The Express.
London, England, 1848-07-10 00:00:00

TOpiSHIHE.

HETRENCIIMENT.—With a view to effect a redur -
tic° of the expenditure, the port of Goole has been rednc, d
from the fourth to the fifth class of ports, the situation I
landing-waiter there has been abolished, and the salaries o 1
the remaining "ifiCCIB at Goole regulated accordingly. By
this arrangement a saving of 3001. per annum has been
effected. It is also stated to he in contemplation to make a
large reduction in the establishment of the landing depart.
ment at Hull, which will lead to a considerable &Ming of ex-
pense at that port.
TCWITIIV

----
MURDER BY A COLLIER.—On Friday Ephraim
Blythe was ezarged at Billiton with the wilful murder of his
wife. Ellen B:ythe. From the evidence it appeared that on
Sunday, the 25th, whilst in a furious paasion, prisoner struck
the deceased first in the face, then threw her down, jumped
upon and kicked her several times in the lower part of the
person. The poor creature, as well as she was able, crawled
to a neighbouring house for protection, when the prisoner,
after threatening to murder or fight any man who pleased to
come forward, run out to look atter his wile and children.
with an iron poker in his hand. Not being able to find them
he returned home and went to sleep. The poor wonnn was
obbged to have surgical amistanca • but, in spite of every at-
tention, she died on Thursday night. The prisoner, when
called upon for his defence, said he was drunk when he ill-
used his wife. The surgeon proved that there was a wound
three inches long on the top of the head, and an extensive
ore in the lower jaw, besides which the lower part of the
body was covered with bruises. The injuries were the cause
of death. The prisoner was fully committed for trial for
wilful murder.

WARI

Tun REFORM MOVEMENT.—At a meeting of the
committee of the Reform League, Birmingham, on Friday,
it was resolved " That the best thanks of the: ommittee be
tendered to the editor of the Daily News for his able and
independent advocacy of the cause of the Reform League."
How POOR'S RATES ARE INCREASED.—Robert
Blake, the man who cohabited with Hannah Parker until
she murdered two of his children (tor which crime she was
executed a short time ago at Newgate), was brought before
the magistrates at the Birmingham police.office on Thursday,
charged with having deserted his wife and child, who have
at times been relieved by the parish authorities of that
borough since January, 1843. It appeared from the evi•
donee of a relieving otficer that he apprehended Blake at
Mr. Plummer's saw-mills, Golden-lane, St. Luke's, on •
warrant ordered by the guardi ins of the poor of the parish
of Birmingham, and that his wife and children had received
relief amounting to 1101. Os. 7d. He was convicted, and
sentenced to two months' imprisonment in the house of
correction at Warwick, with hard labour. This man's cri-
minality has been very expensive to the public.

DISPUTED RIGIITTOTioTiiii—At the meeting
of the magistrates of Worcestershire, sitting at Alcesterlane
End, near Birmingham, on Saturday, a case was brought on
which excited considerable interest in the county. This
arose out of a claim which had been set up to the Beoley
Hall estate, which consists of an entire parish of about
4,500 acres. The defendants were : Mr. Whitehouse, a
gentleman possessed, it is said, ct large landed property. and
re,iding at Ipsley ; Mr. Woolaaton, the steward of the Heels
estate, acting under Mr. Oliver, solicitor, of London; to.
gether with four others, named Porter, Bolton,. Carpenter,
and Ric`imond. They were all charged with nut, and for-
cibly possessing themselves of the property in dispute. The
circumstances of the case, as detailed before the mastis-
trate, were these : It appears that the Beoley estate for-
merly belonged to the ancient house of Sheldon, a family
well known not only in Worcestershire, but also possessing
extensive domains in the neighbouring county of Warwick.
From the Sheldons the estate by purchase fell into the hands
of a Mr. Holmes, who, about 60 years since, again sold
it in lots to various purchasers. Subsequently to these sales,
but previously to the completion of the bargain, Mr. Holmes
died without a will, the consequence of which was, that al-
though his heir and a sister survived him the conveyance of
the various properties was never formally completed.
Amongst the portions of the estate bought from the
Holmes mistily was the mansion and about 300 acres
of laud, one of the present defendants, Whitehouse, being tke
purchaser. Within these few weeks, however, claimants
to the entire estate have sprung up in the persons of several
members of a family named Staunton, working colliers, re-
siding at Bradley, in Staffordshire. They claim in right of
the female line (a Staunton having been married to Mr.
Holmes), disputing the legitimate claims of the supposed
heir to that gentleman, and also of his sister ; and moreover,
asserting that the sales made of several portions of the estates
were not of the freehold but merely leasehold for a period
of 60 years, which time they allege has now elapsed. It is 1
remarkable, however, that not one of the leases said to have
been granted by Mr. Holmes, has been produced in support of
the claimants' case, and up to the present time their case rests
upon mere assertion. In this state of things, on Thursday
week a person named Rogers (the complainant in the pre-
sent case), in company with another man, proceeded to
Beoly-hall ; Morriss, • gardener (in the employ of Mr.
Whitehouse), and his wife being the only persons occupying
the premises. Here, Slaving obtained the keys, they re-
mained till Saturday evening, when Messrs. Whitehouse
and Woolaston, accompanied by a numerous band of
followers, proceeded to the hall, and demanded admission.
Ike defendants were described as being armed with an axe,

bars, and other implements of destroction. Rogers
having previously secured the windows and doors den :ed them
ingress,when the party ow side proceeded to break in:through
the drauing.room windows. The complainant escaped at
the rear of the house, locking the back doer. It was for the
riot said to have been committed in the manner rel-.ted that
the present charge was °referred. In support of the state.
meat made by Rogers, Green, the constable of Beatty, wee
called ; but instead of corro';orating the corn '.ainam's state-
ment ac contitedicted it in nearly every particular. The
rasgistratts dismissed the ewe.
• itnt...rrs. n co TRW

ALLEGED FORGERY.—The irioeskr Journal of
Friday says : "We hear it currently reported in this town
that a partner in a respectable manufacturing istatOishment
has been forging bills to the amount of about 2,0001., which
he got discounted at two of the banks. We are in passe+ ion
of the names of the parties; but, under present c:rcuro.
stators, do not feel justified in entering into farther par-
ticulars. It is stated that the delinquent has absconded.

GLOUCEsTEILSHIRE.
THE LIBERALS OF CHELTENHAM met in the Town-
ball on Tuesday, to decide upon steps for reorganising the
liberal association in that town. On the same evening a
meeting of coaservatives test( place fur the avowed purpose
" of taking immediate steps for the prosscatica of a petition
against the return of the lion. Craven F. Berkeley, as mem-
ber for the borcugh of Cheltenham."
EMBEZZLEMENT AT BRlsTOL.—Robert Ross Dix,
the clerk in the service of Mr. C. George, shot manufacturer,
of Bristol, and wha was bound guilty, on Wednesday, at the
quarter sessions, of embezzling upwards of 200 a, the pro-
perty of his employer, was, on Friday, sentenced to 18
months' imprisonment.
NORFOLK.
AN INTRUDER ON SEA BATHERS.—A few days
ago, as one of the fishermen of Hunstacton wee employed
catening crabs near the shore of that waterieraptece, he oh-
reed s meeting of a most formidable tee approaching him
in the water. The tide was receding, and the man, who was
without companions, was a Wain fitty yards of the shore, but
much above the waist in the see, when, nothing daunted,
he struck !ism:re blow at his new aequaintan e, which he
snou discovered to he a shark A regular «mint ensued,
the man aiming heavy blows at the head of the tish, and the
latter lighting with his tail, with which he struck the fisher-
man en oor three times severely on the chest Tye man,
fortune:ale for himself, never lost his footing. his presence of
mind, or fibs strength, and ultimately succeeded in capturing
the monster. The tide continuing to ebb, the shark was
left on the dry nude, where the old man was seen standing,
with much satisfaction, over his captured enemy. The shark
measured newly nine feet in length, and was presumed to
weigh about 30 stone. The spot or. which it was first seen
was close to the place frequented by bathers, a machine
having on that day frequently conveyed patties there.
SUSSEX.
FOUR PERSONS POISONED.—Jane Kemp, residing
at Midhuret, with her husband, mother, and sister, a few
nights back prepared a supper, of which they all partook.
The mend consisted of pork, cabbage, and bacon. They had
barely finished the meal when most alarming symptoms were
perceptible, the whole family being seized with violent retch-
ing and excruciating pains. Medical weistance was obtained,
but the uutortunate female expired. The ether three suf-
ferers, though still very ill, are recovering. An inque-t has
been commenced on the body, and &aer the above facts were
sworn to in evidence the coroner said it would be impossible
to conclude the inquiry at present. He considered that an
analysis of the contents of the deceased's stautoch should be
made, which would allow time for the full recovery of the
other thr, c sufferers.. The jury acquiesced in the rtcsm-
mendation of the coroner, and the nattiest was adjaurned.
Tho deceased, who was highly respected, had been married
only • le w months.
ESSEX.
FAIRLOF fair was held on Friday, and was attended
by many thousands of holiday-makers. Those amphibious
v. bides, the boats, mounted on carriegee, with masts and
rigging, the Union, belon ring to the watermen of Wapping,
and the Maggot, were the pnncipsl attractions en the road.
Each boat contained 25 persons and a band of madcians, and
each was drawn by six burst's, gaily caparisoned. The wives
and families of the watermen and block-makers followed in
open landaus. A third boat was started fur the first time on
this occasion. It was built by Mr. Everest, a waterman, at
an expense of no leis than 2301., for a Wapping club of
water-side men. It was rigged out like • maraolwat
brig and daily decorated, and carried 20 passengers.
Seven open landaus, each drawn by four horses, and
containing wed-dressed women and children, followed.
This novel procession, as it proceeded along the Mile-end-road,
was loudly cheered by the people assembled. The forest
once reached the patties alighted and roamed aaout enjoying
the beauties of the woodland scenery. These were • great
many theatrical booths and shows on the taw, near the
site of the Old Feirlop Oak, which, sifter standing for three
or four centuries, was partially destroyed, &haat 30 years ago,
through the carelessness of some visiters, ho lighted • bre
within its trunk. Tne remains of this monarch of the forest
were soon afterwaras felled. Upwards of live thousand per-
, sans came down to Ilford by the Eastern Railway. Front
there it was a pleasant walk clang the green lanes to the
fair. Numerous omnibuses, flys, cab, vans, and other
vehicles were also in requisition, and the forest echoed with
the cheers and shouts of countless thousands. The boats
were illuminated en their return to London in the evening,
and an immense quantity of fireworks were uischarged from
them at TATillls places on their journey home.
POISONING FOR BURIAL FEEB.—Tbe discovery of a
murder by poison, and the general lislief that as many as
fourteen or fifteen human beings have fallen victims under •
similar diabolical system, has during the week created the
greatest excitement throughout the eastern division of this
county. For several days pest Mr. Cedd, the coroner, has
been pursuing an investigation into the whole of the facts,
and at ten o'clock on Friday night the inquiry terminated in
a verdict of wilful murder against a woman tamed Mary
May, for feloniously administering lint Ilk, to bar brother,
IW. Constable, and thereby causing his death. The subjoined
facts, as collected from the coroner's depositieu, briefly
detail the whole particulars connected with the dreadful
affair. In the parish of Wickes, a small val. ge on the high
road to Harwich, about six miles from the Manningtree
station of the Eastern Union Railway, lived the deceased,
W. Constable, alias Watts. He had not been married.
He rnaintaiacd himself by hawking trifling things about the
country, and for cemfort sake lodged in the beam of his
sist r, Mary May, a married woman. Ho appears to have
prepared his own meals. except tea, which he was in the
habit of taking with his sister. On the Bth ult. he naurned
to his lodgings in good he Ith, and had tea as usual. Shortly
af:erw rds he was satackcel with violent retching and burning
mans in his throat and stomach. These symptoms cantinued
till the following Sanaay, when he died. The aliment he
was attacked, the sate r called in Bernal neighbours to see
him, lie assured them that it was almost certain that he
would die, but, strange to remark, no suspicion was excited
that anything had been administered to him. On the de-
claration of the sister that death bad resulted from natural
decline the body was interred. in the uaeish cherchyard, she
officiating as chief mourner. In the course ef a few days
she called on the Rev. G. Wilkins, the incumbent, for the
purpose, as she explained, of obtaining a certificate from the
reverend gentleman that deceased was Li good health a
fortnight before his death, and that he was in his 38th year
—(4B was his real age). This he declined giving, inquiring
of her what she wanted it far ? She replied that she hod
entered him in a burial club at Harwich a fortaight beer°
his death, and that the society would not pay the money
allowed for the interment of deceased unless they had •
certificate of his good health at the time he was entered.
lie told her that the money did not belong to her. She
said no one else was entitled to it, as she had done it all
herself, and n body else knew anything ebont it. These,
and other nuepeiniz circumstances, particularly the num-
ber of children she had buried, coupled with the
suspicious death of her Comer husband, and the hasty
and earnest solicitations she made in this ins'artca to
obtain the fees, tram the burial society, led to inquiry,
and induced the canner of the distrat to direct the
exhumation of the body. This heals done, the stomach
and contents were forwarded to Mr. Taylor, the pro-
fessor of chemiutay at Guy's Hospital, for analysation.
The inquest was opened at the Waggon public-louse, at
Wickes, and very conclusive evidence was ad luoed.—Tbe
secretary of the burial society in question, J. Pratt, of Har-
wich, said it was designated the "New Mariners' Sociay,"
and paid 91. or 10/. on the death of a member, the sum de-
perding on the number of members in the club. Oa the
13th of last May, the female, Mary May, accompanied by
the schoolm.streas of Wickes school, called at the cffice and
inquired if the club was full. Being told that it had some
vacancies, she said she wished to enter her brother in the
club. lie was a healthy man, and she had never known him
to have • day's Mums in her life, and tnat he was only 35
years of age. The secretary then entered the deceased's
name, and she paid the fees,-la. 3d. for entering, and 4d.
in advarate. On the 6th of June the sehoolmiatreu trought 2s.
for tee payments due, and he (the ee cretary) heard na, more
of the party till the 11th of June (Sunday when a man
brought a note aigned Mrs. May, stating that Cot stid,:r had
just Aied from strong inflammation, and that theechool-
mithress had seen Mm • short time previous. It was shown
that the deceased was in good health up to the time of par-
taking of the poisoned victuals on the evening of the Bth ;
and in contradiction. of ceurse, to the instructions the sates
bad given to t • e registrar relative to the cause of death, she
having stated it to be " decline"—duratioe of sieknins,
" three moults. '—A man named Simpson, who lived in the
same hous as the deceased, said that two days infore his
death, Mrs. May told him that she had entered her brother
Ls a burial
pounds,el h would
üb., a counted
act
on gettingherp hisu burial
in bu'iner.
She intended to buy a horse and cart, and go about
the cou :try higgling. Professor Taylor, F.R.S , stated that
arsenic was present la the content, of the atom 'ch. That the
quantity was sufficient to destroy two grown-up persons.
That it was taken during life in the form of a powder, and
that it caused death. Other circumstantial evidence being
adduced, sbowiog an attempt on the part of Mrs May to
tamper with the principal witnesses, and urging them not
to (beeline all they knew, the jury returned a verdict of
" Wiltul Murder" against the sister, Mazy May ; she was
commit ed to the county gaol for trial at the next assizes.
The prisoner has been married twice, and had 16 chilaren,
all of whom, with the exception of one, have died under
suspicious circumstances. Their exhumation is expected to
take place.

Sint Ars.
A SCENE IN PARIS, BY M. PLITLIPPOTEAUX....
There is now on view at the Egyptian•hall, in Piccadilly, •
picture of great animation and merit, representing the Plot
de l'llotel de Ville and M. De Lamsrtiue at the head of the
Provisidnal Government proclaiming to a frantic people—
France a republic—made so by the people, aad (misting for
the people. The likenesses are extremely good, the spirit •
I and bustle of the scene is sustained throughout. while the
grouping is picturesque and the episodes characteristic of so
memorable an occasion.', M. De Lmnartine stands on a chair