The Sun.
London, England, 1837-09-26 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1837.

yar,ls from the gig the pistol was fired off. ceordieg
to tile direction he put his arm out I should think it was
quite impossible for him to have shot the man. I did not
hear any one call out after the pistol bad been fired. Mr.
Cooper was driving, but I had the whip in my hand ; we
then went home and had supper ; we did not hear of the
accident until 12 o'clock on Sunday morning, when we were
taken into custody.
In his cross-examination Thirkettle said that the pistol
was double-barrelled, and that Cooper Fred off the other
barrel nearer to Norwich on his way home ; Cooper was
rather intoxicated ; he declared he never said anything con-
trary to a man named Willis, or any body else.
The inquest was then adjourned until Wednesday, and
the witness Thirkettle was ordered to be detained by the
constable, and not to be allowed to communicate with any
other person. At the next sitting of the inquest, the wo-
man called by the last witness Symonds, but who gave her
name Hannah Greenfield, confirmed Thirkettle's evidence
and stated that Mr. Cooper drank spirits and water at her
house, leaving it rather intoxicated.
George Ford, of Sprowston, was walking on the Nor-
wich road on Saturday night, about twenty minutes before
nine o cock ; saw two persons in a gig, who appeared to
be drunk, as they drove from the road to the footpath in a
most uneven manner ; witness got up against Mr. Cozen 's
hedge to get out of the way of the gig, when the gentle-
man in the gig pointed a pistol at him, and fired it off. The
ball whizzed past him, but did not hit him. He was not
more than four yards from the gig, when they fired at him.
W. C. Brittain, landlord of the inn at St. Miles's, de-
posed to Thirkettle having given him a statement of the
accident, differing in some trifling details from that related
to the Jury.
The following deposition of the deceased, taken lefore
his death, was put in :
" I was returning from North Walsham on Saturday
night, and went into the George Inn, at Catton, for a few
minutes. On going along the road two persons in a gig
overtook me—one of them said, How are you, old boy ?'
I answered, Very well.' Only one spoke. I did not
know the voice. They went a little way on and then fired.
I felt myself shot, and cried out Help, help, lam shot,'
but they drove on the faster. They drove very swiftly.
A man in a fustian coat helped me to the George. I mare
no suspicion of the individuals who did this. I have no
idea of the motive with which they did it. I should think
it could not be front sport. I should think, by the voice,
that the person might be in liquor. The men were dressed
in dark-coloured clothes. The one sat higher than the other.
I was not looking at them at the time they fired. Ido not
recollect that I passed a man on foot.

27.4AE,GATE-

:17 Ri l 4.:5;

The Thanet Race Ball, under the patronage of the
Stewards of the Races, C. W. L. Keene, Esq., and J.
Gaskell, Esq., yesterday evening, at Bettison's Library, was
of a most brilliant description, being attended by the princi-
pal families of the town and neighbourhood. The Library,
which was divested of its usual furniture, was elegantly
decorated for the occasion. The central columns were
tastefully encircled with wreaths of flowers, and the spacious
front of the book department entirely concealed by rose
colour and white drapery. Shrubs and exotics (among
which coloured lamps were interspersed) were arranged,
with excellent taste, in various parts of the room ; wile
stars and festoons of coloured lamps added to the brilliancy
of the chandeliers, and threw a bright lustre over the nume-
rous assemblage of beauty and fashion. Prince's excellent
quadrille band was in attendance, and gave the greatest
satisfaction.
Colonel Clark, M. C., of Ramsgate, most handsomely
volunteered his services for the occasion. The dancing
was kept up with great spirit, and the company retired at
a late hour, highly delighted with the amusements of the
evening, the arrangements of which reflect great credit on
the taste and liberality of Mr. Bettison, the proprietor.

NATIONAL LOAN FUND LIFE AS-

SURANCE SOCIETY.

(From the Worcestershire Guardian. )
A Meeting took place on Thursday last, in Worcester,
for the purpose of establishing a Branch of this Institution.
Mr. Laurie Murray, the Chairman of the London Board,
and several other influential gentlemen, amongst whom we
noticed Mr. Pierpoint, Mr. Dent, Mr. Hall, Mr. Hughes,
Mr. Rowlands, Mr. J. W. Lea, Mr. Hood, &c. were in
attendance.

Mr. Larnie Murray, after stating Oat he was happy to
see men of so much influence met together to investigate
the merits of the Institution, and ready, if they approved
its principles, to diffuse its advantages by the influence of
example, disclaimed being anxious to set forth its advan-
tages to the prejudice of any of the existing forty Assu-
rance Establishments. His great anxiety was to increase the
number of Assurers, by increasing the facility of Assurance ;
and he was quite certain, whatever success attended this
Society, the effect would be equally felt by those already es-
tablished. This was the most enlightened view to take,
and experience every day repudiated narrow and con-
tracted views of rivalry. He would not enter. into any
argument as to the value of Life Assurance. The
fault he found with the present system was, that the
number of individuals included in its benefits, compared to
the mass of society, were so few. He believed there were
about forty Assurance Companies, and the aggregate num-
ber assured for life was not greater than 80,000 indivi-
duals, which would give an average of 1,500 persons for
each office. This would be proved by the fact, that the
Equitable had not more than 6,000 policies for life, though
the average of each policy, 2,0001., was undoubtedly tahigh
one ; this would give to the representatives of the Assured
a sum of 12,000,0001., and he believed the funded capital
of that Establishment was about 11,000,0001. The Law
Life was another prosperous office, and the number of po-
licies was about the same as the Equitable, and its average
was 1,1001. each policy. Taking all the offices, the average
of each policy was about 6001. ; and supposing each office
had 1,500 policies, it would give it a yearly income in pre-
miums of 35 to 40,000 a year, or 15,000,000 in the aggre-
gate paid. in premiums. After payment of expenses, and laying
by as much as would cover the risk, ote fourth, and even
more, of this sum at least was profit ; which showed that a
small business was profitable, and at the same time that Life
Assurance had not reached the middle, or productive classes.
He would consider this Society a failure when established
throughout each district if, in a given number of years, the
number of policies did not exceed that of all the existing
offices put together. The middle classes had no Institution
open to their savings ; they could not promise themselves
continued ability to meet the aanuel premium ; consequently
this mode of providing for a family was quite debarred
them. He undertook to say that not one tradesman in 500
—besides the number of farmers and agriculturists, and
other great branches of society, who were the very frame-
work and security of the State—was assured at all. It
was not because they were less productive than any other
class, the great exertions they made in all the departments
of life disproved that presumption, but. the reason was, that
Life Assurance had not been brought within their com-
pass. The productive classes had Benefit Societies, and
Savings' B inks ; and to a certain ixtent these were sub-
stitutes—but very imperfect ones. A Savings' Bank was
still better than a Benefit Society ; in the latter, a man
assured himself provision in sickness, the expences of a
funeral ; or an annuity commencing, at an old age. Now
the average of a general sickness would not be two years of
a man's life, and such an object could without diminishing
the saving materially, be obtained by a SaViugs' Bank. In
re,pect to a deferred annuity there was a: keitabability of a
man not reaching 60 years, and it' so a saving made up to that
time would purchase provision for old age. Savings' Banks
were, however, defective and inferior to this Society, in as
much as they made no provision for the uncertainty of hu-
man life ; while through the Loan Fund all the advantages
of a Savings Bank was secured. Besides, he remarked
that accumulation went on as beneficially in an Assurance
Society, as in a Savings Bank ; inasmuch as a man at 20
who assured his life for 5001. provided he lived to his expec-
tancy, 33 years, would have paid according to the tables,
about 3001. in the aggregate in annual payments. Mr.
Murray then entered into similar statements as to other
ages, showing that in no way could a saving be made
more productive than by a life Assurance. In continua-
tion, he stated that all the advantages obtainable by Benefit
Societies and Saving Banks, had been combined in the pre-
sent Institution and made equally applicable to all classes.
The leading advantages of this Society were, with a Life
Assurance, a man was protected against misfortune in his
life time. The benefits would be made to arise both from
the uncertainty of human affairs, as well as human life. It
was also available for the support of a man in his undertak-
ing—causing his savings to act as a capital reproducing it-
self. Tnis advantage sprung from the Loan Fund ; a per-
son assured would have as much right to draw for two-
thirds of the amount of the premiums, as he would have
to draw a check on his bankers.
Mr. PlearolNT asked if there were any stated time at
which a person assured might apply for the required loan?
Mr. MURRAY.—He might begin at any time after the
first year.
Mr. DENT.—And he might then demand it ?

" W. C. MOORE.

" T. Brightwell, Mayor ; A. Hudson."
The Rev. Prebendary Wodehouse said that Mr. Cooper,
on being taken into custody, said that he did not know he
had shot the man ; he felt confident when he fired that the
shot went over the hedge. Witness went to the hospital,
saw the deceased, and asked him if he had any relation
named Cooper ? He replied no, nor did he know any per-
son of that name. He was told that the gentleman who
caused the a( cident would do anything he could for his
wife end family ; to which he made no reply.
The Jury retired, and in 20 minutes returned a verdict
of " Manelaughter against Jonathan Whitley Cooper, gent."
The Court, which had been crowded to suffocation dur-
ing this long inquiry, was then cleared. When the populace
were informed of the verdict of the Jury, they rushed to
the Narfelk Hotel, where the Jury were waiting to sign
the vci%liet, and made a most de.perate attack on them,
abusie,.; than for not finding Mr. Cooper guilty of wilful
murcier, the police were sent to quell the riot.—
Abridged from the Norwich Me; curt'.

SHIPWRECK ON THE COAST OF

DUNDRUM.-SEVEN LIVES LOST.

We regret to state that, in consequence of the tremen-
dsus storm of Sunday night last, the Oen,. de Lion, of
Liverpool, bound for Quebec, with a general c irg.o, was
driven in a complete wreck at Tyrello watchhouse, in the
hay of Dundrum. There were 21 men on board, includ-
isg two passengers. On the morning of Monday, as soon as
the inhabitants along the coast observed the vessel in dis-
tress, they assembled for the purpose of rends ring any as-
sistance in their power to the unfortunate crew, who
were to be seen here and there perched upon the rigging.
The vessel was not more than about a quarter of a mile
fsocn the shore, and though the wind was not now so high,
yet the agitation of the sea after the storm was such that
any attempt to reach the unfortunate vessel in safety was
cousidei cd hopeless. By this time the sad news had
reached St. John's Point, a life-boat station, when
Mr. P. R. M. Browne, justice of the peace, directed
the life.boat to be taken out ; but as the crew were absent
at the herring fishery, the boat had to be manned by four
of the coast-guard and two of Captain Browne's labouring
servants, who were humanely taken charge of by Mr.
Strain, chief officer of the coast guard, this gentleman
having handsomely volunteered his services on the occa-
sion, at the same time representing the attempt es hopeless
and dangerous in the extreme. They put off, however, with
considerable courage, and after the laborious exertions of
upwards of an hour, they got within a few yards of the un-
fortunate vessel, when, unfortunately, the boat upset, and
every soul in it was tossed into the deep ; they, however,
with the assistance of the masts and other rigging floating
about the vessel, providentially succeeded in getting on
board the aeur de Lion. Some of them were very much
exhausted. When Mr. Strain, to whom the highest meed
of praise is due for his gallant conduct in thus periling
his life, had recovered a little, he found a great lack of
exertion manifesting itself on the part of the Captain : for
instance, not an anchor had been cast, which he immediately
recommended to be done. On seeing the life-boat approach
the wreck, two Clanmaghery boats made an effort to gain
the vessel also, when one of them upset, but no lives lost :
the other succeeded in reaching the vessel, and on her re-
turning with some of the crew, was upset also, when un-
happily seven persons perished, five belonging to the ves-
sel, and two of the brave fellows who went out under the
hopes of rescuing their fellow-creatures from a watery
grave. Their names are George Starkey and Patrick
M‘Gsolaghan ; the latter has left a wife and five children.
We understand that but for Mr. John Hogg, of Rathmul-
len, who had by this time got his boat in readiness, several
of those who had been upset in the first boat would cer-
tainly have perished also. After picking them up, he
brought them ashore, and again put off with his crew of
four men, and, in the most courageous and praiseworthy
manner, succeeded in landing a number of the crew safely
on shore. As undaunted as ever, he a second time re-
turned, and with an intrepidity truly astonishing, reached
the vessel in safety, and took another cargo on board, all
of whom he succeeded in landing. His courage seemed
only to acquire strength with his unparalleled success, and,
contrary to the wish of some of his relatives and others pre-
sent, this young gentleman ventured his life a third time ;
and though, on his return, his boat was half filled with
water, and all the oars gone but one, he brought his last
cargo triumphantly to land, amidst the cheers of all pre-
sent. Much credit, we understand, is due to Messrs. Ar-
thur Hill Montgomery and P. R. M. Browne, for the ad-
mirable arrangements which they effected, as magistrates,
in placing guards along the coast, to preserve those por-
tions of the wreck which were occasionally coming on
shore. Indeed, to the whole of the inhabitants along that
part of the coast the utmost praise is due, but more es-
pecially to Messrs. Hogg and Strain, for their heroic and
valiant conduct in rescuing so many of their fellow-crea-
tures from a watery grave. The Coeur de Lion was 350
tons register, and was on this occasion freighted with a
valuable cargo. Several chests of tea, boxes of soap, and
casks of brandy and rum have been washed ashore. We
- understand she is the property of Messrs. Fisher and Son,
of Liverpool. Mr. Fisher, a nephew of the proprietor, is
said to be one of the seven who unhappily perished. Six of
the bodies have been found. We are happy to learn that
a subscription has been entered into for the widow and
children of poor M.Goolaghan.—Downpatriek --Recorder.

Mr. MURRAY replied in the affirmative.
Another feature of the Society was that in the event of
negligence or inability on the part of the assured to pay
his premiums, the Society would take no advantage of this
circumstance, for after five payments his representatives
would be entitled to receive at his death two-thirds of his
payments, so that in no case could a man be a loser, and
by removing the great obstructions to Life Assurance—the
fear of loss—any individual who could save from sixpence
a week to 1,0001. a-year, could participate in the various
benefits of this Institution. It let in the tide of providence
so deeply implanted in the human breast ; if society were
less provident it was owing to no inherent defect but rather
to the want of facility. So much had the principles of this
Society been approved of, that notwithstanding the period
from its first commencement was short, they had received
invitations to form Branch Establishments under the most
encouraging circumstances from various parts of the country.
Mr. DENT enquired whether everything in its affairs
would be open to all persons who had an interest in the
Institution ?
Mr. MURRAY—Certainly, every person who was inte-
rested in the Society—not only Proprietors but the As-
sured would have a right of investigating the assets and
liabilities of the Company. He then adverted to a feature
of the Company which ensured a local bonus to every
Branch. In order to stimulate its exertions all the profits
above the general rate of profit on the tables would be
divided amongst those connected with that Branch alone.
And in answer to some questions on that subject, he stated
that the expences of the Society (of which he went into a
detail) were in comparison with other offices very trifling,
and would not be much increased. He also adverted to
the tables which were prepared by Mr. Woolhouse, an Ac-
tuary of the highest mathematical accomplishments and
experience.
After a very full discussion of the principles of the So-
ciety, the cordial approbation of the gentlemen present was
expressed, and it was finally proposed that a Committee
should bo formed of active and influential men connected
with the city, and the patronage of the gentlemen of the
county, and those connected with the agricultural interest,
sought in support of the undertaking.
We understand that many shares have been already sub-
scribed for, and several highly respectable individuals have
also signified their intention of assuring their lives, and
otherwise promoting the objects of the Institution.

Bochsa, with Pasta, Curioni, De Begnis, &c., have
given two concerts at Cheltenham, which proved so highly
successful that a third was to take place last evening at the
Assembly-rooms; to cocclude with the third Act of Zin-
garelli's opera, Romeo e Giuliella, with decorations, &c.:
R. J. Stevens, Esq., organist of the Charter-house,
and Gresham lecturer, died on Saturday, at a very ad-
vanced age ; he had been a member of the Royal Society
of Musicians for sixty years. Mr. Stevens was the com-
poser of a number of excellent glees, among which were—
" Blow, blow, thou winter's wind," " Crabbed age," " Sigh
no more ladies," " Ye spotted snakes," " From Oberon in
fairy land," " Some of my heroes are low," " Strike the harp
in praise of Bragela," &c.
STOKESHILL PLACE.—" This new novel will in-
crease the already well-earned reputation of Mrs. Gore.
It is extremely well written. Mrs. Gore depicts the con-
% entional characters of society, and the secret springs by
which human motives are governed, with equal felicity.
Tile heartlessness of fashionable life, the selfishness of am-
bition, and the vanity of aggrandisement, are developed in
the history of the hero, and of the subordinate agents of
the talc. An excellent moral is elicited by the events and
the catastrophe."—Times.
The myrtle tree, which with us is a small shrub,
grows in Van I)iemen's Land to the height of 200 feet,
and has a trunk from 30 to 40 feet in circumference. The
wood resembles cedar. The Chinese have an art by which
they arc able to produce miniature pines, bearing a perfect
resemblance to the gigantic specimens of America, and only
five or six inches high.

In the town of Deddington, in Oxfordshire, com-
prising, according to the last returns, a population of 1,8-17
inhabitants, there is no resident surgeon or apothecary. If
the inhabitants are likewise without a lawyer, what a happy
and contented race they ought to he

----The plate stolen from the Countess of Dysart's Ham
House has been all recovered, with the exception of a few
teaspoons. The robbery was the work of chimney-sweepers.
The foundation stone of the monument to Sir Wal-
ter Scott will be laid on the second October, with the
usual masonic ceremonies.—G/asgow Cbionicle.
The General Steam Navigation Company's packet,
Neptune, from Hamhurgh, arrived off the Custom-House
at seven o'clock yesterday rn.4.ning.
An experienced gentleman from the metropolitan
police l:as arrived at Sunderland, and is now engaged in
estimating the numerical force and probable expense of the
new police about to be established in that borough.

TheT gentleman on whom a barbarous outrage was
lately committed in Carp Acid, as mentioned in a letter from
Inspruck of the 6th inst., is Mr. Gleig, the well-known
author of the Subaltern.