Star.
London, England, 1824-11-18 00:00:00

MORE rui' try TfiE drift

•
A Gineral Meeting of the creditors of Messrs.
CHAMBERs and Son, bankers, New Bond-street, was
held yesterday, at their bank, when 'a Committee was
appointed to,act with Messrs. CHAMBERS and Sox, to
wind up, the affairs of the concern;
The Judges of the Special Jail Delivery for the Home
Counties. have given notice, that in consequence of the
importance and length of the cases to be tried, they
shall go privately to Hertford on Wednesday, the Ist
of December ; and at ten o'clock precisely, on the nest
morning, open their Commission, and charge the Grand
Jury ; then attend Divine Service, and proceed with the
trials of the prisoners immediately after their return
from Church.
The audiente of the Surrey Theatre was thrown into
considerable confusion on Tuesday night by a trifling
incident. A car filled with convicts, going from New-
gate, On arriving at the Turnpike gave three cheers,
vehih attracted the notice of the gods, who ran simul-
taneously to the windows to discover the cause, which
excited the notice of the visitors in the boxes and the
pit, when some one exclaimed, 41 ajght," which word,
impeifectly heard, was by many mistaken for fire. The
performers rushed on the stage, and a general alarm
prevailed, but, after a short time, Mr. Honor, who was
at the-moment chained to a rock, burst his fetters, came
to the front of the Stage, and assured the audience that
all was right, when order *as' resumed. A similar
mistake of fight for fire, caused, a re* years since, the
loss of several lives, at Sadler's Wells.—lt would be
well to have placards prepared, with the word in large
characters, to exhibit do such occasions, which- might
be seen when a verbal explanation could not be heard.
EXPLoSION ix GAS.—About four o'clock yesterday
afternoon, the neighbourhood of Fetter-lane was greatly
alarmed by an explosion of a tremendous nature taking
place in the house of Mr. BARRET, grocer, 44, Fetter-
lane. Mr. BAnaar was having some alterations and
repairs done to the interior of the house, and some car-
penters who were at work had occasion to go down into
a close cellar under the shop, through which the sas
pipe runs; and it would appear that from its not being
quite tight, the instant the men entered the cellar, the
gas ignited and exploded, with a noise beyond descriir
tion,-blowing up the floor of the shop, and driving the
front thereof into the street. One of the workmen was
sevelely__hnr4and the damage. done to Mr. BARRET'S
halle and property is very considerable, in addition to
the loss he will sustain in his business.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the judgment of
the Court upon the above defendant. It was an infor-
mation for having riotously assembled with others, and
with seizing two men, whom they tarred, feathered,
put into a cart, and paraded about the town of Maid-
stone, to the imminent danger of their lives; the case
was tried before Mr. Baron Graham.
The affidavit of the defendant stated, he was a poor
man, having a wife and seven children, also that he had
already suffered six months' confinement.
Mr. Justice BAYLEY, in passing judgment, said, the
conduct of the defendant was highly improper—it was'
not to be tolerated in a civilised country. The sentence
of the Court was, that' he should be further imprisoned
for nine calendar months, in Maidstone House of Cor-
rection, and enter into sureties, for five years, himself
in 201. and two of 101. each.
THE KING P. CHRISTOPHERSON.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL prayed judgment against
this defendant, Captain of the Trafalgar, for leaving
four seamen in distress, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The affidavits, however, not being ready, the judgment
was deferred for a few days.
THE KING V. WIy,IAM WELLS AND WILLIAM MAT.
These defendants wee convicted, at the last Assizes,
of assaulting some of the Officers of the Revenue Pre-
ventive Service, on thicoast, near Deal, in endeavouring
to rescue some smuggled goods.
Mr. ADOLPHUS addressed the Court in mitigation,
and reminded the Court that there were circumstances
of mitigation in the defendants case.
Mr. ATTORNEY-GENERAL spoke in aggravation, and,
after a short conference,
Mr. Justice BAYLEY pronounced the judgment, which
was, that they be imprisoned for one year in the House
of Correction at Maidstone, and find the same sureties
as in the case of Forster.
THE KING V. LARKINS.
This was a similar case to the last. He was sentenced
to. three months imprisonment, and find sureties for five
years, himself in £4O, and two in £2O each..
PREROGATIVE COURT, NOVEM.EER 17.
THE WILL OP THS LATE ABRAHAM MONTIFIORS, ESQ.
Our readers will possibly recollect, that the above
eminent money-broker died at Lyons- on the 20th of
August-last. Vs'hen he found his death approaching,
he called for a person named William Woodley, who
bad attended him in his illness, and, from the deceased's
dictation, Woodley wrote his Will in French. He
therein bequeathed to his son Joseph the Worth-park
Farm, in Sussex; to his son Nathan, the Brighton
Farm ; and all his other property, of every kind, he be?
queathed to his dear wife Henrietta. This will the de-
ceased desired might be translated into English ; and
after it was read over, he called for a pen, and was
about signing the paper, when he was seized with a
spasm, and prevented from doing so; he attempted to,
write his name a second and a third time, but vieakness
still prevented him, and the next morning he exiired.
Doctors JENNEa and Pnittimosa, who were retained
for Mrs. Montefiore, now applied that theaestamentary
paper before alluded to might be propounded as the
last will and testament of the deceased. He took great
pleasure in informing the Court, that the suit which she
bad instituted against the co-executors was perfectly
amicable, and the Court's sanction was only required to
render the will valid. The importance of the suit
being brought to a conclusion, required, on his part, no
comment; it would be sufficient to state, that the
im-
mense property depending amounted to nearly half a
million sterling. He was of opinion that, from the
evidence of Woodley, the intention of the deceased was
fully and perfectly expressed, and that, without the
signature being attached to the document, the dictation
of the party would be considered sufficient,' and thht
Mrs. M. would be allowed the probate of the will.
Dr. LUSHINGTON appeared to oppose the application,
on the ground that two other wills were in existence,
wherein the deceased made a further distribution of his
property in favour of his children, and toot from his
wife the right, of holding possession of the residue of the
property, after satisfying the legacies to his sons Joseph
and Nathan. In the first place, on the 3d May, 1820,
the deceased executed one of those testaments, by which
he bequeathed to each of his four children, by the pre-
sent wife, 2,5001. and with directions for its investment
in the funds. • His daughter Marina had 14,0001. vested
in her name in the • Three per Cent. Consols, but he
bequeathed to her a further sum of 15,0001. and left
the remainder of his property to his wife. In the second
paper, which was generally supposed to have been exe-
cuted last year, he appointed his Wife executrix, and
N. M. Rothschild, Esq. and Mr. Montefiore, executors;
he recommended his wife not to enter again into the
matrimonial state, and directed ten thousand pounds to
be given to each of his children, and left the house at
Stamford Hill, a life interest in the Worth-park farm,
and 60001. a-year to his wife, until his two sons should
attain the age of 18, and his two daughters the age
of 17, when the wife should receive 40001. per annum,
with a further liberty for her to will away 100,0001. at
her decease. This paper also contained divers bequests
to charities, and small legacies to relations, but the re-
sidue of the property, amounting to a very great sum,
was not disposed of. Now he (Dr. Lushington) con-
tended, that the admission of the paper made in Lyons
as a will, was completely at variance with the intention
.Of the testator, as expressed in the two former wills,
from which it was evident that ample provision had
'been made for Mrs. Montefiore, without her taking pos-
session of that immense residue of property.
Dr. PMILLISIOIIt, in his reply to this argument, ob-
served; that a considerable sum had been vested in the
funds for the children's benefit, and that Mr. Montefiore,
'in bequeathing to his wife the residue of the property,
was fully convinced that the children would from that
Lady receive every protection, and in whom he had the
highest confidence.
Sir Joins NtcHott. remarked, that the case was one
wherein property to a great extent was concerned, and,
although he had no doubt in his own mind of the deci-
sion he should pronounce, be would defer his judgment.
till the next Court day.
IN THE GO3DS OF FALLING, ESQ. DECEASED.
Upon most full and satisfactory affidavits from Sir
Gorge Tuthill, M.D. and Dr. Powell, M.D. as to the
state of the party's mind, the opposing party (his aunt)
withdrew all opposition to Mr. Palling 's claim to the
grant of letters of administration to the estate of his late
father, which the Court decreed to him accordingly.
The popular Author, of ,‘ HIGHWAYS and BIWAYS,"
we observe, is about to publish s 8:concl Series of those inteest-
in Tales. -

•
About one &cloak this morning an alarming fire
broke out in Dowgate-dock, in a large warehouse filled
with stationery, belonging to Messrs. kolinson and Co.
wholesale stationers, and, from the nature of the ma.;
terials and g-strong southerly wind, it burnt with inure-
dible fury, and from the large flakes of fire which issued
from the windows and top of the warehouse, it soon
communicated to a large warehouse filled with Ito-
man cement, belonging to Mr. Howard ; but through
the great exertion of the firemen, Mr. Howard's ware-
house escaped with Comparatively little damage: The
devouring element then communicated to a large sugar
warehouse in Cousin-lane, belonging to Messrs. Travers
and Co. the %Vest India merchahts, of Mincing-lane, and
from the cranes and loop-holes being of wood, the whole
front was soon in a blaze ; but the great activity of the
firemen and others, who got into the premises at the
risk of their lives, preserved most of the valuable
property therein.
Same low buildings near Messrs. Travers warehouse,
were, however, destroyed ; and the premises of Messrs.
Rolinson are reduced to a heap of ruins. It is right to
add, that, as on other occasions lately, there was no
water to be had for some time. The fire-engines were
on the spot before any water could be obtained, and the
surply was scanty throughout.
Mr. Cope, the City-Marshal, and a strong body of
constables, were promptly on the ground, and assisted
the exertions of the firemen in keeping off the crowd
and preserving order.

FIRE IN LEADENHALL-STREET.
Scarcely had the flames at the fire at Donate began
to subside, when the appearance of the atmosphere de-
noted another and near fire, of a more extensive
description. Several engines, whose use was not
immediately required, were dispatched to the spot,
which proved to be the house of Mr. Hockley, who
keeps a coffee-shop, at No. 67, on the south side
of Leadenhall-street, near Aldgate, which being com-
posed of timber, lath, and plaster, communicated
to two other houses of the like combustible materials,
occupied by Mr. Foster, a stationer, No. 68 ; and Mr.
Louis, No. 66, An eating-house. All the three houses
were completely consumed, and two others so injured,
that it is supposed they cannot remain standing during
the day. The progress of the flames was stopped os
reaching a bduse with a brick party wall. Great da-11
mage was done to premises at the back, adjoining Fed.
church-street; but fortunately no lives were lost, nor
was any one missing, though the utmost consternation
prevailed; Fortunately, there was a good supply of
Water. It was with 'great difficulty Mr. Foster, his'
wife, and family, escaped with their lives. Mr. Foster'
is insured*, but not sufficiently to cover his loss.
FIRE IN ST. ANN'S WATCH-HOUSE, BLACKFRIA RS.
About two o'clock yesterday morning, this watch-
house was discovered to be in flames, by some of the
aremen of the Royal Exchange, who were on duty in
the vicinity, guarding the ruins of the. premises of
Messrs. Wilkinson and Co. Raspberry, one of the fire.
men, procured the keys, and rushing in, found the fire
to proceed from a quantity of furniture and goods
which were deposited there on the previous night for
safety. With 'considerable exertion and difficulty, after
deluging the place with water, the flames were com-
pletely subdued, having destroyed the fork-up rooms,
and some trifling article; of furniture.

, .
A Correspondent suggests, as a 'remedy for the ab-
sence of turncocks at fires, that all the water-plugs
should be formed on one principle, and every engine
furnished with a key or-implement, which upon arrival
at the scene of necessity, might be employed to pro-
cure water. Of the whole of the suggestiorts relative to
fires, this appears to us to be the simplet'ind the best.
it would also be well that the position of-the fire-plug
Should be distinctly painted on the wall much lower
than it generally is, so that by the aid of a lantern it
may be read.

On the 16th October, the first column of a corps of
5,000 Austrian troops, returning, from Naples to the
Hereditary Dominions, arrived at Rome.
Tuesday last a fisherman named Moore, residing at
Ferring, in Sussex, accidentally broke a bottle of spirits
which he had in his coat pocket, he then placed himself
before the fire to dry his clothes, when going too near,
his coat accidentally caught fire, and before the flames
could be extinguished he was so dreadfully burnt that
he died soon afterwards.
DISTRESSING OCCURRENCE.--Abollt two months ago
a poor woman of the name of Kelby, living in Canter-
bury-walk, Lambeth, went out for a short time, leaving
her two children at home (boys, one five and the other
three years old); on her return, she found the door
locked as sh'e had left it, but the children were gone.
and the window, which she had left shut, was partly
open, but not sufficiently wide for them to have got out
at it ; which circumstance leads her to suppose that
some person must have entered by the window, and
taken away the children, and in their haste only par-
tially closed it after them ; the distress of the mother
was naturally very great, particularly as, after the most
anxious inquiries, and having bills posted offering a re-
ward for their discovery, she has not obtained the
slightest information concerning them.
ANOTHSR DEATH BY FlGHTlNG.—Wednesday the
10th inst. two lads, the one 17, and the other 18 years
of age, apprentices to a wheelwright at Farnham, in the
county of Surrey, agreed to settle a trifling dispute by a
pugilistic rencounter. They accordingly proceeded to
Farnham Park; and after fighting upwards tAf an hour,
one of them received a severe blow about the temple,
which knocked him down. He lay on the ground for
some minutes, and was taken up in a state of insensi-
bility, and brought to the Seven Stars public-house,
where in the course of the same evening he expired.
An Inquest was held upon the body ; and after the exa-
mination of several witnesses, returned a verdict of Man-
slaughter against the survivor, who was immediately
committed on the Coroner's warrant to Horsemon-
ger-lane Gaol to take his trial. The seconds were
Allowed to escape merely because they did not attend
officially, but were casual spectators that assisted them
up when down.—The deceased had often been heard to-
say, that if ever he fought be would sooner be killed
than give up to any one.
When CHARLES X. was returning from his visit to
the Hotel Dieu, in passing through the Place du Marche
Neuf, an aged and distressed female, the widow of two
Ckevaliers de St. Louis, was thrown down by the pres-
sure of the multitude, nearly under his Mann-es car-
riage. The Kttio, hearing her cries, instantly ordered
it to be stopped, and having ascertained that she had
only received some slight bruises, granted her on the
spot a pension of 400 francs.

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