The Sun.
London, England, 1860-04-19 00:00:00

CIIARAC

The following observations have been forwarded
to us for publication :—" The giving a character to
a servant is one of the most ordinary, communications
which a member of society is called on to make, and
as the learned Mr. Starkie observes, is a duty of
of great importance to the interests of the public ;
and in respect of that duty's, person offends grievously
against the interests of the community in giving a
good character where it is not deserved, or against
justice and humanityin either injuriously refusing to
give a character or designedlymisrepresenting 'one to
the detriment of the individual.' The following
rules are suggested for the consideration of masters
and mistresses not acquainted with the law in such
cases : Rule 1. No magistrate has any jurisdiction
touching the character of a domestic servant, and
the common threat of a master or mistress being
summoned for not giving a character is absurd.
Rule 2. It has been clearly decided that a character,
honestly and bona fide given by a master-or mis-
tress to any person making the usual inquiry, is a
privileged communication, and unless inconsistent
with truth, or actual malice can be proved by evi-
dence, no damages can be sustained. But it must be
carefully borne in mind that, however truly or ho-
nestly the character may be given, an action at law
can be brought against the master or mistress, and
the ladies of the family put to the anxiety and
trouble of appearing in court, as well as the lady to
whom the character was given. And, although the
servant may be immediately defeated, and the ease
stopped by the judge, you will find yourself some
£5O or £6O out of pocket by your victory. Rule 3.
The only safe course, when a master or mistress
cannot in sincerity and truth recommend a servant,
is to decline answering any questions on the subject,
and the following form of written answer may prove
useful :—' Mrs. A presents her compliments to Mrs.
B, and in reply to hernote requesting the character
of Ann C, trusts she will kindly excuse Mrs A de-
clining to answer any questions on the subject.'
Address and date. A copy should be kept. In the
case of Carrel v. Bird, the courts of law have decided
that neither master nor mistress is bound to give a
character, and that no action will lie against them
for refusing. The cases of Taylor v. Hawkins, and
Somervill v. Hawkins, are well worthy of notice.
It must, however, be repeated that both justice and
humanity claim from a master and mistress their
kindest care and consideration for the character of
their servants, more particularly female servants ;
but it is confidently believed that if the above rules
were better known and more generally acted on all
good and honest servants would be the gainers."—
Times.

WIIOLESALE ROBBERIES AT THE
FIGHT FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

,I -, - -

The London " swell mobmen" never lose an op
portunity of taking advantage of the slightest ex
citement to turn it to account, and a prize filth
affords peculiar advantage to ply their dishonest
calling, and that of Tuesday last was looked for-
ward to with pleasing anticipations. No amount of
money can ensure a selection of respectable persons
or prevent an infusion of swell mob thieves from
such gatherings, and if the tickets wore charged at
ten instead of three guineas there they would be.
How some of the vagabonds managed to reach
Farnborough may be judged of by one fact, whieh
has come to the knowledge of the writer. On Tues-
day morning, as the time for the trains from Lon-
don-bridge approached, two Leicestershire gentle-
men made their appearance, with tickets in hand,
and inquired anxiously for the way to the platform
from which the train for the fight was about to
start. TWO sharpers, on the "look out," took the
tickets, pretending to look at them ; but they no
sooner got possession of them than they rushed
amongst the crowd, leaving their dupes in a state
of perfect bewilderment, for though they had tra-
velled many miles to see the fight, they were de-
prived of the opportunity, as it was too late then
to obtain other tickets, and they were left to sleep
off their annoyance. All persons who have any
idea of such scenes would consider it an extreme
act of folly to take a gold watch or other property
to a prize-fight; but fortunately for the thieves,
and unfortunately for the American gentlemen, who
were their chief victims on this occasion, many of the
latter had no conception whatever of what they had
to encounter and the roughs they had to meet, and
they took their watches with them. Some idea may
be formed of the number ofrobberies that took place,
when it is stated that not less than eight watches,
of a valuable description, had been stolen from
eight gentlemen stopping at the same hotel. Of the
number one was a presentation watch, which the
owner would not have lost for 100 guineas.

THIS DAY'S MARKETS.

CORN EXCHANGE.

(Mt ERIAL WEEKLY AVERAGES. Wheat, 49s 1(1 ;
barley, 37s 2d ; oats, 21s 2d ; rye, 36s 10d ; beans, 396
9d ; and peas, 385 3d.
TILE Six WEEKS' AVERAGES. Wheat, 46s 6d ;
barley, 36s 9d ; oats, 23s 6d ; rye, 33s 9d ; beans, 39s 8d ;
peas, 37s lid:
ENGLISH GRAIN SOLD LAST WEEK.—Wheat, 94,086;
barley, 28,100 ; oats, 9,942 ; rye, 102 ; beans, 4,641; peas,
'793 quarters.

METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET.
Although only a moderate supply of beasts was on sale
in to-day's market, the demand for all kinds ruled very
inactive, at Monday's decline in the quotations. The show
of sheep was rather limited ; nevertheless, the mutton trade
was less active, on former terms. We have to report a very
dull sale for lambs, at from 4d to 6d per 81bs less money.
The quotations ranged from 5s 6d to 7s per 81bs. Calves
were heavy, and 4d to 6d per Sibs cheaper, the top figure
being 58 6d. In pigs very little was passing, on former
terms, and much cows were very dull.
Per 81bs to sink the offal.
s. d. s. d.' s. d. s. d.
Crse. & inf. beasts 3 2 3 4 Primecrs-wool do. 4 10 5 4
Second qualitydo. 3 6 3 10 Pme. Sqhdowndo. 5 6 5 10
Prime large oxen 4 0 4 4 Large crse. calves 4 6 5 0
Prime Scots, &c. 4 6 4 8 [ Prime small do 5 2 5 6
Crse. & inf. sheep 38 4 o,` Large hogs 363 10
Second quality do. 424 8; Small porkers
Lambs, 5s 6d to 7s Od.