Northern Times. — 1859-10-19 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

SHOCKING CASES OF INHUMANITY.  At the Borough-court, Bolton, on Monday, two brutes ire human form were brought before the magistrates, charged with cruel neglect to their children. The man, 'William Joyce, is a chair bottomer, who tramps about the country, and who was removed by the parish authorities from Bolton to Huddersfield on the Ist of April last, but • has again returned. The woman, who has been for some cohabiting with him, gavethe name'of Elizabeth 3.l"fiernan. The man has tWa children, about six and nine years of age, who he daily sent out being; the woman has one child, about two years old. Their residence was a miserable place in tog-yard, Grime-street, more like a dogA:enuel than an abode for human beings. It'appeared that on Friday morning, about halt-past . five o'clock, the eldest gixl of the man's was found seated on the door steps of the London and North-Western Railway Offices, and on inquiry it was found that it had. been out all night, not daring to go home, in consequence of not having succeeded in its mendicity on .the day previous. The child was removed to the policeoffice, and 'afterwards to the workhouse, and the dwelling of the father was visited in the forenoon of the day by the relieving .officer. On entering the place, a most Waocking .sight presented itself; there was not a particle of furniture-in the place, and the only occupant was the child of the woman. In one corner was a small quantity of filthy straw, and partly on it, and partly on the bare floor, was the body of the child in a perfect state of nudity. It was alive, but its emaciated state beggars all description ; no pen can describe its sickening condition. The relieving officer, in his description, said he " could, only compare it to a.. new-born greyhound." It was carefully removed to the workhouse, and every attention paid it, but it was then within a very short period 'of the end of 'its existence had it remained in the place where it was found. It was most filthy, and from neglect and want of sustenance, its bones were protruding through its skin, and the whole appearance was only skin and bone, covered with bruises., 'Aft-; Ferguson, the medical officer, Visited the child soon after its admission into thc workhouse, and he stated that it was so emaciated and feeble that lie did not think it could, have lived many hours in the state it was found,. and in his opinion it had been reduced to that condition by • neglect and want of food. Since its removal, it had taken a little nourishment, and it might recover, but it was doubtful. Both the wretches (who are young persons) were .taken into custody on Sunday morning, not having gone home until midnight on Saturday ; and the other child, who is also in an emaciated state, from filth and neglect, was removed to the workhouse hospital. The man was sent to prison for three months, and the woman remanded,. the mayor remarking that it might be a case of murder against her. . A child of the woman's was found deadabout three months ago.  COMMENCEMENT OF THE WINTER HERRING SEASON:, —On Saturday there was. a very large take of herrings off Howth ; the quay was lined with fish, and realised prices front Bs. to 12s. per maize. There is every prospea of a good season, and a large fleet of boats is daily • expected. • .