The Sun.
London, England, 1851-07-21 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN

Sits,—The grevesc of,ction to the attempted per-
manency of the Crystal Palace appears to me to be,
money having been subscribed with au understanding
that the surplus (if any) should be " applied to pur-
poses strictly in connexion with the ends of the Exhibi-
tion, and the establishment of similar exhibitions in fu-
ture?' Certainly the thing has been well carried out,
and for a worse execution of the design a debt might be
due, instead of an overplus remaining.
As you must, however, separate the admission money
from that voluntarily subscribed, and when we reflect
that a very small portion of the subscribers would take
back even all their money devoted to this object, it
surely is hardly worth while for a few individuals to
show discontent as to the small per-tentage which alone
could be refunded to them. " Paying back is double
trouble," but as the editor of the Times knows the name
of his correspondent, perhaps he can also learn the
amount of his subscription, and reconvey it to him, if the
Commissioners approve of such a step.
I never subscribed a farthing myself to the object in
question, but if the medical men of the Bromptou Hos•
pita were to certify that a sanitary winter garden would
aid consumptive patients, I should much wish to contri-
bute to such an appropriation of the building, the
more so if a mineral water reservoir, representing the
Spas for all Nations, could be added for the benefit of
those who seldom quit London. At Brompton Dr.
Struve's plan is extraordinarily successful, and now we
have an opportunity to seize what we may regret losing
after it is too late—" facilis descensus averni" (as Colonel
Sibthorp would name it)—
" Sod revocare gradum,
Hie labor hoc opus eat."
The dinner to Mr. Fox at Derby explained so clearly
the enterprise as to the conception, and the combination
of lightness and strength, in proving the firmness of the
building, and energy in the completion of it, that a few
drops of rain, near the pillars, must not make us jeer at
a national triumph, but send us to our own shower-baths.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
LOOSER-ON.
July 17, 1851.

BOOKSELLERS' PROVIDENT INSTITUTION.—OR Fri-
day evening a meeting of the board of directors and other
members of the above institution was held at the committee-
room in Paternoster-row, for general business. The report
for the past year was very satisfactory, both as regarded the
increase of numbers and finances. The sum of 4751. had
been distributed fur permanent and temporary assistance
amongst necessitous members and their widows, of which
2101. had been granted for temporary relief to 23 persons,
the same parties having received upwards of 8001. since the
relief fund was opened. For permanent relief or annuities
above 2601. had been expended upon 18 individuals, the
same parties having previously received nearly 40 1. Four
of the booksellers' assistants, receiving permanent relief, have
had comfortable homes provided for them at the " Booksel-
lers' Provident Retreat," at Abbott's Langley, Herts. The
whole sums granted for assistance since October, 1840,
amount to 2,5001. The number of members now on the
books is upwards of 500. The financial statement showed
the income from life, annual subscriptions, and interest, to
be 1,4441. 14s. 4d. ; the expenditure, after the investment of
810/. 19s. Id., left a balance in hand of 88/. 9s. 11d., and the
amount of cash and interest in the bands of the Commis-
sioners for the Reduction of the National Debt at the date of
last audit was 19,272/. 16, Bd.

DESPERATE LEAP OF A FEMALE FROM A RIVER
STEAM BOAT.- On Fri Jay afternoon the passengers on board
the Bee steam-boat were thrown into a most painful state of
excitement, in consequence of the following occurrence :—lt
appears that about five o'clock a respectably-dressed female,
who was sitting on the deck of the vessel, was observed to
take off' her bonnet, apparently for the purpose of arranging
her hair, when, in an instant afterwards, she leaped head-
foremost into the River, nearly facing Paul's wharf. The
captain gave immediate orders to stop the boat ; but before
that was accomplished, the paddle-wheels nearly came in
contact with toe poor creature's head. Two watermen,
named Jasper Clements and Edward ulyatt, having put off
in their boats, they fortunately succeeded in rescuing the un-
fortunate woman just as she was sinking for the third time.
She was removed to the Rose and Ball public-house, Ben-
nett's-hill, Thames-street, and owing to the medical treat-
ment of Mr. Harper, of Farringdon-street, recovered suffi-
ciently to be taken to the hospital. When restored to con-
sciousness she expressed regret that her life had been saved,
and also that should she recover she would do it again, She
also stated that she had left word at home what she intended
to do. In a small basket, which she lett with her bonnet on
the vessel, was a piece of paper, on which was written,
" Marian Johnson, No. 23, Greenhill-rents. Smithfield,"
which, upon inquiry, turned out to be her name and address.
MIDNIGHT OUTRAGE BY ARMED MEN.-Mr.
Hine, of Macclesfield, silk-manufacturer, who resides at a
lonely spot about three miles from that town, was placed
in circumstances of considerable danger on Tuesday night.
He and his family had retired to rest a little after midnight,
and was aroused by hearing a loud knocking in front of the
house, which they soon ascertained was made by five men,
masked, and armed with pistols, bludgeons, and other wea-
pons of offence, who were attempting to force an entrance
into the house. They peremptorily ordered him to open the
door, and when asked what they wanted, they said all the
money and valuables he had in the house. A parley of some du-
ration took place, Mr. Hine seeking to point out the illegality
of their conduct. of course without any effect; for, instead
of going away, they threatened the more violently, and de-
manded that they should have his son's watch if no money
was forthcoming. Mr. Hine, jun., added his remonstrance
to those of his father's, assuring them that they had no
money in the house ; their place of business was at 111accles-
field, and there all the cash was kept. While this was going
on, part of them continued their efforts to get into the house,
and broke open a door at the back. There was then only
one other door between them and Mr. Hine, and the latter
knowing that, capitulated on hearing them approach it. The
men got his son's watch and some few shillings in silver,
and left the place, swearing that the inmates had got off
sadly too cheap, and they might console themselves with
the reflection that nothing worse had happened to them.
We believe there was a blunderbuss in the house, but no use
was made of it.

ARRIVALS AT MIVART'S HOTEL—The Russian
Princess de Lutera Radali (nee Princess Schacowsky) and
an extensive suite, from Paris; the Count Redern, from
Berlin ; William onstable Maxwell, Esq., from Evering-
ham-park ; Mormaduke Constable Maxwell, Esq., from
Scotland ; the Baron de Hertefeld, from Berlin. Departures.
.--Mr. and Miss Mereer, Colonel and Mrs. Winthrop, Miss
Young and Captain Stewart, for Paris; M. and Madame
Girod (de l'Ain), for• Edinburgh; Marquis Pallaviccini,
Marquis Balbi, and Count Alessandri, for Paris; the Hon.
Mrs. Vanneck, for Oxfordshire.