The Sun.
London, England, 1849-10-13 00:00:00

THE CHOLERA AT WINDSOR.

The part of the town of Windsor, in which the
cholera is now raging to so alarming an extent, is a
small confined place called Garden-court, leading out
of Bier-lane, at the bottom of Thames-street, but a
few feet above the level of the Thames. In conse-
quence, however, of her Majesty having been advised
not to take up her residence at the Castle until the
disorder has abated, the local board of health (the
Town Council) have resolved to adopt, at the eleventh
hour, the most efficient means to effect so desirable
an object. From Saturday last to Thursday no less
than fifteen fatal cases have occurred in this very
locality, thirteen deaths having taken place in the
court, and two immediately after the removal of the
afflicted persons to the Windsor union. The number
of fatal cases since the outbreak of the cholera in this
vicinity are between thirty-five and forty, only one
amongst those who were attacked having recovered,
through the medical treatment of Mr. Pearl. From
the following description of Garden-court, in which
the cholera has committed such extensive ravages,
,it can excite but little surprise that so many of the
pcor residents have fallen victims :—ln the court
there are
,twenty-one small houses, each consisting
of three rooms, the whole of which are occupied,
each room containing upon the average not less,
including children, than five persons. These rooms
are generally let out to separate families. The back
doors of each house open close to the privies, which
are in a horridly filthy state, the stench arising from
them being most offensive to the w hole neighbour-
hood. Within five feet of the court there is an open
stinking ditch running into the Thames, into which

it carries the soil from some other houses in the neigh-
bourhood. This ditch at times is most offensive,
esioL cially during the hot summer months. Into the
rooms of four of the houses the soil from the privies
in Thames otrtet absolutely oozes, rendering these
habitations unfit for even a dog to live in, mach less
human beingr. In the centre of a small yard there
is a pump. from which water is supplied to all the
inmates of this pestiferous court. This water is
strongly impregnated with the stinking water of the
ditches and drains by which the pump is surrounded.
The town of Windsor is most wretchedly drained ;
but it is to be hoped, since the Health of Towns
Act is in operation in the borough, that efficient
means will be adopted to remedy these
evils, and others of an equally disgraceful na-
ture, which are inflicted upon other portions of the
town. Mr. Creasy, the Government Inspector under
the Act, who was engaged for several days in making
examinations and inquiries throughout the borough,
stated, in his report. to the Central Board, that there
was not only "no proper drainage in Windsor," but
that the "cesspools scattered through Windsor are
more in number than the houses ;" that " the annual
cost of cleansing these fetid receptacles (mostly un-
covered) is 1,000/. ;" that their " polluted oozings, at
high tides, are floated into the very habitations;" and
that, "in consequence of the spongy soil, the walls of
many houses, in low situations, support as much
vegetation as a decaying thatch." It was in con-
templation, by the local board of health, to remote
those attacked by cholera (as soon as cases manifested
themselves) from their residences in Garden-court to
the borough gaol, in Sheet-street, within a few yards
of the Infantry barracks, from which the gaol is
only separated by the yard and back premises
of a public-house, much frequented by the
soldiers of both the cavalry and infantry regiments
stationed at Windsor. The prisoners in the gaol
(15 in number) were to have been transferred to the
police-station, in the very heart of the town, the station
affording very confined accommodation for such a
number of inmates. The proposition was brought
forward at a meeting of the board, and negatived by
a majority of four. Had the local authorities deter-
mined upon carrying this plan into effect, it is very pro.
babie that the project would have been very strongly
opposed by the Duke of Wellington, the Commander-
in Chief, out of a very proper regard for the health
and safety of the men ; for hitherto, we are happy to
state, no symptoms of cholera have displayed them-
selves in either of the two regiments. Several of the
houses in Garden-court are now untenanted, some in
consequence of the deaths of the late occupiers, and
others by parties leaving to escape a similar fate to
those who have fallen victims to the disease. The
medical men of the town have been unremitting in
their attentions to the afflicted.

POST OFFICE" _FINAL INSTRUCTIONS.'
The following "final instructions" relative to
Sunday duties have just been issued by the Post-
office :

"On and from to-morrow (Saturday) evening a
London bag must be n aie up in every provincial post-
office, and which is only to contain letters which pass
through London for places beyond it, and the postage on
which has been pre-paid by stamps. Newspapers, books,
Parliamentary proceedings, sad all kinds of documents
which pass through the post for less than full letter
postage rates will be detained in the provincial post-
offices until the London bag is dispatched on Sunday.
Foreign and colonial letters, whether pre-paid by money,
s:r sort unpaid, as well as letters for the Government
offices, will be forwarded in the Saturday night London
bag. On and from Sunday evening next a bag will be
made up in London for every provincial post town.
" A measure is in contemplation for the relief of
rural post-office messenger., which is to let them return
home within an hour or so after they have delivered all
dathye mexitrrneimngeitinildsioatcl theirof comp~
ldeliveriesiingth
rnrieglhigti;uusso
dthuatitesthieny
Company
may be enabled to
em their lteot terresnioani
uS uant
with their
nutlet inl
dStuondt
haye,i
families, during the principal •
portion of Sunday.--
Oct. 12."

ST. MARY-L). STRAND.—This little parish is likely
to be the scene of a warm contest for the vacant office of
vestry-clerk. The following candidates are in the
Ii ld:---Mr. Isaacson, the vestry-clerk of St. Clement
Danes; Mr. Moseley, the chairman of the board of
guardians of the Strand Union; Mr. Murrough, solicitor;
Mr. Score, the clerk to the commissioners of the income.
tax; and Mr. Yonge, solicitor. The contest is said is
be between the two first named gentlemen.
DEATH OF ALEXANDER BROWN, Esq.—We have
this week to record the death of Alexander Brown, Esq.,
of Beilby Grange, near Wetherby, who expired very
suddenly, at Lancaster, on Sunday last, aged 32. He
was one of the magistrates for the West Riding, and
last surviving child of William Brown, Esq., M.P. for
South Lancashire, and the tenth child whom that
respected and revered gentleman has followed to the
grave. The interment, which was strictly private, took
place at Collingham Church, on Thursday. Most of the
inhabitants of Wetherby spontaneously manifested their
regard for the memory of the deceased, by accompany-
ing the funeral procession.—Leeds Mercury.
THE GOLDEN PLOVER.—Several flocks of these
b, attain' birds have been seen in the southern part of
this county during the last few week!. This species has
been always considered, most justly, a delicious dish.
It figures conspicuously in most of the old bills of fare,
and was a very favourite dish with Queen
1 Northamptonshire Guardian.

r.
TiIVATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET.
B. WobStar, Sl`e Lessee and Manager, Old Brompton.
THIS EVENING.
Will be perform(' THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. Tetrad°,
Mr. Wester ; GI-trill:), Mr. Bucirstone; Ratharin?, :Jas. Nisbett ;
Bianca, Miss Jane Mordaunt.
Af er which THE MAID WITII THE MILKING -PAIL.
To conclude with the Farce of SEPARATE MINTENANC
ue
E.
Mr. Pennipother, Mr. Keeley ; Mra .Peurapother, MrsA. Keeley ; Ja
Brim:, Miss T. Horton.
Due notice will he given of the appearauce of Mr. and Mrs. KEAN.
The 8i.,-oftice will be oren on Thursday, under the direction of
Mr. I. T. Archer.

THEATRE ROYAL. ADELPHI.
-Under the direction of Madame Ce
THIS EVENING,
Will be performed THF. MYSTERIOUS STRANGER. The
Mysterious Stranger, Madame Celeste.
After which a new Farce, entitled A BIRD OF PASSAGE. Mr.
Carry Chick, Mr. Wright; Mr. Chaunt Ginger, Mr. Paul Bedford ;
Mr. Charles Pusker, Mr. Boyce; Ernest Hopeful, Mr. Worrell; Mrs.
Waters Rummer, Mrs. Frank Matthews.
To conclude with SWEETHERRTS AND WIVES.

ROYAL LYCIUM THEATRE.
Under the Management• of Madame Vesteg.
~ole Leaslee. Mr. Charteq Ma•hews.

THIS EVENING,
Will ho performed the Musical Drama, entitled TIIE SENTINEL.
. Atler which, THE FOLLIES OF A NIGHT.
To be followed by AN APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC.
To conclude with a comic Drama, called THE UrARRICK FEVER.
Dress Boxes, 55.; Upper Boxes, 4s. ; Pit, 25.; walery, it. I zio
kale-orico 4,0 any nart of the house.
All applications for Private Boxes Inust be made to Mr. Aileron, 13,
New Bond-street.

PRINCESS'S TREAT L:.%.
Mr. J. M. Maddox, Sole Lessee and Manager.
THIS EVENING,
Will be performed the celebrated Opera of DON GIOVANNI.
After which, a new Extravaganza, entitled THE FIRST
NIGHT.
To conclude with THE SPITALFIELDS WEAVEIt.

------
AsTLEY's ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Proprietor, Mr. W. Batty.
Oder the Patronage of her Majesty the Queen, his Royal Highness
Prince klbert, &c.
Triumphant success of the new Equestrian Spectacle of the Propket,
which has been nightly received with enthusiasm, and 7 on zinced
by the public press to be the mast gorgeou.s hippo-dramatic piece
ever produced at the Amphitheatre.
Unparalleled Equestrian Feats.
THIS EVENING,
Will be performed Fitzball's grand Equestrian Spectacle, entitled
THE PROPHET, in which Mr. W. West will appear.
To be tetiowea by an inimitable display of SCENES IN THE
CIRCLE. by the first Equestrian talent of the day.
To coxclude with a favourite Farce.
Box-office open from Eleven till Font.
Stage Manager, Mr. W. West.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
Tuts DAY —M M min. after 11 EVCIAIIg, 0 min. attar 0
0- v(oaaow— • °ming, 17 min. after 12 Kveatng, 41 min. after 12

THE WEATHEIL—Snsi Onricz, OCT. 13.
THERXONETER, Lowest, 37; Highest, 50; ricoa, 44,
BAROMETER, 29.77.
Wind E.N.E.—dull stormy weather, with occasional
showers.

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betninft and
;LONDON, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1849.

The case of PHILIPS V. KING and others, recently
brought before the magistrates assembled at Doncas-
ter, is one of the deepest importance to Protestant
Dissenters of every denomination, involving their
most cherished privileges—the exclusive enjoyment of
their own chapels, and the right of celebrating public
worship without hindrance, or disturbance of any kind.
There is now, happily, universal toleration for all sects
and denominations of Christians in this country.

Every man is at liberty to worship his CREATOR in
the manner which, in his soul and conscience, he
believes to be most acceptable to the DEITY. In the
privacy of his closet, or in the place appointed for
offering up the tribute of praise and thanksgiving,
he is protected from the intrusion of scoffers and
fanatics who may differ from his religious
views, and also front those who may
have private motives for interfering with or disturb-
ing his homage to the AL MIGHTY. This is as it
should be. A greater offence against public decency
cannot be imagined than the unwarranted inter-
ruption of the devotions of a congregation. If such
indecorous proceedings could for a moment be sanc-
tioned or permitted there would be an end to the
much vaunted "civil and religious liberty" of the
country. If the highest and most solemn act of duty
that can be rendered by a creature to his CREATOR
could be wantonly interrupted on any occasion, or
on any pretext whatsoever, if the calm and holy
spirit in which homage should be rendered to the
MosT IIIG n could be wilfully disturbed, there would be
a palpable deficiency in the law that did not restrain
and punish so flagrant an impropriety. There is,
however, no such deficiency. A salutary law was not
long since enacted affording the necessary protection
to all denominations of Christians ; and it is the duty
of every British citizen, more especially of the public
journalist, to prevent the spirit of that wise and just
enactment from being frittered away and rendered
valueless by strained interpretations of the provisions
of the statute.

---- -
In the case now under notice two distinct offences
were charged against the defendants, both committed
on Sabbath-days—on the 12th of August and the td
of September last. Mr. KING, the principal defendant,
had formerly been the minister of the chapel, and
occupied a house immediately adjoining, in which hi.
mother still resides. For his convenience a door had
been broken between the private dwelling-house and
the vestry of the public chapel ; he has recently
caused this door to be entirely removed, so that access
could at all times be had to the chapel by means
thereof. Mr. KING, it appears, claims some rights in
connexion with the chapel, and the committee of
management fearing that if he obtained possession in
any manner there might be some difficulty in evicting
him, thought it prudent to keep a person continually
on the premises. On Sunday, the 2d of September,
about ten o'clock in the morning, while the congrega-

tion were, as usual, engaged in the celebration of public
worship, was the time selected by their former mi-
ni:4er to assert his supposed rights ; he entered ac-
cordingly the vestry through the open doorway, accom-
panied by his mother and a person named GLossor
w hom he directed to " take possession." The attempt
was, of course, resisted, and a considerable disturb-
ance took place, by which the assembled congregation
were greatly scandalized, and were, in fact, obliged to
disperse without accomplishing the holy purpose for
-which 'they had gathered together. This was the
simple state of facts, which (as required by the statute)
was duly proved by two creditable witnesses, and
we believe, nut controverted by the defendants.
Nothing then remained for the magistrates but to
comply with the law, by requiring the parties to find
sureties to answer the charge at the next general or
quarter-sessions. A legal objection was, however,
raised on behalf of the defendants as to the
sufficiency of the registration, to which the
magistrates gave effect, declaring that they
were of opinion " that Dissenting chapels should
be registered annually, and that they could not
have protection unless that were done." The merits
of the case were, therefore, not entered into; indeed,
there could be no possible justification; for, even if
Mr. KING was fully entitled to the possession of the
chapel, he would not be warranted in disturbing a
congregation peacefully engaged in religious worship.
The case of "Rex v. Herbe," 5 Term Reports, 542, is
express on this point. If legal rights are put forward
they must be asserted according to law, and Mr.
KING, himself a Dissenting minister, relying on the
just toleration accorded to Dissenters of every class,
should have been the last person to have recourse to a
disturbance of public worship, or to have desecrated
the Sabbath-day, which his religion taught him
. should be kept holy, by selecting it as the
opportunity for resorting to such untoward
proceedings. Neither should he have been the per-
son to have raised a point that must prove exceedingly
vexatious to himself, in common with the great body
of Protestant Dissenters throughout the entire king-
dom, and which, if yell-founded, would take away
• all protection against intrusion and disturbance from
ninety-nine out of every hundred chapels in this
country.
With respect to the point itself, we have carefully
perused the statute, and we have not the slightest
hesitation in saving, that all the requirements of the
law were fully complied with in the single registra-
tion in the court of the, Archbishop of the diocese,
and that nothing further was required on behalf of
the congregation.
The statute declares that "no congregation or
assembly for religious worship of Protestants
be permitted or allowed, unless and until the place
of such meeting shall have been, or shall be, certi-
fied to the Bishop of the diocese, or to the Arch-
deacon of the Archdeaconry, or to the Justices of
the Peace, at the General or Quarter Sessions of the
Peace, for the county, riding, division, city, town, or