The Sun.
London, England, 1835-12-28 00:00:00

THE LATE DREADFUL ACCIDENTS.

INQUEST ON. THE BODIES OF THE PERSONS
DROWNED IN ST. JAMES'S PARK.
On Saturday Mr. HIGGS, the Coroner for Westminster,
held an inquest at the King's Head, James-street, near the
old Westminster Hospital, on the bodies of three persons
who met with their death while skaiting in St. James's
P4rk on Christmas Day, named James Wells, a painter,
residing in Cooper-street, Westminster.; Charles Morpeth,
a cabman ; and a man unknown.
Charles Bell, police constable 95 C, deposed that he was
ordered on duty in the inclosure near Buckingham-gate to
assist the Humane Society's men. About four o'clock in
the afternoon he heard the ice crack, and a number of per-
sons fall in ; the life-boat was at the other end of the in-
closure, and a ladder was thrown into the water with a rope
attached to it. The men struggled violently, and many
were saved by the ropes ; but two were taken out dead,
and conveyed to public-houses in the neighbourhood ; one
had been immersed 20 minutes, and the other three-quarters
of an hour. The witness added that there were a number
of persons skaiting and sliding at the time of the accident,
notwithstanding placards had been posted. round the Park
warning the public not to proceed near various parts -consi-
dered dangerous.
John Mumford, policeman, 33 A, stated that he assisted
in taking out another body, which was conveyed to the
Westminster Hospital. This was previous to the other
persons falling in. There were several persons in the water
at this time, but through the exertions of a waterman
named Moody, who behaved in the most resolute manner,
four or five lives were saved. About forty-eight persons
were immersed in the water on that day.
In answer to questions from the Coroner and Jury, the
witness stated that the utmost exertions had been used to
prevent persons skaiting near those parts considered dan-
gerous, but all proved vain, many, out of bravado, going
over those particular portions of the canal that were unsafe.
It was impossible to keep the ice clear, and the Humane
Society's men were only laughed at while cautioning the
parties. Many parts of the ice were rendered dangerous in
consequence of the rising of the springs. Several parts of
the canal had been broken to make room for the water-
fowl, and also to prevent persons letting upon the island.
Thomas Moody, a waterman, residing in Belvidere-place,
Pedlar's-acre, deposed to plunging in- and rescuing several
from a watery grave, for which praiseworthy conduct he was
highly complimented by the Coroner and Jury, who hoped
that the Society would reward him.
The Jury then returned a verdict of " Accidental Death."
The father of Wells was in the inquest-room, and ap-
peared deeply affected at the loss of his son, who was a
painter, and who has left a widow and several children.
The deceased Morpeth was a cabman, in the service of a
person named Draine, residing in Black Horse-yard, West-
minster. He was a single man. No property of any de-
scription was found upon the other unfortunate mnn that
could, in the remotest degree, tend to the discovery of who
he was. He appeared to have been a tailor, and was about
33 years of age.

INQUEST ON THE BODIES TAKEN FROM THE
SERPENTINE, HYDE-PARK.

Saturday night, Mr. Hmas held an inquisition at the
Barley Mow, Mount-street, Gresvenor-square, on the bodies
of Henry Schooling, aged 24, a sawyer, residing in Bull
Inn-court, Strand ; William Cave, aged 27, a bootmaker,
in King-street, Golden-square ; a lad, named Jeremiah
O'Connor, of Calmel's-buildings, Oxford-street ; a young
man, the son of Major Barron Heath, of . Connaught-ter-
race ; William Burton. an apprentice, residing at No. 35,
Great George-street, Portman-square ; J. Kew, aged 19,
who lived at a baker's, in Cumberland-street, near Hyde
Park ; and a young man, named Douglas Campbell, a11..0f
whom were drowned in the Serpentine River on. Christmas
Day, by the breaking''of the ice. The Jury having -been
sworn, they'proceeded to view the seven bodies, which had
been conveyed to the workhouse in Mount-street. The
unfortunate sufferers lay stretched on the ground in one of
the rooms, and the sight was an appalling one. Oa the
sheets which covered the bodies being removed, various se-
vere lacerations were perceptible on the chests of several,
caused, it would appear,- by the drags in getting them out of
the water. Many gentlemen were affected to tears, and
several were obliged to retire from the room soon after en-
tering it.
3:Batson, one of the Humane Society's men, was the
first witness examined. He stated that the accidents com-
menced as early as nine o'clock on the morning of Friday,
when three or four persons were rescued from death from
the north and south shore. The ice was considered very
dangerous, and every caution had been given to prevent
persons venturing on it. Boards with the word " danger-
ous" were placedou those .parts. deettied unsafe, and coils
of rope deposited on the banks in readiness in ease of acci-
dent. About twenty minutes before one witness was at the
Receiving-house, and at this time the first man was brought
in without any signs of life ; he was stripped and put into
a hot bath, and Mr. Wooley and Mr. Sawyer, the medical
gentlemen, attended immediately, but all attempts to restore
animation proved fruitless. Within a _quarter of an hour
fifteen other persons were brought into the Receiving-
house, nine of whom were. resuscitated by the exertions of
the medical men ; but life was extinct in the remaining six.
Two minutes only elapsed before the first body was placed
in a warm bath, every thing, in fact, was in readiness for the
reception of those who had the 'misfortune to fall into the
river. Witness was certain that the boards with the word
" dangerous" were fixed at an early hour ,in every part
considered .unsafe. It was the duty of witness to see
to this regulation before he took his station in the Receiv-
ing-house.
Allen M'Castie, a drummer in the Scotch Fusileers, de-
posed that on Friday, about noon, he was at the Serpen-
tine river. ,At that time he saw nine persons fall through
the ice, about twenty yards from the bank, and one hun-
dred-distant from the 'Receiving house, on the same side of
the water. There was no assistance near, and he jumped in
to save them. When in the water one of the Society's boats
was brought to the spot by a lad, who was of no assistance
whatever. Witness got into the boat, but before he could
get near those in the water, which was ten feet deep, they
had disappeared. Ropes were near the spot at the time,
but the bystanders could not throw them far enough to be
of any service. Witness was of opinion that had prompt
means been taken at time of the accident no lives would
have been lost. After the alarm was given, it was some
time before the necessary implements to rescue persons in
danger arrived. Six persons were got out before witness
left, three of whom recovered. One man it appeared had
partly fallen through the ice, and the others went_to rescue
him, when a great many fell in. In answer to questions,
witness stated that ropes were lying coiled up on the shore,
but the bystanders could not throw them far enough for the
sufferers to lay hold of them. The place where the acci-
dent happened being so short a distance from the Receiv-
ing-house, witness thought the Society's men were very
dilatory in coming to the spot.' Ten minutes he thought
elapsed before one of them rendered assistance. Ulti-
mately three boats, or punts, were brought to the hole,
but twenty minutes, or half an hour,- might have expired.
before the second boat was brought to the place where the
men went down.

The Coroner and several of the Jury remarked that
witnes in his agitation might have considered the time
longer tban it really was before the Society's men ren-
dered assistance.

The witness further stated that by his own exertions he
got two of the bodies out of the water? and helped to get
a third into the boat, when he was obliged to leave for fear
of being censured at the Barracks, he having stopped over
his time.

Mr. Thomas Higgs, of Park-street, Lisson-grove, de-
posed that he was at the Serpentine River about half-past
twelve o'clock on Friday, and saw at least seventeen or
eighteen persons in the water at one time, six of whom dis-
appeared undei the ice. The last witness took off his
coat and courageously plunged in to their rescue, and in
every way most manfully rendered his aid to preserve their
lives. Several of the by-standers endeavoured to throw the
ropes far enough for the unfortunate men to reach them,
but without effect. Witness was certain that not one of
the Society's men was present till some time after the.ac-
cident. Every attention was paid and unremitting exertion
used at the Receiving house when the bodies were conveyed
thither. Witness had been at the Serpentine River for the
last thirty years when it had been frozen over, and had
hitherto seen ropes placed across the river, with a man in
attendance at each end, so that the ropes might be drawn
over any part where the ice had given way ; and he re-
gretted that the Society's men had discontinued so good a
practice.
A gentleman belonging to the Society, observed that the
practice would not have been discontinues had it been pos-
sible to keep the ropes across the river. The skaiters cut
them to pieces, and they were otherwise destroyed-by the
mischievous. The ropes were exceedingly expensive, and
the Society could not afford to be continually purchasing
new ones.

The witness (Mr. Higgs) remarked that chains could
not be cut, and advised the Society to go to that expense.
The gentleman, in reply, hoped that Mr. Higgs would
contribute, and enlarge the Society's funds, that they -might
be enabled to meet the suggestions of the public ; but still
he considered that chains would not answer, as great dif-
ficulty would be found, from their weight, in running them
along the river.
James Hanbury, one of the Park4ceepers, deposed that on
the alarm being given he ran to the spot:and saw nearly
twenty persons immersed in the river. ,He endeavoured to
throw the ropes to the sufferers, but the crowd on the bank
was so great as to prevent him using his arms, and he was
himself pressed into the water, and obliged to send for the
assistance of the police to keep the vast assemblage away
from the spot.

A Juryman asked if the Society's men had been present
could they have saved the persons in the river ?
The witness replied that they Could not unless they were
swimmers ; but had a rope been placed across the river
many, no doubt, would have been rescued from a watery
grave. Witness had previously cautioned the skaiters, but
they heeded him not, and daringly pursued their amusement.

A Gentleman in the room ohserved that the evidence
of the last witness in a great measure did away with the
charge of neglect which had been imputed to the Humane
Society's men.
• The CORONER said that the only question for the Jury
to consider was, whether the death of the unfortunate men
was the result of accident. Any neglect of the men was a
subject for the Humane Society to look to.
A Juryman remarked that they had no proof of neglect.
A Gentleman belonging to the Society said that he had
attended the inquest, in order that the conduct of the men
on this occasion might be fully investigated, and that if any
neglect were proved against them to adopt measures to re-
medy.the evil in future. Ropes had for years been placed
across the river, but they were found to be of no use, they
having been cut and destroyed in the manner described,
and this year large coils of rope had been placed in different
parts in readiness in case of accidenl. It was true that
five or six of the Society's men could render but little as-
sistance where thousands were asSembled, and the accidents
were so very frequent ; but the society had done all it
could do, and he only wished it was in their power to do
more.

The Jury then returned a verdict of " Accidental
Death ;" and the Coroner issued warrants to the friends of
the sufferers, giving them permission to remove the bodies
from the workhouse.

The investigati6n excited great interest, and the room
was crowded to excess by persons. desirous of hearing the
evidence.

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.

PORTSMOUTH, DEC. 26.—The Racer, 16, Commander
James Hope, sailed on Monday to Sheerness, to be paid
off, taking supernumeraries to the Scout. The Gossamer
(tender to the _ flag ship) returned from Sheerness on
Sunday.
The Seaflower cutter, Lieutenant Roche, sailed yesterday
to Falmouth, .to convey the next mail to Lisbon ; Lieute-
nant Courtenay Hayes took passage in the Seaflower to
join the Hastings on that station.
The James Watt steamer sailed from Santander on
Wednesday, with army accoutrements for the Queen of
Spain's service. This vessel was also the bearer of dis-
patches from our Government to Lord John Hay, of the
Castor.

The Erebus, bomb vessel, has been taken into dock in
this harbour, for the purpose of being got ready for accom-
panying Captain James C. Ross, in search of the frozen-up
whalers, in Davis's Straits. The Terror, bomb vessel, is
fitting at Plymouth for the same service, and both will be
filled with clothing and provisions. They will, depart in a
month or six weeks.

The following is an extract of a letter, dated Rio de Ja-
neiro, October 23, 1835 :—" We expect the Satellite sloop
of .war, with treasure, from the South Seas, about the
middle of next month. She will be dispatched in a few
clays after her arrival for England. A new Regent, of
the name of Fiejo, has been appointed to the adminis-
tration of the Government of this country, with the powers
of a sole Director ; and it is expected he will exercise his
authority with great talent and energy for the good of the
country. fie has the reputation of beinr, an able and
honest man, and is by no means a bigoted' one ; he is a
strong advocate for a departure from the usage of the
Church of Rome, having written a pamphlet in favour of
the marriage of the priesthood. Only three days before
his appointment as Regent, he was nominated Bishop of
Marianna ; and it is expected this nomination will lead to
important events, the Pope having already refused to con-
firm one Bishop nominated by the late Regency, on ac-
count of his having espoused the same opinion on which
Feijo has written. ,Should the Pope refuse to confirm this
appointment, no doubt a declaration of independence will
ensue between the Brazilian Church and that of Rome,
at least as regards discipline and sub Ordination."
The Wanderer, 16, called at Madeira, on her way to
Brazils on the 11th of November. The Thunderer ar-
rived at Nassau on the 2d of November, Charybdis at Fer-
nando Po, August 27. Talbot, Harriet, and Cocatrice,
arrived at Buenos Ayres, September IS. Gannett was at
Honduras October 14. Actseon was at Pernambuco, No-
vember 1. The Royer, 16, left Rio de Janeiro for the
Pacific pn the 14th of October.

• The Sulphur, surveying vessel, Captain Beechey, witl
her tender, the Swallow schooner, sailed on Tuesday lase
for the South Seas.

Ai),PotsTmENTs.—Lieutenant Douglas to the Speedy,
vice Sillli:eau ; Mr. F. G. Leigh to be College Mate of
the Excellent ; Mr. E. Crouch, Midshipman to the Ex-
cellent, vice Leigh, appointment cancelled.
The effective Warrant Officers have been placed in
three classes :—First class, line of battle ships ; second
class, fourth and fifth rates ; third class, all other vessels.
During the past week the Royal 'George Revenue cut-
ter, Lieut. Steine, when about mid-channel, espied and
gave chase to a French smuggling cutter, and after seve-
ral hours manoeuvring, the Royal George was gaining on
her so fast, that the smugglers thought it prudent to de-
stroy her cargo, which they did by throwing a very large
crop of tubs overboard. She proved to be the Le Jean of
Cherbourg. On Tuesday night, about eleven o'clock, the
Eagle revenue cruiser, Lieut. Umfreville, fell in, off Port-
land, with a French smuggling cutter, supposed to be the
Eliza ; and succeeded in capturing a tub boat, containing
83 tubs of foreign spirits, which have been deposited in the
Custom-house at Weymouth. The night being very dark,
the boat's crew• and the cutter escaped.
Drowned at Rio de Janeiro, on the 12th of October,
whilst bathing, in the 19th year of his age, Mr. G. D.
Blake, Midshipman of his Majesty's ship Dublin, eldest son
of Commander G. C. Blake, of Gosport... The circum-
stances attending this fatal occurrence were these:—A
party of the officers of the Dublin went on shore on the
12th of October, and after taking their walk, determined
on bathing. • All had come out of the water to dress, ex-
cept the deceased, who,was then observed to have got out
of his depth by some unknown cause, and to be in distress.
• Lieut. Montresor and Lord Frederick Kerr immediately
plunged into the water to afford him assistance, but their
efforts to save him, which were gallantly made at the im-
minent risk of their own lives, were ineffectual, and he was
drowned. Lieut. Montresor and Lord Fred. Kerr, from
exhaustion, reached the shore themselves with difficulty;
the latter having been twice pulled down by the deceased,
and otherwise so hampered by him, that it is miraculous
he extricated himself. Lord Frederick Kerr is very young,
and the wonder was bow he was able to perform what
he did ; his intrepidity entitles him to the warmest
praise. The decased was a youth of very great promise,
and his amiable qualities had greatly endeared him to
the officers of his. ship. The body was found on the
14th October, and consigned to its resting place in the Eng-
lish burying-ground at Rio, with every mark of attention
and respect. "
IN HARBOUR.—Britannia, Royal George, Excellent, and
Cracker cutter, tenor to the Seaflower, in dock.
PLYMOUTH., TIIURSDAY, Dgc. 24.—The Starling, cut-
ter, arrived yesterday, from Portsmouth ; she will wait the
arrival of the Sulphur surveying vessel, to which she is
tender. The Sir Charles Malcolm, freight ship, was
docked on Saturday noon's tide, after 'starting all her
water and landing her stores to lighten her. She merely
had her bow and wood ends caulked, and was taken out
again on Monday evening. Every means are resorted to
to get the ship- ready for sea. The troops will, accordingly,
embark as soon as possible.—Hampskire Telegraph.

UNINVITED GUESTS.—Plutarch, in his Sympo-
pacs, Book VII., treats of the origin of the custom of
guests taking other persons with them to a feast who were
not invited to it. He says this custom took its rise from
Socrates, who, being invited to an entertainment by Aga-
tho, persuaded. Aristodemus, who was not invited, to go
with him. It happened that Socrates, stopping by the
way, Aristodemus came in before him, whence he obtained
the name of umbra, or shade, because he came before the
person Who invited him, as a shadow goes before the body
that follows it. Plutarch then proceeds to lay down some
rules for the regulation of this custom.. He tells us that
he who invites others to go with him to a feast, should not
invite many, lest he should seem desirous to treat his
friends at the expense of another person. He says, also,
that he should take the acquaintance of his host with him,
and if he cannot do that, he should endeavour to suit the
persons he takes with him to the genius and disposition of
his friend. He then goes on to prescribe some rules to be
observed by those who are invited in this manner. He says,
that if a great man, who is delighted with pomp and much
attendance, invite a person to feast at another's table, the
person invited must immediately refuse. If friend or ac-
quaintance ask, we must not easily assent, unless when he
appears to have occasion for soma; discourse that cannot be
deferred, or is returned from a journey, or is going abroad,
or when he only takes only few more oryis only along with
him, or when he designs to introduce us to some worthy
person. For if they be bad men, the more they seek to
engage us, the more we should resist them. It is also ab-
surd, says be, to go to an unknown person, unless he be one
of excellent virtues, with whom you may begin an acquain-
tance by this means. We ought likewise to go in this
manner to those whom we will permit to bring others to us
in the same way. We ought, sa3s Plutarch, by no means
to go to Generals, or rich and pr.werful men in this manner
lest we should appear impudent, unpolite, or ambitious. The
custom of taking persons who are not invited, to entertain-
ments prevailed also amongst the Romans, as appears from
Horace, Lib. 11., Sat. VIII.
Quos Alrecenas aduxerrat umbras."

POLICE INTELLIGENCE.

G UILDHALL.

.
Margaret ballaghan, formerly Owed with having soli-
cited alms in Skinner-street, with two infants, about a month
old in .her arms, for the purpose.of .exciting. commiseration,
was Au°ain examined. One of .the children had been bor-
rowed at the rate of eight pence a day.
Ellen Fitzgerald, the mother of the borrowed child, was
also examined, and pleaded that she was obliged to put her
child out, that she might look for a situation. Fitzgerald
was committed to prison for one month, and Callaghan
for two. •