The Sun.
London, England, 1853-04-04 00:00:00

before the French Government. MAJENDIE, by
a number of frightful experiments, proved that the
most deadly poisons were produced by this species
of putrefaction. ARMSTRONG has declared that
I-the affection produced by the introduct. on of
putrid matter into the blood so exactly resembles
typhus fever, that he believes no individual could
confidently pronounce that it differed from that
fatal disease. BICHAT has specified minutely the
several influences positively destructive, or simply,
deleterious of all the various -gases thrown off in
the process of animal decomposition—sulphuretted
hydrogen, deutoxide of nitrogen, chloride of
ammonia, oxygen, hydrogen, azote, carburetted
hydrogen, carbonic acid, carbonic oxide, and
protoxide of azote. GREGORY has shown how
several of these vapours " variously combined"
produce empyreuraatic oil, and a multitude of
of foetid vapours most prejudicial to existence.
SOUTHWOOD SMITH long ago wrote these words—
" It is a matter of experience that, during the
decomposition of dead organic substances, whether
vegetable or animal, aided by heat and moisture,
and other peculiarities of climate, a poison is
generated, which, when in a, state of high con-
centration is capable of producing instantaneous
death by a single inspiration of the air in which
it is diffused." Evidence like this might be al-
most indefinitely. multiplied. And all these
odious and baneful influences are being constantly
generated in the midst of the crowded streets
of London by those intramural graveyards, which
are literally so many manufactories of pestilence I
Wherever we look in this great metropolis
there we are sure to see festering in the midst of
the dwelling-houses of its inhabitants one of these
horrible sinks of corruption. They are sown
about thickly in all directions---in all localities
indiscriminately—the most squalid and the most
fashionable. They are in Whitechapel and May-
fair, in Belgravia and Shoreditch. It would be
preposterous to excuse ourselves for hairing dorie ac-
tually nothing as yet worth speaking of in the
way of effecting their removal, upon the plea that
there has been any ignoranee as to their evil cha-
racter. . There is oue luau in London who might
start up against any such shallow plea as a witness
fired by no idle indignatior. Fully fourteen
years ago Mr. WALKER published, through the
LGNGMANS, the first of those remarkable works by
which he roused public attention to the Dead-man's
Question, 'and thereby in fact constituted hiniself
the originator of *the whOle sanitary movement.
Hitherto this fact has been passed over, and by
many persons been forgotten, or at any rate disre-
garded. But there it remains before the world,
avowed plainly enough in the very date, " 1839,"
upon the title-page of that inaugurative volume
—" Gatherings from Graveyards." There•it
rem
mains visible to any eye that chooses to glance at
it, where it is asserted by the author in that same
title-page that the book contains " a detail of
dangerous and fatal results produced by the unwise
and revolting custom of inhuming the dead in the
midst of the living.". Those words were, as long
ago as 1839, written, and printed, and published.
And they were not published obscurely by some
out-of-the-way establishment, without any sort of
reputation, but by one of the first houses, if not the
first house in the book trade of the metropolis—
that of the LONGMANS. If we have' done nothing
since then towards abolishing the system of in-
tramural interments, we cannot, after this, as-
sert that our conduct is in any way excusable
on the score of ignorance ! As if the
purport of the volume here referred to
as having originally appeared as far back
as 1839 were not sufficiently indicated by
the expressions above quoted, we find a motto in-
scribed upon that same ample title-page wonder -
fully appropriate, and surely, surely significant ;
a motto taken from the sombre verses of KIRKE
WHITE, those verses which fell from him so scan-
tily and gloomily like yew berries upon tomb-
stones,

. . . And who would lay
His body in the city burial-place,
To be thrown up again by some rude sexton,
And yield its narrow house another tenant,
Ere the moist flesh had mingled with the dust,
Ere the tenacious hair had left the scalp,
Exposed to insult, lewd, and wantonness ?
No, I will lay me in the village ground.;
There are the dead respected."
Fourteen years have gone by, and still we are
hoping—hoping—only hoping for the improve-
ment. SincelB39, the evil, instead of having been
diminished, has literally gone on increasing in ex-
act proportion to the increase of the population !
And here is 1853, with it positively intensified in
virulence, multiplied in numbers, and extended in
dimensions. Are we wrong, therefore, or hasty,
or extravagant in our all but despairing cry of
Now or Never: Now, while Orders in Council
are being prepared for the peremptory closing of
these horrible graveyards one after another : now,
while the Home-office is presided over by a States-
man as resolute and energetic as the present Chief
Secretary, Viscount PALMERSTON.

MONEY

Consols.
Ditto April Account

The season opened on Saturday evening with the
avourite opera of Masaniello. The caste was the same
as in former years, with the exception of Fenella, which
was played by Mdlle. Melina Marmet, a lady not exactly
new to an English audience, as she was one of the,
ballet corps enlisted at this theatre in its first season.
The part, which is well fitted to display the powers of a
pantomimic artiste, was, in her hands, nothing but the
tame and conventional peasant girl of a hundred ballets;
Her action is rather graceful than energetic or expres-
sive, and displayed not the least trace of originality or
dramatic power. Nevertheless, the lady may turn out
to be very, useful in the ballet department. Signor Tam-
berlik sung and played the hero-fisherman with all his
usual fire and energy, and 'few who witnessed his per-
formance would have imagined that he had had scarcely
time to rest after a long and more than usually severe
journey from St. Petersburgh. He gave the celebrated
barcarole, in the second act, with a power and sweet-
ness which at once evinced that his voice has
not suffered from a St. Petersburgh winter, what-
ever it may have done for that of other tenors. In
the duet which immediately follows, he and Formes were
encored, and deservedly so, for we have rarely heard
these two great artists put forward their powers with
more success. For some reason or other, the celebrated
air which Masaniello sings over his sleeping sister was
omitted, probably because Signor Tamberlik felt that
after his recent fatigue it would be wiser in him to hus-
band his powers for the last act. If so, the unabated
energy and spirit with which he went through the con-
cluding scene was a sufficient justification, and the loud
applause which marked his exit at the head of the insur-
gents, battle axe in hand, showed that the audience fully
pardoned him for the omission of one of the most favourite
morceaux of the opera. Formes invested the ungrateful
part of Pietro with a character of ruggedness and
perversity quite in keeping with an envious and malcon-
tent insurrectionist ; his singing of the music allotted to
it was unexceptionable, and in the concerted pieces and
chorusses his magnificent voice came in with great effect.
The graceful and pleasing Mdme. Castallan was the Elvira,
and sang the part with all her usual sweetness and
expression. Alfonso as Signor Mei, sang better than he
played, which is not saying much ; and Signor Rommi
bestowed on the little part of Borella all that care and
attention which have made this gentleman one of the
most favourite and useful aecondes of the establishment.
In the orchestra this year we miss two of its great orna-
ments, Bottesini and Piatti ; but it is still under the
leadership of Mr. Costa, and therefore, thoughnot so com-
plete, it is Ls efficient as an orchestra can be. The over-
ture, one of Auber's most successful, and on Saturday
night magnificently played, was encored. Of the chorus
we cannot speak in so entirely favourable terms.
The prayer Pietade o Cielo, at the end of the
third act, sung with beautiful precision and
harmony, secured, we own most deservedly, the
usual encore ; but the market chorus and the Tri-
umphal march at the close of the fourth act, were
scrambled through in a most unsatisfactory and discredit-
able manner. The other chorusses were no more than
tolerable. We should certainly recommend the directors
to bestow more care and attention on this most important
department, as of late years we have noticed a consider-
able falling off therein, which, if continued, will consider-
ably mar any success they may obtain in other particulars.
As for the ballet, we did not witness the divertissement
in the first act, and, consequently, are scarcely in a posi.
tion to say whether the assurances held out by the
programme in this respect have been carried out. Cer-
tainly we are not inclined to augur much from what we
saw in the tarrantella. On the whole, Saturday night
was all that might be expected, both by management
and audience, from the first night of a season. Though
the field is now clear and undisputed, the direc-
tors have still an arduous task before them, which
will require as earnest vigour and ceaseless care
as any of their former campaigns. So far they
have achieved success by the most legitimate and
praiseworthy means. The Royal Italian Opera has
forced itself into its present proud position by sheer
merit and excellence, against the force of public opinion,
and in spite of what at one period of its career was
nothing less than public prejudice. We have no appre-
hension that now, with " no rival near the throne," the
directors will attempt to relax the standard of excellence
which they themselves have set ; but we cannot help
warning them that any such attempt will be fatal to the
continuance of the public support.
On Thursday night 11 Barbiere introduced a new
.enor, Sig. Lachesi.

CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT (THIS DA T.

The April sessions of the Central Criminal Court were
opened this morning before the Lord Mayor, the Re-
corder, Aldermen Carden and Cubitt, the Sheriffs, under
Sheriffs, and other civic functionaries.
The RECORDER, in his charge to the grand jury, said
he regretted he could not congratulate them on the
lightness of the calendar, for though it was not more
than ordinarily heavy in regard to the character of the
offences, there was about the average number of cases
to be tried. There were only five cases which he thought
it necessary to allude to as presenting anything of a
peculiar nature. The calendar contained no less than
three charges for murder. Two of these had been post-
poned from the last sessions, and they would not, there-
fore, come before the grand jury. The other was an in-
dictment against a young woman for the murder of her
child, and if the evidence adduced before them was the
same as that which appeared on the depositions, there
could be no doubt that she inflicted certain injuries upon
e
the child ; but, as it lived some time afterwards, they
would have to consider whether there was sufficient
evidence to show that the injuries inflicted by the
wretched mother were the cause of death. There was
also another case in which another wretched woman was
indicted for assaulting her child with the intention of
murdering it ; and when she was prevented doing more
than she actually did, she stated that it was her intention
to take the life of herself as well as that of her child.
If that was proved to the satisfaction of the jury, it
would be their duty to find a true bill for the full charge.
The next case was that of a young man, who was in-
dicted for wounding his aunt, with the intention of mur-
dering her ; and if the circumstances detailed in the
depositions were proved before them, they would be
justified in this case also in returning a true bill. There
was a case of more difficulty—a charge of manslaghter
committed on the high seas. A Lascar sailor, and
another sailor named Harrison were indicted for
murdering a Lamar on board a ship. It appeared that
some personal violence was inflicted on the deceased by
way of correction ; and he might here mention that the
commanding authority on board a vessel was perfectly
justified in administering correction to any of the crew,
when that was necessary for the preservation of Birder
and the prevention of mutiny ; but still no man,
either
on the high seas or elsewhere, was permitted to use
more violence than was absolutely necessary. If they
should be of opinion that unnecessary violence was
used, as undoubtedly appeared from the depositions, and
that death ensued in consequence of it, they would, in
that event, return a bill for manslaughter. It seemed
'that the alleged violence was committed on two separate
occasions—on the first by the Lascar, in the absence of
Harrison ; and on the second by Harrison, in the pre-
sence of the Lascar. Now, according to the law, in a
case of manslaughter, there could be no accessory before
or after the fact ; therefore, unless both were present at
the time when the offence was committed, they could
not be jointly indicted for manslaughter. The deceased
survived both assaults, but he died on the subsequent
day. The question for the decision of the jury was,
whether he died from the injuries he received, and, if so,
which of the accused parties it was who caused his death.
The magistrate before whom the matter was investigated
seemed to be of opinion that both could be indicted on a
joint case of manslaughter ; but he (the Recorder)
thought that was not sustained by the facts which had
been adduced. As Harrison did not witness the first
assault, he could not be held responsible for that ; and,
on the other hand, if the death of the man was to be
attributed to the violence employed on the subsequent
occasion the Lascar could not be indicted for manslaugh-
ter. The evidence was extremely conflicting, but as the
grand jury had not to try the case, they had better send
it for further inquiry, if they considered there were some
grounds for the charge. The next case was also one of
considerable difficulty. It was a charge against a young
woman for concealing the birth of her child. By the
act of Parliament, in order to constitute the offence,
there must be concealment, and the body of the child
must be dead. The facts of that case were somewhat
curious. It appeared that some persons labouring on a
canal saw a woman plunging in the water as if she were
drunk. Tivo of them rescued her, and as she was being
dragged from the water, the body of a child was seen to
fall from her person, but from what part it was not dis-
tinctly stated. There were, however, other circum-
stances,' which "left little doubt that she was delivered of
the child a very short time previously, at a house in the
neighbourhood, that house presenting unmistakeable
signs of a birth having taken place. The next question
was, whether the child was alive or dead. If
alive, the offence would amount to murder ' • but if
they were of opinion that it was dead, she could then be
indicted for the lesser charge—the concealment of its
birth. There was only one other case which he felt it
necessary to mention—that of a young woman who, in
a fit of jealousy, threw some vitriol on the person of a
man with whom she had formerly cohabited. She found
t
him in the company of another woman, and in a moment
of of desperation and jealousy threw the
evitriol
of felony to
The act of Parliament made it
throw corrosive fluid of any descrainpti.ooneennocne
baondoitlhyehrarm,
per-
son with intent to do him soamree_ grimy
improbable that
or to disfigure him. It appe d
her intention was to injure, not the. woman, but the
she was • and if that were so, she
man in whose company recent decisions, be indicted' for
could not, according to
..
committing the offence winiTtheivinetdenatptnoindtoofgrlaiewvowuhsiobhodhialyd
harm. This, however,
been frequently discussed, but it might be advantageously
discussed again ; and under the circumstances it would
perhaps be better to send the case for futher investiga-
tion by the petty jury. The learned Recorder then re-
mitted the grand jury to the discharge of their duties.

THE SHIP ADELAIDE.—The Mauritius papers contain
an account of the arrival of the sailing ship Adelaide,
from South Australia for London, with a valuable cargo
of gold, wool, copper ore, &c., after having narrowly
escaped being destroyed by fire. The conduct of Capt.
Tremaine and the crew is mentioned in terms of great
praise. The greater part of the cargo had been dis-
charged, including the gold (40,660 ounces) and the
wool, the latter considerably d'maged.

SPORTING NOTES.—No. CCCCIV.
With respect to future events, but few changes were
brought• about at- Northampton ; the only " moves" of
any note being the sudden elevation of Ruby to the
position of premier for next year's Derby, and the ad-
vancement of Mr. Parr's Metropolitan "pot" to 7 to. 2,
taken. On Friday, Contentment was all the go, nothing
else went down, 3 to 1 was taken freely as long as
layers could be found. On Saturday he was in immense
force, both east and west, and sto 2 was booked to
some extent. It struck me as being particularly in-
dicative of which way the wind lay, when I observed
several of the Arlington-street magnates, who, during
the last month or two, have made a dead set against

him for all his engagements, not looking quite so con-
tented as usual, and instead of being anxious to lay, as
heretofore was the case, doing quit-t'other, and nibbling
quietly all the threes they could. Yesterday the furore
had not abated in the least, and as little as 2 to 1 was
taken about this wonderful animal. The only other
horse in force for the Metropolitan is Snowdon Dunhill,
about whom not more than 6 to 1 is to be obtained.
Peggy and Pug Orrock are inquired after occasionally,
but not backed for much ; both will run very forward
in the race. Deerhound and Terpsichore (the latter
especially) are very "fishy."
The list of fixtures for the present week embraces no
less than eight meetings, viz., Croxton Park on Tues-
day and Wednesday ; Cheltenham Steeplechasei on the
same days ; West of Scotland Steeplechases on Tuesday ;
Wensleydale Steeplechases on Wednesday ; Epsom
Spring Meeting (Metropolitan) on Thursday ; and
Steeplechases on Friday • South of Scotland, and Leices-
tershire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire Farmers'
Steeplechases on Friday ; and the meeting of the Liver-
pool Hunt brings the week's sport to a terminus on
Saturday.
CROXTON PARK MEETING.—This aristocratic and ex-
clusive meeting is marked to commence to-morrow at
half-past one ; but, considering the want of punctuality
Of the gentlemen jocks, probably half-past two will be
nearer the mark. All the seats in the neighbourhood
are full of company, and an unusual attendance of the
aristocracy will be the consequence.
The first stake is the Scurry Stakes, which has yet to
close and name.
The second on the list is the Granby Handicap of 20
sovs. each, h. fr. about a mile and a half. The subscrip-
tion list numbered 65, 44 of whom were -.non-contents.
The top weight is Russborough ; his running is ex-
tremely doubtful. Warwick, in consequence of his acci•
dent on Monday week, when en route to Lincoln, is an
absentee. Sir Robert, Faux Pas, Heriot, Harp, Harrier,f
Remunerator, Caurire, Jack-in-the-Corner, Humphrey,
Old Rowley, and perhaps Galvanism and another or so
will be found at the post, and will no doubt furnish the
best race for the Granby we have had for many years. I
have not marked Gladiole as a starter, believing that she
will be reserved for the Gold Cup on the following day,
and that her stable companion, Humphrey, will repre-
sent Lord Chesterfield's interests. Taking the running
at Lincoln between Harp and
.Caurire as perfectly true,
the latter ought again to beat the former ; and to the
best of these two or Humphrey I shall look for the

winner.
P.S.—The Heriot has a first-rate gentleman jock up,
is meant, and with Humphrey will probably fill the first
and second places for the Granby Handicap.
THE CITY AND SUBURBAN HANDICAP.-Out of the
strong entry of 84 which this stake has obtained, it is
not an easy task to select the winner, I fancy, however,
that he will be found in Longbow, Prime Minister,
Ethelbert, or the Varmint, with a preference for the
first and third named. Allegro has been strongly fancied,
but I cannot believe he is fast enough to beat the lot I
have mentioned.
THE GREAT METROPOLITAN HANDICAP.—The field for
this stake is likely to be larger than was imagined last
week ' • the probable starters are the following :—Candle-
wick, Redmond °Manion, Terpischore (d), Madeline,
Pug 0 rrock, Happy Joe, Richmond, Grapeshot, Snowdon
Dunhill, Fiom ma Coul, Invasion, Ireland's Eye, Peggy,
Contentment, Rosalba, Lampedo, Mr. Wreford's filly,
and perhaps Gadabout, Tobolski, Deerhound, and Pan-
tomime

THE SPIRIT OF THE TURF.

HOO RACES.
SATURDAY.
FARMERS' PLATE of 40 sovs., given by the Hunt. Heats,
about a mile and a half.
Mr. Cox's Old Sam, aged, 11st 41b...(Mr. Bevil') 1 1
Mr. Nightingale's Black Spot, 4 yrs, 13st (Owner) 2 2
Mr. Archer's Rebel, aged, 12st 71b (Mr. Thurnall) 0 3
Mr. Jonathan Cox's Walter Gay, 5 yrs, list 41b
(Mr. Elwes) 3 0

Eight others ran

...
The HIINERS' STAKES of 10 sous. each, with 25 added,

Eight subs.
Mr. W. Reid's Harpenden, list 71b ' (Owner) 1
Mr. Wilshere's Bayonet, list 121 b (incl. 51b extra)
(Mr. Elwes) 2
Mr. G. Bishop's Cardinal, list 71b...(Capt. W. Peel) 3
CLARET STAKES of 15 sovs. each, 10 ft, with 25 added,
for three-year-olds and upwards. Weight for age.
About a mile and a half. Eight subs.
Mr. T. Parr's Selina, aged, list 51b...(Capt. Little) 1
Mr. Shafto's King of Troy, 4 yrs, lOst 101 b
(Mr. Bevill) 2
Mr. Marson'S Montenegro, 4 yrs, lOst 101 b
(Mr. Thu pall) 3
The SCURRY STAKES of 5 sovs. each ; 11st 71b each.
The winner to be sold for 40 sovs. Half a mile.

Eleven subs.
Mr. Leigh's Manufacturer (Capt. Little) 1
Mr. M. Halsey nd The Black Man (Mr. Prime) 2
Mr. Hussey's Carbuncle, aged (Mr. Bevill) 3
HANDICAP STAKES of 15 sovs. for beaten horses. Half