The Express.
London, England, 1862-12-19 00:00:00

HIGH WATZSAT LONDON BRIDGIL

Tam DAT2ll.3e;;;47,Ob7o7•77.Aiilineos.—Ob. 6m.
tobioasoir—Mossim O. 1130.....Aberbass. 14 On.

LONDON, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19.

l'or..garotte panic is now on the decline, and
is furnishing food for farce writers and arrangers
of pantomimes. We are so essentially a
humorous people, with such a passion for
reducing everything to an absurdity, that mur
der, arson, or any other desperate crime, is
hardly considered too serious to be spun
into amusement. As for diseases, there are
very-few, however painful and fatal they may be
in the main, which, in some of their aspects, are
not•considered fair game for the comic writer.
The gout has long been an eatabliahed favourite
in farces, comedies, and caricatures ; its agonies
have been played upon with an unmistakeable
relish, and delighted audiences have approved of
mock torture as a highly humorous representation.
Toothache, for some unexplained reason, has
never been very popular on the stage, probably
because it has never been rightly or wrongly asso-
ciated with over-eating and drinking. Paralysis
has been left alone, though it once gave a richness
of tone to a celebrated actor ;t but we are not
aware that any attempt has been ever made to
extract fun from the ague. St. Vitus's dance
was at one time the most attractive feature
of a smart and bustling ballet, and various kinds
of deformity, from a limp to a dislocated leg, give
a fantastic spirit to our popular music-hall dancing.
Even in a higher walk of the drama—in modern
comedy—the moat idolised comedian of the day
has invented an elaborate stutter which he has
talked with every night for more than a twelve-
month. The cholera, except in its mildest forms,
has not been used as an agent to excite laughter ;
but sea-sickness, influenza, and a variety of simi-
lar complaints, are hardly ever off the stage at one
theatre or another. A wooden leg, and the physical
discomfort it leads to, can always be relied on for
provoking mirth ; while a broken head, if treated
judiciously, can be made vastly amusing. Hanging
is an operation that has its ludicrous side, which
writers like CHARLES LAMB and dramatists like
Punch and Judy show workers have not been
slow to discover. No audience, however staid
and logical it may be, is proof against the
contagious merriment of seeing a man knocked
down with a warming-pan, crushed with a
load of vegetables, or smothered in a bin of
flour. The keenest wit, the most refined humour,
can produce no effect so broad and unmistakeable
as the smashing of a tray of crockery, or the de-
struction of a conservatory skylight by a clumsy
climber. Those who remember the rather over-
rated sketches of SEYMOUR, the caricaturist, will
also recollect how large a proportion of their fun
was got out of practical, not to say cruel incidents.
The biting teeth of a man-trap, a bursting blunder-
buss, the threatening sh►dow of a gipsy's bludgeon,'
the spikes and broken bottles of a garden wall, a
runaway horse, a broken-down chaise, a savage
bull-dog, and a dozen other instruments of torture,
were pressed into the service of the rollicking hu-
mourist. The prosperity of the jest was secured
if the hospital was suggested, and stretchers and
bandages were pointed at as logical consequences.
In a few days we shall open our great
annual feast of theatrical absurdities. The
Cattle Show has come and gone, and the
pantomimes are preparing to follow. After the
fairy openings, the punning dialogues, the dances,
the spangles, and the gorgeous transformation
scenes, we shall be introduced to the usual "comic
" business" prepared for the clowns and their
subordinates. The topics of the day will be hit
off with more or less skill in all these productions,
and garotting, we may rest assured, will be honoured
with a prominent place. The quiet citizen will be
introduced half covered with spiked armour, and
loaded with defensive weapons, like Will Watch,
the bold smuggler, or the dramatic monster known
as Three-fingered Jack. A cutlass in the mouth,
a pair of knuckle-dusters on the hands, a pair of
revokers in the waist belt, a collar like a dog's,
and boots furnished with game-cock spurs, will form
a costume in which the model father of a family
will be shown to a laughing public. The burglar
or garotter will be introduced to justify the ap-
pearance of this fortified citizen, and that Lynch
law which was invented by clowns and pantaloons
will be seen in full and riotous operation. What
will make the pantomimes of 1863 more remark•
able than any former pantomimes will be the
faithful pictures which they will give of the ga-
rotte panic and its consequences. No exaggera-
tion that the most fanciful pantomime author can
indulge in will caricature the armed coneition of
our citizens. Revolvers and bowie-knives are
simple weapons compared with the arms which
some self-defenders carry. Elaborate knuckle-
dusters have been made to order, spiked all over
the knuckles, and containing one short sharp
stiletto protruding from the side. Bludgeons that
shoot out bayonets, and sticks that contain daggers
and swords, are now sold more openly in the City
streets than oranges or chestnuts. One belt
at least has been seen the buckle of
which is loaded like a pistol, and which,
when a string is pulled under the coat of the
wearer, will shoot anybody in front in the stomach.
Life-preservers and thick sticks are now more com-
mon than toothpicks, and spiked collars are worn
very generally with patriotic pleasure. Meetings have
been held and anti-garotte societies formed for
mutual protection, and a bullet flying into a

drawing-room, and bringing

cornice, has brought home the

to the horrified householder.

In any other country
advanced in civilization, sTakate

would give rise to a ge'eral mood;
feeling of disoontent. Here, however, owing to
our peculiar constitutions and our peculiar taate
for peculiar jokes, wetting is far from being an
unpopular crime. The same fun is made of it
that was made of the pitch-plastering forty years
ago. The very children play at wetting in the
streets, and comic songs on the same interesting
subject are already appearing in the music-shop
windows. Who can wonder after this that we are
problems to our foreign neighbours ?

Vicaria prison. They filed Bome 'lron bars of
window looking upon the street and got out. A
sentry whose duty it was to have given the alarm
let them go unmolested ; but he was a member of
the old Bourbon army and is supposed to have
been in connivance with them. He is arrested, as
is also the second turnkey. The men who have
escaped were all robbers or murderers, sad the
most dangerous characters in the prison. A
hundred other prisoners might have followed them
out of the window had they pleased, but they were
afraid to run the risk. The hand of the Camorrs
is too plainly visible in this unfortunate event.

TEE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY IN THE
DUTCH COLONIES.

A few week ago, as we learn from the Surinam
papers, some of the slaves waited upon his Excel-
lency the Governor, and, in their own name as well
as on behalf of their fellow-slaves, returned thanks
for the great boon bestowed upon them by his
Majesty, by the abolition of slavery on the Ist of
July, 1863, as had been announced, and also for
the kind language addressed to them by his excel-
lency in his proclamation. They were kindly
received by the Governor, who impressed upon
them the necessity of being calm and contented, of
awaiting the period of their liberation, and of
proving by their industry, obedience, and faithful
discharge of their duty, that they were worthy of
the boon assured to them.

THE LATE DISTURBANCES AT ST.
VINCENT.

In consequence of the disturbenoes at St. Vin-
cent, West Indies, the legislature have met. The
Lieutenant-Governor, in his address to that body,
says :

Without prejudging the questions, whether the demand
state of the produce market leading to a prudent economy
in conducting sugar estates, or whether grievances real or
intagiaary may partly have led in the first instant* to the
ill-feeling to which these outrages may be traced—the fact
remains that serious outrages have been committed, severe
personal injuries have been inflicted, and much property
destroyed by large bodies of the agricultural population,
headed and led away, as the Lieutenant-Governor believes,
by strangers, assembled with the view and avowed inten-
tion of combination to force the peaceable and wall disposed
to cease from labour except on terms dictated by the dis-
affected, and to exact those terms by intimidation and
violence.

(iruria's TZLIGIL
FRANCE.

PARIS, D. 19.

The Moniker of to-day says The Emperor
will, on the Lt January next, receive the diplo-
matic corps, the great bodies of the state, the
civil authorities, and the officers of the National
Guard and the army."

DECEMBER no,
ROM ,P41.1:Z.12.
HE NAT!
ooaassrosnzirr.)„4",i.
%RIB, THIIRSDA7 EVElreilk
iumphantly that the news,
from Mexico in yesterday's Moniteur does " com-
plete justice" upon the malevolent rumours pro-
pagated by foreign journals. The only instance
which the Pays condescends to specify is that a
brilliant achievement of the French cavalry chits-
genre had been transformed into a " sort of check.",
It does appear from the 2lfonitetw that in a skir-
mishing affair 100 French regular cavalry beat 200
Mexican volunteers belonging to a corps called the
Red Lancers. The Mexicans bad fifty men hors de
combat and the French seven, among whom was the
lieutenant-colonel in command. Without quibbling
about these precise figures, although all military
men notoriously exaggerate the losses of an enemy, it
may be admitted to the fullest extent that the victory
mentioned by the Moniteur was gained, and the
only wonder is that the Mexican volunteers should
have got off so well. But let us examine the state-
ment of the Moniteur a little more closely than it
suits the Pays to do, and we shall find that so far
front the Moniteur doing "complete justice" upon
the malicious foreign journals, it does little more
than paraphrase some, at least, of the most im-
portant statements which they made long ago.
The foreign journals, as I remember, said that,
although the destructive ootnito had, as was ex-
pected, disappeared with the intensely hot weather,
it had been succeeded by other fevers caused by
pestilential exhalations from the heavy rains.
What says the Moniteur now I Why, that the
men attacked by fever, who lingered behind Ge-
neral Forey on his march, have almost all arrived
in Orizaba. The word "almost" of course refers
only to so many as were left alive, and the Moisiteur
abstains from giving the number of the dead.
Again, the Moniteur admits that there are even
now "fevers " (using the plural number to indicate
different kinds of fevers) at Vera Cruz ; but the se-
rims nature of them "diminishes" as the north
winds become more prevalent. The foreign journals
informed the public many days ago that the bad
roads in Mexico were so soaked by heavy rains as
to be almost impassable. The Moniteur says that
the rains have ceased, and the roads are much
better, but that it still takes twelve days to get
from Vera Cruz to Orizaba. A glance at the map
will show how much this time is out of all propor-
tion to the distance. The foreign journals were also
guilty of saying that owing to the hostility of the
'country, which had not been calculated upon, General
Forey was destitute of the most essential requirements
of an army on a long march, and that he would not go
forward so soon as had been announced. The
Moniteur acknowledges that the general has not yet
been able to commence hie movement because he
has "not received all his means of transport
and necessary alimentation." It mentions as a con-
solatory circumstance that the Minister of War in
Paris has received advioes that 1,200 mules and
250 carriages were shipped from New York to Vera
Cruz on Nov. 14. These must be the very mules
which the Pays pretended some days ago had
already arrived at Vera Cruz, whereas all that is
known is that they wereshipped. Finally, the Mou-
tonr does not say whether, when General Ber-
thier entered Jalapa, the inhabitants had fled,
carrying with them all their goods, chattels, and
provisions, according to the system of warfare
which so much embarrassed . that general on his
march. This, and not the mere fact of the entry
of the troops into an unfortified watering-place, was
tbo interesting point, and the silence of the Afoni-
teur is very strong to raise an unfavourable infer-
ence. The Debate (not a " foreign journal") says that
a long and serious war has been undertaken, and
they must be " blind " who do not see it to be so.
The Temps observes, as one of the most curious
things it has seen for a long time, the various con-
jectures of the European press as to the motives
of England for giving up the lonian Islands. But
inasmuch as those who will not admit any genero-
sity in the matter admit that the measure is a
clever one, the Temps thinks it confessed in sub-
stance that the policy is good. The Patric goes so far
as to " applaud" the act, but is quite shocked at the
Opinion Nationale for going as far as enthusiasm.
The France blames the Opinion Nationale, and in
its wonderment and vexation withholds even cold
approbation.
The France, without making any reference to
the serious doubt whether King Ferdinand can be
brought to accept the throne of Greece under any
circumstances, announces that the offer has been
made on the understanding that he will be at
liberty to remain a Roman catholic, and would
only be required to recognise the Greek religion as
that of the state.

The Bourse has again been very weak. Bente,
after a temporary upward movement, closed, with a
decline of 20c. for cash, and 15c. for account, at
69fr. 75c. and 69fr. 90c. Mobilier fell 7fr. 50at
and the Italian Loan 35c. In railways there was
very little change.

ST. PAUL'S fiCHOOL.

Yesterday the winter speeches and the distribu-
tion of the Thornton Memorial Prize took place at St.
Paul's School, in the presence of Dr. Kynaston, the Head
Master, the Master of the Mercers' Company, the Rev.
Charlton Lane, the Rev. Markland Barnard, Master of the
Mercers' School, &c. There was not so large an attendance
as has been usual on similar previous commions, for which,
however, the state of the weather was sufficieot to account.
The prize theme was, „the Spartan's March," from Mn.
Hemline "Songs of Greece," to be rendered in
Latin Alcuics. The prize was won by Mr. Black,
the captain of the school, to whom Dr. Kynaston, in bestow-
ing the prize, addressed some kind and encouraging words.
After reciting this ode, as well as • short prefatory one
usually composed for theseoccasions by the Head Master,the
delivery of the " speeches " commenced. Though entitled
speeches, these recitations mostly consist of representations
of scenes from dramatic writers, ancient and modern. On
the present occasion Aristophanes, Sophocles, Terence,
Shakespeare, Sheridan, and Moli4e, were brought
upon the school boards. The following youths
took part in the representations, and their acting was meth-
tMe :—C. Smith, Semple, Peck, Black, E. W. Kemp*,
Taverner, Fenton, Daldy, Tew, J. A. Kempe,
Knox, Dicker, and Taylor ; Mr. C. Smith, in particular,
displaying • considerable amount of histrionic talent. In
consequence of the illness of Mr. Upton, who was to have
takes • principal part in the French scene, it was not so
ileseat &alit usually is, but Mr. Smith, who took the part
of Upton at • short notice, came off with considerable suc-
cess. On the whole, the speeches were very well executed.

We regret to learn of the death yesterday morn-
ing of Mr. John Wade, the well•knows publisher of
High Holborn.
Das= or SIR G. L Honors, K.C.B.—We have
to record the death of Colonel Sir George Lloyd Hodges,
K.C.8., formerly her Majesty's chsrgi-d'offskia for the
Haase Towns. He was the son of Mr. George Thomas
Hodges, of Limerick, and commanded the British sad
Foreign Legion in Portugal, under Dom Pedro. He was
consul in Servia from 1837 to 1839. consul jeneral in Egypt
from 1839 to 1841, and cbared'affairee and oonsulleneval
at Hamburg from 1841 to 1860. in which year he received
hi. K.C.B, and retired on a pension. The gallant colonel
served in the Peninsula and at Waterloo. He was 73 years
44
gyms-HALL. —The usual Christmas performance
of the Id essiaA by the Sacred Harmonic Society, conducted
by Mr. Costs, tat/Bobo, thin (Friday) evening, commencing
at half put &even o'clock.

lat.
, • .
10114 L PROVIDENT INSTITUTION.
The report Of the above institution for the past
year stases that the plunbar of proposals, for assurance
iluit have lama melee& is 1,188 ; of widish 1,006 have been
. and peados limed accordingly, assuring the sum
743:16,61911. 18s. 6d., and producing annual premiums
remounting to 16,0911. 3a. Bd. • besides 1,7791. 19e. Id. in
Opals *tuns. The smiler of deaths which hive
ciocerred in the year ending the 20th November LA is
210, and the amount paid and in course of payment on
these claims, including bonuses added thereto, is 134,8551.
95., making a total amount peid since the establishment
of the institution of 1,291,0621. 18s. 4d. Five policies in
Class X., amounting to 1,7081. la., have become doe, end
have been paid to the members themselves. The balance
of receipts over payments is 152,7751. making the capital of
the institution 2,900,0661. 155., which, by the addition of
the balance of profit and loss account for the five years, is
increased to 2,200,4261. 3s. 4d., including, among other in-
vestmenta, the following:—One million six hundred and
seventy-six thousand pounds advanced on ;
735,000/. on government securities 68,6001. on East India
government loan and railway debentures; 148,7001. ad-
vanced to members on the security of their policies. The
annual income arising from 17,130 existing policies is
282,5971. 16s. 11d. ; deduct the annual abatement made
at the division of 1857, of 50,1121.-232,4851. 16e. 11d. ;
add interest on invested capital, 92.2451. 12a 2d. ; net
annual income, :124.7311. 9s. Id. The number of mem-
bers is 14,056. The new offices will be opened for public
business on the 15th of the present month, which is the
twenty-a/Leath anniversary of the institution. Theactuary is
now engaged in assoertaining the amount of the surplus pro-
Ste for the five yams ending 20th November Let, and in the
course of a few months the directors expect to be prepared
to inform each member the amount of bonus, or its Gwyn-
lent reduction in premium, apportioned to his policy. The
directors have also to announce that the actuary hia just
completed a further periodical investigation, being the third
since the establishment of the institution, of the rate of
i
mortality experienced amongst the members com-
prised n Classes LX. and X. The result of
this important inquiry continues to be most favourable.
The following statement shows the progress of the institu-
tion since the last quinquennial dine= made in 1857 :
Number of policies 31•0114, 1857, 20,626; 1662, 25,532 ; in-
crease in 5 years eading 20th Nov.. 1862, 4,906. Amount of
income, 1857, 275,3311. 17s. ; 1862, 321.731/. 91. ld. ; in-
creme in 5 yearn sadism 20111 Nov. 1862, 49,3991. 12s. ld.
Amount of capital, 1867, 1,500,3671. 17s. lid. ; 1862,
2,200,426/. 3e. 4d. ; Menem in 5 years man 20th Nov.,
1862, 700,0681.55. sd.

TRANSFER OF LICENSES.—Dec. 18.

ST. PANORAB.

(Preeent—Francis Healey, Fag, chairman ; J. P. Pierce,
Es q.. George Summers, Eaq., W. IL Wyatt, Fag., and
E. U. Waderson, Esq.)
Catters' Anne, Acton-place, George Johnson Sllcock,
John Richard', and Rhodes Mould, executors of Simon
Silcook, the late occupier, to John Frederick Sayer. Victory,
Albanystreet, to Sarah Mary Newson, widow and sole exe-
cutrix of Benjamin Newson, the late occupier. George the
Fourth, Edwardsrtreet, Regent's-park, George David Hell
to Thome' Waylett. Cock, Chaltonetreet, Sarah Howland
to Joseph William Gray. Abbey Tavern, Bartholomew-
road, Robert Thurston to Richard Matthews. Star and
Garter,Kentith-town, John Dumbrill to James Samuel Bell.
Victory, Clarence-mad, Clara Falcher and William Berry,
executors of William Fulcher, the late occupier, to Joseph
George Stoten. Apollo, Tottenham-court-road, Christopher
Jolson to Richard Frost Hodges. Northumberland Arms,
Tottenhamsoort-road, Sarah Butcher to James Ashley.
Carlton Tavern, Carlton-road, George Hell Parkins to Ceo.
Charles Garrett. Camden Head, Hidi-dreet, Camden-
town, John Thomas Percy to George Took Ifinallit
Wellesley, Cromeretreet, to John Many Grove, e son
and sole executor of John Dove Grove, the late &soupier.
Southampton Arms, Whittleburysirest, Georp Russell to
Elisa Holloway. Black Cap, High-street, Otmdm-town,
William Cross to John Williams. Duke of Clerenes, Cla-
rence-paseage, Old St. Papaws-road, Edith Horley, execu-
trix of George William Hodey, the late occupier, to Charles
Somers.
Pembroke Castle, Gloucester-read North, Camden-town.
This was an application that a Hoens should be granted
under the 14th section of the Licensing Act to Arianism
Hancock, the new tenant, in the stead of Richard Hewitt,
the late occupier, who had quitted and yielded up pos-
session.
The solicitor who attended referred to the terms of the
statute, and submitted that the present cue clearly came
within the enactment.
Is answer to the magistrates it was stated that at the last
general licensing meeting, Mr. Roberta, who bad previously
occupied the premium. had died, and that a license was
granted to Mr. Hewitt upon the understanding that he
should within a short time transfer. Before long, how-
ever, he closed the house and left it, and from that time it
remained closed for several months. The owner of the pro-
perty obtained possession under the statute of Geo. 11.
The magistrates, after considering the matter for a short
time, determined to grant the application.
License granted.
The Chairman, after making the usual inquiries as to the
respectability and competency of the in-coming tenants, and
having been satisfied upon those points, observed that the
licensed victuallers of this district were a very respectable
body of men, and he hoped that those who were now coming '
amongst them would do nothing to the detriment of this
character. There was one thing to which he wished speci-
ally to direct attention, and that was, that in the event of
any victualler wishing to make any material alteration in
his house, he must first give notice of that fact to Mr. Geo.
Bradshaw, the high constable, so that the bench might
have an opportunity of inspecting the premises, and seeing
whether there was any objection to the alteration being car-
ried out.
In one other case there was an application for a truster,
but there was a special report by the police that the out-
going tenant, who had been in the house for ten years, had
for several months past conducted it very badly, and the
report set out in detail the various complaints which had
reached the police during this time.
After some time spent in investigating the matter, the
bench ordered the room to be cleared, that they might con-
eider it in private.
The Chairman afterwards said that the circumstances
complained of were so numerous and flagrant that it must
have been apparent that there was no likelihood of the
license being renewed to the out-going tenant at the next
general limning meeting, and therefore be attempted to
get out of the dilemma by obtaining a transfer. The bench,
however, were not inclined to acquiesce in any such ar-
rangement, and they must therefore refuse to permit the
transfer.
A gentleman who represented the brewers said that it
having come to the knowledge of the firm that the out-
going tenant was coodnctiog the hones badly, they had de-
sired him to leave, and the new tenant was a moat respec-
table man. He had embarked a very large sum of money
in taking the house, and it would be his ruin if the transfer
were not granted.
The in-coming tenant said that he bad invested nearly
3,0001. in the property.
The Chairman, however, said that the onus must not be
out upon the beech, and if the in-coming tenant had been
induced to part with his money improperly he had his
remedy.
The trander was refused.
RE-APPOINTMENT Or OrrICERR.
Mr. Healy (the chairman), Mr. Sodding (the clerk), and
Mr. Bradshaw (the high constable), were re-appointed to
their respective offices for the year issuing.

MR. Lax AND MR. BUXTON, AND THEIR CON- I
evirurarra.—On Wednesday evening Mr. W. Lee and Mr.
C. Buxton, the liberal members for the borough of Maid-
stone, addressed a meeting of their constituents in the
Corn Exchange of that borough, on the business of the last
session in parliament. Mr. Alderman Ellis presided, and
most of the leading members of the party were on the plat-
form. At the close of the speeches of the hoc. members, a
resolution was unanimously passed to the effect that the
conduct of the hon. representativesin the last session of
parliament was such an to entitle them to the continued
confidence arid support of the constituency.
ROYAL AORICULTFRAL COLLEGE CIRENCESTER.—
The winter amnion at thin college closed yesterday by the
award of diplomas and distribution of prises by Mr. Hol-
land, M.P.. chairman of the committee of management.
From observations made by Mr. Holland, we learn that '
Lori Elude, lord•lieutenant of the county, and Captain
Bathurst, 31. P., have signified their williogneen to become
active members of the committee of management, and that
the close of the session was marked by great cordiality of
feeling between the principal and students.
THE LORD-LIEUTENANT IN BELFAST. —His Ex-
cellency
the Lord Lieutenant and suite arrived in Belfast
on Tuesday, between 11 and 12 o'clock, from the Abbey, I
the seat of Charles Lanyon, Eq., ex-mayor, where they
aped overnight:. The places on the card which hie ex- I
eency was to visit were the Town-hall, the Queen's Col-
lege. sod Model Schools. The reception which his I
excellency reoeived from the inhabitants generally, ,
and the public authorities in particular, was cos,
dial in the extreme. On arriving at the Town•hall
an address was presented to his excellency, in the course of
his reply to which he laid he had good grounds for believing
that the linen trade of Ulster, under the impulse of recent
commercial treaties, had in some degree mania compensation
to the national finances for the fearful deficiency in the
cotton manufacture of Lrycashire. His excellency, after
leaving the Town•hall, proceeded to the Model School,
Falls-road. After the examinations which then took place,
and the distribution of medals, prim, and certificates of
merit, his excellency briefly addressed the assembly. He
thee visited the Queen's College, where be was received by
the president, vice.preeident, and professore. He declined
Ito rooms an address.

A gentleman named Meesum has presented to the
Hartley Indira* Southarnptou. a couple of eggs of that
almost extinct bird the New Rolland cassowary, or amen.
These eggs are rather larger than swans eggs. rather
rougher than ordinary birds' eggs, and of a clasp green
colour.
Cardinal Wiseman is announced to lecture on
Friday, Jan. 30, at the Royal Institution, on the points of
mews between science and art.
STATISTICAL SOCIETY OT LONDON.—Mr. Lewis
Farley, author of " The Remoras of Turkey," hie been
sleeted a fellow of this society.

LAW INTELLIGENCE.

(THIS DAY.)

EQUITY COURT.
(Before the Lords Justine of Appeal.)
IN LONACT-lE_ PLACINCIIIE.
...

This was a p;ition pinsimeTed by Walter Blackmon:, of
Wandsworth, a boltin cloth manufacturer, praying that a
oomir.ission of lunacy directed against him might be super.
ceded. The petitioner was at his own request examined
before the court, and addnoed in his favour the affidavit* of
Doe. Sutherland sod Forbes Winslow, in which they swore
that in their opinion he had entirely recovered from hi-, de-
lusions. .

The ppedtirtion was supported by Mr. W. M. James and 31r.
and was opposed on behalf of the conimittee, Mr.
Martin Blackmore, the petitioner's brother, by Mr. Fischer.
Lord Justice Turner delivered the judgment of the court—
The present application is one to which a remark of Lord
Eldon especially applies—that there is no more painful
duty entrusted to those who preside in lunacy than to
decade whether persons against whom a Collllllilololl de
lunatic.) inquireudo has been issued are so far recovered as
to justify superseding the commiesion.l It may be that
the recovery ia apparently perfect so long as the restraint is
continuous, but that the moment the restraint is removed
the diocese appears again. It must be a subject of anxious
care whether the recovery will continue when the restraint
is removed. Although we place implicit reliance on the
medical reports brought before us, and have been
favourably impressed with the personal interviews we
have had with the petitioner, I am of opinion that
we ought not Ito go so far as to supersede the mm.
mimics, but that it is our duty to see what will be
the effect of removing the restraint, and whether the re.
moval will be attended with a recurrence of the &imam.
This is a course which is borne out by abundant authority,
as is evident from the judgment of Lord King in Lord
Ferran' as in 1730 ; Lord Hardwick. in Sir William
Brooke's case, 1737 ; Lord Loughborough in Errington's
ease, 1798 ; Lord Eldon in Stock's case, 1413 ; Lords Lynd•
hurst and Cottenham in D►oe Bombre's cam, 1444 and
1847. After much consideration we have COMO to the same
conclusion as arrived at in the above oases, and are of opi.
nion that we ought not to supersede the commiesion, but to
make au order to suspend proceedings under it until further
orders, and that Mr. Blackmon be at liberty to apply for
further relief in Trinity Term next, sal that in the mean.
time be have the management and control of his Mishima,
without the control of the committee of his person and
estate.

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