The Sun.
London, England, 1844-03-14 00:00:00

TAN PARISHES.

Monday a numerous meeting of deputations from various
metropolitan parishes was held at the Marylebone Court-
house, for the purpose of considering certain clauses in the Bill
now before Parliament for altering and amending the Poor-
law Act. Amongst the deputations In attendance were those
from St. Luke's, Middlesex ; St. James, Westminster ; St.
George's, Hanover-square ; St. James, Clerkenwell ; St.
Pancras; St. Mary's, Islington ; St. Margaret's, St. John's,
and St. Leonard's, Shoreditch.

Mr. KIRBY, a barrister, was in the chair, and after stating
the objects for which the meeting had been convened, said,
that the representatives of those parishes which had the ad-
vantage of possessing local Acts, could not but feel that
the amended Poor-law Bill, now before the House of Com-
mons, was a fatal blow about to be aimed at their independ-
ence.—(Hear, hear.) Should the 56th clause of that amended
Bill be suffered to pass the Legislature, their in-
dependence
was not only totally gone, but they would be
placed entirely under the control of the Poor-law Commis-
sioners. Then, with regard to the proposed establishment
of district asylums and schools, there would not only be a
great increase of expense inflicted on the various parishes,
but the very fact of such clauses being inserted in the Bill
implied that they were not able to manage their own affairs,
or that they had grossly abused the trust reposed in them.—
(Hear, hear.) It was admitted, on all hands, that the parish
of Marylebone was never so well conducted as it had been
since it had been under the control of Hobhouse's Vestries'
Act; find this was borne out by the fact that the rates had
been reduced from 4s. 4d. in the pound to 35., and a further
reduction was still contemplated; but be would ask what
might they not have to expect under the control of the
Poor-law Commissioners?—(Hear, hear.) It was clear that
the system of centralisation sought to be carried out by the
amended Poor-law Bill was not at all adapted to parishes like
those of Marylebone and others who were represented there
that day.—(Hear, hear.)
Letters were here read by Mr. Thorne, the Secretary to the
Board of Guardians, from Mr. Temple Leader, M.P., Mr.
Duncombe, M.P., the Hon. Captain Rous, M.P., all of which
agreed in the expediency of opposing those clauses affecting
the Local Acts referred to.

Mr. MAuLE, of Saville-row (Churchwarden of St. James,
Westminster), said that a Committee of their vestry had
been appointed, to ascertain in what particulars the amended
Poor-law Bill encroached on the local Act of St. James's.
They unanimously came to a resolution—" That the general
principles of the Bill so entirely destroy or materially affect
the local Act of this parish, as in the opinion of this Com-
mittee to render it desirable that the same should be strenu-
ously opposed.—(Hear, hear.) By the general principles of
the Bill, he (Mr. Maule) begged to observe that the autho-
rities (-ISt. James's did not mean to impugn by wholesale
the Poor-law ; but, at the same time, they wished clearly and
distinctly to express their strong conviction that the pro-
posed appendage did not act fairly and honestly with exist
ing parochial Acts. Its effect would be utterly to displace
all sorts of local government, and destroy the present salu-
tary establishment of an independent board of auditors
chosen by the rate-payers.—(Hear, hear.) The apprentice-
ship clauses of the Bill were most partial and unjust, and the
district houses for the destitute and district schools were not
required. Taking the Bill in many of its leading features,
he considered it deserved their strenuous and determined op-
position.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. G. DANIELL wished the Chairman to inquire if there
were any gentlemen present who had formed part of the de-
putation which had waited on Sir James Graham on the
subject of the Bill, as they might be enabled to afford the
meeting information.
Mr. JOSEPH said that the deputation merely consisted of
Members of Parliament, as he understood was indicated in
the letter from Sir Charles Napier, read to the vestry of
Marylebone on Saturday, and which he would now move be
read to that meeting.
The resolution having been seconded and carried, the
letter from Sir Charles Napier to the Vestry-clerk of St.
Marylebone was read by Mr. Thorne, as follows :
" March 8, 1844.
" Sir,—l only received your letter this night, on my arrival
from the country. I shall not fail to attend the meeting.
" I was with Sir James Graham this morning, with other
Members. He declined discussing the question of asylums,
but will consider the 28th clause.
" Relative to the 56th clause, Sir James declares that he
has no wish to touch the unions under local Acts, and he
means to alter the clause. All he wishes is, to oblige unions
under local Acts to hold their meetings as often as the unions
under the Commissioners do, and to oblige them to have a
Chairman and Vice-Chairman ; but, even if the clause stands,
it does not affect Marylebone, because the population is
above 20,000.—1 am, Sir, your obedient servant,
" CHARLES NAPIER.
" C. Flood, Esq., Vestry-clerk, St. Marylebone."
The above letter was received with derisive laughter, and
cries of " Oh !"

Mr. DANIELL said that every sentence in the amended Bill
was diametrically opposed to each sentence of the Gallant
Commodore's letter.—(Hear.) Why, every person who pe-
rused this Bill of Sir James Graham's, put a different con-
struction upon the meaning of its various clauses. If this
Bill was to become a law, and they were to obey that law,
it should be clearly defined. Sir James Graham first asserts
that the Bill will interfere with parishes having local Acts—
and then he says it will not The purpose of the Bill was
for nothing less than to carry out a scheme of centralisation
in order that the whole and sole control of large parishes
should be under the management of the Government. Let
every man then be up and doing—let every parish now go-
verned by local Acts be active, and prevent, to the best of
their ability, their being placed under the thumb of the Poor-
law Commuisioners.—(Hear, hear.) Mr. Daniell then moved
the following resolution :—" That the experience of many
years has proved the inestimable value of local and inde-
pendent boards, which are justly popular with rate-payers
generally, and have been mainly instrumental in fostering
the spirit of liberality, and endearing to Englishmen the oces-
stitution of this country."
Mr. HOWARTH, churchwarden of St. Pancras parish, after
some strong preliminary remarks, moved, " That the Poor-
law Amendment Bill, now before the House of Commons,
contained provisions which, if enacted, will increase the ar-
bitrary power of the Poor-law Commissioners, subvert the
ancient independence of local boards, and repeal, without
express enactment, important and valuable privileges, by
depriving rate-payers of the control over their own re-
sources in the administration of relief to their local poor."
Mr. CLARKZ, of St. Pancras, seconded the resolution, which
was unanimously carried.
Mr. MAUR begged to propose, " That the principle and
details of the Poor-law Amendment Bill are alike obnoxious ;
and the principle, as being a further centralisation of power
in an irresponsible body, to whom are delegated the functions
of the three estates of the realm to issue rules having the
force of law—the details, as being calculated, through the
power given to the Poor4aw Commissioners, to render the
operation of the law vexatious and contrary to that mild
spirit which has endured for centuries during which the
powersletnained unfettered in local representatives to protect
and relieve their own poor." This resolution having been
seconded, was carried nem. dis.

Mr. RATIIIIONE proposed the following resolution :—" That
the amended Poor-law Bill, proposed to give absolute con-
trol to the Poor-law Commissioners over parish apprentices ;
that, remembering the restrictive and sectarian character of
the classes, together with the vexatious and penal regulations
as to persons taking parish apprentices, that were embodied
in the Poor-law Bill introduced in 1842, but subsequently
withdrawn, there i 3 reason to apprehend that the Poor-law

tug .

Sir B. HALL, M.P., then rose. He said that as he was
about to hasten from the meeting, he would at once state
that he should oppose any interference with the local govern..
ment of that parish, or any other in the metropolis, as sought
to be done by the amended Poor-law Bill. Further, he should
be proud to accompany the deputation to Sir James Graham,
and to do anything in his power to oppose the passing of a Bill
which would interfere in the management of the affairs of
that parish.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. PorrEn inquired of the Right Hon. Baronet if he did
not think they would succeed more effectually in their object,
if they could have an interview with the Premier?
Sir B. HALL—Even if an interview were obtained with Sir
Robert Peel, the probability would be that the deputation
would be referred to Sir James Graham. Sir 'Robert Peel had
enough to do, and would, he felt assured, not meddle with
the province of the Home Secretary.—(Hear.)
Mr. PERRY then moved and Mr. CLERK seconded a reso-
lution—" That it is the decided opinion of this meeting that
every parish having 20,000 inhabitants, and governed by a
local Act, ought to be exempted from the operation of the!siiid
Bill, as containing within itself sufficient material for efficient
local self-government, and for the economical managementlof
its own poor."
Mr. RArrx, of Shoreditch, said there was a portion of the
Bill which had not been referred to—he meant the bastardy
clauses. These clauses he considered were cruel in the ex-
treme as regarded the female, for she was compelled within
six weeks after the child was born to affiliate it, or in failing
she would be debarred from receiving relief. An enlightened
country, like England, he contended, was disgraced by
having such clauses introduced into any Bill. With respect
to the resolution he was about to propose, he must say he
fully coincided in it. Though politically opposed to the prin-
ciples of the Times newspaper, still he must say, that for the
advocacy of the poor, and the strenuous opposition that jour-
nal had given to this Bill, the zeal and ability with which
those gentlemen connected with it had supported the poor
against everything ilia t was bad in policy or unjust in prin-
ciple, called forth the cordial thanks of all those who were
anxious to better the condition of their poorer brethren.—
(Hear, hear.) He begged leave to move :
" That the thanks of this meeting be given, and they are
hereby given accordingly, to the Times newspaper, for its
strenuous and consistent advocacy of the rights of the poor,
and for the numerous able articles which have appeared
therein, extending over a period of ten years, under different
Administrations, ably advocating the constitutional rights_ of
the people, and fearlessly asserting the duties of the Legis-
lative and private benevolence, as relates to the poor and
their relief."

Mr. JOSEPH seconded the resolution, which was carried
unanimously.
A deputation was then appointed, to be composed of Mem-
bers of Parliament, churchwardens, and chairmen of the
boards of guardians of the different metropolitan parishes; to
wait upon Sir James Graham with reference to the Bill not,
to interfere with parishes under local Acts. •

Thanks having been voted to the Chair, the meeting sepa-
rated.

REMARKABLE TROUT.—The largest fish of the
above description taken from the river Thames for some
years was captured by a gentleman, whilst casting his line
upon the waters at Hampton, on Friday last. It measured
2 feet 6 inches in length, and weighed 131bs. 2oz. The par-
ties submitted their prize to Mr. Groves, the fishmonger,,at
Charing-cross, with the artificial fly fixed in the captive's
mouth. The fly was the " red palmer." Had this fish been
in full season, it is considered by piscatorial judges that it
would have attained the great weight of 151bs.
INCENDIARISM IN LONDON.—AB attempt to s t
fire to the extensive premises of Messrs. Grissell and Peto, of
the York-road, Lambeth, took place on Friday se'nnight, but,
fortunately was discovered. Another attempt happened on
last Friday night, and near the same spot. The West of
England firemen with their engine from the Waterloo-road
were soon in attendance, but fortunately the damage only
amounted to about 20/. The firm have determined in future
to have a night fireman, so as, if possible, to protect their
property.
PENTONVILLE PRISON.— According to a return
made to Parliament, the number of prisoners at present in
the Pentonville Model Prison is 537. Since it was opened
in December, 1842, three prisoners have been removed be
Bethlehem Hospital on the ground of insanity, and still con-
tinue insane. There are now no inmates in the prison who
are treated as labouring under hallucination, delusion, mad-
ness, or a marked tendency to mental disease.
BODY FOUND AMONG THE SNow.—Last week
one of Sir G. M'Kenzie's gamekeepers was found lying dead
upon the snow some miles to the south of Dalwhinnie. He
had been observed, a few hours before, going along the road,
followed by a dog ; and when discovered, his corpse was still
attended by the faithful animal. It is supposed that the
cold had induced drowsiness, and that, incautiously giving
way to the pleasant sensation, he had lain himself down to
sleep, not anticipating that that sleep was to be the sleep of
death.—Perth Advertiser.

WOOLWICH.—ROYAL MARINES.—A. detachment
of the 'Woolwich division, consisting of 1 serjeant, 1 corporal,
and 16 privates, embarked at the Woolwich dockyard on
Saturday, in the hired ship London, at present taking on
board convicts for Van Dieman's Land. The marines are all
artificers or mechanics, and have volunteered for service at
Port Essington. A detachment of the 58th Regiment will
take charge of the convicts on board the London during her
voyage to the penal settlements.
FRIGHTFUL COACH ACCIDENT IN THE ISLE OF
MAN.—DOUGLAS, MARCH 9.—On Wednesday evening last,
between five and six o'clock, the coach Falcon, running be-
tween this place and Peel, left with a full complement of
passengers, when, on arriving at the hill leading down to the
Union Mills, one of the springs broke, followed immediately
by the snapping of the pole. The horses now became un-
manageable, and broke away from the harness, leaving the
coach, which ran down the hill with a fearful velocity, and
striking against the parapet of the bridge, threw the driver
and passengers, some over the bridge into the river,
and some on to the road ; it then rebounded, and
again came in _ contact with the bridge, and cast the
remainder of the passengers from . their places on to
the road, all of whom were more or less seriously
injured. Mr. William Faragher, merchant tailor, of Peel,
was picked up in a dreadful state, the wheels having passed
over his head, and cut his lower jaw completely open, splitting
his nose into three parts, besides inflicting other serious
wounds, of which he died yesterday (Friday). The wheels
of the coach also went over the body of the driver, who is
seriously injured. Mrs. M'Carthy, wife of the gardener at
Northop, who was in an advanced state of pregnancy, had
all her ribs driven in, and died on Thursday night. Mrs.
Captain Grant, of Crosby, had her arm broken. Miss Craine,
of Peel, is severely hurt, and all the outside passengers re-
ceived more or less injury. The utmost attention was paid
to the unfortunate sufferers by the people at the Union Mills,
till the arrival of one of Mr. Braids coaches, which was sent
for to convey them on to Peel. No blame whatever attaches
to the unfortunate driver.
MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE.—On Thursday even-
ing an event took place near Aberffraw, Anglesea, which has
thrown the family of Mr. John Fuller, of Bodorgan, into
deep grief. The second son of the late Sir G. W. Tappis
Gervis, aged fourteen—a nephew and ward of Mr. Fuller,
who had arrived at Bodorgan, about a fortnight previously,
on a visit—was then missed; and being a stranger to the
locality, his absence caused much alarm to the respected
family, lest in the darkness he might have lost his way on the
sands, and got within range of the tide. Every means that
could be suggested were resorted to, but in vain, and afte;
two days' ineffectual search, the most painful anticipations
were realised by the discovery of the body of the poor youth
in a running between Bodorgan and Llanddwyn. It is sup-
posed that having become benighted, he had endeavoured to
to take a short cut homeward, but that being; short-sighted,
he had wandered into the riVer.—Carnarvon Herald.
- IGNORANCE AND CRIME.--Of the seven prisoners
charged with arson at the Essex assizes, three only were
convicted ; one of these parties appears to have been of weak
intellect, so as hardly to have been aware of the enormity
and .the danger of the crime he was committing ; and
a singular circumstance connected with these trials
is the impossibility of tracing in any case the
slightest motive for the perpetration of the offence.
It did not appear that there had been any quarrel, any
disagreement, any existing between the pri-
soners and the parties whose property was destroyed ; as
far as we could learn, the offenders were in comfortable
circumstances for labourers, being single men and in em-
ploy ; and we are therefore inclined to attribute
these crimes in a great degree to sheer reckless igno-
rance. Lord Denman, in his charge to the grand jury,
forcibly pointed to general education as the best anti-
dote to the progress of crime; and a review of the calen-
dar strongly confirms the principle which his Lordship
advocated. Of the forty-eight prisoners only two could
read and write well, one of these being charged with
burglary, and the other with uttering a thrged bill ; 13
could read and write imperfectly ; 11 could read im-
perfectly; and 22 could neither read nor write. Of
the prisoners charged with arson two could read and write
imperfectly, two read imperfectly, and three could neither
read nor write. It is a striking fact that in this boasted age
of knowledge, out of 48 accused persons nearly one-half bad
been lest in total ignorance, and only two had received any-
thing like adequate iibtitEtiola.--7Essex &raid.