The Sun.
London, England, 1850-05-16 00:00:00

SUN,

Mr. H. BROWN moved that the coniideration of the
report should be adjourned to the 4th of June.
Mr. W. PATTEN opposed the amendment.
Captain BERKELEY supported the amendment.
Lord SEYMOUR thought it would be desirable to
postpone the further consideration of the report till after
the Whitsun holidays.
After some further discussion the consideration of the,
report was postponed till to-morrow.
REPORTS.

The reports on the following Bills, as amended, were,
considered and agreed to :
South Yorkshire, Doncaster, and Goole Railw Ily
(Amendment of Acts, Deviation at Doncaster, &c.)
South Yorkshire, Doncaster, and Goole Railway
(Amendment of Acts, Deviation to Woraborough, &c.)
SECOND READINGS.

The following Bills wore read a second time and
ordered to be committed :
Clerkenwell Improvement (Amendment of Acts and
Transfer of Powers).
Glasgow, Airdrie, and Monklands Junction Railway and
Glasgow College Lands.
TYNE NAVIGATION BILL.

Sir J. Y. BULLER brought up the report on this Bill.
MERCANTILE MARINE BILL—SHIPOWNER'S
PETITION.

Mr. ANDERSON presented a petition, to which as
being one of more than ordinary importance, he begged
the attention of the House. It was a petition from ship-
owners, ship•masters, and others assembled at a public
meeting in London on the 17th April last, and was
signed "Joseph Hume, chairman of tne meeting." In
consequence of misapprehensions which he understood
existed as to the character of the meeting, he was able
to state from personal knowledge, having been pro.
sent at it, that it was more numerously and respect-
ably attended than any of a similar kind which
he had ever seen in London. It was attended by a
considerable number of Members of the House repre-
senting the principal sea-ports; by delegates from asso-
ciations of shipowners at most of the great sea-ports;
by directors or representatives of the steam shipping
interest; by many of the most extensive shipowners of
the kingdom, and by a great number of masters, mates,
and', other talkers of the merchant service; although
the parties composing it held very opposite
opinions relative to the navigation-laws, the
resolution upon which this petition was founded
were carried unanimously. The petition stated
" that from the assurances given by her Majesty's Go-
vernment, more especially during the discussion in Par-
liament on the repeal of the navigation-laws, the ship-
ping interest of the United Kingdom confidently relied
on the speedy removal of the many harassing impedi-
ments and disqualifying burdens to which shipowners
are exposed from the operation of existing laws and re-
gulations affecting maritime commerce; that it ;is with
extreme disappointment your petitioners have viewed
the introduction into your Honourable House of
the Mercantile Marine Bill, which, so far from extending
relief to the shipping interest, is calculated to increase
its burdens and embarrassment, and further to disqua-
lify the shipowner fur the maintenance of that competi:
Lion with the shipping of all foreign nations, which he is
new called on to sustain, while many of its provisions
are opposed to all sound principles, and are ill adapted
to improve the character and condition of the British
seamen—an object which your petitioners cordially and
anxiously desire to promote; that! in the present unsa-
tisfactory, confused, and deective state of our mari-
time law, it is of • the highest importance that a
comprehensive and impartial inquiry should be
forthwith instituted into the various legislative enact
ments and regulations now in force affecting British
shipping,:with a view to their consolidatioa and simplifi-
cation as far as practicable, and to the establishment of
a system adapted to the present times, and to the pre-
sent position of the navigation of the empire." The peti-
tioners, therefore, pray that the Bill may be postponed,
and that the House would take immediate measures
for the institution of a comprehensive and efficient in-
quiry by a competent tribunal into the several questions.
PETITIONS.

Mr. HARRIS presented a petition from Leicester in
favour of the Copyhold E,Jranchisement
Mr. J. WILLIAMS presented a petition from Bed-
ford against Sunday labour in the Post•office.
Mr. FORBES MACKENZIE presented a petition
from Peebles against the Marriage Bill.
Colonel MUIR presented petitions against Sunday
labour in the Post-office.
Lord CHARLES MANNERS presented a petition
from Leicester against the Marriage Bill; also a peti-
tion in favour of international arbitration.
Mr. GREENE presented petitions from different parts
of Lancashire against Sunday labour in the Post-office.
Mr. ELLIS presented-a petition from Leicester against
-the Marriage Bill.
Mr. GIBSON CRAIG presented a petition from
Edinburgh, signed by 6,000 persons, in favour of the
Marriage Bill.
Mr. FAGAN presented a petition from Limerick
against Sunday labour in the Post-office.
Mr. J. B. SMITH presented petitions from Inver-
keithing, and other places, in favour of the Marriage Bill.
Mr. F. SCOTT presented petitions from Langholm,
Berwick, and the Presbytery of Dunse against the Mar-
riage Bill:
Mr. OS WALD presented petitions from the Presbytery
of Ayr and places in Ayrshire to the same effect.
Mr. EWART presented a similar petition from Dum-
fries.

Mr. REYNOLDS presented petitions from spirit-
dealers in county Down and Sligo praying for a draw-
back of the duty on spirits in bond.
Mr. WALTER presented petitions from Nottingham
and the Nottingham Union against the Parochial Assess-
ments Bill ; also a petition from Nottingham against
the Savings-blnks Bill.
Mr. G. SANDARS presented a petition from Wake-
field against the Burgess List Bill.
Mr. HENLEY presented petitions from Independents
and Wesleyans in Oxfordshire in favour of an ocean
penny postage.
Mr. SLANEY presented a petition from St. Michael,
Wood-street, in favour of the Interment Bill; also a
petition froui the managers and trustees of the savings-
bank at Bridgenorth against some provisions in the
Savings-banks Bill.
Sir J. Y. BULLER presented a petition from a place
in Dorsetshire against the Marriage Bill, also a petition
against church-rates.
Mr. SMOLLETT presented a petition from a place in
Dumbartonshire against any alteration in the present
parochial system of education in Scotland.
Mr. CONOLLY presented several petitions against
Sunday labour in the Post-office.
Mr. I'. WOOD presented a petition from Oxford
against the Bill for reversing the burgess lists.
Lord R. GROSVENOR presented several petitions
from the metropolis in favour of the Government Bill
for extramural interments. •
Mr. B. OSBORNE presented a petition from Brent-
ford in favour of an independent college of medicine.
Mr. W. MILES presented a petition from a place in
Somersetshire, against the increase of beer-shops.
Mr. NEWDEG ATE presented a petition in favour of
international arbitration; also a petition against Sunday
labour in the Post-office.
Mr. HILDYARD presented a similar petition from a
'place in Nottinghamshire.
Mr. A. HASTIE presented a petition from Glasgow
against the Marriage Bill.
Mr. COWAN presented a petition from Edinburgh,
and 'one from Glasgow, against the Marriage Bill.

the architect, to state, that that gentleman submitted to a
Committee of the House. in 1844, a plan of the New
House, exactly in the mode in which he had constructed
it. According to the original direction received by the
Committee, the ventilation of the corridors and passages
were still entrusted to Dr. Reid, and the ventilation of
the other parts of the building was confided to Mr.
Barry. The New House of Commons would be venti-
lated under the direction of Dr. Reid.

Mr. ROEBUCK wished to know if had been any
devia►ion from the plan sent into the:Coramittee by Mr.
Barry ?
Mr. GREENE said it was originally proposed by Mr.
Barry that a gallery should be erected behind the
Speaker's chair to accommodate 120 Members, but the
Committee thought the collection of so many Members
in that particular spot would be very objectionable, and
the gallery was therefore dispensed with.—(Hear.)
Mr. HUME wished to know when the experiment
would be tried, and whether, when tried, the House would
hold half the Members or not ?

Mr. GREENE replied that the experiment would be
tried to-morrow, but in this intensely hot weather he
did not think many Members would venture into the
House. The new House, including the galleries. was
estimated to hold as many Members as the present House.

THE GREEK QUESTION.
Mr. M. GIBSON wished to know from the Noble
Lord the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the
Greek question was entirely settled, and whether, if
settled, there was a good understanding between the
French and the English Governments as to the mode in
which the settlement was effected.
Lord PALMERSTON said all hostility between the
British and Greek Governments had been entirely closed,
and there was no prospect of their being re•
commenced, but an investigation was still going
on with the view to a settlement of all the de-
mands of the British Government, and all that
now remained to the final termination of the Greek
question was that investigation. As to the other ques-
tion, the French Government would have preferred
having the matter settled by the intervention of
the French negotiator ; but circumstances had
interposed to prevent that taking place.
It was well known that the French Ambassador went
yesterday to Paris, in order to be in more direct com-
munication with his Government, but ho (Lord Palmer-
ston) confidently trusted that nothing would arise out of
that circumstance which was likely to disturb the
friendlyrelations between theftwo countries.
PROTECTIONIST ;MEETING AT THE CROWN

AND ANCHOR.
Mr. F. O'CONNOR wished to know whether it was
the intention of the Government to take any proceed•
ings against the parties who made use of violent lan-
guage at a meeting which was held at the Crown and
Anchor Tavern on Tuesday week last?—(Laughter.)
Sir G. GREY was understood to say that he could
not answer the question.
THE GREEK BLOCKADE.
Mr. ANSTEY wished to know whether the parties,
who had been injured by the Greek blockade were de-
barred from having any redress.
Lord PALMERSTON said no part of the stipulations
made by the negotiator debarred parties from having
legal redress for the injury they might have sustained.
THE ESTIMATES.
Mr. FLUME wished to know at what hour of the night
the Government intended to proceed with the estimates
t o-morrow ?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said
that they would merely take a vote on account of three
items; it was absolutely necessary that Government,
should have some money to pay certain individuals with.
LIFE POLICIES ASSURANCE BILL.
On the motion of Mr. MULLINGS the House went
into Committee on this Bill.
On clause 1,

Sir F. THESIGER said it had always been the policy
of the law to prevent any dabbling in these proyet ties.
He considered this Bill was a most impolitic measure,
and as he had had no previous opportunity of stopping
its progress, it was now only left for him to defeat the
Bill by moving that the Chairman do report progress.
Mr. FAGAN bad no fault to find with the course
pursued by the Hon. and Learned Member, but he
begged to inform the Hon. and Learned Member of a
fact of which he appeared not to be aware, namely, that
this Bill had emanated from a Select Committee of the
House. It was precisely the same Bill that the House
passed last session, and which the nous of Lords threw
out without any discussion on the merits. Formerly it
was a great inconvenience to the commercial world that
promissory notes were not negociab!e, but a Bill was
passed of this nature, and the inconvenience was at
onde got rid of. • Now the same inconvenience was felt in
the commercial world with regard to policies of insurance,
and this Bill was proposed in order to get rid of it. If
they became assignable at law the banks in Ireland
would give accommodation to the public on those securi-
ties. Bills of exchange were choses in action and were
assignable at law; and up to the present moment judg-
ments in Ireland were also ehoses in action and assignable
at law. Why, he would ask, should policies of insurance
be made the exception?
Mr. MULLINGS supported the. Bill, from having, in
the course of his practical experience, lasting over
a period of twenty years, witnessed the incon-
veniences which the Bill was intended to remedy.
He bad no personal motives in supporting the Bill, he
thought it was the best Bill which had been laid before
the House on the subject, and he hoped the House would
not be led away with the statements of the Hon. and
Learned Gentleman.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said that the great
objection which ho had to this Bill was, that it in-
fringed upon the general principles of English legisla-
tion in an exceptional case. He felt compPlled to agree
with the Hon. and Learned Member for Abingdon in his
opposition to this Bill.
After some observations from Mr. F. FRENCH,
Tne House divided, when there appeared—
For the Chairman leaving the chair ... 69
Against it 66
Majority ... —3
The Bill was consequently lost.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS BILL.
TLe House then went into Committee on this Bill.
(LEFT SITTING.)

TATTERSALL'S—THIS EVENING
Six o'CLocx

THE HEALTH OF LONDON.
(From the Return of the Registrar-General

No business doing.

POLICE IN TELLIGENCE.
CL ERKEN WELL.
Yesterday John Bates was placed at the bar before
Mr: Combe, charged by Mary Ann Bates, his wife, a
respectable-looking young woman, with the following
outrage:—
The prisoner was also charged by police-constable
Baker, 261 N, with having violently assaulted him while
in the execution of his duty.
It appeared from the evidence of the wife that she had
not been long married to the prisoner, who shortly after
their union commenced ill-treating her, returning home
intoxicated, and picking quarrels without the least
provocation. Very recently one of her relations
died and left her a legacy, since which the
prisoner had become more dissolute and violent,
had frequently threatened to murder her, and she
wet in fear of her life. On Tuesday he left
his residence in Ball's Pond-common, Islington,
and in the course of the night he returned home with a
young woman, whom he introduced into the parlour,
and, addressing her, said—" In future you shall be
the mistress of this place;. she (meaning witness) shall
have nothing to do with it." And he told tie
young woman to prepare and go to bed. Witness,
fearing through his threats and former violence,
that her life was in danger, he having sworn just be-
fore that it she (witness) said one word -he would break
her chest in, she made towards the parlour• window and
made her escape. The prisoner immediatedly pursued
her with violent threats, and in the greatest alarm she
called out " Murder," when Baker, the officer, came to
her ,assistance, or she felt assured that she would have
been murdered by the prisoner. The officer took him
into custody, when he resisted in a desperate manner,
and fought, struggled, and kicked at him until he was
safely secured in the station-house.
Baker, the constable, and Sergeant Milgate, 3 N, con-
firmed this evidence. They never met with a more vio-
lent fellow in the .course ot, their existence. The latter
officer described the wife to be a respectable, industrious
woman, and the prisoner, on the contrary, a dissolute,
idle .person.
Mr. COMSE• asked the prisoner whet he had to say to
such unmanly and cowardly conduct? The prisoner
(blubbering loudly like a great baby)—She aggravates
me.—(Laughter.)
-Mr. Costs—Why, it shows that you are a great
cowardly fellow, capable of what has been attributed to
You, or you would not stand there blubbering like a
chill I sliall fine you 40s. for the assault upon your
wife, or, in default of payment, one month's imprison-
ment in the-House of Correction.
• Prisoner (crying)—Oh, pray don't.
Mr: Con BE—And I shall commit you to the House
of Correction for one month, with hard labour, with-
'out fine, for the assault upon Baker, the officer. (To
the wifl)—And when he ie released from prison, you
may exhibit articles of the peace against him at the
sessions.
She said she would'do so; and the prisoner was locked
up, crying.
T hompson, the driver of one of Warboy's Paddington
and Kennington omnibuses, was re-examined, charged
with' having caused the death of Catherine Nolan, four
ears and a half old, by driving over her body, in Gray's
Inn-road, on Monday last.
A coroner's inquest had been held upon the body of
the deceased, child before Mr. Wakley. Several wit-
nesses were examined, and after a strict investigation
the jury returned a verdict of " Accidental Death,"
without attributing any er the least blame to the driver
of the vehicle, who bore a good character as a steady
drire
Mr. COMBE, under these circumstances, discharged
him frr,o irrac. his
recognissnees._

MORTALITY in the METROPOLIS

... 50

... 20
... 24

... 28

Deaths In corre. Deaths
spondinz week • in the
of 1849. Week.

Population
Enumerated,
1841.
West Districts... 301,189 . .
North Districts.. 376,568
Central Districts 374,199
East Districts ... 393,067
South Districts .. 503,346

Totals... ..... 1,948,369
Males ... ...
Females ••• ...

MEAT•SOUTHALL, MAy 15.—The general demand ruled
steady to-"Y, and, in some instances, prices advanced 2d
per 81b. Beef, from 2s 10d to as 6d ; Mutton 35
to 4s ; Lamb, 45 8d to 5s 4d ; Veal, 2s 8d to :38 2d;
and Pork, 35 to 3s 6d per Blbs, to sink the offal.
RODIFORD, MAY 15.—Sheep and Lambs sold freely,
at higher rates, otherwise the trade ruled heavy. Beer,
from 2s 10d to 3s 8d; Mutton, 3s to 4s ; . Lamb, 4. 8d
to 53 10d ; Veal, 2s 8d to 3s 4d; and Pork, 3s to 3s 6.1
per 81bs. Suckling Calves, las to 235; Quarter-old
Store. Pigs, 16. to 20s; and Mulch Cows, with their
small Calf; 141 to 161 each.
LEWIS, MAY 14.—Our market has been firm, at full
prices. Beef, from 35 to 35 10d; Mutton, 3s 4d to 48 2d;
Lamb, 4s 8d to 58 6d; Veal, 3s to 38 4d per Sibs.

FALMOUTH, MAY 15.—Wind N.E.—Arrd. Marshall
Bennett. Small, Sierra Lone. Sld, Amana, Calcutta;
Argo, New ICcork.

149 •••
•11 181 119..
134 •••
•• 200
241 ••• ••

131
155
134
190
247

... 857
... 430
... 427

LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, MAY 16, 1850.

THE SUICIDE FROM THE YORK
COLUMN.
CORONER'S INQUEST.
Yesterday afternoon an inquest was held by Mr. Bed-
ford, the coroner for Westminster, in the board-room of
St. Martin's workhouse, on the body of M. Henri Ste.
phan, a French gentleman, who committed suicide on
Tuesday morning last, by precipitating himself from the
Duke of York's column, in Sr. James's Perk.

The circumstances attending this host apalling act of
self-destruction excited considerable interest, and the in-
quest-room was crowded.
The jury proceeded to view the body of the deceased
gentleman, which presented a most frightful appearance,
and on their return to the inquest-room the following
evidence was taken:—

Mr. William Fish stated that he was the hall-keeper
at her Majesty's Theatre, and that he knew the de-
ceased, Henri Josephe Stephan, very well. He was 38
years of age, and held she situation of horn-player in
the orchestra of ber Msjesty'a Theatre. He saw the
deceased on Monday last, as it formed part of his duty
to check the attendance of every person engaged in the
theatre. The deceased then looked very dull, but wit-
ness had no conversation with him. During the whole
of the present opera season he had appeared duller than
he was last year. Had seen the body and identified it
as that of M. Henri Stephan.
M. Emile Petit, a brother-in-law of the deceased, re-
siding in Gerrard-street, Soho, said that he was em-
ployed as under ballet-master at her Majesty's Theatre,
and lived with the deceased. Deceased had been very
dull and unwell for a long period. At times be did not
think that he was rational, as he could get no distinct
answer from him. He frequently complained of a pain
in his chest, and was confused in his mind. He had a
good situation, and his circumstances were not bad, He
bad not been disappointed in his circumstances.
To a Juror—Knew of no cause whatever for unhappi-
ness, as he held a good situation.
William Smith, of No. 9, Carey-street, Vincent-
square, stated that he was the keeper of the York
column, and saw the deceased on Tuesday morning, at
about a quarter-past ten. He looked at a board affixed
to the column, and asked him what was the charge.
Witness answered that it was sixpence, upon which the
deceased took out his purse, and handed witness a three-
penny-piece and threepence in halfpence. When de-
ceased asked the question witness saw nothing peculiar
in his manner. Witness then gave another man the
money, and followed the deceased up the column, as it was
his usual practice to do so. When deceased got to the
top of the column he immediately turned round in the
opposite direction to the door, and was out of sight of
witness in a moment. He was gone over before witness
bad time to reach the top, and therefore he did not see
how he got over. The object of witness going up was
the prevention of accidents. Before he was aware of
what bad occurred, his attention was drawn to some-
thing from the alarm given by the persons below. The
deceased was not up more than an instant before it oc-
curred. The railings round the column are more than
four feet in height.
By a Juror—lt would not be possible for any person
to overbalance himself, and fall over the railings.
Mr. H. Hutton, of No. 56, Mortimer-street, Caven-
dish. square, bookseller and stationer, deposed that on
Tuesday morning, at about half-past ten, be was walk-
ing near the York Column in Waterloo-place, and on
looking up saw a man put his legs over the railings of
the column. He rested for a moment on the stone ledge
in front, then pushed himself forwards, and precipitated
himself from it. In his descent he turned round two or
three times, and then struck against the base of the co•
lumn, finally falling on the foot pavement with his arm
under him. A large pool of blood was immediately
formed from the injuries he had sustained. He was quite
dead when witness got up to him.
Mr. Hutchinson, of New-street, Fetter-lane, also
stated that he saw the deceased in his descent. He was
then about 24 feet from the top. The first intimation
he received was from seeing a man's hat come down.
This deceased fell head-foremost on the pavement.
Mr. John Bainbridge, surgeon, said that he had made
a post mortem examination of the body of the deceased.
The forehead was much brui-ed, the right arm was
broken. The bottom of the right foot was also consi-
derably injured, and some of the smaller bones protruded.
There were besides several bruises on the abdomen, and
both thighs, and the left leg was fractured near to the
knee. The spine was broken and protruded, and on
opening the chest, he found that every rib was broken.
There were besides several other extensive injuries, any
one of which was sufficient to cause death. He had
examined the brain, which was perfectly healthy, and he
could find no trace of incipient disease.
The jury deemed any further evidence unnecessary as
to the cause of death.

In answer to the question of the CORONER,
Smith, the keeper of the column, said that no person
was allowed to ascend the column on the day of the
fatal occurrence, but a great number had been admitted
on Wednesday.
The CORONER then summed up the evidence with
great care.

The Jury returned a verdict—" That the deceased
cam• by his death from injuries received by throwing
himself from the York Column while in a state of tempo•
rary insanity."
The Foreman said the jury also wished to add that it
was their unanimous opinion that with a view to the pre-
vention of similar occurrences in future the column should
have the protection of an iron railing on the, same prin-
ciple as had been adopted at the Monument in the City
of London.

The CORONER thought, after this event, such a re-
commendation would hardly be required ; but, at any
rate, it should be forwarded to the proper authoritisf.

The deaths registered in the metropolitan districts
in the week ending last Saturday were, 857. Taking
ten corresponding weeks of the years 1840-9, it
appears that the number now returned is less than
in the years 1847.9 ; that it is also less than in 1843,
but greater than in the same week of the other six
years. The average of the seventy weeks is 870, or
corrected for increase of population, 949 ; as com-
pared with the corrected average, the mortality of last
week shows a decrease of 92 deaths. The total deaths
from the zymotic or epidemic class of diseases con-
tinue to be less numerous than usual, amounting only
to 146, while the corrected average is 179 ; from
smallpox there were 4, from measles 14; from hoop-
ing cough, 36 ; and typhus, 26 ; the mortality from
each of these epidemics being less than the average.
From diarrhoea there were 8, which is about the
average; this disease exhibits a decline on former
weeks. But scarlatina shows an increase, the num•
hers in the last three returns have been 21, 17, and
25, whilst the average for last week is 24. Five
children under five years of age died of infantile or
remittent fever; four persons of influenza; and 7 of
erysipelas. A woman of 54 years dieCl of scurvy.
Diseases of the respiratory organs, exclusive of
hooping cough and consumption, were fatal to 137
persons, which is about the corrected average; from
laryngitis there were four deaths, from bronchitis .51,
from pneumonia 56, from pleurisy 5, and from asthma
13. The mortality from consumption continues un-
usually low ; this disease carried off 116 persons,
whilst the corrected average is 145 ; and in the cor-
responding weeks of 1840-9 it ranged from 117 to
148. A beershop-keeper, aged 46 years; died of
" bmmatemesis (68 hours)." He is reported to have
been an habitual drunkard. The classific4tion of
deaths in public institutions shows that 77 persons
were registered as having died in workhouses, 37 in
hospitals, 5 in military and naval establishments, and
6 in lunatic asylums.

NUMBER OF DEATHS FROM ALL CAUSES REGISTERED 12,
THE WEEK ENDING SATURDAY, MAY it, IMO.
Epidemic, Endemic, and Contagious Diseases ... *146
Diseases of Uncertain Seat ... ... 43
Tubercular Diseases ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• 159
Diseases of the Brain, Nerves, and, Senses... ... 123
Diseases of the Heart and Blood-vessels ... 3
Diseases of the Lungs, and other Organs of
Respiration ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• •• 13
Diseases of the Stomach, Liver, and other Organs
of Digestion...
Diseases of the Kidneys, &c.
Childbirth, Diseases of the Uterus, &c.
Diseases of the Joints, Bones, and Muscles
Diseases of the Skin, &c.
Malformations... ••• ••• ••• •••
Premature Birth ••• ••• •• •••
Atrophy ••• ••• ••• ••• •••
Old Age ••• ••• ••• •••
Sudden ••• ••• ••• ••• OOP • •••
Violence, Privation, Cold, and Intemperance
Causes not specified
DEATHS FROM ALL CAUSES