The Sun.
London, England, 1839-12-30 00:00:00

CHRISTMAS-BOX TAX UPON THE CITIZENS BY THE
CITY POLICE.—On Saturday the LORD MAYOR re-
ceived a letter from a citizen of London, requesting his
Lordship would interpose his authority to put a stop to
the disgraceful practice of Christmas-box collecting by
the City Police. If the pay to them, such the letter
stated, were 'insufficient, they ought to have
more; but to allow them to levy a tax upon house-
holders (voluntary, it was true), to b 3 expended, as has
too often been the case, in'a manner not the most re-
spectable, had certainly better be put an end to. His
Lordship immediately transmitted the letter to Mr.
D. W. Harvey, the Commissioner of City Police, from
whom he received the following answer :
" City Police Office, Guildhall, Dec. 27, 1839.

" MY LORD,—I am favoured with your communica-
tion upon the subject of Christmas-boxes, which, there
is reason to apprehend our constables are applying for.
This proceeding is directly at variance with the rules
and orders of this establishment, and whenever a charge
is made out the wrong doer will be assuredly punished.
A case of this kind came before me this morning, and
I enclose you a copy of the order made upon it, and
which, I trust, will prevent the repetition of the offence.
If publicity were given to this proceeding is might not
only deter the inhabitants of the City from complying
with applications, but induce them to bring the same
under my notice.
" I have the honour to be, my Lord,
" Your Lordship's very obedient servant,
" D. W. HARVEY.
" To the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor."
" City Police Office, Guildhall, Dec. 27, 1839.

" J. A., No. —, policeman, charged with applying
for and receiving sundry Christmas boxes, amounting to
7s. 6d., has this day been fined 12s. 6d., being the money
so received, and ss. for receiving money without permis-
sion.

" Ordered by the Commissioner to be read to the men
at their respective musters."
A DESPERATE IRISH TAlLOR.—Maurice White, a
young Irish journeyman tailor, was brought handcuffed
before the Lord Mayor, charged with having most
violently assaulted some policemen.
The LORD MAYOR asked why the man was hand-
cuffed ?—lnspector Brake said that it bad been found
necessary to manacle him in consequence of his great
wish and power to do mischief.

James Corder, policeman No. 286, stated that the
defendant and several of his countrymen had been quar-
relling on the preceding night at the Black Horse pub-
lic-house, in Petticoat-iane, and that the landlord called
out " Murder !" in the apprehension that murder would
be committed.

James Martin, policeman No. 94, stated that he went
to assist the former witness and two metropolitan police-
men in the public-house. The defendant was fighting
desperately with another man, and on being taken away,
dislocated the thumb and broke the thumb-bone of the
witness, and fought desperately to get away.
It was stated that the defendant, even in the station-
house, made the most tremendous attacks upon the
police.
The LORD MAYon—Well, defendant, what have
you to say ? Defendant—Why, my Lord, I might
have been a little obstropolous, for I had a drop of liquor,
and I ain't the quietest in the world when I raises my
elbow to my mouth.

The LORD MAYOR—You have done these policemen
great injury.

Defendant—l'm sorry for it, please your Lordship,
and I hope your Lordship won't think anything of i: at
this time, and I'll promise you I won't do it any more.
The LORD MAYOR—You are a desperate fellow, and
I shall send the case for trial.

The Inspector said that the defendant had some time
ago kept the police at bay with brick-bats, when pursued
in consequence of having committed an assault.
Defendant—Oh, indeed, you can say anything now
that my hands are tied. Please your Lordship, if you
pass the matter over this time, I'll let them alone for the
future.

The LORD MAYOR—You must procure bail.
Detendant—Arragh, where a poor innocent
Irishman get bail. You don't take in • for one of your-
selves, do you ?—(A laugh.)—Comm tied.