The Press.
London, England, 1855-02-17 00:00:00

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FEBRIIAiIY 17,1855,

SPEEDY TRIAL OF OFFENDERS.

A BILL, designed to secure a more speedy trial o
o:iminal offeners in certain cases has been intro-f
duced by Lord Brougham and read a first time in
the House of Lords. The measure contains sixteen
clauses. It recites that in order in certain cases to
insure the more speedy trial of offenders, and to
avoid the evils of their long imprisonment previously
to trial, it is expedient to allow of such offenders
being proceeded against in a more summary manner
than is now by law provided. In simple larceny
cases, where not attended with aggravation or
violence to property or the person, or not com-
mitted by a servant, and where the offender shall
not be charged with having been previously con-
victed of larceny, the justice in petty sessions, or one
magistrate in a metropolitan police court, may pro
ceed under this act, or may Beni the offenders to
trial if they elect to be tried by an indictment. Prison-
ers are to lie cautioned as to what they say, and
their imprisonment is not to exceed three months
with or without hard labour. Proceedings under
this act are to be a bar to other proceedings. One
justice may remand and take bail. Witnesses may
be summoned, and if they refuse to attend a warrant
may be issued to compel their attendance. An
allowance for costs, expenses, and compensation may
be made to the extent of 40s. in each case, to be paid
out of the county rate, and a provision is made with
respect to boroughs. All convictions under the act
are to he returned to the quarter sessions, and the
clerk of the peace is to transmit to the Secretary of
State a monthly return of the names, offences, and
punishments mentioned in the conviction, and such
other particulars as may from time to time be re-
quired. Proceedings against persons acting under
the act are to be commenced within three months.
The bill is not to affect the Juvenile Offenders Act.,
or to extend to Scotland or Ireland. The measure
now stands for second reading in the Upper House.

THE two Cabinet offices of Secretary of State foi
War and Secretary at War are now combined, says
the Observer, and intrusted to the experienced direc-
tion of Lord Panmure, who holds both functions,
and directs both departments, until the Legislature
shall be able to mature a plan for the consolidation

of the whole of the military system. In holding
those two offices it is scarcely necessary to add that
Lord Panmure will receive only the salary of one.
To Mr. Frederick Peel, who removes from the

Under-Secretaryship of the Colonial to that of the
War Department, will be intrusted the financial busi-
ness of the department, which he will conduct in the
office in Whitehall lately occupied by Mr. Sidney
Herbert. He will prepare the estimates for Parlia-
ment., and answer in the House of Commons for
the War-office, where the general business will be
conducted under the able superintendence of Mr.
HaweF.

Tae YEAR 1855 has opened with a great mortality
among the Romish cardinals. In the month of
January not fewer than three died—namely, Cardi-
nals Simonetti, Pecci, and Romeo, and within the
last few days the decease of a fourth, Cardinal
Giovanni Serafini, has been announced. During
the whole course of the preceding year there were
only three deaths, those, namely, of Cardinals Lam-
bruschini, Foinari, and Mai. Since the accession of
Pius IX. to the pontifical throne, thirty-four cardi-
nals have died—four since the Ist ultimo, three in
1854, four in 1853, three in 1852, five in 1851, three
in 1850, three in 1849, one in 1848, six in 1847, and
two in 1846. The sacred college at present consists
of six cardinal bishops, forty-four cardinal priests,
twelve cardinal deacons, and one cardinal in petto,
received in the consistory of the 19th December last.
When complete the college consists of seventy mem-
bers, so that there are seven vacancies. Of the
cardinals, six are aged from eighty to eighty-nix
years, seven from seventy-two to seventy nine,
twenty-four from sixty to sixty-nine, twenty from fifty
to sixty, five from forty to forty-three. The oldest
cardinal is Cardinal Oppizzoni, Archbishop of
Bologna, who is eighty-six ; the youngest is Cardinal
d'Andrea, Prefet of the Index, who is forty. Cardinal
Oppizzoni has worn the hat for fifty-one years.
Tna Corm or WINTER, more severe than usual,
continues to produce its natural effect in a high rate
of mortality, though the number of deaths registered
lust week in London is rather less than those re-
ported in two previous returns. The deaths, which
in the third week of January were 1,549, and in the
two subsequent weeks rose to 1,630 and 1,604, fell
last week to 1,546. The present return is for the
sixth week of the year. Taking the deaths of the
same week in each of the years 1845.54, it is found
that they averaged 1,104, with which, after a correc-
tion for increase of population, the 1,546 deaths of
last week may be compared. The result is that the
weather has been fatal in a week to 332 lives more
than would have been extinguished in an ordinary
sea.son. The average temperature of the ten corre-
sponding weeks was 41.2 Q, which exceeds the tem-
perature of last week by 10.3°.

EJ.S S.

Xato anti Volta.

AN EXTRAORDINARY CASE, 66 Ilandcock v. Dela-
cour," otherwise De Burgh, which has occupied
much time before the Irish Court of Chancery, has,
it is understood, been adjusted by a compromise, the
terms being that the petitioner shall get the estates
on condition of paying the respondent, on the attain-
ment by the latter of the age of twenty-one years, a
sum of 20,0001. The following is the history of this
singular case, so far as it came out during the un-
completed trial:—

The petition was filed by John Stratford Handcock, as
heir-at-law of the late Miss Honoria Handcock, and it
prayed that certain charges alleged to have been created
by the will of Josephine Handcock might be declared not
to affect the Canentrilla estates, and that a deed, dated
December, 1851, executed by Honoria Ilandcock, might
be declared fraudulent and void. In the year 1824, it ap•
peered, Mr. William Handcock became the husband of
Miss Catherine Josephine Kelly, who, though a lady of
great beauty, was a very designing and ambitious woman.
His family were opposed to the marriage, but, notwith-
standing that, shortly after he became of age the union
took place, and his estates, amounting to about 4,0001. a
year, were by marriage settlement limited to his own use
for life, with remainder to provide a jointure of 7001. a
year for his wife, and remainder to the sons and daughters
of the marriage. Three daughters were born—Josephine,
Anne Mary or Kathleen, and Honoria. After the year
1828 there was no issue ; but it appeared that, in 1840,
Mr. Handcock became deeply impressed with the belief
that an intimacy of an improper character existed between
his wife and Lord Clanricarde, and in consequence a sepa-
ration took place between Mr. and Mrs. Handcock in that
year. Lord Clanricarde, however, represented that it was
impossible he could have seen Mrs. Handcock throughout
1840, because he spent that winter in Russia. A deed of
separation was executed on the 21st of July, 1841. The
parties having been a considerable time separated,
and while Mr. Handcock was on the Continent,
some time in 1841 an infant appeared in the world,
but nobody seemed able to tell whose child that was,
where he was born, or who was his father. This child,
still a minor, was the respondent in the present action.
Mr. Handcock returned to England in 1843, and was
found very ill, lodging in a place called Michael's-road
Brompton. Lord Clanricarde stated in an affidavit that he
brought Josephine to her father there, and that afterwards
a reconciliation took place between Mr. and Mrs. Hand-
cock, through his instrumentality, owing to which a
friendly feeling was created in the minds of Josephine and
her sisters towards him. Mr. Handcock's affections having
been aroused, he was ultimately prevailed upon to make a
will, by which he appointed the wife whom he had discarded
the guardian of his daughters. He was attended in his ill-
ness by Dr. Paris, the family physician of Lord Clanricarde ;
he was also attended by the Rev. Mr. Iron, and the affidavits
showed that his was a most frightful deathbed. In July,
1843, he died, and in the following month Mrs. Handcock
presented a petition to the Chancery Court, stating that
there were only three children of her marriage, and an
order was made appointing her guardian of their persons,
and the Marquis of Clanricarde the guardian of their for-
tune. As a first step, the noble lord being the guardian of
the fortune of those young ladies, and the mother having a
jointure of 7001. a year and a property at Tuam, his lord-
ship made her an allowance of 1,5001. a year for their sup-
port. She also got the mansion house of Canentrilla and
forty acres of the domain rent free, and the noble lord gave
her 6001. to furnish it. Yet, notwithstanding all this, from
the very moment Mrs. Handcock became the guardian of
her daughters she not only never ceased her lamentations
about her poverty, but practically acted as if, instead of
having 2,0001. a year, she was in the utmost penury. It ap-
peared in evidence that she did not find suitable food for
her daughters, that she did not find suitable clothes, and
she was peculiarly saving in fuel. During the time they
resided in this mansion the young ladies endured an abject
state of misery. During this time the boy, called John
Delacour, but who went also by the name John 1)e Burgh,
was living in the house. Instead of being treated as the
daughters were, this adopted son was indulged in every
possible manner ; they were obliged to perform even
menial services for him. Josephine came of age in June,
1846, and Anne Mary in May, 1847 ; up to that period
Honoria appeared to be forgotten altogether, her mother
keeping her out of society as much as possible. Both the
former daughters executed disentailing deeds in 1847.
After that Mrs. Handcock took her daughters to Paris, and
lived there part of 1847 and 1848. In 1849, Anne Mary
died at Saltern, and the estates being all vested in Honoria
and Josephine, they executed disentailing deeds to which
Lord Clanricarde was grantee. It would appear that
Josephine's end was near approaching in February, 1851,
and that she made a will by which she bequeathed to her
mother 10,000/. to he paid on the marriage of her sister,
arid, in the event of her sister dying without issue before
her mother, her landed estates to be sold, and the proceeds
given to her mother absolutely. Ou the 26th of June,
1851, Josephine died, and it was stated that the mother
exhibited neither emotion nor regret, and looked upon it
as the accomplishment of her most desired end. Honoria
was now the only daughter left, and upon her it was de-
posed that the mother exercised extreme cruelty and also
procured from her a bond for 4,0004. In February, 1853,
however, Mrs. Handcock herself fell ill and died, leaving a
will under which her whole property was bequeathed to the
boy, with the single exception of a 501. legacy to her
daughter Honoria. Her executors found that this lady,
who had during her life complained so much of her po-
verty, died worth nearly 20,0001. of accumulated savings.
Honoria died on the 12th of December, 1853, intestate.
Her solicitor wrote to the heir-at-law to come and take pow

157

siltation of his property. fte, however, subsequently dis-
covered that under the deeds executed by the three young
ladies, of whose existence he was informed by the solicitor
of Lord Clanricarde, his title upon the estates was disputed,
and thewhole property of the Handcoek family claimed by
the boy Delacour.
Evidence to bear out the statements given above was
produced at great length, and subjected to severe ex-
amination by counsel who represantad the trustees
under the deeds. On Friday week it was expected
that the case would have concluded and judgment
been given, but at the sitting of the court an an-
nouncement was made that the result had been
settled between the parties themselves by way of com-
promise. The terms were that the petitioner, Hand-
cock, the heir-at-law, is to get the estates, on the
condition that he shall pay to the respondent Del acour
the sum of 20,0001. on his attaining his age, and iu
the meantime paying 4 per cent. on the amount. The
respondent is now nearly fourteen years of age, and
in the event of his dying before he reaches twenty -
one, the petitioner wiU not have to pay the 20,0001.,
but will have the estates free of aoy charge created
in this matter save the payment of the interest.

A BANKRIVT, named T. Webber Richards, formerly
a draper in Goswell street, and whose debts ex-
ceeded 6,0001., was examined on Tuesday. The story
of his career is rather singular :
He had carried on a large business as a draper, and was made
bankrupt in July, 1852. Having absconded, the electric tele-
graph was put in operation, and the bankrupt was arrested at
New Brighton, havieg engaged his passage to go abroad. A sum
of money was fueud iu his possession, which was handed over to
the assignees. On being brought up in custody, his surrender
was taken, and protection given to enable him to prepare his
accounts. After two adjournments and no accounts being pro.
duced, the Court made a special order, calling upon the bank-
rupt to be examined. After a short time a letter was received
stating that he had gone abroad, but the place was not named.
About a year after this Mr. Beale, a partner of one of his credi-
tors, found Mr. Richards in au extensive business at Melbourne,
returning about 10001. a week. The bankrupt thereupon ex-
pressed contrition, and proposed to give Mr. Beale SOUL for his
London creditors, and to add a further sum of 2001. The offer
was accepted, and the money was paid over to the assignees. The
bankrupt's business transactions at Melbourne 664 bees as Bale
satisfactory to his creditors in Austrians as to those to England,
and, becoming bankrupt there for a very large amount, it would
appear that he returned to England, and now sought to obtain
the protection of this ann. The creditors felt that, under such
circumstances, the bankrupt was not entitled to any favour.
Mr. Sturgeon urged that the statements set forth in the bank-
rupt's affidavit might warrant the court lu now accepting his
surrender.
His HONOUR: A man has no right thus to pay London credf.
tors at the expense of his colonist creditors. lie deliberately
absconded from his coeditors before his bankruptcy, and he
afterwards kept bad faith with this cuss t. Xiser:y feature or the
case is against him. It was sold he arrived at Melbourne with
only a H. note in his pocket; but it is difficult to believe that a
wan with only H. could have almost immediately obtained
possession of leases of large quantities of land at • place like
Melbourne. At that time land was realising an enormous peke
at Melbourne.
Mr. Sturgeon risked that the bankrupt might have protection
fur a limited time.
His HONOUR: No. In the first place, I have no power; and,
secondly, 1 have not the inclination. The bankrupt made an
attempt to abscond in the first instance, and d:d so in the se-
cond. The law would become a perfect nullity if favour were
granted in such a else.
Mr. STUNOICON : Would your Honour unction an allowance to
the bankrupt out of the small sure found upon the bankrupt's
person in 1652?
Mr. 13acii.ey : The small sum was 190 sovereigns.
His Honour ultimately refused the bankrupt's ap-
plication altogether.
SNOWBALL. CASES continue to give much trouble
to the police magistrates. At Bow-street, on Monday,
Inspector Durkin, of the A division, brought home
the offence to more than a dozen of the boys, and
urged upon his worship the absolute necessity of in-
flicting heavy punishment upon the defendants, by
way of example, and in the hope of suppressing a
nuisance which had become perfectly intolerable.
Persons of all classes, and of both sexes, he stated,
were complaining every day to the police of the
annoyance and injury which they had experienced.
On Sunday afternoon some hundreds of boys col-
lected together in the inclosure of St. James's park,
and commenced pelting ladies, gentlemen, and
children until a riot ensued. he few keepers on
duty in the park attempted to capture some of the
worst of the offenders, but they were speedily over-
powered and pelted in return. Mr. Jardine said, in
all cases where assaults upon the police were proved,
he would commit to prison without the option of
paying a fine, and, to the astonishment and dismay
of the boys, five of them were committed for eight
days. 'l'he others were fined 11. each, or imprison-
ment in default.
MIEBBAS. LOUGH AND LJMBEEIt, who succeeded to
Hoby, the celebrated bootmaker, and traded under
that name, have been made bankrupts, and came up
for examination Saturday last. They had com-
menced J • 1852, and
debts to Their
were attributed
bargain made

2,060/. for
annuity of

of 12s. or

without difficulty.
Ox SuxDAy iionsual
on the doors St. Yeas

lust week in London is rather less than those re- mess, in (ICIII ult..
he;;;;trier,ltTlancce-ti ;jai-es-WI; sold, and the proceeds
ported in two previous returns. The deaths, which given to her mother absolutely. Ou the 26th of June, saEsaßs. LOUGH ASP LIMBEER, who succeeded to
in the third week of January were 1,549, and in the 1851, Josephine died, and it was stated that the mother Hoby, the celebrated bootrnaker, and traded under
two subsequent weeks rose to 1,630 and 1,604, fell exhibited neither emotion nor regret, and looked upon it that name, have been made bankrupts, and came up
last week to 1,540. The present return is for the as the accomplishment of her most desired end. Honoria for examination on Saturday last. They had corn-
sixth week of the year. Taking the deaths of the was now the only daughter left, and upon her it was de- menced business in January, 1852, and now owed
same week in each of the years 1845.54, it is found posed that the mother exercised extreme cruelty and also debts to the amount of 0,5001. Their difficulties
that they averaged 1,104, with which, after a corree- procured from her a bond for 4,0001. In February, 1K5:1, were attributed in great measure to the improvident I
however, Mrs. Handeock herself fell ill and died, leaving a
tion for increase of population, the 1,546 deaths of bargain made with Mr. Hoby, to whom they paid
will under which her wholeproperty was bequeathed to the 2, .
last week may be compared. The result is that the OOO/ for the goodwill of his business, besides an
boy, with the single exception of a 501. legacv to her
weather has been fatal in a week to 332 lives more daughter Honoria. Her eieenters found thai tills lady,
than would have been extinguished in an ordinary who had daring her life complained so much of her po- of 12s. or 15s. in the pound. The bankrupts passed
annuity of 2501. per annum. There will be a dividend
season. The average temperature of the ten corre- verty, died worth nearly 20,0001. of accumulated savings. without difficulty.
ON SUNDAY UoaNttio there was publicly posted
sponding weeks was 41-2 Q, which exceeds the tern- Honoria died on the 12th of December, 1853, intestate.
htabrid the
perature of last week by 10.3°. Her solicitor wrote to the heir-at-law to come and take pos. lon the doors of St. h'aul's Church, linig ge, .
t