The Sun. — 1859-11-25 (London, England)

THAMES.  A HOT.TIEITED WELSHMAN.—John Meredith, a portly man, with a sun burnt countenance and large moustache, who was described as a seaman, and was alleged to have been master of a ship and settler in Australia, was brought before Mr. Selfe, charged with creating a disturbance in the Black Boy public-house, Wapping, assaulting the landlord, by striking him on the back with a poker, and also assaulting Robert Moss, a police constable, 478 K.  It appeared from the evidence of Moss that he was called upon by the landlord of the Black Boy to quell a disturbance in the house. The prisoner was there conductliar himself in a most violent manner, and the landlord, who was hurt, complained of an assault upon him. Moss first expostulated with the prisoner, who threatened and abused every body in the house, and seemed disposed to commit violence upon Moss. The constable attempted to take him into custody, on which the prisoner became frantic with rage, and swore he would annihilate the. constable. The prisoner ran back into a room, snatched a poker from the fire and attempted to strike Moss with it. The blow was parried, and a severe struggle took place, in the course of which the prisoner struck the policeman and kicked him on the left leg, which disabled him for some time. Other assistance was called, and the prisoner, who plunged and kicked violently, was after some trouble consigned to a police-station cell. The prisoner threw off his coat, and, pointing to his torn shirt-sleeves and his bruised arms, said in a boisterous manner, " This is the way I was served. I was dragged out of my own room and ill-used. I did not take the poker, sir, but I said, if anyone came into my room whore I had a lot of money, I would kill them. Moss said the landlord of the Black Boy said he know nothing of the prisoner, and he had no business in the room at all.  The policeman then at tho request of the magistrate bared his left leg. It was blackened from a recent kick. Mr. Selfe—Do you see that ? The policeman has received a terrible kick.  The prisoner (loudly)—I did not kick him, sir. I have been violently ill-used.  Mr Selfe—You are a 'Welshman, are you not ? Tho prisoner—Yes, sir. I am an ancient Briton. I belogg to the ancient race. the Merediths have been a famous people.  Mr. Selfe—You are mistaken in supposing that the policeman had no right to enter the house when called upon by the landlord. If the police had heard murder called, and violence being used, ho was justified in his interference. The prisoner loudly, and beating the top of the desk with his fist, " By the God that made me, I never used any violence." Let me have justice. I never touched that rean, I swear it by the living God that made me. Two men were hero once for assaulting me and breaking my arm. You then did me justice, and I hope you will do it to me now. Mr. Sslfe—l will do you justice. It is quite clear you kicked the policeman, and you seem to bo notorious for getting into rows. I fine you 20s.  The prisoner took a sovereign from his pocket, flung it with great violence on the table of the Court, and said, there, Governor, take your money. I have plenty. Mr. Selfe—lf you aro brought here again, I will send you to prison.  7.111 S