The Sun.
London, England, 1852-12-30 00:00:00

History in Ruins. By G. Godwin, F.R.S.

The object of this book is to convey to the un-
learned a general idea of architecture. It goes
back to the earliest times and traces the progress
and changes of the art from the city built by Cain
to the latest structures of the present day. Most
interesting records are given of the Tower of Babel,
the Temple of Solomon, the Pyramids, Thebes, and
the columns of Egypt. From these we are led to
contemplate the triumphs of Greece, which furnished,
it is observed, the most perfect and finished speci-
mens of style. It is generally supposed that the
Greeks copied and took their ideas from other na-
tions, Egypt especially ; but then they so improved
upon and refined their subjects, that they
almost deserve the merit of originality. The Eter-
nal City next engages attention—what Rome lost
in simplicity she gained in magnificence, remarks
the author. The Romans introduced " the arch,"
a new feature, into architecture. At the conclu-
sion of the work, Saxon and Norman styles are
described, and the construction of churches and
castles are brought under consideration.
We meet with these remarks at the end of the
book :—" The architecture of our day is, for the
most part, imitative, representative merely. An
architect adopts a particular style, and his build-
ing is pronounced successful to the extent only
that it accurately represents a work of the period
aimed at. A wider view is opening upon us, and.
there are quick minds in the field striving to
destroy the influence of precedent, so far as prece-
dent makes trammels, and to obtain fair play for
common sense, honest building, and creative power.
What I proposed to you, was simply to set forth,
with a rapid pen, the history of architecture from
the earliest times,—to show you that its course had
been continuous, and that, in tracing it, we trace the
onward and downward progress of different parts of
the world ; that, in short, the history of architecture
illustrates the history of civilisation. Bolingbroke,
when he called for his volumes of history, said,
" Bring me my liars." Brick and stone records
tell no lies, and to those who know how to ques-
tion these stern, enduring witnesses of past time
they speak placidly, and give much information.
A mere account in words, of a people,. or of a par-
ticular state of society, you may read unimpassioned,
unimpressed; but view the buildings which they
raised ; see the evidences of that state of society
in the structures and arrangements which it led to,
and the whole becomes a fixed reality, not easily
forgotten.

A Four Month's Tour in the East. By J. Andrews.

M'Glashan.

This is a pleasing volume, presenting us with a
series of travels in the following countries: Egypt,
Jerusalem, Damascus, Palestine, &c. Some of the
descriptions are remarkably well Written, as the
subjoined sketch of Damascus will prove:—
"My tent was pitched upon the banks of a small
stream, where some thousands of frogs kept up a con-
cert all the night; at three o'clock in the morning, we
were on the road to Damascus. It was a delightful
ride, through one of the finest plains in the world. For
three or four miles before entering the gates, the road
on each side was shaded by magnificent trees, and a
constant succession of orchards, full of apple, walnut,
fig, and olive trees. It is not surprising that Damascus
should always have been a large city, when its situa-
tion is taken into consideration. The river Buradm, the
Abana, or Pharpm of Scripture, runs through the entire
plain, from north-west to south-east. The soil is deep
and rich, growing almost everything that man requires,
an unclouded sky overhead, artificial irrigation obtained
without much labour or expense, a climate in which the
fruits of different countries are brought to perfection ;
all contribute to make Damascus a desirable place of
abode to the indolent Mussulman. Mahomet is said to
have exclaimed, when he first came in sight of Damas-
cus, that he knew of but one Paradise, and he, there-
fore, would not enter this one."

By the Coroner—We superintend the welding person-
ally. The tires are tested by sounding and other-
wise. I have examined the welding, and I do not
think that it indicates either soundness or unsound-
ness. The particles appear to have been rubbed,
together. We do not test the strength of the
tire. We purchase the best quality of iron. Each tire
is subjected to a sort of test by placing it on a wheel at
black heat, and allowing the eleventh part of an inch in
the diameter of the tire for shrinking. I cannot ac-
count for the breaking of the tire. It appears to me to
have been subjected to friction since it was broken.
By the jury—The welding of a tire does not weaken it.
Examination continued—lt is a portion of our contract
'to guarantee the engines to run a thousand miles ; if
anything happened they were boand to repair it, but
after the thousand miles was completed our responsi-
bility ceases.
The Coroner—Can you suggest any means of prevent-
ing such accidents ?
Mr. Sharp—I do not see any means of preventing
such accidents. I have never met with more than three
cases of tires breaking out of 750 engines which we have
manufactured.
Mr. Edwin Clarke, engineer and general manager of the
Electric Telegraph Company, sworn—l have made a great
many experiments as to the strength of iron. I have been
some years with Mr. Robert Stephenson, the engineer.
I have had much experience in welding. There is a
weld in about every 120 yards of telegraphic wire. I have
examined the tire in the room, and the quality appears
to be unusually good. I have examined the part where'the
fracture occurred, which I have no doubt was the
welded part. Ido not think the union of the iron per-
fect in the weld. It appears to me that nearly two-
fifths of the weld was not in cohesion. Welding is a
very difficult process indeed. If the temperature is too
high or too low the weld is apt to be bad. The colour
of the metal is the principal guide as to whether the
welding is good or bad. It requires great experience.
It appears to me that about two-fifths of the iron broken
'was not properly united. I have heard Mr. Sharp's
evidence, but I do not think the fracture was caused by
friction, but by the want of cohesion. It is a very diffi-
cult thing to test a weld. Ido not think that sound
would do it, nor could the eye in this instance, as the
cohesion of the metal is quite perfect all round.
By the Coroner—l attribute the fracture decidedly to
the defective nature of the weld.
By Mr. Sharp—The ends of the tire did not fit, but I
do not think that shows there was something like
friction.

Mr. Sharp said if there had been no friction the ends
of the tire ought to have fitted exactly.
By the Coroner—We never, when a weld is properly
made, consider it equally strong with a bar not welded.
My opinion has not been changed as to the character of
the welding by seeing that the ends did not fit.
Mr. J. E. M'Connell examined—l am locomotive
superintendent of the southern division of the London
and North-Western Railway. I am a practical and
mechanical engineer. I have no interest personally with
respect to this accident, and I speak independently in
this matter. When engines are purchased I inspect
them, and I also order the foreman at Wolverton, Mr.
Forsyth, to examine them and report. We examine the
tires by narrow inspection, and if we have a doubtful
tire we put them in the fire, and if a dark line appears
we condemn it, and put it aside. I examined the tire
of this engine and saw no imperfection. I have exa-
mined the fractured ends since the accident. The quality
of the iron is very good, fibrous, and strong. I never
saw a better quality of iron. The extreme breadth
of the tire is 5/ inches. The outer edge is 21
inches in thickness. Through the centre of the
tire the thickness is 21 inches. Over the flange it
is 34 inches. The portions are imperfectly welded
in breadth to the extent of three inches, and have
never been united properly. An inch is unsound
throughout out of the width. Three square inches of the
surface I deem unsound. I should say there are other
parts imperfectly welded. I should call this a bad weld.
I travel over portions of the line very much. If I find
the rails rough or uneven I report to the permanent way.
My reports are punctually attended to. We weld at
Wolverton about 3,000 tires a year. After being welded
we put them on what is called stretching blocks. We
suppose that the force used would at once discover if a
tire was unsound. If this tire hid been subjected to
such a trial, my opinion is that it would have flown.
As near as I can say, we have about 5,000 waggons and
1,000 carriages. 260 engines, and 260 tenders employed
on the line, on which there are about 30,000 tires of our
Own welding. I only remember one tire being fractured
within six years of our own stock and our own manufac-
ture. Ido not regard the welded portion of a tire, if it
IA properly done, to be weaker than the other portion of
the tire. The reason I have for it is, that the metal
buing,, well hammered makes it the stronger. We have
had Solid iron break in frosty weather, but not the weld.
1%!,° flaw could have been detected in the tire in this in-
e from outward appearance.
Mr. 'Beyer was here sworn—l am trusted with the
7eses7sisiun of the making and welding of tires in
Sharp's establishment. They are made and
welded by lob, Nuttall, the foreman
of the smiths. It
is my duty
to inspect the work as it p
j roceeds. Three or
five men would make the weld for a tire of the size be-
fere the jury in about three-quarters of an hour. The
men are paid by the
number of think it would be we ll to
pay them for the number of welds they make. We
stretch our tires when welded in the same way as de-
scribed by Mr. ;12 Connell (the witness described to the
and
the mode of stretobin
whichg adopted at Messrs. Sharp
and Stuart's factory,
differed from that used at
inasmuch as the metal at the
the factory at Wolverton,
latter place is tightened by a
'crew). Considered the test much the same, and that it aught have borne the
test referred to by Mr. M'Connell. The weld is a bad
one. The responsibility of sending out
such a weld
would rest upon no one in particular, but upon the entire
many hands for
estaldishment, as it castes through so
isspection.
The Coroner said he thought that the inquiry was now
narrowed into a very small compass ; and unless Mr.
Sharp or the company wished to call any witnesses, they
might now conclude the inquiry, which, as far as the
safety of the public was concerned, was a very important
one.

•
Captain Huish said, on the part of the company, they
had no evidence to offer, unless there was thought to be
anything reflecting on the management.
The Coroner said that he could not see that the ma-
nageinent of the line was in the slightest degree af-
fected by the inquiry. The real object they had to
con i ler was the death of this unfortunate man, the
guard ; and if Captain lluish had anything to state which
would result in good effect with respect to the prevention
of a recurrence of such accidents he would be happy to
hear him, As far as that investigation was concerned,
there was not the slightest blame to be attached to the
Inn.no4-enkent of the line in the slightest degree. The real
point was whether or not there was anything defective
in the tire. It was however most desirable that the
fears and feelings of the public should be softened and
allayed ; and if greater confidence could be given to the
public in railway management by any statement, he

The report was read by the secretary, Mr. Jenkin
Jones, submitting the progress of the society for the
year ended the 30th September last. The amount of
new assurances effected during the year was 202, 350/. 10s.,
yielding in annual premiums 6,014/. 12s. Bd. The in-
come of the society, as shown by the balance-sheet, was
48,2801. 16s. a year. The claims paid during the year
amounted to 13,1511. 'ss. lid., showing, as compared
with the preceding year, an increase of upwards of
6,0001. The gross annual income of the society, in ad-
dition to. the assets, was 24,2941. 10s. 7d. As the
amount of the future bonus would probably be influenced
by the extent of the new business introduced, and the
cost at which it was obtained, the directors felt it to be
their duty to draw the attention of the policy holders to
the large number of new assurance offices continually
being formed, amounting to no less Than 71, and to the
great competition thereby introduced. The directors,
on their part, were using every means to extend the
operations of the society, and especially in the appoint-
ment of new and efficient agents ; and they strongly
urged upon the policy holders the importance of each of
them using his influence to obtain new assurances.
The CHAIRMAN, in reply to Mr. Waddington, said
that the office was progressing in a very satisfactory
manner. Up to the present period the directors had
submitted to every claim, and they never intended to
dispute any claim of any kind, unless it was actually
fraudulent. For the protection of the proprietors' pro-
perty they would consider it necessary to do so.
Mr. CUFFLEY said that there had been a local board
appointed at Manchester, and he thought that that
ought to have been stated in the report.
The SECRETARY said that they had a gentleman of
eminence in Manchester who had policies to the extent
of 5,0001. He introduced four other policies for 4,500/.
It was then agreed that the report of the directors be
received and adopted.
Mr. Peake, Mr. Nicholson, and Mr. Baker, the re-
tiring directors, were re-elected.
The accounts were passed, and after a vote of thanks
to the chairman, the business of the meeting concluded.

The directors and friends of the society dined together
in the evening at the London Tavern. There was a ra-
ther numerous assemblage, amongst whom we noticed
Messrs. Lawson, Baker, Cursham, J. R. Cuffley, Nichol-
son, John Mair, Teape, Hodgkinson, Jones, Brockle-
bank, and Jones (secretary). Mr. R. Wilcoxon occu-
pied the chair. After the usual loyal and patriotic

;oasts,

The CHAIRMAN gave "Success to the National Mer-
cantile. Life Assurance Company." Ile said that it
afforded himself and his colleagues—and he was sure
also all those present—much satisfaction to find that
that company, which had now been formed 15 years,
had, by industry, perseverance, and vigilence on the
part of its directors, arrived at its present measure of
success, and become, as it were, firmly established on a
rock. Those who had been present at the annual meet-
ing of the society which had been held that day, had had
an opportunity of knowing the real position of the society,
and it must have been encouraging to its best friends
to know that, although it had not progressed with
giant strides, it had marched on steadily, and that it was
advancing in prosperity in a manner that must be satis-
factory to 'all its members. It now occupied a most re-
spectable position in the first rank of insurance offices ;
it had become a mutual assurance office, and it did not
litigate its claims, but endeavoured to steer its course in
every respect in the path of justice. (The toast was
very warmly received.)
Mr. JONES then proposed "The Commercial Travel- I
lers of England," and in doing so he paid a high compli-
ment to the general intelligence and good feeling of that
class.

Mr. ROBERTS, in returning thanks, bore testimony to
the great increase of provident habits amongst the com-
mercial travellers of late years.
Mr. NICHOLSON then proposed "The health of the
Chairman," to whose exertions, he said, the society prin-
cipally owed the great success which it had attained
amongst institutions of the kind.

The toast was drunk in a most enthusiastic manner,
and the chairman returned thanks in appropriate terms.
Mr. CUFFLEY proposed "The Health of the Directors
of the Society."

The toast Was received with the usual honours, and
was acknowledged by Mr. JOHN MAIR.
Mr. LawsoN proposed " The Health of Mr. Jenkin
Jones, the secretary of the society," to whose abilities
as an actuary, and to whose zeal in the service of the
society, he referred in the most eulogistic terms.
Mr. JENKIN JONES, in returning thanks, stated that
during the last year no fewer than seventy-one new life
assurance offices had been established, a number which
was altogether uncalled for. He trusted that all those
engaged in the management of the society would con-
centrate their most energetic efforts upon the introduc-
ticm of the greatest amount of business to this society,
at the least possible risk.
The
in toasts were—" The Agents of the So-
ciety n the Provinces," " The Legal, Medical, and
other Officers of the Society," and " The Visitors."
Tile company then separated after an exceedingly
picasant evening.

[ADvERTisEmErr.l—" Bell's Life in London," of Sun-
day next, January 2, 1853, will contain—Letters " On
the breeding, rearing, and training of greyhounds," by
Stonehenge—" On hunting, sporting, notes from the
provinces, kennels of the country," &c., by Scrutator—
" On the artificial breeding of salmon," by Ephemera.
Gallant fight between Ned Donnelly and Mike Madden,
for 501. a side ; and all the usual accurate sporting and
other information, including the turf, the chase, the field,
chess, angling, aquatics, cricket, pedestrianism, the ring,
&c. Office, 170, Strand.

Mr. Lewis appeared for Mr. Grafton.
Mr. Alderman Copeland said this case had received
his most serious consideration ; and, after looking
through the evidence, he had come to the
conclusion that Mr. Alexander had been greatly
imposed upon in the matter ; but as that gentle-
man could not speak with certainty as tethe date of
his purchasing the "gold" chain ; and as he (the alder-
man) at all times objected to sending cases before a jury,
where there was no probability of obtaining a convic-
tion, he had come to the determination of dismissing the
summons. He had, however, no hesitation in saying it
was a case of gross fraud, and it would be his endeavour,
from his position in the Court of the Goldsmith's Com-
pany? to put that body in motion to communicate with
the Government on the subject, for he had been per-
fectly inundated with similar complaints since this ques-
tion was first mooted ; and he hoped the day would net
be far distant when measures would be taken to sup-
press the system of trickery altogether. Under the cir-
cumstances the summons was dismissed ; but he wished
it to be distinctly understood that it was dismissed only
on the ground of Mr. Alexander's uncertainty as to the
date of the transaction.

MARLBOROUGH-STREET.—Thomas Munro, an
Irishman, was charged with stabbing his wife with a
table-knife.

Ellen Munro saki she lived at No. 55, High-street,
St. Giles's. The prisoner was her husband, and for a
long time had been in.the habit of ill-using her. Last
night her husband began grumbling with her son, and
to prevent mischief she got out of bed to try to pacify
him. Her son ran out of the room, and her husband
then turned his rage upon her, saying he would put her
out of the way. He then seized a knife which was on
the table, and came at her with it. She put up her arm
to ward off the stab, and she received a severe wound
on the arm. Her cries for assistance brought back her
son, and further injury was prevented. She had been
to a surgeon's to have the wound dressed.l
John Munro, the son, said his father picked a quarrel
with him last night, and took up a knife to stab him.
He ran out of the room, but hearing screams he went
back and met his mother on the stairs bleeding from a
long wound which she had received on the arm.
The prisoner, who is a man of very violent disposition,
and well known at this court, laid the blame on his son,
and denied any premeditated intention to wound his
wife.
The prisoner was sent for trial.

From "E. C.," 51. ; and from "T. T. T.," 51. ; has
)een received for the poor-box.

WORSHIP-STREET.—Mary Anne S7learman, a
masculine-looking woman, who was well known to the
police, was placed at the bar before Mr. D'Eyncourt,
charged with having assaulted, with intent to rob, a
gentleman named Cobin, residing at Cambridge-terrace,
Hackney. _ _

The prosecutor stated that on the previous night he
had just alighted from an omnibus in the immediate
neighbourhood of his residence, when he was suddenly
intercepted by the prisoner, who caught hold of his arm
and attempted to intrude herself upon his company. He
declined to have any conversation with her, and endea-
voured to release himself from her grasp, but she still
pestered him with her importunities, and continued
clinging to him with such pertinacity, that he found
it necessary to give her a smart cut with his cane to com-
pel her to relinguish her hold. Witness then pro-
ceeded on his way, but was almost immediately overtaken
by the prisoner, who clasped him tightly round the
waist so as to pinion his arms, and seizing hold of his
guard chain, made a strenuous effort to force his watch
out of his pocket. He struggled violently to disengage
himself from her, but she held him with such tenacity
that he was completely powerless, and she was in act of
securing her booty when his cries for assistance attracted
the notice of a policeman, who hastened up and took her
into custody.
Police-constable K 61 corroborated the latter portion
of the prosecutor's evidence, and stated that he had
known the prisoner about the streets for the last five
years, during the whole of which time she had been the
constant associate of thieves and the worst characters of
the district.

On being called upon for her defence, the prisoner
stoutly protested her innocence, and impudently insinu-
ated that the charge had been trumped up by the prose-
cutor, because she refused to submit to his familiarities.
Mr. D'Eyncourt considered that the case had been
clearly established, and ordered the prisoner to be com-
mitted for two months to the House of Correction.

SOUTHWARK.— Hen2l/ Newberry was brought from
on board a vessel bound to South Australia, charged
with stealing a watch, the property of James Taylor.
The prisoner had come up from Berwick-upon-Tweed,
for the purpose of taking a passage out to South Aus-
tralia, where he had a relative who had realised a fortune
at the diggings, and had sent for him to share his good
fortune. While the prisoner was waiting for the sailing
of the ship that was to convey him to the gold regions,
he took an opportunity of purloining a watch belonging
to a man with whom he lodged at Bermondsey, and,
having pledged it, then burnt the ticket. He then em-
barked on board the vessel which was to have sailed the
previous day, but the fact of his having stolen the watch
and pawned it having come to the knowledge of the
police, he was taken into custody.
The prisoner was remanded for the production of the
watch by the pawnbroker.
Mr. Combe announced the receipt of 101. from the
Mercers' Company, 51. from "W. H. C.," and the
second half of a 101. note from " M. H. C." for the poor-
box.

THAMES.—Antonio de Roslia, a Portuguese seaman,
lodging at No. 32, Wellelose-square, was brought before
Mr. Yardley, charged with cutting and wounding Julia
Ann White, a woman of the town, of No. 7, Crown-

.

court, Whitechapel ; and also stabbing Rae Brinkhorn,
a labourer, of No. 102, Pennington-street, Ratcliff-
highway.

The first complainant, White, said she was going home
with a sailor on Friday night, about nine o'clock, and
met the prisoner on the steps of her door. He was
having his boots blackened. She asked him to step aside
and let her pass in, which he refused to do. She made
an attempt to get into her dwelling, and he took a knife
from his pocket and said he would go into the house
with her. She would not allow him to do so, and he
then made use of some expression and threw the knife at
her. It struck her arm and nearly cut it off. She had
a struggle with him, and he then draw the knife into
her left arm and inflicted a severe wound. A girl came
to her assistance, took possession of the knife, and shut
the door, when the prisoner ran away.
Police-sergeant Macintosh, H. produced a long knife,
with a sharp-pointed blade, dagger shaped, and pointed
to stains of blood near the point. He received it from
the last witness, who said it was the one with which she
was wounded. The knife had perforated both arms.
Rae Brinkhorn said he knew nothing of the occur-
rence of Friday night ; but on Christmas night 'he went
into the Cock and Neptune public-house, in Neptune-
street, Wellclose-square, to obtain his supper beer, and
was quietly seated on a form when a disturbance took
place among some foreign seamen, in which he took no
part, and the prisoner seized him, threw him with great
violence on a table, and after kicking him in a most
savage manner about the body, particularly on the ribs,
stabbed him on the face. He bled copiously from the
wound, and had been put to great inconvenience and
pain.

Mr. Yardley—Had you ever seen the man before ?
Brinkhorn—Never, sir. He rushed upon me and pulled
me off my seat in an instant.

Mr. Yardley—Was there any row or quarrel going on
at the time ? Brinkhorn—None whatever, sir. I have
been under medical care ever since I received the kicks
and the wound.

Macintosh said a tremendous row took place among
the foreigners after the man Brinkhorn had been stabbed
in the manner he had described.

The prisoner, in broken English, denied that he had
stabbed either of the parties who had given evidence
against him.
Mr. Yardley remanded him.
The magistrate acknowledged the receipt of 101. from
the Mercers' Company (their annual donation), and 2/.
from "E.L.," for the poor-box.

HAMMERSMITH.—Robert Caunt, a tall, powerful
young man, about thirty years of age, described as a
carpenter, living at No. 33, The Terrace, Kensington,
was placed in the dock, before Mr. Beadon, on the
charge of committing a ruffianly assault upon Mrs. Ann
Deller, the landlady of the Duke of Cumberland public-
house, in High-street, Kensington, without any provo-
cation.

The case was fully proved.
Mr. Beadon said the prisoner was a perfect ruffian,
and he was very sorry that he had not the power to or-
der him to hard labour for his unmanly conduct. He
hoped the law would be altered in a short time, and that
he should have the power of ordering hard labour in
cases of brutal and savage assaults. He fined the pri-
soner the full penalty of 51., or two months' imprison-
ment.
The prisoner was locked up in default.

TRIAL OF MR. BOWER AT PARIS.