The Sun.
London, England, 1846-09-03 00:00:00

TILE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 3, 1846.

traced from the chimney among the woods. It was
white, and very pungent, producing coughing, and
causing the eyes to smart. They imputed the decay
which was visible among the trees on Sir John Gerard's
estate and the neighbourhood solely to its influence.
Mr. Thomas Green—Resided at Arvistock, in Den-
bighshire, and had followed the business of a timber
surveyor nearly fifty years. Was called upon in the
year 1840 to survey the damage done to the trees on Sir
John Gerard's property, and again at Midsummer last.
The trees were very considerably more injured than in
1840. He believed the soil was favourable to the growth
of timber. Had observed the position of Mr. Muspratt's
chimney; the trees most exposed to it were the most
demsged. A great number of them were absolutely
killed. The bark was also much injured. There were
many thousands of the trees affected. He had no doubt
the injury was done by the vapour from the alkali works.
The trees that showed the effects of it now would die in
a few years if the cause continued. He made a valuation
of the injury done. The injury actually done to the
present time amounted to 5,8251. 125., without including
any prospective damage at all. Ile had no doubt that if
the works remained every tree would be destroyed. Had
made the valuation in company with Mr. Whalley; it
occupied him four weeks.
The witness stated, that in forming this estimate he
had taken every tree which seemed to him to be damaged.
Mr. Joseph Whalley confirmed the evidence of the
preceding witness.
Mr. Adolphus Manbert, land agent to Sir John Gerard,
gale similar testimony as to the decay of the plantations.
William Reynolds, Esq., M.D., examined by Mr.
MARTIN—Was a lecturer on chemistry, and had be-
stowed a great deal of attention to the study of che-
mistry. Was generally acquainted with the nature of
the articles manufactured by Mr. Muspratt. There was
undoubtedly a noxious vapour arose from the manufac-
ture of alkali, but when the apparatus was easefully
constructed, the escape of vapour was to some extent
prevented. The gas emitted was muriatic acid gas,
which had a strong affinity to water or damp. On issuing
from a chimney such as Mr. Muspratt's, it would have,
in damp weather, the appearance of thin white smoke.
It would depend in a great measure upon the state of
the atmosphere as to whether it would fall at a short
distance or be conveyed to a greater distance. In a dry
atmosphere it would perhaps float a distance of four or
five miles before falling near to the earth. The moisture
given out in the manufacture of the material was un
doubtedly noxious and injurious to vegetation. It had
a strong pungent smell, and made the eyes smart. It
likewise affected respiration a little. Its effects upon
the leaves of trees would be, when weak, to turn them
brown, and when strong, to curl them up and make
them crimp. Leaves were certainly essential to the
health of trees; without them they would soon die. He
had been over the plantations of Sir John Gerard's
estate, There were a vast number of trees injured to a
great extent. He could suggest no other cause for the
injury they had sustained than the gas emitted from the
manufactories of alkali in the neighbourhood.
Cross examined by Mr. Sergeant MURPHY—The
effects he had seen were only to be attributed to the
noxious gas from the alkali works. It was not possible
for him to assign any other cause. If the quantity of
gas evolved from the chimney were only as one cubic
foot to 10,000 cubic feet of air, he did not think it would
have any effect upon vegetation at all. He could not
say to what extent the gas would be diminished in its
passage through a flue of 500 feet in length, and a
chimney of 300 feet in height, having also to pass
through a descending current of water. He did not
know whether, after floating through the air for two
miles and a half, its strength would be decreased or ren-
dered innocuous; it depended, no doubt, to a great ex-
tent, upon the state of the atmosphere at the time. He
thought grass was less susceptible of its influence than
the leaves of trees, as the former was always growing.
He should think it probable that, if a strong volume of
the gas was to pass over a field of grass its abets might
be visible; but of course it depended, in a great mea-
sure, upon its strength, and the length of time it re-
mained. Did not think that plants were quite so sus-
ceptible as trees, the latter being much higher. The
flowers might be affected, and yet the plant not be in-
jured.
By Mr. MARTIN—Was aware that means had been
tried to condense this gas, and prevent its escape alto-
gether, but he believed they were ineffectual as to the
entire prevention. The body of gas was too powerful
to be overcome by the water through which it was
caused to pass in its passage up the chimney. As far as
his experience went, he had never known any means
effectual in preventing the escape of muriatic gas.
John Lindley, Esq., examined by Mr. MARTIN—Was
a professor of botany in the University College of Lon-
don, and vice-secretary of the Horticultural Society ;
had devoted a considerable number of years to the study
of botany. Had examined the timber on the estate of
Sir John Gerard. Had found a great number of trees
dead. Had examined the soil in places, and found it
very good land ; had done so in places where there were
trees actually dead and dying. Trees seffering from
damp exhibited an entirely different appearance. Their
leaves and bark were preyed upon by numbers of insects.
He had examined several of the trees carefully, but they
bore no evidence of having been injured in that manner.
The injury at its outset was most apparent at the extre-
mities of the upper branches. He had observed in
many instances that that side of a tree which was pre-
sented towards the alkali works was more injured than
the opposite side. The alkali works of Mr. Crossfield
as well as those of Mr. Muspratt had been pointed out to
him. He had also particularly noticed six Scotch fir
trees, which, from their age, must have been at one time
very healthy. They were planted on a hill in the
form of a lozenge. The one immediately fronting to-
wards Mr. Muspratt's works was quite dead. The two
behind it were dying ; and the other three, which had
in some measure been protected by them, were
comparatively uninjured. This had struck him
as a remarkable case, and he had, therefore,
particularly noticed them. The muriatic acid
gas emitted from the manufacture of alkali was
well known to be injurious to trees and vegetation
generally. The trees he saw had undoubtedly been
affected by it. He had no doubt the appearances he had
witnessed amongst Sir John Gerard's woods were solely
to be attributed to the noxious vapours in the atmos-
phere, and not to any natural causes. Wherever the
trees had been protected, by being in hollows or other-
wise, they were at present uninjured ; but if the
alkali works were continued to be carried on, he
had no doubt all the trees on the estate would be even-
tually destroyed.
- Cross-examined by Mr. Sergeant MURPHY—The
stag-headed appearance of some of' the trees, such as
had been described, might sometimes be caused by
defects at the roots. It was a common result in bad
soils. Could not say whether apple trees were very
susceptible of injury from the effects of the vapour.
He had noticed that oak and ash trees were affected
soonest. If flowers were subjected to the vapour they
would doubtless be destroyed, although the plant
might not be injured. If the vapour that passed
over a .lover field in bloom was sufficiently strong,
it would no doubt destroy it. It was not possible
to say what strength would be necessary unless by actual
experiment.
By Mr. MARTIN—He had seen no appearance of bad
soil on Sir John Gerard's estates that would cause
the stag-headed appearance to trees which had been
sp,ken of.
By the JUDGE —Had seen no natural causes which
could account for the injury done to the bark of many
trees he had examined. Had particularly noticed a
beech tree that was somewhat exposed towards Mr.
Crossfield's chimney. On the side which faced it the
bark was rendered quite hard, and very difficult to be
peeled off, while on the opposite side of the tree there
was no apparent injury done. There might have been
some very few instances of a tree being diseased, when
the others around it were in a comparatively healthy
state, but it generally happened that three or four trees
near together were all alike affected.
Mr. Sergeant MURPHY then proceeded to address the
jury, and went through the evidence adduced in sup-
port of the plaintiff's case, contending that the suppo-
sition that this injury had been caused by the vt,nour
from the defendant's chimney was inconsistent wi.h4 1.1 e
fact of the flowers and grass remaining uninjured, and
isolated trees being affected, not whole clumps, as might
be expected if the plaintiff's case were true. The neigh-
bourhood, too, was full of chimneys, some of them on
the plaintiff's own estate, which were always pouring
forth gases, which more or less might affect vegetation.
It would be shown by a great mass of evidence that
farms more exposed to these vapours than Sir John Ge-
rard's estate were wholly uninjured ; that the decay of

the woods on that estate was referable to peculiarities of
soil, to bad draining, and neglect, and by the evidence of
scientific men, that the vapours emitted from the de-
fendant's chimney were incapable of producing the effects
alleged.
Thomas Tehay—l have for several years been the
steward and agent of Mr. Baggs, at Winstanley, ad-
joining Sir John's. I was requested to make an ex-
amination of Sir John's woods and plantations in
August last. I made it. It lasted three days, and was
a very minute survey. At Smithy-wood there are ex-
tensive plantations. The oak, ash, elm, beech, and
other forest trees there are healthy and well managed.
The trees in the other part of the park are withered at

the top from injuries from storms and effects of wet soil.
There was no appearance of external causes having
produced this effect. [A report made by the witness of
the state of the other woods was put in and read. The
purport of it was to show that the trees were generally
hellthy and foliage luxuriant.] Where trees had been
affected they consisted chiefly of single trees amongst
others. I think there was not a tree upon the estate
the decay of which might not be attributed to natural
causes.

It appeared, on the cross-examination of this witness,
that twelve or fourteen years ago he attended as the
representative of Mr. Baggs at a meeting, held at New-
ton, the object of which was to indict Mr. Muspratt for
a nuisance.

Jonathan I3inns—l live at Lancaster, and am a sur-
veyor and valuator. I have been conversant with timber for
yettr. I surveyed Sir John Gerard's estate in company
with the last witness, and have embodied the result of
my observations in a report. [Report put in and read.
ibis report also represented the trees to be healthy and
luxuriant. He attributed the decay of some of the trees
to the want of thinning and draining.]
John Shaw—l am a landscape gardener, and made the
survey of Sir John's estate in company with the last two
witnesses. Dampness of the soil, I consider, has affected
the ash and oalc trees. The lower ground is defective
in point of drainage in many parts, and that would pro-
duce unhealthiness in woods. The trees exposed to the
north-west winds were very much dead; the trees on
the opposite side were healthier. Natural causes, aris-
ing from bad management, have produced much of the
decay.
. -

Cross-examined by Mr. MARTIN -_The appearance of
moss and lichen is not an indication always of the un-
soundness of a tree caused by a wet soil. Our survey
lasted three days. The first was wet in the morning;
the second was fine; and he third was very wet towards

evening. The soil was saturated with wet. There are
two clumps of trees on the New Hall estate, which have
recently been transplanted, and they are (lead and
dying. The ash are the most unhealthy trees, gene-
rally speaking, on the estate. They are generally in-
jured. The oaks are sickly, but not to the extent of a
quarter.
Mr. William Henderson and Mr. Henry White, land
surveyors, gave similar testimony
At the conclusion of their testimony the Court ad-
journed till this morning.
At the sitting of the Court, the first witness examined
was Mr. Samuel Curtis, who said that he had been en-
gaged in the nursery business for fifty years, during a
great portion of which time he had been with the Duke
of Newcastle. He had near 4,000 acres of wood land
under his management, and about 20,000 acres altogether
of meadow, arable, and wood land. Was at present iu
the employment of the Commissioners of Woods and
Forests, engaged in laying out the Victoria Park, in
London. Had had considerable experience in the plant-
ing of trees. Surveyed the woods of Sir John Gerard
last week, and took particular notice of the different
plantations. Went through the Haydock boundary
plantation. The surface of that part towards Mr. Mus-
pratt's works was very healthy. Went into New Hall
wood. Saw the butt-end of a large beech tree that had
been cut down near to the boundary wall. It was in a
direction facing Mr. Muspratt's works. The general
appearance of the woods in the neighbourhood of New
Hall show of good health. The foliage on either side
of the canal was very good. Saw a few trees which
were rather bare at the roots, which could not be ex-
pected to• look healthy : they were a few which had
formerly stood upon banks. Examined the garden,
and thought the appearance of it very flourishing, but
only observed it from the terrace. Many of the woods
were deficient in drainage. A hole which had been
previously dug was full of water, although it was a
dry season. There was also a good deal of dry land,
where the trees did not flourish in consequence of
the strong and rubbly nature of the soil. The root
had penetrated as far as the soil was good, and
when they had decayed for want of sustenance,
the trees became stag-headed. Generally speaking, the
woods looked well. Thought the causes of such decay
as he observed were quite natural. Had noticed the
effect of the wind upon the trees. The whole of the
trees of thatopart of the country have an inclination in
one direction. Saw trees on the New Hall estate which
were inclined from the north-west towards Mr. Mus-
pratt's works. The luxuriant foliage of these trees was
invariably on the side facing the works. In the butt of
the large beech tree that was mentioned, there was
evidence of decay from natural causes. The tree was
ripe. Observed several others along the boundary wall
that would never be much better. They were ripe and
full grown. The leaves generally were full grown. The
insects which were upon the leaves of the oak gave them
an olive-green colour. Sycamore leaves, generally in
the autumn, have a blotched appearance. Extreme
drought wculd bring on a premature autumn. Walked
through a clover field outside the boundary wall. The
vapour from Muspratt's chimney would pass over it
b?fore reaching the plantations. It locked very well,
and had no appearance of ill-health. The more recent
plantations have all been made when the trees have been
too advanced in growth. The young plantations were
very foul. There was no appearance of any tool having
been applied amongst them. Saw a good deal of game.
The country had the appearance of being preserved.
Hares and rabbits damaged young plantations very much.
Did not see that any care had been taken of the planta-
tion. The Scotch firs in the plantation generally are
doing well. On the average of the last six years should
think that they had grown a foot each, and in some
instances two feet.

Cross-examined by Mr. MARTIN—The fir trees I ob-
served in the Haydock boundary plantation. Went over
the New Hall property twice, once on the 25th, and
again on the 29th. Was accompanied by Mr. Johnson,
an attorney. Supposed he was sent for through Messrs.
Lowndes. Met Mr. Johnson in Liverpool, he believes
at Messrs. Lowndes' office. He accompanied mo merely
to point out the different plantations. Did not see much
injury that had been done by the hares and rabbits.
Should think the clover he saw was a second crop. The
first crop might have been grazed, and then laid up. It
might have got into the state in which he saw it in six
weeks afterwards. Did not think it was a rich country.
It was principally coal. There were some very fine
trees where the soil was deep enough for them. There
were large beech trees in the Ilaydock boundary planta-
tion. There was a large oak. There might have been
other kinds of trees, but could not say positively. Did
not inquire whether the beech, the stump of which he
saw, had been blown down or not. There were a great
number : ash trees in the plantations. Did not think
that one-half of them were dead or injured. Did not
inquire as to the age of the trees when planted out, but,
from his long experience as a planter, should think they
had been planted when nine or ten years old.
A number of witnesses, resident in the neighbour-
hood, were called, whose testimony went to show that
their premises were exposed to the action of the ♦apour,
and that notwithstanding no injurious effects resulted.
Mr. William Adel Miller, M.D., professor of chemistry
at King's College, London, stated that he had, in con-
junction with Dr. Brett and Sir Robert Kane, of Dublin,
conducted a series of experiments at Mr. Muspratt's
works the greater part of one day. Muriatic gas is un-
doubtedly evolved. Part of it is condensed, and part of
it escapes let() the air. The gas arising from the de-
composing chamber passes through a flue separate from
the smoke flue into a tower, filled, as he was informed,
with coke, through which a stream of water was flowing
Water was admitted from the top of the tower from
a cistern placed there for the purpose. The gas ascend-
ing would meet the water and be absorbed and diluted.
The gas which was conveyed into the tower was evolved
from six reverbatory furnaces—an older method—these
opened to the works through doors, through which the
materials were stirred up from time to time. A strong
current of air passed through the doors in consequence
of the flues being connected with a long horizontal main
flue opening into the high chimney at its base. A stream
of water was flowing through the flue which would condense
a considerable portion of the gas. Had no means of know-
ing how much escaped, but he analysed the air as it
passed from the main flue into the chimney at different
periods of the day. He found the quantity of gas dif-
fered at the two different periods, which must necessarily
be the case, because the evolution of gas is greatest soon
after the charge is first introduced. At that period there
is a larger quantity of gas given off. The furnaces were
all in active operation. The muriatic acid gas, when in
the largest quantity was in the proportion of one part to
1,866 parts of atmospheric air. On the second experi-
ment it was one part in 6,500. The vapour has the
greatest tendency to fall in damp weather.
By the JUDGE—No gas escaped from the top of the
tower connected with the decomposing furnace. He put
his nose to it to ascertain the fact.

Examination continued—The vapour was carried to a
greater distance in dry weather. The manner in which
the fume entered the air was in a constant revolving
motion. In that manner a large surface was exposed
for gaseous diffusion. As it went along, the quantity of
gas in the column was diminished. That was one of the
causes of the dilution of the gas as it passed the country.
In his judgment the gas would not travel two miles in
damp weather. Evaporation took place to a greater
extent in dry weather, and when evaporated the gas
could descend. The gravity of water was some hundred
times greater than that of air. He was of opinion that
the gas would be diluted to the extent of fifty times in
half a mile. Did not think the gas would be appreciabe
at a distance of two miles.

Cross-examined by Mr. MARTIN—If the eyes of per-
sons were affected at the distance of two miles or two
miles and a half from the works, the gas was certainly
appreciable. There was other vapour besides that from
the chimney which would affect the smell and the eyes ;
it was sulphuric acid gas. Both gases flowed from Mr.
Muspratt's works. Was engaged last Friday in making
his examination. Came down last Wednesday according
Re
-examined
Mr. to appointment. The specific gravity of the vapour is
greater air.n-RnANDT—It may be smelt when
s quantity is extremely minute : it is the most pungent
rras in existence. It might also affect the eyes when in
a ve-y diluted state. Sulphureous acid was produced to
some extent by the burning of coal.
By the JUDGE—iIiS experience of alkali works was
chiefly derived from the examination he made last week.
White vapour might arise from steam ; it was no posi-
tive indication of the presence of muriatic gas. Steam
would disperse after flowing a moderate distance, perhaps
one hundred or two hundred yards.
1)r. Brett, examined, gave similar testimony.

Mr. MARTIN replied; and his Lordship having
summed up, the jury, after being in consultation about
t -o l•ours, returned a verdict for the plaintiff—Damages
1,0001.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE.
MANSION--HO USE.

FORGERY.—A young man, named James Hyde, was
brought before the Lord Mayor, charged with having
committed forgery upon the banking-house of Messrs.
Smith, Payne, and Smith.
Mr. Thomas Evison, cashier at the banking-house,
stated that on that morning the prisoner presented a
cheque for 32/. 12s. 6d. at the counter. Witness asked
him how he would have it, and he said in two 51. notes,
and the rest in gold. Witness suspected the genuine-
ness of the signature, and referred to the book, having
cancelled the cheque before he had a7sy suspicion of it.
He found the signature differed from that in the book,
and he wrote across the cheque the words, " Signature
differs." He was directed to send the prisoner round to
Mr. Fowler, and the prisoner went and was detained.
The prisoner said to that gentleman that his name was
Williams, and that he lived at No. 32, Weymouth-place,
Hackney-road.
Mr. Bushe, of the firm of Bushe and Mullins, so-
licitors to the Committee of Bankers for Protection
against Forgery and Fraud, conducted the prosecution,
and here produced a cheque for 5L 4s. 6c1., and the witness
said he had paid that cheque, which was also a forgery,
to some person, but to whom he did not recollect.
The prisoner said, " I confess it."
Mr. Henry Pedley, solicitor, of No. 59, Fenchurch
street, stated that he kept an account at Messrs.
Smith, Payne, and Smith's bank, and that. the
prisoner had been a messenger in his office for some
months. He did not send the prisoner to the banking-
house that morning. The cheque produced was not in
his handwriting, but ho believed it to be in the prisoner's.
It was forged, and had not been done with his authority.
He believed the cheque produced by Mr. Bushe, for Si.
45.6 d., purporting to be signed by him, to be in the hand-
writing of the prisoner. He kept his cheque book in a
drawer locked in his office, and that morning ho tried
in vain to unlock his drawer, and he found there had
been a small portion of the wood ,work taken away, so
that the drawer would open with the lock shot, and he
saw two small pieces of iron upon the desk. He had
left his drawer safe on Tuesday afternoon when he left
town. Out of his cheque book he missed some cheques,
numbered 5399, being the same number as that upon 4,

each of the cheques produced. He paid the prisoner
six shillings a week regularly, and the last cheque he
drew was for 71. to a Mr. Vincent, on the 31st of August,
and he sent the prisoner with it to the bankers' to get it
changed, and on that day Mr. Vincent went out of town.
The cheque produced for 361. 10s. 6d., purporting to be
drawn by witness, and bearing the same number, viz.,
5399, was a forgery.
Alexander Scott, one of the Mansion-house officers,
stated that he was sent for, to the banking-house, at
half-past eleven o'clock on that day, and he apprehended
the prisoner there on the charge of forgery. The pri-
soner at witness's request emptied his pockets, and
handed to witness the cheque for 361. 10s. 6d., and the
piece of paper, on which was written " 22 in gold, and
two five-pound notes," a duplicate, and twopence.
The prisoner was remanded till Friday next.
A strapping woman, named Mary Wilson, appeared
to complain against her husband for having refused to
support her and her children, who thus became charge-
able to the parish of St. Butolph, Bishopsgate.
The woman said that she had been married to the
d<-fendant about 13 or 14 years ago at the Church of St.
George, Bloomsbury, and he deserted her in Church-
row, Bethnal-green.

Mr. Child (solicitor for the defendant)—Whose child
is that yo❑ have in your arms ? Complainant—Whose
child ? It's the child of a man of the name of Osborne
who used to work with my husband.
Mr. Child—l believe you are in the family way now?
Complainant—l am.
Mr. Child—And whose child is that ? Complainant—
Why, that's Osborne's too, and no mistake.
The parish officer—ls your husband in work and
able to support you ? Complainant—He is able to sup-
port me and the family. He has from 30s. to 40s. a
week, and I have been obliged to get relief from the
parish.
The LORD MAYOR—And you want your unfortunate
husband to support you and the children which are not
his? Complainant—Osborne used to help me to sup-
port the children, but he has left me for another woman,
that he has married. I can't support the family, and
what can I do if I get more babies?

Mr. Child—But is not a third child you have, who is
elder than the child you say is Osborne's, also his?
Complainant—No. I had two by my husband, and the
one I carry will be two by Bill Osborne. He has de-
serted me as well as my husband. If I get ch ldren in
this way its not to be expected that I can keep them.
The fathers ought to keep them.
An officer from Worship-street, who attends at the
police-court, said that he was present when the woman
stated to the magistrate that two of her children, as well
as the child she was great with, were O,borne's babies,
and the oldest alone was her husband's. He believed
that Osborne was willing to support his own children,
but the woman was such a diabolical wretch that it was
quire impossible to regard her in the light of a human
being.
The LORD MAYOR—It is quite impossible that I can
think of compelling the poor man to support such a
wretch. The children must be protected. I shall there-
fore postpone the case for a week, and think of some
remedy in the meantime.
WORSHIP-STREET.

Mr. Edward Honeyball, the well. known brewer of
Stamford-hill, was placed at the bar before Mr. Green-
wood, charged with having feloniously received a stolen
gelding, the property of Mr. Thomas Colson, an ex-
tensive brickmaker, residing at Mercer's-terrace, Upper
Holloway.
Mr. Robinson appeared for the prosecutor, who stated
that he bought the horse in August, 1845 ; it was stolen
on the 21st of September. On Monday last he found it
in the possession of the defendant, who said it had
strayed into his field, and insisted on detaining it till he
was paid 21/. for its keep and other expenses. He said
he had advertised the horse in three papers, but ad-
mitted having failed to do so until six months after it
had been lost. The prosecutor added that he was at a
loss to conceive how the horse could have strayed into
the defendant's field, which was more than six miles dis-
tant from the paddock whence it had been stolen.
James Foddy, the prosecutor's foreman, also posi-
tively identified the horse, and stated that it must have
been stolen, as the paddock was securely fenced, and
there was no aperture to admit of its passage.
In answer to the charge, Mr. II 'bier emphatically
denied that there were the slightest grounds for su3h an
accusation against his client, who was a person of the
highest respectability, and said that the prosecutor and
his witness were evidently mistaken in the identity of
the animal, as he had abundant evidence to prove that
it had actually strayed into the defendant's field a month
before it was alleged to have been stolen, and he should
also prove that th horse had been extensively adver-
tised in the ensuing March, and that every effort was
made to trace its owner, but without success.
Mr. Robinson said, that several other servants of the
prosecutor, and also the original owner of the horse,
were present to prove its identity; but
Mr. GREENWOOD considered the evidence wholly in-
sufficient to substantiate a charge of felony, however
successfully it might be advanced in support of an action
of trover, and he should, therefore, discharge the defend-
ant, with the assurance that nothing had transpired in
that Court to militate against his character.
THAMES.

Richard Ronan, a boy about 14 years of age, the son
of respectable parents, who was for some time employed
as collector of tolls in the Commercial-road East, sur
rendered on bail before Mr. Broderip to answer a charge
of defrauding the trustees of the road.
The lad was collector of tolls at one of the numerous
side bars on the road, where his labours ceased at nine
o'clock every night, and he had no right to collect any
toll after that hour. During the last fortnight, however,
ha had gone to another side bar after that hour, and col-
lected toll there.

Mr. BIIODERIP, when he consented to take bail for
the appearance of the prisoner, made some observations
on the irregularities which prevailed in collecting toll on
the Commercial-road. It appeared that a number of
boys were employed for this purpose at the side streets,
where there were no,tollhouses or gates, and he had when
riding been run after himself by lads who ran from the
side streets and demanded toll. Travellers, who were
strangers on the road, hardly knew what such a practice
meant. The system ought to be altered.
On the prisoner surrendering himself, Mr. W.
Baker, jun., clerk of the trust, said that the trustees had
taken into consideration the extreme youth of the pri-
soner and his contrition, and did not intend to prosecute
him. They, however, wished it to be distinctly under-
stood that if any person offended in like manner here-
after, the trustees would suffer the law to take its course.
Mr. BRODERIP said the conduct of the trustees was
highly creditable to them. He would not stand in the
way of mercy, but allow the prisoner to depart.
Mary Ann Irwin and Frances Lowrey, women of the
town, were brought before Mr. Broderip, charged with
violently assaulting and robbing Michael Ostrowski, an
old man, a Polish refugee.

The complainant stated that he obtained his living as
a shoemaker, and lived at No. 7, Devonshire-street,
Commercial-road. On Tuesday morning he was coming
out of a public-house, when he met with Irwin, of whom
he had some previous knowledge. She asked him to
give her something to drink, and he did so. She then
asked him to go home with her. He foolishly accepted
the invitation, and when he reached her lodgings, he tank
a shilling out of a handkerchief, w!:lch contained a so-
vereign and eighteen shillings more, and asked the wo-
man to procure more liquor. She imrnediatfly made a
snatch at the handkerchief, and took it away from him,
money and all. A signal was given, and the other
woman, Lowrey, came in. The handkerchief and money
were thrown to her by Irwin, and she ran away with
them. Irwin also tried to escape, but he prevented her,
and seized her by the waist, on which she beat him in a
savage manner, and rendered him nearly insensible. He
was covered with blood, and wits difficulty escaped from
the house, and gave information to the police.—The pri-
soners were committed for trial.
LAMBETH:

Louisa Arney, Julia Arney Charlotte Arney, Emma
Arney, and Henry Arney, were placed at the bar for re-
examination on a charge of felony.
Mr. Clarkson appeared for the prosecution, and Mr.
Rippon for the prisoners. The property in question was
so bulky as to require a large van for its conveyance to
the office.
emw:ail appeared
sent
rsajArmeretired
t
prisoner,
airteEdnbaahl
banker,
eeutirhid,se:g arAve
iernnng,Arney,
7 prosecutor,estatesare entered
,t
gelirr. i Thomasineadirm
o,hrsiksusrhservice
Bl
aydes,
was
Surrey.
aiacyneTdd ehasaes,
housekeeper in November, 1843, at a salary of 40/. per
annum, and a system of plundering by wholesale muit
have been shortly after begun, and carried out up to the
period of her arrest on the 9th of August. At the time
of her engagement with Mr. Blaydes she represented
herself as a widow without family, the fact being that
she had four daughters and a son living at No. 17, Hart-
ford-place, Walworth. Mr. Blaydes having on the Bth
of August last got certain information as to the removal
of property from his house, applied at this office, and
went with Sergeant Morton of the police force to the
house in Walworth, where the four daughters of the
prisoner were residing, and found in their possession
such a quantity of his property as justified him in giving
the three elder girls into custody, as guilty receivers of
the property stolen. Nothing appeared to be too large
or too small for the housekeeper's notice. The goods
displayed for identification included every variety of
article in domestic use up to a mattress and a feather
bed, with bed linen, bed curtains, window curtains, car-
pets, stair carpeting, blankets, counterpanes, decanters,
sugar basins, wine glasses, looking glasses, wine and
brandy, and, in fact, the table of the police-office gave
the court the appearance of a miscellaneous sale room.
The defence attempted for the female prisoners was,
that the elder prisoner was entitled to take the articles
as perquisites.
Mr. ELLIOTT committed the female prisoners for trial,
and allowed the act' to be at large on his own recogni-
zances, to appear if called upon.
WESTMINSTER.
Richard Mare •h, William Biter, and James Clan 't, three
privates in the Scots Fusilier Guards, were charged
with the following outrage, and Edward Stockwell and
Alfred Walters, civilians, were charged, the former with
assaulting the police, and the latter with inciting the
populace to rest ue the other prisoners.
Biter, who w as drunk, sallied with his two military
companions out of a beer-shop in Great Chapel-street,
on the previous e vening, with an evident determination
to amuse themsel yes by insulting and ill treating any
person who had ,the misfortune to cross their path.
Biter commenced aperations in Orchard-street, by kick-
ing over a poor wit iman's stall, loaded with crockery-
ware. The next ex p, loit was throwing a poor deaf organ-
grinder and his mat !hive into the road ; and the third
knocking down a n lan named Burrell, who has the
charge of New-squa re, because he interfered to prevent
their doing mischief at the expense of the humble resi-
dents in that localiti Burrell, who in his fall from the
effect of the blow, lad his head cut, fetched the police,
who in vain for a 1€ ngth of time endeavoured to secure
Biter, but were ob structed and assaulted by his " com-
panions iu arm." A crowd of 500 or 600 persons as-

sembled, and it was not until the arrival of a large party
of the police that the three military defendants were
captured and anything like order restored to the neigh-
bourhood. Withers, in the course of the riot, used
language calculated to excite the mob to rescue the mili-
tary, and Stockwell OR being repeatedly requested to
remove from the entrance to the station, struck one of
the constables a violent blow.

Clark received a good character from a sergeant o
the regiment, the other two were spoken of but ques.
tionably. _ _ _

Biter: was fined 51., or two months' imprisonment ;
Marsh, 51., or six weeks'; Clark, 31., or one month ;
Stockwell, fourteen days without fine; Withers, 205., or
ten days.

being found wholesome or fit for human food. Fruit
also withering, falling off, and rotting. The fields co-
vered with diseased potatoes, turnips, &c. The poor
almost heart-broken and spiritless, dreading the ap-
proaching winter, and every face appearing with traces
of grief and misery. Returning to Stalbridge brought
us to

HENGRIDGE, which we would not pass by without
making a few observations and inquiries ; finding two
or three plots of ground with potatoes in a much more
healthy state and appearance than in any other part,
during this our inquiry. We were there shown the rough
reds, large and free from blemish, speck, or apparent
disease, though it must be confessed they have not as
yet grown to their usually natural size ; the tops are
still green, the haulm sound, and apparently in a grow-
ing state. Other potatoes are diseased, some in the same
fields more than half rotten—the waluut•leaf shaws and
reds particularly and extensively so. In our next report
we purpose going through the other parts of this county,
hoping, as we proceed further, we may find many fields
of the old rough reds having escaped this disease.

SEDUCTION, SUICIDE, AND RE-

VENGE.

A young lady named Eulalie now aged 18, about two
years ago lost her widowed mother, whom till then she
had never quitted. She came to Paris on the invitation
of an aunt, who undertook to find a situation for her.
She was presently offered, and she accepted, the place of
superintendent of the house of one Barnage, a bachelor
of 45, who promised to be as a father to her, and ulti-
mately to provide for her, should her conduct be satis-
factory to him. Eulalie was beautiful—Barnage soon
manifested intentions which were anything but paternal ;
he left untried no means, of success, and finally
the young lady became his victim. In a few days,
however, she bitterly repented her fault, and at
once determined on the course she would pursue.
She declared to Barnage that nothing should
induce her to continue in a position so repugnant to
her feelings, and so contrary to the principles in which
she had been brought up, and consequently that she
would instantly return to her aunt. The attempts of
Barnage to induce her to remain with him were un-
availing, and it was with a sort of savage spirit that he
witnessed her departure. Returning to her relative, the
poor girl, saddened by the remembrance of her fault,
applied herself diligently to the task of needlework, de-
clining to partake of those pleasures and amusements so
natural to her age, and which were frequently proposed
to her. In this way did two months pass. It happened
that in the same house there dwelt a young man, a work-
ingjeweller. He had often noticed Eulalie; and struck with
the modesty of her appearance, as well as by her assiduity
at her work, he, after making certain inquiries con-
cerning her, asked her hand in marriage. His offer
was accepted ; he became more and more enamoured of
her ; and the wedding-day was fixed. They looked
forward to a life of happiness ; but, alas ! who can
command the future ? One morning the bridegroom
received a letter, which informed him that a person,
who had his interest at heart, would make certain re-
velations calculated to induce him to pause ere he
fulfilled his promise of marriage to Eulalie. This
letter was from Barnage. Instantly the young man
presented himself at his house. Barnage related
all that had occurred between himself and Eu-
lalie, but falsely boasted that she adored him, and
that to captivate him she had had recourse to every
mode of female seduction. The lover desired some proof
of this, which the other being unable to supply, he, in a
paroxysm of rage and indignation, struck Barnage to the
groun I and fled. Returning to the object of his love, he
related to her what had occurred, and asked, " Was there
any truth in the allegations of Barnage ?" Eulalia
would not be guilty of a falEehood. Her afflicted lover
declared that the engagement between them was void.
In hopeles despair the poor girl resolved upon
suicide. She lighted a pan of charcoal, and after
writing to her lover these few simple and touch-
ing words, she prepared to die :—" I have at,
once lost your love and your esteem. I have no
hope but in God, who sees into my heart, and by that
will he judge me. Adieu! adieu ! or rather let us hope
to meet above." Fortunately, assistance was at hand,
and the life of the unhappy girl was saved. The news-
papers, continues the Gazette, have related this attempted
suicide, but without stating the motive of it. This day
the young man appeared before the correctional police,
to answer for the blow he gave to Barnage,:who laid his
damages at 3,000 f. The President, after having in the
severest terms commented on the conduct of Barnage,
asked the accused if the marriage would yet take place?
The young man, with tears in his eyes, replied, " I
shall never marry." He was adjudged to pay a fine of
16f. and the expenses, as sufficient compensation.—
Gazette de Tribunaux.