The Sun.
London, England, 1864-08-17 00:00:00

The Late Tragedy near Reading.

On Monday afternoon Mr J. J. Blandy, the coroner for
Reading, resumed the inquiry at the Public-office into the
circumstances connected with the deaths of Emma Legge,
25 years, and her three children—Flora Legge, six years,
Louis Legge, three years, and Napoleon Legge, three
months—all of whom were taken out of the river Thames
at Caversham, near Reading, last Wednesday morning, as
reported in Thursday's impression.

The additional evidence taken was of considerable
length, and the proceedings lasted nearly seven hours.
Mr Legge, upholsterer of Tonbridge Wells, and brother
of the man Legge who deserted the deceased woman,
attended, and proved that on the night of Thursday week,
the day following that on which the Mall was supposed to
leave Reading, he came to his house at Toribridge
and told him that he had left her and her children at Read-
ing, and that he requested tho witness if ho heard from
Reading to allow them 108 per week and he would refund
the money. He told his brother he led a wretched life, us
they were always quarrelling, and he was quite unfitted for
work. The witness had previously advised his brother to
take the woman to her friends at Reading and sever the
connection, as he never understood they were married.
Several persons who saw the deceased woman in Reading
subsequent to Legge leaving her gave evieence, from which
it appeared there was nothing in her manner, appearance,
or conversation to lead them to the conclusion that she was
not in the full possession of all her mental faculties, and
they were not impressed with the idea that she was utterly
destitute. A sum of 14s was left by her at her lodgings
when she started for Caversham.

The Coroner carefully summed up, and said there was
no satisfactory evidence to show that the woman was
otherwise than in the full possession of her mental facul-
ties; and there was no evidence either of sueh destitution,
such want, as would lead a person rashly to commit such
an act as the destruction of herself and offspring. He
pointed out the circumstances in the case which showed
that the two eldest children must have been fed, and the
infant suckled immediately prior to their being drowned,
and he suggested that it was possihie, in the absence of
proof as to how they came into the water, they might have
been accidentally drowned, perhaps through one of the
children falling into the river through a thousand little
accidents that might have happened.
The jury deliberated for a short time and returned an open
verdict of "Found drowned."
The man Legge has not been heard of since the morning
of Friday week, when he left his brother's house at Ton-
bridge Wells.

Mr Pain, solicitor, of Reading, Woking, and Frimley,
attended, and watched the proceedings on behalf of Legge,
the alleged husband.

A Victim to Crinoline—A Frightful Case.

Yesterday afternoon an inquest was held by Dr. W.
Hardwicke, deputy coroner for Central Middlesex, on the
bony of Mrs Susannah Bailey, aged 36 years, the wife of a
commercial traveller, who fell a victim to fire, and met an
agonising death through wearing crinoline.
Mr Richard Bailey, husband to deceased, said he had no
family, and occupied apartments at 23, Storey-street,
Caledonian-road. On Sunday morning last he left home
for a ramble and to return to dinner for half-post one.
When he entered the house he saw the landlady in the
passage with other persons, who told him his wife was in
the hospital. He went there and was informed by her that
her muslin dress caught fire while her back was to the
grate. She wore an extensive crinoline, but he appre-
hended no danger from fire, as he had a fireguard always
in use. . .

Jane Rogers, the landlady, said on Sunday morning last,
at a Quarter to 12, she saw deceased come down stairs in a
complete body of flame. She ran into the back yard, where
witness threw nearly a pail of water over her, but the act
seemed to excite the greater progress of the flames on, the
other side of her extended clothing. Witness raised an
alarm, and Mr Nixon came, and with wet towels extin-
guished the fire. Witness afterwards went into the room in
which it appeared deceased was making a pudding with her
back to the fire. There had been chump wood on the fire,
some portions unburnt being in the low fender. A guard
was before the fire. Deceased said when she found herself
on fire she rolled about the floor, but receiving no reply to
her appeal for help, she ran down stairs.
Mr Charles Willett, house surgeon of the Great Northern
llPi tal deposed to the deceased being admitted about 12
o'clock in, blankets, every vestige of clothing having been
burnt off her. Every part of her body, with the exception
of the soles of her feet, were extensively scorched and
burned. She was is a very collapsed state, and sunk at
half-past three. She died from the shock to the system from
the injuries by the fire. She was so extensively burned that
nothing could be done, the CAS4 was hopeless. There was
a precisely similar case in the hospital from crinoline, and
that woman also was making a pudding, He thought she
would recover,

The Deputy Coroner referred to the fact that wtrnen's
attire could be made fireproof at a very slight expense, ;!rid
it wiis astonishing that when they knew that a saturation
of tungatate of soda ceunuon ti.lutu would render shin
safe from fire whno wearing, crinoline,
they did not ad pt
the process.
The Jury said it was the most frightful C3RO they had
heard of, and their view of the body showed that slie bad
to the letter been "burned to death, and was a victim to
.
the fashion of wearing crinoline."
A verdict of Accidental Death was recorded.

LONDON, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 1864,

It must have been with very different feelings
that the Central Executive Committee of the Relief
Find assembled at Manchester, on Monday last, from
those with which they met together when first
assuming their onerous duties. It was no light
task to undertake the relief of a pauperised popu-
lation of over half a million, especially when it was
quite uncertain how long the pressure might last,
and when the means of relief were principally
dependent on fluctuating sources. There was rea-
son to apprehend not only a repetition of the Irish
horrors of 1847, but to fear likewise the outbreak
of popular discontent or the deadly presence of
epidemic disease. From all these evils we have
been mercifully spared, and there is no doubt that
under Providence that exemption is due to the
promptness end efficiency of the means taken for
the relief of the distress. The contributions flowed
in faster than they were needed, and although the
committee always wisely kept a large balance on
hand, yet the receipts were still large, when they
wore able to announce that henceforward local
charity would be sufficient to meet the need. And
the distribution of aid, which was a task of no
ordinary difficulty and delicacy among so many
conflicting claims and local jealousies, has been
accomplished with a tii.icret,ion and a liberality of
spirit which has preserved public harmony un-
broken. But, notwithstanding the readiness
and efficiency of the aid, or rather perhaps
in consequence of those characteristics, the great
danger which political economists feared to be al-
most inevitable, has been happily averted; and far
from the population becoming demoralised and
inclined to pauperism, the opportunity of again
working for their living is everywhere hailed with
joy. The operatives have shown themselves willing
to fullo-wnther nckenr.+;,,,c, to which they hose
unaccustomed, they have undertaken the out-door
work provided under the Public Works Act with
promptness and cheerfulness, while in several of
the outlying unions the arrival of the cotton bales
once more called forth tears and blessings. There
is indeed great cause for thankfulness that the
country should have passed through such a crisis
with safety, that the very cause which threatened
to provoke disaffection and disturbance should only
have served to promote goodwill and kindliness,
and to draw classes nearer together by manifesting
a common sympathy and spirit of sacrifice. At
Christmas, 1863, the maximum cf distress was
reached in the startling number of 510,279 reci-
pients of relief. At Midsummer last the amount
bad fallen to 112,598, not much more than a fifth
of the previous number now relieved, is still further
reduced, being 96,295 ; and although this seems at
first a large aggregate, it is necessary to remember
that the ordinary pauperism of these unions
is very large, rising in the winter months to about
50,000, so that the average pressure on the rates is
now only about double that of 1861, which was
reckoned to be the most prosperous year which
Lancashire had ever known. Lancashire has had
cause to remember and regret those prosperous
days so quickly succeeded by such appalling dis.
tress, but brighter days are now dawning upon
her. From the relief committees of Royton, Lees,
Salford, and Ne'a ton Heath, letters were read at
the meeting on Monday announcing the gratifying
fact that they had been enabled to close their ope-
rations. Each of these several bodies, in thus corn-
pleting their undertaking, expressed their obliga-
tions to the Central Committee for their liberality
and attention. The present condition of affairs
manifests a steady improvement, which is more
encouraging than any sudden alteration. iu the
month of June this year there were 288,869 Operas
tives at work full time, 80,066 short time, and
105,161 out of work; while in July there were
292,448 on fall time, 67,660 on short time, and
101,568 out of work. Tho number of recipients of
relief from all sources, too, fell in the course of
that month from 111,346 to 96,-'95• One thou-
sand six hundred and sixty-eight skilled operatives
and 2600 factory workers are at present employed
on public Works;
andcalculating these en an
average of four
persons to a family, nearly
20,000 persons are thus kept off the
rates. Mr. VILLIERS'S Bill has, therefore,
been productive of substantial
good,and the good is
of a lasting nature. It wag
well known that, not.
withstanding the wealth, the energy,
and the large
04f the manufacturing
population districts, their
sanitary arrangements were most defective, adding
largely to the waste of life so common in such
places. They were like a man of business who is
so much engrossed in his trade or profession that
he has no time or,leisure to:hestow on the require.
meats of his own family. Engrossed in the all
absorbing interest of their trade and its belongings,
manufacturers and operatives alike were indifferent

Nothing can exceed the want of good feeling ex-
hibited by the Federals throughout the war in which
they have been solong engaged,but their last exploits
are worthy of the Prussians, and certainly it is a
satire on the race that was to be the beacon for the
nations that they are resorting to the most barbarous
modes practised by the Old World. The system now
adopted of deporting women and children, and
sending them to a wilderness, is perfectly atrocious,
and for ever disgraces the Government which sanc-
tions, and stamps with infamy the men who carry
out the inhuman work in its shameful details and
extravagant purposes. The cause of this barbarous
treatment is that their victims refuse to take the oath
of allegiance to the Federal cause. Two hundred
and forty-nine women and children were sent north
of the Ohio by SHERMAN they were quite destitute,
and it may be supposed therefore what these men
wish them to endure, sent as they are among those
who hate them. Some of these were put into the
military prison, and thence sent down. the Missis-
sippi to the extreme limits of the Gulf of Mexico,
" to dwell with alligators, or to die in the :swamps,"
as it is emphatically described in the account. The
administrative organ has the audacity to state
that these victims are "on a journey for their
rights." Such conduct and language are a disgrace
to the Federals as men; they lower themselves in
the scale of humanity, and the most inveterate
partisan of their cause mast be disgusted at their
course. War or peace ere secondary things in
comparison with such savage display of arbitrary
power, and such uncalled for and unmeaning viol
lence against defenceless persons. If anything
were wanting to deter the Confederate States from
prosecuting the war with vigour it would be this
inhuman mode now practised. Nothing less than
revenge can be meant by it, and that revenge of
the lowest order and the most revolting kind. That
States calling themselves Christian should thus
desecrate the highest laws is quiZe incomprehensible,
and that a civilised people should permit the Go.
vernment to do such things is quite extraordinary.
In order to be consistent the Federals should no
longer call themselves a Republic, but a Despotism,
and no more insua common sense by profaning the
name of freedom in applying it to their actions, I

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals is one of the most excellent institutions in
the country. It operates as a check upon many
who -would otherwise not be deterred from practising
their cruel propensities, and the fear of exposure
will restrain them when no considerations of a
higher nature will prevail. It is to be expected,
ho evever, that when the agents of this society have
aucceeded in proving a case in question, and clearly
exemplified that the facts are of a particularly
ag4ravated nature, due attention will be paid
to their assertions. It is much to be regretted when
too much laxity is shown to the offender, and the
ends of justice are not met. An extreme case of
cruelty to a horse was brought before the Enfield
Petty Sessions, and the whole of the evidence tended
to show that no excuse was given for any violence,
but that the measures employed were wanton and
brutal in the extreme. The defendant's position
in life only served to increase the evil, for he had
had the advantages of education and society to
restrain his passions, instead of giving way to them
to such a frightful extent. The pony he was
driving was generally driven by his daughter, and
when, they reached a particular spot the pony turned
to go as usual to the residence of a family where
the young lady was in the habit of calling. Instead
of employing proper means for quieting or directing
the animal, the defendant struck it so violently that
it broke from the vehicle ; he then jumped down,
and for a quarter of an hour beat it about the head
in the most savage manner. In vain those who
assembled round the spot tried to remonstrate with
him—he persisted in his savage treatment. The de-
fence made by the accused only made matters worse,
for he adopted a sort of bravado style, and evidently
thought that he was above criticism. No wonder
there was "sensation" among his hearers when he
said that the pony was not thrashed half enough,
as "it wanted a good thrashing three or four hours
a day with a good thick ash stick." It seems
strange, after the case had been fairly proved,
and the defendant, instead of expressing contrition,
only used language unbecoming and uncalled
for, that the Court should not have adopted
stronger measures to show their disapproval of his
words and conduct. A more lame conclusion could
not have followed so outrageous an affair. He was
merely told that the case came within the statute,
and that unnecessary violence had been used. He
was further informed that ho could appeal, if be
thought proper, and the trifling penalty of forty
shillings and costs was inflicted. It is a great pity
that the defendant did not appeal, because by that
means more publicity would have been given to the
affair, and a higher Court would not, in all pro-
bability, have dealt so leniently with the affair. It
is an occurrence deeply to be regretted that so gross
an instance of cruelty should be suffered to go by
unmarked by a decided reproof. If it were not in
the power of the Court to inflict a heavy fine, no-
thing prevented the strongest censure being be-
stowed upon the cruelty practised. It is monstrous
that a man of property and position should 1)4
suffered to go on unchecked in such a
course, for the harm he can do by his
ungovernable temper is ten times more extensive
than any iejaries a poor man can ir filet. There
are many who may Buffer wrong, cruelty, and in-
justice, and not have the means to make their
grievances known, while some may be deterred from
doing so for fear of the consequences of attacking

I shall not attempt at present to describe to you the whole
of the details of this shocking cruel affair which have come
to my hearing, as it would be difficult to do so perhaps with
all truth and correctness. I am however happy to inform you
that the resident consuls, including myself, have taken up
this affair properly and seriously, and have each made their
reports to the consuls-general and European Ministers at
Tangier, with the object of obtainining from the Court of the
Sultan a thorough investigation into this horrible tragedy,
with due reparation and security for the future against
repetition of such totally unjustifiable conduct on the part
of the Sultan's chiefs in command in the different parts of
the empire ; and I feel persuaded that his Imperial Majesty
will not only cause strict inquiry about this melancholy
event, but will likewise take all possible means to prevent
the recurrence of similar disgraceful conduct on the part of
his different governors in the country.
I think it right to menticn that the said province of
Haha has, fora great many years, been ruled by its present
governor B adj Abdalla, who, although considered a very
strict and severe chief, showing but little mercy to delis
quents of all classes, at the same time the province is quiet
and comparatively orderly, and due protection is afforded
fur travellers, traders, strangers, and property; and during
the disasters of the bombardment of Mogador by the
French some years ago, and the more recent troubles
caused by the Spanish war with the empire, the Jews of
this place were all received everywhere in Haha, and their
persons and property protected, and were all well-treated
as far as possible to be .done under the strict surveillance
and by the voluntary desire of the ruling governor, Hadj
Abdalla, and much to his credit. Mogador is situated in
the province of Haha, and its inhabitants could scarcely
expet;i, in such times as described, to obtain equal security
and protection In any other of the surrounding provinces,
where there exists greater confusion and misrule.

I wish to remove any impression that may erroneously
r be felt that your late visit to this country is the cause, or
in a:iy way connected with disasters similar to the occur-
rence above described; on the contrary, the recent edict
of the Sultan, published en the occasion of your visit to
his Court, has undoubtedly produced the most beneficial
results, and without which, at the present moment, the
position of the Jews in this empire might be far worse. I
feel, however, confident the good effects of the edict in ques-
tion will increase tenfold in the course of time.

Hoping this will find you in perfect enjoyment of good
health, and presenting the grateful respects of myself and
family, I have the honour to be, esteemed sir, your devoted
and obedient servant, ABRAHAM CAAS,
To Sir Moses Montefiore, Bart., ER,S„

Mogador, Aug. 1, 1864.
Esteemed Sir,--Since the recent deplorable event of the
death of a poor Jew by unmerited bey castigatiuu iu the
province close to This town, which I mentioned to you in
my letter of Jaly last, I now come to inform you that the
chief governor of the said province of Haha, Sidi Hadj
Alidalla, has returned to his residence there. and his excel-
ler.cy, immediately on learning the circumstances of the
case, expressed his strong disapprobation of the conduct of
his deputy in this shocking affair, and has written a long
letter directed to our governor, Kaid El Ilehddi, instruct-
ing him to call a meeting of the chief of the Jews of
Mogador, and read over to them its contents in extenua-
tion, with manifold promisee of entire security against the
chance of repetition of such gross outrage in future, and
intimating his desire to make some reparation for the past
unfortunate occurrence which he says took place in his
abst,nce entirely without his knowledge.
"His excellency offers the payment cf a fine or penalty
to be given as an atonement and consolation to the family
of the deceased, and that they should give him, as custo-
mary among the Moors is such cases, an acquittance or
pardon for the life of the deceased. When the meeting of
the Jews heard the contents of the aforesaid letter they
consulted among themselves the matter, and they took into
consideration the previous comparative kind treatment and
protection afforded to the Jews of this town by the people
of the province of Haha, under the direction of the said
Kaid Hadj Abdalla, at the time of the French and Spanish
wars in this empire. And fearing to bring upon themselves
the of the people of the said province, in case of
being placed in similar circumstances, as above mentioned,
they called to the relations of the deceased to accept the
aforesaid proposals of Kaid Abcialla, and they refused, say-
ing they have had their case reported to the foreign
Ministers, &c., and will leave the matter in their hands.
But the Jews pointed out to them the danger that may
arise if they refused, and they obliged them to give the
acquittance or pardon required, according to the Moorish
laws and usual customs. The meeting refused to receive
from his Excellency Kaid Abdalla what he offered to pay,
and they contributed among themselves the sum of £123,
which they have handed over to the said relations of de-
ceased.

It is no small advantage for us to feel the certainty that
this Raid and all others are greatly influenced to do good,
from the knowledge that all public affairs are strictly re
ported to the foreign Ministers and consular corps at Tangier
as well as elsewhere, the salutary effect of whose just inter-
ference in all necessary cases is incontestable.--I have the
honour to be, esteemed sire your faithful and obedient
humble servant, ADHAR4g
To Sir Montefiore, Bart., F.R.S., &c.

LORD PALMERSTON AND lIIS CONSTITUENTS.
The Premier has signified his intention of paying a
visit to his constituents on the occasion of Tiverton races,
which aro appointed to take place on the 21th and 25th 01
the present month. His lordship's private secretor)", ju
reply to an invitation from Mr. F. A. Payne, the secretary
of the Tiverton Race Committee, has forwarded to that
gentleman the following note •—" 10, Downing-str6et,
Aug. 12, 1861. Sir,—l eta directed by Lord Palmerston,
in reply to your communication of the 9th lust, to inform
you that it is his intention to visit Tiverton at the time of
the races,—l am, sir, your ob,dient servant EVELYN
ASHLEY."

NEW ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN BRIGHTON.
—The Roman Catholic church of St. Mary Mag-
dalen, in Brighton, which was partly open some time ago,
has been completed, and yesterday the solemn opening of
the entire building took place. The Right Rev. Dr. Grant,
Roman Catholic bishop of Southwark, celebrated high mass,
assisted by several of the clergy of the dioc-se. The music
was by Hummel, and was well performed. The sermon
was preached by Dr. Manning. There was present a large
number of the laity. Tha church is situated in Upper-
North-street, in the north-west part of Brighton, is in the
early English style, and is very beautiful. On each side of
the nave are several arches, supported by massive pillars,
adorned with some excellent carved work. The roof is of
stained oak. The church has a tower 60 feet high, and
from this tower there rises a spire, also 60 feet high. The
spire can be seen from a great distance. Mr Blount, of
London, is the architect, and Messrs. Cheesman, Fabler)
and Farina exect;ted the different parts of the works.