The Sun.
London, England, 1863-11-17 00:00:00

WESTMINSTER.

A RAILWAY GUARD DRUNK WHILE IN CHARGE OF A.
TRAIN.—John Feshlock, guard on the London, Chatham,
and Dover Railway, was charged with being drunk while
in the exercise of his office.

Defendant is a young and very intelligent-looking man,
and appeared deeply sensible of the position in which he
had placed himself.
Mr. Alfred Hancotk, inspector of the London, Chatham,
and Dover Railway, said the prisoner is employed by the
company as guard. At 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon my
attention was called to him as being drunk awl incapable
of doing duty at the station at Pimlico. lie had just come
tip with his train. I went to him and founl he was drunk.
➢lr. Arnold—You say ho had come up with his train.
Where had he came from?
Witness—He had come from Sheerness by the 1.45
train.
Mr. Arnold—What train ?

Witness—A passenger train, When I found him in the
condition I have described I immediately brought him to
the station and charged him.
Mr. Arnold--Was he so drunk as not to be ablo to take
charge of his train ?
Witness—He was too drunk to take care of his train,
although not so drunk as to disable him from walking.

Mr. Arnold—Has ho anything to do with the engine

Witness—Nothing himself with the engine ?

Mr. Arnold—But he has to give signals to the engine-
man, has he not ?
Witness—He has, air. He is the head guard, and it
would be his duty to give signals to the engine-man. In
case of break. down or any accident he would have charge.
Mr. Arnold—The engineer acts under his entire direction,
as he has the complete charge of the train ?
Witness—Yes, sir.

Dofendaht—l brought the train safely up. I had brought
it to Herne-hill all right, when I had the misfortune to
have some ship rum given me, and that, coupled with the
oscillation of the carriage, unfortunately got the better of
me.

Mr. Arnold—How long has he been in the service of the
company ?
Witness—Two years, but only guard during the last six
months. He waa appointed because he was a very quick,
intelligent, active man, and bore so good a character.
Defendant—There has never been the least complaint
made against me before.
Mr. Arnold—This is a most serious matter, and not like
ordinary charges of drunkenness in the streets. The lives
of the public are completely at the mercy of persons who
have the management of the railways, and it is of course of
vital importance that they should be in a sober and proper
state while following their employment. These are not
ordinary cases.
Defendant—lt is my first offence.
Mr. Arnold—By the Act of Parliament persons found in
your condition while on duty are subject to five months' im-
prisonment in the House of Correction for the offence.
The Superintendent--It is my duty to say he has hitherto
borne a very good character.
Mr. Arnold—So I understand, and am not going to inflict
upon him the full sentence of the law, but I repeat that this
is a most serious matter. Drunkenness is certainly seen in
its worst aspect in a railway guard, upon whose conduct
may hang the lives of so many.
Superintendent—This man was promoted for his good
conduct to his present position, but in the discharge of our
duty we were, of course, bound to bring the defendant
before you.
Mr. Arnold—Of course, you have done very right.
Superintendent—He had to take his train out at five.
Defendant—l was not aware the ship's rum I drank was
so strong.
Mr. Arnold—You should not permit yourself to be
tempted by liquor while in the exercise of so responsible a
and in default commit you for
post. I shall fine you £3,
a month.

MARIKETS:7This Day,

HAY MARKETS.

SMITTIFIELD.--MeadOW hay, £3 Os to £4 2s 6d ; clover,
£4 Os to £5 108 Od; and straw, £1 5s to £1 10s per load.
Trade slow.
Os to £4 Gd ;clover,
CITIVIIIHRLAND.--Mea4OW hay, £3
£4 Os to £5 lOs Od ; and straw, 4159 to £1 108 per load.
A slow demand.
WIIITECILAYEL.—Meadow hay, £3 Os to £4 2a 6d; clover,
£4 Os to £5 10s0d ; and straw, £1 ös to £1 10s per load.
Trade inactive.