The Sun.
London, England, 1837-04-25 00:00:00

practical opinions, from their practical experience,
were entitled to every attention, who had more
than doubts on the subject ; and there were others
inclined to give a positive negative to the question.
But he considered that what had passed in the other House
in the course of the present and the last Sessions of Par-
liament precluded them from ceercising their judg-
ment and enfbrcing their opinions on that point. It
was not safe to come to a conclusion that there ought
to be Poor-laws for Ireland until the subject had been
very carefully and diligently examined, and eorne system had
been definitely decided upon. Now, in August last, it had
been stated by the Noble Lord the Secretary for Ireland in
the House of Commons that his Majesty's Government had
determined to introduce a measure respecting poor laws in
Ireland in the course of the present session ; he was, there-
fore, exceedingly glad to find that such was the case, and
never doubted that the plan, if not matured in all its details,
had been at least very fully considered ; and accordingly he
was in proportion disappointed and very greatly surprised
when he discovered that instructions were given to another
Commissioner, and that upon his recommendation—subse-
quent to the declaration of the Secretary for Ireland—the
Pill was founded. He considered that the announcement
having been made in August was tantamount to committing
the Government to carry through some measure of the kind.
Thus, then, they were placed in a very difficult position.
The Noble Lord had told their Lordships that he was not a
free agent in this matter—that he must support the plan, but
that he should do all in his power to render it beneficial. Now,
he (Lord Brougham) thought this matter ought to be recon-
sidered ; and notwithstanding that he felt the difficulty of the
situation in which they were placed—fortunately but acci-
dentally, for he attributed blame to no one—he was sure they
ought to enter upon the discussion of such a question as
free and unfettered as possible, and endeavour to extricate
themselves as far as they could from the difficulty of their
position. He acknowledged the sound discretion which
had dictated the appointment of the Commissioners, and
he had read with admiration their exceedingly able Re-
port ; for he believed, whatever differences of opinion
might exist as to the subject matter of it, no one had hesi-
tated to pronounce a very high opinion of the ability which
it displayed ; and he hoped to God it might be possible to
carry that plan, which had been recommended, into execu-
tion ; and if it was carried into execution he trusted it
would produce, those good effects which were anticipated
from it. He could not, however, conceal from himself the
fact that there was a very material difference between the
circumstances of the two countries, respecting the applica-
bility of the poor-house system. In England, undoubtedly,
there were labourers, but experience had proved that there
was also work ; in Ireland, according to the best informa-
tion, there appeared to be a want of labour, and a defi-
ciency of remuneration. Of that there was constant evi-
dence, for how frequently did they hear of men coming to
villages and towns, and actually almost tearing to pieces any
person who required the assistance of labour, in order that
each might get his share ; they knew bow frequently such
scenes gave rise even to breaches of the peace, and it was
indeed the ordinary cry of the labourers there—" Secure
us only 3s. per week, and we shall be contented and
grateful to you." That was the picture of the state of
Ireland in reference to this subject ; and this Bill, though
it went only a little way, yet, being a measure which tended
to bring capital to Ireland, it must go to the very root of
the evil. Then he only hoped that this measure would re-
ceive a free and fair consideration, for he could sot help,
feeling that the introduction of this system, and the intro-
duction of the hopes and expectations grounded on the pro-
mulgation of it—(Hear)—and the exaggerated hopes of
relief to be given, night be detrimental ; for if those ex-

LITERATURE.

THE CL 0 CKMA KER.
Bentley, London, 1837.

aggerated notions got abroad, and were circulated amongst
the Irish people, this measure would interfere with that
sovereign remedy which he believed was to be found in a
system of emigration.
Viscount MELBOURNE was not disposed to make
the slightest complaint' against the Noble Earl for having
taken this opportunity of making some observations on the

measure which had been the main subject of discussion that
evening; nor was he disposed to disagree with the Noble
Lord opposite, who had considered it advisable that the

general opinion of this House on public questions of impor-
tance, should occasionally be stated during the progress of
measures through the other House of Parliament ; 'and he
could assure both those Noble Lords who had spoken on
the matter, that all the observations and remarks which had
been made, and all the difficulties which had been suggested,
should receive from his Majesty's Government that conside-
ration which the importance of the subject deserved. It
had been observed by a Noble and Learned Lord, who had
reverted to what took place in August last, when his Noble
Friend the Secretary for Ireland stated his intention of
bringing in a Bill on this subject, that that was a very hasty
step on the part of his Majesty's Ministers, inasmuch as
it was evident that they had not made up their minds
as to the actual measure which they intended to intro-
duce, because the Commission on which the present Bill
was founded bore date subsequently to the intimation of
his Noble Friend (Lord Morpeth) ; but he (Lord Mel-
bourne) must beg to remind the House that that was not
the first intimation on the subject, for it had been recom
mended to the attention of Parliament in the Speech from
the Throne at the commencement of the session of 1836,
and that recommendation had of course been responded to
in the Address.—(Hear, hear.) The Government, how-
ever, had determined on the general principles of that mea-

sure, founded on the Report of the Commissioners ; but they
had nevertheless thought it advisable to have the opinion
of a person as to the applicability of those general principles,
and they accordingly did take the opinion of a person who,
with every respect for the Commissioners, had more practical
experience than any of them. He would not now go into
any of the details of this measure ; but there were more
objections which had been stated by his Noble Friend who
opened the debate, to which he felt bound to ref2r. It did
not in the first place, appear to him that a system of emi-
gration was inconsistent with relief at home. Such had not
been found to be the case in this country ; for there was much
emigration in England, and at the same time an extensive
system for the purpose of affording relief to the poor and
destitute who remained here. He was perfectly aware of
the difficulties of this question ; every man perceived them ;
and though perhaps the Noble Earl opposite exaggerated
slightly when he characterized this as the most important
measure which lied been brought before Parliament within
his recollection, yet undoubtedly he (Lord Melbourne)
knew of few that were superior to it in regard to its diffii•
cuities, its dangers, its importance, or the impossibility of
retracing a false step, if unfortunately they should make
one. It appeared that the workhouse system might not be
applicable to that country in consequence of the excessive
amount of destitution, which it was intended to relieve ; but
it was to remembered that precisely the same objection had
been made upon its introduction in England with regard
to those counties where poverty and destitution prevailed
to a great extent ; then it was said " the system can never
answer, it will only produce injurious effects, for the amount
of destitution is so great that it will be impossible to find
relief." But, somehow, it was
,found ; and he (Lord
Melbourne) knew many persons who had expressed to him
their surprise and astonishment at the beneficial manner
in which it had operated in those counties L--and in Sussex,
Kent, and Hampshire, where there had been the greatest
depression and distress, labour had been found in much
greater proportion, the rate of wages had been raised, and
the people had become more active in finding employment—
a result which was crowned with the utmost success. He
did not, however, mean to say that such an effect could be
relied on with the same degree of certainty in Ireland ; but
he did hope that when they came to grapple with these
difficulties they would not be found so insuperable 'as tb
obviate all attempts to overcome them.---( Hear.) He en-
tirely agreed in the statement which had been made on all
sides, that this was a subject which should be entered upon
without anything like party feeling, and only with the view
of finding a solution for the difficulties and a remedy for
the evils which existed ; and he would again assure their
Lordships that there was no disposition on the part of the
Government but to render the measure as beneficial and as

GENTLEMAN JAC'K. B Vols.
Colburn, London, 1837.

Norc.

practicable as possible.—(Hear.)
The Bill was then read a second time.
The Trial by Jury (Scotland) Bill was read a third time,
and passed.

Their Lordships then adjourned.

I.Ve arc able to state on information on which we
can confidently rely, that a noble individual, connected by pro.
perty with the manufacturing districts of the north of England,
has, within the last few days, represented to Ministers the
alarming state of these districts, and the peril which would
result to the peace of the country from any attempt to bring
the new Poor-law into operation among their impoverished
and excited population. And we are happy to learn further
that assurances were given in reply that it is not in contem-
plation to enforce in these districts at the present time the re-
gulations of the new Poor-law.—Morning Post.
THE NEW NOVEL OF " GENTLEMAN JACK,"
by the Author of " Cavendish," has at length made its appear-
ance : and to the infinite amusement of the naval circles there
is scarcely an old officer of any note or distinction who does not
find in it something relating to, or connected with himself.
At Leghorn thirty-four pupils of an academy have
been imprisoned on a charge of participating in a treasonable
conspiracy recently discovered there.
" THE VICTIMS OF SOCIETY."-This is the
strikintr title of Lady Blessington's new work ; and a more
fearless exposure of the evils arising from the present state of
high life in England, has perhaps never before been presented
to the public, as a picture which few eoelci give. The value
of this work will be felt in its exclusiveness, and those who
would see and draw useful lessons from the errors of those
who possess the advantages of wealth and luxury, should read
this work, as the report of one of our highest and most talented
authoresses, from the near view which her privileged position,
as a Peeress has enabled her to take of the subject.
The price of hay in some of the midland counties is
as high as 111, per ton.

SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY, APRIL 251 _ 837

The hero of this narrative is Samuel Slick, a clock
pedlar, who records minutely, and somewhat tediously,
the opinions on men and things in America, which he
has formed in the course of his various peregrinations.
There is no want of shrewd observation and broad
hu•nour in Slick's details of his adventures, but the
language in which they are written is so uncouth—so
barbarous—so full of transatlantic slang—as in many
instances to be wholly unintelligible. The episode of
the " Broken Heart," in particular—to quote the nar-
rator's own polished phraseology—has " tetotaciously
exilunctified us." As specimens of Slick's humour
we quote the following :
" Politics take a deal of time, and grind away a man's ho-
nesty near about as fast as cleaning a knife with brick-dust."
"Judge 13ecler—I dare say you have heard tell of him—is
a funny fellow ; he put a notice over his factory gate at Lowel,
" no cigars or Irishmen admitted within these walls,' for, said
he, the one will set a flame going among my cottons, and the
other among my girls."
" Encourage timid women, be gentle and steady with frac-
tious ones, but lather the sulky ones like blazes. The female
heart, as far as my experience goes, is just like a new Indian-
rubber shoe ; you may pull and pull at it, 'till it stretches out
yard long, and then let go, and it will fly right back to its
old shape. Women's hearts are made of stout leather—there's
a plaguy sight of wear-in them."

CURIOSITIES OF MEDICAL EXPERIENCE.
2 Vols. Bentley, London, 1837.
The well-known " Curiosities of Literature," sug-
gested—as the author tells us in his preface—the idea
of the present performance, which is a collection of
curious facts and anecdotes strung loosely together;
but all wore or less illustrative of the various pheno-
mena of the human frame. Dr. Milliiigen has certainly
produced an amusing book; and this is about the highest
praise we can accord him. His language throughout, espe-
cially in his preface, wants simplicity and condensation.
It is verbose and ambitious, strutting along on stilts,
when it should be walking in a sober, natural fashion.
This is a pity, for there is much good sense, the une-
quivocal result of long medical experience, to he met
with in the volumes—we allude, particularly to the
chapters on " Insanity" and on the " Influence of
Imagination," both of which are as valuable in matter,
as they are deficient in manner. The lovers of startling
incident will find a rare feast in Dr. Millingen's remarks
and anecdotes on the subject of " Monsters," from
which we select the following passage :

.
" The history of the double-headed infant of Oxford is cu-
rious. This creature had two heads diametrically opposite,
four arms, one body, and two lower extremities. These heads
were doubly baptized, one by the name of Martha, and the
other, Mary. The features were different ; Mary's was
smiling, Martha's dejected. The latter died two days after
her birth, and Mary expired a quarter of an hour after. A
curious monster of a similar description is recorded to have
lived at the Court of James the Fourth of Scotland. It had
been taught several languages and music. One head was in-
telligent, the other remarkably stupid. This creature lived
twenty-eight years, when one of the individuals died. The
other survived several days, but gradually drooped as the body
of his late companion was decomposing."

In this chapter Dr. Millingen shows a singular love
of technical, and fine-sounding words. Thus, monsters
he calls " monstruosities ;" defects, " defectuosities,”
and theologians, " th.ologasters.” We regret to see
an able man indulging in these puerile affectations. In
nine cases out of ten, the simplest and most familiar
word is the best. The more tawdry set phrase should
be left to auction advertisers. The chapter on
" Obesity" contains one or two capital anecdotes. " A
story is told," says our author,
" Of an Irish tallow-chandler who, during the invnsion of
Cromwell's army, made candles with the fat of Englishmen,
which were remarkable for their good quality ; but when the
times became more tranquil, his goods were of an inferior
kind; and when one of his customers complained cf his can-
dles falling off, be apologized by saying, lam sorry to tell
you the times are so bad, that I have been short of Eng-
lishmen for a long time."

Dr. Millingen seems to be of opinion that obesity is
" a serious evil"—an hypothesis to which we beg to
put in a demurrer, inasmuch as it is generally found
accompanied by an easy, good humoured temper—the
greatest blessing which can be conferred on any indi-
vidual. Fat men seldom anticipate grievances, or run
to meet them half-way. Surely, this is a strong argu-
ment in favour of obesity I To be sure, your Falstaffs
are apt to melt somewhat severely in summer, but then

your Don Quixotes are equally liable to be pinched
and frozen in winter. In the East, we know, corpu-
lence is universally admired ; and the owners of
Harems in Algiers always estimate their women by
their size ; purchase them by the hundred-weight ; and
trundle them home on a wheel-barrow ! So says Wash-
ington Irving, on the authority of his humorous Orien-
tal friend, Mustapha Rub-a-dub Kheli Khan.

• If a quick succession of stirring incident can make
a novel popular,tthen this last new tale by the author
of " Cavendish" will be sure to brime grist to the pub-
lisher's mill. " Gentleman Jack" is the history of an
active, adventurous naval officer, who enters into the
profession while yet in his teens, and ultimately, by
dint of perseverance, and strict attention to discipline,
attains the great object of his ambition—promot;on.
The various scenes in which he is introduced, and the
characters with whom he comes into contact, are
sketched with boldness and freedom. Among these
last, we have a sort of etching of " Black Jack," Lord
Howe, which conveys a very good idea to our minds
of the habits and peculiarities of the hero of the " fa-
mous first of June." But decidedly the best and most
consistently maintained character in the tale is that of
Pipes, a boatswain of the old school, rough and un-
couth as a Russian bear, but concealing under this
unprepossessing exterior, a warm heart, and a disposi-
tion remarkable for frankness and generosity. This
grim old tar, with his long yarns, and his queer say-
ings, and his whimsical crotchets, his affected saga-
city, yet his utter simplicity, and ignorance of the
world, might redetm a far worse book than " Gentle-
man Jack." Pipes's lament that " I can't keep
money, it melts very soon, and runs away in grog," is
something more than a mere matter-of. fact
.statement ;
it borders closely on the pathetic. We should not
omit to remark, that in this novel there are some cu-
rious details illustrative of that most remarkable event
our naval annals—the mutiny at Spithead and the

FAMILY LIBRARY. No. 63. . . •
Tegg, London, 1837.
The title of this work, " Sketches of Imposture,
Deception and Credulity," will no doubt procure for
it a fair share of success. It is, however, a record not a
little humiliating to human nature ; for it shows how
easily it is gulled, and how numerous, in all ages and
in all countries, have been the &apes to designing ad-
venturers. We have here an account of the famous
bottle conjuror, whose public advertisement, announc-
ing his intention, if duly patronised, of getting first
into a quart bottle, and afterwards into a pint one, had
the effect of filling the Haymarket to suffocation ; of
the still more notorious Cock-lane Ghost, which
Johnson half-believed, and which Foote turned into
such remorseless ridicule in his farce of the Orators;
of the Princess Caraboo, whose feigned tale of ro-
mantic distress procured her the notice and the pro-
tection of Hannah Moore ; and, in fact, of all the
various impostures, and their name is Legion, which
have attracted public attention for the last two or three
centuries. The volume is tersely written, and con-
tains an abundance of curious anecdote.

PISO AND THE PRiEFECT ; OR, THE
ANCIENTS OFF THEIR STILTS.
IN THREE VOLUMES.
Smith, Elder, and Co., London, 1837.
This novel purports to be a picture of the domestic
manners of the Romans before the final downfall of