The Express.
London, England, 1867-12-13 00:00:00

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A SCRIPTURE-READER.
. _

Robert Henry Lawson, a middle-aged and grave-looking
man, for the last 10 years a scripture-reader, was brought
before Mr. Benson, charged with wantonly and indecentff
exposing his person.
The complainant in the cam is Elizabeth Ellen Bolton,
aged 10 years, of No. 30, Bow-lane, Poplar. She ie the
daughter of Mr. Edward Bolton, clerk of the works to
the district board in Poplar. The girl gave her evidence
with great clearness.
The prisoner, who was greatly agitated, said be had
always -held a good position in society, and had been a
scripture reader 10 years. He was as innocent as
child unborn. He was known to the incumbent
of St. Mark's Church, Whitechapel, and to a mat
many other clergymen and numerous gentlemen. If
he was convicted it would be his ruin. He accounted
for being in Bow-lane. He had been to a house in
the neighbourhood reading the scriptures, and he stopped
to look at the light and shade of the moon and its peculiar
effects on Poplar Church and the lofty tower and spire.
Mr. Benson said be should decide on this case without
any reference to its probable results. He would give the
prisoner an opportunity of calling witnesses. The tests.
molly to character might naturally affect his judgment.
The girl's evidence was very distinct, but it was entire!'
uncorroborated.
The prisoner—All the clergy in the district know me.
Do not send me to prison.
Mr. Benson—Can you bring your witnesses to character
this afternoon
The prisoner—I am afraid not, sir.. I have a wife and
family ; they will be ruined by this foul charge naiad
me.
Mr. Benson—l cannot help that. You are remanded
till to-morrow.

FATAL ACCIDENT AT A CHURCH.—A shocking ac'
ci.lent occurred at the pariah church, King's Non",
yesterday evening. A new peal of bells, subscribed for
by the parishioners, has just been cast IT Meer
Blews and Son, of Bartholomew-Areet, Virininghaah
and the largest bell was being fixed, when. from rums
cause at present unexplained, it fell, cutting in two ths
organ, and crushing the head of Mr. Arthur Longmore. 6
young gentleman who has shown much interest in the
work. Mr. Brown, surgeon, was at once summoned, bat
of oourse his services were of no avail. The deep"'
sympathy is felt for Mrs. Longmore, the parent of the us-
fortunate young gentleman, she being highly relented by
the whole of the inhabitants of King's Norton. —Birmoq•
ham Pail.
A MAN SMOTHERED IN A WELL.—Yestel2
another man lost his life while engaged in sinking a
At the corner of Wills-street a number of houses are is
course of erection. Thomas Spencer, pump-maker And
well-sinker, had been employed to funk a well. Yo*
terdsy morning the well had been sunk to a (10
of 113 yards, and Spencer went down at Moak tar
time to continue the work. At half-part 10, the
earth broke about eight feet above where be tit
working, and a huge mass fell, and buried him. The W
was so dangerous that no one seemed to rare akat
venturing down. Mr. North, however, volunteers,
and went down, sod from 11 o'clock till twee!
minutes past 2 he gallantly worked away
a dangerous chasm all the time at the Tilt
of his own life. Poor Spencer was found buried acid
about 9 feet of earth, and when brought to the surface bfr
was found to he quite extinct. Deceased was about to
years of age, a married man, without Fundy. A tease
nisi to Mr. North, for his heroic conduct, is already Irk.
ed.—Birmingham Post.
On Friday last the Rev. Francis Garrett Use&
clerk, was instituted to the vicarage of East Rudhars
West Rudham. annexed, in Norfolk, on the presentrthe
of the Most Honourable John Villiers Stuart, Menlo'
Tovmshend.