The Statesman.
London, England, 1823-10-08 00:00:00

ATTEMPT TO BURS THE COURT HOUSE OF

KILKENNY.

On Wednesday evening, a little before eight o'clock,
the sentinel in the yard of the City gaol gave the alarm
of fire in the Court House. The fire-bell was immediately
rung; the authorities, and a multitude of the inhabitants
repaired to the spot • the engines were also taken to the
gaol, but could not spot;
brought to play on the fire. It
appeared, that the flames were confined to the County
Grand Jury Room ; and on its being forced open, it was
found that the centre of the floor was all on 6re. Water
was abundantly supplied in tubs and barrels, and mere
zealous efforts to extinguish the conflagration could no
where be made than was displayed by the people of Kil-
kenny on this occasion. One young man, of the name of
Toby Butler, took oil his coat, jnmped into a space
round which the fire was playing, and dipping his surtout
in slater, kept whisking it round wherever the fire ap-
peared until he had destroyed his upper garment in the
public service. Wm. Robertson, Esq. Architect, was
soon after seen in the same space applying the water,
tracing the fire, and directing the operations of those
employed in removing the half burned boards; and in
this situation he remained until all danger was at
an end. William Grace, Esq., the Sub-Sheriff, whose
exertions and presence of mind on this trying occasion were
beyond all praise, had procured a quantity of potash (the
Lest extinguisher of fire known) with which loge quantities
of water were saturated, which, being pouredl on the floor
and round the burning circle, doubtless effectually
checked the further progress of the flame; for the joists
are completely charred to a distance all round the part
where the floor was consumed. The table, wood-work,
glass, and library of the Grand Jury Room are all de-
stroyed. Nothing but the uncommon exertions of all ranks
preserved that immense building, including both Court
Houses, from ruin. The Military Guard were also useful in
preserving order. The lire was completely extinguished
before ten o'clock, and we are happy to say, no accident of
consequence happened during the evening.
Although it was manifestly difficult to account for the
origin of the fire, no one in the confusion of the moment
seemed to think that if it had heen accidental the fender
and tire irons and some fragments of the carpet and chairs
would have been found in the room ; but when time was
allowed for reflection, this idea occurred to every person.—
On Thursday there was a Meeting of County Magis-
trates on other important business, at which this
affair necessarily engaged their attention. Our active
City Police had, in the mean time, traced some of the
property. The whole, with the exception of some chairs,
has since, we believe, been recovered. The result of the
investigation was, that an unfortunate woman, the widow
of the late Court-house-keeper, whom the Grand Jury had
appointed to that office in mercy to her five orphan children,
has been apprehended, besides two women who had been
employed in disposing of the stolen property, and one
man, who is supposed to lisive aided in effecting the sales.
The investigation was resumed yesterday by some of the
County Magistrates who reside in the vicinity of this city;
but we had not heard the results, when we were preparing
to print off the papers which are forwarded by the night
mail coach.

CORNISH HOROLTTH POLITICS.

(FROM TILE \VEST BRITON.)

A correspondent says :—" The election of a new Mayor
took place at Tregony on Tuesday last. the late Mayor having
filled that office for the last three years. Captain Hannah, ,
R. N. and Mr. Richard Trenemen were the candidates for the
office ; the latter gentleman was supported by Alderman
Jewell, the late Mayor, Alderman Gurney, justice, sud Alder-
man Symons, whilst the former being supported only by Al-
dermen Perryman and Moorman, Mr. Trenemen was declared
duly elected, and sworn into office, lie having a majority of
one in his favour.—lt was some time since observed that Al-
dermen were so scarce in a certain borough that a labourer had
been elected an Alderman, and now we find him titling the
office of Chief Magistrate, to the *astonishment and • petri-
cation ' of th,se wilts witnessed the proceedings. The busi-
ness of the day was unfortunately interrupted by some very
violent intemperate and • irrererential ' language, used on
the bench, which had nearly ended in a breach of the peace,
notwithstanding the remonstrances of the late Mayor, aided
by those of his legal adviser."
The following, we are informed, is a correct statement of
the late transactions at East I.ooe, relative to the election of a
Mayor.—On Monday se'onight, a very numerous assemblage
of the inhabitants of East lon took place at the Town Hall
in that Borough, te witness the proceedings at the election of
a Mayor for the ensuing year.—After the Court had been
opened with the usual forms, Mr. Grigg was elected by a ma-
jority of the Corporation; hut the return being notified to Mr.
Kent, the Mayor for the time being, he refused to administer
the usual oaths. The Court was accordiugly adjourned ; and
Captain Campble, R. N. took the keys of the Hall; but on be-
ing served with a written demand from the Mayor, he reluc-
tantly surrendered them. After due consultation, it was re-
solved that Mr. Grigg should be sworn into office by Captain
Campble. he being one of the Aldermen and a Justice residing
, in the Borough, and Monday last was the time fixed on for the
' purpose.—Unfortunately the Captain was taken ill on the
Saturday, and died on Monday.—Mr. Kent, in consequence,
holds the office, until the legality of his conduct has been de-
I i cided on by a superior Court.

Scnoot. or AnTs.—On Tuesday evening the School o
Arts was opened for the third season. The Freemasons'
Hall was filled to excess long before the hour appointed for
the commencement of the Lecture, every Student being
allowed to take a friend along with him. About half-past
eight o'clock, Dr. Fyfe entered the Hall, followed by a
number of the Directors, and was received with every mark
of respect and approbation. Dr. Fyfe, after an introduc-
tory address, proceeded with his Lecture for the evening,
illustrating his positions by a variety of beautiful experi-
ments.—(Scorsman.)
SHOCKING OCCURRSNCK.—On Sunday morning, daring
the absence of Mr. (Verger, grocer, of Ashford, attending
church service, a sister of Mrs. W, called at the house,
and using very intemperate language, Mrs. W. told her,
she wished not to see her in such a frame of mind,
and certainly should decline talking witl► her. On this she
retired from the room and proceeded up stairs, when she
was followed by her sister, who threw her npon a bed and
produced a bill, used for cutting wood, which she had
brought with her, made several violent blows at Mrs. W., who
defended herself with her hands, and happily succeeded in
escaping from her inhuman asaailant by running down
stairs into the street, where assistance was instantly procured.
—The sister is taken into custody and detained by the
peace officers for examination before a magistrate, when
it is expected she will be committed to Maidstone
thud to take her trial for the offence. Mrs. W. is
dreadfully cut in both her thumbs, and is is feared
she will entirely lose the use of one.—(Kentieh Chronicle.)
A Coroner's Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at
Newgate, before T. Shelton. Esq., Coroner for the City of
London, on the body of Julia Weatherall, a prisoner under
sentence of transportation, who had died the preceding
evening in the Infirmary of the said gaol. it appeared
the poor woman had for a considerable time been in a deep
decline, but every attention bad been paid her by medical
and other proper attendance. Verdict—" Died by the
Visitation of God.".