The Sun. — 1859-08-24 (London, England)

CONVICT SM.ETHU.RST.  This convict, who at present lies in a position so perilous, is the son of a small schoolmaster, and was born in the neighbourhood of Coventry, in the year 1804. There is, however, no pretext for the allegation that his father was tutor to the Earl of Dysart ; nor does thero appear to be any better foundation for his assertion that he is a regularlyeducated medical man. According to his own account, as detailed in a boarding-house where he lived, he married his present wife from feelings of gratitude for her attention to him when ill, during the period of his career as a medical student; but there is no proof that he originally was more than a chemist, or possesses a higher professional degree than that of the Apothecaries' Company and a German degree (Giessen) of doubtful merit. He undoubtedly, however, carried on medical practice at Stockwell, Camberwell, and various places adjoining London. But it was at Ramsgate where he practised longest, and was best known. He carried on business there for several years, and it is but fair to add that, except as being consiierecl somewhat close-fisted and fond of money, he bore a tolerably respectable character. After residing there for some time he quitted for, Germany, with the double view of placing himself under the celebrated bydropathist Priessnitz, for the purpose of obtaining relief from a lameness with which he was afflicted, and of acquiring a sufficient knowledge of the system to enable him to practise it. On his return to Rams• j." gentleman wan ork who is then dedicated enjoyed to gate he not only opened a cold-water cure establishment, but published a book upon the subject enliydrop Ea tshge.r, a a g Claridge," some notoriety for having introduced' the coldwater system into this country, and who must have been of a very enviable character indeed, if, as declared by " for the health of his fello Smethurst, his zeal w-creatures was uversal as his benevolence.' A prayer for his health follows by the author, and the work is frequently quotations interlarded by accurately rendered. The extraordinary course adopted by Smethurst of objecting, at his lorial to jurymen in any degree connected with distillation, is explained by this work. In its pages he warmly advocates " Teetotalism," and he was evidently afraid that this might raise in their breasts a prejudice against him. The book is rather respectable as a compilation, and it is somewhat remarkable that when absent in Germany his practice was, at his request, taken care of by a gentleman before whom he was eventually brought at Richmond on a charge for murder. But at Ramsgate he never got into what is termed " fashionable practice," and he consequently removed to the establishment of Moor Park, in Surrey. After keeping this for several years, he eventually sold it to advantage, and led a comparatively private life until arrested on the charge for which he has recently been condemned. The conduct of Dr. Smethurst from the time of his conviction to the present has been uniform, and though depressed, he believes the sentence will not be carried into effect. Tuesday, in the week after next, is the day fixed for the e7:ec u 7011 but Sir Walter Farquhar, the High Sheriff, has not officially notified the fact to the wretched man. That will, however, be done this day, in thee presence of Mr. Abbott, the Under-Sheriff end gaol officials.