Washington sentinel., 1853-10-18
IotaI ann 4ersonal.

/
Diplomatic Immunity.-In our issue Of Sun
day morning, we stated the fact that on Saturday
afternoon, while a little boy was crossing Pennsy-
| vania avenue, near seventh street (not seeing a
private carriage approaching towards him) hewas
thrown down by the horses which, together withthe
vehicle passed overh him, breaking an and leg;
and that he was subsequently conveyedt to his wild
owed mother, Mrs. Lacy, who resides on the Island
And in this connection we remarked that, as the
driver is known to the police, there could be no
doubt that there would be full investigation Of
| the particulars attending this sad event.
Recent inquiry has afforded additional nforma-
| ton upon this subject.
| The vehicle was occupied by the Mexican min
lister and his family, as we learned from Captain
Steele, who satisfied himself of this fact, and who
would have arrested the negro driver on the spot
but for the prohibtory statute Of 179O, which, in
the opinion of gentlemen "learned in the law"
exempts both an ambassador, or other public
minister Of any foreign power" and q any domes-
tic or domestic servant of any such ambassador or
other public.ministe from arrest imprisonment
land their goods from distrain, seizure, attach
ment0 and visits with fine and Imprisonment, on
conviction, such officers as shall act TO the con-
trary, deeming them g vioators of the law of ma
| tions and disturbers Of the public repose."
| Thus do foreign ambassadors and their servants
enjoy immunity from the ordinary process of the
law, in such cases, exercised towards our own
citizens, and others who are not sanctifed by in
ternational statutes and usages.
However il is not our vocation, as localist,
TO comment on the act of Congress which is inter
L horf f,f fhoo - la ~
occasion TO which we have referred.
| Much sympathy was expressed on the part Of
| by-standers for the boy, and corresponding de-
| gree Of indignation against the reckless driver
| 1t would not have been very difficult TO kindle
| spirit which would have led TO the immediate
punishment the sable offender on the spot.
We recollect that when, several years ago. the
servant of q former Mexican minister (De la
Rosa) had his head broken by negro hackman,
our government was prompt in procuring the
punishment Of the guilty party. @
| No one can tolerate for moment privileged
class of menials in midst; and therefore we
cannot suppose that this case will be suffered to
pass in silence.
It becomes the duty of the municipal authorities
to take action in the premises, and to consult with
the subject. The rights and safety of the public,
| as well as justice, demand it. "." ,.E
The Autumn.-No one could desire more de-
| lightful weather than that with which we are now
| favored. The air is bland and sprng-like, without
the sharp edges which usually accompany the ad-
vent Of the vernal season, while bright sun gds
all nature with its benignant beams The princi-
| pal thoroughfare affords fine promenade which,
| to great extent, is now ndulged, notwithstand-
| ing the fall fashions not fully introduced
| Between the late enervating summer and the com
ing season Of cutting winds and frozen SHOWS, we
have, indeed, calm and grateful interval, which,
though known and felt by all, affords subject Of
| graduation and of praise.
| All around us the leaves are falling, and flowers
fading and dying, in accordance with the laws Of
their creation. Friends, too, are passing from
earth, amid the general decay, reminding us, in
silent yet expressive accents that the bright, the
beautiful, and the loved, must die. .
Descending from the conten,plative to the prac-
| tcal now, as heretofore, notice, in every di-
recton, the most ample preparations for winter.
Stoves and fuel as necessary sequence carpets
Of the newest and richest patterns; comfortable
woolen clothing, and other such domesticables,
have not only increased, but are increasing in
demand, and find very many purchasers, notwith-
standing the prices have enhanced considerably,
and the general complaints of pecuniary tghtness
An Excuse for Indiscretion.--On Sunday
night man from Alexandra was captured by the
watch and taken TO the lookup for being drunk,
and yesterday morning was arraigned before Jus
tice Clark to answer for the offence He did not
| deny that the police had warned him to go home,
and that "the boys" had been chasing him, and
that he had insulted females. On the contrary,
although he had recollection Of the facts he be-.
lieved the witness spoke the truth "for," said he
g freely admit that l was drunk and behaved
foolshly; might have added, like many
others Of finer CLOTH"
The justice, in consideration of the man being
poor and a stranger, made the fine as light the
law would admit; but he had not quite money
enough with which to meet it. Out of this sum,
however, he was privileged to retain twelve-and-
a-haf cents to pay his steamboat fare home. A
large, middle aged man. he was tremulous under
the effect of strong drink, apparently bordering on
mania potn. "Why do you behave so :" in
quired police officer. "The fact is" replied the
inebriate, g lost my wife five days ago, and I
have got six fine children in Baltimore. My grief
drove me to drink
We could not but pity his weakness, while it
occurred TO us that il was his duty to keep sober
and labor for the helpless objects Of his care.
Exhibition of Fowls.--The weekly exhibi-
tions Of fruits and flowers (over the store OF
4 Messrs Clagett g. Dodson) are closed for the sea-