The Sun. — 1863-09-08 (London, England)

INFANTICIDE.  TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.  Sit,—l trust you will allow me space for a few remarks upon the leading article in last evening's (i. e. Friday's) impression of your journal relative to infanticide. It was in consequence of my attention having been attracted to the painful subject of child murder two wbt hytore iytarleeli years ruosrrpnoutsfhb oil asi of coroners' ce rs mightiyn ap m e,atthhtaiy fo throw rlgouwwie• inquests Anne so on rai on neI infants slt dou think ke light upon the subject; and upon writing to the late Thomas Duncombe, Esq., and urging him to move in the House for the returns in question, he very kindly did so, and I was enabled by an analysis of their contents, published in the columns of many of yoar contemporaries, to rouse public attention to the defects of the present bastardy laws, besides other causes in operation productive of child murder. In this I have been greatly assisted by the present popular member for this borough, William Cox, Esq., who has not only obtained further im• portant returns bearing on this subjec', but has had the courage to bring the question before the House of Commons, previous to the prorogation, and elicited from Sir George Grey his opinion that the "moral improvement of the people" was the best remedy for infanticide; consequently he could not promise that the Government would take the subject Lnto consideration during the recess. Therefore your lamont that no member since the death of Mr. Duncombe bt:d taken up the question, bears an appearance of injustice towards our hardworking and useful, though not yet perhaps influential member, W. Cox, Esq., and I feel 8110 you will, by giving publicity to this explanation, assist to give merit where merit is due. In conclusion, I have the pleasure to inform you that a society is in course of formation to grapple with the increasing evil of infanticide, and I trust it will meet with such support from the public, as to enable it to try if it is possible to remove the present stigma attaching to us as a civilised nation. —I remain, Sir, your obedient servant, EAGLE EYE, Islington, Sept. 5.  An influential preliminary meeting to deal with the increasing evil of infanticide was held yesterday (the 3d inst.), at 16, Craven-street, Strand, when the following resolutions were unanimously carried : "That this meeting having considered with painful interest the various causes which conduce to the commission of the crime of infanticide, is of opinion that a society should be formed with a view to devise means of checking an evil which is now prevalent to a degree loudly calling for immediate remedial measures.  "That a committee be appointed, consisting of those now present, with power to add to their number, and that the names of a president and vice-president be submitted at the next meeting; and that a draft of the rules and regulations for the management of the society be prepared and laid before the same meeting. "That the prospectus (which described the causes which led to infanticide and the probable remedies) embodies many of the views of this meeting; but that it will conduce to the objects of this society if gentlemen will come to the next meeting prepared with papers containing their matured sentiments upon this most important subject. " That a ladies' committee be appointed at the next meeting,and that ladies be earnestly invited to co-operate in this beneficent movement.  " That a subscription of 10s. 6d, annually, or a donation of £5 ss, constitute the subscriber or donor a member of the society.  " That the Bank of London be requested to receive sub,  scriptions,  " That the next meeting bo held at 16, Craven•street, Strand, on the 17th inst., at four o'clock p.m. " That the cordial thanks of this meeting be given to George Greaves, Esq., for his able conduct in the chair."  The meeting was exceedingly unanimous through. out, and the suggestion made by Lord Raynham, that it be amalgamated with a kindred institution, was well received, and will be considered at a future meeting.—Standard, Sept. 4, 1863.