The Sun.
London, England, 1864-03-22 00:00:00

LONDON, TUESDAY, MARCII 22, 1864.

The opening of the spring assins has again
brought before the public the horrible case of ill
treatment of a lunatic which some time ago excited
so much astonishment and disgust. The evidence
brought forward in substantiation of the charge in
no degree mitigates the matter, since the particulars
given by the witnesses for the prosecution more
than confirmed the worst of the reports which have
been current on the subject. The miserable man
has, it seems, been insane or idiotic for more than
thirty years, having become mentally efilicted when
he was about twenty years old, and having dragged
on a wretched existence until he is now fifty-five.
In what manner he has passed the years in which
he has been under his brother's care may be better
imagined than described. At first his father, it
appears, took charge of him, and after his death he
was left in the hands of his sister, who went to
America in 1853, at which epoch he passed into his
brother's keeping. At first he was confined in a
room adjoining a house in which he then lived, but
in the early part of the year 1863 he was removed
by night in a wheelbarrow to a new hoase which
the brother had built, and in a small outer room the
miserable creature was confined. His prison was
twelve feet long by nine feet wide, and eight
feet high, without fireplace or stove. In this little
den he remained crouched and crippled in the
depths of filth and wretchedness, iu a state which
would hardly appear to be possible to a creature
bearing the name of humanity. The room, accord-
ing to the defendant's communication to the Luneoy
Commissioner, was constructed on purpose for the
lunatic, and it is a noticeable part of this story of
cruelty and ignorance that the perpetrator of the
evil should be a man of some wealth aid position.
Whether he was conscious of the full extent of the
atrocity of hie actions is uncertain ; the jury gave
him the benefit of the doubt, but it is evident that
he preserved a degree of mystery regarding his un-
fortunate prisoner which goes far to prove him
wilfully guilty. No one had ever caught a glimpse
of the unhappy lunatic since he was under his
brother's charge save one woman, who accidentally
came upon him, and was horrorstricken at the sight
of his dirt and nakedness. After a good deal of
evidence in favour of the prisoner, which, however,
did not affect the startling disclosures of Dr. BYRNE
and the Lunacy Commissioners, a legal point was
brought forward on behalf of the culprit. A doubt
was raised as to the extent to which he was amen-
able to the statute, since it was designed for keepers
of asylums, and a man who neglected the charge of
his lunatic wife had previously been acquitted on
this ground. Mr. Baron MARTIN said he would
obtain the opinion of the Court of Crown Cases lie-
served on this point, and consequently postponed
Lis sentence nnt:l he had learned it. The jury re-
lamed a verdict of guilty of neglect, but said they
did not think the defendant was aware of the law,
and therefore recommended him to mercy. We
cannot but regard this as a most extraordinary and
uncalled for recommendation, since, v7hatever his
ignorance of the exact terms of the law, he bed
been guilty of prolonged and deliberate cruelty
which noquestionablydaetpri73 him of all claim on
our indulgence or wph3lt is difficult to be-
lieve that a man in his position was so obtuse of
sense and feeling as to be unaware of the suffe.rio;;;
he was inlictifig. His strict concealment of the

lunatic would seem to indicate his knowledge of the
true state of the case. Unless he is to be regarded
as of the same mental calibre as Lie wretched charge,
he cannot be acquitted of having deliberately and
continuously exhibited some of the worst qualities
of our nature, and it is difficult to see for which of
these rests his claim to mercy. Such a plea might
well be urged for many unfortunate young crimi-
nals who have no counsel to plead for them at the
bar of justice, but for SmittrEL PORTER has no
claim, The legal difficulty placed in the way of
his punishment is equally unreasonable and flimsy.
Such an excuse should not for a moment be tole-
rated, and if our laws are not stringent or compre-
hensive enough o i the point, the sooner they are
amended the better. It cannot be tolerated that
persons should take upon themselves the charge of
their afflicted relatives, and keep their very exis-
tence a hushed up secret from their neighbours,
only to torture and ill-treat them, and then escape
the consequences of their criminal actions by the
plea of its being a domestic and disinterested charge•
If such excuses are to be admitted, it is difficult to
measure the extent to which the evil may spread ;
it is impossible to foretel the evil purposes to which
such latitude may b 3 turned. We cannot but hope
that no such defence will be admitted, but that
those who undertake such a charge will be held
strictly responsible for its proper fulfilment, and
that the culprits of Flushing will be taught in an
emphatio and convincing manner that, however long
or securely a man's evil deeds may be hidden, they
will at last be dragged to light, when he shall
reap their due reward.

His Royal Highness the Prince of WALES has
certainly set an example to all exclusive Sovereigns
and affected potentates. He is constantly to be
seen, and his doings are perpetually chronicled as
mingling with the world, and taking an active part
in the business of life by mixing in its pleasures
and excitements. On Saturday his Royal High-
ness honoured the Oxford and Cambridge boat race
by his presence. An additional interest was im-
parted to the proceedings by the thought that the
Prince was intimately acquainted with the details
of the exciting sport before him, and had for some
time resided at both the Universities which that day
sent their representatives to compete for the prize.
This was the first time that royalty had been
present at an entertainment of this kind,
and the favour was rendered more gracious by
the circumstance that his Royal Highness did
not go in an exclusive form, but went on board the
vessel chartered by the Thames Subscription Club.
The days of the extreme exclusiveness of an earlier
generation have long since departed, and the forms
and customs which our forefathers adhered to with
a cherished reverence have happily been merged
into a more genial and hearty style of manners.
Yet there remains much to be done, and it augurs
well for the improvement of the present and future
state of society in this respect, that the one who is
to lead the fashion, to set the style, and to inaugu-
rate the spirit of the day, is so free from all absurd
affectation and so devoid of that haughtiness which
often mars the possession of estimable qualities. In
the happy demonstration of these qualities, it is
easy to trace the effects of the excellent manner in
which the Prince spent his early years. Never,
perhaps, in the annals of royalty has so extended a
sphere bean embraced and so efficacious a training
bestowed on the heir of monarchs. A knowledge
of the world can only be gained in the world ; it
cannot be taught at school or imparted in conversa-
tion. Travel, experience, and personal intercourse
with society can alone impart it. It must be a
source of great satisfaction to all who reflect upon
the subject, that our future King cilia thus interest
and amuse himself in the excitements and recrea-
tions of the people over whom he is one day to
reign. A healthy and hearty taste for exhilirating
sports and manly exercises is no bad preparation
for more serious engagements hereafter, while a
genial aLd gracious manner is at all times a benefit
and blessing alike to him who gives and him who
receives favours.

One of the distinctive features of advanced civili-
sation is always the greater regard paid to human
life. Among savage races death and suffering count
for nothing, and when we reach the semi-civilisa-
tion of countries like China and Japan, we stilt
find the lives of two or three hundred human beings
reckoned as of little or no value. As nations rise
higher in the scale their progress is marked by the
increasing importance of such considerations. The
harsh and sanguinary laws which disfigure ancient
statute books are gradually repealed, until the
Draconian theory is reversed, and the destruction
of a single individual existence is held to be almost
too sacred to be sacrificed in expiation of the worst
of crimes. Still, with ail its legal care and the
moral importance which it attaches to human life,
there are many ways, direct and indirect, in which
civilisation exacts its forfeiture, ways unknown to
a less highly cultivated state. The requirements of
trade annually make a terrible demand upon the
bone and muscle of our working population, and
some occupations are so notoriously unhealthy that
the average term of life among their followers is re-
duced to half man's alloted age. Others again are the
victims of the heedlessness of fashion or the cupidity
of their employers, and a melancholy instance of
this kind is still fresh in the public recollection.
Setting aside these ordinary and constant causes of
death and disease, however, the advancing know-
ledge and enterprising ambition of the present day
is prolific in disaster. It is not fair to count the
catastrophes of the mines among these, since coals
have been in use for many a long day, and the pro-
cess of obtaining them has some perhaps inevitable
dangers, but it is certainly high time that some-
thing should be done to reduce the number of men
who are daily falling victims to want of care or
common prudence on the part of their employers.
The catastrophe which has desolated a whole district
may be said to have been artificially produced, but
every day shows us small and comparatively insig
nificant catastrophes which carry desolation and
mourning into many a humble home, which lay the
strong man down in the dust, and turn youth and
vigour into sickness and decrepitude. The large
number of deaths occasioned by the bursting of
ooilers may certainly be ranked under the head of
preventible disasters, and the general reflection, after
reading the evidence adduced at the inquest, is that
the folly, ignorance, or recklessness exhibited in
connection with such accidents are simply marvel-
lous, The last few weeks have been rife with such
catastrophes which are of only too common occur-
rence. The folly and wickedness of risking
men's lives by leaving the management of suet,
establishments iu unskilful or incompetent
hands, has lately received several painfu,
illustrations in the numerous accidents which
have come to light. Juries are beginning
to be sensible that a remedy for this evil must be
found, and took occasion the other day to append
to their verdict, in a case of this sort, a recommen-
dation that Government inspectors should be ap-
pointed to visit all factories where steam power is
employed. They also made a good suggestion to
Lhe effect that all boilers ehould, in making, hav,
stamped upon them the extent of their power. Ito
reason for this was the fact that the boiler intendeo
for a ton-horso Power elogine had had preseuxo

put upon it to the extent of 381bs. to the square
inch. The result of this immense strain upon a
cheap, ill-made, and clumsily finished boiler, of which
one part was old and the other now, was shown in
the catastrophe of Spitalfielde. The owner of the
boiler, who professed an extraordinary amount of
ignorance for a man who was constantly employing
their assistance, confessed to having never asked
what pressure it would bear ! All that he thought
necessary was that it should be good, and by godd-
teas he appears to have meant illimitable strength,
since this one small and ill-finished boiler was called
upon to supply steam power for some saw mills,
six lathes, and one steam bench, and the machinery
of a bone cutter. The verdict of the jury would
certainly, if carried into effect, provide effectual
remedies for such a case, since, had the boiler been
stamped with the extent of its power, the owner
could not have professed ignorance, while a
Government inspector would most certainly
not have allowed such a multifarious applica-
tion of its very limited powers. It is
probable that Parliamentary interference will be
necessary, as in the case of the machinery of fac-:
tories, and many other similar instances where it
has been found imperative to protect life by legis-
lative enactment. By a recent and very wise mea-
sure our chain cables and anchors are to be hence.
forth submitted to a severe and searching test be-
fore use. Why should not steam boilers undergo a
similar ordeal before they are brought into service?
The risk is certainly not less in the latter case, as
death and destruction in its most fearful form is
often dealt round a large mass of persons; and in
the case of such an accident occurring within the
walls of a densely peopled factory the consequences
would be frightful in their extent. So ,largely is
steam power now employed in the ordinary pur-
poses of our trade and manufactures, and so great
are its dangers under incompetent or negligent ma-
nagement, that it is absolutely necessary that some
steps should be taken to secure the public against
this great and growing evil. Let, then, the Legisla-
ture come forward to the rescue, lot the testing of
steam boilers be made compulsory, let the extent of
their power be duly registered, and let qualified
inspectors be appointed to see these regulations pro-
perly carried into effect. So shall we hear less of
these terrible catastrophes, and one of man's most
wonderful discoveries be preserved as an unqualified
blessing instead of a curse ; for the homely old
adage, which tells us twat fire is " a good servant
but a bad master," is ecually and emphatically true
of the mighty agency of steam.

The improved dwellings for the industrial classes
is a subject that is mow worthy of attention, and
it is therefore interesting to observe that the asso-
ciation formed for the ptrpose is being carried on
steadily, and does not relax in its efforts. Lord
STANLEY presided at its neeting on Saturday, and
in his address he set forward some of the most
notable particulars contected with the affair.
Whatever is taken up by his lordship is sure to be
carefully attended to, and the most minute details
thoroughly investigated. It appears that great
difficulty has existed in finding sites ; but by this
time the evil has been partitlly obviated, and some
eligible localities have been fixed upon. This is
satisfactory intelligence, at in process of time
there is no doubt that a great benefit will
accrue to the classes which so especially
need assistance in this particular. There
is nothing which tends to deteriorate the
condition of the lower classes in a moral sense more
than the very unsuitable srrangements of their
dwelling houses. The subject has been constantly
brought before the public, and in various forms have
we had the painful topic presented to us. In
speeches, lectures, reports, meetings, and com-
mittees the question has been broached in all its
sad details end startling revelations, but all this
outcry does not remove the evil it expatiates upon,
nor does the language of complaint at all improve
the deplorable condition of the inmates of these
wretched abodes. The best way to put an effectual
stop to any grievance is to set to work vigorously
to alter and amend. This cannot be done by
changing the old so well as by furnishing a new
style and state of things. It is thus that this
society is a welcome subject, and although it has
not long been established it his commenced under
good auspices, and it may be said that it has entered
upon its labours with a very flittering augury of
success. There are many advantages that will
accrue from the establishment of a society like the
present one, and beneficial effects will follow in the
train of their endeavours. If it is once seen that
proper dwellings are the order of the day, the
holders of the disgraceful tenements that now shock
those who enter them will be gradually shamed out
of them, and at all events those who are too har-
dened to be affected by the example of others will
not have the opportunity of monopolising the mar-
ket as they have at present. It is high time that
some of the arrangements regarding the dwellings
of the working classes should be made by a class of
men superior to the influences which prevail among
those who have hitherto held the sway of them, as it
were, and it is not merely the fair seeming prospect
of a change which bids us hope and expect better
things to result from the change thus promised,
though it may be but a trivial thing to look at now.
All lasting and solid benefits were done slowly and
surely, and not in a hurry and excitement. The
difficulty in this instance is to steer clear between
the extremes of theoretical prevision and practical
experiment, and the association here referred to ap-
pears so far to have avoided this danger, and to have
made the outset of their a:deous endeavours in a
spirit that deserves success, and is worthy of the
elevated and excellent object which is its aim.

THE WILL OF THE LATE KING OF BAVARIA.
—A Munich journal states that the private property
of the late King is valued at 4,000,000 gulden, and that hie
Majesty's will specifies that the whole of this property
shall be devoted towards those beneficent objects, calcu-
lated to promote the common good, which dating the life of
the King formed his chief care. One million will bo de-
voted to the completion, establishment, and endowment of
the Maximilian Orphan Institute for the children of ser-
vants of the State; a similar sum will be devoted towards
the Maximilianeum in like proportions ; and, finally, a
sufficient sum will be invested in order that the scientific
undertakings—and ospecially those relating to history—
which were set on foot by his Majesty may be carried out,
and that the pensions conferred by him on certain artiste,
poets, and learned men may be continued. By a codicil
to the will his Majesty orders that a mausoleum shall be
erected for himself and his consort behind the Theatin
Church, in such a manner that it can bo approached from
the church and also from without. The plan of this struc-
tdre and the order for the payment of the cost are attached
to the will. The tomb will be similar to that of Frederic
William 111. of PrusEia and Queen Louise at Chariot-
tenburg.

A capital puff of an illustrated journal is given in
an engraving in the paper this week which repre•
sank the entire boulevard before the office blocked up, the
circulation of the car, iages suspended) and the crowd crush•
ing forward to the window in an intense state of excite-
ment, and even fighting, in order to get—a number of the
paper. They understand the puff in Paris a mervelle.
Amongst the most interesting races to be run at
he approaching Spring Meeting at Constantinople
will ba the "Rutland Sweepstakes" of £lO each, with £25
added by the Duke of Rutland, for horses of all countries,
distance four miles. The superior speed of the E'aglish
racehorse is unrivalled, but for endurance the Arab claims
a pre-eminence, which the English horse is unwilling to
concede. The duke has proposed this long race in order to
ff rd animals of all countries an oacasion for exhibiting
heir "staying powers" over a fair course, and the trial will
have an interest for the spurting world extending much be-
yond the predate of the city of the .9Llltan,

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

LREUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]

HEALTH OF HIS HOLINESS.

MARSEILLES, MARCH 21.

Letters from Rome to the 19th inst. state that
the Pope has been better since the operation upon
the tumour on his leg. The fever had disappeared,
and his Holiness had received the French Ambas-
sador, with wham ho had t. long conversation.
The Archduke Maximilian was expected at
Rome.

TURIN, MARCH 22.

The Opinion of to-day says—" Yesterday the
English steamer Valetta touched at Caprera, and
embarked Garibaldi and six other persons. It is
believed that Garibaldi proceeds to England, whore
he has been expected for some days."

SEVILLE, MARCH 18.

The Espousal of the Infanta Donna Maria Isabel
of Orleans and Bourbon with her cousin, the Count
of Paris, will take place on the 19th inst., in the
palace of San Telme with great solemnity. The
ceremony w:11 be performed by the Cardinal Arch-
bishop of Seville, and will be followed by the rati-
fication of the marriage articles.

The President of the Rudiencia of Seville will act
as Chief Notary of the Kingdom, representing the
Minister of Grace and Justice.

CALCUTTA AND CHINA MAILS.
ALEXANDRIA, MARCH 21.
The Eusine left at 4 p.m. yesterday with the
Marseilles portion of the above mails.
The Ripon, with the heavy portion of the mails,
sailed at 6 a.m. this day for Southampton.
The Rangoon brought'the mails to Suez, arriving
there on the 17th inst. (two days early).

FRANCE.

PARIS, MARCH, 22.

The Moniteur of this morning, again referring to
the affair of Cardinal Bonald, says :—" Upon the
11th March Cardinal Bonald addressed a letter to
the clergy of his diocese stating that the Moniteur
had been misled by false information, and that he
had only learned the pretended dissatisfaction of
the Pope from that journal. We reply that the
information in the Moniteur was official. Explana-
tions were requested by the French Ambassador on
the 23d of February, and were given the same day
by Cardinal Antouelli, It was not, however, until
the 9th March that the latter conveyed the expres-
sion of his Holiness's censure of the indiscreet pub-
lication by Cardinal Bonald.
BOURSE, March 21.—The market has been heavy,
but up to the present time the variation in prices
has not been material, Threes, for the Account,
being now at 66f. Mobilier have receded to 1,040 f.
In Railway Shares little or nothing doing. The
market closed as follows
4i per Cents. .. 93 25
Do. end month....

3 per Cents
Do. end month 66

Credit Mobilier.... 1050

Italian Loan 67 75
If Do. end month 67 90
&ear ditto .....
Do. end month —
Russian
Austrian
Spanish Threes 5l 25
Rome Debt .. ---
D3ferred
•

Do, end m0nth....1048 75

Bank Shar©s 3295 L-

Credit F oncier ....1265

Roman - --

ELIL

Cash. Account.
1005 .. 1005 —,

Orleans
Northern
New 'ditto
Lyons and Mediterranean
New ditto
S3uthorn
Western
eastern
Sardinian
Austrian
Lowbsird ..
North of Spain
Saragossa..
Ditto to Barcelona

905 .. 960

-- - • • - -
933 75 .. 936 25

658 75 .. 656 25
518 75 -

481 25 -
371 25 .. 371 25

536 25 .. 540 -
486 25 .. 486 25
680 - .. 581 25
280 -, .. 280 -

Haymarket Theatre.

The "School for Scandal" was played at this theatre
last night. The house was orowded in every part, and
every point in this brilliant play was heartily enjoyed and
loudly applauded. Sir Peter Teazle was represented by
Mr. Chippendale, Sir Benjamin Backbite by Mr. Buck-
stone, Charles Surface by Mr, Farren, Joseph Surface by
Mr. Howe, and Crabtree by Mr. Compton, in the spirit of
genuine comedy—the rest of the oharacters were respect-
ably portrayed. The farce of "Lend Me Five Shillings,"
in which Mr. Buoketone is unequalled for riotous, over-
flowing humour, forms an agreeable addition to the comedy.