The Sun.
London, England, 1870-05-16 00:00:00

Brigandage in England.

The British public has lately been shocked by
a statement that Mr. Johnson, a master builder of
Manchester, lives in constant danger of his life
from the antagonism of trade unions, and
scarcely less shocked by 'another statement
that Mt. Johnson cannot have proper police
protection without paying eightpence an hour
for each man so employed. The Manchester town
clerk has " explained' this last astonishing rumour.
Mr. Johnson can, he kindly announces, have any
protection he needs for his person " without
charge ;" but if he requires men to guard his works
he must pay the eightpence. This " explana-
tion " will leave most people in as much
perplexity as ever. Mr, Johnson pays his
rates like most other citizens, but he is told
that in case of special danger all the security
he can have is the superintendence of the solemn
personage who, in his regular " beat" passes
a . given point perhaps once in an hour—
that is, no security whatever. The general
public impression of police duties has been
that where there is clearly special danger there
should be special precautions. But the town clerk
of Manchester is the man to set us all right on that
Point. If Mr. Johnson's works were in jeopardy
from Fenians, it would, we suppose, be
equally a case of eightpence an hour.
Magisterial Justice.

Two decisions, illavtrating the discrimination which
culpable parties may occasionally hope for in this
country at the bands of justice, were made a day or
two since at the Saffron petty sessions.
A man named Stubbings was found guilty of steal-
ing seven pheasants' eggs, the property of Lord
Braybrooke, and was ordered to pay a fine
of 275. At a later hour of the day
two labourers were accused of having in a
drunken brawl nearly killed a fellow creature
who had been a fortnight in hospital after the attack
made upon him, and who appeared in court in a weak
state. In this instance the Bench considered that the
offence was only a common assault on the part of
the defendants. There was no evidence to prove
malice aforethought, and the prisoners would there-
fore be discharged, upon each paying 7s. Gd. fine and
325. Gd. costs. The inequality of
.the two sentences
called forth some strong expressions of disapproba-
tion from a crowd of listeners at the trial.
Women's Missions.

Whatever difference of opinion may exist as to the
desirability of conferring political rights on women,
there can hardly be any with regard to the suitability
of the field in which the wife of the Premier chooses
to display her powers. Those who visited the parochial
mission at St. Luke's, Milwall, a night or two since
would have been surprised to find themselves in the
midst of a "reception" by Mrs. Gladstone. Some
350 women of that populous and miserable
district had accepted her invitation, and
sat down to a substantial meal, which long-con-
tinued privation had rendered as rare as it was wel-
come. After tea Mrs. Gladstone briefly and feelingly
addressed the women, and spoke of the deep sympathy
which had been felt in high quarters with the
sufferings of the neighbourhood, adding a
little sound practical advice. Two or three
clergymen present afterwards spoke to them, and the
evening passed off as pleasantly as profitably to all
concerned. It is clear that from whatever spheres of
action they may be debarred there is still some scope
for the superfluous energieS of enterprising dames
of the nineteenth century in the waste places of
wealthy London.
The Privileges of an Arabassatiori
" C.," in a letter to the limes, criticises
the view of " Historicus " on the bearings of
international law. The writer submits, that
the positive law of England discredits the conclu-
sion of " Historicus," that it discriminates in any case
between an ambassador or other diplomatist and a pri-
vate person. He contends that if he were to meet
.the representative of a powerful State in Pall Mall,
pick a quarrel with him, and knock him down, no
more punishment could be inflicted on him than if he
had committed a similar assault on any other person.
This doctrine, he believes, will be found correct when
the inquiry ascends from dicta to principles.