The Sun.
London, England, 1844-11-21 00:00:00

THE QUARANTINE LAWS.

If the existing system of sanitary regulations and
quarantine laws is to remain unchanged, not only
until the question of contagion or non-contagion has
been decided by the scientific world, but even until
all the Governments of Europe have unanimously
adopted a scientific opinion on the subject, it is evi-
dent that nothing short of a mathematical demonstra-
tion can put an end to these inconvenient restrictions
on the intercource of nations. Such a demonstration
can never be arrived at, especially under a system
which prohibits experiment ; and thus the whole
restrictive system is retained, because we consent to
he the victims of an uncertainty and the slaves of a
doubt. It is doubtful in the highest degree whether
if a person affected with Oriental plague in its worst
form and stage were suddenly transported into the
heart of a foreign, and particularly of a northern,
country, where no previous tendencies to the dis-
ease prevailed, the disorder would prove infec-
tious. Yet, so strong is the prepossession of alarm
ingrafted on our legislators and our Administration,
that we still act upon the most terrible conceptions of
pestilential influence, and the officers entrusted with
the care of the public health, exert all the vigilance
of a vexatious police over a considerable portion of
the commerce of this and all other countries. To
such an extent do these sanitary regulations extend,
that they are directed not only against those places
where infectious disorders are known to prevail, but
against whole quarters of the globe. It was not
till the French had been many years established
on the northern coast of Africa that they dis-
covered that the plague was as little known in the
Regency of Algiers as on the shores of Provence,
and they at last abandoned, without inconvenience,
the system of quarantine, which they had till then
rigorously enforced. In like manner, nine-tenths of
the precautions taken to avoid the transmission of
infectious disease are utterly fantastical ; and the
question, which it behoves our Government to con-
sider is, how large a portion of these superfluous re-
strictions may be abolished, without too great a risk
of exposing our ports and our population to any real
danger. It is an old maxim of law, " omnia prasit-
muntur contra spoliatorem ;" and assuredly this prin-
ciple has been held good against infectious disease.
Not only are they supposed to be transmissible over a
vast distance of sea and land, and through a con-
siderable lapse of time, whenever they have occurred ;
but travellers and merchandise are treated with
almost equal suspicion in spite of direct evidence
that they come from places where no pestilence exists
at
,all. A clean bill of health is received only
in mitigation of these rigorous precautions ; and
under the system which now prevails, with more or
less severity, throughout Europe, the whole com-
merce and intercourse of the world with the sus •
petted countries is dealt with as if the exception
was the rule. The proportion of vessels coming
to this country with clean bills, even from the coun-
tries where plague most frequently prevails, is hap-
pily very large ; yet these ships, against which no
practical evidence whatever can be said to exist, are
detained on the bare theoretical presumption, that
they may have latent plague on board, though none
was known to have disclosed itself in the places from
which they sailed. It is of so much importance to
proceed in this important matter with due caution,
that we should be most unwilling to run any direct
risks, or even to alarm the prejudices of the public or
the scruples of foreign nations, by a premature ad-
mission of vessels coming from infected countries to
free pratique. But long before we arrive at this stage
of sanitary reform, we may hope to see the precau-
tions disposed of which are taken, not against real,
but imaginary, perils ; and we shall venture to throw
out one or two suggestions on the most obvious of
these changes. It is in the north of Europe, and es-
pecially in the ports of the United Kingdom, that these
experiments may be tried with least risk and with
most advantage; for the most zealous contagionists
admit that the propagation of these diseases requires
something more than mere contact—namely, a certain
concourse of circumstances unfavourable to health,
and an epidemic tendency to that form of disorder.
The best writers on the plague have remarked that,
even in the East, whenever it has occurred out
of season, it has not spread; and it is evident that the
total diversity of climate and habits on the banks of the
Nile and on those of the Thames render it most impro-
bable that a disease should be transplanted with the
same fatal results from one to the other. We rest our
view of this subject, however, on grounds more ac-
curately ascertained than theories of science. There
is, we believe, no recorded instance of a case of plague
occurring in any of the quarantine establishments of
this kingdom. No one seriously believes that there is
more plague, or chance of plague, at Stendgate Creek
or Bamborough Pool than in the heart of the me-
tropolis ; yet the vessels which undergo this deten-
tion are all assumed to have on board the germs of a
pestilence ; the amount of suspicion is expressed by
the length of time they may remain in quarantine ;
no ships from the suspected ports are allowed to es-
cape, although in none of them has this presumption
ever been verified. It would not be difficult to show
that the present system, especially as it is practised
at Malta and in various foreign ports of the Mediter-
ranean, is inconsistent and unsatisfactory upon either
hypothesis. If the plague is highly contagious, the
carelessness and indifference to various minor but es-
sential points in the lazarettos would infallibly let the
disease into Christendom, and all these precautions,
ought to be redoubled; if it be not contagious, it is
not to these precautions we owe our security, and
they are vexatious without being requisite or effectual.
The first steps, however to be taken in the matter by
the British Government should be at once extremely
moderate and very important, we see no reason, con-
sidering the length of the voyage from any port of
the Levant to the United Kingdom, that all vessels
arriving with clean bills of health, and from a port
where no plague was known to exist at the time of
their departure, should not at once be admitted to
land their passengers, and even to discharge their
cargoes. The mode of dealing with vessels and
cargoes from infected ports is a more delicate part of
the subject ; but we have no doubt, as we hinted
on a former occasion, that even with them the mere
lapse of time spent in a lazaretto is by no means the
best or surest preventive of contagion. The more
urgent and important measure of relief, however, is
that which would exempt from the quarantine regu-
lations the large majority of vessels against which no
colourable apprehensions can be said to exist ; and
we are satisfied that this relaxation may be extended
to all the foreign trade of this country, except from
places at which the plague or some other epidemic
may be raging with violence at any particular time.
To some up our opinion as briefly as possible, we
dissent from the application of general and permanent
restrictions of this nature, without denying that it
is the duty of the Government to protect the public
health by particular precautions, whenever it is en-
dangered ; and we blame the present quarantine
legislation of Europe, because it exists as a system,
and is endured as an institution, instead of being
adapted, with as much regard as possible to the in-
terests of trade, to the places, seasons, and times, in
which epidemic diseases may prevail. We are aware
that any considerable change in this system must be
carried into execution by several at least of the mari-
time Powers; and the negotiations to effect this im-
portant object are of so delicate a nature, that we
hope they will not be intrusted to obtrusive volun-
teers, or to men whose readiness considerably outruns
their reason and respectability. But we see no reason
to despair of our obtaining the concurrence of the
Baltic maritime States in the first instance, and after-
wards extending the same modifications, with the
assistance of Austria, to the Mediterranean. Mean-
while, however, there are powerful elements most
actively at work in this cause. All the Eastern
events of the last few years—the culture of Emt—
the overland communication with India—the Oriental
packet service—the Syrian expedition—and the pro-
jects for crossing the Isthmus of Suez—have already
shown how little the fear of infection interferes with
the operations of politics, war, or trade in the country
where the disease is supposed to be most rife, and will
ultimately relieve us from apprehensions, which we
should cease to entertain if we were better informed
as to the precise nature of the danger.— Times.

MATCH AT QUOITS FOR 501. A-SIDE.—On Friday,
this match, which excited considerable interest from the
celebrity of the players—Messrs. David Weir, Glasgow,
and J. Dunlop, Pollokshaws, against Messrs. A. Smith
and R. Paterson, Mauchline Ayrshire—came off on Mr.
Weir's green, Tradeston. The morning was exceedingly
stormy, but at mid-day it cleared up, and the weather,
considering the season, was highly favourable. Messrs.
Dunlop and Weir took the lead and kept it till they num-
bered 50 shots. The game afterwards was keenly contested,
both sides being equal at 55, 57, and 58 ; at this point
Messrs. Smith and Paterson got two shots a-head, making
them 60 against 58. All hope f_.` f beating the far-famed
Ayrshire men seemed now at an end, when Messrs.
Dunlop and Weir, whose playing throughout (particularly
that of the latter) was admirable, again took the lead,
and gained by one shot, the result being—Messrs. Weir
and Dunlop, 61 ; Smith and Paterson, 60. The green
was crowded all day with visitors, many of whom were
deeply interested in the game. Considerable sums of
money, we understand, changed hands, the defeated
party having been heavily backed by Liverpool qurts-
wen.— Gla,yow Aryus.

THE BRAIN.--At the inquest held on Monday
upon a person who survived for three days a dreadful
injury of the brain, Mr. Wakley said that a short time
ago a man was struck on the head with a pickaxe, and
that although his brains escaped from the wound and
besmeared his hand, he was able to run without assist-
ance to the London Hospital. Upon arriving at the
hospital he was asked how he felt, when he replied that
he was much better since he lost his brains. Mr.
Wakley further said that it was almost incredible how
long persons survived injuries of the brain.
We understand that the reduction of fares on the
Liverpool and Manchester Railway has been followed
by a great increase in the number of passengers.—
Liverpool Courier.

SPIRIT of the PUBLIC JOURNALS.
FROM THE EVENING PAPERS OF YESTERDAY.
GLOBE.—The Paris papers of Thursday last
contain extracts from the Zollvereinsblatt, the journal
of the Customs' Union, upon the new relations opened
to the German States in consequence of the termi-
nation of bur treaty with Brazil. It is now no
longer doubtful that Brazil is negotiating with the
Zollverein. It is probable that Holland, who is
largely interested in the colonial trade, will pin with
Brazil and the German States; and so adjust their
differential duties as to appropriate to themselves a
large portion of the Brazilian trade. Thus, our ship-
ping interest and our manufacturers will be again
sacrificed to party views, and the heterogeneous corn-
mereal policy of the President of the Board of
Trade. In considering this question, it must not be
forgotten that early in last year Lord Aberdeen ad-
dressed a dispatch to our Minister at Berlin, com-
plaining of the then rumoured intention of the Zoll-
yerein to increase the duties on iron ; and, generally,
of the unfriendly spirit of the Customs' Union
towards England. To this Baron Bulow replied
with no less spirit than truth. He reminded our
Foreign Minister that the British tariff was more
hostile to commerce than that of the Customs'
Union ; and instanced the articles of corn, wool, silk,
timber, &c., in proof of what he advanced. Baron
Bulow quoted and adopted the statements made in a
recent article in the Edinburgh Review, to the effect
that, " by our high duties and sliding scale, we had
made the commerce in German corn a mere specula-
tion." Baron Bulow also reminded Lord Aberdeen
that the duty on cotton velvet was "seven times
higher than any levied by the Union ;" and, in fact,
triumphantly met the complaints and expostula-
tions of our Minister by a reference to the com-
mercial policy of this country. Upon this cor-
respondence appearing in the newspapers, Lord
John Russell gave notice in the House of Com-
mons of a motion for its production. This, as ap-
pears from the reports of the debates, was postponed
from time to time, on the ground that negotiations
were still pending, and that the correspondence was
not closed. We conclude, however, from the state-
ments in the German papers, that all negotiations
are now at an end—that the Zollverein is treating
with Brazil and Holland—and that the offer of Eng-
land to treat with the Zollverein has been repulsed.
After Baron Bulow's latter, England could only ne-
gotiate upon the principle of reducing her differential
duties on timber; a fixed duty on corn ; and an
adjustment of her silk duties. The Prussian Govern-
ment must also know that an offer of negotiation,
unless plainly and unequivocally made on this basis,
could not be sincere on the part of the present Go-
vernment. It is therefore not matter of wonder that
she has refused all further negotiation on the subject.
The English public has, however, a right to know
whether the offer to negotiate did, or did not, involve
the questions of corn, timber, and silk. If any reli-
ance can be placed on the principles of either Sir R.
Peel or Mr. Gladstone, we conclude it must have done
so—however those principles may be hampered, in prac-
tice, by their desire to affect some consistency between
their ,tactics when in opposition, and their policy
in administration. But is the correspondence brought
to a close ? When Lord Aberdeen wrote to Lord
Westmoreland, Baron Bulow answered and demo-
lished the statements of his unguarded antagonist.
Baron Bulow's letter demanded a reply. Doubtless,
so active a pen as that of Mr. Gladstone has not been
quiet, but has attempted to answer the Prussian
Minister ; who, at present, in common with the other
Courts of Europe, laughs at Lord Aberdeen's ridi-
culous position in this great commercial controversy.
The answer, if any has been made, could only ema-
nate-s--and, doubtless, one did emanate—from the
Board of Trade. When Parliament meets, the al-
most forgotten correspondence will, we presume, be
moved for, and must be forthcoming. We question,
however, whether Sir R. Peel wholly left the matter
in the hands of Lord Aberdeen and Mr. Glad-
stone. The ill-considered letter of the former—
which, of course, was sanctioned by, if it did not
originate with, the Board of Trade—would forbid
his doing this. If not, to have originated such
a correspondence is a signal instance of weakness
and folly, and deservedly exposes its authors to re-
proof and condemnation. There is, however, an in
termediate hypothesis, viz., -that a rejoinder was pre-
pared by the Board of Trade; but that, as it did but
involve the controversy in still further difficulties, it
was not forwarded to the Prussian Minister. As it
laid our Foreign Minister open to still more obvious
disadvantage, and would have called forth another and
yet more damaging exposure of the inconsistency of
the British Government, it was quietly shelved. A.
cooler and more wary head than Mr. Glad-
stone's interposed; and• on his advice the re-
joinder was hung up—in despair of satisfying
the metaphysical President of the Board of Trade, on
the one hand, and the plain, matter-of-'fact Prussian
Minister on the ether. We hope that Lord John
Russell will, on the meeting of Parliament, take an
early opportunity of renewing his motion for the
production of the correspondence. The interests
of British manufactures and commerce are mate-
rially and deeply involved in this matter. They
have been seriously injured by the neglect of the
Government. This the production of the papers
will clearly show. The tariff of Sir Robert Peel is
manifestly working the destruction of British inte-
rests. ' The continental Powers have taken advantage
of the termination of the Brazilian treaty with this
country, and are actively negotiating for their own
benefit. They will succeed in depriving England of
the Brazil trade—that once important market for
British manufactures, and the extensive employment
for her mercantile marine which that trade afforded.
Such is the natural operation of the high differential
duties, which our Government, coerced by the class
interests, have determined to maintain, at all risks,
and regardless of all consequences.
STANDARD.—The month of November is gene-
rally, we believe, a month pleasant only to the lawyers
—unless we are to except certain prowlers upon the
public, to whom lengthening of the nights is con-
venient, whom uncharitable people might be disposed
—but we forbear. To the lawyers, the thieves, and
Mr. Daniel O'Connell (the reader may refer him to
whichkelass his judgment shall direct) is November
otherwise than a highly disagreeable month. But
upon none, perhaps, does this inclement season fall
snore heavily than the poor journalist. Campaigns
commence in spring; we are therefore six months re-
moved from wars both a park ante and a parte post.
'l4he sessions of Parliament commence about the be-
ginning- of February, and end about the middle of
August ; it is, therefore, too early to discuss future
measures—too late to comment upon those already
enacted. When to this severity of the season we
add a continued state of peace and prosperity, we,
surely place the journalist in a pitiable position'
—a position "to move the hearts of barbarous
peopleand make Tom Butcher weep." There
is positively no topic of general interest at
this moment, and it would seem to demand
a foirteen-Whig-power of mischief—(there were
fourteen in the deficit Cabinet)—to produce
pkikugh of public calamity to create any sensa-
Oh in this dreary month. In such a state of desti-
tution, what are we to do beyond chronicling " acci-
dents and offences," except we wear out the
time in some such sport as roasting a Bishop or
wrangling with brother journalists—amusements
which may be innocent, but which are
not always safe, as we may sometimes
burn our fingers with the one, as is known
at Printing House-square, or come off second-
best in the other, as the Arcadian twins, the Globe
and.llforning Post, are able, if they were willing, to
testify. Before proceseding to the subject which sug-
gests these remarks, let us, in candour, say a Word
for this same month of November, our enemy though
it be. November is notoriously infamous for murders
.and suicides, and other like crimes, but we believe the
infamy to be, in part at least, unjust. It is not that
many more crimes are committed in November,
but that the newspapers have more room for
the record of them ; and, to speak truth,
are more in want of them. Many an atrocity of great
pretensions is born to blush unseen, because com-
mitted in the heat of some important Parliamentary
discussion ; or when the eyes of men are bent upon
some anxious trial of foreign or domestic policy.
Mr. Thurtell was no doubt a distinguished Whig,
and a very eminent ruffian, but even he would pro-
bably be now forgotten, if he had not judiciously
timed the murder of his friend in the dead season.
" Vixere fortes ante Agamemnona
Multi ; sod omnes illacrimabiles
Urguentur, ignotique
Nocte, carent quia Nate sacro."
In other words, the newspapers were too full to
record their achievements with the proper " penny -
a-line " emphasis and diffuseness. By the way
the "peemy-a-liners" had a project of presentinga piece of plate to Mr. Thprtell, which they, no
doubt would have carried into full effect but for an
awkward event at Hertford. We now come to the
oceasion of our recurrence to the peculiarities of this
particular season. Within the last few days
mostof the Opposition newspaper's have given
intimation of approaching changes in the
Cabinet. The Whig-Radical organs, indeed, are
not sufficiently
political
affecting eaw3a •
th
cious to surmise any change
charactert of the Administra-
tion ; burkhey
Govern-
tnenr.iselves with recasting the
parts of the
insupapliyewngditshtribiion of
its offices. This besides
went" of something to write about ff e "wicket
some opportunity to insult and ab
11: orlds. a hand-
of her Majesty's advisers in detail. eAl'el and
each
Niitousty removed from an office hasnlun gra-
himself wholly unfit for it ; the man as gilTatui-
tously promoted to the vacant department is of
course so promoted because of his unfitness for every
other. In this way a falsehood, in itself not very
important, is made the occasion for filling a good
many columns, with nonsense to be sure, but with
nonsense that is sufficiently spiteful to gratify lVhig-

Radicals, and that other section of miserables
whom we suppose we must call Morning Postists,
since even Young England has cast them off.
Now when any of our friends ask us whether there
is any truth in these rumours of Ministerial changes,
we reply, as the truth is, that we have no direct
knowledge upon the point, but that we have
the most firm conviction, short of direct knowledge,
that there is not one word of truth in the
reports. The first ground of our conviction is the
complete harmony that, from the hour of its for-
mation, has constantly prevailed in Sir Robert
Peel's Cabinet—harmony so complete, that the
Cabinet, we have reason to believe, has not
divided as often as it has been years
in office. Our second ground of conviction is
the perfect satisfaction notoriously given by the
head of each department to all his colleagues, and,
we may add, to the country. Our third and not
least weighty ground of conviction is that at which
we hinted at the commencement of this article, the
time when the reports take wing. Such reports al-
ways come over at this season with the woodcocks
and the widgeon, and come from a quarter as uncer-
tain and untraceable as that which serves for the sum-
mer abode of our feathered visitors.

PUBLIC BATHS.

BIRMINGHAM, TUESDAY, FOUR O'CLOCK.—A meet

ing was held here to-day at one o'clock in the Town
Hall, and was most influentially attended, to consider
the propriety of establishing public baths.
Amongst those present were—Lord Calthorp ; Lord
Lyttelton ; Richard Spooner, Esq., M.P. ; James
Taylor, Esq.; G. F. 3i.funtz, Esq., M.P. ; J. James,
Esq. ' • Alderman Cutler ; Alderman Weston ; the
Rev. J. Garbett, rural dean; the Rev. T. Lee; the
Hon. and Rev. J. York ; J. Sturge, Esq.; E. Lee,
Esq.; W. Phipson, Esq. ; J. Bourne, Esq., high
sheriff; and Dr. Birt Davies.
The MArox having opened the business by reading
letters from the Bishop of the diocese, Sir T. Gooch,
&c., approving of the object of the meeting,
Lord LTTTELTON moved the first resolution. With
that portion of the resolution which referred more im-
mediately to their locality, they were better ac-
quainted with its merits than he was ; but upon the
general principle he might, perhaps, be allowed to say
a few words. The great utility of public baths had

now become almost universally acknowledged and re-
cognised throughout the country. The principle had
been tried in Liverpool, and with such success as left
no doubt of its practicability. It was well known
that an abundant supply of good water had the most
momentous effect upon the health of a population so
dense as that of Birmingham, and, in his opinion,
every means ought to be used to afford the inhabi-
tants the most ample means of cleanliness and recre-
ation.

JAMES TAYLOR, Esq., seconded the resolution.
They would require four sets of baths for Birming-
ham, each of which would cost about 3,000/. This,
added to the purchase money of the land, would ren-
der an outlay of 15,000/. necessary. He thought
they could not confer a greater advantage on the
working classes than by first establishing baths for
them.

Mr. MASON (a Chartist) could not, in justice to
himself, or the class he represented, refrain from ex-
pressing his thanks to the nobility and gentry ho
had on that occasion come forward to co-operate in
an undertaking which could not fail to be beneficial
to the working classes. He hoped, however, they
would not stop there, but that they would continue
the work of improvement. He hoped that day might
be considered as the beginning of a new era, and that
the Noble Lords, and others whom he saw around
him, would do in this neighbourhood as Lord Ashley
had done in Manchester, visit the abodes of wretched-
ness, and behold with their own eyes the wants of
the poor, and, if they did so, they would soon learn
that there were thousands in a state of destitution,
which would prevent them from availing themselves
of the advantages which the project of that day would
afford to the workmen who were in employment and
the receipt of good wages.
Other resolutions, to forward the object for which
the meeting had assembled, were moved and seconded
by Lord Calthorpe, the Rev. Mr. Garbett, the Hon.
and Rev. Mr. Yorke, and R. Spooner, Esq.
The CHAIRMAN then announced the following
amongst other subscriptions, which he had received
towards the object of the meeting:—Lord Howe,
1001.; Taylor and Loyds, 2001. ; James Taylor, Esq.,
50/. ; Messrs. Attwood and Spooner, 2001. ; Chance,
Brothers, 1001.; John Whitfield, Esq., 1001.; Thomas
Phillips, Esq., mayor, 1001.; S. Beale, Esq., 501.
J. James, sq., 501.; Lord Lyttelton, 101. 10s. ;
J. Sturge, Esq., 501. • J. Bourne, Esq., 50/. ; Lord
Calthorpe, 100/. ; G. F. Muntz, Esq., M.P., 501.
There were also a variety of subscriptions varying
from 201. to 11. each, making in all nearly 3,0001.
The next resolution was moved by Mr. HABLow
(a working man), the purport of which was an appeal
to the various benefit societies of the town, in support
of the erection of public baths.
The resolution was seconded by Mr. WHEBLEY
supported by Mr. HILL, and carried unanimously.
C. N. NEWDIGATE, Esq., M.P., in moving a reso-
lution, said, although he concurred entirely in the
suggestion thrown out by Mr. Taylor, that they would
confine themselves, in the first instance, to the esta-
blishment of public baths, he hoped,- nevertheless, that
that they would not lose sight of places of recreation
and public resort for the working classes; and if on ,
any future occasion his services should be required,
most happy, indeed, would he be to afford the com-
mittee all the aid in his power.
The meeting was subsequently addressed by M.D.
HILL, Esq., recorder of the borough, in a very elo-
quent speech.
Further subscriptions were announced, and the
meeting separated at half-past four o'clock.

TERMINATION of the TURN-OUT

STOCKPORT.—At the beginning of this week the mills
in full work were those of Messrs. Orrell,Gee, Fernley,
Wilkinson (Heaton-lane), Axon, Littlewood, Pen.
dlebury, Little, Hollins, Andrew Stuart, and Henry
Hunt. Partially—Messrs. W. and C. Howard, John
Lee, Robinson, Jessie Howard, Marshal, Mayer.
Spinners all out—Messrs. Wilkinson (Portwood), T.
Leigh, Whitelegg, Barlow, Holt, Lingard and Crut-
tenden, Reid, Eskrigge, T. llunt, and Ogden. In
consequence of the turn-out of the spinners, great
numbers of hands employed in the other departments
were reduced to a state of compulsory idleness.
the effect, however, was evident at the end of last
week ; their resources were becoming exhausted, and
in order to attain their object they were necessitated to
resort to practices of an unlawful character. On Friday
and Saturday, " picketting" the mills became very
general, and some inconvenience was experienced in
consequence. Mr. Howard's, Mr. Robinson's, and
Messrs. Marshall's hands were, in some instances, ob-
structed. The police had information of the circum-
stance, and, by four o'clock on Monday morning,
were on the watch, going round to the mills at work,
to afford protection to the hands as soon as the mills
started. Nothing material, however, occurred.
Several private meetings of the spinners were held,
and, on Monday afternoon, a public meeting
of the power-loom weavers was held on Waterloo-
road, at which speeches were made and re-
solutions passed, expressive of sympathy with
the spinners under present circumstances, and of
a determination on their own part topersevere in their
demand for a second rise of five per cent. Com-
mittees of each party were also recommended, as
efficient means to attain that object. Yesterday, how-
ever, it was notified to the masters that the hands were
disposed to return to their employment at the old
rate, and that the whole of them were prepared to re-
sume work this (Wednesday) morning. Messrs.
Eskrigge's hands returned to work yesterday morn-
ing, and Messrs. Hole, Lingard, and Cruttenden's
hands signified their willingness to do the same. The
turn-out may therefore be considered at an end.—
Manchester Guardian.

ARRIVAL OF THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF SAXE
Copunc.—Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and
Duchess of Saxe Coburg, the Prince Ernest of Wurtem-
burg, and suites, arrived this morning at Dover, at three
o'clock, from Ostend, by the Black Eagle. Captain
Seymour arrived by special train on Tuesday morning,
and ordered apartments at the Ship Hotel for the illus-
trious guests. After breakfast their Royal llighnesses
left for London by special train, and on their arrival in
own left by a second for Windsor.
SIR HENRY POTTINGER.—We state, on what we
conceive to be good authority, that her Majesty's Minis-
tors have advised the Sovereign to confer a high distinc-
tion on Sir Henry Pottinger for his diplomatic services
in China.

-Y
-----
ENGLISH THEATRICALS IN PARIS.—Mr. Mitchell,
of Bond-street, has completed his arrangements for the
performance of English plays at the Theatre Italienne,
at Paris, the principal members of the company engaged
are Mr. Macready, Miss Helen Faucit, and Mrs. Selby,
Messrs. Dale, Graham, Ryder, Cowle, Bird, Millington,
W. Bennett, Courtney, and Woolgar, who will leave
London for Paris on Sunday next. The performances
will commence on the 2d of December, with Othello, to
be followed by representations of the principal tragedies
of Shakspeare, the Lady of Lyons, and Werner. The
company will afterwards visit the principal towns in the
provinces, and if arrangements permit, proceed to St.
Petersburgh. The King of the French, who patronises
the undertaking, has taken a box for the whole series o
performance, and has signified his intention of visiting
the theatre in state.

STATE or TRADE.— The yarn market continues as
firm as for several weeks past, and most spinners of the
current shipping qualities are engaged for the remainder
of the year. In goods there has been less business
done, but prices are firm. ROCHDALE FLANNEL
144RICZT, MONDAY, Nov. 18.—There has been some
little improvement in the demand for goods to-day, but
no alteration in the rates. The price of wool may bo
quoted the same as that of last Monday, with a limited
demand for that article.—Manchester Guardian.
WitEcx..—Last week, the smack Lord Nelson, from
Ipswich, was wrecked on entering Southwold Harbour.
The crow clung to the mast-head, and were saved by
ropes thrown from tho shore.

LAW INTELLIGENCE.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, Nov. 20.
BURGESS V. BEAUMONT.

This was an action for services in the tuition of the
defendant's family.
The defendant pleaded that the plaintiff had been
guilty of dishonest and immoral conduct, and was not
fit to fill the situation of governess in a gentleman's
family. To this plaintiff demurred, and the argu-
ment came on this day.
Mr. Sergeant Talfourd appeared in support of the
demurrer; and the Court, after hearing Mr. Sergeant
Byles for the defence, resolved that the plea was bad.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE.
(YESTERDAY.)
MANSION-HOUSE.

THE PRENCII FRAUDULENT BANKRUPTCY.—This
case, which has created very great interest in this
country and abroad, as being the first application
under the Convention Act, was again brought for-
ward, upon an application to the Lord Mayor to
grant a warrant to arrest Jaques Besset, a French
merchant residing in London, accused of the French
crime of" fraudulent bankruptcy."
Mr. E. James applied as counsel for the pro-
secuting creditors, and narrated that the Court of
Queen's Bench held the warrant bad upon the ground
of a defect in the statement of the crime and the
direction to the gaoler, and had made no decision as
to the substance of the crime itself. By granting a
warrant, the Lord Mayor would afford an opportunity
of initiating proceedings de novo, and thus clear away
a difficulty only occasioned in the first instance by
the illegality of the instrument upon which Besset
was committed to the custody of the keeper of the
gaol. The necessary documentary proofs recognised
by the French law were ready, and the Learned
Counsel submitted that there could be no valid ground
for refusing the warrant under all the circumstances.
The LORD MAYOR intimated that he would attend
to any witnesses the Learned Counsel might think
proper to call.
Mr. Jean Elme Vincent Dubois then produced the
original warrant against Jaques Besset, which charged
that individual with " fraudulent bankruptcy," a com-
plex offence, committed by more than one person.
Witness knew Besset, and that the warrant, signed
by a competent authority, had been issued
against him upon the depositions and documents of
correspondence proved before the Tribunal of the First
Instance, in Paris.
M. Alphonse Dost Noel, a French notary, stated
that he was acquainted with the French law, and the
criminal law of France. He deposed to the legality
of the French warrant, and the course of proceeding
from which that warrant resulted.
The LORD MAYOR said that he had looked very
particularly into the Act, and as the person accused of
fraudulent bankruptcy could not be committed fur
such an offence in this country, he did not see how
he, as a magistrate, could be justified in issuing a
warrant for the apprehension of an individual so
charged.
Mr. James impressed upon his Lordship the very
grave importance of such a decision. If this warrant
could not be granted, the whole object and intention
of the Act would be defeated. The object of the
Convention would be frustrated if a large and liberal
construction of the Act were not given. It was not
necessary that the crime should be a crime known to
the laws of this country. It was a crime against the
laws of France, but must be supported by such evi-
dence as, if it were a crime by the laws of this country,
would justify a magistrate in committing.
The LORD MAYOR—He is charged as being an
accomplice ?
Mr. James—No. He is charged with having com-
mitted a crime of " complicite"—a very different thing.
The Learned Counsel then cited French authorities
upon the subject, and urged his Lordship to grant
the warrant.
The LORD MAYOR said he was not convinced, by
what he had heard, that he would be justified in
acceding to the application.
Mr. James—Really the effect of this decision of
your Lordship will be to neutralise the important
objects of the Act of Convention.
The LORD MAYOR—I have looked through the Act
with great care and attention, and I cannot come to
any other conclusion.
Thomas Batt, a labouring man, was charged under
curious circumstances.
On Saturday last the prisoner was brought before
the Lord Mayor.
A policeman stated that at nearly half-past ten
o'clock that morning he saw the prisoner in the street
with a cask on his head, and stopped him. The pri-
soner said, upon being questioned, that a person
named Darby had given it to him to carry. This ex-
cuse, in such frequent use with thieves, and the igno-
rance of the prisoner as to the contents of the cask,
caused very strong suspicion that the property had
been stolen out of some cart or warehouse.
The prisoner, upon being asked by the LORD
MAYOR what he had to say about the matter, de-
clared that a Mr. Darby had given him the job at the
end of the Minories, and had told him to go to the
corner of Chiswell-street, where they would meet,
but the policeman thought proper to take him to the
station- house.
The prisoner was remanded, and inquiries were
directed to be made respecting the cask, which was
found to contain mustard.
Yesterday, when the prisoner was placed at the
bar, a man of respectable appearance, who stated his
name to be James Darby, came forward and ex-
pressed much regret that the prisoner, who had not
committed the slightest offence, should have under-
gone four days' imprisonment, and be placed at the
bar as a common felon.
In answer t 3 questions from the LORD MAYOR,
the witness who thus came forward stated that he
resided at No. 5, Paradise-place, Finsbury, and was
a drysalter. That on Saturday morning, as he was
pitting at his breakfast, the prisoner, of whom he had
no knowledge, called upon him with a recommenda-
tion from a person with whom he was well ac-
quainted, for employment, if any opportunity should
occur. Having been requested to call in half an hour,
the prisoner was punctual, and walked with witness
to the top of the Minories, near Tower-street, where
witness gave him the cask of mustard, and desired
him to go on with it to the bottom of Chiswell-street,
where they would meet. 'Witness never had seen
the man since until he saw him at the bar, and ac•
tually thought that he had been run over in the
streets, and probably consigned to an hospital.
The LORD lliroa asked how it happened that the
witness delivered the cask of mustard to the prisoner
in the street, and not at his house or warehouse ; and
intimated that the very remarkable description of the
delivery was of itself calculated to excite suspicion
against more than one party.
Mr. Darby handed to the Lord Mayor an invoice
of the cask of mustard, which it appeared had been
purchased at a house near the spot in which he had
delivered it to the prisoner. He stated at the same
time that he was not obliged to let people know his
way of conducting his commercial transactions, and
he asserted that the officer had no right to stop the
prisoner, but ought to have accompanied him to
Chiswell-street, where the whole mystery would have
been solved at once.
The LORD MAYOR said the policeman was perfectly
justified in apprehending a man under such suspicious
circumstances, similar as they were to those under
which numbers of thieves were daily taken into cus-
tody. Whatever might be the opinion of Mr. Darby
as Ito the confinement of the poor man, he (Mr.
Darby) certainly was the cause of it himself by the
extraordinary course he had pursued.
Witness—l shall deliver my goods how and where
I please.
The LORD MAYOR thought if the witness did so
he might subject his messenger to similar treatmen
at another time.

The prisoner was then discharged.
CLERKEIV WELL.

Four fashionably-dressed young men, named
Walter Safe, William Allen, William Foy, and
Charles Ross, were charged with knocking at
doors, ringing bells, breaking windows, and otherwise
annoying the inhabitants of Brunswick-square and
its vicinity, on the previous night. Ross described
himself as a clerk in the office of an army agent.
Police-constable Dunne, 71 E, deposed that being
on duty in Hunter-street, Brunswick-square, on the
previous night, ho heard the prisoners, with six others,
shouting and hallooing in hunter-street. Soon after
he saw Saffe and Foy knock at the door of 26 and
27, Brunswick-square. A lady came to the window
in her night-dress, apparently much alarmed. Ross
then rung the bell of Mr. Maddox, a surgeon, in the
square, very violently. They then returned to Hun-
ter-street, throwing halfpence at the windows as they
went along, and shouting loudly. They continued
this conduct along Judd-street, and into thA New_
road. Witness once attempted to stop their pro-
ceedings, but they pushed him away, and seeing so
large a number, he thought it better to follow them
until he could meet assistance, which he did in the
New-road, where the four prisoners, who were by far
the most ill-conducted, were captured. It was then
two o'clock.
Mr. George Worrall, 28, Hunter-street, Bruns-
fsammiaslhyinwgeroef
glass.wi c
greatlyk - ua
plaa
alarmed
eni ,ne e
iddne
bphyoi
ss et
parlour
rtlhoautr shoutingh himself
windowsae
nlfd
ha
tnandde
been broken.
Emma Andrews, servant to the Rev. Mr. Cum-
amlainrgm,eddepboysetdhethnaotisAelrtsh.
that
tumshme Cumming had been
in
been so much
alarmed
a
state
great nervous excitement. Her mistress was under
the impression that the house was on fire, and jumped
m of
out of bed and knocked at witness's door in the

greatest terror.
Mr. Herbert Sniggs, of 17, Hunter-street, deposed
that his family had been greatly alarmed from a similar
cause. A pane of glass, value Ss. &L, had been
broken in his window.

The prisoners said that they had been at a harmonic
concert in Lamb's Conduit-street. They denied the
charge.

Mr. COMM said it was most disgraceful conduct,
and their demeanour in court, which was expressive
of anything but regret, was not at all creditable. Be-
sides, they had imputed gross perjury to the police-
man, who, it was evident, told the truth. He would
fine them each in the full amount of damage proved
to have been committed by them, I is. 6d., and 21., or
a month's imprisonment.
MARLBOROUGH-STREET.

Yesterday a person named Edward Roche was
brought before Mr. Hardwick, charged with inter-
marrying with Elizabeth Flack, his former wife being
still alive.
It appeared that the prisoner was married in Cork
26 years ago, and that after living with his wife about
seven years he deserted her, and left her destitute
with three young children. About five years ago he
met with Elizabeth)Flack, and having married her, he
took the Sun public-house in Heddon-street. The
first wife having obtained information of her hus-
band's proceedings, came over to England, and, find-
ing that she was renounced by her husband, threw
herself upon the parish, in order to compel him to
allow her a maintenance. The second wife having
been put in possession of unquestionable evidence of
the prisoner's infamous conduct towards her, immedi-
ately separated from him and took a coffee-shop in
Sherrard-street.
In proof of the double marriage, the first wife was
put in the witness-box. She produced her certificate,
_ _

Mr. HARDWICK said that the evidence of this wi

ness could not be received. The first marriage must
be proved, not by the wife, but by witnesses.
The wife said all the witnesses were dead but one,
and that one was living in Cork.
Mr. HARDWICK said the question now appeared to
be one of expense—who was to defray the expense
of procuring the personal attendance of the witness ?
A solicitor, who attended on behalf of the prisoner,
said, even admitting that clear evidence could be
brought forward of the validity of the first marriage,
a point, however, in dispute, he had a complete answer
to the charge. He would admit that the first and
second marriages had taken place, and his answer
was that the defendant could not be called upon to
pay the penalty of bigamy, inasmuch as he had lived
apart from his wife for more than seven years. The
9th of George IV., chapters M and 32, expressly
stated that when either husband or wife continually
remained absent from each other for the space of
seven years then last past, and had not been known
by the other to be living within that time, "that he
should not be liable to the consequences of bigamy."
He could prove that the alleged first wife and the
defendant had no intercourse or communication with
each other for ten or twelve years, and that therefore
the husband had a perfect right to consider his first
wife dead, she being really dead in law, and to marry
again.
Mr. HARDWICK wished to know how proof could
be given that the party charged with bigamy did not
know of the existence of his wife ? The solicitor
said he apprehended it was not necessary to furnish
any proof. It was only necessary to show that the
parties had been asunder for seven years, and that they
had had no communication with one another for that
period, to entitle a party to the benefit of that clause.
Mr. HARDWICK said, such a construction of the
Act involved a manifest absurdity. According to
this view of the law, it was only necessary for either
husband or wife to conceal him or herself for a space
of seven years to entitle them to marry again without
rendering themselves liable to an indictment for
bigamy. In the present case, the husband deserted
his wife and family. He knew where to find them,
but they knew not where to find him. He chose
; voluntarily to conceal himself from them for more
than the space of seven years ; there was no want of
evidence of the existence of his wife, and it brought
him within the meaning of the Act.
The solicitor said he would not attempt to argue
the rationale of the Act. What he contended for
was, that a penal Act ought to be literally and
strictly construed. The Court must look to the
words, and must be guided by their plain meaning.
The Act in question did not require the husband to
make himself acquainted with the existence of his
wife, any more than it required the wife to know
that the husband was alive. However, he proposed
to reserve further discussion on the objection, as he
was in a situation to disprove the validity of the first
marriage.
Mr. Helnwicx said, the first step would be to
procure evidence of the first marriage, as the parties
were not in a situation to defray the expense, and
application must be made to a judge at the Central
Criminal Court, to allow a sufficient sum to cover
the necessary charges.
Police-sergeant Whall was then desired to make
arrangements for procuring the attendance of the sur-
viving witness of the first marriage.
The defendant was then remanded for a week.
W OR SHIP- S TREE T.

Yesterday a miserable-looking man, named Cannell,
stated to have formerly been a milkman in Hoxton,
waited upon Mr. Broughton, and asked his advice.
The applicant said—l am a native of Ely, in Cam-
bridgeshire, but had a good business in Hoxton here,
for many years, until I unfortunately went out of
my mind. When I came out of the madhouse, in
July last, I attended to my trade as usual, but an-
other man started in the same business in opposition
to me, I was ruined by it. Finding myself in
this state, I applied to Mr. Coste, the relieving officer
of Shoreditch, and asked him to write a letter for me
to the board of guardians to my native place, asking
them for only 3/. or 4/. to set me up again, and, as
I am very well known to several gentlemen down
there, I was certain of receiving the money. But
Mr. Coste told me he should not do any such thing,
and I was obliged to go and get work as a common
sewer labourer, and worked in that manner all through
the last winter.
Mr. BROUGHTON—Why do you not try to get work
now ? Cannell—l can't ; there is no surgeon in the
country would say that I am fit for work now, for
while I was employed at the sewer-work a few weeks
ago, and standing on the edge of a bank that was
thrown up, a wretch of a boy came behind me, and
pushed me down into the sewer, by which three of my
ribs were dislocated.
Mr. Bitouoirrox—Why did you not give the boy
into custody ? Cannell—l could not, for I was so
stunned and injured that they carried me home imme-
diately, and before I had sense enough to think about
it, the boy had gone away. The foreman of the works
of course discharged me, and gave me 45., but that
was of no use in my state, and I applied to the parish
for assistance, but they refused to give me anything,
and though I have applied a great number of times
since, they still refuse me.
Staines (the beadle of Shoreditch)—l don't know
anything of the case myself, Sir, but I will give him
an order for the house immediately, if he likes to
go in.
Cannell—The order's of no use to me, for they
won't take me in—l know they won't—they've told
me so several times—unless my wife and children go
in too. My wife has the strongest dislike possible to
go in, and is determined not, and as she can contrive
to keep herself out of the house, though she can't
support me too, I am willing to separate myself from
her and go into the house by myself ; but they will
not take me in alone, and here am I wandering about
almost starving, for I have not had a bit or sup in my
mouth all this day.
Mr. BROUGHTON—But, as that is the case, why
don't you try to persuade your wife to go into the
house with you ? Cannell—She is determined not,
and I can't force her to do it. I have pawned and
sold everything I had that would fetch any money, till
now I have not got anything more to sell. It's very
hard to be refused relief, after paying rates for many
years.
Mr. BROUGHTON—Perhaps you have not properly
explained yourself to the parish authorities ; for if
you had I should think they would take you in at
once, and pass you in the regular way as soon as
possible to your native place.
Cannell—Oh, yes, I have, Sir ; I have explained it
a great many times, but it's all of no use, for they
won't listen to it, and tell me as positively as possible
that they don't intend to take me in unless my wife
goes in too, and that she won't.
Mr. BROUGHTON—WeII, I'll give you Is. from the
poor-box, to provide you with food and lodging for
to-night, and one of the officers shall call upon Mr.
Coste, and explain to him the nature of your applica-
tion and the distress you are in. I
dare say the
officer's intercession on your behalf will induce Mr.
Coste to take you into the house without your family,
and pass you in the regular way to your own parish.