The Express.
London, England, 1861-09-20 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, FRIDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 20, 1861.

Sabo Ifittlltgentt.

LORD MAYOR'S COURT.—S►rr. 19.
(Before the Recorder.)

LAZARUS r.

This wan an action for • slander alleged to have been
uttered by • waterproof cloth manufacturer, M Duke-street,
Al lgate against the daughter of • grocer living in the same
street.

Mr: Robinson appeared for the plaintiff ; and Mr. Pearce
for the defence.

The plaintiff was a voting lady of 22 yea= of age, residing
with Ler father, a triderman of respectability, from whom
defendant rented the house next door. Owing to the
quantity of combustible materials kept on the premises by
the latter, plaantitrs father gave him notice to quit in June
last. On the Vol of July plaintiff, hearing an altercation
between her brother and defendant, went into the yard to
make peace, when Mrs. Burckliaidt made en imputation on
her chastity. Plaintiff was at the time eogagod to be married
toe meamercial traveller of respectability and the wedding
drawee were being made, hut the moment the charge which
had been brought against her came to his knowledge he
wrote a letter, breaking off the match.
Plaintiff admitted, on eras-examination, that her quon-
dam suitor still visited at the house, but said it was because
her father begged of him to do so.
Henry Beadon, thegentleman in question, said—About
three mouths ago I was engaged to be married to plaintiff, but io
consequence of the statement of the defendant, which was
known over the whole neighbourhoocl, I decided upon
breaking off the match, and sent a letter to that effect.
taut-examined- -Was at plaintiff's hewn last night for
three hours. Did not play cards. Talked, and told stories.
Was there the previous night. We all played at a game
called "Tommy Horse" on that occasion. (Laughter.)
The marriage had been fixed for the beginning of October.
It is not now settled to come tiff at that time. It is •
matter for after consideration.
The unwillingness of the witness to admit that the
affair bad been made up, created considerable merriment in
court.

Re-examined—Thera was a time when my mind was
made up not to marry her.
Mr. Pearce— I submit there is no case to go before a jury.
When the month of Octoher comes plaintiff will find she
has suffered no damage. (Laughter.)
The Recorder—Mr. Robinson, where is your specific
damage 7
Mr. Robinson—The marriage was broken off at the time.
H a tanker refuses to honour a cheque there in an action
spinet him, though be may give the cash for it next day.
Ris ie an abominable ■Wwler.

TM Ro;Onkr—Thero are mane abominable slanders
which an not actionable. The reftinal to honour a cheque
in a lama of contract, tat in thin me the time for the
performs°, of the contract Las not yet arrived. Plaintiff
moat be nomaik.d.

Mr. Pearce said it was due to the plaintiff to state that
the defendant, if examined, would have declared that there
was no foundation whatever for any imputation on her
character.

The prisoner pleaded guilty, and in excuse alleged that he
was not sober at the time.

The prosecutor said the prisoner was suite sober.
Mr. Mansfield considered that the prisoner's defence
aggravated the offence. lie should send him to prison with
hard labour for six months.

William Doris, a journeyman shoemaker, was charged
with illegally disposing of the material 4 for three pairs of
bootaentru►ted to him to make up by Mr. John Garner,
bootinaker„ 204, Oxford-street.
The prowutor said he gave the prisoner the materials of
eight paint of boots to make up some weeks ago, but he had
never returned them, Witness subsequently heard he bad
gone on tramp, and on proceeding to his lodgings found the
materials of five pain, which he took possession of. At the
same time he found the bottoms of boots belonging to some
other manufacturer, which the police took charge of. On
primmer's apprehension he said he had pledged the missing
materials, but refused to state where. The value was 16e.
Remanded for a week.

Was. Norma, of 41, Grove-street, Camden-town. was
charged with stealing a five-chambered revolver, of the
value of 31., the property of Mr. James Woodward, of C 4,
St. Jamee's4areet.
Some evidence being given, Brown, 304 A, said be wished
for a remand, as he believed there would be several other
cases against the prisoner.
The prisoner was acoordingl) remanded till Wednesday.
Mary Ann Jackson, a prostitute, was charged with
stealing a purse containing the sum of IW. 10s., the property
of Mr. John Webber Chegwidden, West Drayton, station
master.

Mulford, the officer, said the prosecutor was in court, but
would Dot prosecute.

Mr. Mansfield said then he hoped the girl would punish
him for bringing her there and charging her.
She was then discharged.
SOUTHWARK.

Mr. Jolsa Strarhan, the landlord of the Standard beer-
shop, Friar-street, Southwark, was charged with cutting
and wounding William Graham, a lad about nine years
of age.
Tim lad, who exhibited a wound on the right temple, said
that on Wednesday night,abont o'clock,he was playing with
other boys next door to the defendant's house, and they
were dancing on a cellar.flap, when the defendant rushed
out of his house, snatched him up, and carried him inside,
and laid him across a form, and beat him. The defendant
bad a knits in his hand, eating his supper, when lie caught
hold of wither, and while be was pushing him about, he
received a out on the side of the head. As soon as defen-
dant saw this, he let him go, and witness was conveyed to a
surgeon's, who strapped up the cut.
On cross-examination by Mr. Edwin, witness said that a
few days ago there was a giant behind the bar, and the boys
sod others used to surround the door and look in. The
giant was gone, and witness was merely playing next
door. He did not mall through the defendant's house
with other boys.
Two women corroborated the lad's statement in every
particular.
Mr. Edwin said that his client was a respectable trades-
man, and had lately been much annoyed by the boys,
who rushed through one door and out at the other, and
laughed at him. The lad was among others on Wednesday
night, and he laid hold of him to chastise him, but he never
cut him wilfully.
Mr. Burnham told the defendant if be had such persons
as giants in his house he must expect not only boys but
grownmp people to surround the door. To say the least of
it, he bad acted with great imprudence, and must pay Mk.
or go to prison for 21 days.
Benjamin Martin, a respectable looking young man, was
charged with the manslaughter of Stephen Osborne, an
omnibus driver, by striking him, and throwing him off a
Peckham omnibus, of which he (prisoner) was the eon-
.

The case has already been reported.
Mr. Bureham committed the prisoner for trial, but sc•
opted bail.
A genteel looking woman said that about a fortnight ago
she law an advertisement in some of the newspapers beaded
"Employment at Your Own Houle'," offering to any per.
son seachng a directed and stamped envelops to a certain
*deem the means of obtaining a livelihood with ewe and
comfort. Being in want of employment, she forwarded the
direeted and stamped envelope, and received the following
letter : . _ _

" Belvedere-place, Southwark, 6.9.61.
" Naamn,—Tho home employment will pay you 2s. 6d.
per hour (permanently) for as long every day as you engage
in it, and you can employ as many hands as you please. It
is eo easily effected, that children cannot err unless wilfully.
For the apparatus (small) and the materials, also their cirri.
age, you will have nothing to pay, and you will be paid by
me for your work weakly. Owing to the great beauty of
the designs—a quality they must possess for me to retain
the unexampled success of patent— lam paying four-
fold the sum agreed on, and therefore those whom with
yourself I have selected to engage, must each repay me 36
postage stamps towards the extra cost. and should you do
so, I will send you specimen instructions, diagrams, ke.,
and wait your determination.—l am, Madam, yours meet
•
faithfully, WIT.LIAM PIDDINO.
"P.S.—For each 2A. 6.1. youget, I Anil receive much mere,
I being the inventor, and having been at a great outlay,
such is my due. NW*" particularly the end of the coffee
circular."

The applicant stated that she had mot the stamps, but
never receiving any answer, she went to Belvedereplace,
Southwark, sod then found that all letters adilreased to Mr.
lidding went to him in the Queen's Prison, she accoel- Jingly proceeded there yesterday and had an interview with
him. He treated her in a meet insolent manner, and refused
to return her the postage stamps, or to give her any equiva-
lent. She conscqueotly spoke to the authorities of the
prison, who recommended her to come to his worship and
state the facts, with the view of the matter being made
public through the newspapers.

A great number of celimeOattetaded to prosecute a yr•
Mtham Huffer, hooey merchant, No. 11, Eases-street,
t;ommercial•ruad East, for refusing to pay their fares.
dome tame ago the defendant, an eccentric man, pro-
secuted two respectable persons for stealing honey ; the
charge was a groundless one, and Mr. Wonlrycb discharged
the wand parties; mince then 'loftier has appeared at
thiseourton several occasions in assault cases and for refusing
to pay cab fares. He has invariably presented himself
without a coat or waistcoat, and on being asked the remelt
of appearing in this !Mee, he has stated that his clothes
were stolen from him.

At five o'clock Hoffler came again into the court in • de-
plorable condition, without coat or waistcoat, and said in •
whining tone that a cab driver took him from • bed of sick-
ness, and that be was dying.
Mr. Selfe—No, you are not.
Horner said Le had been abused, rallied, mid &vaulted,
and holding up his hands which were wounded, asked if
that was • proper way to treat a moo. He carried on a
large trade with merchant, in the City, and could command
• thousand pounds if it was required.
Mr. tielfe—You are a very had fellow.
Hofer —You won't say so when you know all.
Mr. Bathe—You hare been doing nothing else hut riding
in cake day after day and cheating the dm en of their fares.
I bane given four judgments against you this day, and there
will be more judgments against you when the other ■um.
no•sr Sri made returnable. Yon are not fit to be at larze.
Mr. Prue, the chief clerk, said he had one commitment
spinet HoMer, on which he was sent toprisou in dti, course
for fourteen days. The others will follow if the sums
ordered are not paid.

M4IILT ANN RanausseN.—The treasurer of the
fend subscribed for the benefit of Mary Ann Itedkineon has
given notice that the contributions amount to 1021. Ms. 4d.,
no portion of which has been expended, and the whole sum
IN now is hand. It was intended that the ill-fated girl
should be plamsl in sonic business by which she might be
scalded to obtain a livelihood ; but the girl having, to say
the least, exhibited a great want of judgment, the original
intention will not now be carried out, as the large sum
would no doubt render her a prey to mercenary persons;
consequently, it is considered to be more beneficial to her,
under existing circumstances, to purchase an annuity with
the sum subscribed, which will, no doubt, meet the views
of the philanthropic parsons who contributed for the poor
girl's benefit. It may bestated that inquiries were instituted
by the jentiswa connected with the disposal of the fund,
sad it aaaes been ascertained the although she has been
decidedly indiscreet, she has not been the guilty creature the
Kensington people have pointed her, bat the victim of un-
principled persons, whose cupidity bade her welcome in
eviler that they might partake of the money subscribe].
STRANnE CARL.—Yesterday Mr. Payne held an
inquest at Guy's Hospital, on the body of Friumis Beckett.
About 10 o'ckck on Thursday night be was found close
to •.ab stand, neer the BrickLiyen' Arms Station, lying
ernes the road, and welteriog in his blood. The caliMen
bad not heard any cries, although they were close upon
the spot. His left collar bone, hie left arm, and
three of his ribs on the left side were found to be broken.
He appeared as if he had been drinking. He recovered his
oonecieusoese, but, on being questioned, decla, ail that he did
not know how the aocklent had happened. He never rallied,
and died on Sunday afternoon shoot two o'clock. An en-
velope was (Good in his left-side pocket, stained with blood,
and directed, "Francis Beckett, Grove-lane, Shepherd's.
bush," but he was not known there. The jury returned a
verdict "That the deceased died of the injuries received,
but how occasioned there was no evidence to show."

Co/TON FROM THY STATE oFII---ONDL76;s, CEN
TRAL AMERICA.—A new and extensive field for the growth
of cotton has recently opened up in the above-named state.
Samples have reached London, and been submitted to the
Cotton Supply Asocial on of Islacchester, whomi report,
after careful examination, M that "the cotton is tho nearest
approach to New Orleane cotton that has been shown in tho
market." The advice@ front Hoodlum add that the
samples sent are perennials.

[Advertinernent.)--HouowAy's Own/aim AND
TlLLS.—Never at Tault.—ln all trritaithas of the skin. sons,
ulcers, burns, and scrofulous ealargenseute of the elands, Hol-
low. thatetent presents • reedy sad envy means of oath.
which never disappoint the moat fithouratd. expectations. It
suatlfesta a peculiar power In restraining inflammation, ramming
stagnation. cooling the heated blood, and checking all acrimo-
nious or unhealthy discharges. Whilst thus acting locally, the
Pith are no lees remarkable for their power In bnprovlng the
emend coalition sad hale. of body, why th render the cures
eimapiete and poltroon'. Under the genial influence of them
'Ord tentedlos the blast bosom. the robust child, the
Menriel
feel Nola gabs and rotundity, and the
tidy inthset Mee.

THE RECENT hISTURBANCES AT ASTON-PARK.

At the Aston Police-station ye.terday (before
the Rev. W. K. B. Bedford, J. 0. Bacchus, Eq., and
Joseph Ledaam, Eel.), Charles Beam), upholsterer; Wil-
liam Ward, lamplighter ; James Jaelooo, braadounder
William Owilliam, pumpmaker ; John Hewitt, bricklayer;
William Daniels, gun implement maker ,• and Robert White,
clerk, were charged with resisting James Wilson, drill-
master of the Birmingham police force, and other police-
Wilt:ere under his command and orders, on the 16th day of
Sept. inst.

Mr. Griffin (from the office of Messrs. James and Knight)
appeared on behalf of Robert White; Mr. Carles for
Daniels, Bettor', and Jackson ; and Mr. Hemmant for
Hewitt. It appeared from the evidence of James Wilson,
drillmaster of the Birmingham police force, that on Monday
he was sent to Aston with eleven men, to preserve order.
About half-put five o'clock be was informed that • number
of persons assembled outside were making efforts
to gain admittance through the boundary of the
grounds. It appeared there was • field between
the land of the company and the Garibaldi.road, and
the mob broke down • portion of this fence,
and obtained admission into the field. He, with his men,
of whom two beside himself were mounted, succeeded in
driving the intruders back into the Garibaldi-road ; but
immediately afterwards were compelled to retreat, and the
people then began to attempt to break down the fence, and
obtain admission into the grounds where the fête was taking
place. He ultimately received assistance from Bir-
mingham; but pending the arrival of the rein-
forcement the police were assailed with constant
showers of stones, and one of the horses of the
mounted police had his leg broken, and was compelled to
retreat. The people also collected the broken fence, and
made • bonfire in the Garibaldi-road. On the arrival of
the additional police several charges were made, and the
intruders driven from the ground, and the ;persons above-
mentioned were captured. In the case of Charles
Bettor', • mere lad, the police-constable stated
that lie distinctly saw him throwing atones at the
police, and constable Fantain, who apprehended him,
found two stows in his hands. He was fined W. and costs,
or, in default, fourteen days hard labour. Jackson was
discharged, the evidence merely being to prove that he
threw some of the broken fence upon the fire, but he offered
no opposition or violence to the police. William Denials,
who was seen to throw stones at the police, was fined 101.
and costa, or two months' imprisonment. In the case of
John Hewitt, the evidence was to the effect that he
not only threw stones, but that be was the party
who threw • stone which struck a constable named Win-
kett in the face, which knocked him down and atunned.him,
from the injaries arising from which he ie. now sufferings.
An attempt was made to prove au alibi, but the
considered the case proved, and fined him 101. and costs,
or two months' imprisonment. The prisoner was allowed
ten days to pay the fine. William Ward was proved to
have thrown • rime by a policeman, but • per-
son who was with him to within • moment of
his apprehension gave contrary evidence. The bench
.00nsidered the case proved, but upon information coin-
mitnicated to the bench they thought it might be • case
of mistaken identity, and liberated him on his own security
of 20/., and another of 101., to appear that day six weeks,
if called upon. Robert White was discharged, the bench
considering it • case of mistaken identity, also William
Owilham, whom the bench considered was engaged in
seconding the efforts of the police.
The hearing occupied five hours, and the court was densely
crowded.

EXECUTION Al' MAIDSTONE.

Yesterday tho last dread sentence of the law was
carried into effect upon Peter Miutterson, aged 22, late a
private in the Royal Artillery, who was hung in front of the
Kent county prison, for the wilful murder of Martin Nur
phy, a sergeant in the same service. The culprit bore by no
means a good character in his regiment, and had been
several times punished for insubordination and violent con-
duct. On the last occasion he was tried by court-martial for
throwing a quart pot at Sergeant Murphy, and was sentenced
to three months' imprisonment, which he served, and after
Lie release he made use of threats against the sergeant, say-
ing among other things that he would serve him out yet,
before he went to India. On the night of the 12th July,
about a quarter after ten o'clock, • picquet was out, in the
streets of Woolwich, for the purpose of apprehending any
soldiers who might be absent after hours without leave. The
picquet in making its rounds came up with Masterson who
was evidently the worse forliquor, and the corporal in charge
asked to see his leave ticket or pass. Masterson said he wo
show it, but after making use of very vile language he ran
away, closely followed by the picquet, by whom he was again
overtaken. The corporal again demanded to see his leave
ticket, when he became exceedingly violent and threatened
to rip him (the corporal) open. He was at length secured
without having done any mischief, and was conveyed to the
Arsenal guard-room, where Sergeant Murphy was seated at
the table in the performance of his duty, which was to enter
the charges against any moldier, who might be taken into
custody by the picquet. When Masterson was brought in,
Murphy, as is customary, asked his name and the battalion
to which he belonged, and Masterson replied that he
(Murphy) knew his name very well, for he had got him
three months by a court-martial (alluding to his having been
punished, as stated above). Murphy asked his same •
second time, when he again made use of bad and violent
language; but on another sergeant (Ashton) corning in
Masterson became more composed, and gave his name and
number. He then, by Ashton's orders, proceeded to a
part of the guardroom appropriated to the reception of
prisoners, where he remained very quiet for • time • but
from after circumstances it would appear he was brooding
over the wrongs he supposed he bad received at the hands
of the sergeant, for at the expiration of about half an hour
he left the place where he bad been sitting and proceeded
to the coal-box, from whence he took • heavy piece of iron
used as • poker, audio, then walked up to Murphy who
remained seated at the same table, and struck him a
tremendous blow on the head with the piece of iron.
The unfortunate man threw up his bands and exclaimed,
"Oh !" He then fell forward on the table, and was as
speedily as possible removed to the hospital, where he lin-
gered two days, when he died from concussion of the brain,
the result of the blow inflicted upon him with the poker.
Murphy never spoke after he was struck, excepting the ex-
clamation "Oh!" Masterson, on being secured, was remon-
strated with by Sergeant Ashton, when he again alluded to
the three months' imprisonment inflicted on him at the in-
stance of Murphy ; and when the poker was taken from him
he said, "I have had it long in for him." He was tried at
the Central Criminal Court on Thursday, August 22, when
the defence set up was that be was drunk at the time he
committed the offence. It was, however, shown by numerous
witnesses, that although he was somewhat the worse for
liquor at the time, yet that he seemed to know perfectly well
what he was about. The jury, after deliberating about a
quarter of an hour, found the prisoner guilty of wilful mur-
der, but they at the same time recommended him to mercy,
for the extraordinary reason that he was under the influence
of liquor at the time be committed the offence. No hopes,
however, were held out to the prisoner, who was sentenced
to death in the usual manner.

After sentence was paned Masterson turned round and
laughed most impudently at the judge, and left the dock
apparently quite unconcerned. On the following day he was
removed from Newgate to the county gaol at Maidstone to
undergo his punishment. Beim g a Ban. catholic he was
permitted the attendance of Father Emanuel, a priest. He
fur a long time appeared utterly regardless of the situation
in which be was placed, eating and drinking heartily, and
freely convening with the turnkeys in charge. Latterly,
however, his conduct became somewhat altered, and he
evinced great restlessness. He admitted the justice of his
sentence, and expressed his regret at what bad occurred,
but persisted in saying that bad no intention to kill Murphy.
By request of Masterson Father Emanuel wrote to his father
and brothers, expressing his wish that they would not come
to see him, as the meeting would be very painful. He
several times partook of the sacrament.
During the night previous to his execution he slept
soundly for some hours, and he was visited shortly after
'even o'clock by Father Emanuel, who remaiued with him
in his cell until the last moment. The prisoner several
times repeated that he had no intention to kill the ser-
geant, but again admitted that his sentence was a just one.
Mr. Charles Pahuer, the under-sheriff for the county of
Kent, and Mr. Scudamore, who acts in the same capacity
fur the Maidstone district, accompanied by several of their
officers and the governor of the gaol, arrived at the gaol a
little before twelve o'clock, and at once proceeded to the
cell where the prisoner had been confined. He bowed re-
spectfully to them upon their entrance, and said that he was
prepared, and Oilnaft, the e xocutioner, and his assistant were
then introduced, and the culprit underwent the ceremony of
pinioning very firmly, placing himself readily in the position
in which the straps anti the coed by which the wrists and
arms are bound could be more readily adjusted. Twelve
o'clock, the hour appointed for the execution, having ar-
rived, the usual sion was formed to the scaffold, which
is at some con ' ruble distance on the outside of use of the
wings of the gaol. The prisoner walked with a firm step,
and appeared deeply engaged iu prayer. Upon arriving upon
the foot of the steps leading to the drop, he shook hands
with several of the officers, and then warted briskly up to
the scaffold. The rope was immediately adjusted, the drop
, fell, and the wretched culprit appeared almost iustau-
taneously to cease to exist.
It was computed that there were from four to five
thousand persons present, and it was remarked that there
were very few women among them. It was also observed
that there were very few soldiers present.