The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1825-03-12 00:00:00

114

_ COURT

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Yeetwday a Coen of emnon Council was held at the Guild-
-1311, which was specially movened by the Right Hon. the Lord
Mayor, at the lemma of Mr. Alderman Wsitionan, for the rue-
Pam at taking int* consideration the tendency of the Bill now i.-
!regress tbrcugh Parliament relating to the Equitable Loan Bank
Camparly.
BLACKFRIARS' BRIDGE.
Mr. Dismal' begged to be allowed to ask a question of that
ma'am Che-rman of the Corumitme for General Purposes. when
he was glad to observe was present. He had noticed the foot .
of Blachteisre6 Bridge was so very inconvenient and dangerous that
he conceived it required some explanation why the Committee
• dermal Purports. had not, before this time, effected an alteration,
which vet obeli:ltaly required for the purposes of public safety:
The plan of Mae Adamizing the read •and bridge he highly ap-
proved of, as being a very good one, but he never could see why it
was umeesary to leave the Bridge in its present state. Upon the
mance of tne answer which would be given by the worthy Chair.
man, it depended whether it would be necessary for him to trouble
the Court further upon the subject or not
Thethairman of the Cont armee for General Purposes said, that the
nuenstiou of the Committee had certainly been called to the state of
the pathway on the bridge, but they did not feel themselves justified
in `icing further orders until they bad amerteir.ed whether Mr.
.11`Adam censidered himself to have completed his contract. It
was the opinion of the Committee that he had not ; but as soon as
this had been ascertained. they would then do the best they could
meanie remedying the evil complained of.
)jr. 8. Dixow said, that the thing was of the most serious na-
ture, as it remised the public constantly to the most fatal accidents.
It would tie too late to remedy it when a few more lives had been
tom. 01 all the shabby appearances he ever saw, be never wit.
AMMO one so disgraceful to this metropolis as the present condition
ot Blackheath. Ridge.
Jles..tGairr Iva made a few observations as to the disgraceful
slimmer on which the contract.bad been hitherto performed by Mr.
.11d•Adant.
The LOUD MATOU was of opinion that the present state of the
bridge should not be suffered to continue ; and that whether the
fault was with Mr. 4 Adam or with the Committee, he thought it '
was highly necessary for the safety of the public that some temedy
should be immediately applied. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. OLDHAM replied, that as he understood from the worthy
"Chairman that the Committee were quite satisfied something was
repaired to be instantly done in order to prevent the accidents which
were liable daily so occur from the present improper state of the
bridge, he should not at this time carry the subject further, in the
'hope that the evil would be remedied.
THE EQUITABLE LOAN BANK COMPANY.
Me. Alderman WAirseseaw said, he held in his hand a petition
Which was signed by several very respectable individuals belonging
to the body of Auctioneers, praying that the Corporation of the City
f London would adopt measures to oppose the Bill now before
Parliament relative to the Equitable !men Bank Company. He
should now move that the petitioners be called to the bar of the
Coutt, and their petition be heard.
Mr. Campion and several otherauctioneen were then called in,
and presented themselves at the bar, while the Recorder read the
petition.
The petitioners having withdrawn—
:dr. Alderman Warr HAW again rose, and said, that he would
not trouble the Court at that moment with any observations, but
reserve himself until he should bring forward the Resolutions which
he intended to propose for the adoption of the Court. He would
therefore merely move that the petition just presented be received
by this Ccurt.
Mr. S. Dtiox observed, that he most readily accorded the unto.
tion of the worthy Alderman. A better illustration of the nature
of the Bill now before Parliament could not be made than was con-
tainei in this petition. It stated the number of the persons who
were Members of the British House of Commons who were inter-
ested in this, and he believed in many, many other projects of a
similar nature. It appeared to him that these Gentlemen must be
constituted very differently from what mankind in general were, if
they could discharge the honest and impartial duties of Legislators
me questions in which their own individual interests were so nearly
concerned. Pure as their characters might be, he thought it wholly
beyond their power not to be in some way influenced by these pant-
cipations in the Companies. But they professed their sole object
to be to advance money to persons who needed temporary loans,
and to supersede the present pawnbroking system, which was so
injurious to that class of persons. Now he thought that it was im.
possible that their objects were merely such as they bad stated; for
if It were only to lend money to poor persons the sum of two mil-
lions could hardly be necessary to form a capital ler such a purpose.
These persons claimed great credit for not charging more than tire
per cent. interest ; but as they could not legally take more, be
thought no credit was due to them for their forbearance. This pe-
tition, however, showed the fallacy of such a claim to moderation ;
fur it appeared that although they charged indeed only five
per cent. for interest, yet there were other charges, in the shape of
commission and agency, which would extend the whole to a very
considerable amount beyond that arm. He held in his hand
• circular which had been addressed by the Company to
the member of this Court. It stated that " the Bill did not create
or establish the Company, who were already established." Then
why this Bill ? But the Company was net established in the sense
they wished it to be; it was OM yet only a partnership, and not an
Incorporated body. The circular went on to say—" that the Bill
did not confer on the Company any one exclusive privilege or
right ; the Bill was only a Bill to enable the Company to sue,
and be sued in the name of their clerk. It therefore could not be
disapproved by the highest legal and financial authorities in either
House of Parliament, who had repeatedly declared that such
Bills were as convenient to the public as to the Companies, be-
cause they facilitated proceedings against Companies if they should
incur a debt, or be guilty of any wrong." l'he Hon. Member was
proceeding to read other passages of the circular, when
Mr. DUINFORD rose to order. He thought the Hon. Member
was quite out of order in reading a document not properly before
the Court.
Mr. S. Omen mild, that he was certainly at liberty to read it
sea part of his speech. But it was not necessary to go furtherinto
this matter. Ile would exclaim as the writer of old once did—
"ol that mine enemy would write a book." For he considered
this circular to speak truths which went altogether against those
veto uttered them. (Cries of question, question.) lie would
not detain the Court longer, but second the worthy Alderman's
motion.
The question was then put, and the petition agreed to be
received.
Alderman WAITHMAN then presented a petition from several
Pawnbrokers of the City against the Bill, which was also read.
Mr. ft. TAT LO u said, he was quite unprepared when be came to
that Court to agree to these petitions being
Alderman WAITHMAX rose to order. He begged to inform the
iftmumble Member that it was now his intention to move several
orations founded upon those petitions, which would give the
enemeable Member an opportunity of expressing his opinion
_men the subject. He believed that when a Member introduced •
=teasers before this Court, he generally persuaded himself to be-
Mere that it was of great Importance. The impression upon his
mind was, that there never was a question which more seriously al.
Meted the wading interests of this City than the one he was now
pe:ng to introduce to the notice of the Court. What he was about
in bonplain of was, not only a measure fraught with injustice, but
sine that was sustained throughout by the grossest hypocrisy. It
must be obrious that the persons who had concocted this plan
Lad most skilfully selected individuals of every description to
.herenne its supporters. There were Members of Parliement of
all creeds, those who invariably voted with the Minister, and those
-*he were ranked on the Opposition • and it really was extraordi.
nary to cbscrve how well these Gentlemen, who were opposed on
mowed every other question, agreed upon this solitary one. There
were by acme means or other a great many. individuals who bad
taus' far gone on without exciting opposition ; it would appear
teampeeple Wanted courage openly to come forward and arraign
emir (deduct. lie should consider himself unworthy of being a
member of this Court if he did not come forward and openly de-
-elm his opinion upon the subject. There was another reason why
end measure, earned on as it was, had not hitherto been opposed.
'rps whole proceeding had been conducted with the most astonish.
tete species of deception. The great object of the projectors had
teen all along kept out of sight, and that wa, the reason why so
Itteie interest had been excited in the public mind towards its per-
retious tendency. The manner in which these things were got up
ems pretty well known by the Members of this Court. First, some
mover and ingenious man schemes the general outline; then there
mast be a Pauor., a President, Via Presidents, Directors, Secretary,
'eteseurer, and all the other modes of public officers nominated.
emCommittee of the Directors is then appointed, and these self
cenatituted perewages meet together and deliberate on the number
ei! tuxes to be created. They then begin to make their appro.
pWatlon of them. Bach Director takes seven hundred shares
tomlenself, as was the case in the Company now under the notice
4):aat (Intuit; they next take especial care of their friends, rot for.
✓e*ng those who are in Parliament, nor do they by any chance
o eisieok. thew Members who are apprehended to be opposed to
tents-this crushes all opposition. new shares being thus mo-
xvetheiri. the parties then bring them out into the market, and
:4,:tieern at a premium, at five and sometimes even eight per cent.
and is this way any one of these Honourable Directors, without
Ireetwe advanced I single shilling, might realise no lean a Burn than
and, while doing ell this, he still had the audacity to
met•
ed op and tell the public that his motives were pure and dear.-
temmted, and that be was solely actuated by a feeling of compassiou
lodate poor. n• held in his hand a provincial Paper, in which
teotnpany advertised their concern, and in which they set out
hick. Motives to be pore compassion for the poor, indignation at
tic exerlluint aunts exacted by the pawnbrokers, and then caine
tee verde '6 with the expectation of a fair but eery moderate profit
reale their capital." But, although they made preterce to these
Oimethropie feeling., they were at the very moment doing all they
cenlid to deprive other meta, not only of their characters, but of
teeeeMadc, which would necessarily involve their ruin; for they,
is wa Advertisement, represented the whole body of pawnbrokers
ea ifrentsetious and usurious set of men, and the wont oppressors
eau; poor, 'and they had published and widely distributed these
caimentes in ads country
.Paper ; and yet these men came forward
ra4 timillatiee these motives of pure compassion for tint poor!
ltleseirme Bee It is net the pawnbrokers that they have alone at.
tayiNl, for they have also :aid In thus advertisement that their
objets we, to 'react pitmans. from jobbers, warehousemen, and
ow ls. who oatortaat, soon be temporary deposits. In fact,
100 tad attached. me merchants, backees, brokers, and
t all tuba d ntr4tersiyaadt eywarilloor bringing in
~ a
Aser V. eatable chess M sna MEW and monepou e:
to Ihmteselves dot wilds ow. The only
IMP/MUNI 11/1k iH lkolomocisia which
ezereet;., •'•',.•••• • +I •?, •••,•"' •

orinterett, brit they were to ly-e&w-eTio charge commis-
sun; so that under the shape of commission they Might in fact
charge what they pleased. If with two millions of capital they
were allowed to ou under the pretence of ebokalsig. asppase it
were Only 24, nay 1 per cent., yet they might byhowiseheiso and
other kinds of charge ruin all compention, and monorails, the
whole business of the metropolis to themselves. It thereforeerould
be a most cruel thing if this Corporation did not step forward as
the guardians acid protectors of the trading interests of the City of
London, and oppose this magnitude of evil. There was another
ground on which they were bound to act thus—they were the
legally-constituted guardians of the pawnbrokers of the City, to
whom their license was necessary before those of that business
could act. Now this Company was coming among them to act as
pawnbrokers, without applying to the Corporation for a license to
empower them to do so. But the effect was not confined to this
Bin ..re was another Bill about to be pawed, called " The
Birmingham and Manchester Loan Bank Bill ;" and if the Cor-
poratioa did nut oppose the pretest Bill, they' would be giving en-
couragement to every other of the same description that might
hereafter be brought forward. There were no less than 22$ other
bubbles on foot ; every kind of trade had its Company ; he bad
even heard of one, started up within these few hours, called " The
Leather Company," and in all these cases there was some pretence
of fraud and mal.prncitcee imputed to the present traders. It woe
important to notice, that this Company was to have a Sale Do-
partment, to sell by auction the goods unredeemed, to pay
themselves the amount of the money advanced on them, and a
commission on the sales, so that there was to be no end or limits.
tion 'o their charges. But could any individual suppose for an *n-
atio& that these persona meant only to hold goods on pawn ? It
was impossible. It was lamentable to witness so many Members
.of Parliament in these concerns. But be really thought, that if any
man writ: with 10,000/. and purchased • Borough and obtained a
seat in the House of Commons, it would be the best speculation hit
ever made, for he would be instantly overwhelmed with shares from
She factitious Trading Companies with no real capital, and which
he could take into the market and convert into bowl fide cash„ and
afterwards remain as an Honourable Director, without possessing a
prwle share, or running the least risk by the ursting of the bubble.
The persons who formed these directions were merchants, bankers,
magistrates, and Members of Parliament I Was it possible, that
they could be disinterested in these schemes, thus to give up their
time to them ? Deny one went to see them, they could not get an
audience, because they were engaged by the projectors of these dif.
ferent Companies. 'We might even come to this Court day after
day, and not alert those who were bound in duty to attend : thus
was public busimess neglected, and all for these things of speculation.
Why, what were we coming to? (Hear, hear.) He really thought
they all ought to go to Parliament in a body, and represent these
evils and pray for their suppression. (Cheers.) The Corporation of
the City of London ought not only to petition the Hot{se not to
pass this Bill, but to investigate this pernicious system to the
bottom. There was one thing to which he would allude heft:oho
moved the Resolutions he had prepared. That the Bill asked only
to allow the Company to realise 7.; per cent. besides what went to
pay the various incidental clusges. Now here was one of those
features of deception which he had attributed to the whole scheme.
For it was obvious, that if they were merely to divide per cent.
on the whole of their capital, they would still in effect be sharing
more than 70 per cent. because it was very well known that only
I/. per cent. had been advanced by any of the shareholders
towards the capital, consequently they would be receiving at the
rate of 7j upon 11 instead of 1001. bona fide laid out by them.
But the thing was a mere pretence altogether; the truth was, they
meant to carry on the business of bankers, brokers, and merchants,
and with their assumed capital supersede all others in trade. There
was no difficulty in procuring small loans at present, and therefore
the necessity for such a Company did not exist. Such a Company
could only be necessary when money was scarce; but their plea
was that Capital was plenty, and they asked Parliament to aid them
because they had more money than they knew what to do with.
If these persons imagined the pawnbrokers to be an enviable
trade, fur God's sake let Sir Wm. Congreve put up the three balls
in Fleet-street, and let the other Directors do the same, and then
they would come into a fair competition with their brethren of
loans and pledges. The worthy Alderman then moved the Reso-
lutions —(For which see Advertisentent.)
Mr. /LIPP asked whether the Bill now before the House ex-
tended the powers of the former Bill ?
Alderman WAITHIMAN said that it went to empower the Clerk
to sue and be sued. But it had happened that where a Pawnbroker
had been convicted of receiving stolen goods, he had been trans-
ported, but how could they transport the Clerk of this Company ?
JUPP repeated hie question, adding that his object was to
know whether this Bill altered the nature of the Company.
The CITY REMEIIBIASOCER said the Bill of last Session
only enabled the Company to act as a Copartnership, but this Act
went to give them life, and soul, if he might so speak, for it con.
atituted them into a Corporation.
Mr. Sassy EL DIXON complained of the non-attendance of the
Aldermen at the Courts of Common Council. If they were met
for the purpose of an election, if it were only that of a Marshal's
man, they were then sure of their attendance.
The Loan MAYOR said that Mr. Alderman Wood and Mr.
Alderman Vennbles he knew were publicly engaged elsewhere.
Mr. CROXER observed, that he should with much pleasure
'agree to the Resolutions upon these grounds—first, because be had
heard of no reasons assigned in the House of Commons in favour of
the Bill; and seccudly, because he felt that if the country had
been made fairly acquainted with the nature of it, it would not have
proceeded so far as it had done without considerable opposition. So
far from the young tradesman who sought the aid of this Com-
pany being benefited by it, it was his opinion that it would be
most injurious to him, and ultimately to his creditors. He hoped
that by the petition of the Corporation going to the House of Com.
mons, it would lead to some investigation, and be the cause of a
complete exposure of the fallacious pretences on which those
schemes were foisted upon the public.
Mr. Ju PP thought that there must be some mistake in the title
of the Bill, and that it ought to be denominated " A Bill to per-
petuate Usury."
Mr. PET/TRESS said, that the Bill, instead of being called the
Equitable, should be called the Iniquitous Loan Bill. (A laugh.)
He thought a greater mass of iniquity and injustice never came
together before. Parliament had restricted pawnbrokers from ad-
vancing more than 101. at a higher rate of interest than 3 per cent.,
but this Company sought to advance whatever sum they pleased.
From the very liberal manner in which trade was now carried on,
he would venture to say, that any man possessing any property at
all might obtain any extension of credit, and that without any
excess of interest, but at the very moderate rite which was lega-
lised in this country.
Mr. Alderman 000, who had just entered the Court, said he
wished to say a few words, to set his worthy friend (31r. Croker)
right upon one point. That Honourable Member had said no
notice had been taken of the Bill in Parliament : now, it would be
ranentbered that last Session—
Mr. Coon:iv—l mean this Session.

Alderman WOOD—Oh ! this Session ; that makes a material
difference. The Court would see that this Bill had passed the stage
when great stress was generally made against Bills in the House.
This had happened because the trade had not made so great a stand
as they did last Session. At that time, it would be remembered,
that he had opposed it in every stage; and if allowance were made for
the Members who voted for the Bill on that occasion, and who were
personally Interested in it, it would appear that be and his friends
I had a majority, fur the numbers were 43 to M. With regard to
the present Bill, it had passed the second reading, and they must
now object to it clause by clause in the Committee, where they
might be heard by Counsel. if this Court should send up a pets.
tion, he wauld do what he could to support it, anti to oppose the
Bill. If they did not do this, they must be prepared to make a
stand at the third reading. As be conceived this Company to be
fraught with much mischief he should certainly oppose it.
Mr. DORI:FORD said a few words, but was almost inaudible.
We untie mood him to speak in favour of the Bill, and to ob.
serve. that he considered every man had a right to do what he
pleased with his own money.
Mr. Alderman WAlTliztAx admitted that individuals had cer-
tainly a right to do what they pleased with their money ; but they
had no right to a monopoly, and he would further say, that this was
not an appropriation of money, but a shameful Priem of gambling,
at the expense of those who unwisely ventured to purchase shares
in these infamous speculations.
The Resolutions were then put and unanimously agreed to.
The draft of a petition, praying to be heard against the Bill,
was now read.
Mr. Alderman WOOD suggested, that it ought to be against
certain clauses in the Bill, as it was after the second reading.
The REXEXDRANCEIt explained to the Court, that by a stand.
ing order of the House, the petition must specifically charge some
particular clause, as it was presented after the second reading, and
not against the whole of the Bill.
Mr. Alderman WAITLIMAN said, that might be, but it was
against the whole principle of the Bill they petitioned.
It was then unanimously resolved, that the petition should be
presented to both !louses of Parliament, and the Sheriffs, with the
Reme:r.braocer, were directed to present the same forthwith, and
the Representatives for the City were requested to support the
prayer thereof.

METROPOLITAN WATER COMPANY.
On the motion of Mr. Alderman WOOO it was resolved that a
petition should also be presented against certain elapses in the Bill
for forming the above Company, which professed to draw their
weer,. from ti.e springs in the metropolis, it being the opinion of
the Court that such a course would tend to exhaust the pump
springs, and make the citizens pay ler water which they had at
present for nothing.
The Court then Adjourned at Four o'Cloct.

BRITISH INDnarny.—Mr. Peter Mandan& of Stock-
port, has for some past been weaving woollen by steam, an
undertaking in which he is eminently contributing to the
welfare of his country. We have had an opportunity of
seeing a piece of blue cloth, which be has woven for his
Majesty, and it appears to us tote the finest and most per-
fezt fabric ever exhibited. His Majesty's tailor, Mr.
Weston, has compared it with some French cloth worn by
the Emperor Alexander when here, and woven expressly
for him, and which he then thought the finest he had ever
seen. He says Mr. Marsland's is much superior, and that,
indeed, there is no comparison in quality. It has long been
a common boast in trance and the Netherlands that we
could no:equal theirbroad cloths. Mr. Marsland has answer-
ed it, and he is proving more and mare that the industry of
Manchester is far'froze its erimax.
. ..• .

TH

'RESS.

1.1-' IMO Wo
CIRCUIT.- ---

ESSEX ASSIZES—CHELiasroaD, klAaan 10.

CROWN SIDE.
James Mint, Wm. Fletcher, and Thomas Finch. were indicted
for burglarioutly breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Eli-
zabeth Catley and Susan Catley, at Halstead, on the night of the
16th December, and stealing a silver tea-pot and se nal articles of
wearing apparel.
tile. K•oi conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Bsoncnica the
defence.
The prosecutrizes were maiden women, living in a lone house in
the neighbourhood of Halstecd. In the dead of night, on the 16th
of December, they were aroused from their rest t•y some persons
breaking into their house. Mies Elizabeth Catley rose and struck
• light, and descending to the ground floor, she perceived the pri-
soner Finch just quitting the house with a bundle under his arm.
Both ladies being greatly alarmed, screamed aloud, and presently
afterwards the same prisoner returned to the house, and affecting
great concern for their uneasiness said he came to their assistance,
and asked what was the matter. Both ladies were satisfied that the
prisoner was one of the gang who broke open the house, and they
expressed their conviction to him at the time. He protested his
innocence, and assured them that they were mistaken. Upon his
withdrawing, it was ateeraired that the house had been entered by
violent means, and robbed of the property mentioned in the indict-
ment. The only eirctisteatanee to affect the other prisoners was,
that Finch had been seen in their company at a neighbouring pub.
lie-house on the night previous to the robbery.
The Jury, under the Learned Jut:ins:la direction, found Finch
Gaily, and acquitted the other prisoners.
Sentence of Death Irks recorded rgainst Finch.
' Richard Byford, Francis Dale, and John Shipman, were In-
dieted on the 67th Gee. 3. c. 9. F. I. for being found armed in the
night nf the sth of Fibruary, with intent to kill game in a close
called Childerditch Field, the property of Lord Petre.
Mr. BRODICRICI conducted the prosecution, and Mr. CLARK.
SON the defence.
It appeared from the evidence of the Noble prosecutor's game-
keeper, and others, that the prisoners and another man named
Rindersole were found armed in the wood in question, on the night
of the sth of February, in the field above-mentioned, which was
a game preserve.
The principal witness was Rindersole. who having been • parti.
ceps criminis, and an old poacher, turned King's evidence, and
swore positively that the prisoners and himself hail committed the
offence alleged in the indictment.
There being no substantial defence set up, the prisoners were
all four.d Guilty. The sentence wan reserved for further consi-
deration.

OXFORD CIRCUIT.

WORCESTERSHIRE ASSIZES—WoacEsT Es, MAace 10

CITY ASSIZES—CROWN SIDE.
FORGERY.
Adolphe Jonnanean, a Frenchman. of very respectable appear.
ante, was indicted for forgery in altering a bill of exchange for 211.
drawn by the prisoner ou Mr. William Barrow, by inserting
the words " one hundred and " before the words " twenty-one
pounds."
As coon as the prisoner had pleaded to the Indictment, the
Learned Judge told him, that lie, being a foreigner, had a right to
be tried by a Jury of six foreigners and six British born subjects t
and his Lordship then asked him whether he chose to be tried by
a Jury of that sort, or a Jury composed of all English.
The prisoner said, that he had always found the English ho-
nourable and just, and he had no objection to being tried by a Jury
entirety English.
The prisoner was then removed from the bar, because his Coun-
sel, Mr. CUSWOOD, was engaged in the A'isi Prise Court; how-
ever as soon as Mr. Justice Li rrt.EDALE had concluded the Civil
business, the indictment was taken into the Nisi Prial Court ;
and as soon as it was announced that the case would be taken in
that Court, the rush was tremendous, and in attempting to get into
the gallery of the Court, several persons were thrown down and
trampled on, so great was the interest excited.
A good deal of difficulty occurred in impanelling a Jury, though
the priscs-er had consented to be tried by a Jury of Englishmen,
because Ur. Curwood, the prisoner's Counsel, objected to all
Jurymen that were either glovers, or in any way connected with
the glove trade. The regular Jury list was gone through, and
only eight Jurors could be found who had not been objected to.
The Under-Sheriff was therefore obliged to summon a fresh list;
however, this was not a matter of so much difficulty, as a great
number of persons qualified to serve on Juries were attracted by
curiosity to hear the case.
Mr. RYAN stated, that the prosecution was instituted by Messrs.
Lechmere and Co., bankers of Worcester. The prisoner was a
native of Paris, and had been employed by Messrs. Ball, who
were glovers. also residing in Worcester, and in 11124 set up in
business in Worcester, and had dealings with Mr. Burrow, on
whom he drew bills. He opened an account with the bank of
Messrs. Lechmere, and drew on them on the credit of Mr. Bur.
row's acceptances. Mr. Burrow accepted a bill for 211., which he
returned to the prisoner. This was on the 24th of June, and on
the next day the prisoner paid in the same bill at Messrs. Lech-
, mere's, it being then a bill for one hundred and twenty-one pounds,
and the words " one hundred" having been added. The prisoner
soon after this was arrested for a debt unconnected with this case,
and as soon as be got out of prison he went to Birmingham, and
lived there under a feigned name, and at that place he was appre•
hended.

Marie Joseph Silvestre—l hare known the prisoner for four years.
Mr. Justice LITT L EDALE—Does the prisoner understand Eng-
lish ?
Mr. CULIWOOD —Yes, my Lord ; there will be no need of an in-
terpreter.
To the prisoner—Entendez vous bien l'Anglais ?
The prisoner—Oui, Monsieur.
Examination resumed.—The prisoner was a glove-cutter ; I hare
seen him write very often. The prisoner and I were employed by
Messrs. Ball, who are glnvers. The prisoner remained in their
employ about a year. and then went to France. He returned to
England in February, 11121, and commenced business in Worcester
for himself as a dealer in skins, by commission, for Monsieur Du-
puis. In July or August the prisoner was in custody for debt;
and woo after he got out of custody I received letters from him at
Birmingham. I knew the prisoner's hand-writing; they were
signed by his mother's name, as he wished to teach French, and
did not wish to use his own name; and he thought his being known
by the same name as when he was a leather-dresser would be inju-
rious to him as a teacher; the name was Belgic. (The forged bill
was put into his hand.) I think this is like the prisoners hand-
writing, but I have never seen his writing in English ; it looks like
his.

Cross-examined by Mr. Custwooti—When the prisoner was
gone to Birmingham I knew where he was. I heard about the
Excisemen being after him because the skins were smuggled, and
it was given out that he was in France to escape the Excise.
Mr. Burrow-1 am a glover at %Vora-stet.. 1 hod dealings with
the prisoner. I bought a quantity of kid skins of him to make
gloves, and was to pay 211. for them. I paid it by accepting the
bill in question, which is drawn by the prisoner. Before I ac-
cepted it I looked at the sum it wag drawn for, and I am sure it
was for only 21!. This is the bill I accepted. I never accepted
any bill drawn by the prisoner for so large a sum as 1211. To the
best of my belief the added words " one hundred and" are of the
prisoner's hand-writing. I went to Birmingham in search of the
prisoner, and there found he was called Monsieur Belgie, teacher
of the French language.
Cross-examined by Mr.Cutwoop--I have accepted many bills
I frequently examine the. stamps. I have accepted bills for 211'
four months after date, as thisis. It is not usual to take four
months' credit for 211. I believe the prisoner had sold unexcised
skins. The bill, if it had been fur 211. would not hare been paid.
I have had my bills often dishonoured. I never accepted a bill
without looking at it. I never said to Mr. William Bristow that
I often accepted bills without reading them.
Thomas Hughes--I am a cashier in Lechmere's bank. I re-
ceived this bill. It was when I received it a bill for 1211. I don't
know who brought the bill to the banking house.
Mr. CUllwooD objected that there was no evidence that the bill
had been uttered by the prisoner at all, and no evidence that he
had forged it in the city of Worcester.
The Learned JUDGE held that there was n, evidence of the
uttering; but as to the forgery, he would if necessary reserve the
point.
Thomas Hughes was recalled, but he did not know the prisoner's
hand-writing sufficiently to tell his writing in the bill.
Thomas Lascelles—l know the prisoner's hand-writing. The
body of the bill has not the appearance of being his hand-writing,
and I have groat doubt about the signature.
The bill was then read.
The prisoner left his defence to his Counsel, who called no wit-
nesses.
The Learned JUDGE summed up the evidence, and the Jury
returned their verdict—Not Guilty.

WESTERN CIRCUIT.

WILTSHIRE ASSIZES.

Thomas Flower, who had held the responsible situation of
Treasurer to the 31elksham Turnpike Trust, was put to the bar.
charged with having uttered a forged paper, purporting to be a
receipt for money, with intent to defraud the Commissioners of
the Trust. There were several other charges against him. The
prisoner, who had absconded, was arrested in Holland on the
Bth of last month, and brought to England.
He was now dressed in a handsome suit of black, and as soon
as he appeared at the bar, leaned his head upon the front rail,
and ejaculated a prayer. Ilk whole frame was tremulous; he
held a handkerchief to his eyes, which were suffused with tears, and
when called on to plead he had scarcely strength to articulate his
plea. When asked, " How will you be tried ?" he faintly said,
" By Ood and my country," and then bid his face, turned round,
and sat down.

While the indictment was reading, Mr. Tilby handed him a slip
of paper.
When called upon to plead, he pleaded " Guilty."
JcuoE—Does he plead Guilty?
Clerk of the Arraigns—Yes. 'sty Lord.
Jcisoc—Prisnuer, are you aware of the course you are
? Your pleading Guilty will Ent benefit you ; if you persist
in your plea, I will visit it with tha full punishment that the law
inflicts. Do you poisist la it ? Ask him again.
Clerk of.. the Arratitut-riteer say you, Ttotots Flower, an

you Guilty or not Guilty of the charge for vbieb you stand in.
dieted ?

Prironer—Guilty.
Mr. Sergeant PaLL—Hy Lord, it is now my duty to state to
your Lordship the course I mean to pursue. The life of a fellow-
creature is at stake ; the crime and the prosecution originated in a
public trust. In the present way in which that mist is composed
and conducted. I shall have to meet with difficulties which I shall
not be able to sumtount. The long list of names of which it con-
sists renders it almost impossible to say to whom the trust belongs.
These difficulties may at a future period be removed by the Le-
gislature ; at present they exist, anti therefore I shall offer no
evidence whatever in support of the indictments against the
prisoner.
JUTIOT—Does what you say apply to all the cases
Sergeant PELL—I am afraid it does, my Lord ; I cannot find
out the mist.

%lUD or —We'll swear the Jury.
The Jury were sworn, and the several indictments preferred in
the names of Poore, Goddard, and Bradford had a verdict of Noe
Guilty returned upon each.
his Lordship then proceeded to pass sentence upon him fur the
charge to which he had pleaded Guilty r
Junor —Thomas Flower, you hare been found guilty of a most
serious and heinous charge, upon your own confession. Your legal
advisers no doubt told you the proper path to pursue ; if not, you
might have referred yourself to then for counsel. Whether, in the
course you hare pursued, you have achil righter wrong, is not for
me to say. In one thing you have done wrong—you have embez-
zled the property of your employers ; you were a servant, and your
conduct has been fraudulent in the extreme. Robbing a master
is a crime that the laws of this country always visit with the se-
verest punishment. The sentence of the Court is. that you, Tho.
mas Flower, foe the offence of which you have been found guilty,
shall be transported beyond the seas to such place as his Majesty
shall think fit, for the term of seven years.
The prisoner bowed and retired, covering his face.
The sentiment of commiseration was universal; it seemed to per-
vade all ranks, and did honour to their hearts.

NORTHERN CIRCUIT.
LANCASHIRE ASSIZES.—LANcAsTta, .slAacu 9.
WYKE V. APPLEBY. . .

Mr. PAR I stated, that this was an action of trespass brought by
the plaintiff, as Lord of the Manor, against the defendant, for tree-
passing on his grounds, not being qualified.
The Learned Gentleman then called
Isaac Irelar.d—Witness lives in Pete; knows defendant. Wit-
ness works at the house of the plaintiff; plaintiff resides at Spike
Hall. he is Lord of the Manor; witness is employed about the
manor to preserve the game. In January 1824, he met a man of
the name of Thomas Whally and the defendant in a lace; they
had two dogs, and the defendant a gun in his hand ; asked them
if they had a right to be there—asked them to show their autho-
rity ; they said they had left it at home. He did not say he was
qualified, he had no protection himself. They passed over into the
fields, but witness did not see them kill game; they were on the
plaintiff's field ;it was called a yard. Tliey did not beat about
the bushes; the dogs hunted; the defendant had the gun. He
saw them go over three fields which belonged to the plaintiff; he
did not call after them. The field was sown with grass and clover
seed. He had never seen them before.
Croce-examined by the A TTORNEY•ORNIRAL—IIe has since
heard that he had his certificate; he afterwards produced it before
the Magistrate; it was on parchment. Can't say what damage
was done to the clover. Dr. Jerrard was the Magistrate. The
charge was then abandoned. lie saw a grave-looking gentleman
sitting. (A laugh.) Can't say that he looked like a Justice of
Peace. (A laugh.)
Mr. SCAR LJF:T T said he was really sorry to see such en action as
this brought. The time, he trusted, would yet come when he hoped
the Game lams would be meliorated, and that which so pressed
on the poor be removed, and the angry feelings of the rich brought
to a termination. The plaintiff ought to recollect, that although
the defendant was only a grocer, still he was as much entitled to
sport as the plaintiff, and he (Mr. Starlets) had °ritually risen from
the same honest calling.
The Learned JUDGE charged the Jury, and said that the plain.
tiff must recover a verdict for the trespass.
The Jury consulted, and gave a verdict—Damages one farthing.
Mr. PARE—I hope you will certify, my Lord.
Certified en the first count.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL read part of the first count, which
set forth that the defendant had killed 20 hair:, 20 pheasants, 20
pettsidges, &c.
MAacte 8.

DEFAMATION.
CHAPMAN V. COATES.
Mr. STAIIILIZ opened the pleadings in this case, which was an
action brought to recover compensation in damages for certain slim-
derous words used by the defendant against the plaintiff:
Mr. SCARLETT stated the case. The plaintiff wsa a farmer
residing near Ingleborough in this county, and most respectably
circunistanced there ; and having his lands bordering a common,
as well as the defendant, also a farmer in that neighbourhood,
he had frequently been obliged to use some means to prevent
the defendant from overstocking it with sheep, and thereby,
as he supposed, incurred the anger of the defendant, which
had induced him to use expressions reflecting on the plaintiff's
character in a roost serious way—no leas than charging him with
a felony. l'hinc reports were circulated, as is usual, tot a long
time without coining to the knowledge of the plaintiff, and he then
accidentally heard of them from a neighbour of his, who the de-
fendant had given as his authority for the charge. The expres-
sions complained of were used to a Mr. Lupton, a farmer,
whom he accosted on the common, and asked had he any of his
(the defendant's sheep) amogg his? Lupton said he had not, and
the defendant replied, " I Piave lost four, and cannot find them,
but I suppose Jackson Chapman has them ; he steals sheep ; Jem
Foster says so." Jens Foster was applied to, but he denied he had
ever said so. The defendant had also said that his sheep had got
amongst 'some of the plaintiff's; be immediately sent to him to
come and sear:h for them. The Jury would therefore say what
damages they would give that would lead the defendant to restrain
his tongue in future.
Robert Lupton was called, and stated the slanderous words were
uttered Nov. 10. Ins, at Bentham Fair, and had been soon after
told by him to the plaintiff:
The witness was cross-examined by Mr. J. Witizials at
some length, and he appeared in the greatest trepidation at the
most simple question ; at length he became totally unable to an.
ewer. The Court was convulsed with laughter, and he at length
said he was an honest man, and came to speak the truth.
Mr. WILLIAMS—I know you are. I only want you to speak
out. Why do you stand there so silent ?—I am an honest man; I
am willing to be searched.
I don't suppose
_you have a sheep in your pocket. (Laughter.)
Only speak out. I/0 the parties live in Yorkshire ? No answer.
Wby do you look so like a sheep ?—I don't know I'm sure.
(A. laugh.)
Did not think the worse of the plaintiff for the words used by the
defendant No.
Another witness stated that the defendant said, that if Jackson
Chapman did not take care of himself he would be brought to the
gallows.
Do you know what the gallows is ?—You ought to know better
than me.

Indeed ?—Yea, Sir. (Laughter.)
Well, what do you think it is for ?—I heard my father say it
was to hang people on, and such bike. (Laughter.)
J. Foster examined by Mr. WILLIAMS—Are you a farmer?—
Yes, I is. (Laughter.)
Did you ever hear of Chapman having stolen sheep ?—Not since
the law was executed on him.

What ! has he beer hanged ?—Not that L knows of.
Is he not alive ?—Yes, to be sure. (Laughter.)
Oh ! you mean this action when you say the law was executed on
him ?—Yes, I do.
Did you ever say he stole sheep ?—No, I did not.
Cross-exasnined—All the farmers may put what quantity they
like on the common.

This was the plaintiff's case.
Mr. WILLIAMS addressed the Jury for ihe defendant ; and
Mr. Justice HOLROYD summed up the evidence; after which
The Jury, having corsulted for a few minutes, gave their verdict
for the plaintiff—Damages is.

At Durham Assizes Joseph Lowton, of Newbottle, pit-
man, was indicted for the wilful murder of his wife, on the 13th of ,1
October last. The prisor.cr threw an iron bar, which was used as '
a poker, at the deceased, which stuck into her left temple, and
caused her death. The prisoner was then asked If he had any
thing to say in his defence, and observed, " I certainly did throw
the weapon, but not designedly—l did it through passion." The
Jury, after consulting together for a few minutes, returned a ver-
diet of Guilty of Manslaughter. Sentence—" To be imprisoned
in gaol one year."
At Ennis Assizes, James Kean, a soldier of the 35th
Regiment, was tried for the murder of Patrick Riedy, at Kildy-
sari, on the 31st January. By the examination of several wit-
nesses, it appeared that Kean and one or two other soldiers were
drinking in a public-house. when some disturbance arose between
them and the country people who were in the house ; in a scuffle
that ensued, Kean stabbed the deceased with his bayonet. The
Judge (Pennefather) having charged the Jury, they retired for a
few minutes and brought in a verdict of Manslaughter. His Lord-
ship sentenced the prisoner to transportation for life; but said,.
that there were other dr:stratagem which should be considered,
and he would reserve to himself the discretion of commuting the
sentence, if he found It deserving of it, before he left the town.
THE NEWS Or LITERATURE AND FASHION.—NO. 40
of this Weekly Journal (which is just published by Mr. E. I).
Pouchlie, No. 7, Brydges.street, Covent-gardeo, and sold by all
Booksellers and Newsmen) contains, among many other interest-
ing articles—l. A Morning Call-2. Hyde Park Promenade-3.
Public Charscter of Mr. Peel-4. Public Schools and Pugilism-
3. The New Aspasia-4. The Parson and the Poor Willow-7.
Miss Paton-8. Professed People, No. IV.. Musicians-2. The
Life of a Tar, No. 7-10. My Back Window-11. The Hay-
market Opera-12. Poetry—l 3. Engravings--14. Our Arehitee-
ture—lS. Conversations of Napoleon with Canova—lt The Übe-
rata and the Catholics..-17.Astrosontical Phenomena for the en-
suing week—l& Numerono Reviews of New Books, &c. &c. Ate.
Uostamped Edition of " The News of Literature and Fashion,"
for town circulation and transmission to the country in parcels,
mina W. Stamped Edition tor transmission by post, price Is,