The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1825-02-15 00:00:00

POLICE.

MANSION-HOUSE.
An Excise Officer, named Bateman, was charged some days
ago, whit having exceeded his duty, in the following manner.
Mr. Smith, of the house of Smith and Co. druggists, in Fen-
church-street, stated, that his carman, on returning from the Lon-
don Docks with a hogshead of annisced, had some words with the
defendant, who said, upon reaching the premises of the firm, to the
carman "As you have annoyed me, I'll annoy you," or words to
that effect; that the offices then walked into the premises, insisted
upon being informed what the hogshead co stained, and refused to
leave the place, or to examine the hogshead himself, or to seize it,
or to put a mark upon it for recognition, notwithstanding the wit.
ness's repeated request and assurance, that the officer might do as
he pleased with the property, if he suspected any foul play. The
witneu added, that he and his partners were beset by the Excise
racer for a full hour and a half in this manner, merely in conse-
quence of the dispute with their carman. lie then submitted to
his Lordship, that if tradesmen were to be subjected to treatment
of this kind, they might as well shut up their shops altogether,
and he expressed his conviction, that the Commissioners couJA, not
for a moment have delegated an authority to the officer of Preis a
description as he had exercised. particularly as there was nothing
whatever to excite saspidain. Mr. Smith said he could bring many
witnesses to prove the accuracy_of this statement, and that he was
obliged to put the Excise officer in custody of a City officer.—
The defendant said, he bad his authority from the Commissioners
of Excise ; that he acted merely because he suspected the hogshead
contained contraband goods ; that he could not examine the hogs-
head because lie had na warrent to that effect ; and that he therethre
remained on the mashie until lie was charged as disorderly.
The Long MaTog slid, that the conduct of the Excise officer
was most gross ; that it was the mere result of a vindictive spirit,
as far as could be judged from what was stated, and that the most
proper course to be adopted by the complainant would be to write
to the Board, representing the circumstances. His Lordship was
convinced that the members of the Board would never sanction
such a proceeding.
Mr. Smith said he should follow the advice given him by his
Lordship, if the officer (lid not make an adequate apology. lie
begged that before he should proceed further, however, the officer
would go to his premises and place a mark upon the hogshead.
The defendant said he was ready to answer every thing before
the Commissioners.

LIYbRFOOL, SUNDAY EVENING.
Wind W. to S.V.—High water 7 minutes past 8.
Arrived the Rob Roy, from Macao; Nymph, from Bt.
Domingo; Erin, from Newry; Vine, front Cork; Eleanor,
from Cardiff
Off, at five—one ship, three brigs, one snow ; Emily,
from Savannah ; Oporto, from Oporto.
In the Urania, arrivetlyestertlay from Buenos Ayres, it is
understood the King of New Zealand is a passenger, come
to this country to see his brother George IV. and to form
an amicable alliance with him.