The Statesman.
London, England, 1821-11-02 00:00:00

STATE OF THE POLICE. •
Theishameless excess to which every species ofm4m
has of late risen in the metropolis, calls for the inter-
ference of the Legislature. Something should be
done to establibh a more effective system of police;
.oar present system is. acknowledged to be the • worst
in Europe. The thieves wko infest our streets are
well known, and yet they continue eves .in open day,
to prowl about in gangs unmolested. Impunity his
engendered boldness; and, no longer confining them-
seres to picking pockets. they now openly attack the
• citizens, *DJ rub them in the presence even of the of-
ficers, who have not sufficient authority to seise or
disperse them, till some act of outrage demands their
interference. We are aware that the difficulty of
granting a greater discretionary power to the police,
without endangering the personal liberty of indivi-
duals, is very great. But without granting them such
a power the evil might perhaps be remedied, by ex-
tending their means of putting the authority with
• which they are armed into execution. They mast be
increased in numbers proportionate to cope with these'
ruffians, who new frequently escape by open force.
Some regulations should take place also with regard
to houses which are made receptacles for thieves. In
fact, our present system is defective in so many points,
it would be difficult to bring theta all within one view.
The whole anti be iaqaired into, sad remedies ap-
plied in every instance. We hope Parliament will
take this subject into their serious consideration in an
early part of the next Session ; and in the mean time,
that the Magistracy of the metropolis will endeavour
to wield the defective means they possess, so as to
give some check to this intolerable evil.

XXSCUTION AT GLASGOW.
M. Naciatyre, W. Paterson, alias Kidstox, and W.
Dyer, who were convicted of house-breaking and theft
at the last Circuit Court, on Wednesday suffered
the last punishment of the law in front of the new jail.
From the date of their sentences, till the arrival of a
respite for Ana Moore, the three unhappy men were
confined together ; but Dyer was then removed to the
cell which that woman had occupied, while the other
two criminals remained in the same iron room in which
they had been first placed. The prisoners were regu-
larly visited by clergymen, and other pious persons.
who gave them much excellent religions instruction,
anti assisted them in their devotions. On Sunday fore-
• noon, the Rev. Dr. Rankine delivered an excellent and
appropriate discourse, in the chapel of the jail. Dyer
was very attentive and grateful, and gave his visitors
every satisfaction ; but the other two criminals dis-
played a melancholy contrast. They paid very little
regard to advice or religious instruction, and showed
great indifference to every thing that was serious and
awakening. Bat what the pious labour of good men
could bet imperfectly accomplish, a sudden appeal to
their feelings is s great measure achieved. it was
eleven in the foresooa of the day of the execution when
their friends seat them decent black clothes, with
weepers sad white gloves. The unexpected sight of
these brought tears to thole oyes. and they knelt down
and prayed; afterwards they became sensible of their
awful condition, and showed obvious marks of sorrow,
alarm. and repentance. The prisoners being dressed.
and their arms pinioned, they were brought together
into one of the cells, where religious exercises were
performed ; at the coachtsion of which they wished
their thanks to be conveyed- to the Magistrates, fop
.the civility they had experienced during their impri-
sonment ; and, at the same time, they expressed their
warmest gratitude to the mialsters and religious people,
for their attendance and instructions. About one
o'clock, the Hall doers were thrown open to people of
all ranks. and there was as estraordinary pressure for
admittance. At ten minstenbefore two, the Magistrates
entered the. Hall ; the prisoners were brought up
immediately afterwards, and took their seats
with becoming composure. After an excellent dis-
course by the Rev. Dr. Rankle, and other religious de-
votions, the ball was cleared ; Dyer walked out, aid
the other two followed, with a firm step. Oa reaching
the scaffold. the prisoners knelt. while Dr. Hankie
said a short prayer, after which they shook bands
with him and Mr. M'Uregor. Macintyre and Kidsten
embraced each other, and when the ropes were put
round their necks, and the caps drawn over their facts.
the handkerchief was given to Dyer, and they shook
bands. After praying fervently for a few moments.
Kidston cried, •• 0 Lord' have mercy us us. .Lord
Jesus receive my Dual;" aid. he immediately added.
" 0 Willie, let go, we are all ready." Dyer gave the
signal. and the drop fell. Wilms was much convulsed,
blarintyre gave two or three throes, and Dyer had two
violent but short struggles. After hangi.g the usual
time, the bodies were takes down and carried inside
the jail. Strong parties of the 91st and 3d dragoon
guards kept off the crowd, which was very great.
Dyer belonged to Glasgow. and was about 22 years
of age. He was bred a weaver, and maintained a fair
and irreproachable character till about five years ago,
irhon he begat' to neglect his work mini fell into bad
eons any, and west on in a criminal career till he was
urought to the gibbet. When addressing the Jury,
Mr. Hope said, that a greater number of keys and pick
locks bad been brought forward on his trial than had
been ever produced in a Scots Criminal Court. Tu
a plum who visited hiss in his cell, he confessed that
mien was se trusting an associate in guilt ; " because."
said be, " if the dicers had mot gut precise inkwells-
thm, they could set have cease to my how. sod pro..
needed straight to the bole. and removed the tub and
plank. and takes out the keys." Kidstos was born in
Manchester, and was about 17 years of age. He was
brought to Glasgow when a child. and bred a rope-
maker. Macintyre was bora is Ireland. and was about
30 yew* of age. When very young. be entered the
army, Daring the time he' was a soldier, he repeat-
edly deserted ; sad for this. and for verities acts of
theft. be received about 2,000 lashes. After be was
discharged, he came to lowa, and connected himself
n Jib persons of the most abandoned description, aad
he was five different times confined in Stidewell.

EaTßAfattlltiaßT &ARO& PossiN.--There NU Cat
on Friday. ie the girds, ef,fford Viscosin Down/
• Fasitie of the maxim aweigh' of 131elbe. nod
seesintrieg sir fees amee lath in eitsugarseenss, tattesd-
leg tbe -largest ever known to be cut io this country
by lilbs.—(Deelis Moraiag Pm, Oct. 30.)

L. .1