The Sun.
London, England, 1842-07-04 00:00:00

SOUTHAMPTON.

The Committee met at the usual hour, the Hon. J. S.
Wortley in the Chair.
James Batters was ealled and examined by Mr. BAKER
—Had been a voter for Southampton for many years.
Was not a voter at the last election. Knows a person of
the name of Redwards. Went to him at the last elec-
tion, to prepare a petition to the committee at the Dol-
phin for employment as a chairman or colourmen. He
gave the petition to Mr. Wm. Forder ;he took it. 'He
met Mr. Forder afterwards. He told witness he deli-
vered the petition to the Committee. Heard Redwards
sityhe should like to have 51. for his vote. He said he
would not vote for less. Witness told what Redwards li
snid to Mr. John-Hunt. Hunt did not make any observa-
tion upon that. Saw Redwards after the election. Had
a conversation with him. Redwards told him-he voted,
and possibly he should have the money. Some time
after that Redwards told him he got the 5/. Witness
did not get the situation he asked for.
. To the CHAlRMAN—Redwards did not tell him when
he got it. He did not tell him he was promised the
money beforehand. Redwards promised him 2s. 6d. if
he got the money. He got the 2s. 6d.
Cross-examined by Mr. HEARN—Knew Redwards for
a long time. Does not know how many days before the
election it was that he had the petition drawn up. Red-
wards put his (witness's) name to the petition. He did
not hear anything said about Mr. Mackay Witness was
always a Tory.
To Mr. SniEL—Heard there was a good deal of money
spent on both sides. Heard that the IVhigs gave 20/.
Mr. SRIEL—I am surprised, then, that there are any
Tories in Southampton.—(A laugh.)
Mr. Henry Buchan was next called and examined—
Resides in Southampton. Was formerly a Member of
the Town Council. Was appointed auditor of the ac-
counts. Knows Mr. Abrahams. Saw him write his
name. Thinks lie would be able to ident4,his hand-
writing. Intl not see the memorandum-book before.
The signature of "A. Abrahams". appears to be his
hand-writing. One of the letters is more vivid than the
other. . Abrahams is a strong partisan. Saw a person
called Philips go into Mr. Abrahams' shop a few days,
or the day before the election. He (Philips) had pro-
mised to vote for the Libzzal candidates. Thought it was
suspicious that he should go into Abrahams'. His shop is
nearly opposite the Star; the Liberal Committe-room.
Witness infiirmed the Committee of what he had seen.
They desired him to go and kick after Philips, as, if he
did not, he would be gone to them. He then went into
Abrahams' shop and asked for 'Philips. Mrs. Abra-
hams was in the shop. She informed him that Philips
was inside, and would soon return. He did not return,
and in some time Mr. Abrahams came in, and appeared
somewhat confused when witness asked him about
Philips. He (witness) then left. Philips voted for the
Tories—(A laugh)—he always voted so before. He
(witness) was a Committee-man on the Whig side. He
always voted for' the Whigs.
To Mr. SIIIEL—Might be considered a partisan. Heard
that large sums of money were spent on both sides. Could
not say that there was so much paid per head. Believes
that it was so, but had no knowledge of the fact.. There
wore colourmen employed on the Whig side; they gene-
rally took care that they should be voters. Believes that
there were from 200 to 300 who received bribes ; there
migh be more.
To the CH AlR3lAN—Admiral Gifford was the chair-
man of the Whig Committee. Is not aware that there
was a separate room for carrying on the finance business.
Saw them managing the books in the general
room. Saw Mr. Andrew and Mr. Lancaster there.
Had heard there was bribery at former elec-
tions. Had heard that when Mr. Hay stood, 10,000/.
were spent. Had always contended till the last election,
that if bribery was committed it was confined to the
Tory party ; but from what he knew of the last election
he believed that bribery was committed on all sides.
To Mr. SHIEL—In point of fact any voter might have
got 51, or 101., or 20L, if he wished for it.
To the COMMITTEE—There was treating at former
elections ; it was not so extensive as at the last election;
there was most extensive treating at the last election ;
ittommencecl with the canvass. The canvass was com-
menced several weeks before the election. Believes every
beer-Shop was opened as a committee-room ; the friends
of voters had refreshments there. Philips was not paid
by the Whigs during the time ho had his house open.
He heard it said that Philips promised the Whigs be-
cause he heard they had plenty of money.—(A laugh.)
Heard that candidates wore coming forward for the new
election. Heard that Mr. Hope was coming forivard.
Does not know of any arrangements being made. Does not
`know of any persons being canvassed yet. Is of opinion
that if measures are not taken by the Legislature the same'
scenes will occur again which occurred at the last election.
Thinks that if the colourmen and chairmen and mes-
sengers were suppressed it would tend to put an end
to bribery. Cannot say what would be an effectual
check to bribery, If treating were put down it would
lessen bribery in his opinion. There are Ward Associa-
tions on the Tory side. They look after the election of
Members of Parliament and corporate officers. Believes
they carry on a system of treating for these pur-
poses. St. Mary's Ward was an active ward. The Whigs
have a protection association. It is for the protection
of voters from injury. They have no wards. They are
now about to get up Ward Associations, like the Tories.
St. Mary's Ward has a population more likely to be
influenced by bribes than the others.
To Mr. HEARN—The address of Mr. Mildmay to the
electors appeared upon Lord Bruce's coming to the Elgin
Peerage. Knows that there was a meeting of the Whig
Committee lately. Heard that there was a meeting of
the Tory Committee.
Ma. Henry Bray proved the handwriting of Mr.
Abrahams in the memorandum book.

Joseph Croucher proved that he saw John Bennett
Luce on last Friday week, the day the Committee first
sat. Luce observed to him that he was examined before
the late Committee, and wondered whether he would be
wanted for the present investigation, but if he was they
must send for him to France.

Robert Bridgen examined—Knows Mr. Macky, an at-
torney, living in Southampton. He (Macky) complained
to witness that attacks were made upon him with regard
to bribery at the last electlon. Witness observed, that
it could not be denied that bribery was committed at
the hat election, to which he (Macky) replied, that if he
was ac cused of having committed bribery at the last election
he would bribe ten times more at the next election, in spite
of Lord John Russel's Bill, or any other. He (witness)
believed that bribery was committed at every election,
since that of Hog's. The bribery at the last election
was so open, that Doukin, one of the persons employed
to b ibe shook money in the face of a person
named pierce. 'Mr. Charles Brown did the same
thing :to a Berson named Leech. Brown took
a conspicuous part in the election. Heard many of the
innocent electors say that it would be advantageous to
the town that no election should take place.
Mr. Cecil Martyn, the late Member for Southampton,
was next called.
Mr. Martyn desired to know from the Committee,
whether indemnity would be given for anything he might
disclore ?
The CHAIRMAN said that the Committee had not ex-
actly power to guarantee an indemnity but that they'
would do every thing to afford it. _
Mr. Martyn—Then I respectfully decline to answer
any_ questions.
The CHAIRMAN- desired to know on what _ prounds ?

Mr. Martyn—Because they may involve a breach of
confidence.

The CHAIRMAN'—The questions had better be put
first, and then you can deeline to answer as you please.
To Mr. BAKER—Does not recollect the precise day he
went to Southampton ; on his arrival a Committee of his
supporters was formed ; does not know all their names ;
Captain Ward, Mr. Lefevre, one of the Mr. Hunt's, Mr.
S. Moodie, were on the Committee. His agents were
Mr. Blanchard and Mr. Hunt. Mr. Maddison was his
banker. The banker's documents would inform the Com-
mittee of the sums paid at the last election. Had no other
documents. All the money paid was through the banker._
Believes he was asked for money by Mr. Stebbing.
When he gave a check it was for 4001. or 5001. He
drew upon Cot tts and Co. Mr. Maddison acted in the
capacity of his banker when he went to Southampton.
Has got no document to show he paid any money before
the election. Does not remember paying anything
after the election. The amount of money he paid
for the last election was fifteen hundreds pounds.
That was the entire. It was all paid through
Muddison. Is not cognisant of any other money being
paid. Received no account of the disposal of that money.
Spent 2,5001. at the ekction of 1837. Was not aware of
any contribution towards the expenses of the last election.
It being announced that the Speaker was at prayers,
the furthtr examination of Mr. Martyn was put otf till
to-morrow.

Mr. Buchan wus recalled, and proved that Mr. Chas.
Brown came up to him at his (witness's) door, where
several others were standing, and asked him "if we
(the Liberals) had any unpolled yet." He (Brown) then
took out a number of sovereigns (he believes there were
30) from one of his pockets and a bundle of Bank of
England notes from the other, and said," that is the way
we are doing it." Does not think .Brown could show" so
mach money except at an election time.
To Mr. HEARN—Does not think he was jeering when
he pulled out the money. Mr. Clerk, a Quaker, was
present. He did not pull out the money for the purpose
of bribing them. It was about half past three o'clock
in the day ; the election was then nearly over.
The Committee then adjourned till to-morrow.

TATTERSALL'S-THIS EVENING.
Six O'CLOCK.

LIVERPOOL CUP.
8 to 1 agst Rhodanthe
9 to 1 agst Heslington
12 to 1 agst Una
12 to 1 agst Caradoc
16 to 1 agst Knight of the Whistle
16 to 1 agst Thirsk
20 to 1 agst Phaon

GOODWOOD CUP.

5 to 1 agst Squire.
7 to 1 agst Nautilus.
12 to 1 agst any other.

GOODWOOD STAKES.
8 to I agst Knight of Whistle.
9 to 1 agst Tupsley.

SUPPOSED THIRD ATTEMPT TO

ASSASSINATE THE QUEEN.

The following are the opinions of some of the morning papers
respecting the late supposed attack on her Majesty :
POST.—The metropolis was yesterday afternoon thrown
into general agitation and alarm, by the rumour that her Ma
jesty had been again the object of a malignant, brutal, and trea-
sonable attack from the hand of an intended assassin. We
deeply lament to say that the rumour was not wholly unfounded.
A youth pointed a pistol at the Queen as her Majesty was pro •
seeding in her carriage from Buckingham Palace to the Chapel
Royal, about twelve o'clock, or a few minutes earlier. 'the
pistol was not fired, neither did the circumstance of its having
been levelled attract the Queen's attention or that of any per.
sons of her suite, a fortunate accident, since it permitted her
Majesty to repair to the chapel, in pursuance of her intention,
without experiencing at the moment any of that horror or dis-
may which, in connection with the painful memory of recent
atrocities of a similar nature, it could not have failed to pro-
duce in the Royal mind. The trailer was seized by a spec•
tator, and the pistol was taken from him. But from the unpar-
donable apathy or stupidity of the police constables who were
desired to take him into custody, he was permitted to escape.
The statements are contradictory and obscure as to the im-
portant question, whether the pistol was loaded or unloaded,
and not altogether unequivocal as to the fact of the person in
custody being identified as the individual who presented and
snapped the pistol. We cannot express in adequate terms the
disgust and indignation which these repeated atrocities in-
spire, nor is it in the power of language to convey a just idea
of the gi ief and sorrow which they excite in the general mind
of the community. The utmost terror of the law must be
awakened, and the strength of the law, if necessary, must be
reinforced, with a view to the suppression of so great a crime as
that of wantonly sporting with the feelings of the Sovereign, and
presuming to interrupt her innocent enjoyments and laudable
pursuits.
TIMES.—We publish in our paper of to-day the account
of the reprieve of Francis. We hardly know with what feelings
to regard—how to credit or understand—another statement,
which we also have now to communicate respecting a second
attempt, intended, or supposed to be intended, upon the life of
the Queen on her way to the Chapel Royal. That any man
should be found to attempt in earnest the life of a Sovereign
so popular, and so justly popular, as our young Queen, is in
itself so incredible, that even on the plainest evidence we
have found it difficult to believe it in the case of him to whom
the Royal clemency has just been extended ; that a man should
choose for such an attempt the first day after that mark of Royal
goodness had been shown, is a fresh and no less marvel; that in
a dense crowd, waiting for a sight of their Sovereign, a seizure
should be made of this man, with a loaded pistol in his
hand, prepared to repeat the attempt which had been so lately
pardoned—as if with every intention of tiring out or punishing
the Royal mercy, without attracting in any effectual way the
notice of the by-standers—and that by two persons ; that a
policeman, when appealed to, should treat the matter as a
hoax or joke ;—all this chain of circumstances is really so mar-
vellous, that we might be pardoned if we treat it for the pre.
sent as insufficiently explained—if, from the very enormity and
strangeness of the facts, we do not at once express that horror
which we should feel at it if thoroughly established. The
question which instantly suggests itself regards the miserable
man to whom mercy has just been extended. Has that mercy
been misplaced ? It is impossible to say with certainty. But
one thing we will say—that we do not regret this instance of
Royal clemency.
ADVERTISER.—Another attempt at an execrable noto-
riety has been made, by the feint of an intention to take her
most beloved Majesty's life. It is gratifying to perceive that,
in the present instance, the would-be assassin was merely a de-
formed urchin, not more than sixteen years of age, and his
pistol was loaded with no more dettructive material than part
of a tobacco.pipe and some gravel. The absence of a mur-
derous intention and of more deadly agencies,however, scarcely
extenuates the enormity of the effence. The disgusting and
infamous tendency of morbid minds auppurating into regicidal
exhibitions, must be , controlled and eradicated. A public
execution would rather operate as a premium to those ready to
seek at any sacrifice a notoriety even in public abhorrence. The
most appropriate and effective punishment would be something
like the pillory or a public whipping, followed by imprisonment
under strict discipline, which might be expected to suppress
as effectively as, in the present phase of society is possible,
the depraved propensities of these amateur aspirants to public
abhorrence.

CHRONICLE—We can impute to no class these attempts
on the life of the Queen, because we can conceive no motive
which any class can have for encouraging them. It actually
seems as if a certain number of weak-minded, and at the same
time depraved individuals should have, under the influence of
some strange spell, been driven to attempt her Majesty's life.
But, while we cannot bring our minds to attribute these acts to
anything like combination, a circumstance has just come to our
knowledge which certainly wears a suspicions appearance. Mr.
Thomas Steele, well known to all who have paid r.ny attention
to Irish affairs, was last night presiding at a repeal meeting of
the Bloomsbury district, when one of the speakers stated that
at a meeting, not of Repealers, but of another class, held some
evenings ago, a person had declared " that the Queen should
be mike away with." Mr. Steele instantly left the chair,
broke up the meeting, and went with his informant to Bow-
street, to give information of the circumstance. We know no-
thing more than what we have communicated. The statement
so made may turn out to be an invention ; but if it be true
that at a meeting of Englishmen such a wicked proposition
could have been made, without instantly eliciting from all who
heard it sentiments of deep abhorrence, and without the seizure
of the guilty individual having followed as a matter of course,
some strange change must have corns over our countrymen.