The Sun.
London, England, 1844-08-31 00:00:00

DISASTROUS FIRE AT HULL.

On Wednesday morning last, at ten minutes past
eight o'clock, a fire broke out in Messrs. S. T. Hassell
and Co.'s warehouse, Blayde's-staith, High-street, which
in the course of a few hours destroyed property to the
amount of 10,0001.

The premises of Messrs. Hassell are situated at the
corner of Blayde's-staith and the river Hull, and had a
frontage of about fifty feet towards the river, and one
hundred feet towards the staithway. They consisted of
extremely substantial buildings, occupying three floors
and an attic ; there were three warehouses adjoining
each other, commencing from the river, and bounded by
another substantial building, the ground floor of which
was occupied by the firm as offices, and the upper rooms
used in their business as merchants and warehousemen.
The frontage towards the river was entirely of wood.
It appears from inquiries since made, that men had
been at work in the warehouses in the morning up to
eight o'clock, and at that hour one of them passed
through the room which in a few minutes afterwards
was one mass of flame, but in which he then perceived
neither sight nor smell of fire. At ten minutes past
eight, the flames burst forth towards the river and to-
wards Blayde's-staith, with such a vivid glare, and spread
so rapidly, that the whole neighbourhood was immedi-
ately upon the alert. An alarm was given, the authori-
ties of the town were warned, and in a few minutes effi-
cient assistance of almost every description was upon
the spot.
The fire originated in the highest room of the ware-
house, with th exception of the attic. It was full of flax.
The whole of the warehouses were as full as they could
hold of hemp, flax, corn, seed, &c., the inflammable
nature of which, and the firm hold which the fire had
got before any assistance could be rendered, baffled, for
a short time, the attempts to arrest it, particularly as it
had taken hold of the roof, by means of which it
set fire to the second warehouse. The attention of the
firemen was early directed tolprevent the extension of the
fire in that direction, and also to preserve the ad-
joining warehouses on the south, the property of
the Rev. John King, which cover probably six times as
much ground as those occupied by Messrs. Hassell.
In the latter attempt, aided by a slight wind from the
S.E., they were completely successful. The roof of the
first warehouse fell in a few minutes before nine o'clock;
at seventeen minutes past nine o'clock a circumstance
occurred which greatly aided the operations of the fire-
men, although a number of them had to run for their
lives. About thirty-six feet in length and forty feet iu
height of a brick-and-a-half wall,:facing Blayde's-staith,
and forming the greater part of the boundary of the first
and a portion of the second warehouse, fell down into the
staithway. A number of men were under the wall when
it began to fall, but most happily every one of them es-
caped. All danger of the fire spreading beyond the
warehouse in which it originated, and the one adjoining
it, was over before half-past ten o'clock.
We are happy to state that the buildings were in-
sured, and nearly all the warehoused goods are under-
stood to be so.

The origin of the fire is not certain. Many incline
to the opinion that spontaneous combustion took place
among the flax • but others, among whom is Mr. Hassell,
think it probable that some sparks had flown from the
chimney of a steam-tug which passed the warehouse
shortly before the fire broke out, and had alighted on
the flax.

The property is partly insured in the Sun and partly
in the Phoenix Fire-offices.—Hull Advertiser.

PHOSPHORUS.—UntiI the last ten years this sub-
stance was prepared but in very small quantities, and
used merely for experimental purposes. It is now im-
ported to the extent of about two hundred thousand
pounds per annum, besides the quantity manufactured in
this country, being used to this extent in the fabrication
of Congreve matches and instantaneons lights.
METROPOLITAN BUILDINGS REGULATION ACT.—
Sunday, the Ist of September, is the day on which the
Metropolitan Buildings Act, for regulating the construc-
tion and the use of buildings in the metropolis and its
neighbourhood is to come into operation, as far as re-
lates to the appointment of districts and the nomination
of officers (the other portions of the statute coming into
operation the first day of next year). The enactments,
however, that now commence their operation, provide
that the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London, and Jus-
tices of the Peace in Quarter Sessions for other parts, may
appoint the districts, and nominate surveyors for such dis-
tricts, the qualifications of which surveyors are to be
ascertained by examiners appointed by Commissioners
of Works, &c. The certificate of examination is to be
produced by candidates one week before election.
These surveyors are to hold office during pleasure, but
are not to act as justices in their districts. The present
surveyors are to be continued in office subject to the
Act. Deputy surveyors can be appointed in cases
of illness, &c. ; and assistant surveyors nominated,
if any districts appear to the official referee too large.
Official referees are also to be appointed, but never to
act as surveyors. They are, among other powers, to
act as arbitrators, and their award is to be binding on all
parties and bodies. Their salary, and that of the re-
gistrar of metropolitan buildings (who is to be nominat-
ed by the Commissioners of Works and Buildings), is
not to exceed 1,0001. per annum. This registrar is to
have the custody and inspection of the records of the
official referees ; and the Commissioners are to appoint
a place of business for him. The surveyors are to be
paid by fees, which are determined by the Act. Such
are the chief outlines of those provisions of the Act
that now come into operation. Those portions that re-
late "to the buildings, streets, and other matters," do
not operate until the Ist of January, 1845.
FIGHTING ATTORNEY-GENERALS.--Just at the time
the fighting mania of the Attorney General for Ireland
had exhibited itself in the Four Courts, his brother
Attorney-General for Van Diemen's Land, Mr. Walsh,
was so rabid as to fight two duels in one week, as ap-
pears from the following account copied from the Hobart
Town Courier of the 24th of March last ;—" In the
course of the week two duels have been fought—the
first between T. W—, Esq., and R. S—, ' Esq. • and the
second between T. W—, Esq., and T.
M—, Esq. In
both cases the disputes which led to the appeal to arms
were quite of a personal character." In the same paper
there is also an advertisement signed J. E. Bicheno,
which was as follows :—" By his Excellency the Go-
vernor's command, Thomas Horne, Esq., is appointed
Attorney-General pf the Colony of Van Diemen's Land
until the Queen's pleasure be known." So much for jus-
tice to Ireland. Mr. Smith still retains his position,
while Mr. Walsh is dismissed.
SUPPOSED CHILD MURDER.—On Thursday after-
noon George Manners, a rat-catcher, found, while hunt-
ing with his dogs in a ditch, on the premises of Miss
Hibbert, at Barnes, the body of a new-born infant ; it
was in a state of putrefaction, and was wrapped up in a
piece of black satin, and had a piece of black tape fas-
tened tightly round the neck. The child presents every
appearance of having been born alive. The ditch in
which the body was found communicates with the
Thames, the tide having free access. The remains of
the infant are now at the Bull Inn, Barnes, awaiting
an inquest.
ROYAL SURREY ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.—The lovers
of music will have a rich treat at these gardens next
week. Mr. Godfrey, the eminent director of music, and
leader of the band, has been for some weeks preparing
and arranging Beethoven's celebrated Battle Sinfonia,
descriptive of an engagement between the English and
French armies (accompanied with discharges of artillery,
&c.), which will be brought out on Monday next N% ith
an increased orchestra, and the most attractive selections
of the season.
HEART BURlAL.—During the rebuilding of part
of the church of Chatham, in Kent, in 1788, there was
found in one of the vaults a leaden pot, containing, ac-
cording to inscription, the heart of a woman, one Hester
Harris. The pot appeared to have been nailed up to
the side of the vault, there being a piece of lead soldered
on for that purpose.
THE SPOILS OF THE MOORISH WAIL—The famous
parasol, belonging to the son of the Emperor of Morocco,
which was taken at the battle of Isly, had, through a
singular chance, been manufactured in Paris, by a mercer
of Rue St. Denis, for a house of Marseilles, which has
extensive commercial dealings with Morocco. Three
years ago that house sent it as a present to the Emperor,
it being the custom to make such gifts to the African
sovereigns to secure their gbod graces. It is entirely
lined with green velvet, embroidered with arabesques,
and edged with a long gold fringe. This beautiful piece
of workmanship cost I,BooE—Presse.
SHEFFIELD AND MANCHESTER RAILWAY.—This
mileslrina
ei syfn,rsoo
mrwe
pomopreat no ewedhaetssot
highlyoo lvd hceeoamud, nmda
commendatory
sd taa distancetnodryt
hooaff t atGbh out an
et 19
c orna.l
struction and condition of the works. The other parts
of the line are proceeding very satisfactorily. There is
a rumour that the Leeds Company are about to purchase
the line.--Railway Record.

FASHIONS FOR SEPTEMBER.
(From the World of Fashion.)
Bonnets are made very short at the ears, the front
part being proportionably longer. It is, however,
those composed of paille de riz in which the change is
most visible. Wreaths are still much used for the
decorating of this description of bonnet. When bou-
quets are used, they are generally placed very much
on one side, and composed of variegated light kinds
of flowers.

CANEZOUS A MANCIIES.—The sleeves are made
demi-larges, and ornamented to match the body, ter-
minated below with wristbands of rich lace or waved
bands, embroidered and trimmed with fluted frillings
of clear muslin, and point d'Alenqon edging.
MORNING DRESSES.—The ample peignoir form are
those most decidedly in request, and muslin still pre-
dominates. The under dress, which is now so
universally worn, is remarkable fur the beauty and
richness of its embroidery; for instance, three pretty
wreaths, worked and separated with a very narrow
fold, or a fulling or puffing, through which is passed a
ribbon of the same colour as that which decorates the
cap and the lining of the peignoir.
ftMORNING CAPS.—The style now most in vogue
(for those ladies who wear their hair banded) is the
bonnet assassin, the name being copied from that
famous fly called assassins, which produced such
destruction some half century back. This name is
well adapted for the pretty little cap to which it is
given, being an assemblage of laces and gauze ribbons,
so prettily chiffones, and so coquettishly blended,
being put on also a little on one side, sufficient to
allow of the straight lappet of lace to fall upon the
shoulders.

CARRIAGE DRESSES.—Barege is still patronised by
our elegantes, either shaded in different colours or
plain. Those, however, which are most in favour are
either broche, or printed in the most beautiful and
rich designs ; when they are of a plain colour, the
trimmings are festonnees, and embroidered in different
colours ; for instance, white, embroidered with orange-
coloured silk, ponceau upon ponceau, and black upon
grey, the latter being intended for mourning. The
corsages are made high and open up the front, and
instead of the lacings which have lately been so
fashionable, we see narrow straps or bands, em-
broidered to match the trimmings of the dress.
Light printed muslins are also in great request—in
fact they are by some preferred to the barege, par-
ticularly for the country.
EVENING DRESSES. Flounces are now more
adopted than ever: they are put on in various ways,
according to the taste of the wearer, some being put
on straight, and others in a kind of wave ; they vary
also in width and number ; the corsages opening en
cceur, with revers chafes, sleeves a la Venitienne, with
under sleeves of fulled clear muslin, trimmed with an
inlet twisted en spirale.

CHILD MURDER AT HANNINGTON, WILTS.—The
inhabitants of the quiet little village of Hannington were
much excited and horrified, on Tuesday last, by are •
port that a servant of Mr. Ambrose Willis had murdered
her newly-born infant. Upon inquiry it was discovered
to be too true. An inquest was held yesterday by Mr.
Whitmarsh, before a jury summoned from Highworth
and Hannington, when, after several hours' inquiry, a
verdict of " Wilful murder" was returned against Sarah
Willis. The mother stands committed to Devizes New
Prison, and will be removed there as soon as the sur-
eon considers it can be done with safety.—Wiltshire
Independent.
SUNDAY TRADING.—Mr. William Grant, the prin-
cipal news-agent of Brighton, appeared before Major
Allen, on Thursday, to answer a charge made against
him by Mr. George Chittenden, the high-constable, of
having on the previous Sunday unlawfully exercised
his business on the Lord's day, whereby he had in-
curred a penalty of 55., under a statute of Charles 11.
Mr. Grant requested the bench to grant an adjournment
till Monday, on account of the absence of his solicitor,
but the high-constable having stated that that day
would be inconvenient to him, Major Allen ordered
the case to proceed. Mr. Grant then pleaded guilty,
and Major Allen imposed the penalty of 55., with costs
10s., which Mr. Grant at once paid. The Gallant Major
at the same time stated that the proceedings had been
taken in consequence of the numerous complaints of the
inhabitants of the desecration of the Sabbath, which
had now become a crying evil. News-agents and cigar-
dealers appear to be the parties against whom the high-
constable and churchwardens are waging the war, of
which Mr. Grant has received the first shot.

While the passenger traffic has been increasing on
the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway, the Forth and
Clyde Canal Company's swift boats have also been car-
rying immense numbers. It is stated that for the month
of July alone the number carried in these boats was
19,000, one-third of whom went the whole distance.—
Glasgow Chronicle.
FETE IN THE GARDENS AND GROUNDS OF MOUNT
EnocustsE.—This fete, including a bazaar, came off on
Thursday and Friday, the 22d and 23d inst., and we are
happy to say that the whole sum derived from all sources
was 1,2341., which will be applied in aid of the funds of
the Devon and Cornwall Female Orphan Asylum, and
those of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital.
BRIGHTON, LEWES, AND HASTINGS RAILWAY.—
The works of the branch railway to Lewes and Hastings
will be very shortly commenced. That portion of it
from Lewes to Hastings, which presents few or no diffi-
culties, will be first finished—it is expected in ten months.
In many spots, where the line runs along the beach, it is
already made, and nothing has to be done but to put
down the sleepers. The works between Brighton and
Lewes, and fora few miles beyond Lewes, are of a different
character, and will require a period of 18 months to be
completed. In the first place the line starts from Brighton
with a viaduct, which springs in a north-easterly direction
from the present viaduct at New England, goes at the back
of the Dairy, crosses the London road just above the Hare
and Hounds, and terminates in Mr. Stanford's field beyond,
where a short tunnel of about 200 yards commences,
which goes under the Ditchling-road between Mr. Col-
batch's and Mr. Wright's houses, and comes to the Dog-
kennel. Here the line skirts the hill at the back of the
Horse-barracks, passes through the rick-yard at Mouls-
combe, and continues along the west side of the Lewes-
road for about a mile, when, in order to avoid Stanmer
Park, it crosses the Lewes-road by a bridge, and runs
along the eastern side of the road till it reaches the
bottom of Falmer-hill, when it again crosses to the
opposite side, and the second tunnel is commenced.
This is carried under Falmer, and will be about
half a mile in length. The line continues to skirt
the western side of the turnpike-road till the third
tunnel, which will be about 200 yards, and occurs
at the hill before entering Lewes. Here the turn-
pike-road is again traversed, and the railway is carried
down to Southover, and so on to Lewes. It is not yet
determined where the terminus shall be in that town.
It is wished to avoid the necessity of a small branch line
to the bridge, as at first proposed, which would be at-
tended with considerable inconvenience to the traffic,
and to have only one main line from Brighton to
Hastings. Beyond Lewes the river is crossed to the east
of the town, and here some heavy embankthents will be
necessary till the hill which bounds the valley is reached,
when a cutting to the extent of 40 feet will be made,
and after this the line runs along the coast to Hastings at
almost a dead level. Mr. Withes, who executed a con-
siderable porton of the London and Brighton railway,
has taken the whole contract from Brighton to Hastings.
The tunnel under the Ditchling-road will be remark-
able by a strong curve—to a degree that is not presented
by any tunnel yet constructed.—Brighton Herald.
DEVONPORT.—A stir has been made at this port

within the past week, which has given rise to conjec-
tures of anything but a peaceful character. Orders have
been received to enter seamen on board the flag-ship
St. Vincent, 120, Captain Rowley, for general service.
A similar order has been given at the other naval out-
ports. Orders have been received to discharge fifty
pensioners from the San Josef (ordinary), Captain Bur-
goyne, and to receive fifty able seamen in their place ;
this order has already been acted upon. In addition
to this, orders have been received to enter one hun-
dred able-bodied seamen in the rigging department of
this dockyard ; these men to have fifteen shillings per
week. Coming events they say, cast their shadow be-
fore, and these precautionary- movements would indicate
that a crisis is expected.— West Briton.
CIDER AND PERRY.—A correspondent informs us,
that having seen an advertisement from Messrs. Henry
Miles and Co., of Upton, Worcestershire, of their prime
cider and perry at prices therein mentioned, he ordered
a cask of perry, and inclosed a post-office order for the
amount. In due course he received an intimation that
the perry was on the road, but as it did not arrive he
wrote again, and was informed that some mistake had
occurred as to the conveyance, but that now it was ac-
tually coming. It did not come, however, and after a
third letter, to which no answer was received, our cor-
respondent wrote to a professional gentleman at Upton,
from whom he learned that no such firm was known
there. We insert this as a caution to persons not to for-
ward money to unknown merchants.— Wiltshire Inde-
pendent.
ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT EXPLOSlON.—Yesterday
morning, about half-past two o'clock, an named Jo-
seph Almond, a penknife grinder, residing in Sidney-
street, was awoke from his sleep by the breaking of a
window in the bedroom underneath that in which ho was
sleeping. He directly jumped out of bed, and ran to the
room where he heard the noise. He there found a gin-
ger-leeer bottle, commonly called a pop-bottle, with a
burning fuse inserted in the cork. This he succeeded in
putting out without injury, and in going to the window
saw three men in the street below. He forthwith sallied
into the street, and collared one of the three ; up on
which the other men attacked him and rescued tliei
companion. The three then ran away, and succeeded 11; i
effecting their escape. Two of them were in the course
of the day captured by the police. On examination of
the bottle it was found to be filled with gunpowder. It
is said that Almond, who is a hard-working man, had
left the union to which ho belonged, that he might be
enabled to obtain a living uneontrolled by union regula-
tions. He had reason to know that his conduct had
given offence, and under the apprehension of danger, his
wife had be©n afraid to sleep at home for four nights
previous to the attempted explosion. The prisoners are
charged with the capital offence of wilfully and mali-
ciously throwing a bottle of gunpowder into the window
of Joseph Almond's house, for the purpose of destroying
his life and property. The case excites intense interest,
being the first in which these Guy Fauxes have ever
stood a chance of being made to answer for these crimes.
—Sheffield Iris.
LONGEVITY.—Died, a few clays since, in Killarney,
a cat and parrot, belonging to Mr. John M'Shcehy,
New-street, both at the advanced age of 86 years, The
cat and parrot had been given to him by the late Sir
Aubrey Do Vere Hunt, of Curragh House, county of
Limerick,--Dublin Packet.

IMPORTANT TO FARMERS AND
PARISH PINDARS.

A decision of the magistrates at the Lutterworth
Petty Sessions has completely upset the long-
established custom of the neighbourhood as to the
fees to which a pindar is entitled on impounding above
one head of cattle. For many years it was con-
sidered that the pindar was entitled to 4d. as
his fee beyond any damage that might be charged
for every head of cattle impoundel at one time ; but
in the following case it was proved to the satisfaction
of the magistrates that such usage is illegal, and that
the pindar is entitled to 4d. only for each distress taken
at the same time, without reference to the number of
cattle impounded, be they two or twenty. Hence it
follows that if a pindar find twenty head of cattle
straying, and impound them at the same time, his fee
will be no more for the twenty than if he had im-
pounded only one of that number; thus instead of re-
ceiving his fee of 6s. Bd. for the twenty, which under
the custom he would have received, he will only be
entitled to 4d. for_ the whole. The complainant in
the case referred to was William Pickering, of
Froles worth, whose cows had strayed out of
a lane in that parish rented by him, into the
adjacent township of Ullesthorpe,
.and were there
impounded by John Hurst, the pmdar, who was
charged by the complainant with having taken a
urger sum for such impounding than he was by law
entitled to take. The pindar had charged 4d. per
head, which he stated was his usual fee. It was con-
tended by Mr. Cowdell, jun., of Hinckley, that the
usage of the neighbourhood was illegal, for that, by
the statute 1 and 2 Philip and Mary, c. 12, sec. 2 (still
unrepealed), it is enacted " that no person shall take
for impounding any manner of distress above the sum of
4d. for any one whole distress, and where less bath been
used there to take less, upon the pain of 51. to be paid
to the party aggrieved over and above such money as
he shall take above the sum of 4d., any usage or pre-
scription to the contrary notwithstanding." The
magistrates considered themselves bound to decide in
conformity with the provisions of the statute ; but as
the pindar had acted in aceordaire with the usage of
the neighbourhood, which for a long time hitherto
had been recognised, they directed him to return to
the complainant the amount paid beyond the 4d., and
to pay the costs. Devizes Gazette.

FIRE AND Loss OF LIFE NEAR REGENT-STREET:
A few minutes after five o'clock last evening a fire broke
out in the upper floor of the house numbered 5, in Hed-
don-street, Leicester-street, Regent-street, which is let
out to several parties in tenements ; the floor in question
being occupied by Mr. Smallman, whose child, an inter-
esting female four years of age, lost her life under the
following melancholy circumstances :—lt appears that
her mother had left the room only a few minutes before,
for the purpose of procuring some milk for the use of the
family, leaving the child alone in the room. From some
unexplained cause, most probably from the ignition of
her clothing at the fire which was burning at the time in
the grate, the poor little creature was in an instant
enveloped in flames. Perceiving dense bodies of smoke
and fire issuing from the windows of the floor, some of
the neighbours concluded that the furniture or bedding
was on fire, and instant information was sent of the cir-
cumstance to Mr. Fogo, of the brigade, who very
promptly attended with le engine from King-street ;
upon entering the room a most deplorable sight pre-
sented itself. The poor child was lying upon the floor,
just behind the door, between the foot of the bed and the
entrance into the room, burning most dreadfully, while
the door, the bedding, and other articles of furniture
were in a flame. At this moment the mother of the
child, with an infant in her arms, rushed up the stairs,
crying out most frantically" Save my child.' Mr. Fogo
instantly had the suffering infant taken up, but the flesh,
blackened by the process of combustion, came off piece-
meal from the body. An abundance of assistance having
arrived, several brigade and other engines being now
upon the spot, the fire was soon extinguished, but before
this was effected the little sufferer had ceased to breathe.
The body lies upon the premises to await the verdict of
the Coroner's jury. The parties are not insured.
INCENDIARISM AT PILLERTON.—OH Friday night
last some daring villains set fire to a quantity of wheat
in shock, in a field in the occupation of Mr. Thomas
Walton, of Pillerton Priors, near Kineton. It was first
discovered about ten o'clock in the evening, by some of
the servants of Mr. Miles of Pillerton, who were about
retiring to rest, and observing a considerable quantity of
smoke issuing from Mr. Walton's field, they proceeded
to the spot as fast as possible, and found about 100
sheaves of wheat heaped together and burning ; they
immediately alarmed Mr. Walton, and an active search
was made for the perpetrators of the diabolical act, but,
we are sorry to add, without effect. Mr. Walton is
insured in the Norwich Union office. A reward of
twelve guineas is offered for their apprehension.—
Banbury Guardian.
THE CHRISTENING OF THE INFANT PRINCE.--
Among the royal and distinguished personages who
have received invitations to be present at Windsor Cas-
tle, at the christening of the infant Prince, we may enu-
merate the following :—Her Majesty the Queen Dow-
ager, his Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Prussia,
her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, their Royal
Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the
Earl and Countess Delawarr and Lady Mary West, the
Earl of Liverpool, the Earl and Countess of Jersey, his
Serene Highness Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar, the
Right Hon. Colonel Dawson Darner, Earl Jermyn, the
Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, the Hon. C. A. Mur-
ray, Mr. J. E. and the Hon. Mrs. Anson, the Dowager
Lady Lyttelton, Lord Lyndhurst, the Right Hon. Sir
Robert Peel, Sir James Graham, and the Cabinet Mi.•
misters, several of the Foreign Ambassadors, &e.
Amongst the dignitaries of the Church who are expected
to be present, are the Archbishops of Canterbury and
York, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Lincoln, the
Bishop of Norwich (Clerk of the Closet), Archdeacon
Wilberforce, &c. The Hon. and Rev. C. L. Courtenay
will also be present.

FRIGHTFUL SCAFFOLD ACCIDENT.—ShortIy be-
fore six o'clock on Wednesday evening considerable
alarm was created in the neighbourhood of the Chalk-
road, Pentonville, by the falling of a scaffolding with
several workmen, which had been axed in front of some
buildings in the course of erection near the New Model
Prison. It appears that six or seven of the workmen in
the employ of Messrs. Dennis and Price, the contractors,
were at work on the top of the scaffolding, a height
of about thirty feet, when suddenly the putlocks,
and consequently the entire body of the scaffold,
gave way, and the whole of the men were precipitated
to the ground. The escape of most of them was indeed
miraculous. With the exception of a poor fellow named
Joseph Berry, who had his collar bone dislocated, and
other severe injuries inflicted on him, the others were
comparatively unhurt. Berry, however, was conveyed in
a very bad state to the Royal Free Hospital, in Gray's
Inn-road, where he was promptly attended to by Mr
Hill, the resident surgeon. The other workmen were
shortly after enabled to go home to their respective
residences. It appears that considerable blame is attri-
butable to those who have the construction of these
scaffolds. _

LEGAL W1T.,.--kt the late Worcester Assizes, Mr.
Sergeant Talfourd, in alluding to a married lady, whom
he was about to call as a witness, observed that she was
nearly related to the opposite party in the action, and
would naturally have a bias in that direction ; but he
was willing to take her for better for worse."—(Roars of
laughter.) " Brother Talfourd," said the Judge, " re-
member the grand jury are not discharged."—(Laugh-
ter.) " Really, my Lord," rejoined the Sergeant, " I
have not yet seen the lady, and have no wish, I assure
you, to violate the ninth commandment."—(Renewed
laughter.) " The tenth, I suppose, you mean, brother
Talfourd ?"—(Laughter.) " Yes, my Lord," said the
Learned Counsel ; " and since I have forgotten my mo-
rality and the commandments too, I think I had better
sit down."
SHERWOOD'S EXECUTIONER.—The hangman Mur-
dock, who was paid 91. for the job, took his departure
for Glasgow, on foot, on Friday evening, and, it is said,
paid 6s. to one of the police to accompany him on the
road as far as the Six-mile-bridge. Murdock executed
the Prussian mate at Durham a few years ago, and he,
also 41 turned off" the notorious Burke, at Edinburgh.
Tyne Mercury.
COST OF FIRST AND THIRD-CLASS RAILWAY CAR-
RIAGES.—According to the testimony of Captain Laws,
the manager, as given before the Railway Committee,
the original cost of a first-class carriage on the Man-
chester and Leeds line is between 3001. and4t. 0
ht
the renovation of lining, painting, Sze., amounts to about
1501. a year.
This carriage will carry
but
persons, whereas a third-class carriage on that line will
take forty persons, and costs at first only about 1201.,
with about lot per annum for repairs.—Railway Record.'
Sir John B. Pechell, Bart., continuesserictslyjn:
disposed at his residence in Hill-street, and i
Laldireehe of R
11 is delicatealsoaidunori
s making
health.
The he Earl lion.
considerable im-
cpormovrelmeteendt,swinillhhias‘p,erothpeerteyffeactt Fooflkestone which
attractions of the town as a wateringrgepatilay:ei.n ."c'reasin when
the
attractions
e
The Earl of Darnley and the lion. E. Blig h joined
the Cobham Club on Monday last in a match
of cricket
against eleven of his Lordship's tenants. After a spirited
game, the club came of successfully.
LEICESTER STATE OF TRADE.—Business con-
tinues good. The season is fully set in, and the demand
for all kinds of the most useful goods perhaps has never
been greater for many years. Wools and yarns are sta-
tionary.—Leicestershire Mercury.
CORNWALL RAILWAY.—We understand the provi-
sional committee of this railway have determined to
leave the appointment of a Secretary, in the room of
Mr. Bond, resigned, to the directors who may be ap-
pointed when the company shall be regularly fcrmed.
I Vest Briton.
THE WEATIIER.—The provincial journals from all
parts of the empire inform us that the genial weather
experienced for the last few days in the metropolis is
general, and they exult at the prospect of the abundant
harvest being everywhere safely and favourably get.
thered in.
TnE LAKES.—The number of visitors to the lakes
this year is exceedingly great, and the innkeepers can
scarcely find sufficient accommodation for the visitors
who are continually pouring upon them.—. Newcastle
Advertiser.
THE LONDON-BRIDGE RAILWAYS AND THE Er-
PROVEMENTS IN SOUTHWARK.—A correspondent wishes
the attention of the Commissioners of Woods and
Forests, and of the Directors of the London-bridge Rail-
ways, to be called to the importance of co-operation in
carrying out the projected street improvements in South-
wark. He is of opinion, and in this we entirely concur,
that together the parties might effect an access to the
railways worthy of the importance of these lines.—Rail-
way Record.

3:
I

SPIRIT of the PUBLIC JOURNALS.

PROM THE EVENING PAPERS OF YESTERDAY.

GLOBE.—This morning's Post publishes the fol-
lowing paragraph
"FRANCE AND ENGLAND.
"At an early hour this morning we were informed,
on what we were assured was good authority, that an
important crisis has now arrived in the relations between
Fngland and France.
"According to our informant, the receipt of the in-
telligence from Mogadore on Tuesday night was im-
mediately followed by the dispatch of a special courier
to Paris as the bearer of a communication from Lord
.Aberdeen to M. Guizot. His Lordship is said to have
demanded the immediate evacuation of the island of
llogadore by the forces under his Royal Highness
Cie Prince de Joinville, and to have intimated that, in
the event of a refusal to withdraw the French troops,
measures would forthwith be taken, in comformity with
the established usage in similar circumstances.
" The deep interest involved in this statement makes
tis regret that, at the period at which we write, it is not
possible for us, of our own knowledge, to affirm or deny
the truth of it."
We have, of course, no official means of confirm-
ing, or contradicting, this piece of intelligence ; but
tive think we have sufficient previous evidence to lead
ale to disbelieve it. Our Ministerial prints of yester-
day made out the Mogadore doings rather
satisfactory than other wise ; and we do not
suppose they would have thus treated so serious a
matter absolutely without hints from head-quarters.
3 adependent of this apocryphal piece of news, there
i 3 abundantly enough of undoubted authenticity to
j ustify no ordinary anxiety in the consistent friends of
p-mce in both countries. Amongst those friends of
peace we take leave to claim our, however humble,
rink; and to deny altogether the soft impeachment
(from a soft source) cif " our warlike Contemporaries."
"Warlike we are not, most assuredly; but we assuredly
ould have been better prepared for war. The charge of
faction we repel with condign contempt. We are
mot of that faction which sounded the war trumpet
EVe years back or so, when nothing like war threat-
ened. We are not of that faction which, while in
Opposition, made it a merit to encourage increased
Armaments ; and which no sooner obtained place than
it made a merit of cutting those armaments again
down. We are not of that faction which cried
" wolf! wolf! " in 1839, and when the wolf really
prowled, had lulled the nation to sleep with the
entente cordiale.
STANDARD.—The Morning Post, of this day,
publishes an announcement of a communication made
by Lord Aberdeen to the French Government. It
is one of those convenient statements, which, for
the day at least, it is impossible to contradict,
because there is- no one who can directly con-
tradict, except the Foreign Secretary himself,
aid his lips are sealed. Lord Aberdeen might,
indeed, if he looked only to the particular case,
say (as we are sure he can with truth assert)
that the whole is a pure invention ; but then,
ii a Foreign Secretary, were once to open the
practice of contradicting newspaper falsehoods, that
practice must in the end come to this, that he
must contradict every mis-statement put forward
to fish the foreign policy of the Government, which
would be the same thing as a daily publication of
the minutes and correspondence of the Foreign office.
11-liable, however, as we are to contradict directly
froin authority the mischievous statement of the
.ifforning Post, we think that there can be little
difficulty in demonstrating its utter falsehood by the
i udirect process. It is, in fact, in the very highest
degree improbable that the Earl of Aberdeen has
made any such communication as that reported by
the Morning Post, and if his Lordship has
made any such communication, it is per •
tectly impossible that the Morning Post can know
anNthing of the matter. It is in the very highest
degtee improbable, that the British Minister should
!demand that the Royal French Admiral be ordered
to evacuate a post of which he has merely taken a
military possession, and upon which Great Britain
er an ally of Great Britain, has no claim, and
wilich notoriously bel gigs to the empire with which
France is at war. France might as well have
i isisted upon our abandenment of tlong-Kong or
Chusan. The permanent occupation of the island of
Illogadere may be the subject of future negotiation
s.muld France insist upon it, or should Great Britain
e ere about it, and we canfess that we think the one as
nprobable as the other, but it is apparent that the
time for such negotiations is not yet arrived,
nor, as we fear, very near at hand. France and
Morocco are still un ortunately at war, and it is
cue of the incidental rights of war to hold inil:tary
possessions of the fortresses and territories of the
enemy, unquestioned by third parties. As to the
demand of a provisional engagement to surrender the
i siand at the end of the war, such a demand would
seem to be an insult to the Government which has
a(reasly disclaimed any purpose of retaining the
ilominions of the Emperor of Morocco—and at
nil events the one engagement would not be of
more worth than the other ; vve do not say this
as slighting the value of the first engagement, for
we have an implicit confidence in the integrity of the
present Government of France, which is in all re-
selects the opposite of the Cabinet that cheated us in
the affair of Algiers ; we soy it merely to mark
the improbability that a second engagement
should be required specially relating to Moga-
dore. Next, admitting the wild hypothesis that
t' ie Earl of Aberdeen has, in fact, made
the demand imputed to him, arises the question,
rhow was the Morning Post to know anything of
the matter ? The Morning Post, we presume, does
net claim to be in Lord Aberdeen's confidence,
and even supposing it to possess the key of M.
Guizot's bureau, there has not been time fur
the news to make the journey back from Paris.
The whole is, then, as we have said before,
an utter falsehood, and no one who has ob
served the e&ct of similar falsehoods upon the temper
of the French people will dispute that it is a most
mischievous falsehood. There is little hope, how-
ever, that any experience of the ill effect of such
practices will cause them to be discontinued. The
Duke of Wellington in his letters and dispatches
from the Peninsula between 1808 and 1813,
snakes more frequent complaint of the gossip-
ing and not always accurate communications
of his officers to the London newspapers, than of
any other annoyance ; yet though the honour of the
J;ritish arms and the safety of every man of the Duke's
army were more or less compromised by the indul-
gence of this vicious habit, it continued to be indulged,
and will continue, we fear, to the end of time.
When, however, the peace of the world comes to be
perilled by newspaper gossipping and newspaper lies,
the subject assumes a very serious complexion.