The Sun.
London, England, 1849-09-12 00:00:00

N°.17,774.] LONDON, WEDNESDAY' :14 VENING

NATIONAL LOAN FUND LIFE ASSU-
RANCE SOCIETY.

26, Cornhlll, London.
Capital £500,000.
Empowered by Act of Parliament.

This institution embraces important and substantial advantages
with respect to Life Assurances and Deferred Annuties.
Policies issued by this Society have a twofold advantage :—provi-
sion for the family of the Assured, and an augmenting pecuniary
available resource to himself, if nesdtul, while lying. The Assured
has, on all occasions, the power to borrow, without expense, or for-
feiture of the Policy, two-thirds of the Premiums paid.
DIVISION OF PROFITS.

The continued prosperity of the Society has enabled the Directors
at the Annual Meeting, hell on the 10th of May, 1848, to declare a
Axth bonus, varying from 27 to 65 per cent. on the Premiums paid
en each Policy effected on the profit scale.

I. BENEFITS

Secured en attaining the age of
65, by an Annual Premium of
21. 125.

'Annuity.

Cash. I Policy.

X a. d.
20 47 16 6
30 26 15 le'
40 13 19 91

s. d
394 11 17/466
221 0 01261
115 8 0J136

H. PREMIUMS
ITo secure
on attain- AnnuityZlo 10 0
ing the age Cash .. 82 10 0
of 65, the Policy.. 97 8 6
option of

Payable I Payable ! Payable
Anon- fit one !for Dis-
ally. sum. !parity.

a. d.
0 0
0 0
6 0

£ s. d.
0 10 11
0 19 6
1 17 3

s. d.
10 0 10
16 7 1
27 3 11

jX S. d.
o • 0
7 3 11
19 4 10

Immediate Annuities are also granted by the Society on liberal
terms, as will be seen by the following extracts from the Tables,
showing the annual amount of annuity upon every 1001. deposited :
Age 50, £7 Bs. Age GO, £9 14s: 3d. I Age 70, £l4 2s. 2d.
The Annual Report, with Tables of Rates, 8E4.. may be had at the
Office, or any of its Branches in the Country; or, on application, will
be forwarded post free.

W. S. B. WOOLHOUSE, Actuary.

SEA' FIRE, LIFE ASSURANCE OFFICE ;
United with the
PORT OF LONDON ASSURANCE COMPANY.
Incorporated pursuant to Act of Parliament, April 22, 1847.
Admitted to Lloyd's by Vote of the Committee, January 15, 1848.
Amalgamated pursuant to Re Cutions dated February 5, 1849.
Offices :
31, CO/tNIIILL, LONDON.
with Powers of Extension reserved to the
CAPITAL / Proprietors under the 16th Clause of the IZIOO,OOO
Deed of Settlement),
In Shares of Twenty Shillings each, all paid ; affording the security
of a large actual paid-up Capital, constantly augmenting.

THE CATHOLIC LAW and GENERAL
LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY.
No. 8, New Coventry-street, Leicester-square, London.
TRUSTEES.
The Right Rev. Nicholas Wiseman, D.D., 35, Golden-square.
The Right Rev. William Morris, D.D., Acton, Middlesex.
The Right Hon. the Lord Stafford, Cossey Hall, Norfolk.
Sir Henry Paston Bedingfield, Bart., Oxburgh, Norfolk.
Sir Richard Jenkins, G.C.8., Director of the Hon. the East India
Company.
Thomas Barnewell, Esq., 15, York-terrace, Regent's-park,
Thomas Eyre, Esq., 62, Pulteney-street, Bath.
James Marshall, Esq„ 24, Carlton Villas, Maida-hill.

DIRECTORS.
The Right Rev. William Morris, D.D., Acton, Middlesex—Chairman.
Michael Forristall, Esq., 13, West-square, Southwark—Deputy
Chairman and Managing Director.
Sir Richard ,TcniOn3, G.C.8., Director of th• Hon. the Inut India
Company, and of the London Joint Stock Bank.
Rey. Thomas Doyle, D.D., London-road, Southwark.
Edmond Ileales, Esq., Carlton Villas, Maida-hill.
Henry Clark Duppa, Esq., Malmain•hall, Stoke, near Rochester.
George Drew, Esq., Streatham, Surrey.
James Marshall, Esq., 24, Carlton Villas, Maida•hill.
ACTUARY —William Henry Archer, Esq.

SECRETARY—WiIIiam Norris, Esq.

Prospectuses, Forms of Proposal, and every information promptly
forwarded an application to the Actuary or Secretary, at the Office,
8, New Coventry-street, Leicester-square, London.

N,METROPOLITAN COUNTIES
AL AND GENERAL LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY.
27, REGENT-STREET, WATERLOO-PLACE, LONDON.
Incorporated rursuant to Act of Parliam-nt.
LIFE ASSURANCES to meet every contingency ; also , imuitres,
immediate and deferred.
The payment of fixed sums to th^ Assured at any specified age, or
to their Representatives in case of death before that age.
Credit given for half the premiums for the first five years.
Three fourths of the Profits divided amongst the assured, and
Leans granted, repayable by instalments.
ENDOWMENTS, given to each child of a marriage a certain sum
on attaining the else of 21, and also the return of the wkole of the
sum paid for the same at a given period.
RAILWAY TRAVELLERS assured, by ONE single payment of
lOs. fer every 1001.
Medical Referees remunerated for their reports, and the usual
Commission allowed on the introduction of business.
Prospectuses, with the rates, the Annual Report of the Society,
and all information, may be obtained at the office, or of the Agents
in the Country.

F. FERGUSON CAMROUX, 'Aranager.

VrECIII'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE
.pist published, and may be had GRATIS, or will he sent
pest-free on application At 4, LEIDENLIALL-S MEET, near
Gracechurch-street Meehi's Razors, Strops and Magic Paste aro
renowned throughout the civilized world. He exhibits also the
most recherche Stock of Papier Mache Articles, Dre,sing Ca;cs,
Work Boxes, Tea Trays, Writing Desks, &e., in London. Every-
thing f'r the Toilet airs Work-table Table Cutlery of first-rate
quality. Mechi's famous Bagatello Tables, affording a charming
amusement on a wet day.

LEA and PERRINS' WORCESTERSHIRE
SAUCE is universally allowed to be the most Piquant and
the Richest in Flavour of any Sauce in.use, and for Fish, Gravies
tor Roast Meat, Steaks, Game, &c., o'r a zbst ror "Carries, Soup, Cold
Meat,it is entirely unrivalled.
The unparelleled success of this Sauce having induced imitations,
purchasers are particularly requested to see that the name of LEA
and PERRIXS are upon the Label and the Metallic Capsules, as also
to read the Testimonials (which are enclosed with every bottle)
from the residence of Royalty, the principal Club Houses and Ho-
tels in London, Edinburgh, &c. &c., and from private Families in
the country.
Sold by the proprietors, Lea and Perrins, 6, Tere-street, Oxford-
street, London, and 61, Broad-street, Worcester; Messrs. Barclay
and Sons, Messrs. Crosse and Blackwell, and other Oilmen, London,
and generally by all dealers in sauces.

THIRTY-FIRST EDITION.
Illustrated by 26 Anatomical Coloured Engravings on Steel.
ON PHYSICAL DISQITALICATIONS, GENERATIVE INCAPA-
CITY, AND IMPEDIMENTS TO MARRIAGE.
flew Edition, enlarged to 196 pages. Just published, price 2s. 6d., or
by post, direct from the Establishment, 3s. 6d. in postage stamps,
'LIRE SILENT FRIEND, a Medical Work on
the infirmities and decay of the generative system, from ex-
.iessive indulgence, infection, and the inordinate use of mercury,
with remarks on Marriage, and the means of obviating certain dis-
inalificationa. Illustrated by 26 Coloured Engravings. By R. and
L. PERRY. and CO., Consulting Surgeons, 15, Berners-street, Ox-
;brd-street, London. Published by the Authors : sold by Strange,
21, Paternoster-row ; Hannay, 63, and Sanger, 150, Oxford-street ;
Titchborne-street, Haymarket; and Gordon, 146, Leaden-
ball-street. •
PINT I. treats of the anatomy and physiology of the re-productive
rgans, and is illustrated by Six Coloured Engravings.
Pam' 11. treats of the consequences resulting from excessive indul-
gence, and their lamentable effects on the system, prodacing mental
and bodily weakness, nervous excitement, and generative neapacity.
Illustrated by Three Explanatory Engravings.
PART 111. treats of the diseases resulting from infection, either in
the primary or secondary form, and contains explicit directions for
their treatment. This section is illustrated by Seventeen Coloured
Engravings.
Pisa, IV. contains a Prescription for the Prevention of Disease
by a simple application, by which the danger of infection is ob-
viated. This important part of the Work should not escape the
reader's notice.
PART Y. is devoted to the consideration of marriage, and its
duties. The causes of unproductive union are also considered, and
the wbele subject critically and philosophically inquired into.
comedy,s
oin gt
tnervouse
tThe
ande
Concentrated
purifying e xua lt debility,he blood
)Detersive
rel:impotence,oEfEssence,
entacctc.,
TEutConniaL BALM op STRIACIUM is exclusively employed in treat-
s
. ft, 11:1ns.. anti-syphilitic
secondary
3bsstmtpee r..
per box, a
topenlrry,s, eras
puruptioynsin,gansdpecthifie
eapbuilillse,o2fsm.
9edrc,u4rys.,
6d., and
andand I
is.
certain remedy for gonorrhoea, gleet, stricture, and chronic inflamma-
tion of the bladder. Consultation fee, If by letter, if. A minute
retail of the case is required : age, habitsand position in society.
51. Packets, with advice, to be had at the Establishment only, by
which the fee,ll., is saved. Messrs. Perry, Surgeons, are in atten-
rißevrantenrsigheett; Oxford-street,oLmon:;3:zeZotmn
(7.;;24-.
Xetetuda.rilwy.a.t.l,9d,

A I A G E.
1 One halt the world are desolately single, and the other
supposiag them married, questionably contented. Diffidence, or a
sense e
4itter the right
latter.
The determine
eeittetrhye
efuoer mmeary,
shieldttnd M i
hs
Ica 1m
sceul
fl aut
ehrotphees
pelme
a
of caution and
7; ; but
th
worldly prudence,ehtrut andee
dtehepeer. indissoluble, regret
tureugerpeeterty:
cowi
and broken health, are the great hindrances to domestic happiness
and serial content. The dowry should not be the only marriage set-
tlement. Honour and justice demand that health should form an item
in the compact; it alone dignifies the alliance. Blighted hopes or
neglect weand more sorely than poverty or misfortune. Reader, if
these surmises concern yen, procure Dr. CULVERWELL'S little
MEMOIRS "On Single and Married Life, " pub. in 2 vols., Is.
each (by post, in stamps, Is. 6d. each). Let no imaginatively
refined, or prudish feeling deter you, by their titles, nor be hiedcred
oy misinterpretation of their supposed contents, from obtaining
them. They are not intended certainly for mere idle cariosity, but
for the closet perusal of those mere deeply interested, to whom
they are offered as antagonistic to the empyrical trash put forth on
the above subjects, by unqualified authors, which alone or
together, are a disgrace to the age. Furthermore, two other
tittle publications claim your attention (same price Is. each,
by r oat is. 6d.) called " What to Eat, Drink, and
Avoid," and " How to be nappy." They are not merely
pamplgets, but equal in quantity a library volume, nor are they the
mere ephemeral scribblings of the hour, but the study of the author's
life who owes his present existence, health, and position to this ob-
servance of the maxima he would inculcate—to do unto others as he
would he done unte—to live after nature's laws—and to keep always
on the "sunny side of the way." The above works may be had of
Sherwood, 23, Paternoster-row; Carvalho, 14Y, Fleet-street • Mann,
39, Cornhill; Nalson, 457, West Strand; or direct (by post or other-
wise) from the anther (who may be confhrred with personally,
mornings sad sveninp), 10, Argyll-plan Regentretrost ; and all
ookisners.;

ISLAY TONTINE LIFE ASSOCIATION.
Provisionally Registered.

Capital, 600,0001., in 12,000 Shares, at 501. each.
• DIRECTORS.
John Bain, Esq., of Morriston, Glasgow.
AArchibaldiexander3Cluarndo,beehlll:
Bsqe.d,
ibaaynker, Provost of Port Glasgow
Rouen C. Cumming, Esq., of Barremm an, Dumbartonshire
Venry Dunlop, Esq., of Cralgton, Glasgow
Archibald Falconer, Esq., of Glen Park, Port Glasgow
James flay, Esq., merchant. Leith, Director of the Royal Bank •
Scotland
Ar,hibald dome, Esq., accountant, Edinburgh, ditto
Eagle Henderson, Esq., Director of the National Bank of Scotland
William Imrie, Esq., Dean •f Guild, Perth
_ _

John Burn Murdock, Esq., of Gartencaber, Eeinburgh
David Murray, Esq., Provost of Paisley.

BkIIKEEB.

The Royal Bank of Scotland and its Branches; Messrs. Coutte and

Co., London.
SOLICITORS.
Messrs. Turner and Wallace, 37, Virginla-street, Glasgow ;
Messrs. Goodwin, Partridge, Williams, and Edwards, Walbroot
House, London.
Marianne° DlRECTOR—Archibald Murdoch Burrell, Esq.
SECRETARY—James Murdoch, ESQ.
The barony and estate of Islay, comprising tho island of Islay
and small adjacent islands is in the same latitude as Edinburgh and
Glasgow, and is ono of the richest and most produetive properties in
the west of Scotland. It contains about 140,000 acres, of which
KOOS are arable, the lest being luxuriant pasture. •
The present rental of this magnificent property amounts at present
to 20,0001.; but a Government grant of 30,0001. Is now being ex-
pended in drainage an I imp.oyements. The rents are periodically
and legitimately increased as the leases fall in, and it is evident that
such a property must, under improved agriculture, afford a much
larger return. The purchase, it is expected, will be effected for
about 500,0001., and it is proposed to raise a capital for this purpose,
and contingent expenses, of 600,0001., in 12,000 Ht. shares, each
shareholder to nominate a life, and the whole body of nominees to
be insured out of the rental, so as to secure tie repayment of his
sebscription to every shareholder whose nominee lapses. The
remainder of the accumulated rental is to be divided every ten years
amongst the surviving shareholders, the last survivor to inherit the
eqate. On the basis of 12,000 policies, in respect of the 12,000
nominees, it is further contemplated to ingraft the general business
of a life assurance company, so as to secure an annual dividend of
profits.

Thus it will be seen that every person taking a share in the Ton-
tine, will, under any circumstances, receive back the amount of his
investment out of the assurance fund, and will also, by way •f in-
terest on his shares, receive an annual dividend out •f the profits of
the general life assurance department (and the basis and guarantee
indicated cannot fall t• make this branch most extensive and lucra-
tive) ; he will, moreover, participate, every ten years h's nominee
servives, in the accumulated and constantly improving rental ; and,
in the event of his nominee being the last survivor, will become
the absolute owner, in fee simple, of the entire estate. It is also
to be observed that, as the nominees diminish in number, the
marketable value of the shares will year after year be greatly en-
hanced.

The principles of the proposed Tontine have been maturely con-
sidered by F. G. P. Nelson, Esq , the eminent actuary of the Me-
dical and layalid Assurance Company, and received his entire ap-
probation.

The estate is to be vested in three trustees, resident in Scotland.
The affairs of the Society shall be conducted by a board of sever
directors in Scotland, communicating with a board of correspondence
in London. Two general meetings shall be held in Scotland in the
months of June and December.

The preliminary deposit to be ss. per share (being the maximum
allowed under the Registration Act), and a call of 11. per share shall
be made on complete registration. The remainder to be called up
by suds instalments as may be found necessary to meet the payment
of the purchase money.
Applications for shares to be made to the following brokers &c., of
whom prospectuses and forms of application for shares may be
had:—Messrs. John Robertson and Co., 47, George-street, Edin-
burgh ; William Bell, Esq., 2, North-street, David-street, Edin-
burgh: Messrs. Buchanan Aitkin and Co., 41, St. Vincent-place,
Glasgow; J. C. Foulds, Esq., Canada-court, Queen-street, Glasgow;
William Gordon, Esq., Aberdeen ; James Thomas, Esq., writer,
Perth; A. Abercrombie, Esq., Paisley; Messrs. Joseph King and
Sons, Liverpool ; L. L. Lamming, Esq , Manchester ; Messrs. Flint
and Tootal, Hull; Messrs. Beardshaw and Co., Leeds ; W. B.
Greenfield, Esq., 38, Throgmorton-street, London; of Archibald
Murdoch Burrell, Esq., Royal Bank, Port Glasgow; and William
Bridges, Esq., at the temporary offices of the Association, 38, Throg-
morton-street, London.

VELL GWYNNE TAVERN and CHOP-
I HOUSE, Bull Inn-court, Strand, Three Doors East of the
Adelphi Theatre, and opposite Adam-street. Luncheons, Dinners,
and Suppers.
Table d'Hote at Half-past Five precisely (Sundays excepted), Fish
and Joints, 2s. Hot Joints until Eight, and Suppers until Oneo'clock.
Tho Nell Gwynne Tavern which is situated in the very centre of
the metropolis, is near to the principal Theatres, and the Table
d'Hote has been fixed at an hour that will be found convenient for
Citizens, the Legal Profession, and Gentlemen connected with the
Public Offices and Banking Houses, also Visitors to London who are
frequenters of the Theatres. Private Rooms for the accommodation
of small parties. Good Beds. Wines and Spirits of superior quality.
Barclay and Perkins's Stout, and Salt's celebrated Pale Ales.

SPIRIT of the PUBLIC JOURNALS.

, FROM. THE MORNING EAFERS OF THIS DAY.

TIMES.—The epidemic that for the last three or
four months has prevailed amongst U 3 to a greater or
less degree has now assumed a more destructive cha-
racter. We are deeply grieved to announce the result of
yesterday's returns to the Board of Health. No less
than 432 persons have fallen victims to the cholera
within the limits of the bills of mortality for the metro-
polis in a single day. Why disguise the fact from our-
selves, or endeavour to shut our eyes to the truth when
our only chance of safety consists in looking the truth
boldly in the face? If any additional reason were want-
ing to urge us to a course the policy of which is recom-
mended by common sense, and confirmed by all past ex-
perience, it would be found in the disgraceful bickerings
and dissensions now prevailing amongst those boards
whose single thought should be a care for the public
safety. Would it be believed that while cholera is kill-
ing off the inhabitants of London at a rate exceed-
ing 3,000 persons a week—if the rate of yes-
terday's mortality continues—the various City com-
missions, or boards, are devoting their time to
internal strife, or to conflicts with kindred jurisdic-
tions? We are assured that the Health Committee of
the Corporation of the city of London is upon the
point of resignation, because the Court of Common
Council has very properly refused to establish a cholera
hospital in the old Fleet Prison. Then there is deadly
strife between the City of London Board of Guardians
and the officer of health for the City of London, because
he is under the jurisdiction of the Sewers Commission
and of the Corporation. Of course, it would ill beseem
the dignity of these magnates to submit to the dictation
of a mere officer of health. The Chairman of the City
of London Union—Alderman Gibbs—snaps his fingers
at the Lord Mayor and the Corporation. He has the
law on his side—why should he not bo firm? It is
clearly a matter of more importance to stickle on a
point of law than to save the lives of a few hundred
fellow-creatures ! The loss of life establishes no
evil precedent. The Lord Mayor and the Corpora-
tion, finding that Alderman Gibbs has got the wind of
them in point of law, are forced to appeal to the
General Board of Health. When the Inspector of the
Board of Health comes amongst them, he finds his
time so taken up in composing the differences of '
these irritable jurisdictions, that he has none to spare
for so secondary a matter as the arrangements which
might possibly arrest the progress of the plague.
Such is the disgraceful state of facts which it is
our duty to lay before the public in connexion with the
returns indicating the virulent and fatal character which
the prevailing disease has now assumed. It must be for
others than ourselves to decide upon the steps that should
be taken to terminate the ill-timed differences of these
conflicting jurisdictions. These stubborn officials, how-
ever, cannot be allowed to trifle in so heinous a manner
with the lives of their fellow-subjects. There cannot
be any position clearer than that, under Providence, we
have in our own hands the means of depriving this fear-
ful pestilence of half its power. Read the returns of
the Registrar-General, and consider for a moment the
' localities in which nine. tenths of the mortality has
taken place! It is such spots as Lambeth, Bethnal-
green, Shoreditch, and others of the same character,
which have furnished the figures that have mainly gone
to swell the returns. Scattered cases, indeed, may be
found here and there in almost every district of the
metropolis, but it is only where there is imperfect
sewerage, where processes of filthy industry are car-
ried on, where the graveyard is rank, and the black
ditch pours forth its miasma, that whole streets are
' depopulated. Is it possible to avoid the inference
from these facts? Again, it is certain, that however
doctors may disagree as to the origin of cholera, or as to
the remedies which should be used when it has de-
veloped itself, there is concordance amongst them on one
point, and one point alone. All say, "Let us see the
patient before the disease has developed itself, and the
system has been thoroughly impregnated with the cho-
leraic virus, and it will go hard with us but we shall
save him. We cannot cure dead men, and it is to men
virtually dead that we are too often called in." Here,
then, are two means of safety clearly in our power—
namely,
the purification of unwholesome localities, and
the affording of timely medical advice, when a sim-
ple diarrhosa has given notice of the impending plague.
We do not, of course, affirm that the strictest attention to
these two points will keep us invulnerable, but it will
certainly save many valuable lives. We have
not, however, done yet. An order from the
Board of Health, at the recommendation of Mr.
Grainger, has recently been sent down to the
churchwardeus of St. Saviour's, Southwark, directing
them to close a particular burial-ground in their district
called the " Cross-bones" burial-ground. Yesterday
evening a meeting was held in the vestry-room of the
parish church, at which it was solemnly resolved to dis-
obey this order. Leaving out of the question the alle-
gations made as to the foul and inhuman scenes which
have occurred in this graveyard, it was shown by Mr.
Clarke, one of the speakers at the meeting, who had a
sufficiency of good sense to support the order of the
Board of Health, that " from 1826 to 1845 there had
taken place 8,033 burials in this pariah, and these 8,033
bodies would take 12,000 square feet of surface, allowing
a foot and a half to each, and a depth of six feet; that
was, supposing them to be buried upright. Their chief
graveyard contained only 6,000 feet, and the others did not
contain 6,000 more. They had been told that graves could
be dug in the middle of the ground to a depth of 16
feet without touching a coffin, and, if that were so, he
would ask what had become of the 8,033 bodies which
had been deposited in the nineteen years, which were
sufficient to fill double the space, and which would take
thirty years to decompose?" The very seconder of the
original motion for disobeying the order of she Board of
Health is reported to have said that had the prohibition
of intramural interment been general, or had it extended
to the whole of the southern bank of the river, he would
not have opposed it. There is just this reason for taking
the worst cases first, that probably there would be a
serious inconvenience in burying the dead were the pro-
hibition made to extend at once over too extensive an
area. But there is no doubt that the filthy custom of
burying the dead in the midst of the living will soon be
entirely prohibited in London. As a step towards so
desirable a consummation, we earnestly trust that the
Board of Health will make their order imperative upon
the churchwardens of St. Saviour's, Southwark.
POST.— i t is with pleasure we observe that the crime
of secret poisoning is not likely to be lost sight of by the
public. The numerous letters which have appeared in
this and in other journals prove the interest which has
been excited; and, as the Morming Post was the first
paper that seriously considered the matter, with a view
to the prevention of the enormity, we cannot otherwise
than rejoice in the knowledge that our example has been
generally followed. Dr. Toogood, in a letter which ap-
peared in our columns on Monday last, again reverts to
the-sitbject, which he has long /studied; and in his -pro-
fessional capacity is well qualified to speak upon. As an
answer to'sorde' or our- he irifOinis us that Mr.
S. Sturton, Cheinist, of Ely, for some time past has kept a
register of arsenic, and has been in the habit of requiring
the signatures of the person to whom the poison was
sold, and of a witness, by whom Mr. S, Sturton de-
manded that the purchaser should be accompanied.
One portion, therefore, of 1)r. Toogood's plan
has been adopted, and the circumstance is in the
highest degree creditable to the tradesman who, for
the security of the public, voluntarily subjected him-
self to such restrictions. Until the law is amended
we could wish other druggists would act with similar
prudence and genuine liberality; for at a time when
business is notoriously bad, and competition beyond pre-
cedent fierce, we feel that the tradesman displays a
spirit worthy of commendation when he incurs trouble
and hazards offence to protect the feelings or interests of
society. Mr. S. Sturton has done well, but Dr. Too-
good will, we think, admit that a solitary fact, or even a
number of like cases, would not serve to establish the
point he is desirous of making evident, The people of
Ely may not be, and we hope are not, disposed to tam-
per with poisons, and of those who signed Mr. Sturton's
register, not one may have sought to possess, for mur-
derous purposes, the arsenic they obtained. The book,
therefore, has been kept, but in what way are we to know
that it has operated as a decided check upon seoret poi-
soning? Let us acknowledge that a proof like that here
required, it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible,
to produce; since the regulation, supposing it to have
acted as its originator desires, would, by preventing
crime, destroy the only evidence that could be ad-
duced of its efficacy. A confession even would not be
conclusive, since many persons contemplate deeds which
subsequently they do not commit, and we consequently
cannot expect that Mr. Sturton or Dr. Toogood should
bring forward the evidence which could confirm their
views concerning the practical utility of registers and
signatures in the sale of arsenic. On the other hand,
however, we have positive knowledge that the presence
of a witness has been no check upon the evil intentions
of a murderess, and equally well it is demonstrated that
people whose thoughts are possessed by an evil idea be-
come insensible to the dangers which oppose or surround
its gratification. Murder despises caution, and on the
protection which is based upon its fears or foresight we
are reluctant to place much reliance. Mr. Sturton pro-
poses that arsenic should be sold to no party who cannot
write his name; and this suggestion Dr. Toogood seems
to commend. The proposer and seconder no doubt
advance much that gentility would approve in support of
their suggestion, but we cannot assent to the wholesale
accusation which it implies. Those who do not read or
write are not among our subscribers, but in the name
of humanity at largo we must protest against any law
which would cast a heavy imputation upon a class.
Rush, Wilson, and others were not uneducated; and the
most frightful of recent crimes have been perpetrated ,
by persons who at all events had been to school. The
illiterate are not necessarily the depraved, neither would
it be just to stigmatize the very humble as the only
order capable of secret crime. The poor have feelings
as warm, and Consciences as pure, as those of the mid-
dle or higher ranks, and the poor also are engaged in
those pursuits for the following of which arsenic ie law-
fully required. He who could not form a letter of the
alphabet might, nevertheless, stand in need of a little
arsenic to complete a work on which ho was engaged;
and must he go to school in order to procure it, or be
suspected of intent to murder because he simply seeks
to purchase an ingredient of his trade? The witness
who accompanied the purchaser might perhaps be by
law required, with some show of reason, to write ,
his name ; for in the present state of education