The Sun.
London, England, 1869-10-05 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

SIR,--In your paper of the 4th instant you an-
nounce the fact of a petition having been presented
by Robert William Craik for the winding up of the
Irrperial Guardian Assurance Company. Had you
stopped there I should have no right to complain,
but when you use the remark, " Another Insurance
Smash," I feel you have greatly exceeded the limits
of propriety in making such a remark upon an ex
parte statement.
The presenting a petition against an insurance
company by any person alleging himself to be a
creditor, is in itself no more evidence of a " smash"
than the issuing a writ against a commercial firm
would be of bankruptcy, for the simple reason that
there may be a good defence on the merits.
The Company is, and has for some weeks been,
in voluntary liquidation under the Companies Act,
1862 ; it transferred its business some time ago,
has paid all legitimate claims; and for the informa-
tion of sundry lawyers and wreckers, let me add,
there is really nothing more to wind up.
The present petitioner is the husband of a policy-
holder, a
o lderf,orwmheor
ba
chluaismsnadr The directors directors of the account of the death
com-
pany considered the case a fradulent one, and long
before the company went into liquidation they de-
clined to pay the claim. We agree with the direc-
tors, and deny that Mr. Craik is a creditor at all.
We doubt not his petition will be dismissed with
costs.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
JAS. MARTIN,
For self and co-liquidator.
40, Chancery-lane, Oct. 5, 1869.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE.—?Iris Day.

MARLBOROUGH-STREET.

TIRED or LlFE.—Louisa, Thompson, aged 22, was
chargel before Mr. Tyr whitt with being drunk and dis-
erderly, and attempting to commit suicide in a police
cell.

Police-constable Fordham, 9 E, said that a little before
three that morning he saw the prisoner in Perry's-place,
Oxford-itreet, behaving in a disorderly manner. He re-
quested her to go away and attempted to remove her, on
which she became rather violent and attempted to bite
his hand. With assistance the prisoner was taken to the
station, where she attempted to committ suicide in the
cell.

Police-constable Jackson, 17 E It, said that while on
duty that morning about 8 o'clock, at the Clark's build •
ings station, he heard cries from another prisoner in the
same cell as the prisoner, and on going into the cell he
found the prisoner lying on her back with a handkerchief
which she was pulling tightly round her neck, she being
quite black in the face. The prisoner said, "Oh, do let me
do it, I am tired of life."
Mr. Tyrwhitt said he would remand the prisoner on the
charge of attempting her own life, and look °Ter the other
charge.

WESTMINSTER.
A REMARIUBLY COOL DEFENCE.—WiIIiam Westall,
middle-aged man, was charged with stealing a horse and
cab, and with being found in possession of two capes, of
which be gave no account.
Martin Oldham, a cab-driver, said that last night
he left his horse and calf standing outside the Bell and
Horns tavern, at Brompton, while he went in to get
a glass of ale. He had scarcely turned his back when
the prisoner went off with his horse and cab. He heard
th 3 wheels, and mounting a friend's cab, went with him in
pursuit, and eventually overtook the prisoner through his
horse falling. The two capes were then found.
Mr. Selfo -Do you know anything
of the prisoner ?
Prosecutor—He is a perfect stranger to me.
Mr. Selfo—He must give me his address.
Inspector Holmes said he refused to give it, because of
his family.
Prisoner said ho did not moan to steal the cab, and in
explanation of his reason for taking it, very coolly said
"he bad a wife and four children at home, and morel'
took the cab to earn a shilling or two with it."
Mr. Selfo declared ho would not part with him, even
after a remand, unless he gave his address.
The prisoner gave his address AO was remanded for
inquiry.