The Sun.
London, England, 1867-12-17 00:00:00

LONDON, TUESDAY, DEC. 17, 1867.

Sympathy with the unfortunate sufferers in
Clerkenwell is so universal a feeling that the mere
mention of the name of the locality which witnessed
the outrage is enough to awaken thoughts of interest
and to arrest attention. Last night a public meet-
ing was held at the Industrial Schoolroom, Amwell-
street, Clerkenwell, in pursuance of the request of
several inhabitants of the district, to take into con
sideration the most fitting means to alleviate the
distress that had been created by the late explosion.
The place was very crowded. The Chairman very
properly said that it was difficult to use moderate
expressions in speaking of the fearful crime
just committed ; but they must bear in
mind that this was not an " indignation
meeting, but intended to express thorough
English, hearty sympathy." The occasion that
called them together was, indeed, enough to call for
earnest attention, for they had to. consider the case
of those who had suffered permanently, and those
who had been deprived of their homes. The Govern-
ment have acted, as was mentioned here, in loco
parentis, and with a spirit worthy of the occa-
sion ; still this must not prevent the others from
coming forward and doing their utmost. The
Rev. Mr. MAGUIRE moved the first resolution, to
the effect that the meeting expressed its deep
sympathy with the unfortunate sufferers by the
atrocious crime just committed, and approved of
the appointment of a committee to receive sub-
scriptions on their behalf. The reverend gentle-
man remarked that he had followed the unhappy
sufferers to their beds, and he was anxious to ex-
press his deep debt of gratitude to the " splendid
surgical state of these noble hospitals." It is not
surprising to hear that those who visited
the sufferers declare they have never wit-
nessed such heartrending scenes as tht s
before them. A letter was read from Mr. COPIZY,
which was very satisfactory. He informed Mr.
MAGuIRE, on the part of the part of the Chancellor
of the Exchequer, that the Government did not de-
sire to arrest the sympathy of the public with the
victims of this atrocious act, and in sending the
relief of the other day the Government only " con-
templated the mitigation of the more urgent and
pressing duties of those who have been injured in
person or property." Mr. MAGUIRE concluded by
stating that Mr. CURRY bad given him a kind of
carte blanche on the part of the Chancellor of the
Exchequer, and he promised them on the
part of the Government that they would receive
ample aid in their benevolent work. Mr. TORRENS,
M.P., in seconding the motion, paid a just tribute
to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the " wise
and noble example he had set in taking upon him
the responsibility of this matter," and added—what
is doubtless true—that Parliament would sanction
his proceedings. It appears evident that this under-
taking will be a useful one in every respect, and
answer the purpose for which it is designed.
Yesterday Dr. JENNER, her MAJESTY'S physician,
visited the hospital where the sufferers were lodged in
accordance with the Royal command. Dr. JENNER
announced that her MAJESTY would have come in
person if circumstances had permitted. It is for-
tunate that all the cases seem to be progressing
favourably in both Hospitals, but the friends of the
parties, and the public also, will appreciate this
kind consideration shown by the few. Prince
Armiun yesterday visited the ruins, and, indeed,
the interest taken in the sad affair is most complete.
It is believed on good authority that the man has
been arrested who fired the powder, but it is
not yet certain that this is correct. This morn-
ing the witnesses will see him. The most alarm-
ing rumours are in circulation, but, of course,
credence cannot be attached to many of them,
though that the state of things is most unsatisfactory
cannot be denied. We should hope, at least, that
one good may come out of this evil, and that the
false sympathy which has done so much harm may
be put a stop to. From mistaken motives a sort of
premium has been held up to crime, and the error
of transforming criminals into heroes and
martyrs is a very serious one at this
juncture. Those Mho have persuaded themselves
and persisted in declaring, in spite of all contradic-
tion, that no real harm was meant by Fenianism
have before them proofs they cannot gainsay ; and
by the ruins of houses, and the beds of the suffer-
ing, and the remains of the dead, they may learn
their mistake in a manner not likely to be soon
forgotten.

Great excitement took place yesterday upon the
prisoners being brought up on remand before Sir
THOMAS HENRY at Bow-street. The very
efficient measures that were adopted by
the authorities, however, prevented any likelihood
of a disturbance, and very nearly set curict.iity at
defiance, so carefully were the prisoners surrounded
and guarded. Very little of a material nature was
done, however; for Mr. POLAND, who had been in-
structed to conduct the prosecution, had to ask for
a further ranand ou account of the mass of evi-
dence that has to be got together, and the extreme
importance of the case. This delay was the
more advisable, as the prisoner ANN JUSTICE
was very unwell, and hardly fit to be long
detained. The police hive a most arduous
task before them just now, hut they appear to be
completely on the alert, and we hope that any future
attempt on the part of any miscreant will be suc-
cessfully baffled. We have had warnings enough at
any rate to be careful, and must all feel quite
assured that Fenianism is a thing that must be dealt
with in the moat determined manner, and with an