The Sun. — 1834-04-12 (London, England)

THAMES POLICE.  A brace of luckless tars, with very melancholy visages, who were recently discharged from one of the Hon. Company's China ships, complained that a crimp in whose house they were lodging, had obtained possession of the whole of their wages, nearly 601., at the India House, where they were paid off on Wednesday. On being questioned they admitted they were " half slewed," and gave the money to the crimp, who said he wished to preserve their cash from the " land sharks !" He had not been at home since.  The magistrates were surprised that the sailors could become the dupes of such scoundrels as the crimps, whose tricks had been so often exposed. They direetedan officer to look after the crimp, and advised the sailors, when they came ashore again, to provide themselves with berths in a respectable public-house, where they would meet with good treatment, and not be imposed upon. A sailor complained the other day that he had been charged 201. by a crimp for nine days' board -and lodging. Among the items in the bill were fifty pots of porter at 6d. a pot, and sixty half pints of rum at I s. each. The magistrates have very frequently regretted that the Legislature has not given them some control over the sailors' lodging-houses,  where they are defrauded of their hard earnings in the most scandalous manner. The crimps are well aware that the magistrates have no power over them ; and, under pretence of giving the sailors a snug berth and good treatment while ashore, get possession of their wages, and after they have kept them in a state of intoxication for a few days, for they take care to ply them well with liquor, they present a fictitious bill, which includes the whole amount of wages they have in their hands. Sometimes the improvident sailors are induced to mortgage part of the monthly pay of their next voyage to procure a kit of necessary clothing from the Jew salesman, who allows a liberal discount to the confederate crimp, and charges an enormous price for the slops. Since the arrival of the China fleet the crimps and Jews have been reaping a rich harvest ; and, strange as it may seem, although the ships have only been paid off a very few days, one half of the sailors are without a farthing.  OLD BAILEY SESSIONS, APRIL _ll  (Before a London Jury.) James Sheppard and James Smith were indicted for breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Thomas Wigman, and stealing therein a 'watch and various other articles, his property. Prosecutor resides in Park-place, Regent's Park. On the 25th ult.. he retired to bed at about one in the morning. In about three hours afterwards he was awakened by a rustling in his room, and called out " Who's there ?" when he saw a figure like a man, who passed round the bed, and went out at the door. Prosecutor jumped, out of bed, and went down stairs. On his way he called out " Thieves, murder, police," &c., to which he added " Give me my pistols, and I'll shoot them." Prosecutor then went to the door of the housekeeperN.room and knocked violently, caing,out ", Come forth, Mrs. Phipps"—(Much laughter, in which the prosecutor joined heartily)—but she double locked the door. —(Renewed laughter.) He returned up stairs and called from the window for the police. Could not say whether the front door wits opened or locked. Baron