The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-02-27 00:00:00

MEETING OF SURREY MAGISTRATES.

Yesterday the Adjourned Sessions for the County of Surrey was
held at the Sessions !louse, Newington. The lion. :REY BI:5-
; NET presided as Chairman. Besides the County hlembers, a
'very full attendance of the other fientletren in the Commission
were present.
The object of the meeting was to discuss and settle the rules and
regulations for the govemtnent of the county prisons, formed under
the restrictions of a recent Act of Parliament for the management of
prisons generally.
RANDLE JACKSON, in alluding to the time appropriated
to the education of the juvenile prisoners, said, it was the desire of
the Chaplains of the !loose of Correcsion at Brixton, that a greater
discretionary power should be given to the visiting Magistrates, in
order that thoseyoutha who were working at the tread-mill for the
stipulated number of hours restricted by the regulations, might be
taken from their labour, for a certain portion of that time, for the
purpose of being educated and instructed in their religious and
moral duties. _ _

AD. BRISCOE supported the proposal, and after some conversa-
firm, it was discovered that by the mks as they stood, this power
was alreadi vested in the 3lagistrates.
On the subject of the quantum of punishment inflicted indiscri-
minately by working at the mill,
Mr. Horne: Sr'MNEa said, that the report of the Prison Dis-
cipline Society, lately published, had treated the subject in a very
judicious and scientific manner.
In allusion to the dietary table established in the prison, the
I same Gentleman observed, that he could not help thinking, that in
die prisons, u they were now conducted, many of the prisoners re.
ceived more comforts and luxuries while in confinement, than while
at large.
A discussion of some length took place on the Bench, on tbe pro-
priety or legality of putting persons to a compulsory labour, who
were only committed for trial, on which
The lion. Garr 111:x xxr obyery ed. that the Secretary of State
had coincided with hint that it was contrary to the intentions of the
legislature that prisoners should be put to the tread-mill before
trial.

Mr. 11. SE ItX ER thought that by the impmved mode of disci-
pline about to be adopted. put!..hment might be apportioned ac-
cording to the wale of crime.
The Court afterwards proceeded with the examination of the
other regulations, after which the meeting adjourned.

LAW INTELLIGENCE.

COURT OF KING'S BENCH, TIIVIIISDAY, Frs. 26.

'Sittings in Guildhall, hefiiss the Loz:n CHIEF JusTicz and
c.om mon Juries.'

NOCKLES I'. CROSBY'.

This was an action to recover money subscribed by the plaintiff
to a Tontine in London, which had failed from want of a sufficient
number of subscribers. The only question was, whether the per-
sons who had subscribed were liable for the expenses incurred for
the undertaking. A sum of money, represented to be the balance,
was paid into Court.
case consisted chiefly of admissions and prospectuses of
splendid fortunes and survivorship&
Mt. GURNEY pressed for a nonsuit, on the ground that the rery
conditions of the scheme placed the money at the absolute disposal
of the Directors.

Mr. SeanLETT contended, that there was scam before the Jury.
There ought to be eight Directors, and there had been only seven.
The Directors took no salary, because the project failed.
The Loan CH Jl'STict: thought it would be a pity to oc-
casion a second action upon the question. lie would admit all the
evidence, and then the Court would decide the question of law.
A verdict was taken for the plaintiff, subject to the opinion of
the Court.