The Express.
London, England, 1867-01-21 00:00:00

EXPRESS, MONDAY EVENING, JANUARY 21, 1867.

REMARKS.

On our southern oouts yesterday It blew a gale from the east-
ward, and the sea was high. This morning the winds are easterly
and eouth-easterly, light to moderate on our northern and not th-
easteni coasts, and very strong on our other coasts. Barometers
are falling, and are more than half an inch higher lu
the east of the British lake than at Valentin. in the south.
west of Ireland. Temperatures have declined In the north and
east, and risen a 1115 k In the south.

A report was current in Bombay at the last ad-
vices that the Indian government had received a telegram
from Lord Cranborne, order sag preparations to be made
for the despatch of an expedition to Abyssinia. The force,
it is said, was to consist of 10,000 men, namely, two regi-
ments of European and four of native infantry, four bat-
teries of artillery, and two regiments of cavalv.

The American papers, referring to the statistics
of the production of the oil regions during the past year
express a hope that science may soon do something to
bring petroleum into use for purposes in addition to those of
illumination. The yield of 1866 was so far in excess of
the demand that it is calculated the present year com-
menced with a surplus on hand in the various markets of
the world of 733,000 barrels of refined, " which will have
to be consumed before the production of 1867 can be
brought forward."

A letter from St. Petersburg of the 12th says :
" The Davenport Brothers, with their cords and guitar
and their cupboard, are drawing crowds of spectators to
the great hall of the Artist.' Club three times a week.
They will probably become a fashionable attraction, as
they have bad the honour of going through their per-
formances before the imperial family. After having been
roughly handled in so many places they appear to h►ve
become wiser, they say nothing about spirits, but perform
their clever tricks like any other conjurors, and everyone
admires their dexterity."
A coi.espondent writing from Rome on the 12th
says :—" The American arms were yesterday hoisted on
the facade of Mr. Macpherson's house, and the United
States Legation archives transferred to the large room in it
used by the American Episcopalian congregation, so that
Dr. Lyman is no longer in danger of being misted, as
Messrs. Lewis and Williams have been. As American
visitors to the Eternal City are every year on the increase,
however, it is apprehended that their present chapel
accommodation will soon be insufficient, and negotiations
are being entered into by their church committee to
obtain for the ensuing year the building outside the
Porta del Popolo which was used as a chapel by the
British Protestant congregation before removing to their
present more commodious establishment, a few paces
nearer the gate."

On the Ist of January was to be published at
San Francisco the first monthly number of the California
China Mail and Flying Dragoa, printed in the English
and Chinese languages. The first Chinese printing and
job business was about to be established in San Francisco
by menus of several complete fonts of Chinese type, and a
number of Chinese compositors which are to be introduced
from China.

The Francisco News Letter heads its births,
deaths, and marriages, " the cradle, altar, and tomb."

THE POPULATION OF FRANCE.—The quinquen-
nial census of the population of France, just completed,
gives 38,064,094 as the number of inhabitants, exclusive of
121,000 employed abroad in Algeria, Mexico, ko. This
is an increase of 680,933 over the census of
1861. There are in France 19,014,109 males and
19,032,983 females. The females are therefore in
a majority of 38,876. In 31 of the 89 departments of
France there has been a diminution in the number of
inhabitants to the extent of 106,459. which is attributed
to emigration and migration from the country districts
into the large cities. The population of Paris has in-
creased by 129,133. The increase of population has been
greatest in the department of the Seine, and the decrease
greatest in the department of La Manche.
THE LOSS OF THE SCREW STEAMER NEWTON
CoLvewr..—There can be no doubt but that this fine
steamer, belonging to R. Young, Esq.,M.P., has been lost at
sea, and, unhappily, all hands perished. The Newton Col-
ville was employed in the Baltic, and left Dantric for Lon-
don, laden with wheat, on the 26th ult. She passed Copen-
hagen on the 29th, in company with several other steamers,
and since then no tidings of her have reached the owner.
The weather at that time was awful, and it may reason-
ably be supposed that the noble vessel foundered during
the gale. The ship was insured at Lloyd's, so that in a
monetary point of view Mr. Young's loss will be but
nominal, though it is a sad thing to lose a crew
of 18 men. Mr. Thomas Lee, the commander of the ves-
sel, had been in Mr. Young's employ for 20 years, and was
much respected for his straightforward and honourable
conduct. The chief officer was Mr. Richard Horsepool, a
nephew of Captain Lee, and a young man of great promise;
he and several of the seamen had been in the same service
for many years, and the painful event has caused quite a
gloom to pervade the town of Wisbech. Captain Lee
married a daughter of the much-respected harbour-master,
and leaves a widow and four children to lament his death.
Much genuine sympathy is felt for the relatives of the
crew. The steamer was but three years old, and in
the beet possible condition ; in feet she was a noble
vessel, and manned by an efficient crew. We under-
stand the value of the ship and cargo amounts to
30,0001. There is no doubt but that this sad calamity
was pressing heavily on the mmd of Mr. Young during
the time he was surrounded by his friends at the
banquet given to him, on the 10th inst., at Wisbech, when
(contrary to his usual custom), after speaking a consider-
able time, he faltered, and on resuming, the honourable
gentleman mid—" There are affairs that press upon men's
minds and prevent the words coming to the lips, therefore
a great deal I should have said to-night must be left un-
said, and you must take me, as you have always found me,
a working man--a man of deeds and not words."—Caist-
&ridge Inclepoukat.

. '

ITHE ACCIDENT IN THE REGENT'S-PARK.

ADJOURN= INQUEST.-(THIS DAY.)

The coroner's inquisition on the 40 bodies re-
covered from the water and viewed by the jury, was re-
sumed this morning at Marylebone court-house. Dr. Lan-
kester, the coroner for Central Middlesex, assisted by his
deputy, Dr. Hardwioke, took his seat about 10 o'clock,
when the names of the jurors were called over. The gal-
leries and other unreserved portions of the court were
opened shortly after the commencement of the proceed-
ings, and were soon filled. A plan of the ornamental
water, which had been prepared by the local surveyor, was
laid on the table for the use of the coroner and jury. In-
spectors }brides and Sylvester attended on behalf of the
commissioners of police ; Mr. Young, secretary of the
Royal Humane Society, watched the proceedings for that
institution ; and Mr. Russell was present in the interest
of the Commissioners of Woods and Forests.
The Coroner said be proposed to hear the evidence of
persons who were on the isle at the time of the accident,
and evidence as to the probable cause of the breaking of
the ice, respecting which there were many theories,
including one which attributed the unsound state of the
ice to the breaking of it at the sides for the purpose of
taking water. He would also take evidence as to the pre-
sent condition of the lake, and entertain suggestions as to
the measures which would prevent such accidents in
future. Some persons mentioned the desirableness of

having the lake emptied, and as inquiries bad been made
as to whether Lord John Manners, the First Commissioner
of Works, was in town, be wished to state that Mr.
Russell, the secretary to the commissioners, was present,
and he would tell them that the government were anxious
to do everything they could to assist the efforts which were
being made to recover the remaining bodies, and that
there was every disposition shown by Lord John Manners
to entertain every mode of procedure for preventing such
accidents.

Mr. Russell said the Commissioners of her Majesty's
Works had every desire to give all the information in
their possession, and if they could furnish any papers or
other assistance they would be glad to do so. Lord John
Manners was out of town at present, but he would return
to-morrow, when no doubt he would attend to any com-
munication from the coroner and jury.
A juror said he had been told that private individuals
supplied money on the previous day for the purpose of
having the ice cleared off. He wished to know what
steps were being taken by the government at present.
Mr. Russell replied that a large number of labourers and
park constables had been employed in removing the ice
and facilitating the operations of the searchers. He was
not aware that any gratuitous services were given, except
in one case where the diving apparatus invented by Mr.
Heinke was offered to the government by that gentleman,
and at once accepted.
The following evidence was then adduced :
Mr. Lawrence Barnett Phillips, of 35, Hunter-street,
Brunswick-square, said—l was on the ice on Tuesday last
at the time of the accident. Previous to the accident my
attention was called to the ice, which was in a very bed
condition. I first got on the ice at the boat-house and
crossed over in the direction of the Clarence-gate. Soon
after I got on the ice I found it in a state like a tesselated
pavement. The ice appeared to have broken and
frozen together. The pieces varied In size and shape,
most of them about three feet square. Between the
cracks nearest the middle water was gently oozing
through, but upon approaching the larger islands it came
up in sudden spurts and rose above to the distance of two
inches, which leads me to suppose the ice was not resting
on the water. This induced me to proceed in the direction
of Hanover-gate, and when I got near the suspension.
bridge I found the whole of the ice near the shore was
broken away. I did not see anyone breaking the ice, but
lam quite sure some was broken while I was on. I then
noticed that there were numbers of persons endeavouring
to get off on the other side. I then proceeded in the direction
of Clarence-gate, and I then found the portion of the ice
between the largest island and the shore was carried away.
I then made my way to the north bank, and I saw
numbers of persons struggling to get on shore by means
of • ladder. I saw • few fall into the water ; and
this seemed to create a panic in the centre, as the people
there seemed to make a rush in a body for the shore. I
instantly observed that it was a general break-up, and laid
myself down on my hands and knees. In lees than a
minute—in half • minute—l was in the water. I saw a
Royal Humane Society's man driving the people off and
urging them on to the ladder. Whilst I was on my bands
and knees I saw a young man pass me and sink into the
water. He did not rise again. I scarcely know how I got
on the shore myself I remained supporting myself on
the ice, as my feet did not touch the bottom. I
saw a gentleman holding up two children, and an elderly
lady close by me. I then commenced shifting myself
from piece to piece, taking care not to leave one portion
till I could get to another, and by aid of " treading"
water and using may walking stick I at leas got on shore. I
had skates on, and I found it difficult to swim. I of
course had great difficulty in reaching the north shore. As
I neared it I saw boys scrambling, almost drawing each
other, even when in shallow water. I travelled about a
hundred yards in making my way to the shore. Before I
got out I saw a boat coming, and I assisted the
boat on to the rescue of the gentleman and two chil-
dren. I saw them rescued before I landed. There wag
only air under the ice in those portions which were at-
tached to the land. There was the usual bend in the ice
resting upon the water, but the waving appeared to be
very great. At the time I went on the ice it did not seem
dangerous, and es I could see no caution notices posted I
went on.

By the jury—The breakage near the shores was from
one to two yards wide. I think the people rushing to-
wards the side where the ladder was caused the general
break up. The Royal Humane Society's man did not force
the people, but advised them to go off. I went on about
half-past 2 o'clock, but I do not know at what time
the accident happened. I had my watch with
me at the time, but I was too exhausted to look at it.
On reaching shore, I took off my skates and rushed round
over the bridge to the tent, which I found was full. A
gentleman kindly took me to the York baths, in the Mary.
lebone-road, and there I remained until my recovery. I
cannot remember what time I got home, but it was late.
The ice was much thinner near the shore than in the
middle. I cannot tell how long I was in the water, or
how long I was on the hoe. I must hays been in some con-
siderable time. I was delirious after getting on shore.
Mr. William Edwin Hardwicke —1 live at 70, Morn-
ington-road. I was on the ice on Tuesday. I
went on at 10 o'clock in the morning. The ice
was perfectly safe then. About half-an-hour after-
wards I saw two gangs of men begin to break
up the ice round the islands. They were employed by
Mr. Edwards, the Superintendent of the 'Parks. I
thought there was danger in this process. I was
warned by an iceman that the ice was dangerous. I
was with my friend Mr. Day:es, one of the deceased per-
sons, and I told him I should go off. I did so and got on
to the island. Boon afterwards the accident happened.
The ice waved under the skaters, and then
broke up, when I observed the people struggling
in the water. I saw the first boat put off from the shore.
They had to break the ice to get the boat along. I saw
several people rescued, and landed near the boat-house. I
then got oft the island to the main shore where I stood
watching the scene, and when dusk came on the people
still on the island lighted a fire. I was told that there
were some dead bodies there. . . . .

—.-
By the Jury—We were warned not to stand about in
groups or lumps. I witnessed two immersions, and the
second was the universal break up.
The Coroner said that, with a view to distinguish the
islands, he would callthe long island No. 1, and the short
one No. 2. _ .

Caled Charles Whiteford„l4, St. John's-wood-terrace—l
was on the water on Tuesday last. I went on at 12, and waa
there at the time of the accident. I did not think that the
ice was so dangerous when I went on as on the previous day.
I did not apprehend any accident, hut we were warned
by one of the icemen before going on that we would all
go in together. I did not heed his warning and went
on. My compani,,na consisted of the deceased gentle.
men, Davies and Wake, and others. As I was skating I
found the ice uncertain, and I skated rapidly between
the two islands. When I was near the Toxophilite
gardens • gentleman who followed me went in. I
then saw the ice give way on the broad water
close to the enclosure. I was on the ice between
the enclosure and the south shore when I saw the ice give
way. I went to the escape for the purpose of wheeling
it down, but I found the axle wheel broken, and one
wheel on the ground. A gentleman on shore move.l the
oscine. There were a lot of boats near the south island ;
persons were preparing to put them out. I
got a rope and when I brought it to the
water five boats had beta put out. I subsequently
went to the enclosure and assisted in getting five persons
over the ioe at the east end of the island where it was
sound. About half an hour before the accident, I don't
think five persons could have stood on the pert where it
was broken. In my opinion the cause of the accident was
owing to the breaking of the ice at the sides, and partly
owing to the condition of the ice between Hanoventerrace
and Stumex-place, where there was open water on the pre-
vious Saturday. This part was frozen over on Monday,
and there was no caution posted there. Rather than go j
over that ice I went to the safe part by land. I saw the

part between the two isLuids give way, but I could uot
see the north-eastern side. The ice was unsupported at the
edges along the islands and at the nortb-weetena
side' when the rays of the sun had effect. I observed
that the water at the sides was on • lowed with the ice. /
had not seen the thermometer before I went on the ice.

Mr. Alexander Nesbitt Shaw—l reside at Yorkylaee,
Portman-square, and am a member of the vestry. At 12
o'clock on the day of the accident I was in the park with
my son. Whilst my son was putting on his skates I went
into the hut of the Royal Humane Society, end
seeing at the door a placard announcing that the ice was
in a dangerous state, I saked the man what he meant by
saying that the ice was dangerous, and further asked him
what part was dangerous. He replied that it
was all dangerous, and that an awful accident
would occur. I plied him what part was meet dangereu
and he pointed to the spot where the accident afterwards
occurred. My eon subsequently went on' a part of the
ice which I oonsidered safe. I don't think that
the gates should be thrown open to the publie
when the ice is unsafe. lam aware that access to the ice
could be obtained at the other side of the park. lam ey,„
posed to the police being placed at the park to interfere
with private individuals. lam opposed to the imposition
of a penalty on persons who go on ace after they have been
is
warned, uas done in New York where a ball is hoisted when
the ice safe. lam against finind persons for endaugerieg
their lives.

John Spencer, • builder, residing at 3, Stock Orchard.
street, Holloway, said—l was on the ice at 12 o'clock oe
the day of the accident, and it was not dangerous then.
There were three or four thousand people on the side, and
all went on well till about 3 o'clock. I was on the
long island at 2 o'clock, and was told to go off by rapt
who were breaking the ice all round the island. The men
also broke the tee around the abort island and at the pri-
vate grounds. I asked them why they broke the ice, but
I got no reply. About 3 o'clock I saw an iceman on the
south-western bank sitting in • flat-bottomed boat and
breaking the ice right across, evidently for the purpose of
preventing people from crossing. He made • bag hole
in the middle, and the water spouted up as if from
a fountain. I asked him what he did it for, sad be re-
plied, "To let two or three of you in." His pulling the
boat across broke the ice. He did not break the ice acmes
the whole away. I said, " I do not think you are a fit
person to be here—what are you doing that for ?" The
reply he gave me was, " For my amusement." I that
skated to where the ladder was, and after
delay of a quarter of an hour, I thought the ice was getting
dangerous, and I directed my two sons who were on the
ice to leave. There was then a general movements towards
the ladder at the north end. I was on the ies
near the ladder, and I turned round, when I
suddenly found myself in the water, and I
then saw that all the others were struggling
at the same time. I got on shore without
assirtince. My son, brother, and brotherindaw
, were struggling around me. I think the breaking et
the ice at the sides was the sole cause of the accident,
When the ice was broken at the sides there were no means
of getting on shore.
Chas. Edward Thomas. 6, Martin's-churchyard Tower.
hill— I was in the Regent's-park on Tuesday. On loOking at
the ice I thought it was made dangerous by the work
of the men who were breaking it with crow-bars at the
islands. Along all the north-west side facing the mound
the ice was broken. I was walking along observing the
skaters when all at once I saw • confusion, and in another
instant the whole body of ice seemed to me to go in at
once. I looked around and saw no appliances on the trees
for rescuing those who were struggling in the water, Red
that is why I attend here to-day. When I saw the
men breaking the ice I thought there was great danger,
there being an unclouded sun at the time. The majority
of the people present also apprehended danger. I saw
man and his two children struggling near the shore, and
if there had been a rope ready they could have been easily
brought out. The three were afterwards rescued, and I
wish to bear my testimony to the intrepid conduct of
boatman named Archer, who saved four or five persons
who were struggling in front of me.
The court here adjourned for a short time.

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