Year: 1860

FEUDALISM IN ENGLAND.-Late EnglSn papers
contain reports of two cases which strkngly illus
trate the stupidity of the unpaid English magistra-
cy. and the folly and oppression of that other relic
Of feudalism, the English code of game laws They
cited in view Of the proposal to add still further
to the power Of the magistrates in question, by CIV
ing them substantially supreme control over the
funds of the taxpayers to show to what manner Of
men it is proposed to ntrust such responsibility
and to expose the iniquty of the laws retained on
the satuebook for the sole purpose of guarantying
the selfish pleasures of the territorial arstocracy by
securing to them the exclusive property in wild
creatures.


The first Of these cases was that Of boy fourteen
years old, accused of having been out with dog,
for the purpose Of taking game 1t was proved that
he was riding one horse and leading another, and
was followed by three dogs-a spaniel, greyhound,
and what one Of the witnesses called "a stumptail
sort Of lurcher." The evidence clearly showed
that he farming neither ~ the right
nor to the.left and was occupied with his horses
that he had no time nor opportunity, even if he felt
disposed, to engage in poaching The three dogs
after the manner of all dogs at leisure rambled about
freely; and, having started hare, they gave chase
and the 'stump-tail sort of lurcher" caught it.
against the statute in such made and provid-
ed, and carried it few minutes but dropped it on
hearing the cries of a woman working in the field.
1.-The bench considered the evidence very Clear"
and fined the boy twenty shilling though there was
evidence to show that he had set the dogs on or
had tried to profit by the sinful act of the stump
tail sort of lurcher."


The other case was that of laborer, charged with
unlawfully using wre-a species of snare-for the
purpose of taking game. The sole witness said that
having noticed that pheasant had been caught in


wirc he lay in wait near it to watch; and presently
the accused who had left off working in a neghbor


ing field to take lunch, came and looked at the wire
for some minutes, but without touching it or the
bird. The prisoner said in bis defense that, having
heard bird uttering, he went at luncil-hour to
what it was. The magistrates "had no doubt about
prison for month, in default of payment of fine
Of twenty shilngs. 1t was not even limited that he
had set the wire, and the bird was caught when he
saw it, and he did not even touch it. By what act,
then was his unlawful intention, which the magis-
trates punished, indicated?


Perhaps it is well that few innocent persons
should thus sur in order that the eyes of the peo
pie of England shall be more surely and quickly
opened to the monstrous enormity of the laws gov
erning such cases. and the still monstrous stu
pidity of those appointed by the Government gratui
tously to administer them. MEANWHILE let English
meddlers with American institutions learn to see
and reform abuses at home before extending their
telescope philanthropy to our far happier land.
We had the pleasure this morning of visit from
Rev. G. II. Wiley, Superintendent of Common
Schools in this State


We understand that Mr.. Wiley is mainly here on


this OCCASION at the invitation of certain leading
gentlemen, who take lively interest in the cause


education. They wish to consult with him. to have


the advantage of his knowledge and experience will


regard to the policy and feasibility of organizing


some system of public Schools for the town, baset


upon the State system, yet modified to meet th'


wants arising out of the peculiar circumstances il


which our growing population is placed. There il


deficiency of educational facilities at least Of sucf
! facilities placed within the reach of men of moderate


means, and it is to supply this deficiency, that th


exertions and hopes Of the friends of education ar
| directed.


: How this is to be done we do not pretend to sa,


now, nor, indeed, do We think ourselves qualified


to do so at any time. We simply desire to call at


tention to the subject by stating that Mr.. Wiley vii


deliver lecture upon this subject tomorrow even


ing, at the Town Hail. no doubt, present facts wei


worthy the public consideration. Out Of his sug


gestions, and the discussions to which they ar


likely to give rise, may spring up system that vii


realize the best wishes and hopes of all Whining


ton Journal.