The Sun.
London, England, 1846-06-08 00:00:00

LECOMTE S TRIAL.
THE SENTENCE.
PARIS, THURSDAY.—The Court of Peers sat until half-past
seven o'clock on Thursday, in order to hear the whole of the
witnesses to be examined, some of whom, however, were not
called, their testimony not being considered as requisite. The
following is the evinence of those called after our statement
of Saturday :
M. de Monicault, prefect at Melun, who attended the King
ou the day of the attempt, repeated the circumstances of it,
and added, that on his coming up with Lecomte, when in
custody, and on his way to Fontainebleau, he heard him say,
" The King is not wounded; he is more fortunate than I
am." When they had arrived at the prison, Lecomte de-
clared that he intended to kill the King, and had come to
Fontainebleau for the purpose.
Colonel Berryer, who was also with the King, deposed that
after Lecomte was arrrested, he said in answer to the ques-
tions of the prefect, " I had to complain of the conservator of
the Crown forests. I addressed the intendantes, and was
from ,thence referred to the conservator. This- was trifling
with me, and I resolved to be revenged. I have only one
thing to blame myself for. I placed myself badly, and regret
it. The King has profited it. I shall be blamed, but I
have as much heart and as much honour as those who will
blame me."
M. Cante, a gunsmith, deposed to having sold a fowling-
piece to Lecomte in May or June, 1843. The prisoner pLid
him without giving his name or address. In March, 1844,
Lecomte changed this gun for another of higher price, saying
that he was guard of the forests, and wanted a lighter gun.
The witness identified the gun produced in court.
Mademoiselle Panchet, a print-seller in the Place du Car-
rousel, gave some evidence of no importance, as to having
seen Lecomte befeie her shop a short .time before the King
left Fontainebleau.
Another witness, named Becker, gave testimony on the
same subject.
Heroux, a groom, stated that on the 15th of April he was
talking with Mdlle. Pauchet at the moment when the King
was leaving for Fontainebleau. A shower came on, and two
persons, Reverchon and Becker, took shelter with him. Whilst
they were talking aboukthe King's departure, Mdlle. Pauchet
remarked a man who appeared to be listening, and who was
turning over some prints as an excuse for being near them.
They were struck with his gloomy apect. The witness is
certain tbat this man remained until the King left, and he
and his friends thought from his manner and appearance that
he had no good design, and if he had been by his side on an
occasion of the King's passing by, he should have watched
him very narrowly.
M. Liot, the director of the Fontainebleau diligence, de-
posed to Lecomte's having, on the 15th of April, engaged a
place in the name of Lebrun. M. Hubert deposed to the
same effect.
Pichard, a journeyman wheelwright, was with Lecomte
in the diligence to Fontainebleau, but merely deposed to
seeing a parcel in his possession, which must have been his
fowling-piece.
Madame Bertrant, an innkeeper at Lannon, served Le-
comte with a breakfast on the 16th of April, but the whole
of her evidence amounted to Leeomte's having said that he
did not think the breakfast a very good one. The daughter
of this witness gave similar testimony.
M. Vigorelli, an inhabitant of Fontainbleau, near the
Chateau, stated that he saw a man on the 16th of April, at
about nine in the morning, who had his face turned towards
the Parquet d'Avon, and who appeared to be watching.
Henole, a corporal of the First Hussars, deposed that be
had seen Lecomte in the morning before the attempt in
company with another person, but he could not swear that
they were talking together. He had previously seen him
three or four times alone. When he disappeared, after the
witness saw him for the last time, he went towards the bati-
ment de Survivances.
Lecomte here observed that what the witness had stated
was improbable, He would hardly have exposed himself in
a place where lie could be recognised, as he was so well known
at Fontainebleau.
Vioal, a hussar, gave similar testimony to that of Henole,
as did also Dartus, another hussar. All these men spoke
positively as to the identity of the prisoner.
A washerwoman, named Foin, declared that she had seen
Lecomte at Fontainebleau, at the door of the Cadranbleu,
in 1845.
This was denied by Lecomte, but the evidence did not ap-
pear to bear upon any point of the case.
Roney, an employe at the chateau, deposed that he had
met Lecomte in 1845, in a road near Fontainebleau, but could
not say at what period of the year.
Card, an upholsterer, who was formerly in the army with
Lecomte, deposed to some acts of violence on the part of the
prisoner when in the service, and added that he was brave
but brutal.
Another witness, named Gres, gave some evidence without
the slightest interest.

Fontainebleau twice before the 15th and 16th of April,, and
been recognised there by Toin, his laundress, and another

person, admitting at the same time that •he h-ad no accom-
plice, nor was impelled to the attempt by any political mo-
tive or feeling.
M. Duvergier then rose to defend the accused. He ad-
verted to the honour and credit with which Lecomte had
passed his early years—his military career was honourable,
and he was decorated with the Legion of Honour, his ser-
vice in the royal forests, until he sent in his resignation, in
1844, in consequence of the unkind conduct of his superiors.
He then urged that it was the resentment he felt that lie
wished to gratify, and he had no other or ulterior motive,
for when asked " What would you have done if the King
had been killed 2" his reply was that he had not thought
of what he should do. He had no political feelings, never
read any newspapers in his lodgings ; he was seeking some
honest employment in Paris. There was, perhaps, the idea,
but no premeditation of the attempt before the afternoon of
April 15, and for a long time his letters to the King had
been respectfully worded. He then, with much ability,
adduced all the points in favour of Lecomte being in a state
of mental excitement, amounting to • derangement on this
point of his fancied wrongs, on which he brooded in silence
until he was literally monomaniac in this particular. He
quoted the opinions of an eminent practitioner, M. Leleu, as
to the positive monomania of Lecomte, and concluded a most
able harangue amidst a buzz of approbation.
The'Procureur-General made a short reply, denying that
the evidence would warrant any suspicion of monomania ;
to which

M. Duvergier rejoined a few words, and the Chamber was
then cleared, in order that the Peers might deliberate as to
the sentence, which is always done with closed doors.
Lecomte preserved his equanimity throughout, and when
his advocate had finished leaned over the bar and cordially
thanked him for his defence ; and on quitting the Court
shook M. Duvergier by the hand, and bowed twice to the
Court very respectfully.
The pleadings were ended about half-past three o'clock.
PARIS, SATURWAY.—After the Chamber of Peers had
heard the whole of the pleadings yesterday, the Court was
cleared of all but the members of that body, who, after
sitting in deliberation for nearly two hours, returned the
verdict of Guilty against Lecomte, and condemned him as a
parricide to go to the place of execution in his shirt only,
with his feet naked and his head covered with a black veil.
The execution will take place on Monday at an early
hour, unless-the King's mercy be extended to the condemned
man, who bore the passing of his sentence with the same
firmness and tranquillity that characterised him throughout
the whole proceedings.

THE WEST INDIES AND MEXICO.
The Royal Mail steam-packet Tweed, George Parsons,
R.N., Commander, Lieutenant Davis, RN., Admiralty
agent, arrived at Southampton yesterday at noon, bringing
the unusual number of 138 passengers. The Tweed has
been much retarded since leaving Bermuda by fogs, and ex.
perienced also eight days' rain.
She brings on freight 52,000 dollars on account of the
Mexican Government, 386,140 on merchants' account, 9,000
pineapples, a number of turtle, 269 ounces gold dust, 216
serons cochineal, 33 bales indigo, 29 cases of cigars, 15 of
tobacco, 70 boxes succades, 61 barrels potatoes, 32 cases of
plants, 24 bales jalap, 5 boxes of old gold and silver. She
also brings mails of the following dates—from Tampico,
April 22 ; Vera Cruz, May 1; Havannah, May 10 ; Nassau,
May 13; Bermuda, May 21 ; Honduras, April 20; Deme-
rara, May 5 ; Trinidad, May 6 ; Grenada, May 10 ; St.
Thomas, May 15; and Jamaica, May 9.
The Company's ship Tay sailed on the 11th of May from
Havannah for the Gulf, and the Trent was at Bermuda.
Her Majesty's ship Rose was at Vera Cruz; the Vindictive•
and steam-ship Hermes, at Bermuda; the Pique also there,
but homeward bound.

The following ships of war were lying at Sacrificios
Cumberland, 56 ; Potomac, 56 ; Raritan, 56 ; Falmouth, 24 ;
John Adams, 24 ; Somers, 14. These vessels were waiting
in anticipation of hostilities being likely to commence at the
Rio Bravo, when it is the intention of the American Conmte
modore to attack St. Juan d'Alloa and the fortifications at
Vera Cruz. The Mexicans are spoken of as being hourly en-
gaged in adding to the strength of that fort, and it is thought
unlikely that the squadron would be able to take it if a
spirited defence were made.
By this arrival we have our usual files of West India
papers, and extract the only news of interest The following
account of the weather, from the Jamaica Dispatch, is very
distressing:—

"We are enabled to add but little to the unsatisfactory
intelligence which we were obliged to communicate to our
English readers by the last mail. The drought continues
without abatement throughout the island, and the crop of
next year is in a most precarious condition ; that for the
present year may be considered as reduced by more than one-
half. In St. Ann the drought has been so severe, and the con-
sequent want of water so great, that the stock have died in
large numbers, and in some of the inland districts a pail of
water for domestic purposes cannot be obtained under 4s. In
St. Mary, usually a very wet parish, the progress of sugar-
making has ceased for want of water to put the mills in ope-
ration. Indeed, if rain does not soon come to our relief, the
state of the country in its lowland districts will be melan-
choly. At present, however, there seems but little prospect
of a change of weather. The month of May has already
advanced towards its centre, and although it is the month in
which we are accustomed to be blest with those periodical
rains which tend so much to fertilise our soil, we have as yet
no indication of any relief from the oppressive drought
which has now continued unabated for six months in some
parts of the island."
From the port of Spain we have nearly similar accounts;
so severe and prolonged a dry season has not been known,
and the usual planting operations have been altogether sus-
pended.

M. Hebert de la Grave knew Lecomte when Secretary of
the Inspection of Forests of Villers Cotterets in 1830, and
also in 1832, when under the orders of the witness. He
described him as of an eccentric, taciturn, sombre, violent,
and vindictive character, severe to his subordinates, and rest
less under the authority of his superiors, owing to his exces-
sive pride and self love. He lived alone, without friend or
companion, but his co' duct was regular, and his exactitude
and probity were irreproachable. He was considered an ex-
cellent marksman.

M. Savoie, an inspector of Crown forests, said he never
had to complain of Lecomte. His intelligence was limited,
but he always did cheerfully what the witness commanded.
He liked to live alone, and held no communication with his
subordinates, except on matters of duty. His probity was
unquestionable, and nothing could have induced him to vio-
late his duties.

M._Le Griel, who had given Lecomte leave of absence in

in 183 S for illness, was called to give evidence to the state
of his mind. It had been said that this witness had declared
Lecomte to be deranged. He deposed that the mind of Le-
comte was in a state of excitement, and that he needed re-
pose; but he had never imagined that he was insane. M.
Duvergter asked the witness whether, as the superior of M.
Lecomte, he had net ordered him to be severe towards his
inferiors. The witness replied that he had ordered him to en-
force the rules of the service, but to be moderate.
M. Jallon, a physician at Orleans, deposed to his having
attended Lecomte whilst labouring under an affection of the
chest. He had given him a certificate as to his state of health,
in order that he might obtain leave of absence. In answer to
a question from the president, this witness stated that he had
found no trace of insanity in the prisoner, nor had he ever
thought of looking for any symptona of the kind.
M. Lecoufle was the next witness examined, but his evi-
dence was immat.rial.

Samson, a guard in the Crown forests, deposed that he had
served under the orders of Lecomte, but had never been on
good terms with him. Had heard him, when speaking of
bath the present and the old:Royal Family, mutter words be.
tween his teeth which he could not distinctly make out.
The evidence of the next witness, Lelievre, merely went to
the fact of his having known the prisoner in 1839 and 1840,
and of their having taken their meals together at Fontaine •
bleau. Lecomte had once asked him his opinion as to the
capitalisation of his pension, when he had told him that his
claims were not well founded.

THE MINISTERIAL MEASURES.

MEETING AT LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S.

A meeting of Liberal Members opposed to the Irish
Ministerial measures was held on Saturday afternoon, at
the residence of Lord John Russell, at Chesham-place.
There were present Lord Palmerston, Lord Morpeth,
Lord Melbourne, Lord Henry Vane, the Earl of Arundel
and Surrey, Lord Edward Russell, Lord Duncan, Lord
Clements, Lord Ebrington, Lord Arthur Hill, Lord Mil-
ton, the Right Hon. R. L. Sheil, the Right Hon. F.
Baring, the Right Hon. Edward Ellice, the Right Hon.
T. B. Macaulay, the Right Hon. Sir John Cam Hob-
house, Sir Thomas Wilde, the Right Hon. Charles
Wood, the Right Hon. H. Labouchere, the Right Hon.
Fox Maule, the Right llon. Robert V. Smith, Mr.
O'Connell, Mr. John O'Connell, Sir William Clay, Sir
Charles Lemon, Sir W. Somerville, Sir Winston Barron,
the Hon. Grantley Berkeley, the Hon. F. H. Berkeley,
Mr. Ward, Mr. T. Duncombe, the Hon. Mr. Gore, Mr.
P. Howard, Mr. Joseph Hume, Mr. Williams, Sir B.
Hall, Mr. Hawes, Colonel Rawdon, Mr. Mitchell, Mr.
Horsman, Mr. Dundas, Mr. Watson, Mr. PowlettScrope,
Mr. Vyse, Sir Charles Napier, Mr. M`Carthy, Mr.
Robert Dillon Browne, Mr. Patrick Somers, Colonel
White, Mr. Hewett Bridgeman, Mr. J. M. M‘Donnell,
Captain Layard, Mr. Christie, Mr. James, Mr. Banner-
man, Mr. R. M. Bellew, Sir Valentine Blake, the Hon.
Edward Bouverie, Dr. Bowring, Mr. Brotherton, the
Hon. W. Cowper, Mr. Curteis, Mr. Duff, Mr. G. Dun-
can, Sir John Easthope, Mr. Wakley, Mr. Bright, Ge-
neral Sir De Lacy Evans, Mr. F. French, Mr. Morgan
John O'Connell, Mr. George Moffatt, Mr. Protheroe,
Mr. J. Matheson, &c.
The meeting was held in his Lordship's dining-room.
Lord Joan RUSSELL opened the proceedings by re-
marking that he was extremely desirous to call atten-
tion to two very important matters which were imme-
diately to come under the consideration of Parliament.
He alluded to the Irish Coercion Bill, and the question
of the sugar duties. He would first advert to the Co-
ercion Bill, being desirous to secure unanimity of action
upon that measure. He was distinctly opposed to that
Bill.—(Hear, hear.) He considered its enactments most
harsh and oppressive ; and he believed that the principal
argument adduced in the House of Lords, namely, the
urgent necessity that existed for the measure, was not
borne out by the circumstances of the case. Under that

impression, he conceived that the further progress of
the Bill ought to be opposed in its future stages. He
thought that the best course which could be taken would be
to move, on Monday (this day), when the Bill would again
have to be considered, its second reading that day six
months. If this suggestion met with the approval of
Hon. Gentlemen present, he trusted that the debate
might be taken upon this measure, and that the ques-
tion which had been already so fully and so ably dis-
cussed by the Irish Members might be brought toa close
at the expiration of three days.—(Hear, hear.) Any
further discussion on the Bill would be useless. He
would, therefore, suggest that such a motion as he had
indicated should be brought forward--(Cheers.)
Lord CLEMENTS regretted that he could not agree in
the course pointed out by Lord John Russell. He con-
sidered that the social condition of Ireland required the
application of coercive measures ; and, entertaining that
conviction, he could not oppose the measures proposed by
her Majesty's Ministers with reference to that country—
(Dissent)—although at the same time he did not believe
that they would have the effect of tranquillizing the
country or removing the causes of complaint.
Mr. O'CostsiELL expressed his deep gratification that
Lord John Russell and Hon. Gentlemen who usually
acted with him appeared willing to adopt that course
which he was convinced must ultimately promote the
best interests of England.—(Hear, hear.) He had him-
self given notice of a motion for Monday (this day), but
of course he should now withdraw it, in order that he
on
athatforn
a uponer
occasions,
the p pre-
sent,
might not offer any opposition to the course suggested
by the Noble Lord (John Russell), which had his
mostse
nt ,
cordial
ash
a d been
the
H casee regrettedup
one of Ireland's sons had been found t® declare his
intention of adopting a course calculated to militate
against her interests. Holding, as he did, the highest
respect for the opinions and position of the Noble Lord,
he could not but say, when he reflected that he
had stated his determination to support the
Bill without having given any reason for adopt-
ing such a course, that his opposition would have
little effect with the Hon. Gentlemen around him—more
especially when they considered that while the Noble
Lord stated his intention to support the measure, he at
the same time said he did not think it would be found
to answer the purposes for which it was intended.
Lord CLEMENTS was not surprised to hear the Hon.
and Learned Gentleman say that he disapproved of his
sentiments upon the subject—indeed he quite expected
such a result. The Noble Lord continued to observe,
amid much laughter, that if such a state of things as that
existing at present in Ireland were to last much longer,
the landlords and the people would find themselves in
the position of the Kilkenny cats, who carried their per-
sonal animosities to such an extreme that they fought
until nothing was left but their tails. It appeared to
him that in Ireland they wanted to apply the reverse of
the American proverb, namely, that every man had a
right to larrup his own nigger, and make the niggers
larrup their masters.—(Symptoms of dissent.)
After a few words from Sir. W. -BARRON,
Sir C. LEMON stated that he hoped Lord J. Russell
would himself move the amendment that the second
reading be taken that day six months—(Hear, hear)—
for, as coming from the leader of a great political party
in that country, it might have the effect of promoting
tranquillity in Ireland.—(Hear.)
Lord J. RUSSELL expressed his willingness to adopt
the course suggested by the Hon. Baronet, if any object
beneficial to Ireland could be gained thereby; but at the
same time suggested that perhaps it would come more
appropriately from some of the Irish Members.—(Hear,
hear.) That was a point which might, however, be re-
served for further consideration.
After some additional conversation, Lord Morpeth
Noble l e
was Lord
thenr d declined
agreed toth
atthe undertake
suggestions
that duty.
of
was called upon, as one who had been intimately con-
nected with Ireland, to move the amendment, but the
N
Lord John
Russell should be adopted, and that the selection of the
mover and seconder of the amendment should be re-
ferred to the consideration of the Irish Members.
Lord J. RUSSELL then said that the second subject
which deserved their consideration was the question of
the sugar duties. He announced that it was his intention
to propose, and that of his party to support, a motion
for the admission of slave-grown sugar into this country
at the same amount of duty as was levied on free labour
sugar, but under certain restrictions. Some years since
Lord Sandon had proposed a resolution deprecatory of
the equilization of the duties on slave-grown and free
labour sugars, upon the principle that such a regulation
would give direct encouragement to slavery. This
motion was resisted by the Whigs, which the Noble
Lord made for the purpose of putting them out of office.
They entertained the same opinions now, and intended
to pursue a course favourable to the reception of slave-
grown sugar, and he trusted there would be no difference
of opinion upon the point.

M. farrier de Bois d'Hyver, inspector of forests, deposed
that he had frequent intercourse with the prisoner during the
last four years. He considered him as a man of a very violent
and proud character, morose, and taciturn, and capable of
going to great extremities when thwarted. On one occasion
in particular, he remembered his coming to him in a great
passion and asking him if he meant it as an insult, merely
placing his name on some official paper below another name
which was written on it. He (the witness) had replied that
nothing was further from his intention, which Lecomte ought
to have been aware of, as he saw him write the name in a
great hurry just as he was about to mount his horse. The
answer, however, did not pacify him, and he appeared much
excited. On another occasion he had given way to much
violence on the occasion of having 20f. of his pay stopped for
some breach of duty. Lecomte was, however, a man of great
energy of character, and capable of mastering his temper
when he thought proper.
The prisoner denied the assertion of this witness, and said
that he had himself admitted that the punishment inflicted
on him was unjust.
M. de Lahure, conservator of forests, deposed that he had
seen Lecomte for the first time on a tour of inspection at
Villers-Cotterets. He bad received a satisfactory account

of his activity and intelligence, but was told that he was
severe towards his inferiors. He had taken him aside, and
made some observations to him on the subject, which, if he
remembered right, were properly received. His conduct,
however, did not alter, and he had consequently proposed to
the Intendant-General to stop from him the usual annual
gratification. He had afterwards ordered 20f. to be stopped
from him in consequence of his disobedience to an order
given him by his sub inspector. In consequence of this,
Lecomte had addressed a letter to the administration, de-
manding the settlement of his retiring pension. He had
heard nothing more of him until in November last, when.
passing near the Palais Royale, he was insulted by him in
the grossest manner. He did not at first recognise him.
He had since frequently met him, and had every time re-
ceived the most outrageous insults. He had in consequence
complained to the Prefect of Police, who sent a police .officer
to accompany him, in order that he might know him. On
the nest occasion of his being insulted the police-officer pur-
sued him, and discovered his residence in the Rue Colysee,
He had been summoned to appear before the police authori-
ties, and since that period he had ceased to annoy him, al-
though he had met him frequently.
ALlTheologue, Under Secretary of the Civil List, stated that
in November last Lecomte came to his office to inquire the
fate of his last application to the King—at least, he supposed
so far. He did not know him, and that the witness could
not have told him, or any one else, that an unfavourable
minute had been made upon it when it was laid before his
_ _

Majesty. _
The prisoner persisted in affirming that the witness did
give him such an answer.
Mme. Cochois, who keeps the house in which the pri-
soner lodged, deposed that Lecomte was in the habit of using
bitter language, frequently asserting that all the Parisians
were thieves. Ruffier, one of the waiters at the lodging-
house, stated that Lecomte was rarely visited by any one,
except a M. Bracewich, a clerk in the office of the Minister
of Foreign Affairs. That he kept very good hours, and never
slept from home. This testimony was confirmed by another
servant of the house.
M. Bracewich stated that he had heard Lecomte declare
that all Frenchmen were cowards, the Parisians thieves,
and Louis Philippe a scoundrel; but this was said in such
a tone that no one could believe he meant seriously what he

said.
The last witness examined on the part of the prosecution
was a Madame Wuttelle, who keeps a reading•room, and
who stated that Lecomte came there to read the journals,
and she did not remark anything particular in his conduct

or manners.
The Court then proceeded to hear the witnesses for the

prisoner.
The first called was M.
1843, till June, 1844, and
that he was very steady and
lived with him from November,.
quiett during the whole of the
a duel in which he (the
Boyer, who deposed that Lecomte
time. He gave a long statement o
his adversary's fire, discharged his own pistol
DL Arnou
witness) was second to Lecomte, who, afteri hinavtihnegari
The next witnesses were M. Carrier and IS— ezeivedlt, who
were both asked whether they knew that Lecomte, after
tainethe 27th of August, 1845, took a journey from Paris to Fon-
bl
answer. eau, where they then were? but both gave a negative
It being seven o'clock, the Court then adjourned until
next day.
During the whole of this long sitting Lecomte never lost
his composure and sang froid ; he the ;hole time paid an
undivided attention to the Proceeding; was alwayswitness.r.eatly to
volunteer explanations, but never interrupted a
PARIS, FRIDAY EVENING.--On this day, at twelve o'clock
precisely, Lecomte was brought into the court, escorted, as
before, by. four gensdarmes. His appearance was much as on
the previous day, unless, perhaps, that leis cheek was more
flushed. The proceedings again opened with the apple nominal
of the Peers.
M. Duvergier, who defended Lecomte, turned to him as
he took his seat, and, after speaking a few wdrds, the ac •
cused took a paper from his pocket, which he handed to his
counsel.

M. Hebert, the Procureur-General, then addressed the
Court, recapitulating the main parts of the evidence, and
insisting on the long premeditation of the crime, and that
the purchase of the short-barrelled gun was not to use on
horseback, for he had at that moment no horse, nor was he
any longer garde forestier. Its purpose, then, was to shoot
At the Pat 14911611119 clewed it; Yet he )04 Tioitul

The Barbadoes Standard gives a most unsatisfactory ac-
count of the weather in that island. Serious drought pre-
vails in many parts. On some estates all progress with the
crops is stopped for want of water. Fires may be descried
in all quarters ; the hills „On the Maravals and St. Juan's
side are completely illuminated at night. Great distress
from want of water is. also anticipated by the cocoa planters.
At Grenada much rain had fallen.

Mr. Doyle, her Majesty's Charge d'Affaires in Mexico,
came as a passenger by the Tweed, and Mr. Adams, who had
filled the same post at Lima.

AN UNFORTUNATE PROVISIONAL COMMITTEEMAN.

—The proprietor of a local newspaper, who figured somewhat
largely in new railway schemes during the recent mania,
having been a provisional committeeman in many of them,
has had numerous applications made to him for sums of
money for which the companies have become liable. The so-
licitors' letters containing applications for payment he pub-
lishes in hi' journal, with the following heading in large
type :—" The Money-hunting Vagabonds Gazette; or. Pro-
visional Committeeman's Chronicle."

ALARMING FlRE.—Shortly before eleven o'clock on
Saturday night, considerable alarm was created in the im-
mediate vicinity of the Victoria Theatre in consequence of
the sudden outbreak of a fire on the premises termed the Ge-
neral Tom Thumb Concert and Refreshment Rooms, in the
Lower Marsh, Lambeth, nearly facing the theatre. It ap-
pears that whilst the ball-room- was filled with company an
alarm was raised that the upper portion of the building was
on fire. This caused a general turn out of the parties, and
for some tirne.the greatest confusion prevailed. The engines
promptly attended, and were set to work. There being an
abundance of water supplied by the Lambeth mains, the
firemen soon got the mastery over the destructive element.
The flames, however, were not extinguished until that
opuort,tiaonndofthtehecopnrtaemntissesconwshuemreedt.h eyT
hceo mm
wholeenc eodf w
thea s bl
ouNrvne
rt
part of the building, more especially the ball-room, is se-
riously damaged by water. It is unknown how the fire
originated,
CONSEQUENCES OF CRIME.—In the Bristol Bank-
ruptcy Court, last week, W. J. Dunsford, surgeon, passed
his last examination. This person was the defendant in an
action for crim. cos , brought by a gentleman with whose
brother Dunsford was in partnership—each partner receiv-
ing about 1,5001. a year from the business. The conse-
quences of the defendant's guilt convey a striking moral
lesson, A verdict, with 5,000/. damages, is returned against
him. He is obliged to relinquish his business, to part with
all his effects, to forfeit his position in society and his bril-
liant prospects in life, and, ruined in pocket and reputation,
to submit to a degrading examination into his pecuniary
matters before the public. The partner of his guilt, after
being separated from her husband and her children, is
legally divorced from the former, and left without a pos-
sibility of obtaining a home with her seducer, who (to ag-
gravate the fearful catalogue) is a married man. What ac-
cumulated misery and distress have thus resulted from a
single crime I—Somerset County Gazette.
THE ASCOT RACE Cups.—The prize annually pre-
sented by his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Russia, and
the Royal Hunt prize, were last week submitted by Messrs.
Hunt and Roskill, of Bond-street, the successors of Messrs.
Storr and Mortimer, to the approbation of her Majesty the
Queen and his Royal Highness Prince Albert, at Bucking-
ham Palace, when those- illustrious persons were pleased to
express their approval of the designs and workmanship of
both of them. The prize given by the Emperor of Russia is
this year superior in the weight of the silver and the design
to that of last year. It consists of a group, St. George
destroying the dragon. St. George is a patron saint of
Russia as well as of England, therefore the subject is
appropriate. The group is from a design by Mr. Bailey,
R.A., or at least modelled under his inspecting eye. It is
more than usually spirited, treated with novelty of design,
and most elaborately exquisite in the workmanship. A
candelabrum, with thirteen lights, forms a sylvan canopy
over the figures. The inscription is the same as that on the
prize of last year :
Ludorum Ascotoniensium memor
Quibus ipse interfuisset
Regime Victoria+
Hospes
Mens. Jun., 1844,
Solenne certaminis equestris prcemium,
Instituit
Nicolaus,
Totius RUSSiat Imperator."
The royal hunt prize, which will be run for on Tuesday,
consists of a group—dogs pulling down a deer. The design
is very fine, and reminds the beholder of Landseer's best
manner. The composition very correct. The animals are
full of life, and the workmanship fine.
FOUR PERSONS POISONED.—WEXFORD, June 6.—
(From a Correspondent.)—I am sorry to inform you that a
most melancholy occurrence took place in this neighbour-
hood yesterday, by which four lives were lost. About four
miles from this, in the vicinity of Kyle, a whole family of
the name of Cullen, consisting of three young men, two
sisters, and their mother, after partaking of their usual
breakfast, stirabout, became seriously ill, and the three young
men in the course of the day died. Also a poor woman and child,
to whom they gave a portion of the breakfast as charity, and
this morning the poor woman died. Dr. James Furlong, of
this town, was out yesterday, and made a post mortem exami-
nation of the bodies, and analysed the oatmeal from which
the breakfast was made. It is generally considered that the
poisoning was the result of accident ; but as our active and
intelligent coroner. Travers R. Hawkshaw, J.P., is just now
holding an inquest on the bodies of
Thefthe unfortunate
otherf rtun
paetrseopnesoaprlee:
I forbear saying any more at present.

The Hon. GRANTLEY BERKELEY remarked, that he
bad regarded the Noble Lord for many years as his
political leader, and on that account he regretted that
he could not, upon the present occasion, follow his ad-
vice or sanction the course he meant to pursue regarding
the sugar duties. He had considerable property in the
West Indies depending upon the prosperity of the sugar
trade, but if foreign slave-grown sugar were to be ad-
mitted into this country upon the same terms as free-
labour sugar, the consequence would prove particularly
destructive to his interests and to the interests of those
similarly circumstanced as he was. He would be wil-
ling, however, to support the principle of the Noble
Lord's resolution to the fullest extent, if the British Go-
vernment would give the facilities of free labour to that
colony, so as to enable the sugargrowers to compete with
the other markets of the world.
The meeting shortly afterwards broke up.

A meeting was subsequently held at the Reform Club,
at which it was unanimously resolved, that Sir William
Somerville should wait upon Lord John Russell for the
purpose of requesting him to move the amendment; and
it was further agreed, that should the Noble Lord de-
cline doing so, the amendment should be moved by Sir
W. Somerville and seconded by Colonel Rawdon.
The Irish Members also came to the resolution that,
should the Whig measure fail, no opportunity should be
lost to wear out the Government by delay, and that in
case the protectionists did not immediately declare their
intention, during the course of the debate, of opposing the
Coercion Bill, they would give to it in its present stage
the same opposition that they did upon the first reading,

MEETING OF THE PROTECTIONISTS.
The protectionist Peers also held a meeting on Satur-
day, which was very numerously attended. Several
Members of the Lower house were present, and the ut-
most unanimity prevailed. It was declared that the
came of protection is still by no means desperate ; and it
was determined that an attempt
.should be made in Com-
mittee to perpetuate the operation of the diminished
sliding scale. Confident hopes, too, were expressed that
even if they should be defeated in this attempt, they
would be able in the forthcoming general election to ob-
tain such a preponderance in the Rouse of Commons as
would insure them a continuance, if not an augmenta-
tion, of this amount of protection.

I understand, recovering.
DESPERATE CASE OF STABBING ON TOWER-HILL.--
Yesterday morning, at an early hour, considerable alarm was
created on Tower-hill, in consequence of a man named
Thomas Stead, aged thirty years, of No. 30, King• street,
Cheapside, being stabbed by two foreign sailors. It appears
that he was on his way home with a companion, and while
passing through Postern-row, Tower-hill, they met two
drunken sailors, who began abusing them. A fight at
length ensued, and in the struggle one of the sailors inflicted
two deep stabs on the person of Stead, one on the breast and
two
other in the left groin. An alarm was raised, but the
charge (rffians escaped before the arrival of the police.
DockyariaTt:ite IwTitcebt,i
class on board the FOR GIBRALTAR.—Mr. Masterman, in
Woolwich
in the Warrior hulk, lying off the
to Gibraltar to semhibreadrkceodnvaiiexttyshoipf,thtoatcounnvfoerytuthnaemte
They
LheasyseEnuoa r .
military
in the works of that important fortress.
—Zensgc.eonartenatss saerveeral
beingkeepers go out at
the same time.
illuminate the do m
establishmenttgihgeean°btaiiclding,oTuesday
even.
andrn ad
summit made a t t h
oi this
to ill •
wivunzt4 ow, ionclic
~f , evening, with upwards of thirty
' - - v P 49 144004'4 birth-day.

THE CRESCENT AND THE CROSS. BY ELIOT WAR..
BURTON, ESQ.—We observe that a fifth edition of this in•
teresting book has been called for by the public. Mr. War-
burton brings to his work an accomplished mind, and well-
trained and healthful faculties. As we read, we are proud to
claim him as a countryman, and are content that his book
shall go over all the world, that other countries from it may
derive a just impression of our national character. Mr.
Warburton sailed up the Nile beyond the second cataract,
and inspected those wonders of art in Nubia, whose origin is
lost in their antiquity; visited the great cities and monu-
ments of Egypt, then crossed to Beyrout, made a pilgrimage
in the Holy Land, and on his homeward voyage touched at
Cypress and Greece. His volumes are full of just perception
and spirited detail. They greatly increase our acquaintance
with Eastern scenes, and to the traveller afford a variety of
information which he could hardly elsewhere find in so in-
teresting a shape.—Britannia.
DROWNED WHILST BATHlNG.—yesterday morning,
about seven o'clock, a young man named Thomas Noake, of
Great Portland-street, was drowned whilst bathing in the
Serpentine. Shortly afterwards, another young man, named
John Arundel, who coald not swim, got out of his depth, and
though extricated whilst alive, his system Way SO Severely
affected that he iv not expected to inrvive,

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, JUNE 5, 1846.