The Sun. — 1825-02-25 (London, England)

HILL TO PREVENT BEAR-BAITING. Mr. R. MARTIN, in moving for leave to bring in his Bill against bear-baiting and other cruel practices, stated, that lie  hail consulted those persona who, from official situation an& general information, were most likely to be able to form a just conclusion on the-nature and tendency of those sports ; and he could inform the House, that it was the opinion of every Magistrate of London and Westminster,whose opinion he had taken, that nothing contributed more to the commission of crime than an indulgence in such cruel practices : they were the schools in which thieves and murderers were educated. It had been customary to evade the interference of the police, in such cases, by declining to take money at the doors. This was not always the case ; at least, he had a Bill in his pocket of one of these amusements, the admission to which was 3s. 6d. It was an exhibition of badger-baiting, and for training young dogs before being sent out on their travels..---(Laughter.)—lt had been objected to a former measure of his, that it was only his intention to put a stop to the sports of the poor, and that he avoided attacking the amusements of the Nobility. • He understood that the exhibition to which he last alluded was supported by several-of the higher classes ; he was-sorry to hear it, but was determined, with the assistance of the House, to act impartially, and put it down. He hoped on that ground to receive the support of the Member for Winchelsea. He thought the Learned Gentleman stood pledged to support him in his present attempt, which struck at the rich as well as the poor. The House could not be aware of the cruelties which were practised upon the • animals, and he was sorry to say not .unfrequently, by men who had a character for learning and science. He could not avoid mentioning one instance of this kind—it was the case of a person whom he would call a disgrace to science, an individual of the name of Majendie, who had made one of the most atrocious exhibitions at Coned our anatomical theatres that could be conceived. This person procured a greyhound, and made fast his four paws to a table with iron spikes ; the ears of the tortured animal were also nailed down in like manner ; the operator then proceeded to cut out and demonstrate the nerves connected with sight, taste, and hearing, on one side of the jaw he applied his scalpel to the nerveless socket of the eye, and performed various other cruel experiments. When the opera.' don was concluded on the• dog, which still survived these; cruelties, he handed him over to an attendant, and informed' the spectators that if the assistant took proper care of the animal during the night, there was no doubt he would be' alive .in .the morning, and in that case they. would have another opportunity f seeing a similar operation performed on the nerves connected with the other side of the jaw.— However, said this humane gentleman, should the attendant be inattentive, there is little doubt but theoanimal will possess sufficient vitality to enable me to demonstrate the perestaltie motion of his stomach for your .further gratification. He trusted there could be "Ina one feeling of detestation -at such barbarities. He had consulted the most eminent professional men, among others Dr. Abernethy and Sir E. Home—he had taken the opinion of many learned and scientific characters in Oxford and Cambridge, and they all united in condemning and depre' eating such cruel practices. The experiment had taken place in this metropolis, and he believed it was the intention of the operator to return, but if lie did, he (Mr. Martin) trusted it would not be to receive patronage and encouragement, but the Contrary. The Honourable Gentleman concluded by moving for leave to bring in a Bill to prevent bear beating and other cruel sports.  Sir M. W. RIDLEY opposed the introduction of the Bill, on the ground of the subject not being of sufficient importance to' callforan enactment from the House.  Mr. MARTIN replied. Mr. F. BUXTON supported the Bill. Bk. Alderman BRIDGES approved of the principle of the  Dlr. BUTTERWORTH deprecated the practice of prizefighting; the Bill should have his support. Strangers were ordered to withdraw, and the llousa then divided, when there appeared— Tor the Bill - Against it • Majority  -12  Leave was according giiren to.bring in the Bill.