The Express.
London, England, 1860-05-26 00:00:00

THE POLICE COURT&

GUILDHALL.

Mho Fray, • Tonne iedy vim has lowa
orum44. before the public in actions Lord and LadyrSll,l7
in whose employ she f wen, ira era as against her
counsel and attorneys for in the eondinot et her
affairs in the different actions which she hoe twee engaged,
applied on Wednesday to Akiennim Italomons for • sum-
mons against the matron of Whitecrees-dreet Prison for
cruel treatment and threats against her life while • pri-
soner for debt under her control.
. _ . .

Alderman Salocums inquired the nature of the cruelty
and threats complained of.
Miss Fray mid she was incarcerated in Whitemossodreet
Prison on the 2nd of December last, and as the following
day she was taken very ill, and in that Maio locked up for •
whole day and a night with not even • glees of cold water,
' although she was at the time sugaring from inflammation
of the lungs. Indeed, such was the neglect she experienced
that she was kept for weeks together without butter, tea,
anger, and, in fact, proper food ; and she was even denied
the use of warm water, which the state of her health re-
, quired. With a cancer iu her mouth, which she was com-
pelled to lance herself, the only food she could take was
withheld, and having no money she was unable to procure
what she required beyond the county allowance.
Alderman Salomoos asked her why she had not applied
to Colonel Hicks, the governor.
Mims Fray said she had repeatedly done so, and Colonel
Hicks assured her that it was his wish that she should be
properly treated, but nothing was done, and she was
eventually compelled to awly to friends outside for assist-
ance to obtain the means of existence. This state of things
continued until the 25th of February lest, when the metros
shook her fist in her face, and wide use of the most mur-
derous threats towanls her, saying that she Wise Fray) had
lost her character, and
.that she would tear her to pees*,
limb from limb, tear her eyes out of the socket*, sad
intimated she would soon be in • mach worse play than
that—meaning Newtate. FM nine days she wee very ill,
during which time d e bad nothing bat the musty allow.
mace, and when she refused the doctor's seedicim, she
matron did all in her power to prevent her having the medi-
cine she purchased with money furnished by Isar &bads.
Alderman &bttons askedbm if any inquiry had takes
place.
Mile Fray said that a slanderous letter was written by a
friend at the matron, and the Lord Mayor and Alderman
Hale attended and investigated the chews made ia that
letter aappinst her (Miss Fray), which proved to have no
foanrlrstien, sines which the matron had altered Ler couched
towards her.
Alderman galesions wished to know if she had coin-
;dabbed to the prison inspectors.

' Miss Feay said she had written to the Secretary of State,
and Mr: Pony, one of the inspectors, had visited the prison,
but no steps had been taken in the matter. She had also
seen the Lord Mayor, who requeeted her to send him the
details Of her complaints in writing, and she had done so ;
but fairing that the time limited by law for making her
complaint would expire, and so deprive her of the ordinary
remedy in the event of no other inquiry taking place, she
applied for a gammons to have the matter inveetimitedliere.
Alderman &I moue said he did not like to grant a sum-
mons in such a case without making inquiry, and he would
therefore decide on Friday what course be would adopt.
After the above application was made the deputy-
governor of Whitecross-strest Prison attended at the court,
and was closeted with the chief clerk for nearly an hour.
and on the opening of the court he had a private interview
with the alderman and the chief clerk, and at the expira-
tion of a quarter of an hour the parties came into court, when
Alderman Salomon; addressing Miss Fray, said that,
Colonel Hicks being out of town, Mr. Watts, the deputy.
governor, was present to hear her complaint against the
matron and to answer it. _

Miss Fray, having reiterated her came of complaint
against the matron, said she also had to =eke complaint
against the governor and the doctor of the prison, bat at
present she only asked for a summo is against the matron
When she wrote to the Secretary of State, Mr. Sheriff
Phillips and Mr. Perry, the prison inspector, eartm,
the latter told her that it was a case for the magistrates.
Alderman Salomon, could not understand wiry the
matron should have any antipathy towards any prisoner
under her care.
Miss Fray said it arose fromithe fact of her catching her
in the act of opening a letter which she (Miss Fray) wrote
to the governor, asking him to procure her a habeas, in order
that she might attend before a judge at chambers in an ac-
tion for which she received notice for the 13th of February.
She got no answer to that letter, and she therefore wrote a
second time, representing that unless she obtained the
habeas she would lose her case ; bet she received no answer
until it was too late, and judgment was given against her
by default. This was on a Saturday, and on the Sunday
she law Colonel Hicks, and he told her she could not have
• habeas, not having applied for it in the manner prescribed
for prisoners in the county side. She said she did not
intend to apply for anything at the prison expense after she
had been starved for so many weeks, and having money
sufficient of her own she was prepared to pay for • habeas ;
but not obtaining it, she lost her actioe.
Mr. Wstta said he was not present when Mr. Perry and
the visiting magistrates saw Miss Fray, and knew nothing
therefore of what took place at either interview. Mr. Perry
did not mention any complaint, nor did he report
any ;
but the governor seen Miss Fray on several occasions in
the presence of the matron.
Wes Fray said she reported everything she complained of
to Colonel Hicks, bat not obtaining protection from him,
she was obliged to have recourse to other mesas.
Alderman Salomon, mid he presumed. that the governor
made it a rule to see all the prisoners daily
Mi. Watts said that was not the rue, but any person
could see the governor upon applying either personally or
in writing. He was, however, frequently among them.
Miss Fray said it was not so.
Mr. Watts mid if any application were made to him per-
sonally at the office, be should not require eny written
notice.

Mies Pm said she believed Mr. Watts, as he wee the
only gentleman from whom she had received any humane
treatment.

Alderman Salomon said if he granted the summons
against the matron he eould not see how it could serve the
applicant.
Mir Fray said she locked her up, while other prisoners
were allowed greater liberty ; and she had been informed
that the law of the land did not allow any one to remain a
single night under threats against the life without a remedy.
Mr. Watts said that all the prisoners were locked up at
night.
Miss Fray said she could not state the whole of her com-
plaint, unless the case was thoroughly investigated, as it
would occupy too much time. She would, however, men-
tion that the part of the prison she was confined in was in-
fested with body vermin, introduced by a favourite of the
matron; and although the bedding, clothing, and even the
food were tainted with the presence of such vermin, the
matron would not permit any report to be made, in order
that the place might be cleansed.
Mr. Watts said the prison had been thoroughly cleansed.
Mrs Fray said that took place, bat subsequent to her
but complaint.
Alderman Salomon said the prison waa conducted under
the same rules whish regulated the Queen's Bench, and
although the present complaint was one for inquiry, he
could not grant the summons, but he would report the
natter to the gaol committee, who would inquire into it,
and ascertain if, by any wrong act or insubordination on her
part, she had brought the punishment she complained of
upon herself.
Mir Fray said she had taken counsel's opinion, which
wee that the magistrate had the power to grant her a sum-
MOs to obtain protection against the murderous threats of
the matron, which had been repeated since she left the
prison a fortnight ago.
Alderman Salomon declined to grant the summons, at
the same time promising a full investigation by the gaol
committee.

Mir Fray then retired, expensing a hope that she would
receive the protection ahe aess►t.

LONDON LIBRARY. The nineteenth general
meeting of the members of this institution was held in the
library, St. James's-square, on Thursday ; Lord Lyttleten
in the chair. The report stated that during the year ending
April 30, 67 members had been added to the library, while
the losses by death, withdrawal, or otherwise, had been 47;
the satiety had therefore gained 10 members, and thefinan-
cial gain had been 2101. 10s. The number of volumes
added to the library by purchase amounted to 1,290 and 50
pamphlets, and the number of volumes issued from the
library during the year amounted to 29,946. The report
was adopted, and certain alterations in the rules having
been considered and agreed to, the proceedings closed.
ROYAL Faaa HOSPITAL, GBAY
We observe that the annual festival in support of the funds
of this excellent charity uto take place on Wednesday
next at the Freerna,ons' Tavern, under the presidency of
the Duke of Wellington. The perfect freedom of hospital
relief to the destitute and diseased on which it was
established by Dr. Marsden, as well as the great benefit& it
has conferred in times of panful illness on over half a
million of the destitute poor, not only of the metropolis,
but also of the most distant parts of England, lead us to
hope that at the ensuing festival such pecuniary aid will be
afforded to the committee of managements to enable them
not only to relieve the resource. of the institution of a
heavy debt, but also aid them in extending the benefits of
a charity the boundaries of which know no limits, nor
acknowledge any distinction of country or creed.
METROPOLITAN BOARD OP Worn—The weekly
of the board was held yesterday at the Guildhall,
Mr. J. Thwaites in the chair. The financial statement was
presented, which showed a net cash balsams of 29,9611.95. 4d.
The board proceeded to receive tenders for the construction
of the Ranelagh overflow sewer across Hyde•park. The
following tenders were received : Henning, 35,8001 • New-
ton, 29,6901. ; Boson, 27,3001. ; Dethiek, 7x1,601//. •R.
Robinson, 24,963/. ; W. Hill, 96,9261. ; Batterby, 26,500 f. ;
Hurst, 24,927/. ; Lam, 96,317/. • Rowe, 29,689/. • Bird,
' 26,7791. • Hare, 30,766/. ; 36,435/. On the
motion of Mr. D'lffanger the tender of Mr. Dethick was
• . •

-s—coaPted. On the recommendation of the Finance Com-
mittee it was agreed that the sum of 20,000/. be transferred
from the Victoria Park Approach deposit account to the
general cement account of the board. Some other business
of no public interest having been disposed of, the board
ediparneiL
Tart BON AOCORD COPPER MINING CONIPANY
(Lreoegn).—The general meeting of the company was held
yesterday at the London Tavern, Mr. W. H. Bekaa, in
the chair. The statement of accounts showed a balance of
4,6621. 15s. 7d., available to meet current expenditure.
This amount the directors expected would be sufficient for
the prosecution of the undertaking for three months, when
in all probability it would be found necessary to make a
further call of about Yr. 6d. a share. The report and so-
eonsta were adopted and the retiring directors re-electeit.
Mirtione BOILER EXPLOSION.—About half-past
two on Thursday afternoon an explosion took place at the
Chillington Ironworks, resulting in serious injury to five of
the workmen. One of the boilers collapsed, and dislodged
another, and the top of a tall stack was thrown down, da-
maging several workshops on which the debris fall. A por-
tion of the dislodged bncks were propelled three or four
hundred yards, and five of the workmen, more or less
seriously injured, were removed to the hospital.
ExrbosioN or Ga.S. —1 esterday morning between
six and seven o'clock an explosion of ps took place at the
residence of Sir William Wortley, 62, Clunberlandetreet,
Hyde-park. A female servant perceiving • smell of gas in
the drawing-room, took a lighted taper for the purpose of
ascertaining the cause, when an explosion took place, the
force of which clattered the windows, furniture, and build-
ing, burning the unfortunate woman in a shocking manner.
Engines quickly arrived, and the fire was soon extinguished,
though not until considerable damage was done.
FATAL AMlDE:RT.—Yesterday morning William
Arias, aged 15, was passing along Bent-street, Borough,
when he was kicked in the right temple by • horse, the cog
of the shoe entente( the brain. He wee picked in •
state of insensibility, and immediately warmed to (toy's
Hospital, where Mr. John Cooper Foster surgeon, removed
five pieces of bone, but he irsdiy lank said expir d.
BIIICIDI OP A GENTLEMAN r. C. J.
Canter, wooer for West Kent, held an inquest at the
Bull 'ravens, Stone, between Dartford and Oravesend, on
Thursday evening, on the body of • patleman unknown,
who was found in a wood in the nelghbourhood with a
pistol lying by his side, leaving no doubt lie bad committed
suicide by shooting himself. In the absence of toy
as to identity, the initial letters of the deceased's proof
n
having been picked out, the jury returned an open verdict
of " Found dead." The demised was apparently about
55 yam of age, and remarkably tall, messuruig 6 feet Yin.,
of fair complexion and brown hair turning grey. held on
the forehead, light randy whiskers, and front teeth out of
coat,
His dress consisted of a brown mixture shoot- '
WS with pockets inside and out, brown checked
trousers with gripe at sides, bleak cloth waistcoat, black
silk neekerchief, black hat, and buttoned-up boots. The
arti of dress remain in the bands of the police, in order,
iflo, to lead to the identity of the deceased.
°RUT NORTHERN HOerITAL, KIN o'S-cROSS.—
Number of patients for the week ending May 20, 772 ; of
WM& Di were new ores.

MARKETS.
BiJGAR.—The average price of brown or Muscovado
sugar, the produce of the British Pomeerieus in America,
for the week ending May 22, is 27.. 14d. per cwt., exclu-
sive of the duties of customs paid or payable thereon. —The
average price of brown or Muscovado sugar, the pruduce of
the llfaar4Aus, computed as above, is 29n. 104. re.
turn has beep made of the price of brown or Muscovado
sugar, the produce of the Fast Indies—The average price
of the two foregoing descriptions of sugar, computed as
above, and exclusive of duty, is 275. 70. per cwt.
Mayor., MAY 25.—We have had a brisk market this
week, and the offices having been freely supplied with sam-
ples from the late arrivals, • fair amount of businow has
been concluded since our last, both in landed parcels and
Boating cargoes, but genially at rather lower prices. Re.
finer, produce meets with a moderate demand at about
former rates Rum continues quiet, and prices are with
difficulty supported.

COTTON. —Lmatroot, MAY 2.s.—There has been a very
moderate demand this week, and an increased desire to sell
on the part of holders; but notwithstanding the very large
stock of American, the quantity of middling and upwards of
a good style is so limited, that for these descriptions prices
are tolerably steady, whilst the lower qualities are again
id. to id per lb. lower, and the inferior grades are most
=i.Brasil is without change, but Egyptians are a
t lower. Sunda have been in limited requem, and
prices' are rather in favour of the buyer. Speculators have
taken 1,770 American and 50 Surat ; and there arc reported
foe export, 5,590 American, 250 Pensain, 130 Egyptian, and
3,560 Surat. The market to-day opens quietly ; probable
sales 6,000 bales, including 1,000 on speculation and for
export.

COTTON GOODS.—MaisCHPATER, MAT 23.—The de-
pression In nearly all kinds of yarns and cloths for India is
unite as groat as it was on Tuesday, and in some descrip-
tions prices are weaker. The business doing is very limited,
and in some cases it is hardly suincient fairly to test the
strength of the market. The buyers of cloths generally
are restricting their purchases, and the aggregate business
of the week has been inconsiderable. Home trade buyers
of yarns are doing bat little, and prices are again rather
easier. The seam report is given of yarns suitable to the
German market.

CORN.--CHILYSPORD, MAY 25.—There WWI a very thin
attendance of fanners at market to-day, and a small
show of wheat, which was taken at an advance of ls. per
qr. on the week. Fanners are careless sellers, as they all
maintain the wheat is looking badly on the ground, and but
small stocks held by farmers. Red, 53. to 555.; white,
565. to 60s. Beano very scarce, and rather worse buying.

Lococw, MAY 25.—The very genial weather of the last
two or three weeks has had a very surprising effect upon
both the pastures and corn crops. The growth during that
time has been uncommonly rapid in this district, and the
cry as to the probable lateness of the harvest has been very
considerably modified, as well as the opinions with reference
to the promise of the quality of that harvest. At our mar-
ket to-day we had • moderate supply of wheat, which
realised last week's rates. Very little doing in other ar-
ticles. Wheat, red, 545. to 573.; white, 575. to 595.
Oats, 28s. to 31s. Beans, 475. to 495.
Wairnrinui, MAY 25.—The supply was fair, but the
wheat trade was firm, though not active, at last week's
rates. Barley was rather cheaper. E.4hi beans steady,
but la. per qr. cheaper. Oats and sh rather cheaper.
Average of the week ending Nay 21 : teat, 4,462 qrs.,
at 525. 31d. ; barley, 100, at 38s. ; beans, 10, at 465.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.