The Sun.
London, England, 1859-12-01 00:00:00

1-.14e SUN, LONDON' THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 1, 1559

-Onces which had resulted from a previous " dis-
tiicting".carried out in Southwark about the year
1851, and which Parliament refused to sanction, by
the companies who had bean parties to it.
Mr. E. lAMBS, Q.C., M.P., stated that, having
been counsel for the Government in 1552, as inti-
mated by Sir J. Shelley, he had many communica-
tions with Sir G. C. Lewis, and contended that a
perfect analogy existed between the two cases of
gas and water supply. The same circumstances,
therefore, which then justified the interference of
the Government in the water question would now
apply to the case of gas.

Cirr.l

a.l
Dr. BACHHOFFNER described the injurious effect
of the districting upon the consumers generally,
and more especially with reference to the public
lighting, increased charges for which had been
made in Marylebone and many other parishes.
Mr. J. BEAL (the honorary secretary) pointed out
the disadvantages under which the metropolis la-
boured owing to the absence of municipal institu-
tions; in consequence of which the vestries were
said to be unable to apply any portion of the rates
to a matter of this vital importance. He complained
that the metropolis in this respect was in a worse
position than any corporate town in the kingdom.
He proceeded to adduce numerous instances of in-
creased charges for pulslic lighting since the dis-
tricting. and dwelt on the arbitrary and unjust
conditions which the gas company insisted on in-
troducing into recent contracts. He alluded more
especially to the case of the very parish in which
the Board of Trade was situate, where it had been
, seriously contemplated to light with oil rather than
submit to the conditions of the company. The bill
about to be introduced sought to regulate the qua-
lity and price of gas, and, among other things, to
abolish the vicious system of " deposits," whreby
the companies were enabled to provide themselves
with capital at the expense of their customers on
the pretence of securing themselves against imagi-
nary losses. He called on the Board of Trade espe-
cially to interfere, as this was a matter essentially
affecting the trading interests of the community.
Mr. S. HUGHES (the honorary engineer) called
attention tothe anomalies which at present existed
both in the price and the quality of the gas supplied
throughout the metropolis. The price for common
gas might be said to range from 4s. per 1,000 feet
without meter rents, to Os. per 1,000 with meter
rents. Similar irregularities existed with reference
to quality, the cannel gas supplied by different
companies ranging in illuminating power from 18
candles to 25. He had recently tested the gas in
many parts of Scotland, and found that the quality
was very superior to that usually supplied in
Lender'. lle had been informed by Dr. Fyfe, of
King's College, Aberdeen, who had devoted pro-
found attention to' the study of gas, that the ave-
rage and common quality of the, gas supplied in
that city was at least equal to 30 candles.
Sir J. DUIiE, M.P., although a gas director, Could
not refrain from complimenting Mr. Beal on the
fairness and candour of his statement. He denied,
however, that the gas =panics had raised their
prices since the districting—(loud cries of dissent
from all parts of the room)—and asked what com-
panies had done so in this and the adjoining parishes.
(Several delegates immediately quoted instances in
which the Chartered, 'the Equitiehle, the London,
and the 'Western Companies had raised their prices
for the public lamps.) He considered that no per-
fect analogy with reference to Government inter-
ference existed between the cases of water and.gas.
The former was not a manufactured article the cost
of which depended on the price of the raw mate-
rial, whereas it is well known that the price of gas
was largely affected by the cost of coal.

Mr. ROUPELL, M.P.., contended that the analogy
was perfect between water and gas, and that the
former was as much a manufactured article as the
latter. The water as taken from the Thames had
to be purified, pumped up,and st,orel in covered re-
servoirs before distribution, and all these processes
contributed to render it to all intents a manufactured
article.

Mr. WILLIams, M.P., followed to the same
effect.

After a few words from Mr. WYATT, the Parlia.
mentary agent, ,

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD OF TRADE (who
was attended by the vice-president and the secre-
tary), said that ho had listened . with great interest
and the most earnest attention to the statements
which had been made to him. Of course he could
give no opinion as to the merits of the question
without first hearing those who represented the gas
companies. He was, however, quite convinced,
from what he had heard, of the vast importance
attaching to this subject, and he promised that it
should have his most anxious and serious attention.
It might be a question, should the Government de-
cide to take up the subject, whether the interference
should originate with the Board of Trade or the
Home Secretary ; but he was quite sure that in any
ease the whole circumstances would receive due at-
tention from the Qoverntnent.
Sir J. Sum.l,-Eir, in thanking the right hon. gen-
tleman for the patient attention with which he had
lislened to the deputation, said it was their inten-
tion to wait upon the Home Sedretary, with the
view of making similar representations to that de-
partment of the Government.

TJ R.EC_EXT MUTINY ON BOARIi
PRINCESS It
SECOND AND THIRD COURTS.
A .court-martial assembled on board the Victory
in Portsmouth harbour, yesterday, for the trial of
Samuel Ott, ordinary seaman, belonging to the
Princess Royal, on the following charges :—" That
he, the prisoner, did, on or about the 12th day of
November, 18.39
" 1: Make a mutinous assembly.
"2. Assault "William Withey, a private Royal Marine,
then a sentry in the after cockpit, in the execution of his
duty, and incite others to do so.
Endeavour to make a mutinous assembly.
"4. That, being present at a mutiny, he did not use his
utmost endeavours to suppress the same ; and
" 5. For disobeying the lawful commands of his superior
officers when the drum belt to quarters, and in not going
on the upper deck when the well-disposed men were piped
to do so.
The Court was composed of the same members as
on the previous trial, with the exception of Capt.
A. Farquhar, of her Majesty's ship Victory, sitting
in the room of Capt. Cockburn, of her Majesty's
ship Diadem.
Commander Josling proved the prisoner's: being
secured and sent on board the St. Vincent. Con-
sidered the recent disturbances on board the
Princess Royal to have been of a most serious cha-

racter.
-Wm. Withey, private, Royal Marines; deposed :
On the afternoon of the 12th inst. was sentry in the
after cockpit on board the Princess Royal. Went
on his post at 4 p.m. While on sentry heard a noise
and disturbance on the lower deck. Saw the pri-
soner on the combings of the lower deck, trying to
unship the after ladder. Heard him say, " Heave."
When the prisoner was trying to unship the ladder
I said to him, " Don't you unship or else it will be
the worse for you." He said " Down with him,"
and tried to persuade the other men to come down
the hatchway " to put down that good man Withey,
and put out his light." There were several men
round the hatchway at the time, all standing toge-
ther. The prisoner stooped down, and, taking up
a prick of tobacco, threw it at me down the hatch-
way. \lon keys, bread-barges, with cutlasses and
muskets, were also thrown down the hatchway by
the rioters. The disturbance had been then going
on about 20 minutes. Did not seethe prisoner again
until the row had ceased. I then made a prisoner
of him. He offered no resistance, but seemed un-
willing to go. He said " What have I done P—l
have done nothing." I told him to go aft, or I would
run him through. His name was afterwards given
to Lieutenant Simpson, and he was afterwards passed
up us a prisoner off the orlop deck. None of the
men came down into the cockpit to " put me down,"
or put out the light.
By the Prisoner—When you were trying to un-
ship :he lower deck ladder I was standing on the
second step of the cockpit ladder. Recognised no
face but yours. There was no light op the lower
deck at the time, but the light from my lanthern
shone up the hachway and enabled me to see your
face.

Richard Littlewood, corporal, Royal Marines, de7
posed—l was in the after cockpit on board the
Princess Royal during the disturbance. Private
Withey was on duty there as sentry. Heard the
prisoner say on the lower deck, "Break the Marines'
mess traps and unship the after ladder." This was
about half an hour after the disturbance began.
SaW the prisoner, after the disturbance was over,
coming down the ladder abaft the mainmast from
the lower deck. I ordered him aft under the
sentry's charge. I saw Lieutenant Simpson after-
wards, and told him where the prisoner had come
from. Lieutenant Simpson then asked him what
he was doing on the lower deck. He replied, "I
am supposed to be on the lower deck." Was in
the cockpit the whole time of the disturbance, and
saw shot, rifles, and cutlasses thrown down by the
rioters.
By the Prisoner—The light hung against the
after ladder in the cockpit. Did not see any one
touch it or take it away. It was not the only light.
There was a small lamp hanging against a sick
officer's hammock.
Lieutenant James Simpson, Senior Lieutenant of
the Princess Royal, was then examined, but his
evidence was merely corroborative of that already
given.
Johnson, boatswain's mate—l piped the call
for the well-affected men to go.on the upper deck.
It could be heard all over the lower deck, because
at the time I piped "attention" the noise " slack-
ened," but the words I used could not be heard in
all parts of the lower deck..
The remainder of the witness's evidence was
merely corroborative.
The case for the proscution was then closed, and
the prisoner was allowed half an hour to prepare
his defence, at the end of which time the court was
re-opened, and the prisoner's defence read by the
Deputy Judge-Advocate. The prisoner denied
taking any part in the disturbance, and said it was
impossible to get on the upper from the lower deck,
and further declared that lie did not hear the pipe
for the well-disposed men to do so. The Court
again closed to deliberate on their finding, which,
on its being re-opened, was read by the Deputy
Judge-Advocate.
The, Court was of opinion that the first four
charges were proved, and adjudged the prisoner to
18 months imprisonment in Winchester Gaol, with
hard labour.
The Court immediately proceeded to try James
Griffiths, able seaman, on the following .charges
1. For making a mutinous assembly. 2. For utter-
ing words of mutiny to Lieut. Simpson, by calling
him a " white-livered son of a —, and by defying
him to come on the lower deck, or words to that
effect. 3. Endeavouring to make a mutinous assem-
bly. 4. Being present at a mutiny, and not using
his best endeavours to suppreis the same.
Lieut. James Simpson deposed—During the dis-
turbance I recognised the voice of the prisoner;
heard him say, " Come down you --, and we'll
give it you," or words to that effect. I sung out to
the prisoner, " Griffiths, I know your voice." He
replied, " Lieut. Simpson, you are the cause of the
.disturbances," or words similar. There were present
at the this; Crayton, the gunner's mate, and John-
son, the boatswain's mate. A portion of the ship's
company wet e at this time engaged in the riot which
has been described. Heard the dram beat to quarters
and the pipe for the men to go on deck. It was towards
the latter part of the disturbance that I heard the,
prisoner make use of the expressions I have stated
I was standing by the after iron ladder ; that lad-
der was open. I could not see the prisoner. I
heard him make use of no language beyond what I
have stated. The prisoner belonged to the first
part of the-port watch.
Alfred Crayton's gunner's mate, deposed—l heard
Lieutenant Simpson call to prisoner by name to
come up off the lower deck. The prisoner replied
" Yes ; and I know you, you white-livered son of a
;" and told him to come down on the lower
deck, and thty would do something to him, but I
did not catch the conclusion of the sentence. The
prisoner had been drinking. Saw the prisoner
make no efforts to come up when summoned to do
so by Lieutenant Simpson. Could not-see him, and
could only judge of his position by his voice.
William Johnson, boatswain's mate, corroborated
the evidence previously given.
The case for the prosecution being closed, and
the prisoner being called upon for his defence, said,
I. atever heard my name mentioned on the lower
deck, and I am innocent of calling Mr. Simpson
the names attributed to me.
The Court was then closed, and, on its reopening,
declared all the charges proved against the prisoner
except the last, and adjudged him to two years'
imprisonment, with hard labour, in Winchester
Gaol.
The Court will again assemble on board the Vic
tory this day, and proceed with the trial of the re.
mailing two cases.

OFFICIAL ADVICE TO TROOPS GOING
To CHINA.

The Monaca). de 1' Armeepublishes the following official
advice to the French troops going to China. The regula-
tions are certainly amusing, and no doubt useful—miscuil
at:le dulec.

1. Have warm clothing in winter.
2. Never remain in damp or wet clothes unless you aro at
work or on the march.

3. In summer wear light clothing of soft wool, or art era
id yea linen. Be careful to wash this clothing whoa it is
soaked with perspiration.
4. Wear flannel both as a waistcoat and round the
abdo-
men. leave it off.

.5. Never sleep on the bare ground. Put a plank under
'our feet when you stand still.

6. In summer put a little straw upon your plank and
cover it with a matting of ropo yarn or bamboo.
7. Never drink water, always tea.
8. Clarity your water, when it is muddy, with rock
alum.

9. Drink in moderation the spirits of the country, taking
care to warm them first. Th. best spirits aro those mud°
from sorgho (kao-lyang) or wheat.
10. Eat moderately.
11. Never eat ducks. The best meat is that of Tonquin,
when riof eat too fat.

12. Eat but sparingly of sweets and fruits. The sugar
cane is almost the only wholesome sweet thing. All others
are either too heating, or sit cold on the stomach. Never
eat fruit too ripe.
13. As soon as you arrive in the country acquire the
habit of eating rice as the natives cook it ; their rice is much
better than bread, which is always heating.
14. When you smoke, spit as little as possible.
15. At night take care to coveryour head well, and more
particularly your eyes.
16. In hot weather avoid cold places; draughts are always
dangerous..
17. In spring and autumn take care never to get wet
footed on a morning.
13. WCvcr take a nap in the daytime.

LAMENTABLE CATASTROPHE 1N THE

FRITH OF CLYDE.

(From the Glasgow Herald.)

We lament to announce a collision in the Frith
of Clyde yesterday morning, by which the screw-
steamer Eagle, trading between this port and Lon-
donderry, has been sunk, and many lives have been
lost. The Eagle left Glasgow, and ultimately
Greenock, with passengers and 200 sheep, on her
passage to Derry on Monday evening, between
eight and nine o'clock, and when off Lamlash, about
midnight, she came into collision with the Pladda,
a ship laden with timber, and waterlogged, which
was proceeding up Channel in charge of a tug. The
night was, on the whole, clear, but there were occa-
sional gusts of wind and showers of sleet. The tug
and ship were seen at some distance from the deck
of the steamer, and it would appear that the former
had been cast off from the ship, which, under the
influence of the freshened breeze, was making up
upon her. Some alteration was being made on the
Pladda's sails, which was not completed, as is
alleged, when the Eagle came up opposite to her,
but at a sufficient distance to pass safely. At
this moment, however, the ship refused to answer
her helm, when sha swung round and struck
the steamer heavily on the port side, a little
behind the gangway ; and from the effects of
this collision she went down in a quarter of an
hour, when, although 34 were saved, it is feared
that not fewer ilia!' 20 people have perished. As the
ship floated close to the sinking steamer, and two
tugs were close at hand, it appears lamentably
strange that there should have been such a
loss of life on a comparatively clear night, and in
moderate weather; but until we have authentic
particulars we must attribute the loss of life to the
confusion causal by the steam rushing direct from
the boiler, the shattered state of the after•part of
the Eagle, and the uncertainty which prevailed for
a time as to whether she or the Pladda was most
seriously damaged. Meanwhile, we give the fol-
lowing particulars, gleaned from the captain and
other persons who were on board the Eagle, as we
' have not yet had an opportunity of communicating
with any of those on board the Pladda.
Captain Eaglesham, of the Eagle steamer, says
that vessel left Glasgow on Monday afternoon about
4.45, and, after touching at Renfrew, steamed to
Greenock, which port •he left at 845 p.m. The
weather was then moderate and clear, except at
intervals, when slight showers of sleet fell, with a
slight haze. Everything progressed favourably
till about a quarter or 20 minutes to 12 o'clock,
when the man on the look-out reported a light on
the port-bow, which proved to be the light of the
tug steamer Reckless, which had the ship Pladda
in tow. The red light of the Pladda was also visi-
ble. The captain of the Eagle then caused his
vessel's helm to be ported, so that the vessels might
be a greater distance apart from each other. This
course was kept until the ships came pretty near
abreast of the Eagle, when all of a sudden the
Pladda's green light became visible, and imme-
diately thereafter her bow struck the Eagle's port-
side midships, carrying away her funnel, steam-
pipe, boat, mainmast, and cutting the steamer down
to the water's edge. The confusion now was great
—the smoke and steam preventing the captain and
crew from ascertaining accurately the extent of
damage, or enabling them to suggest to the pas-
sengers the best course to adopt. The ship con-
tinued in the same position for about ten minutes,
and then backed out clear from the Eagle. The
steamer's head then tell to eastward, and came in
contact with the ship's bow again. During both
of these occasions the passengers on board the
Eagle could have got on board the Pladda, but they
were in a dilemma, not knowing whether she or
the steamer was most damaged. When it was
found that the Eagle was sinking, the chief engi-
neer, got the lifeboat in readiness, but before it
could be of any use the steamer went down, leaving
those who had not been fortunate enough to get on
board the Pladda struggling in the water among
wreck and 200 sheep. The captain was in the
water about 15 minutes before he was picked up.
All the crew of the steamer were saved, except the
second mate, Robert Campbell, who is missing ; but
as there wax a second tug in the vicinity of the
wrecki it is possible he may have been picked up.
The Pladda, it appears was waterlogged, had her
sails set, and, the breeze freshening, she did not
require the tug's assistance. This being the case
the order was given to shorten sail, which was
done at the fore part of the vessel, but before the
other sails could be taken in she refused to answer
her helm, changed her course, and the dreadful
collision was the consequence. The Eagle remained
afloat between 15 and 20 minutes after the acci-
dent. Some of the steerage passengers state
that the number was about 50, but we are informed
that there were not so many, 35 or so being about
the number. When the collision took place they
rushed on deck in the greatest state of alarm,
and in the confusion, thinking the cabin the safest
place, proceeded thither;: but, on being informed
that the steamer was fast sinking, they made the
best of their way to the bow of the Pladda, clung
to her rigging, and by these means several were
saved. There were three female passengers in
the steerage ; one of them had three children, all of
whom were drowned. Two cabin passengers,
named Mr. and Mrs. Hunter, were both drowned.
They belonged to Donegal. and :the sheep which
were on botrd were their property. The stewardess
of the Eagle limn' narrow escape when the vessel
went down. She was actually sinking, when she
fortunately seized two sheep which were struggling
in the water, and by these means she was supported
till picked up by a boat. One gentleman was
awakened from his sleep by the concussion, and on
ascending the cabin stairs felt the greatest difficulty
in getting upon deck, in consequence of the stairs
and doors being smashed in, from the effects of the
collision. From the clouds of steam and the dis-
rupted state of the afterpart of the vessel he could
see no one, but observed the bowsprit of the ship
across the steamer's deck. He succeeded in getting
on boat d the Pladda, and thereby saved his life.
Perhaps the most miraculous escape was that made
by the chief engineer- of the Eagle. When the
ship was sinking he made all haste to one of the
lifeboats which was not smashed, for the purpose of
unfastenin,g the lashings, so that it would be in
readiness. Before, however, the boat could be
launched the steamer went down, stern foremost,
in an almost perpendicular form. The engineer
unfortunately got entangle& among the debris,
by which he was kept under water for several
minutes and nearly suffocated. In his struggles he
came in contact with a wooden grating, which he
caught and supported himself. At this juncture-
he observed two men struggling with the waves a
short distance off, one of whom was of stout make
and the other thin: In a minute he heard a gur-
gle coming from the throat of the stout man, and
Ile immediately sank. The other man was picked
up. The engineer says he was within 30 feet of the
steamtug when he called for help, but no attempt
at this time was made by those on board the tug to
save anyone. He then observed one of the boats a
short way off, and hailed her. Those on board re-
cognised his voice, and pulled towards him, but he
told them ho could hold out a while longer, and if
they saw any other person floating to take him on
board first. ;Unfortunately, hoWever, no other per-
son could be seen, and the engineer was hauled on
board, and then transferred to the Pladda, The
survivors, numbering in all 34, were treated with
great kindness while on hoard the Pladda, and
they were conveyed to Glasgow by the Itothesay
steamer Eagle yesterday afternoon. It is impos-
sible to state the number lost ; but it is feared that
the sufferers will amount to not less than twenty.
As yet, however, there is no accurate means of
knowing. The crew would amount to about
20, and the average number of 'passengers
carried at this season is about 30. This would
give in - all 50, of whom 34 were saved. But
this may not be all, Up to the time of the catas-
trophe the captain had not proceeded to lift the
fares or tickets, and, as some went in with
tickets at the Broomielaw, and some at Greenock,
while others travelled with free passes, by reason
of their being traders, it is thus impossible as yet
to give an aoeurate statement of the loss of life.

The Eagle was comparatively a new vessel,
having been built by Messrs. Denny and Sons, of
Dumbarton, in 1857. She was 400 tons burden,
her engines wore 00-horse power, and she was con-
sidered a safe seaboat.

We have already said that, with the exception of
the second mate; who is missing, all the crew were
saved. Among the passengers saved are,---Mrs.
M'Kenna, Coleraine ; Mr. Stubbs, of Messrs. Gray
and Co.'s, Glasgow; John Wilson, provision mer-
chant, Pollokshaws ; Mr. Mitchell, land steward,
Ireland ; J4mos M'Cann, Coleraine ; David M'Mas.
ter (who was severely injured) ; 'Terence Kavany,
county of Fermanagh ; W. Brown, 36, King-street,
Glasgow ; Robert Johnston' sculptor, Dumbarton ;
Peter Tierney, Lamer, Sligo ; John Bishop,
Quality-court, Leith; Patrick Boyle, Duntocher ;
John Dougan, Middle Kildrum, Donegal; Francis
Nl'Laren, Lemaugh, county of Antrim; Thomas
Connelly, Balinakill, county of Galway; W. Gil-
lam, Leninugh, county of Antrim ; Thomas M'lfin-
mev, liallinamore, county of Antrim ; Thomas
VG inky, Meanamy ; Jahn Grawny, Glead ; James
Winn, Jogliaby, Kialronnan, county of Roscom-
mon; Thomas Bryson, Londonderry; John Mit-
chell, Creoagh, Londonderry; John Sheridan
Sinai! Quarter, county of Antrim. ,

The leading merchants of London interested in
the trade with Mexico are about to present a memorial to
Lord John Russell requesting. the protection of the British
Government against. the outrage• and spoliations to which
the Enirlish mercantile residents in that country aro now
expo,

CENTRAL CRIOHNAL COURT.

OLD COURT.

(Before Baron Bramwell.)
CHILD 3IIIRDER.
[A portion of the following appeared in our impression
of yesterday :]—
Sarah Jane Wiggins was indicted for the murder of a male
child, three-and-a-half years old, by tying it to a bed-post.
Mr. Clark, who appeared for the prosecution, said the
prisoner cohabited with a man, the father of the child, and
that its death was occasioned by the severe punishment in-
flicted upon it by the prisoner, who tied it to the bed-post
horizontally from seven o'clock on Tuesday night until
seven o'clock the next morning. The learned gentleman
then called—

Emma Scott, who said—l am married, and reside at No.
4, Clarence Cottage, Hackney, the same house in which
the prisoner resided. She lived with a man named White,
who left her, three weeks before the child died, with three
children—two girls and one boy. Tho boy was about 31
years old. I last saw the boy alive on Tuesday, the 22d of
September. The deceased was under the doctor's hands
for an abscess. On that day I went out about five o'clock
in the afternoon, and when I returned about six o'clock I
found he had been put to bed. Prisoner came home at a
quarter to eight o'clock. She went to that room. I heard
her go upstairs, and then I heard heavy slaps, as though
given with the open hand, but I heard no scream. After
that I saw prisoner come downstairs and go out, taking the
eldest girl with her. She returned in about half an hour, it
being then a quarter to nine. The following morning I saw
the eldest girl come downstairs, and at 20 minutes to 8 o'clock
I heard heavy slaps above. They were repeated five or six
times. I did not hear any scream or cry ? The prisoner was
then upstairs. About half-past 8 o'clock I heard prisoner come
downstairs, and saw her pass my window in a great hurry,
almost running. She came back in a quarter of an hour,
went upstairs, returned directly, and screamed at the top of
the stairs. I went to my door and asked " What is the
matter ?" She replied, " Oh, my little Jemmy has gone."
I said, " Oh, dear me ; not dead ?" and she answered, " Yes ;
go and see." I ran up. and saw the child with its clothes
on lying upon the bed. It was quite still. We both
went downstairs, and the doctor entered as I was going
out for assistance. It was then about a quarter
to 9 o'clock, 'When the doctor was there sho said
she could not account for the bruises. I saw the
bruises then ; and after ho had vile she told me that the
child had been very weak—relaxed in the inside. I have
often heard heavy slaps, never seen them given. On the
Tuesday the prisoner told me that during the past night
the child had been relaxed in his inside, and made much
mess. On the next day, Wednesday, she told mo that the
child had made no more dirt, and she did not think he
would again, as she had punished him. I asked "In what
way did you punish him ?" and she answered, " I took him
upstairs when the other children went to bed, and after he
was undressed and had said his prayers, I tied him to the
bedstead, with his hands fastened down." I said, " Oh,
Lord, you surely did not keep him there all night ?' and
she answered " Yes, I did, until 7 o'clock this morning."
Cross-examined by Mr. Poland—The room I reside in is
a small one. A passage divides the room. I have two
rooms, one up, and the other down stairs. The prisoner
had another child besides besides the three I have men-
tioned living with her. 'White and the prisoner seemed to
live very comfortably together. I never saw her illtreat
the little boy Jemmy.
By the Judge—The general conduct of the prisoner to-
wards the children was kind, but she sometimes slapped
them. She believed they had food enough.
Fanny White, sister of the deceased, said she was nine
years of ago. She remembered her mother, who was dead.
Her father was a gentleman's servant, lie left home three
weeks before her brother died. After her mother's death,
Mrs. 'Wiggins, the prisoner, came to live with them. Her
brother died on a Wednesday. On the evening before Mrs.
Wiggins came home and witness went up stairs to go to
bed, herbrother was in bed. Mrs. Wiggins went up, and hav-
ing found that the boy had been crying for water pulled him
out of bed and tied him to the bed-post. She made him say
his prayers, and then she got on tie bed and held him in
her arms. She then tied him round with a cord. She tied
his hands behind him. She tied him to the long piece of
wood which crosses the bed at the bottom. There were
four posts to the bed. She tied his hands and feet to the
bar, and she also tied a cord round his breast, his head
hanging down. (A model of the bed was produced. From
the description given by the witness it appeared that the
boy was tied up to the top bar, or cross piece of a four-post
bedstead, and that he hung on the cords which bound him,
his head hanging down). After she had tied up the boy
the prisoner got into bed. W hen witness awoke in the
morning little Jamie was still there. She frequently heard
him " winnick" during the night. She went down to light
the fire in the morning, and when she went up again her
brother had been taken down, The prisoner took hint up
and shook him, and then put him on the ground. Witness
could not tell whether the boy was living or dead at that
time. The prisoner went out, and the &v.:tor came shortly
afterwards. A policeman came and wtrness went upstairs
with him. The child was then aziad. The prisoner had
before that tied him to the bell-post with only his shift on
for making a dirt, and kept him there all night. On that
occasion, however, he was in a standing position. The pri-
soner often slapped her brother.
Nothing material was elicited by Mr. Poland's exami-
nation.
By the Judge—Sho saw her brother after ho was dead.
He had bruises en his face. She thought they were caused
by the slaps which the prisoner gave him.
Sarah White, a child apparently about six years of age,
confirmed the evidence of the last witness.
Mr. Edward Dennis Hucon, surgeon, of Richmond-road,
Hackney, said—l have attended the deceased child. Un-
questionably its death resulted from violence. I have made
a post mortem examination. I found the stomach perfectly
contracted, an 1 manifestly 'without food for some time
past, although it had been well nourished. The immediate
cause of death I believe to have been by an effusion of
blood upon the brain. I found marks of ligatures round
the head, hands, and body. The jaws wore firmly closed,
only to be opened by great -violence. The result
of a child being tied to a bed in the way described would
be apoplexy.
James "White, the father of the deceased child, was called
and said he left the children in the charge of the prisoner.
She behaved very kindly to the children while ho was at
home. Ho frequently sent her money.
This was the case for the prosecution.
The jury, after a few minutes' deliberation, found the
prisoner guilty of manslaughter.
The learned Judge said the jury had found a very proper
verdict. It had been the habit of the prisoner to treat the
child with the greatest cruelty, until at last death had re-
sulted from her unnatural treatment. The case was a very
bad one, and the sentence of the Court was that she be kept
in penal servitude for 10 years.
TRIAL OF DR. SMETHURST.
ItIG &MY.

Thomas Smethurst was indicted for unlawfully and felo-
niously intermarrying with ono Isabella Bankes, his wife
Mary being then all,: e.
Mr. Clark appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Sleigh
mid Mr. Salter defended the prisoner.
On the indictment being read over, the prisoner pleaded
"Not guilty."

Mr. A. M'Crostic—l am clerk in tho London and We

minster Bank. The handwriting in the register is that of
the prisoner, 'Thomas Smethurst, whom I have known for
20 years.
The Clerk of the Court then read the entry from the
parish register, which was to tko effect that Thomas Sme-
thurst was married at St. Mark's district church, Kenning-
ton, on the 10th of March, 1823, to Mary Durham, by the
Rev. W. Otter, now deceased.
Mr. Clark said he appeared there, by direction of the
Secretary of State for the Home Department, to prosecute
the prisoner for bigamy. It would be unnecessary fur
him further to allude to tho case than to say that
in August last the prisoner was tried and sentenced
to death for murder, which sentence, however,
had not been carried out. It was during that trial that
the present offence was discovered, for it appeared then that
the prisoner married a laity named Isabella Bankes, for cans-
ing the death of whom he was indicted, during the lifetime
of his first wife, Mary. He should merely prove, what he
had stated by witnesses, and then ask for the committal of
the prisoner on a charge of bigamy.
The learned gentleman then called
Mr. William Easter, who said—l am the clerk at St.
Mark's Church, Kennington. I produce the registry-
book of marriages celebrated in that parish during the year
1828.

Mr. C. Lafont—l am acquainted 'vith the handwriting
of Mary Durham. The signature in the book is in her
handwriting.

Cross-examined by Mr. Sleigh—Mary Durham is my
mother. My ago is 52. The prisoner is not my father. On
the 10th March, 1853, my father was alive.
MI-examined—Mary Durham went by the name of
Johnson when she married the prisoner, and I also
went by that name. My father, Mr. Lafont, went by
the name of Johnson. I did not know his name was La •
font until after the marriage. After that event my father
introduced me to his family.
A Charles 'Admit, jun., sou of last witness—l have several

times seen Mrs. Smethurst (Mary Durham) at Rifle Ter-
race, Bayswater. The last time was about a fortnight after
the prisoner was taken into custody on the charge of mur-
der.

Mr. Joseph Smith—l rosido at Itiile-terrace, Bayswater.
I keep a boarding-house there. The prisoner resided with
nm with Mrs. Smethurst in 1858. They lived as husbsnd
and wife. Miss Isabella Bank-es also resided there in 1858.
She quitted my house on the 29th November, 185 S. The
prisoner left on the 12th December, 1858. The prisoner's
wife continued to live in my house aftEr he had left. She
remained until the Juno following. I don't know where
she went to when sho left my house. I suppose she lived
somowheio in the suburbs
Cross-examined—l have never soon Miss Louisa Bankes
in conversation with her late sister and Mrs. Smethurst.
The deceased lady use] to call the wife of the prisoner Mrs.
Smethurst, and so did everybody in the house.
Mr. James Spice—l am clerk of the parish church of
Battersea. I produce the regi4.er of the marriages tole

of

grated in the church in 1858. I find therein a register
a marriage by license between Thomas Smethurst and
Isabella Bankes, on the 9th of December, 1858. I wag en°
of the witnesses to the ceremon and Lucy Ambrose wt°
the other. The prisoner is the ;el-son married in the hal°
of Thomas Smethurst.
Miss Louisa Baulces was next called.
Isabella
Mr. Clark—Will you look at the signature of cc
Bankes," and tell if you know in whose handwriting it ie•
Miss Bankes—lt is in the handwriting of my murdered
sisteCrr. (Great sensation.)
oss-examined by Mr. never was introduce
to Mrs. Smethurst at Rifle-terrace,
Mr. C. Lafont recalled, and, in answer to the 10artle—
judge, said—While my father was living with toy mother
under the name of Johnson, their relatives did not vh'it
them. They went out together to parties. Dr. Smethurfit
called my mother by the name of Johnson. I introduced
him to her as a friend of my own.
He afterwards visited
in a friedly manner.
Mr. Sln eigh, for the prisoner, submitted that the Preseew
hat
tion had altogether failed, as they had omitted to show t
.d
Mary Durham was a person capable of forminga vetl
marriage in 1828.
rosecu•
Mr. Clark contended that it was no part of the p
tion to prove the first as a valid marriage, as it rested with
theßare dfence to show the
on Bramwell said he was yet'. opinion that there was S
.ft ad"
case to go to the jury, but as Justice Byles was I. ac,
joining room, ho would consult him. He had, however' -
doubt whatever upon the point.
The learnedjudge then retired for a few minutes; ell hi°
return of
"ftot
His lordship said Mr. Justice Bytes was stroao
opinion that there was a case to go to the jury. a
Mr. Sleigh then rose to address the jury, an
briefly touching upon the points given in evi
ceedod to argue that the pardon the prisoner hill] racerili4
the
was to be taken as a certificate of his innocence
crime of murder with which he had boon chargyl•
l" *ion is
Baron Bramwell—l don't think, Mr. Sleigh.) aP; net
any more a certificate of innocence than a wrdioi of
guilty,
Loud demonstrations of applause followed this absir
vation, in the midst of which the learned jund..g;
exclaimed, in a loud voice, " Mr. Usher 701
me a person who is making that,noise. Indeed, rich
prevent a repetition of it. It is most unseemly that 0 0
demonstrations should take place in a court of justice. too
such things were tolerated their proceeding would
spen
lowered to that of a bear-garden."
ceded with
Silence having boon restored, Mr. Sleigh proc tion
his address, and apologised if he had made • any observii-tio-
out of his position as the advocate of the prisoner at
1828 was invalid, because the
bar. Ho thought that the marriage which to°k Pisel'lted '
had
Crowna a pogitial
tp
to show that one of the parties at least was in
contract marriage. f
The learned judge briefly summed up the evidence, ,of
after a short delitaration,vend
ie'
the jury returned a
•
Guilty. 11014
Previous to passing sentence, Mr. Baron Brainwe,,aeli
as there was a peculiarity in the case, he would 7. to 3
with Mr. Justice Byles, and his .lordshiP t
court for this purpose. In about two inie/17 Derr f
returned into court, and, addres • the Prl7 f•
sing fh t 0
said he had been found guilty of bigamy, and
sentence rdth
folic°, and that only, was ho about to 'together fal
He wished to express no opinion on the charge
as ho did not think he ought to take that into co si° out
as an augmentation or diminution of punishment. doubt
with respect to the last marriage, it was berndaa, asked
the prisoner took a false oath, because when. w replied
if he knew any impediment to the marriage, he tinder
he did not, well knowing he had a wife then livrat
ate:o
all the circumstances he thought it his duty 10;w- eft
the prisoner to one year's imprisonment with