The Sun.
London, England, 1827-02-02 00:00:00

MAR YLEB ONE.

EXTRAORDINARY SCENE.-When Mr. GRIFFITHIS and Mr.
Hosicues took their seats this morning, a little wretched-looking
crippled girl, named Ann Fitzgerald, wee placed in the doCk,
and a respectably dressed man, named Thomas F. Ranson, ap-
peared at the bar; whereupon Mr. Hosxnes made the following
statement to Mr. GRIYFITIII!, the presiding Magistrate :
Between eleven and twelve o'clock last night, as I was passing
along Oxford-street, near the Regent-circus, I observed this little
girl (the prisoner) sitting on the step of a door, crying, with
matches in her hand. I asked her what she was doing there,
and where she came from. She replied that she came from L7ll-
- and that she did not know where to go. In the mean
time Ranson came up, and said, that I had no business with
her, and desired her not to tell her name, or anything else to me.
I then called a watchman, whom I desired to bring her to the
watch-house, .but • Ranson insisted that she should not go, and
made use of the most coarse and violent language, whereby a
crowd was attracted bo the spot.
Mr. Win. Mitchell, a gentleman, who was attracted by Ran-
son's noise, confirmed the above statement, and added, that Mr.
Hoskins behaved in the mildest manner, and that he was surpris-
ed at his forbearance, considering the rude manner in which he was
treated by the prisoner, Ranson.

Ranson to ifr..Mitchell :—Pray, Sir, did you see me assault or
strike this man of the name of Hoskins ?—Witness, I did not
say so.

Ranson—Did you hear me say to this man of the name of
Hoskins, that there Was no occasion for making such a noise in
the street ?—Witness, yes, I did.

Ranson.—Did you think that lay conduct was actuated by
any improper motive 2—Witness.—lt is my belief that you
wished to create a prejudice against Mr. Hoskins, by your
conduct.
Ranson.—l wish to state—

Mr. GRIFFITHS, interrupting him.—Have you any witnesses?
Prisoner.—l have, but Ido not .think it necessary to bring
them forward just now, as I mean.to have the matter brought to
another plats. I have been deprived of my liberty by this man of
the name of Hoskins.

Mr. Geis-Funs—This gentleman whom you so contemptuously
name is a Magistrate of this office; and let me tell you that you
must mention his name respectfully.
Prisoner--I only treat him as he treated• me, and since he is a
magistrate, let us go on quietly. As I: was passing- last night. I
observed the little girl cry, and then asked her what was the
matter ? said that a gentleman (meaning Mr. Hoskins)
who passed, had struck her with a whip.. Mr. Hoskins
then appeared, and was going to take her to the watch-house,
when I desired him to let the child go home. There was none
present then hut a woman in tears, Mr. Hoskins and myself. So
far as I understand law, this William Hoskins, Esq. bad no right
whatever to detain her. Ile then sent for a watchman, who sprang
his rattle; I said there was no occasion for springing rattles, or
making any noise in the street. Mr. Magistrate, perhaps you
have not seen the charge, it is as follows :

Mr. GRIFFITI4S-finen nothing of the charge till it came be-
fore tae now. Have you any witness ?
Prisoner--I do not mean to call any evidence, as I intend to re-
move the matter to another Court. I offered to conduct the child
home peaceably, but he would not allow me. I should be glad to
know, Mr. Magistrate, whether he or yon had any right to give
me in charge for acting as I did. I told him he had committed
an assault, and by the way he used very insolent language. He
has deprived an Englishman of his liberty. I have been confined
all night in a cell, without even straw to lie upon. I therefore
protest that William Hoskins, Esq. has falsely imprisoned me.
Mr. GAIFFITHS-That is not relevant.

Prisoner, warmly—You are interrupting me, Mr. Magistrate.
Mr. GRIFFITHS—I am not to sit here for hours to hear you
speechifying. Unless you speak to the point, you must be silent.
Prisoner—l am not disposed to continue here for hours either,
as I wish to get to my business immediately; hut I think, Mr.
Magistrate, you might out of courtesy, allow me to read what I
have written—(holding in his hands a budget of papers, which
were plentifully filled with matter, consisting, no doubt, of an
elaborate discussion of the doctrine of personal liberty.)
Mr. Gatverrits—l cannot hear anything but what is relevant.
I am engaged elsewhere.
Prisoner—Do you mean to prevent me--
Mr. GRIFFITHS-Have you any witness ? Let me hear no
more of your writing.

Prisoner—l have one here (to the witness)—eome forward.
William Swords, a watchman, then came forward, and stated
that he was desired by Mr. Hoskins to take the girl in charge,
and to spring his rattle ; about 20 people were present ; he also
desired me to take Ranson in charge, as he had interrupted hire.
Prisoner—Did you believe that I intended to create a breach of
the peace? Witness—No.
Mr. GRIFFITHS-Did you hear Mr. Hoskins use any violent
language Witness—Not in the least ; I thought that it was for
the girl's safety that he desired her to be put into the watch-house.
Another watchman in substance confirmed the preceding wit-
ness's testimony.
Another gentleman then came forward to give evidence on the
part of Mr. Hoskins.

Mr. Gaiirrins—What is your name, Sir ?My name is
Tomson Ryder.
Prisoner—Am I to understand that you are as underwriter,
Sir ?

Mr. Ryder—My name is Tomson Ryder, Sir; you called Mr.
Hoskins a whelp, a puppy, and every other abusive epithet, while
he stood quite mute, and was doing an act of humanity.
Prisoner—You plead for Mr. Hoskins, Sir; I perceive you are
a very talkative man.

Witness—l am no advocate, Sir, but you insulted him grossly.
Mr. GutprlTtts to prison-T
—I will not follow your example
by making a long speech, and I therefore tell you that yon must
be committed or find bail--two sureties for 50/. each.

After a few words from Mr. Hoskins, the prisoner, who was
very bold daring the first part of the examination, retired gifts
crest fallen.

ROYAL SOCIETY, FEB. 1.

At the Meeting this evening, Pettigrew, Esq. F. L. S. F.A.S.
Librarian to the Duke of Sussex, &e. &c. was elected by a con-
siderable majority of balls.
A paper was read by Dr. Hanwoon, containing a description,
illustrated by drawings, of a new genus of marine Serpenti-form
Animals. The specimen examined was taken in the Northern
Seas, by Capt. Sawyer, on a whaling voyage.
The animal is 3f a
slender serpent-like form, about four feet in length, and chiefly re-
mailable in appearance by a large membranous pouch or bladder,
appended to its lower side, and extending about a quarter of its
length, which it appears to have a power of inflating with air, to as-
sist it in floating. It seems to be carnivorous, and remarkably vora-
cious, having been caught nearly in a complete state of exhaustion,
from attempting to gorge a fish of considerable relative size. It
is not strictly of the serpent kind, being furnished with small fins;
but in many of its anatomical details corresponds closely with that
class of animals.

G. Poulett Scrope, Esq. M.G.S. (Author of a work of great
repute on Volcanoes) was admitted a Fellow.