in the negative—" Will your boasted reformed Parliament consent to that measure which common honesty and com. mon sense equally demand—a general register o: deeds ?" Times. The dissenters have plainly overrated their force and mistaken their interest. Their cla mour has been listened to by Ministers with that attention which men panic-stricken are accus tomed to give to all violent demands. But Mi nisters have it not in their power to gratify the wants of these noisy suitors, even if their wants were more particularly expressed than they have been hitherto. Lord Grey, indeed, is anxious to give dissenters degrees, and, of course, a voice in the government of the uni versities ; yet this very same man is verbally strenuous in upholding the connection between Church and State. Is his Lordship of such flimsy intellect as not to be able to see that, in giving to dissenters a control over--for that is what is meant by their admission to the privi leges of the universities—he is actually giving up the principle of a State church ? Is he not perverting the intention and defeating the purpose of our universities, which is mainly and essen tially the cultivation and nourishment of the religion of the State ? Would one single shilling of the present collegiate endow ments have been bestowed had the donors con templated the possibility of their bounty going to the support of those who recognise no church at all ? In the name of justice let Lord Grey answer this question before he proceeds to re model the universities, in obedience to the dic tates of republicanism, or the boisterous swag gering of a dissenting minority. It cannot be the true and permanent interest of Ministers to lend themselves to the dissenters. But they may gain a precarious and temporary advantage by concession. By concession they may patch up their crazy machinery--they may mend their disjointed and ricketty vehicle so as to enable it to go on for some few months more. True, it will tumble, and jolt its passengers to death, and sway and roll in perpetual andmo mentarydanger of being overt urne d ; b u t still it will go. To men as rapacious of power as Lord Grey's associates any sacrifice of prin ciple, any expos ure o f wickedness, is but a light matter when set in balance against the sweets of power, however perilous or dishonest. Even tually Lord Grey will find himself no match for the aristocracy which he has insulted, and the church which he has betrayed. We may rea sonably demand, before we concede the general question, what is meant by the " Dissenters ? We presume we must include all that dissent from the Church of England. The Atheist, Deist, and Sceptic are, therefore, Dissenters. All denominations of religion, however opposite —Wesleyans and Unitarians, Anabaptists, Ranters, Quakers, Socinians, Jews—all are Dissenters. Ca n th e consc i ent i ous S e paratist really believe th a t hi s con di t i on w ill b e bettered by demolishing the church, and wilfully re moving from himself the only legal protec tion he now enjoys against the tyranny of Atheism ? Can he believe that his own do minion would be endured for a day by a people who will have thrown off their allegiance t? a Church immeasurably more tolerant, more mild, requiring less sacrifice and severity of its disci ples, than any existing sect ? Assuredly nothing can be imagined more entirely and un speakably false than the notion that the cry against the Church is the cry of religion. If it be so, how comes it that the scoffer and blas phemer join " their most sweet voices so readily in the chorus ? The Dissenters are most anxious to convince the world that they are conscientiously prohibited from touching the Church revenues, even if they had them in their grasp. We are bound to believe them. Yet we cannot but remember that just two hundred years ago the same sanctimonious and disin terested profession was made ; and that, after Laud had been brought to the block, there were sectarians found whose scruples did not hinder their acceptance of such ecclesiastical re venues as the liberal Government of that day had not previously appropriated.—Morn. Post. We learn from a correspondent that the Trades' Unions are spreading to a fearful extent in this county. Much as we are grieved at such intelli gence, we confess it does not come upon with surprise. It is but the natural working of a system, the seeds of which were sown and fostered under the influence and patronage of his Majesty's ministers. "As ye sow, so also shall ye reap," is a maxim of high and unquestion able authority ; and we fear, in this case, too soon about to be verified. Secret combinations amongst the citi zens are the surest indication of the downfall of a king dom. The cankerworm is at the heart of the British oak-=its noblest branches visibly wither and decay ; and, in a few short years, it must be uprooted and torn from its foundation, without some friendly hand sup plies a speedy and powerful remedy. Unless means be found to suppress the secret societies forming in the different provinces of the kingdom, no man's life or property can be safe for a moment, and England may expect ere long the same sanguinary measures that are at once the disgrace and terror of the Irish people.— Sorneridshire Gazette. ASSIZE INTftLIGENCE. NORTHERN CIRCUIT.—Yorta, MARCH 28. (Before Mr. Justice ALDERSON.) Abraham Bamford, aged 21, was indicted for having feloniously assaulted John Cawthorn, on the King's highway, on the 26th of January last, and stealing from his person 161. 13s. 6d., and other articles. —Verdict Guilty. There were two other indictments against the prisoner, on one of which he was tried and found Guilty. During the trial the prisoner put in a confession, acknowledging that during the last 12 months he had committed many robberies. His LORDSHIP deferred passing sentence, but told the prisoner to prepare for the worst. OXFORD CIRCUIT.—MONMOUTH. (Before Mr. Justice PARK.) Louisa Leitig, a " buy-a-broom" girl, attired as that class of persons usually are, was charged with stealing a watch, the property of Aythan Smith. It appeared from the evidence of the daughter of the prosecutor, a very intelligent child of about 12 years old, that on the 18th of March the prisoner came to the house of the prosecutor, who, as well as his wife, was from home, and that the prisoner, having come in and warmed herself, said that if the child would give her some bread she would give her a broom. The bread was fetched, and on the return of the child the prisoner was gone and the watch missing off the mantelshelf. Mrs. Smith, the wife of the prosecutor, pursued the prisoner to Abergavenny, where, on the prisoner being searched, the watch was found in the crown of the " buy-a broom" cap which she wore. The prisoner, when called on for her defence, cried bitterly, and kept on uttering something in the German language. Mr. Jan Muller said—l reside in Pontypool. The prisoner was in my employ to sell brooms. She always behaved honestly. She is a poor friendless girl, a native of Hesse. She came over to this country with a person that she expected would marry her, but he has left her. The jury found the prisoner Guilty, but recom mended her to mercy on account of her being a foreigner, and far away from her own friends. Mrs. Smith—My Lord, I hope you will be mer ciful to this poor girl. I hope you will, as I don't know what misfortunes may happen to my own children. Mr. Justice PARK—I will take the case into consideration. At a subsequent period of the assize the prisoner was sentenced to be imprisoned for three months. George Harding, a very respectable-looking man, aged 60, was charged with stealing two ash poles, of the value of 25., the property of the Duke of Beaufort. The prisoner made no defence, and received a good character from several witnesses, one of whom stated that the sort of wood called cullens is picked up by the p - oor, but that this is not the sort of wood of which hoops are made. Verdict—Guilty. Mr. GORDON was instructed, on the part of the Duke of Beaufort, to recommend the prisoner to mercy, as the only object of this prosecution was to cause it to be understood that the cottagers must not help themselves to the ash poles, though his Grace had no objection to their having the smal wood. His LORDSHIP sentenced the prisoner to one month's imprisonment. NORFOLK CIRCUIT.—Noamcn, Alma 29. (Before Mr. Baron V►UGHAN.) William Pye and James Watts were' indicted for feloniously setting fire to a stable or outhouse in the occupation of Henry Mayes, of Coltishill, in this county, on the night of the 16th of November. Mr. Baron VAUGHAN having summed up the case, The jury returned a verdict of Guilty against William Pye, but felt some doubt as to the case of James Watts, and therefore acquitted him. The Learned JUDGE deferred passing any sen tence for the present on the convicted prisoner. William Thirkettle was put to the bar, capitally charged with having violently assaulted Maria Thirkettle, his wife, with intent to murder her, or do her some grievous bodily harm. The prosecutrix gave a detailed account, in the coolest manner possible, of the assault committed upon her. On the night of the 7th of October she was in bed awake, with a baby along with her, whom she was suckling, that being the fourth child which she had had by her husband. He was in the bed room, but did not come to bed ; he complained of a pain in his stomach, and was restless and uneasy. He came and sat down by the bed side, and said to his wife, " Your hand feels cold, and your head hot." Soon after this she fell asleep, but was awakened by receiving a violent blow across the forehead ; she saw her husband, and said to him, " What have you been doing to-night ?" She be came insensible, and on coming to herself was covered with blood, and her husband gone, but he returned again bringing with him a person who was a gentleman's gamekeeper, whom he had told that a gang of poachers had broken into the house and assaulted his wife. The gamekeeper described the state in which the woman was when he came to the house. He went for a surgeon at her husband's re quest. (The surgeon described the wounds which the woman had received upon the forehead, and said he at one time considered her life to be in danger. The brain was somewhat affected.) Upon cross examination, it came out that the motive for this act was jealousy, the woman haaving accused her husband of forming an intimacy with another female. The jury returned a verdict of Guilty of assault ing with intent to murder, and the Learned Judge immediately passed upon him the sentence of the law, assuring him that he had not the slightest chance of mercy on this side the grave. Sarah Wiseman was indicted for setting fire to a stack of barley, the property of William Ecclestone, of Billockby, farmer, on the night of the 17th Feb. The Jury returned a general verdict of Not Guilty, and she was discharged. HOME CIRCUIT.-KINGSTON, MARCH 29. DICAS V. HARMER AND BELL. This was an action of libel brought by Mr. Dicas, against the proprietors of the Dispatch, for the pub lication, on the 16th of February, of two alleged libels, on the plaintiff. The first libel was a report of the trial, " Dicas v. Onwhyn," in which Mr. Dicas got one farthing damages against the defen dant. The second libel consisted in an editorial comment on the trial, inserted in the column appro priated to " Notices to Correspondents." Mr. PLATT said, the action was brought to reco ver damages for a gross and scandalous libel, which the defendant had caused to be published in the Dispatch newspaper. Mr. Dicas had occasion some time ago, in vindication of his character, which had been repeatedly calumniated in a newspaper called the Satirist, to bring an action, with a view to re press the slanderous course pursued by the editors o f that paper. The jury gave damages to the a mount of 3001., which was satisfactory so far to Mr. Dicas, that it vindicated his character ; but as to the money, there was no chance of getting that, for when it was sought to enforce the judgment, it was found that the nominal proprietors of the Sa tirist were mere beggars. Mr. Dicas also found that he was constantly afterwards being libelled by them. l It was of no use, therefore, for Mr. Dicas to bring Ifurther actions against them, and he thought the best means to adopt would be the taking measures for s t o ppinc , the vending of th e S a ti r i st, and with this view he v caused written notices to be served, by advice of counsel, on .all the newsmen, cautioning t h em against selling any copies of that paper which might contain anything libellous upon him. Not withstanding this caution, a newsvender of the name of Onwhyn continued to sell the paper, and to ex hibit a large placard of its contents outside his door, and it was under pretence and colour of giving a report of the trial brought by Mr. Dicas against this person that the defendants had inserted in their I newspaper what constituted the first part of the gross libel of which he had that day to complain. The learned counsel proceeded to read the alleged ibels, on which he freely commented as he pro ceeded. Th e report o f the trial;up to the Soli citor-General's speec h i n rep l y, was read by him with scarcely any observation. The reply com mences by an observaiion of the Solicitor-General that, when he heard the strenuous exertions of the Sergeant (Bompas), he almost blushed for him. Lord LYNDHURST-Why that, if anything, is a libel on brother Bompas. Mr. PLATT said it was impossible the Solicitor- General could have used the language imputed to him. The Jury found for the plaintiff—Damages .501. While the Jury were deliberating, Lord LYND HURST observed that he had proposed from the first that the record should be withdrawn, on payment of the costs of the day, but the clerk of the attor neys for the defendants declined taking upon himself that responsibility. His LORDSHIP also, while the Jury were con sulting, said, looking at Mr. Thessiger, " Did the Attorney-General really say all this ?" The answer was given in a whisper which reached no ears but those of his Lordship. Mr. PLATT asked of his Lordship whether he thought it a proper case for a special jury ? Lord LYNDHURST said certainly it was. POLICE INTELLIGENCE. MANSION-HOUSE. A porter, named John Smith, was brought before the Lord Mayor and Mr. Alderman Winchester, to be made responsible for the support of an illegitimate child. Elizabeth Meares, a servant in the family for which the defendant occasionally worked, swore that, after having paid her some particular attention, he prevailed upon her to go astray on the 21st of May last, the consequence of which she now car ried about in her arms. The defendant was convinced that the child was not his, as the mother had a very general acquain tance amongst the coal-whippers at the water-side, and was much admire dby persons of tha !class. The defendant's wife (a fine young woman) was convinced that her husband had no more than a Platonic acquaintance with the babe's mother, who had nothing whatever in her appearance to excuse a man's infidelity. There were, she assured the Lord Mayor, several parties concerned ; and she had heard that a proposal was made that the paternity should be decided by the toss up of a halfpenny amongst five or six gentlemen of the sack and fan tail. The mother said that the only person who ought to toss up the halfpenny was the defendant, who, but that he said he was an unmarried man, would not have succeeded. The overseer had no doubt this woman speculated upon compelling the defendant to marry her, in con sideration of the new tie thus sprung up between them. The mother—He tries to throw dirty water upon me; but he didn't act so when I gave him the money to buy gloves with. Defendant—You certainly did give me money, but you knew I was a married man, and you ought not to have encouraged me. The defendant's wife—My Lord, is it not too hard that I must work for this woman's child as well as for my own five children ? Is it not enough to make one mad ? My husband is an excellent man, and must have been led to this business by the vice of this woman. He is out of work, and lam compelled to support him, and to work the skin off my bones, and here is a new burden to weigh me down. Here the poor woman wept bitterly. The LORD MAYOR—lndeed it is a severe hard ship upon you, my poor woman ; we compassionate your case sincerely, but what can we do ? She swears that your husband is the father of the child, and we have no alternative but to make him contri bute to its support. The defendant's wife—My lord, look at the con sequences ; I and my poor children must look to the parish for relief, and that's the last thing we'd wish to do. Why are not women who act in this way obliged to maintain their own children ? If that was the case, I am sure this woman would not appear so impudently to swear this child—she would have no child at all. The LORD MAYOR—The overseers appear to be as lenient as possible, on your account ; they will remit all the expenses hitherto incurred, and be sa tisfied with 2s. a week, in order to inconvenience you as little as possible. The defendant's wife—lt is impossible for me to give a shilling ; and I am obliged, and with shame I say it, to look now to nothing but the workhouse. The mother of the child—Well, why did he pass himself upon me as a bachelor ? The child is his, and he must support The defendant's wife—Until such sluts as you are made to maintain their children, there will be no security to decent people. The overseer said, that if that principle were acted upon, there would, as was the opinion of the commissioners of the poor laws, be a great deal less of distress, as well as immorality, amongst the lower order. The order for the support of the child was con• firmed. BO W-STREET. William Kershaw, a decent-looking man, was charged with embezzling 1/. 11 s. the property of his employer, Mr. Chalmers, a bootmaker, residing at No. 14, St. Alban's-place, St. James's. The prisoner was fully committed for trial. The proprietor of the hackney-chariot No. 31, attended in consequence of a summons issued upon the complaint of Byers, the informer, charging him with allowing the said carriage to wait in the Strand, between the east end of Exeter 'Change and Cha ring-cross, on the ground the property of the Com missioners of Woods and Forests, a longer time than was necessary for taking up or setting down passengers, on the 19th inst., between ten and eleven o'clock at night. Mr. MxNsHuLL said the law was imperative, and he must convict. He should therefore fine the de fendant in the mitigated penalty of 10s. and costs, l amounting to ss. 6d. The defendant paid the fine, not without grum bling, however, that he should be thus made to pay for his attention to public convenience. MARYLEBONE. Mr. Laxton, of George-street, Portman-square, one of the overseers of Marylebone, gave informa tion on Saturday of his loss of 200 sovereigns, which he left in a coach, the number of which he was igno rant of. Mr. RAWLINSON directed Thisselton, the officer, to make inquiries. MARLBOROUGH-STREET. A fashionably-dressed young man, who gave his name as Mackenzie Lewis, was charged with hav ing assaulted Mr. Pavey, the landlord of a public house in Cranbourne-street. Mr. Pavey stated that on Thursday evening the defendant and some friends entered his house, and finding they were in liquor he put one of the party out, and then proceeded to order the remainder out ; while outside of the house the defendant struck him a violent blow on the face. He immediately gave him into the custody of one of the police constables who was on the spot. Mr. Lewis called a witness, who stated that he and several friends went into the house of the com plainant, and had two pots of half-and-half ; while there, a conversation took place upon theatricals, whovh en j n o ; ' t p e b r e s f o o n r e s a hadid, " b C e e u n r s e e t t n e g a t r s o e " e of M t h r . e L fi e n w: s s t , passages in Shakspeare, exclaimed, 4‘ He who curses Shakspeare curses me !" This led to a disturbance, and while outside of the house the Goth who had , cursed the Bard of Avon took off his coat, and, it was his belief, struck the landlord. The defendant was fined 10s. HATTON-GARDEN. A fellow named .Tames IV' Finn was charged with the following assault on Bridget Carney, a very pretty girl, aged 14, who resides with her parents at No. 125, Great Saffron-hill. Between nine and ten o'clock on Sunday se'nnight complainant and her sister were standing at the door I , of their father's house, when the prisoner, whom sh' knew as a neighbour, beckoned her to him, an' asked her t o accept of an orangel He then indu ce( him to take hi s arm , an d , w hil e wa lking with birn pressed her to marry him. She told him not to p° such a notion into her head ; but, notwithstanding he continu e d as ki ng h er to consen t to becom e I "' wife. Sh e a t l engt h t h reatene d t o r un borne antic acquaint her m o th er o f hi s proposa l ; and' on , e lki deavouring t o ge t away f rom hi m , h e s aid sh e sh °'l,, not go unless she would drink a glass of g in ' d a t consented, thinki ng it wou ld no t hurt her , an fel sa it would be th e means o f r iddi ng h er self of the low ; but i n thi s , h owever , s h e w as di d She becam e s t u pifi e d, and in that state w as carried r into a passage by the prisoner, who violated het person. Ordered to fi n d goo d b a il t o a nswer the charge at the Sessi ons . ppointFd QUEEN-SQUARE. James Nokes, aged 19, a barman in the emplaY of Mr. George Marriott, landlord of the Feathers, in Great Chapel-street, Broadway , was placed at the bar before Mr. GREGORIE, charged with robbing his employer of bank-notes and specie to the amount of 368/. 14s. which sum had been intrusted to him to take to Messrs. Drummond's, the bankers ; and William Nokes, aged 17, his brother, was also charged with being an accessary after the fact. On Monday last, Mrs. Marriott sent the pri soner, who had been in their employ about twelve months, to her husband, who was in York-street, to of . his servants, to tell his mistress to send know whether she should send the money which he had counted out in the morning to Messrs. Drum mond's, as it was getting late in the day. Mr. M ar' riott sent word to him, by John Hawcroft, another Bailey with the money • directly. The prisoner went back to the Feathers, and told Mrs. Marriott the he was to take the money to the Bank, an d she de livered to him 2401.-in bank-notes, 120 sovereign" ,: and a check on Messrs. Coutts or 8/. 145., with which the prisoner absconded. He went to his brother, William Nokes, who lived with his fath er in Charles -street, Covent-garden, and persuaded biu l to accompany him to America. They both 'w ent to Gravesend in a post-chaise, after purchasing, some clothes, and got hold of a waterman named Ogilvy, who engaged to put them on board of a vessel for America, and he got 27/. for his job, an d they were shipped on board the Centurion, for Quebec, and paid 30/. for their passage. of Edward Thomas Taylor, a police constable, water' Gravesend, stated that, on Thursday last, a William man, named Hawki ns , s h owe d him a newspaper giving a description of two young men who had ab; sconded' with a large sum of money, and stated that two persons answering the descnPtion had arrivyd at Gravesend, in a post-chaise, on Monday nigh t ' them the newspaper and embarked on board the Centurion for Quebec. ship, and found her in the Margate Roads. th; ercontaini p n ri g boarding her, he found the ' s He shown(' He immediately took an open boat and followed the and accused them of being the persons described. i eldest denied it. He, however, searched them, an found on the eldest 80/. in Bank of England notes. containing His brother William pulled out a bag' 80 sovereigns, which he gave up ; and the p?Pt h a i ' in gave him 30 sovereigns which they had Pala watches for the passage. H ....e also found two silver and upon them. The ship was then under weig h ' pier so th n e er proceeding to the Downs, and he got int a Gravesend, with his prisoners, and brought them to the where he took them before the Mayor. On t , Marrio ts.. person of William Nokes he found Mr. banking-book. The Mayor sent him with the . Pr ni t .. soners to town ; and on his arriving at the staßtiaonk paragraph'. The house in the New-way, Tothill-street , 12 24 in we s notes were found in the inside lining of .J .. a Nokes's hat, making altogether 322!. recovered,a_... The property was all produced, and 111 r. Blhad riott indentified the notes as the same as he counted out to be taken to his bankers'. hi r . James Nokes, a ft er b e ing cautioned by l‘Ar• h e c l o sed GORIE, said that he took the money ; and w hen . : got to Messrs. Drum mon d' s t h e house wa s ; lv he felt himself quit e overcome he did not kn o what would be come o f him H e wa s guilty, d be t o ok a cab ana sent for his brother. ,an . b u t his brother . . was innocent. ' lin William Nokes said that his brother called .. he , out, and said that he had found 500/, and thath.m had got a ship to go to America, and wished ni l . to go with him. After some persuasion he acco ., _ panied him, and never knew till the following day h The t prisonr. Marriott's money. al. committed for teal' The commt ers were both fully . , The • • interests and excited the greatest th and the office was crowded to excess dnri l ;!„ 0 . 0 whole of the day, the prisoner being so well " 0- hi s in the neighbourhood, and having, previously to r. absconding, borne a most irreproachable charaete twvbhibottom, ipassingjoetiutcfsoohmohnt, footpath t gwa h hhth r hat o od u lay ip g tt r. through gvp a l eaac fl dts les e ot l stoh d heobr i u n e t :tt h ohh e reg. Op Thursday morning as two lads Were b, r to ....... —................ a man, of the neighbourhood. F p r ot PD h o i ari the m a . near Chard, they found a man dead, with his heels upwards, and his head stuck fas t a l f ,i - y t the Coroner's inquest, held the next day, it pre theaPP deceased left the Lion public-house on . the v to the sltla" tion of his stick, and certain appearances abou ne ar spot, it was supposed he took occasion to stooP_ nve r the brink, and that in attempting afterwards to re,' f e ll his erect position he over-balanced himself anurnte,. head foremost. His head pitched on a ilint,Y. P h his berance at the bottom of the precipice, by w" le d f u lly neck was broken, and his skull at the crown ---,Sher• fractured. Verdict, " Accidental Death."---'" borne Journal. DOCILITY OF BEES. to discover that his bees found their way from his house lead-heath and in London (Holbornas far as Hampstea _ back again. The way in which he proved it was a' I.dallilbe %13arkselIbl'ee Asthey were calue l " for them in a pane of glass, he, with a small of when I tell wildgreat finouwme flowers. r in u t p h o i n s hmanner,isretu return n e h w o a m l walked n t o d he had mar eaci, each bee in its assa out. After flower they are particularly fo — nd W of i attachedi n g to the to h hive. im , follows :-.._‘, h of ai t r h p e e nd day, l , d h ip e p f e o d un i nd beesr m i w l I with the he touchedsara e 111:11 t ra ) h a (1) 3 es ba -11% u va c -at e ni—itli a , tebd 'e a. and observed these same bees on the heath, a mong, se H at alll th P e stelt:le k retto ll " eyn . mheilec ß s: u ll t a:d y t e n ar u hwiil d will 0 :: e 1 1 l bees IC astonished t o li f at t'll w irt h . you that bees have been e a to fly upwards ' so capable of bein tamed, and made familiar to a s so prising we degree ;for this same Mr. Wildman vc a : co II known to his little companions, and they r ' 0 a particular manneryou would in a few minutes sf• him covered with them ) ; and upon a given signal th'. 7 would return to their hive." --Adam the Gardent r o BIRTHS. fri °rf ' On the 24th inst., at the Royal Hotel, Leamingtoo the lady of W. Simson, Esq., of a daughter. posh On the 27th inst., in Park-place, the lady of Horace Es q ., of a daughter, still-born. 00 0 0 On the 28th inst., at the Rectory, Tooting, Mts• ell of a son. Chat On the 29th inst., in Nelson.square, Mrs. James ' of nvsmifithdhen .ele:dleiufi nv. I fi Tad° rehr: ccrael liffiii:Prtr' he: pit, Bailey, of a son. On the 27th inst., the wife of Hugh W. Gordon, 04' Hans.place, of a daughter. era l MARI ED. biai Oen l Or On the 3d inst., at Rome, the ß Baron de Lepe ] , O'g h In the Prussian Service, and Aide.de-camp to his P- ter o f t ness the. Prince Henry of Prussia, to Frances, dangl% service. late William Agnew, Esq., of t he East India ComPnY DIED. On Sunday the 30th March, at Finchley, Rudolph Aci"l.' T m aayino o 31c4bUrY' On the 27th March, Miss Susan Perring, -f of Wimpole-street. Devon.Esscl.,formerly of the Strand, aged 70. N Jades On the 28th inst., Emily, third daughter of the la ar e ' • toll-sq u On the 27th inst., in Exmouth-§treet, Wilma , . f John Caley, Esq., F.R.S. L.S. A.S., agcd 74 . i ug hte ° On the 20th ult., at Madeira, aged 17 , AlarY, ua ThomasfCtlhuetticartbeuck, David Esq.%OS, On the 26th inst., at Chicklade Lodge, near Hin d° T g ed 6° ' Eliza, wife Gf John Dyer, Esq., late of the AdmiraitY,',lioDetll7 On the 29th Inst., at Brompton, Middlesex, - 1- ' or' ichards, widow o setshire, in her 92d'year. Esq., of Canningtoll, ,onden : Printed and Published by MURD O at the Sun Office, No. 112, Strand•