The Express.
London, England, 1867-12-16 00:00:00

POLICE PRECAUTIONS.

The polioe authorities at Great Scotland-yard,
acting in concert with the Home-office, have die.
posed of the whole of the force under their coin.
mind in • manner which is regarded as the
best for their protection against Fenian out-
rages. The several detachments and stationi
have been placed within rapid communication,
and the reserves are on such • footing that very strong
bodies of armed police, mounted and foot, can be quickly
despatched to any part of the metropolis. The officers of
the Guards are also prepared to support them on the
instant. Within a few minutes a strong force of the
Guards and police could be brought into action, and, if
necessary, in a very short time they would be
aided by some thousands of troops, all of whom
carry the Snider ride. So far as any direct attack is
concerned, the authorities could immediately repress it ;
but it is not thought that hostility will be shown in any
such manner. The only apprehension is that outrages
may be attempted which would equal in recklessness
the Manchester attack, and the one in London.
A very large number of detectives are on duty, and every
place, where public or private property, which it is
thought might be a point of attack, are closely
watched by them. The Tower, the various royal
buildings, and every depot of arms belonging to the
regular volunteer services, are carefully guarded.
The government has had information recently for-
warded to them which caused au apprehension that if any.
thing were attempted it would be a seizure of arms, as the
Irish constabulary, in particular, have at various times
taken a very large quantity from the conspirators. Special
reports are made throughout the day, so that the commis-
sioners at the chief office are continually informed of all
that is passing. At the same time, persons having the
control of important business premises would do well to
see that they are properly watched, especially in case of
fire. The efficient fire brigade under command of Cap-
tain Shaw is of course alw►ys kept in • state for instant
service.

A SHOCKING STORY OF STARVATION AND
DEATH.

On Friday some extraordinary disclosures were
made before the deputy-coroner of Shropshire, Mr. Bid.
lake, whilst holding an inquest near Oakengates, on the
body of a man named Holmes, whose death had resulted,
in a great measure, from starvation. The deceased, with
his wife and two children, inhabited a pit cabin, situated
at an elevation cf 3o or 40 feet above the turnpike-road,
near Hollirumood, at • point much exposed to the weather.
The cabin is only some 9 or 10 feet long, and is roofed with
clods and soil, and here the miserable family lived—if
such a term can be applied to their existence. When the
coroner and jury visited the cabin, to view the body,
they found it stretched upon an old oak dresser, which,
with a bench and stool formed the sole furniture of the
place. There was no bedstead or bedding, and the wife
said they were in the habit of sleeping on the floor. Nine-
pence per week was paid to the Lillaihall Company for the
use of the hut, by the relieving officer of the Shitinal
Union, who, it was stated in evidence, refused to give the
wretched family relief, because, as be alleged, they did
not reside in his district, but in that of Woinbridge, whilst
the officer of the latter refused, because he contended
that they belonged to ShiffnaL By this means the
wretched father was unrelieved in the hour of sickness,
and so has perished. One of the daughters of the de-
ceased man said that her father sat himself down upon the
dresser, exclaimed, "Oh, my poor stomach," fell off and
died. He had never had a doctor, as they were too poor.
The wife of ther fellow gave evidence to the effect
that she applied forpoo • pair of shoes from the °Meer. He
said, " Pretty well to pay Od. a week rent for you."
Her husband had not done regular work for years, and
the family had lived upon 6d. per day. If they got one
meal a day they thought themselves very wall off. Wit-
ness was almost without clothes, and one of the children
wore her (witness's) petticoats. A sympathising clergy.
man gave deceased a little medicine, and this relieve I
him. This was all the medicine be had. They were iu
the habit of begging, and some days they had not a move'
to put in their lips. The jury, having heard all the facts,
returned a verdict that " Deceased died from an affection
of the heart, accelerated by a want of the necessaries of
life."—Birminghant Post.