The Sun.
London, England, 1863-04-14 00:00:00

facts contained in the report is decidedly unfavour-
able to the provision made by Government for main-
taining the health of the army. This neglect is not
only impolitic, it is ungrateful and inhuman, and the
whole barrack department demands a searching re-
form. Our colonial empire exposes thesoldier to try-
ing vicissitudes of climate, for he must serve either
beneath the Tropics or in the neighbourhood of the
Pole. Such residences shatter the strongest physi-
cal constitution, and give the most powerful claim to
at least a healthy dwelling when the soldier is quar-
tered at home. ignorance can no longer be pleaded in
extenuation of palpable omissions of foresight. The
laws of life are known, and the Horse Guards are
bound to obey the admonitions of science. We are
far from insinuating that any' wanton indifference
exists, but the evidence is too strong to allow us to
declare that proper judgment has been exercised.
It is proved beyond doubt or cavil that disease and
death arise from easily preventible causes. This
charge rests on the highest medical testimony, and
it throws a fearful responsibility on the military
authorities_ The crying evil is overcrowding, and
it may be easily removed. It is idle to murmur at
the cost, for a notion is unworthy of the protection
of a military force if the life of the soldier is sacri-
ficed to the false economy of stinginess.

" There is no person for it now but yon and I. You can
go down to Newry in the evening, and return in the morn-
ing. It will blow over, and you will have £5O for your
trouble." I said T was the last person in the world that he
should make such a proposition to—not exactly angry at
him, for it was as a friend he asked me. Heard him pro-
pose it to Smith. Prisoner stated that he had been rather
intimate with Mr. Dickinson's wife.

Cross-examined by Mr. Curran—l lived in Newry for
some years. I was master of the workhouse there, but left
it because I had too much to do. There was an investiga-
tion into certain charges, at which I was honourably ac-
quitted.

• An old man named Wm. Mullin was sworn, and exa-
mined by Mr. Barry, Q.C.—He said—Well, my lord, I
wish to inform you lam a little forgetful. For instance,
if, before my breakfast, I said my morning prayers, and I
was asked whether I did or not through the day, I might
not just remember whether or not. I just wish to say
that. (Laughter.) He deposed—l live near Newry, and
follow the chimney-sweep business. lam a dealer in marine
stores and a farmer. I know the prisoner. I saw him
about a week before he was arrested. He said, " Did you
not hear of this thing that has happened between Mr.
Dickinson and his servant maid ?" He told me a story of
something that occurred there, and I said Mr. Dickinson
had no business acting in that way. Harcourt said that
Mr. Dickinson should be put out of the way. He said he
could get him put out of the wa3 for a few pounds, and
that he would give me £lO if I would get it done for him.
Witness was proceeding with a rambling statement, when
Mr. Baron Hughes said—Are you aware that if you do
not conduct yourself' properly you are liable to be sent to
prison ?

Witness--I would be glad to be put in prison, my lord, if
I did not do right. Any man who does not do right de-
serves to be put there. (Laughter.)
Examination continued—l told him I was independent
and did not want his money. I did •not think he was in
earnest. He was not all right, for he came in just like a
man playing a tune on a fiddle. He said if I would do the
job he could be popped through the window. My little girl
was present when he said this. He had a revolver with him
with one barrel and six chambers. He also said he had
poison with him.

Cross-examined by Mr. Sidney—My memory is very
bad. Harcourt spoke in the presence of my child. I did
not mind what he said, and the reason of that is, that I
think he " waited a slate on his upper story." (Laughter.)
Acting Inspector Smith, of the G division, proved having
arrested the prisoner, in company with Acting Inspector
Daley. They found in the apartment a bottle labelled
" Prussic Acid—poison," Also a dagger and a pistol,
capped and loaded.