The Sun.
London, England, 1845-12-11 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, THITRSDAY

LUNATIC ASYLUMS.

The following examples given by the Metropolitan
Commissioners in Lunacy in the years 1843 and 1844,
of the state and condition of the inmates in some
licensed houses, will convince the reader of the neces-
sity of providing the means of checking the abuses
and defects therein pointed out. The report is ad-
dressed to the Lord High Chancellor of England. In
noticing the houses to which the Commissioners more
pointedly allude, we deem it unnecessary in every in-
stance to mention the names of the governors or of the
county. One asylum reported, was formerly a small
gaol, the cells and rooms in which, when visited, were
:nparently in their original condition.; windows had
nOt bes7n added, excepting to the part that faced fee
public stream '• The food and other necessaries were
contracted for; 'o2.!'
rooms were deficient in every com-
fort and almost every 6::,,nvenience; they were small and
ill-ventilated; some of the lowa rooms almost dark, and
the interior of the asylum altogether out of kepair; the
two day rooms, one containing seven males, the other
five females, each measured about twelve feet by nine
feet; the floors were of soft stone, and parts of them had
been torn up and destroyed. There was no seat, table,
or any a.-ticle of furniture in the women's room, and
nothing exceint a table in the men's room. The men were
standing; the wOnen standing or sitting on the floor;
but in the presence or the Commissioners, a long board,
or seat, was introduced and fixed against the wall, upon
which, however, only four could sit; there were large
holes in the walls and ceilings; the airing courts were
small and cheerless; the floors were strewn with large
stones, either fallen or forced from the buildings, which
were dangerous weapons in the way of two of the pa-
tients, who were mischievous ; there was also among
the seven male patients one fastened in a chair, in a se-
parate room or cell. The dress of all was dirty, ragged,
and insufficient ; the stockings on the female patients
such rags only as are occasionally seen on heaps of rub-
bish ; not a single change of linen, either for the beds or
the person ; there were only sixteen straw beds, in a

most filthy state, for the eighteen patients. One patient
(a boy of nineteen), slept oa loose straw, upon a stone-
floor, in a small dark cell ; another patient (a girl), who

was convalescent, slept in the same room with the keeper
and his wife, on a bed belonging to them. Two patients
were confined in strong chairs, to which their arms were
fastened. Two were thus confined separately in small
rooms, to which scarcely any light was admitted through
the gratings; one, a woman, waq entirely naked on both
the dal s on which the Commissioners visited the asylum;
both dirty patients, and the stench was such as to be
scarcely possible to remain there. No place for exercise
during wet weather ; no books or amusements ; prayers
were never read • no clergyman attended, although a
female patient, who was occasionally depressed and ima-
gined that she had not done her duty to her child which
had died, appeared especially to require the consolation
:'(one. The allowance to the keeper and his wife (the
isia:?criz), who was well-disposed to the patients, was the
same rt:tions as the pauper patients, and 20/.: they kept
no servant ; on the first visit of the Commissioners the
keeper was abs'ent at work for some person in the neigh-
bourhood ; water only was allowed for drink ; culm and
clay for firing ; chopp'f'd straw for beds ; bread made of
barley meal and wheaten 'lour. On the second visit to
the same asylum the Commiss-.;oners say that, although
some symptoms of improvement w:_' re manifest, the place
was wholly unfit for the treatment an ;are of the insane.
Alluding to an asylum to which many paz.,ner patients
are sent from this county, the Commissioners say',- "It is
situated in a densely-crowded neighbourhood; the yards
are dull and confined, and the internal accommodations
are inconvenient and defective ; and it has no land what-
ever for employing its paupers."
"At our first visit to another house," the Commis-
sioners say, "we found a gentleman residing as a
hoarder without certificate, whom we had known as a
certified patient in one of the houses in the metropo-
litan district ; this person was evidently unfit to be at
large. The owner stated that he had been in the habit
of sometimes receiving low-spirited or desponding per-
SOAS as boarders. He also said that he had on several
occasions permitted patients in his establishment to exe-
cute deeds affecting property, but that before doing so,
he always satisfied himself that the act was proper.
There are three different houses belonging to the same
person, which are licensed, and also a cottage (since
licensed) to which parties are sometimes removed." In
a paragragh immediately following the above, the Com-
missioners say, "It is questionable whether a proprietor
of a licensed house who receive boarders of this class, or
who permits deeds to be executed by persons who are
under confinement as patients, ought to be entrusted with
a license." Instances are mentioned, referring to other
places, where imbecile persons in asylums have signed
deeds, the nature of which they did not understand.
The report, we regret to state, does not contain a
house which is spoken of by the Commissioners as a per-
feet example. Bedford is said to have been greatly im-
proved of late. The Commissioners frequently speak
of houses in language of condemnation, as concerns their
condition, as well as to the reprehensible state of accom-
modation, and the cruel system of restraint which is
practised in them, notwithstanding the services and so-
licitude which the county and borough magistrates have
evinced under the several Acts to perform a very pain-
ful duty. The Commissioners speak of numerous es-
capes of lunatics, some of which have been attented by
the most melancholy consequences ; in one instance the
insane person murdered his wife and daughter in a vio-
lent paroxysm of epileptic mania, and in a most savage
and horrid manner. It is recommended that asylums,
which are generally shut on a Sunday, should be open
to labourers, the relatives of the patients in particular,
who cannot afford to visit them at the sacrifice of a sixth
part of their week's wages.
Among other suggestions of the Commissioners for
the amendment of the laws, are the following:—That
the number of patients in one asylum shall not exceed
250—that some provision be made, from time to time,
for the removal of incurable paupers to a workhouse, to
be exclusively appropriated to such a purpose—that
every county and public asylum or hospital have a resi- ,
dent medical officer, and a visiting physician—that a full
account of all receipts and disbursements, with the pro-
perty of every county asylum, the sources and amount
of income, and the application of the same, be published
annually.
According to the last official return of lunatic paupers
in this county, there were 325, of which number, it is
stated, there is accommodation for two only in a private
asylum ; there therefore remains 323 uprovided for.
Among the examples given in the report of the cost
of land, buildings, furniture, &c., is that of Bedford,
where there is accommodation for 90 male and 90 female
paupers ; the total expenditure. including 9 acres of
land, 20,5001. Average cost per head, 1141.
Another example may be mentioned, where the Lumber
provided for approaches nearer to that required for this
county, viz., Wakefield, in Yorkshire. It is thus de-
scribed :

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.

Wootivrell, DEC. 9.—The Amphion, 36 guns, building
',S'<ote-ich Dockyard, is to he Lunched on the last
day of the present month, December 31. The whole of
her 36 guns are to be 32-pounders, and she has been
fitted with a screw propeller, as an auxiliary. and on the
same plan as was adopted in fiting screw-propell-
btheemvaesstseedlsaenndgafigteteddoinn
every
erAy rrcetaicpe,exiped _ern to
.
She will
frigates, for the combined- e-' the same as other
steaming, or on either -.vantages of sailing and
The Terrible, -ste, elan, according to circumstances.
..,nabveeena crewall
pouft m. id
aTnhdebeslr
aersmfoar-
Ramsay, is t- ' .an-frigate, commissioned by Captain
her -tons !lave
ment will consist of eight 8-inch, or 68-pounder guns,
eight long 56-pounder guns, Monk's pattern, four
h -
pounders, and two 24-pounder guns. This powerful
steamer has been constructed on Mr. Lang's principle,
and her engines, of 800 horse power, have been fitted by
Maudslay, Field, ane Son ; she will be ready to be taken
out of the basin in about a week, and make her
experimental trip to try her engines and speed in
about a fortnight from this time. Some idea may be
formed of the size of the engines of this splendid vessel,
when it is stated that the Retribution, a steam-
frigate of $OO-horse power, has had seven engineers,
five engineer apprentices, and 36 stokers, making
in all forty-eight persons, employed in working the en-
gines. The importance of having intelligent and able
engineers to manage vessels of the magnitude of the Re-
tribution and Terrible, renders it desirable that the first-
engineers of frigates of that class should be made com-
missioned officers, to place them in more direct commu-
nications with their captains or commanders than at
present; the rank of the first engineer now being a
warrant-officer, under the gunner, boatswain, and car-
penter. The appointment of first-engineers to commis-
sions in first-class steam-frigates, would elevate that
branch of the service, and induce scientific persons to
remain in the Royal Navy, notwithstanding the exertions
of foreign Powers and States to induce them to leave
her Majesty's service, by bolding out promises of greater
advantages-and rank in their employment.
The Berea° Junior left her moorings off the Royal
Arsenal, and was towed down the river by the Monkey
steam-vessel, Mr. William Bryant, master. The Ba-
retto Junior has 200 convicts on board, and a guard of
the 20th Regiment of Foot, for Bermuda, and it is ex-
pected she will return with about 150 convicts from that
place, whose periods of transportation has expired, or
been commuted to five years and lesser periods, in con-
sequence of their good conduct.
The China hired convict-ship dropped down from
Deptford yesterday, to moorings off the Royal Arsenal,
to take on board convicts for Norfolk Island. It is said
that 800 convicts altogether will leave this country be-
fore the expiration of the present month.

LONDON MECHANICS' INSTITUTION.—The twenty-
second anniversary of this excellent institution was celebrated
on Tuesday evening by a grand concert in the theatre of the
institution. The proceeds of the concert were announced to
be devoted to the purchase of books for the library of the in-
stitution, the funds applicable for the purpose being, we
regret to say, unequal to the demands upon them. The
theatre was crowded to excess long before the commence-
ment of the concert. The principal performers were Mrs.
Alfred Shaw, Miss Sabilla Novello, Mrs. Weiss (late Miss
Barrett), and Messrs. Allen, Weiss, Phillips, Lazarus, E
Roberts, J. T. Cooper, and the inimitable John Parry. We
need not say that their performances were excellent—the
list of names is a sufficient guarantee. The encores were

numerous; indeed, too much—so, and although the concert

has in consequence prolonged till a very late hour, no
symptoms of weariness or displeasure were manifested by the
audience. 'We hope that the proceeds will be found to be
adequate to the demand upon the funds of the institution.
MISS CUSHMAN AND SHERIDAN KNOWLES.—This
accomplished actress, after delighting the Glasgow audiences
for the last fortnight with her admirable and varied perform-
ances, took her farewell benefit on Saturday evening. The
performances were Sheridan Knowles's play of The Wife,
and the last two acts of Guy Mannering. We were gratified
to see an overflowing house. We understand that she has
proceeded to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, to fulfil a short engage.
ment in that town, prior to appearing in London on the 29th
instant. On this occasion she will perform the part of Romeo,
and her sister, a lady who is no stranger to the American
stage, but who is new to this country, will make her appear-
ance as Juliet. We should not omit to mention a little in-
cident which occurred before the curtain rose on Saturday.
Mr. Sheridan Knowles, whose great admiration for Miss
Cushman's acting is no secret, was observed to take his seat
in the boxes, and though he seemed to shun observation, not
to court it, he was observed by some persons in the pit. The
fact of his presence spread rapidly through the house and a
round of applause—renewed again and again— saluted the
poet, and showed in a most gratifying manner the respect
of the people of Glasgow for his genius and character.—
Glasgow Argus.
THE STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES.--The trade of

this district has never been, probably, in a more flourishing
state than at the present moment. Every branch of " the
potter's art" is in full work, and good hands are sought after.
We believe that without exeeption every manufactory is in
active operation, and it is satisfactory to state that compare-
' tively little is doing for stock, but almost entirely to order.—
Staffordshire Mercury.
COMPETITION CARTOONS FOR THE ART-UNION OF
LONDON.—In order that the Committee mad• determine what
accommodation will be required for the exhibition of the
cartoons to be submitted in competition for the premium of
5001. offered by the society, artists were each requested to
send to the office on or before Monday last, a sealed letter
containing his name and address, and having on the outside
the title of his intended painting, and a motto or device, by
which the cartoon must also be distinguished. In compli-
ance with this request, 26 letters have been forwarded to the
office, and the Committee are now seeking a fitting gallery to
receive the designs. It may 130 well to mention, that artists
who have not sent intimation of their intention to forward a
cartoon are not thereby disqualified ; this was simply a re-
quest, not a stipulation.—The Builder.
TEE DEATH OF A LAUDANUM TAKER.—On TUPS-
day morning a great deal of excitement was caused in the
neighbourhood of Orchard-street, Westminster, by the dis-
covery of a man named William Wren, a carpenter, living at
6, Union-court, in such an insensible state as to leave no
doubt that death was fast approaching, and that some poison
was the cause of it, as he had been in his usual health on the
previous evening. The circumstances, as far as they were
stated at the Westminster Hospital, were as follow :—The
deceased was in the habit of taking nightly a pennyworth
of laudanum for the purpose of obtaining sleep, and on Mon-
day evening his brother brought him the usual quantity
when he went to bed. The next morning (Tuesday) he did
not get up at his usual time, and when he was called at the
hour of six, he was discovered apparently dead. The most
prompt means were instantly taken to convey him to the
Westminster Hospital, where he died in an hour and a half
after his admission. _

THE PLEASURES OF IMAGINATION.—Mr.
residing in the neighbourhood of --, called on the con-
stable of police at the Douglas station, a few mornings since,
to say that his coach-house had been broken open one night
before, and a set of new harness, which cost him 81., stolen
therefrom. The constable with one of his men instantly re-
paired to the spot, found the coach-house open (but without
apparent violence), and the harness not there ; but on further
inspection discovered the poor horse quietly grazing on the
lawn, fully harnessed as he was taken from the vehicle the
night before.—Cork Reporter.
AN AVALANCHE.—We lately mentioned that an
accident had taken place on the St. Bernard, by which
the lives of one of the monks, and three domestics attached
to the hospital, were sacrificed. The latter were inhabitants
of the Valais; and the former was M. Cart, canon of Sal-
lanches, in Faucigny. The accident arose from an enormous
avalanche from Mont Mort, to the east of the Hospital. It
was in contemplation to trace out the road along the Combs,
on the side of the valley, and Canon Cart, who was known to
be bold, robust, and the most intrepid among the brethren in
braving storms, went to direct the operation, as several tra-
vellers were expected on that day; he and his three com-
panions were thus cut off, while in the performance of an act
of hospitality and charity.—Galignaei.
PAROCHIAL SCHOOLMASTERS (SCOTLAND).—It ap-
pears from the report of the Lords' Select Committee on
Parochial Schoolmasters in Scotland (issued pursuant to an
order of their Lordships' House, dated the 7th August), that
the said Committee having met and considered the subject-
matter referred to them, and also the said petitions, and exa-
mined witnesses in relation thereto, were of opinion that
further evidence was required to enable them to make a satis-
factory report to the House upon the subject referred to their
consideration. They recommend, therefore, that a Com-
mittee be appointed immediately zfter the commencement
of the next session of Parliament, to pursue the consideration
thereof; and, in the meanwhile, had directed the evidence
already adduced before them to be laid upon the table of
the House.
SUICIDE OF MR. FISH, BANKER.—Tuesday Mr.
W akley, M.P., held an inquest in the drawing-ivem of the
Finsbury Bank for Deposits and Current Accounts, upon the
body of Mr. William Croft Fish, aged 55, proprietor of the
bank and senior churchwarden of the pariah of St. James,
Clerkenwell. Constable James Thomas, 139 G, deposed that
he was called into the bank by a servant shortly after five
o'clock, last Sunday morning, who told him that Mrs. Fish,
having missed her husband, was alarmed for his safety, and
wished him to examine the house for him. He did so, and
finding the closet door fastened upon the inside, lie forced it
open, and saw deceased dressed in a morning gown sitting in
it, and leaning a little on one side. He was quite dead, and
besides the dressing-gown only had on his shoes, shirt, and
flannel waistcoat. There was a rent in his dressing gown,
upon raising which it was ascertained that lie had shot him-
self through the right side, and that the ball (a musket one)
fellnd him
rse
double-barrelled inside
dressingpistol
(which witness with the ball produced) was discovered con-
cealed beneath the dressing gown. The right barrel was dis-
charged, and the other was loaded, having the cap on the
nipple, and the trigger cocked. Mr. Croft, chief clerk in the
bank, examined.—He knew deceased 25 years. About four
years ago he opened the bank upon his own account. Last
Saturday night he was exceedingly depressed, and complained
of his head, which he ;said was " ready to burst." By the
Coroner—There was a run upon the bank. Other evidence
having been adduced, the jury, without a moment's delibera-
tion, returned a verdict of " Temporary insanity."
FALL OF A THEATRE AT BERWICK.—For some
time past a company of itinerant players have been perform-
ing in Berwick, under the management of Mr. H. Wynn.
They had a place fitted up in the old shambles. Monday
evening being the manager's benefit the theatre was fuller
than usual, and owing to the temporary manner in which it
was fitted up the gallery gave way, and precipitated those
in it over into the pit. Some of the audience got themselves
bruised slightly, but fortunately no bones were broken.
Kelso Chronicle.
NEVER TRESPASS ON A RAILWAY.—On Friday
evening as the engine-driver of the Python, from Chester to
Crewe (Joseph Rhodes), was approaching within two miles
and a half of Crewe, with the mail train up, he saw some-
thing lying on the down-line like a human being, which he
reported to the inspector at the Crewe station, who immedi-
ately returned with the engine and picked up the body of a
respectably-dressed woman, who had been struck down by
the second-class train. ller head was broken to pieces, and
her left arm and foot cut off. It appears that the deceased is
the daughter of a respectable farmer near Bolton. Her name
was Ann Gregory. She bad lived with Mr. Hill, of Wor-
lastone Rookery, and it is supposed was repairing thither to
see some of her old fellow- servants. The deceahed, to econo-
mise and reach her destination on as good a-road as possible,
had chosen to trespass on the railway, using the precaution
to allow the expreea train to pass her, and, not being aware
that another followed so quickly, sha 1.41 a sacrifice to the
second train. This sad accident should opiate to -warp
every one not to trespass on the railway, which is more
dangerous than those unacquainted with the traffic may be
led to suppose. Let us reiterate, however cautious any one
May ths4 kirnself, never trespass on a railway.—Liverpool
41bless,

IRELANTI
DUBLIN, DEC. B.—The Jo
way, Londorirkny, 9,—,
continue ftivon—'
ten dav'
t),

...tole :1;1(16 thel Xsportssti 121:: Cod
fo Cork,
e districts, Gpaa past
Appears to have had rn injurious influence on
.e crops, sofar as those localites are concerned. The
Cork Southern Reporter, in its Jorn Circular of Satur
day's date, reiterates its opinisn, " that no little exag-
geration existed upon the subject" of the potato panic.
From Kerry, however, the accounts are not so satis-
factory.
The Derry Sentinel (Conservative), speaking of the
subsidence of the panic in that cuarter, observes:—
" The weather, during the Fist week, has been ex-
ceedingly wet and cold, severs]. showers of hail, rain,
and snow having fallen, yet we lave heard no complaints
about the potatoes; and the general opinion seems to
be that the plague is stayed. Whether a scarcity
of food may not occur, however, before the crops
of the next year come into consumption, it were
difficult to say; and every prudent precaution should
be adopted to guard against such a contin-
gency. The Hon. the Irish Society have manifested a
laudable anxiety in this matter since first the rumour of
a failure of the potato crop went abroad, having directed
their intelligent and respected agent, Mr. William Green,
to inquire into the extent of the evil, and to take what-
evcr measures he should consider advisable to mitigate
it; and we have learned, with the utmost gratification,
that Mr. Green has just received another communication
from the hon. body of which he is the representative,tothe
effect that the society is desirous to co-operate, either in a
pecuniary way or otherwise, in order to relieve the cala-
mity which is apprehended in consequence of the partial
failure in the potato crop. This is highly creditable to
them. It shows that they are mindful of the well-being
of their tenantry; and it might be more judicious on the
part of the municipal authorities to imitate their
example, and consider how a supply of cheap fuel and
provisions could be procured for the poorer classes of
the community, at this inclement season, than to spend
their time in discussing the propriety of imposing an
additional tax on their fellow-citizens, in order to keep
up their own dignity."
The Galioay Mercury, says,—
" During the present week we have made particular in-
quiries from several persons iu this locality, and gen..-
rally throughout the country, respecting the progress of
the potato disease, and we are happy to state that the
accounts received by us tend in a great degree to lessen
the alarm which was felt for this necessary article of food
in Ireland. It is admitted in all quarters that, for the
last fortnight, the rot has not spread among the sound
potatoes ; and we believe that by good management and
care the most part now untouched can be preserved. This
is cheering intelligence for the country, though the por-
tion already damaged is very considerable."

REPEAL ASSOCIATION.
The weekly meeting of the Association was held this
day, James Kelly, Esq., M.P., for Limerick, in the
chair.

The CHAIRMAN apologised for his absence from Con-
ciliation Hall for some time, and averred that that ab-
sence was not caused by any apathy in the national
cause. The Hon. Gentleman handed in 201. from some
parishes in Limerick. _ _ _

Mr. O'CONNELL, having handed in a number of re.
mittances, adverted to a further attack which had
been made upon him by the Times " Commis-
sioner." He was aware it was foolish on his part
to take any notice of the barking of the cur of the
Times, nor would he do so on the present occasion,
but for the purpose of returning his thanks to the Even-
ing Mail and Packet, Conservative journals, for the
gentlemanly feeling and disinterestedness which they
exhibited towards him. These journals were not only
not content with expressing their disbelief of the calum-
nies heaped upon him, but they actually adduced evi-
gence in his favour. If the Times were guilty of calum-
niating him (Mr. O'Connell), he held the Examiner
to be still more culpable, for that journal published
every lie that was uttered against him, but never gave
one word of the contradiction. He (Mr. O'Connell)
would not condescend to read a line in the Exa-
miner during his life unless that journal changed
hands. Mr. O'Connell having entered into some
details for the purpose of showing that the Times'
Commissioner did not visit his estate at all, continued
to say that no one need be surprised at anything com-
ing from the mother of lies (the Times). Why did the
Times fabricate that atrocious corn-law lie ? Because
its friends and supporters were speculating in corn and
the stocks, and hoped to derive profit from the atrocious
falsehood circulated on Thursday last. He then stated
that he proposed proceeding to Waterford during the
present week, for the purpose of reconciling the con-
tending repealers in that town, but he felt that his mis-
sion would be unatteaded with any beneficial results.
Mr. J. O'CoNNELL moved the appointment of Captain
Brodrick, as inspector of repeal reading-rooms ; and
having eulogised the merits and services of his " Hon. and
Gallant Friend," he proceeded to remark on the conduct
of the " Gutter Commissioner," sent over by the
" felon Times," in discovering all errors on the part
of liberal landlords, and totally whitewashing
every man at the Tory and anti-national side. After
some strong observations on this subject, the Hon. Gen
tleman read a recent article in the Merning Chronicle
on landlordism in Ireland, and also extracts from Mr.
Wiggin's book on the same subject. He denounced the
addresses of the Tipperary and Westmeath magistrates
as a trick to cover their own misdeeds, and said that
at the time when the Insurrection Act prevailed in
Ireland before, it was abused to the worst of pur-
poses. Ziese scenes they would have again, if the
the magistrates of Tipperary and Westtneath were
allowed their infamous and wicked will. If the ma
gistrates and landlords only treated the tenants with
common humanity, they would be as safe in their
houses as they were in that hall; but their tyranny made
them cowards, and therefore it was that they calum-
niated the people. It was a foul and a black lie to say
that the people were disposed to outrage without cause,
and those who uttered the falsehood knew it to be so.
Whilst denouncing the tyranny of landlords, he should,
at the same time, raise his voice in denunciation of the
crimes of the tenantry. Nothing could palliate the
hideous and horrible crime of assassination : these
crimes impeded the prosperity of the country, as, only
for since have o
hreave enjoyed the full
fruition
m,o
of
theytheir
would lg
exertions
on
in their legislative inde-
pendence.
Mr. H. GRATTAN next addressed the meeting. He
spoke in terms of strong condemnation of the call made
andiefrctihoen,for
ty.
sesvueg;
abyesttehde
tThaitppiterwaoryuldmabgeismtruactehs
gentlemen, whose names were signed to the requisition,
each armed ten dependants, and hunted down the assas-
sins. lie expressed an opinion that repeal of the union
was not merely necessary for the prosperity of Ireland,
but for the connexion of the two countries, but he could
not agree in the wholesale denunciation of landowners
indulged in by his Hon. Friend Mr. John O'Connell.
Mr. O'CONNELL then addressed the meeting at great
length, and took a review of the present state of Eng-
land as regarded her position with foreign nations.
There was nothing new in the Hon. Gentleman's senti-
ments.

The week's rent was announced at 2911. 2s. lid.
ROBBERIES OF ARMS.—ROSCOIVIMON, SATURDAY, DEC.
6, 1845.—Yesterday a company of the 49th Regiment,
stationed at Athlone, marched in here on their way to
eloone, in the ceunty of Leitrim, for the purpose of
relieving a detachment of the 32d Regiment. Five of
the men and a drummer were billeted at a house kept
by a man of the name of Luke Connor. While the men
were at dinner, one of the soldiers had his firelock,
bayonet., sixty rounds of ammunition, and sixty-two
caps, taken from the room in which he lodged the gun.
'The drummer lost his sword also. About one o'clock
yesterday, a gentleman of the name of Tracey, who was
shooting within two hundred yards of this town, was
met by a man who inquired what sport he had. On his
repl)ing very bad, five other men seized him, took his
gun, powder-horn, &c., placed him upon his knees, then
swore him as to whether he knew any of the party. On
his swearing he did not, he was allowed to go off.—
Dublin Evehing Mail.
A

SSOCIATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF IMPROVAD
STREET PAVING, CLEANSING, AND DRAINAGE.—OR Tuesday
morning, the whole (4' the area around the Bank and the
Stock Exchange was washed—foot and carriage ways—by
this new process.

Surprise is continually expressed at the multitude
of railway projects which have been advertised for the en-
suing session of Parliament; but that surprise will, in some
measure, be lessened, when it is knowm that no fewer than
twenty mantles in England, and five in Wales, are still
altogether without the benefit of railways.—Railway Rec God.
SUICIDE FROM MENTAL DEPRESSION, THROUGH
IMPRISONMENT.—On Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Wakley, M.P.,
held an inquest in the House of Correctim, Coldbath-fields,
Clerkenwell, on T. K., aged 19, the son of respectable parents,
and a baker, who had been committed for fourteen days for
having left. his work without due notice. John Sims, a
warden of the prison, stated that deceased was received on
evening, about half-past seven. Ile appeared
w
httlecellas.eAdl,9saaid that he
unable to walk. Shortly afterwards he became so
ar: Wakefield and Sondes were sent for, who
ascertained that he had taken prussic acid, applied
last
e,
va iktSnhageatntudrid)
the stomach pump and other remedies without avail, as he
forn et
the o'clocksamprisoner,
was in the same cell with deceased in the station-house. He
then compleined of having been severely dealt with for so
ecexmpitrneidttaedt tlie
re„is,ea
em en
withig
trifling an offence, and said that lie was about being married,
but that his sentence would do away with his marriage.
The jury returned a verdict of " Temporary insanity,t, ac-
companied with the expression of a strong hope, that magis-
trates would be warned by the deceased's melancholy fate,
and order all persona in custody to be properly searched, pre-
vious to their incarceration. The Coroner hoped that the
police-officers present would communicate to the magistrates
the sentiments of the jury.
INTREPID CONDUCT OF A YOUNG FEMALE.—On
Tuesday Mr. Baker held an inquest at the London Hospital,
on the body of Emma Kealey, aged 21, a servant to a lady
named Young, residing in Nichol-square, Hackney-road.
It appeared that on Thursday last the deceased was washing
in the back kitchen, when the lower part of her dress caught
fire by corning in contact with the copper flue, she rushed
into the street enveloped in flames, when site was observed
by a young lady named Wasford, who resided next door,
who immediately seized the door mat, and ran to her assist-
ance, and placing her in a silting position threw it over her.
and then procuring water succeeded in extinguishing the
fire ; by her exertions she burnt herself very severely. De-
ceased was taken to the above hospital, where she died im-
mediately on her admission. The coroner and jury highly
complimented Miss Wasford for her intrepidity. • Verdict—
" Accidental death."
CONSUMPTION OF WHISKY. —From a statement
made by Captain Cameron, at the Court of Quarter Sessions,
on Wednesday last, it 4:Tars that no less than upwards of
6,000 gallons of whisky were permitted to Dingwall, in the
six months from .April to October last. The population of
Dingwall, by last census, being 1,732, this would give about
31 gallons in the year to each inhabitant.—lioss-shire Ad-
vertiser

has.
w,
oof
canaries York
Ii 0 RAREu,,,T r a
xov
ccr,c;3 u.gni. np
07cIlEr;
in his pos=cision of last year's breed, which hatched a
nest of five young ones a fortnight ago. The birds are now
building again. What is more extraordinary, both birds are
Ttniiiinrsier. D.
in deep moult.