The Sun.
London, England, 1863-12-26 00:00:00

THAMES.

THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON.—A shopkeeper
applied to Mr. Partridge for a summons against a police
constable for calling him a convicted thief. The magi-
strate asked the applicant under what circumstances he
was insulted in the way alleged.

The Applicant—That is all, Mr. Partridge.
Mr. Partridge—No, it is not. Were you inside or out-
side the shop ? What did you say to him ?
The Applicant—l was outside my shop, and said to the
policeman, " Thn compliments of the season to you," on
which he said, " Here you are, you are a vagabond, a vil-
lain, and a convicted thief."
Mr. Partridge—When was this?

Applicant—on the 24th, Christmas Eve.
Mr. Partridge—lt is very strange that any police officer
should have acted in the way stated. Take your summons.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.--There was an unusual number
of both day and night charges arising out of the Christmas
festivities. The K division presented a list of 35 charges
of felony, drunk and disorderly, drunk and incapable, drunk
and refusing to pay cab hire, drunk ani breaking windows,
and other offences. The H division presented a similar list
of 40 charges. Two brothers named Francis and Michael
Shea, Irishmen, were charged with violently assaulting
Benjamin Archer, 101 H, last night. The police constable
had been most wantonly and savagely beaten. J. Turner,
104 11. who came to the assistance of Archer,was also ill used.
They were encouraged in their brutality by their father,
who said they were no sons of his unless they beat the
policemen well. James Blackwall, police sergeant, No, 4
H, also came in for a share of the prisoner's violence. The
brothers, in defence, said the police had unjustly and un-
necessarily interfered with them, and beat them with their
staves. Roche, the gaoler of the court, was directed to
examine the prisoners, and, after doing so, was sworn. He
said there was not a mark upon them, and not the least in-
dication of their having been struck. Francis Shea is
au able seaman, his brother is a brass finisher, and
both aro men of good character. Mr. Partridge
said the prisoners were fighting on Christmas night, and
Archer had very properly interfered. Archer had been
seriously ill• treated, and struck on the head
Where those cases were clearly proveu, very severe examples
must be made. Police constables should receive the fullest
protection from him on all occasions. He fined the pri-
soners £5 each,

James Shea, the father of the two prisoners, was next
charged with assaulting Blackwell, and kicking him re-
peatedly about the body. He was fined £5.
Many others, with black eyes and broken heads, were
fined in various sums for drunkenness and assaults.

A Jersey seaman was fined 50s. for breaking a valuable
street plate glass, in Mr. Betts's publie-house, the Blake-
ney's Head, on Christmas eve.

WESTMINSTER.

LAMENTABLE EFFECTS OF CHRISTMAS REVELRY.—
A very respectable looking woman, upwards of 50 years of
age, was charged with felony under the following circum-
stances :

Henry Green, assistant to Mr. Chawse, provision merch •
ant, 83, Fulham-road, said that on Christmas Eve the pri-
soner came into the shop and bought a small quantity of
butter, for which she paid. While he was serving her he
remarked that she was endeavouring to put a piece of bacon
from the counter into a basket she had with her. He went
up and accused her of trying to steal the bacon, when he
discovered that she had got another large piece, value 55.,
under her shawl, and he then gave her into custody.
Mr. Salle—What is known of the prisoner ?

Policeman—Nothing. She gave her address at Cuslaw-
cottages, where we found she lived. Her sister is here.
A respectable looking woman with a child in her arms
stepped forward, and said that the accused was her sister,
and she was much pained to see her in her present position.
She was a very respectable hard-working woman, and had
gained her living for many years by service.
Mr. Selfe—How do you account for her committing this
robbery ?
The sister—Only that she bad met with some friends,
and it being Christmas she had been induced to take some
drink, and did not know what she was about.
Mr. Selfe (to the prosecutor)—Had she been drinking ?
Prosecutor—She was certainly the worse for liquor, but
appeared to know well what she was about.
Prisoner—l am guilty. I was intoxicated.
Mr. Selfe—l can't allow that to be urged as an excuse, or
no one's property would be safe. You are committed for a
month.