The Sun.
London, England, 1847-12-17 00:00:00

tS
DECEMBER 173 1847.

Caucasian accents--" On every sacred day you read
to the people the exploits of Jewish heroism, the
proofs of Jewish devotion, the brilliant annals of their
past magnificence !"

We have on several occasions directed the public
attention to the loose and inefficient manner in
which prosecutions are frequently conducted, and
which, in many instances, has led to the total fai!ure
of justice, and the escape of the parties accused from
the punishment due to the crimes of which no doubt
as to their actual guilt could exist. Another illus-
tration of the absurdity of the present system was
yesterday afforded at the Central Criminal
Court, on the trial of the prisoners charged
with the murder of the late Mr. BELL.'
CHAMBERS, and although the law was vindicated,
and a conviction had against two of the parties,
the result does not in the slightest degree affect the
argument as to the impolicy of affording such
chances of impunity to persons accused of so heinous
an offence. The able and talented advocate who was
accidentally present, and who, when the prisoners
had actually been given in charge to the jury, so that
there was no longer the possibility of any postpone-
ment of the trial, consented, at the request of the
Court, to conduct the prosecution, was placed in a
most unfair position. The case was one mainly de-
pendent on circumstantial evidence, of all others the
most difficult to unravel, and to place in a proper
light before the jury. Everything depended on
the due connexion of the several links of the
chain, and any break, however trifling, must
have ended in the acquittal of the prisoners.
It is unnecessary to say that the eminent counsel
engaged most ably and effectively discharged the
onerous duty he bad taken upon himself, and that
every material fact contained in the depositions was
elicited and fairly brought before the Court ; but the
Learned Gentleman was unable to detail these various
facts in the first instance, or to show their connexion
the one with the other. He was obliged to state to
the jury his utter ignorance of the circumstances of
the case, which he was compelled to collect from the
several depositions, and to arrange on the spur of the
moment during the course of the proceedings.
The want of a properly instructed counsel on
behalf of the prosecution was no less unfair to the
jury, and even to the prisoners themselves. The jury
were deprived of the usual history of the case, which
is ordinarily given before the witnesses are produced.
They were obliged to discover the bearing of the se-
veral facts, to connect them together without any
assistance or explanation previous to the Judge's
charge. They, perhaps, lost the opportunity of put-
ting questions, which might have been of the greatest
importance ; and it is possible that a certain degree
of prejudice might have been thereby excited against
the accused. The address of an advocate is like
a two-edged sword—it cuts both ways :if the
case is clear it tells with powerful effect
against the parties on whose guilt or innocence
the jury are to pronounce their verdict, the various
parts of the case are skilfully arranged, and so dove-
tailed into each other as to clearly establish the truth
of the accusation. On the other hand, any deficiency
of evidence, any failure of proof is much more easily
detected from such a statement than from the answers
of the witnesses, which the jury must follow with the
closest attention. The presiding judge, too, is in a
certain degree changed into a counsel for the prose-
cution, and obliged to urge the points bearing most
hardly upon the prisoners in a stronger manner than
might have been the case if they had previously been
commented upon by the counsel. Such observations
comirg from the judgment-seat, have much greater
weight than if they proceeded from any other quarter
and thus the case for the defence may be seriousl
prejudiced.

It is not our desire to cast any censure upon any
of the parties to whom we have alluded, or to express
any op'nion respecting the guilt or innocence of the
unfortunate men now under sentence of death. It is
the fault of the system to which we have allude,),
which permits the onus of the prosecution
to rest upon private individuals in place of devolving
upon a public prosecutor, whose duty it should be to
act in every criminal case on behalf of the Crown.
The injury to the party aggrieved is merged in the
outrage on society. It would not be competent for
any but the Chief Magistrate to extend pardon to the
offenders; nor should it appear as if motives of
revenge had anything to do with the punishment that
might be adjudged. But so long as private prosecu-
tions are not only sanctioned, but rendered almost
imperative from the neglect of the authori-
ties, such will appear to be the case, and
the cause of public justice will be seriously
injured. The practice in Scotland as to the mode of
conducting criminal investigations is in every respect
superior to that adopted in this country ; and we
trust that its speedy introduction will prevent the
constant repetition of such neglect as that to which
we have just alluded.

Lord MINTO had a private audience of the POPE on
he 10th.

The Diane of Rome announces the death at the
convent of Sainte Marie, in that city, of Mgr.
FRANCIS OTINAN, of the order of the Preaching
Brothers, Bishop of Killaloe, in Ireland.
By a recent decree of the King of SARDINIA, the
entry and departure of vessels to and from ports of
that kingdom, and the Custom-house operations con•
sequent thereon are henceforth to be allowed to take
place on Sundays and holidays, as well as on other
days, This reform is considered of great importance
to commence.

Madrid journals of the 9th have arrived. The ad-
dress of the Deputies in reply to the speech, had been
presented by Senor Mort. General AMETLEE had
arrived-in Madrid.

MADRID Boma, DEC. 9.—The Three per Cents.
2( for money, 271-16 at 50 days; Five per Cents.
at 15f at 50 days ; Debt without Interest, at 41 for

money.

We have received the Paris papers of Wednesday.
On Tuesday the grand Reform banquet of the
electors of the 14th arrondissement of the Seine, took
place at St. Denis. Eleven hundred electors sat down
to dinner. MM. LAYSTERIE, ODILLON BARROT, and
Dime other Deputies were present. The health of the
KING was not proposed, but the toast to the Sove-
reignty of the People, which was substituted for it,
was drank with enthusiastic plaudits.
The Union Monarchiqus says, that the Emperor of
RUSSIA, has at length consented to give to M. DE
KISSELEEF, the title of Minister Plenipotentiary at
Paris, and that in consequence the Marquis of DAL-.
MATIA (the son of Marshal Souvr) will be ap-
pointed Minister Plenipotentiary to Russia.
According to the Presse, M. GUIZOT has deter-
mined to recal M. Bois LE COMTE from Switzerland.
In the same journal we find the following extract of a
letter from Berne, dated 10th instant :

" I am informed by a person in a high position that
Sir Stratford Canning said to his Excellency the Presi-
dent of the Diet, at their interview yesterday, that he
was charged by the English Government to remit to him
a note conceived in the same terms as those of France,
Austria, and Prussia ; but that, as it had been ill in-
formed as to the state of Switzprland, he deemed it pro-
per to suspend the delivery of the note until he had re-
ferred to his Government."

PARIS BOURSE, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15.—The
Bourse has been to-day rather flatter than yes-
terday, with but a moderate share of business doing at
prices rather below the Tiotations of yesterday's close,
the last call for Threes being 75f. 25c., both for cash
and account; Fives, 116 f. 30c., for cash, and 116 f. 60c.
for the end of .the month; and New Loan, 76f. 35c. for
the latter period. Railway Shares have been freely
offered to-day, and what transactions have taken place
have been at prices rather below the closing quotations
of yesterday.
BUSINESS DONE IN FOREIGN RAILWAYS AT THE
LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE, DEC. 16.
_ _

Dutch Rhenish, 236—Northern of France, 11%—Or-
leans and Bordeaux., sN—Paris and Lyons, 5%.

DZATII OF SIR JAMES WILLIAMS, KNIGHT.—
nue gentleman, vho filled the office of Sheriff of Lon-
don on the occasion of the coronation of George IV.,
when he was knighted, died on the 15th inst., at his re-
sidence in Kentish Town, aged 81. He was formerly
411 OZWIIiIiTO paper manufacturer.

[PRICE SD.

LLOYD'S SHIPPING-(THIS DAY.)
LONDON, DEC. 17.—Wind S.S.E., light breeze, and
*lull hazy weather, with drizzling rain.
DEAL, DEC. 16.—Wind S.S.W.—Arrd. Alexander
Baring, Wilson, Calcutta ; Richmond, Greengrass,
Algoa Bay. •
FALMOUTH, DEC. 16.7—Wind S.S.W., fresh gales.—
Sld. Seagull packet, Madeira, TeneritTe, and Brazils.
LIVERPOOL, DEC. 15.—Wind S.S.E. to S.S.W.—Arrd.
Susan Lord, Chadbourne, New Orleans ; Mountaineer,
Carey, Pugwash; Montezuma, Little, gut bee; Acadia
steamer, Boston, with 80,0001. on board ; Iluttinguer,
Barsiey, New York, with 30;000i. dollars in specie. Sld.
Fame, Rio Janeiro; Columbus, Pernambuco; Nueva San
Franziac, Havannah; Choice, Jamaica; General Berry,
Boston.

STA OMNESS, DEC. 8.---The William, Newcastle to
Dublin, went on shore yesterday at Yesnaby, and will
probably become a wreck ; one boy drowned.
KILLYI3EGS, DEC. 14.—The Vigilant, of Glasgow,
Sligo to Westport, put in here yesterday, with five feet
water in her hold, haVing struck on Aughross Point.
BELFAST, DEC. 15.—The Ganges, Smith, of and from
Liverpool, for New Orleans, is riding inside the South
Rock Light, with both anchors in a dangerous position,
having mistaken the light. It is blowing a gale at S. to
S.S.E., but is now more moderate. The Isabella, of Port-
ferry, Liverpool to Newry, is on shore near Gunner's
Island, and expected to become a wreck.
FALMOUTH, DEC. 16.—The Worrier, Beynon, from
London to Gibraltar and Marseilles, put in here last
night with jib-boom carried away, fore-topmust sprung,
cutwater and rigging damaged, loss of sails, bulwarks,
&c., having been in contact at two o'clock sat., in
lat. 49, lon.- 6, with the French brig Emma; Berthon,
from Galatz to this port for orders, which vessel, it is'4
feared, sank with five of the crew; tha master and re-
maining three men saved themselves by getting on board
the Warrior.
HELSTONE, DEC. 14.—Some planks, and other parts
of a vessel, marked in yellow " Savich," have been picked
up here.

ST. IVES, DEC. 14.—Part of the crew of the Sove-
reign, from St: John's, New Brunswick, towed into
Scilly yesterday, waterlogged, has been landed. ,
BRISTOL, DEC. 15. Several casks of wine were passed
off Ushant on the 12th instant, also several boxes of
oranges off Lundy Island on the 13th, by the Idea,
Quick, arrd. at Bristol.
LLANDUCLO, DEC. 15.—The Asciduca Palatine, which
was driven on shore in this bay 7th instant, is a total
wreck; much depredation has been committed on her
Cargo by the country people.
LIVERPOOL, DEC. 16.--,The J. H. Adami, for Ha-
vannah, has Put back leaky, having been on shore on the
coast of Ireland. The Venus, of. Jersey .(fruit laden),
has been spoken 65 miles S.W. of Tuskar, with loss of
boat, bulwarks jib-boom, topmast, and sails, by the
Mountaineer, Carey, arrived-here.
ST. IvEs' DEC. 14.—A Scilly 'pilot boat this morning
brought in five of the crew of the Sovereign, from St.
John's, New Brunswick, last from Cork, timber laden,
which put into Scilly yesterday, water logged. Memo-
randum—The above account is supposed to relate to the
Cumberland, of Shields, -which was towed into Scilly
13111 inst., waterlogged and abandoned.
DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN, DEC. 16.—Tho schooner
Maria, Williams, of Portmadoc, froth Newcastle, in
pulling into this port 13th inst., struck against the quay
several times, and made a-great deal of water. She is
now repairing.
ABERDOVEY, DEC. 14.—A mast and main boom, ap-
parently belonging to a sloop, sunk after striking on
Sarn Bivch Reef, are to be seen projecting from the3water
about two miles from the shore. 15. A ship's compass,
and the stern sheet, and seat of a large boat, the latter
painted, with two half circles in black, have been picked
up near there.
WATERFORD, DEC. 15.—The captain of the Specu-
lator, Williams, arrived here from Newport, reports that
he saw a brig sink off the Smalls, yesterday, and also
saw two, boats leave her with crews, and as he could
render them no assistance, fears they were lost.
WARREN POINT, DEc. 15.—1 t blew a heavy gale
yesterday and last night from S.W., and still blows
heavily. The Marchioness of Bute, Dinning, from
Liverpool to Mobile, on shore at Cooley Point, is full of
water; crew saved.
SnislLDs, DEC. 16.—The Orion,' Robertson, from
Yarmouth, which put in here 7th inst., leaky, and with
pumps choked, discharged part of cargo, found the defect
in the pump-well, and sailed to day for Leith.
WIIITBY, DEc. 16.—The Cleveland, Skelton, of this
port, from Shields to Carthagena, struck on Whitb
Rock last night, but proceeded without any apparen
damage.

MARKET NEWS.-(THIS DAY

- -
CORN EXCHANGE.-FRIDAY.
A full average quantity of English Whent,.viz., 5,270
quarters, having arrived this week, coastwise, the stands
to day were fairly supplied with samples. Still, how.
ever, the finest parcels of both red and while colt]
winded a very steady demand, and Monday's advanced
rates were well supported. The middling and inferibr
kinds here a slow sale, but not cheaper. The imports
of foreign Wheat have been again small. The best
qualities were quite as dear, but other sorts wore neg-
teen d Fine Malting. Barley, the supply of which was
small, sold at very full prices. Grinding and distilling
sorts were held at late rates. The demand for an kinds
of Malt was steady, but we have no actual advance to
notice in value. The Oat trade. was steady, at full cur-
rencies. Beans and Peas were heavy, but Indian Corn
and Meal were inquired for. Flour moved off steadily,
at extreme figures,

A.IRRIVALB.

Irish. •

Whrat.
5,270 qrs.

Foreign •• •• •.

ttarloy. Oat.. I Flow.
7,0:0 qrs. 460 qrs. I 4,450 A
_.— 2,540 1 ---
--- 4,010 i ---

3,SGO

Malt. 4,920 era.
SMITHFIELD,
The supply of Beasts on offer was seasonably exten
sive as to number, but very deficient in general quality.
On the whole, the Beef trade was steady, and prices.were
mostly supported. As, however, there were no extraor-
dinary good animals in the market, as was the case on
Monday last, the highest figure for the best Scots, &c.,
did not exceed 5s 4d per 8113$, at which a good clearance
was effected. There were on sale only 68 Beasts, 180
Sheep, and 42 Calves from abroad. With Sheep we
were fairly supplied, whll9 the demand was somewhat
inactive, at barely the late advance in the quotations. In
Calves only a moderate business was doing, at unaltered
currencies. Prime Small Pi;,e's sold freely, othi.iwise the
Pork trade was dud. Milch Cows moved off slowly at
from 14114 s to 181 each, including their small Calf.

Per 811 a. to si

ink the offal.

a.
d. to I. d. S. d. to s. a .
Interior Beasts.. 3 6 310 Second quality ditto 4 2 4 6
Second quality • .. 4 0 4 6 Coarse-woolled ditto 4 8 5 0
Prime large Oxen.. 4 8 410 Southdown Wether 5 2 5 4
Prime Scots • ..... 5 0 5 4 Ditto (Rita the 'wool
r..arge coarse Calved 3 8 '4 6 Large Hogs•
••• • 4 0 4 6
'erne mandato .. 4• 8 410 Small Porkers .. •• 4 8 5 2
luckling Calves ..20 0 29 0 Quarter old Pigs .• 18 0 25 0
nferlor Sheep .. . 3 8 4 0 Lambs .• .... ••• • 0 0 0 0
SUPPLY AT MARKET.
Sheep. I Calves. I Plus.
5,270 137 340

Roasts,
1,615