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« &%t Cmtfn'tum xif ^nslantr « Xa-sz erina the poer, ana xieh man rule tfce lair."
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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THB DOESETSHliK POOR JOiD LOUD ASHLBT . The state of the labouring-clflHses in Dorsetshire is the subject of special and active dinensrion . Mr . Rich&rd Brinsley Sheridan recently published Bome account of the nriseiably insufficient wases , -the squalid dwellings , the confined space , leading to the most immoral practices—all things previously asserted over and over again , Tmt now confirmed by the testimony of an independent conntey-gentleman . Some persons , including certain clergymen , denied Mr . Sheridan ' s statements ; but , as ha remarks in a letter to the Times , in doing so they corroborate -what they contravene . One clergyman sientjons » eonple ( the man being -very aged ) if hose wages sk S 3 . Si and three losvet ; snfi seveisl who have from 23 . -with all , ox to 5 s . a week with part , of
their food . Mr . Sheridan Bays , the price . of a peck of trheat per diem has been considered the proper rate of ¦ wages for a labourer ; that would be 9 s . 3 d . per week , at the present cost of wheat : but figures are adduced tt show that eTen that sum is inroflicient . For example , a man , his wife , and eight children , earn lls . 6 d . a week ; they spend it thus—10 loaves , 5 s . ; half abnshel Of barley , Is . Gi . ; soap and candles , 101 j eleTen pounds of suet to mix with potatoes and bread , 6 dtouse lent , 2 s . 3 d- ; total , 10 b . Id . ; leaTing Is . 5 d . to clothe and supply with other necessaries ten persons 1 Further , the lower rate of wages , 6-. or 7 s ., are given In particular districts—not generally throughout the country ; which , proves that there is injustice somewhere . Lord
¦ Ashley comes out in snpport of ilr . Sheridan , the purity of whose motives he boldly asserts . At the Starminstei agricultural dinner , he ' observed that Dorsetshire was becoming a by-word in man ' s months . Be asked whether such charges were true ? whether the' cottages were filthy , ill-drained , and calculated Id increase immorality and disease?—"Are we prepared to refute these statements or not ? Is the rate of wages afforded to the labourer a fair remuneration f « r his labour , and in fail proportion to the profits of the soil ? Or if the evil is not to be traced totals tsuse , and it itisjiot immediately obvious ¦ what it is , I adviBe that counsel be taken between the owners and occupiers of land to discover -where it be , and endeavour to find the remedy ; for I am snre that semethmg must be done . I am net prepared to say ¦ whatj bnt , if necessary , let ns practise more-selfdenial , abridge our luxuries , and let this be commenced with the highest and . . wealthiest in the county *—tlond eheexs ) .
Be . gave his hearers gcoa advice *—to pay their la-Ij 3 nr £ ES in money and in . good time ; to steal » ot the gleaners from then fields , and to avoid the truck system . He exhorted those present to look the charges full in the face , and to disprove the evil , or remedy it .
DISIBESS !> ' lEICESTEBSHIBE . Ths Hinckley StoekingcT has sent a second letter to the Morxixg Chrmidt . He says" Since the publication of my List letter I have personally investigated the homes and circumstances cf fifty families , averaging six persons each , and taken from thai own lips their weekly income and expenditure . I have not taken the worst cues in this town , or the most unskilled workmen in the trade , but present a fair specimen of the actual condition of the people , and defy eontiadiction . The following presents the result of my labours : — Unmbex of ftrnflim visited , 50 ^ number of individuals composing these f « TniliftH , SSI ; number of looms Id ditto , 109 . Average weekly earnings per family , lls 3 fd ; average ditto per loom , 5 s 2 d .
Average expenditure of each family—Honse rent , 3 * 8 d j loom rent , 2 s 3 d ; coal and candle , Is 6 d ; soap and needles , Sd ; total expenditure , 5 s lOd . Weekly income , lls Sjd ; weekly expenditure , 5 s 10 d ^ leaving 5 s 5 f d . It will be seen at onoe from the above that there only lemains Jlld per head per -week , or lid per day , a « un acircely sufficient to procure food enough farthesnstenxnes of life . In my visits to these abodes of misery it was forcibly impressed on my mind—' Eye hath not seen , ear hath not heard , the heart cannot conceive , " the ft * w of the sufferings endured by this poverty-stricken people . - In one instance J found a bed ( the only one for the family ) , without pillow or bolster , or sheets , or blankets , and nothing to
cover them but old nee bags . In another 1 found two beds ( if beds they might be called ) , one without a fbpt , and tie other without a blanket When I saw the groups of shoeless aad ragged urchins , some at work , others playing round their cheerless t" »^ h »; and -srit-Eessed the tear roll Sown raaoy a faded yet manly cheek , and heard the faltering tongue exclaim , 'We ; never tasted meat this many a day — ' we have almost ; forgotten its taste , * I eauld not helpjbut wish that onr ; rnlers would coma here , and take a lesson of human suffering andlearn the duty of devotedness and dirin- \ ^ -TEStefinesB for the common good . For the last fort-4 night , the quiet of the Sabbath has been disturbed by j **» rattle of the loom . A -thing so unusual made -no j small stir . I visited two myself to inquire Into the j
Motives ¦ which led them to this reckless conduct . One aid , * Look at my children and my borne , and ask no more ; I n 2 S teQ . you , however , why 1 work on this day : It Is because my poverty compels me ; I ccuaoi r ~ i& iriB not hear my children xry for bread without taSing the only means honestly to jet it . List Monday morning I rose at two o ' clock , and worked till . sear midnight I rose at six each succeeding morning , and worked till between eleven and twelve each night , and now you see what I have for dinnsr . I cannot do it longer , I shall go to an untimely grave if I do ; I will therefore end n > y labours at ten o " clock each ugh * , and make up toe fine thus lost by labouring en the Sanday . " He bad four children , the oldest only six years old ; the other had a family of the same number , and ab * ut the same age .
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they were when they \ cers born . The door of the vault or cell was open , at the time , aud the man was giving them food . I did not see them came oat I sever saw any person except Harris talking to them . 1 told Mr . M'Pherson the men were in the vault , and that they asked ne tor bread , ard that I would have given it to them , if I dared . Other witnesses were examined who corroborated the evidence previoaaly given . THE SECOND CHJiSGE . The Commissioner said , he wished the boy , Roper , to be brought in , who , he understood , was an inmate in the House . - The boy was then brought into the room , and , after hearing a brief narrative of the case which he was called to support .
The Commissioner said , before he examined ths boy , he would go with him , and he should point out the places in which he was put , and to ' which ha would have to refer when giving his evidence .- Any of the Guardians who wished to attend him in this part of his enquiry , might do so . It was necessary that the boy should point ont the different rooms in which be was placed before he took down his evidence . The Commissioner then left the room with the boy , and proceeded with several Guardians and the reporters to the passage leading to the Infirmary . The Commissioner—Ifow , my little boy , point out to me the place you were first placed in . The boy pointed to the first door in the passage on the right hand side . A Guardian present— " O , no ! that cannot be : that is a lumber-room . "
The Commissioner—Yon make a mistake , boy ; -was it not the next door i No , Sir ; I waB put in here first . Commissioner—Are you sure of that , my boy J Yes , Sir . —Where is the key ? let the door be unlocked . A Guardian—No person is ever " placed there j it is full of lumber . The Commissioner—The boy adheres to it that he was put In there . Let the door be unlocked . One of the servants , who bronght the key , said the boy was put in there first Commissioner—You see , gentlemen , however incredible his statement at first appeared , the boy is right 1 st thB door be unlocked .
The door of the vault was then unlocked , and one of the most dark and dismal places it was ever our lot to behold was opened to vie-w . It -was an arched vault , without acy Window or grating for the admission of light or air , filled with lumber , leaving scarcely room for three persons to stand in . Its appearance prodnced a strong feeling of disgust in the minds of all "who saw it . Commissioner— -Where were yon next taken to ? The boy then proceeded to the door of the b ' aek-hole , where the four men were confined . ¦ This horrible hole we gave a faint description of in our last . Commissioner—How long , my boy , were yon confined in this place?—One night the first time , and three days and three nigbta the Becond time . — "Where were you nest taken to 1—The room opposite . —Shew ns the room .
The boy then walked across the passage to a vault or cell directly opposite to the black hole , "which was formerly called the black hole . Commissioner—How long were you kept here ?—Three days and three nights . Commissioner—We will now go to the tramp-room . The Commissioner , the Guardians , and the reporters then proceeded to what is called the tramp-room at the top of the yard , on entering which the stench waa dreadful , and tbe scene revolting . It was a small confined cell , around which were fixed boards which were called bedsteads , without bedding or straw upon them . In one corner of one of these bedsteads , at the further end of the cell , lay a boy huddled up in a rug ; and in the opposite corner another boy in a similar position .
CommiBaoner—What is that '—pointing to one of the miserable objects—is it a human being ? A Guardian—Yes , Sir . The Commissioner— Get up . Two young , -wretched , and filthy human ereatures then rese up . The Commissioner—What a Btate for hnman beings to be in i Then addressing the younger boy , he said—How old are you ?— Nine years . How long have you been here 1—A week last Saturday . To the next boy . How old are yon ?—Fourteen , Sir . How long have you been here?—Four days , Sir . They have no business to remain here so long
The Commissioner asked a man who was ill , how long he had been there , and he aaid several days . He then -visited other parts of the House , * the appearance of -which and tbe unfortunate inmates -was / as our contemporary justly observes , thoroughly revolting . * The reporter , at the request of one of the Gaardian * , went through the Honse , but we must not here give his description of the scenes be met with , and his remarks thereon , as it is understood that many of them will be the subject of official Investigation . On the return of the Commissioner to the committee room he called tbe boy Roper to him , and after seriously cautioning him to speak the truth ,: the whole truth , and nothing bat the tmth , and explaining to him the awful responsibility of giving utterance to falsehood , when he called God to witness , he most solemnly administered to him the oath .
The boy Roper said , I am twelve years of age . And I was brought to thi > Workhouse by my mother , for being a naughty boy . 1 was taken into a room , before some gentlemen , and they were asked if the ; would take me into the Workhouse for being a bad boy . My mother took me into the kitchen , to the Governor . The Governor called a man , who took me into the dark-hola . His name -was John . Ee gave me up to a man named John , with a -wooden leg . This man pat me into the first bole in the passage , on the right hand side of tbe passe ge leading to the Infirmary . I staid there until from about six o ' clock to eight at night , when Mrs . Hirst came , and J was taken out and pot Into the second door in the passage , meaning the black-hole . When I -was first put into this second
place , there was no one there . Two boys came in about five minutes afterwards . Some men came in , and there were seven of us altogether in tbe cell . Mrs . Hirst and a female servant came and gave es some rugs . She gave ns all one a-piece . I do not recollect of either of the other boys or tbe men refusing thB rug . Our supper , of soup and bread , was bronght to us . Two ef the boys had no shoes on . About balfpast seven o ' clock the next morning Harris let us out , and he put me into a room on the oppobite side , where I had my breakfast . At ten o ' clock Harris took me oat of that room , and put me into the top men's tramproom , where I remained three days and three nights . Every night I was there , tramps were sleeping in this room ; I can't say how many , but there were a good
many . I sheuld think on the Saturday night there were twenty . After that I was taken to the dark hole , -where I had before been in on the right hand side of the passage , and there kept three days and three nights ; and I was then removed to the opposite side , and there 1 stopped three days and three nights . I never slept in the dark hole by myself . There were always tramps there . There weT © not more than seven in the hole ; it -wonld jjot holdTmore . The grating was open to the top . I had no -water or convenience to -wash myself the first morning I was in the Workhouse . Intbenpper tramp room I did wash once . Harris gave me soap 1 and "water , and I "wiped myself on my handkerchief .
On tbe Sunday I came out I was -washed , when I was taken to a bath . I had no clean shirt or clean clothing during that period . I had nothing to sleep upon but boards from the Wednesday until the following Sunday week , when 1 lert I was kept in bed a fortnight by Mrs , Hirst After I first went to bed on a Sunday evening , and kept my bed for a fortnight , the Schoolmaster told me not to get up . He told me that the matron had ordered him not to let me get up . My clothes were taken from me when I went into the bath . A clean shirt and pinner was then given me . The boys bronght np my food . The Schoolmaster said I was kept in bed for punishment I was a week and three days in bed , and the other days kept in tbe room .
Edward Sogers , fourteen years of age , sworn- —He corroborated the testimony of the boy Roper as to being kept in bed nine days . 'Jhe investigation was then adjourned-. Fbidat , Dec . 1 . —The Commissioner read a paper from the Governor , containing his reply to the charge relative to the four tramps . None of the facts given above were disproved ; the Teply was a mere piece of 11 explanation , " not at all mending the Governor ' s CSQ . ; The Mother of the boy Roper was examined , and her evidence confirmed that of the boy . William Harris , the man -who was ordered bj the Governor to put tbe boy in the black hole , confirmed all the important points ol the boy ' s evidence .
Mr . Charles Smith , the house surgeon , was next examined , after -which the investigation was again adjourned .
THE THIRD CHAfiGE . Satcbday , Bec . 2 . —The Commissioner , on taking his seat this morning , said he was now about to enter upon another charge , which was this , viz — That a young woman , named Harriet Hodder , was pnt into the tramp-room by vray of punishment Mrs . Hirst—She is very ill—she is in the Infirmary . The Commissioner—I wish to examine her on oath . Mrs . Hirst—She is unable to attend here , Sir . The Commissioner—if ahe be unable to Walk to this room , I must go to her and take her evidence . Let tbe !
swgeon be sent for . j Mr . Smith , the House Surgeon , was then sent I » r , and on his coming into the room , the Commis-! « oner asked kirn If he thought Harriet Roddei eVide ^ T ° f ^^ bron ^ to OuU xoom to giro \ Mr Snath said be considered that she was . ; forSwi £ Mnmtai ° ner ~ "Let he * then bB hToa ^ he « to \ ¦ ¦ !
to the SS ^ bSS 0 bserTe ' Mfc WeaIe ' P »» IoM to the »*««• Boater coming in , that the tramV-TooiBS SBcTforTep ^ . 1 *"* 8 * *>***** . but enly isl ^ S ^ SS ^ S ^ ^ ** - ** *««* . * ££££ vlS ST br < rasht ^ '* —^
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This witness deposed -that she had been confined in the tramp room " from a Saturday night to the next Wednesday morning . ' * She " » as ill and taking medicine aV tbe time . In answer to qaestionfl by Mr . Btmcher , the witness laid , I have known women pnt in the black-hole for quarrelling . Ann Morris , the woman who quarrelled with me , was pat in the black hole about three or font months ago . I have known other women separated and put in the tramp-room I was in for quarrelling . Ann Morris , I understood , -was put in the black-hole because she refused to go to chapel . She was put in about five o clock in the afternoon , and taken oat about nine at night , and she then went to bed with the other women . - Tbe Commissioner—Are you certain that Ann Morris was pot in the black-bole , and that yon saw her put inJ Witness—Yes , Sir .
The Commissioner—This is a new charge . It ia the first I have heard of a female being put in the blackhole . Surely it cannot be the horrible place the four men and the boy were confined in . She shall show us this black-hole where she states she saw Ann Morris placed in . Mrs . Hirst—I do not think she is able to walk there and back to this room . The Commissioner—I will take tbe pen and ink with me , and if she finds herself unable to walk back here , she can sign her deposition there . Mrs . Hirst—Are you able , Harriet , to go there and walk back ? Witness—Yes . The Commissioner—Let her show as the way . Tbe witness , followed by the Commissioner , several Guardians , and the reporters , proceeded to the passage leading from ibe Workhouse to tbe Infirmary .
The Commissioner—Now show us the place into which you saw Ann Morris put Tbe witness then pointed out the horrible black bole in which the four men and tbe boy were confined . The Commissioner—Are you certain you saw Ann Morris put in there 1 % Witness—I am , Sir . The Commissioner—Now show as the tramp-room in which you were placed . The witness then walked to a miserable and confined place , which is called the female tramp-room . The Commissioner—How long were you kept here ? Witness—I was kept here from the Saturday to the Wednesday . The witness was cross-examined by the matron , but made no alteration in her statements .
Mr . Smith , house-surgeon , was again examined at considerabls length . He stated that last witness was rfflicted witfc a chronic disease , and that her confinement in tbe tramp-room was most improper in her state ef health . Sarah Morley was then examined en the part of the Governor . She denied that the boy Roper bad been confined to his bed nine or ten days . The boy was re-examined , but persisted in bis former statement William Wear and John Fair were then examined ; they admitted that they had put Ann Morris in the black hole , by order of the matron ; but denied that she was placed in a straight jacket
MONDAY . —Mr . Edward Townsend Cox , of Birmingham , surgeon , said be had been surgeon to the Infirmary connected with the Birmingham Workhouse for upwards of thirty years . Harriet Rotfdis , otherwise Rodder , waa under my charge on the 1 st of March last At that time she -was suffering from stricture of tbe rectum and fistula . She was discharged from the Infirmary on the 17 th of July , relieved . She was again admitted on the 2 nd of September , and attended by me for the same disease ; discharged on the 7 th of September , relieved . She was again admitted on tbe 13 th of October , and attended by me for the same disease , and is at this time a patient in tbe Infirmary . She has , since her last admission , had an operation
performed on her by me for fistula . I know the female tramp-ward ; from what I know of this tramp-room , with the knowledge I have of the state of the woman , Roader , is now in , and my previous knowledge of her state , I should R « y it was not a fit place for her to be placed in daring the time she has been under my charge . I Was not awara &he was there . Had I seen her in the tramp-ward at any period from tbe 7 th of September to tbe 13 th of October , I should unquestionably have suggested to Mr . Smith , tbe House Surgeon , to have bad her removed , I do not think her disease has been increased from her being placed there , but that she must necessarily have expaiitncaJ increased inconvenience and suffering from pain from the
circumstances . Mr . Scholefield , M P . for the Borough , requested admission , which was immediately granted .
TOURTff CHARGE . William Weare , keeper of the lunatic ward , was then examined .. We cannot find room for his evidence at length , from which it appeared that a poor man named Bates , weak in intellect bat perfectly harmless , had been confined in the lunatic ward as a punishment , and there strapped to a chair by order of tbe governor and matron . Mr . Smith , house-surgeon , confirmed this statement Mr . South bad ordered the poor man to be released Which bad given great offence to tbe Governor . From the evidence of Ann Titley , keeper of the female Insane want , it appeared that a female not insane had been sent to the lunatic word by the Governor as a punishment for some offence . Mr . Hirst ( the Governor ) was not in attendance today on account of illness .
Tuesday . —The it quiry was resumed at ten o'clock Mr . Mole , solicitor , attended on the part of the Work- , house Governor . Tbe Commissioner addressed Mr . Mole , and said that he would now proceed with the Governor ' s defence . He would read over hiB notet , and point out those facts of tbe evidence which most affected Mr . Mule ' s client . There was no doubt about the confinement of tbe four men , or the treatment which they received . Mr . Hirst 222 < 3 himself admitted tbi& The Commissioner then read over the charges , and those parts of the evidence which in any way affected the Governor and the Matron-Mr . Mole—It is necessary forme to see tbe Governor for the arrangement of the defence . I shall be occupied with him some time
The Commissioner—We went on till Friday night before it was stated that Mr . Hirst wished his professional advi-er to bo present . 1 will give you until Tbursdsy morning to prepare the defence . I am willing to afford you every facility , and to give you every information you may require in preparing the defence to tbe charges . Mrs . Hirst stated ttat the Governor was too ill to attend . After the hearing of some unimportant evidence , the ItfQUiiu was adjourned until Thursday morning .
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Foourse , quite dead . Mr . Juppett had the mutilated remains removed to the union workhouse , which waa resorted to daring the day by numbers of persons , In older to the body being identified . Information waa sent to Mr , E . Eagles , the coroner , who issued his warrant for the inquest , which was beld on Saturday ; the obi ; witnesses examined that day being the labourers by whom the fire was discovered , and who could not account for the origin of tbe calamity . The inquiry was consequently adjourned over till Tuesday , when tbe body of the deceased was fully identified . His same is John Simmons , and be waa said to be about fifty-seven years old . He was a native of the town of Bedford , and entered the army when a mere boy . By good conduct , ha attained the rank
of colour-sergeant in the 40 th Regiment of Foot He was in the battle of Waterloo , where be was wounded in the bead and in the leg , and was commended by the Puke of Wellington for bia bravery on several occasions . The poor fellow was in receipt of Is . a day pension . Owing to the wound in his head , he had for some years been subject to periodical attackB of insanity , and had been for some time an inmate of Bedford Lunatic Asylum , from which he had been lately discharged . Having no employment , he was in the habit of wandering abont the precincts of the town , and about an hour before the fire broke out he was met by a man in the employ of Sit . Francis , builder , of this town . He waa at that early hour proceeding towards tbe Kimble ton-road , but for what purpose no one could form any probable conjecture .
By direction of the coroner , a post moitem examination of the body was made by Mr . Mitchell and Mr . Blore , surgeons . These gentlemen stated , that one of tbe arms and one of the legs were burnt off ; that the body was in other respects extensively injured . They had also found a contused wound on the head , which they were of opinion bad been caused after death , probably , by the falling of a piece of timber from the roof of the barn . They concluded that death had been caused by suffocation . There was no evidence adduced tending to implicate the men in custody ( the brothers Parkins ) beyond the fact of the workmen having seen them come from the barn , us already described , which they accounted for by showing that on the previous night they had slept at a cottage in the neighbourhood , and , when dressing , were attracted to the spot by the strong glare of light
The . Coroner recommended tbe Jury to return an open verdict , in case additional evidence might be obtained at some future time . The Jury concurred ia the suggestion , and a verdict to that effcot was accordingly recorded . The Parkinses have undergone two Ions examinations before the bench of magistrates , including Mr . Joseph Brown ( the late Mayor ) , Mr . G . P . Livius , Mr . T . A . Green , and Mr . Davis . The witnesses were the same as those catlod before the coroner ' 8 jury . There being no evidence to justify the further detention of the prisoners they were discharged . They gain a livelihood by repairing rush-bottomed chairs , and travel about the country in that character .
This appalling affair , together with the repeated recurrence of incendiary fires , produced the most feverish state of excitement in the town and county of Bedford , and has been rapidly followed by another conflagration within a short distance of this town of Ampthiil . The latter fire broke out on Saturday morning , at a place called Hownes , about six miles from Bedford . Here a large barn and out-offices , in the occupation of Mr . Eiimes , an extensive farmer , were wholly consumed . Fortunately this iB not accompanied , as in the other case , with loss of life ; bat the destruction of property is very great , and the owner is only partially insured . Upwards of fourteen stacks of corn , a large quantity of agricultural implements , together with the buildings , have been sacrificed by the torch of a nocturnal inoendiary , who , happily for the ends of justice , has been secured . His name is Thomas Elmer , a native of Ampthiil , and be is Baid to be a person of all others the least likely to be suspected of a crime so heinous
as that of arson . Having received a fair share ef education he obtained too appointment of master of the Sunday school iu connexion With tbe National Society whioh has recently been established in the village of Hownes . Owing to some information obtained by Captain Boultbee , Chief Constable of the Bedford Rural Police , Elmer was apprehended as he was leaving the church on Sunday last , to the great astonishment of the congregation . He was conveyed to AtopthiU by Superintendent Bates , when he was examined on Thursday before the Bev . J . B . Whitburn , one ot . the district magistrates . The evidence was so Btreng as to leave no doubt that he was a principal in , if not tbe sole author of , the fire at Mr . Eames ' s premises . 1 When In the cage the prisoner made a voluntary confession of his guilt , which being reduced to writing , he signed it in presence of the Bench , and has been fully committed for trial on the capital charge at the ensuing 88 Siz ° S
The terror excited amongst the farmers throughout the a&Tic \ iUwra . \ districts ta tbta neighbourhood is quite paiufuL The rural police discharge their duty , wearisome as it has become , owing to the frequency of incendiary fires , with laudable zealund alacrity ; but they ore too few , in number to overcome the marauders who are prowling about every night over a county of such extent . The Bedford Association ( county ) for Protection of Property have employed a number of men to co-operate with the rural police , but this is not enough to restore confidence . It is repotted that a meeting of the magistrates is about to be held , in order , to consider the propriety of an application being made to the Secretary of State for some increase of the constabulary force during the remainder of the winter .
SWING IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE . ( From the Cambridge independent Press . J Fen Ditton . —It is our melancholy task to record one of the largest and most : calamitous fires that has occurred in this part of the country for many years , and which there is no doubt waa the work of an incendiary . Gn Thursday evening , about five o ' clock ,, a stack of oatstraw , sta ding in a farmyard belonging : to Mr . J . Pyson , of Fen Ditton , about two miles aud a half from Cambridge , was discovered to be oil fire . The yard contained seventeen stacks , of every description of grain , two largo barns , a granary , pigeou-bouso , cart-hovels , piggeries , and other outbuildings . It was of great extent , the stacks and buildings forming a large square . In a few minutes from the discovery of the fire ,, the Wbolo
of the stacks were la a blazj . The wind blew from tbe west with great violence . The alarm speedily reached Cambridge , and in , a very brief space the Norwich Union fire-engine , which was accompanied by Mr . W . Ekin , reached the spot . The Ptceaix-ofilce end other engines soon arrived . The stuck in which the fibre commenced , was situate at the southern extremity of the yard : and at the time when the first engine arrived tbe tire might easily have been extinguished , but , unhappily , there was a most deficient supply of water , and the flames spread with such rapidity as to defy tbe feeble opposition that was bronght against them . Tbe 8 re communicated from stack to stock with alarming speed , and in less than ten minutes the whole yard was in a bbZ 9 . The barns , which were of great 8 ) Z 9 and
contained a larao quantity of grain , were quickly enveloped in flimes . Tdu cattle and farming implements were , by strong exertions , safely removed , with the exception wf two wooden rollers . At this moment the fire was grand aad awful in the extreme . A space which occupied an area of more than two hundred yards square , was crowded with immense burning masses of material . The wind blew with great violence and carried the flitnes with terrific force to a height and extent which threatened destruction to t&e whole village . The effoits of the firemen were powerless to stay their pro . gress . Ai this time , to add to the horrors of the scene , sorao burning materials Tell upon the stack of Mr . Kent , whose farmyard was on the opposite side of the road . This yard contained nine large stacks of barley and
hay . Ia a moment all were in fhinos , and another fire almost equal in extent to the one we have been describing raged most fearfully . Fortunately the wind carried tb . 3 flames from the house of Mr . Kent , and the larger yard in which were the barns . Twenty-six large stacks and numerous buildings were now all on fire at once , and to ¦ stop the ravages of the devouring flames seemed ^ utterly impossible . The scene waa terrific , and amidst it all we were grieved to observe the apathy and reckless iudifferuhca displayed by the labourers , but few of whom manifested the slightest desire tofaid in extinguishing the fire . The engines were chiefly worked by members of the University , in any of
-whom most actively and energetically employed th mselvea in attempting to save the propt rty of the sufferers . Some were seen up to their knees in water , passing buckets of water from one to tbe o-her ; but the fire was beyond control . Its ravages were unstopped until all on which it could spend its fury was destroyed . Tbe noise of falling tiles—the crush Of burning beams —the cries of the fowla and pigeons as the poor creatures ffell into the flames—the shouts of the thousands assembled , and the rvwful grandeur of the flunts Bending up to heaven lurid clouds of smoke , presented a scene of such awful suhlimity that words cannot describe it The fire was extraordinary from the immense extent of ground which it covered . Look on all sides
and you were surrounded by burning masjses . Had the wind been in an opposite direccion the whole village must have perished . That this awful calamity was the v ^ ork of an incendiary , there is unhappily no donbt . Two men were apprehended , one of whom is now in oustody ; against the other no evidence was adduced jwhich warranted his detention . The village during the whole night was thronged with labourers , hundreds of whom came from distant and adjacent villages . : The loss cannot be under £ 6 , 000 . All the property was insured in the Norwich Union Office .
Boxworth—On Wednesday evening last , shortly after eleven o ' clock , Mr . Kirby , farmer of Boxworth , wh » had retired to rest , was awakened by » man named Ellard , an Inhabitant of the village , who- three years since worked with Mr . Kirby , and who communicated the Alarming intelligence that his premiaea -n'ere on njra iOn descending he found that a barn , containing unthrashed barley , was in a blaza in the middle The flames rushed forth with great fury , and speedily communicated with the eaves of the dwelling house , but were prevented extending further in this direction by the great exartions of Ellard and Kirby . The flre had by this time been perceived by others in the village , and tho whole neighbourhood waa speedily alarmed . A messenger was despatched to Swavesey for tbe engine , which speedily arrived , and proved to be most efficient in preventing the extension of the fire to the dwelUug-house from a neighbouring stable . In leg *
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than ten minutes -from the discovery of the fire the whole of the contents of the yard were in llames , together with two cottages , occupied by a wheeler namea Butler ( wbo bis seven cbildreB ) and a farm labourer named Allen ; these had tewly time to escape , as they , with their ( families , were in bed when tnejare caught their roofs , i The whole of their furniture , with the exception of one bed , wwconsnmed . The cbih dren of Butler , in a partially naked state , were some of them afforded shelter by the villagers , and the remainder , with their unhappy mother , might have been seen , congregated round the Ingle nook of the ; only public , bouse of the village , in a state of hopeless despair . Tbe labourers used every exertion possible , and removed the furniture of Mr . Kirby , part to a close
opposite the residence ! and the remainder to the premises of bis neighbour , Mr . Wolflngton , where his family , consisting of hia wife and three children , the eldest of them under eight years of age , also found shelter , arid this was all the assistance that could be rendered , as the fire was blazing with such fury as to prevent all hopes of saving any of the contents of the yard . The heat 7 » s most intense , and the dwellinghouse from this cause was not out of danger till nearly half-past three o ' clock , at which time the supply of water was becoming exhausted , the pump being consumed and two ponds having been drawn nearly dry in pumping on this and the nearest stacks . . Almost the whole of the stock , 11 or 12 cowis , and as many horses were got out of the yard , and ta accomplish this , they had to be
led through a pond ; but twa horses , one bud , fourteen store and three fat hogs were burnt , together with a large quantity of poultry . Another horse was so much burnt that it is doubtful whether be will not have to be slaughtered . The contents of the yard were the whole of the produce of a 450 acre farm , and consisted of sixteen Btacks , namely , three of wheat , two of peas , one of barley , one of oajbs , and one of tare stubble . These , contrary to the usual practice of Mr . Kirby , were this year all stacked in the yard . The buildings consisting of a barn containing chaff , two of barley , one of wheat , and one of oato , nag stable , and cart-shed , log-hovel , cow-lodge , two granaries over stable next the bouse ,
and a wheat casei containing about three bays pr eighty loade of wheat , with piggeries , henhouses , &c . The grain was in the straw , with the exception of from eighteen to { twenty loads of wheat and feurteen or fifteen j quarters of barley , and the greater portion of this was thrashed on the Wednesday . The cottages Were Completely gutted , the walls only being left standing , land those in a tottering condition . The party wall was ' an unusually substantial one , and fell with a loud crash about five o ' cloek . The implements burnt consisted of rive carts , one ¦ waggon , a drill , a gig , dressing-machine and blower , ploughs , barrows , & 6 . No accident occurred to any human ueing , although
the occupants of the cottage had a very narrow escape . A south-west wind was blowing the whole night , whioh towards morning veered a little more to the west . At half-past eleven o ' clock on Thursday , at which hour our informant left ( having been attracted from Cambridge the previous night by the reflection on the hdrizin ) , the stacks were still burning , although , of course , there was no danger ; of tho flames extending , and the fury of the devouring element was well nigh spent . This comfortable homestead at that time presented a melancholy picture of desolation . We regret that we cannot close this report without adding that not the slightest doubt exists on the mind of the proprietor , or any in the village , that the conflagration was caused by an incendiary , i MORE ; DREADFUL FIRES .
Steeple Morden .- — On Monday night , about eleven o ' clock , a fire broke out in the rickyard of Mr .. S . Strickland , of Steeple Morden , Cambridgeshire , which consumed all the ricks , barns , corn , and outbuildings , leaving only the farmhouse . The flre is supposed to have been the vile act of an incendiary , and a . person is taken up on strong supposition . This is the second flre within a period of six months at thiB farm ; consequently the whole of the newly-erected buildings are destroyed . Had it not been for tbe attendance ef the BaBsingbouxn engine : very little doubt is entertained but the house must have fallen a sacrifice to the flames ; for although there were hundreds of the labouring class of both stxes ia attendance , with the exception of a very few , they rendered no aa-ristauce ia saving it
Maulden . —On F / iday evening , Dec . 1 , a flre broke out at Maulden , -which has caused tbe greatest possible alarm . Two large bean-ricks , the produce of twenty ? one acres , the property of Mr . John Seabrook , were entirely destroyed . The Ampthiil engine , and ita complement of Bremen , promptly attended , but was of no avail , as no water could be procured ; and had there been plenty of water it would have been useless td play , as tbe stock was a complete mass of fire in a few minutes after it ; was discovered . Mr . Seabrook is , we understand , insured to the full amount .
Sawbridgeworth . — -On Monday evening , about ten o ' clock , a fire broke oat ia tbe farm of Mrs . Bennett , called Noon ' s farm , near Sawbridgeworth , inthe vicinity of tbe farm which was destroyed last week . The whole of the outbuildings and a part of the dwellinghouse were destroyed , together with a quantity of pigs and poultry , and a calf . There is , we fear , little room for doubt thai this fire is the work of an incendiary . Two men , suspected of the crime , were taken before the Rev . C . 8 . Bourchier , who remanded them until Monday next . —Herts Reformer .
On Sunday nigijt last , another fire broke out in Rowell , by which a hovel and a barn were consumed . They contained a quantity of corn , which , fortunately , waa saved . On the next evening , a fire broke out in tbe rick-yard of Mr ! Horspool , of Broughton , which consumed a stalk of wheat and a stack of barley , and occasioned the destruction of a hay-rick . Both are presumed to be the work of incendiaries . —Northampton ilercui-y j On Friday se ' nnight a double barn , filled with barley , tho property of ( Mr . Stephen Gooch , of Honingham , was entirely consumed by fire . Mr . Gooch had a stack burnt the previous Friday . Three men—two Lincolns , father and son , and Wright , the son-in-law of Lincoln—are in custody , and remanded till Tuesday ; and Hunt , another man , is taken up . They all reside at Honingham . —Norivich Mercury .
Early in the morning of Wednesday , last week , the stackyard of Drummawhanee , near Crieff . was discovered to be on fire by an individual belonging to a neighbouring farm , who immediately gave the necessary alarm . Considering tbe untimely hour , a great number of persons , anxious to arrest the work of devastation , were soon ! collected to the spot ; but , ia defiance of every exertitm , eight stacks were consumed before any effectual resistance could be offered to the progress of the flames ! How the fire originated is still a mystery ; but , from certain circumstances , strong suspicions are entertained of its having been the work , of an incendiary . The proper authorities , we believe , are busy investigating the affair ; but , so far as we have beard , without elucidating anything ; as yet to criminate any person ; in particular . —Glasgow Chronicle . \
Darlington . —On Thursday evening , the 30 th ult :, the atible of Mr . Stockdale , butcher , was discovered to be on flre ; but so prompt and energetic were the persons living in the neighbourhood , that it was extinguished without the aid of the fire engines . On the same evening the stable was again on fire , but quite in another part , which excited suspicion that it has been the work of an incendiary . Happily it -was extinguished by the same energetic means as the former Sunderland Herald . \ Fire at Clafham —On Saturday night , a little before ten o ' clock , a flre broke out in the rick yard of Mr . Crisp , of Clapbam , Beds . The fl imea reached to
so great an height that they were visible in Bsdford , aud the engines were drawn out and in the road before the messenger arrived to give the alarm . In less than half an hour from this period some hundreds of persons were on their way to the flre . Two stacks of barley , one of beans . j and one of wheat wore entirely consumed , together with the barn and some adjoining buildings , and a thrashing machine , which had beon at work on that day n ? on some clover seed , was also burnt . We have at present heard no estimate of the damage , but ; learn that the property is insured in the Sun Fire Of&ce . The ] origin of the fire has not been ascertained . — Herls Reformer .
MORE ] INCENDIARISM . Bisiiop Stortford , Dec . 11 . —The following incendiary fires have occurred in this neighbourhood within the last few ] days : —Oq Friday morning , about six o ' clock , the farm-yard of Mr . Rogers , ot Shorley Hall , was discovered to be in flames . Express tvas immediately sent to this town for engines , and assistance being speedily procured , and a plentiful supply of water , the fire was confiued to a largo ahed filled with agricultural implements , a haulm stack , and other smill buildins ; s . Hhe mornin ^ was fortunately very calm , else the large barna adjoining must have fallen before the devouring element '
Oq Sunday evening another large fire waa observed to break out north of the town . The engines were speedily despatched in the direction of the fire , which was found to be the [ Parsonage Farm , Mauuden , in the occupation of Mr . Smith . On . arriving , we found the whole of the extensive buildings , with tho exception of one small bam , iu ftimfes . Tb « attention of the firemen was directed to the dweUinfit-houae , to which the flames were fast approaching . Water being short , it was with difficulty saved ; but the emainder
r of the premises was soon a mass of rums , f wo goats , and one f * t hog were the only live stock destroyed ; the rest were saved . Mr . Smith , the occupier , bears a most excellent character , and what could induce the perpetration of this act we are at a loss to conjecture . It broke out while the family were at tea , in the | th » toh of the middle barn . Letters have been picked up in the town , in which other property is threatened . The greatest alarm prevails , this bein /? the fourth fire in rather more than a fortnight . f
incendiakt Fires in Berkshire . —We regret to state that two more incendiary fires have taken place in ti > i 8 county . The barn ; of Mr . Matthews , a farmer at StookcroBS , containing ! a quantity of corn , -was fired a few evenings since , ( and , with the whole of itB contents , , totally consumed . A poor and industrious man , nauned John Grey , living at Burden ' s Heath , near ThatOham , hud his little barn , and all it contained , bum * to the ground . There is very little doubt that both , ttitsa fires were wiliully cawed by incendiaries . ¦
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More Incendiarism . —Information bas been re . ceived at the Bow-BtreetPolice-office ,- and circulated , that on the night of Tuesday last same persons mail cioosly act flre to a barn occupies by Mr . Jaraea Hind * ley , Hurst Hall , Calchett During the burning oiVthej barn the following property was ¦ tolen ^ namely , s coat , waiftcoat , anJ other article * of wearing apparel . On the same night , between the hours of eleven anS twelve o ' clock , some persons set J * e > to atom belong ing to Mr . James Blackbnrne , of Juttley , in Lancashire , and the building was destroyed , together with a quantity of hay . Suffolk . —In the county-of Suffolk no fewer than four incendiary fi res attended with serious loss , bate occurred within the space of forty-eight boars .
Bedfordshire . — Incendiarism , by the frequency «* its occurrence , bas ceased to be considerea a crime bj the generality of labourers ; and some , I am persuaded , have been frcited to commit the crime by the force of example alone .-Jte ^ r of a Bedfordshire Farmr in V » Mark Lam Express . Beccles , Dec ll . —It is our painful doty to inform you of the further spread of incendiarism in onr districfe . On Sunday night last a fire of no ordinary character took place at the village of Stockton , Norfolk , on 5 farm in the occupation of Mr . Robert Grimmer ^ ; . ^ a short space of time a large barn , filled witn the produce ot twenty acres of barley * was entirely consumed . The utmost exertions were used to save the . property ,, but entirely without effect . Mr . Grimmer , we under-Btand , ia insured . — Chronicle , Wednesday ,
Government Bewards . —the Government Police Gazette exhibits too faithfully the alarming progress of incendiarism throughout the country . The determination of Government to punish with the utmost degree of severity the perpetrators of these incendiary acts ia manifest by the large rewards offered for the apprehension of the chief actors , and the inducements held out to the less guilty accomplicea that may choose to turn Queen ' s evidence . The following are the last cases of incendiarism which have been communicatecl to the proper authorities : —On the morning of the 12 th ultimo a barn and other out-buiidingfl , the property of Mrs Tyrrell , of Polstead Hall , in the occupation of Mr . William Tabar , together with a quantity of beans and Btraw , were feloniously set on flre . Government and the
offers £ 50 reward ; C . Tyrrell , Esq ., £ 50 ; Suffolk Fire-office £ 50 . for the apprehension and conviction of the offender or offenders , together with her Majesty ' s pardon to any but the person actually firing the premises . On the same night a stack of barley on the farm of Mr . G . Gayford , of Rymer-house , in the county of Suffolk , was wilfully set on are and destroyed ; £ 25 » reward is offered . Her Majesty ' s Government and his Grace the Duke of Grafton each offer £ 50 . Ia this case the Royal clemency will be extended to any but tbe actual incendiary . On the morning of the 18 tb ultimo the barns and out-buildings in the occupation of Mr . Samuel Buck , of Hawstead-lodge farm , also ia the county of Suffolk , were wilfully set on fire and destroyed together with a quantity of corn therein ; £ 200 reward is offered , £ 100 being given by the Government , besides the inducement of pardon to accomplices being held out On the night of the 18 th ult . a stack of barley , on the farm of Mr . Thomas Kersey , Pakenham , and £ 250
Suffolk , was wilfully set on fire destroyed ; ' reward ia offered , £ 100 by her Majesty s Government , and £ 50 by his Grace the Duke of Grafton , and in th * a case the Royal pardon will be granted to any accomplice who may turn Queen ' s evidence . For the bean hovel of Mr . Thomas French , of Wbitfleld , two carts , and also hay-rick damaged ; for the bean-rick of Mrat Brown , of Rothwell , Northampton , together witn a wheat-rick , barley-rick , and range of beast hevelsr , £ 50 by Government . For a bailey-stack , belonging to Mr . George Nead , of Eiston , £ 52 109 . by the Norwich Union Insurance Company . For the barley stack ot Mr . S . Goocb , of floningbam , £ 105 , by the Norwich Union Fire-office , and also £ 105 by Mr . S . Gooch . Irt the first case a man named Thomas Heyes , farm labourer , twenty-five years of age , five feet five inches high , fair complexion , light hair , small whiskers , and dark brown eyes , is suspected of setting Mr . Hindley ' a property on fire , be shortly afterwards having left the village .
« &%T Cmtfn'tum Xif ^Nslantr « Xa-Sz Erina The Poer, Ana Xieh Man Rule Tfce Lair."
« & % t Cmtfn ' tum xif ^ nslantr « Xa-sz erina the poer , ana xieh man rule tfce lair . "
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I 5 CENDIA 3 USM IN BEDFORDSHIRE AND SUPPOSED MURDER—ALARMING STATE OF THE RURAL DISTRICTS .
( From a Correspondent of the Times ) Bedford , FrtDay . Dec 8 . —During the lost fortnight thia generally tranquil county has been disturbed from end to end by repeated nightly fires , and nnhappily , there is but too much evidence to show that these atrocious outrages upon property have been the work ot incendiaries , although it is impossible to assign to tbe commission of such wanton mischief any probable motive , inasmuch as tbe agricultural labourers appeaT to be generally more contented than in other inral districts of the kingdom .
To the long list of fires ascertained to be cases of arson , and of which some particulars have already appeared in the London an ' cl local papers , fresh outrages of a similar kind have been added this week , a brief account of which is subjoined . Before adverting to the new cases , it may be right to state the result of the investigation which bas been going on relative to the fatal fire al Mr . Alderman Higgina'a barn on the Kimbolton-road , near this town , lost Friday morning . That disastrous affair , in which an unfortunate man lost his life , remains involved in mystery , though the magistracy and the police have been actively engaged in on
endeavour to obtain some clue by which it could be exp ' ained . Though 'the inquiry has closed for the present "without any definite result , the suspicion at first entertained of a murder having being committed previous to the fire ( the latter course being resorted to in order to conceal the crime ) , seemB to be the generally received opinion of all those who have attentively considered tbe subject Tbe following is a brief outline of the facts , as stated on the coroner's inquest , and in the progress of the inquiry had before the magistrates , ¦ which closed yesterday afternoon with the liberation of two men , who were apprehended under circumstances of strong suspicion .
It appears that , on the morning of Friday last , just at daybreak , some labourers in the employ of Messrs . Green , of Bedford , were commencing work at a brickkiln on the Bambelton-road ; they observed five issuing from the windows and doors of a large baxn a short distacco from the road , and in tbe occupation of Aider-] -Qan Higgins , of Bedford . An alarm of fire was p ^ omptiy given , ¦ and a number of persons hastened to the * * pot- On approaching the house two young men , brothers , named Parkins , were seen to rush from the barn , which was then on fire in three separate places , and bl izing furiously . When questioned as to the origin of tbe . 1 re » t&ey pleaded ignorance of it , the elder brother merely remarking that they had attempted to enter the barn , and had narrowly escaped with their
lives . An txptess was despatched to Bedford for the engines tw » ' of which were speedily on the spot , but were wholly i '^ operative owing to want of water , which was slowly ob Gained and in small quantities from ah adjacent draw- * '& ¦ Tbe b * ' which contained several quarters of corn , **• totally consumed , and the rick escaped destruction ^ 7 , * hron fi L& ^ "f " " of tbeflremen and tt ^ P * ** /* ! 7 Messrs . Green ' s workmen . The two Parf ^* " * ^ ere observed to be only partially dressed ; O " M « i » ted in extinguishing the flre ; bnt the other b . *?^ remained a listless spectator of the conflagration . ^ ^ circumstances tending to raise an unfavourable impression against the two young men , Mr . H . J . Jopj- ^ t , superintendent of the police , took them into custody , a » d * ey ™* e removed to Bedford for examination befoi " » tbe pagujtrate .
When the flames were got undt " *> ? « ; & was not till the barn -was reduced to the bare wl » . firemen and police entered , and discovered , en turning over the eihes , the body of a man frightfully ousut , and , of
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COVENTRY ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROTEC TfON OF WAGES IN THE PLAIN RIBBON
TRADE . At a public meeting , holden in tbe large room , Rose and Crown Yard , Coventry , the Committee to the Trade brought forward the following report , which was unanimously adopted . Its insertion in the pages of the Star will much oblige , The Trade . HALF YEARLY REPORX , DECEMBER 1 ST , I 8 i 3 . Gentlemen , — Your Committee , in presenting thai * half-yearly Report , congratulate you on the increasing prosperity of the funds of the Association . During th& last six months , your delegates have , had various difiU culties to contend with , arising in part from the continued ( determination ef some manufacturers to use every artifice to evade the present list of prices . For this pirgose , they have oppressed some of the most
needy of our fellow-workmen with extortionate hire for their band-loom machinery , first ascertaining where tbefgreatest necessity existed amongst their workmen , and then taking a mean and base advantage of those very necessities , which , had they been possessed of one spark of humanity , Christianity , or common sympathy r they would have done all in their power to alleviate . A small advance has lately been gained on the weaving of shaded ribbons ; and some dissatisfaction bas been expressed by certain members of the Association , because an advance has not been obtained on the weaving of plain Swiss ribbons : your Committee , after canvassing' the opinions of the manufacturers , and giving the subject their most mature consideration , have come to tbe conclusion that it would be unwise
for the sake of an advantage , which is not likely to be permanent , to force a rise in the present instance , and thereby provoke retaliation , and endanger the stability of the present list Taking this view ot the subject , and yet being well aware that the aforementioned article is highly deserving a rise on the price of weaving , we nevertheless think it most pradenc to let the question rest at present , at the same time assuring the > members of the Association , their Committee will take advantage of the first favourable opportunity to gain this desirable object , having been promised the assist * ance of same principal manufacturers should the demand for Swiss ribbons continue . Although your
delegates condemn the oppressive conduct of some manufacturers , there are others who profess themselves willing to lend every assistance in their power to forward the objects of our Association . To these gentlemen we return our grateful acknowledgments , trusting our proceedings will always gain , as we intend them to merit , the , approbation of every friend of the peace and well-being of society . We wish it to be distinctly understood that we are willing to make any reasonable alteration which necessity may require . All that we desire is to be mat in an open straightforward manner , and to have proof that such alterations are requisite , and for the benefit of both parties .
In conclusion , while taking a review of the events of the last six months , we call upon you to be mote firmly united than ever . In thus calling Upon you , we wish you to force no ene , nor to injure any class of society . All that we ask of you is that every member of the Association will do his duty to himself , his family , and posterity , by using every lawful means toestablish such a price ( or labour that the working man , instead of being the slave of avarice , may shake off the bondage ot oppression , and rise to his prop 3 t position in society .
Fellow Anizms , —We , in common with yourselves , feel the accumulation of ovil that is , year after year , pressing upon the productive classes cf this country . We witness with grief the honest industrious man walking the streets of his native city in ragged raiment , with starvation and despair depicted on his deathlike countenance , receiving tbs smile of cen ^ empt , instead of commiseration , from the very men who have r vised their fortunes on the poverty of their workmen . When we behold you surrounded by such humiliating circumstances as these , we must acknowledge you have experienced sufficient to cool your ardour , and prostrate your energies . But still we have a hope ; still we have confidence in you , that you will not suffer yeurselVfcs to sink step by step into degradati-m and ruin , without striving , by every constitutional effort , to better your condition .
£ ' s . d . Total amount collected since the formation of the Union in May , 1842 , up to 30 th October , 1843 , inclusive ... ... 275 9 0 Diaburaed in 8 ame period 92 10 1
182 18 11 In hands of Treasurer of General Committee 2 10 11 £ 185 9 10
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THB IMPORTANT INTESTI&ATIOJf AT THE BIRMINGHAM
WORKHOUSEOn Thursday , the investigation was resumed , Mr . ' Xur ~ s one of the Guardians of the Poor , in the chair .. There were present during the day the following < Guardlana : —Messrs . Ryder , Knight , Pritcbard , W . i Chesshire , iJalins , Birley , Matehett , Robinson , \ Roderick , Joseph Corbett , Hollingsworth , Boucher , ' Hebbert , Turner , Alldridge , Potter , and Taylor , of j ISdgbrston-Btreet . - It bad bees xlearly established , by the evidence of 1 several -witnesses at ibe former meetings , that "four tramps had feeen confined , contrary to law , in a tor- : iiblB hole , for eight days &nd eight nights , ia s state of nndhy ^ without bedding or covering , accept a rug each , and that they -were supplied with very inferior food all the time .
The Commissioner commenced the further inquiry by saying , that he should Hke to examine Mr . WPherson . After looking at the cell in -which the fo ^ men ' -wera confinsfl , be thought it impossible but that the persona in the Isfinn&ry dispensing Room must have heard the tramps in the place they were . 24 r . incas—I lave been told , Sir , that the boy , of vhom we have heard bo mush , is now in the Work-Ikjust . The ComauE 3 KEi £ T—if that be the case , J am very sorry for it . The Governor has positively stated tha * he knew nothing about him .
Mr . Robert M" Pherson , * member of tbe College of Apothecaries , and Apothecary to the Infirmary , was then examined . He stated be knew of Ihe four teasjps t 3 ing confined in the " black , holt , " but did not see them . I should say they -were in eight or ten days . The first three offonr days they seemed very cheerful , singing and making & noise , -which annoyed us very much . jAftenrards they were very quiet ; in fact they t ^ came so quiet feat I had forgotten they were there until the Snnday , -jrhen my little boy , -who was with me , saw the man ts&iag food 4 o them . He told his xno ^ er -when he got home he saw three or four naked
men . His mother asked me if soth was the case ;_ and not believing it possible , I told her I thought it imp > ssible . When I retained from dinner I made inquiries of James 2 > ewBon and John Parr if the msn ¦ were stiil there , and if tbey were really naked ? They . insured me they vrere . James Ds ^ Bon told ms the ] men had -wanted bread , and . that be could save them 1 some t-f his if he dare give it them . I never saw the ] men ' ttalL I dia not report the subject to anybody . ! I might irave talked abont the sa&jtct to the House Snrteon ; I made no reserve , for the matter was talked of very freely by the Bervanri
James Dsweon was then failed , and « camine < l by tbs Commissioner . He said , I am a pauper in the Birming-^ nm Workhouse , and I have been an inmate in the Bouse abont two yeais . About tnro months ago I recollect four men being put in the vault or cell in tbe psreure leading to the Infirmary . I had nothing to do to them-when they were there . I saw them in that fJf ~? , v T ? * or fcr " - TbeT ** & a *? v « e bunj . Eawinfcm .
• SS'SS £ Er HOTr <*~«* T » - « them in ^ S ^ S ^ - ^ s--: ^ thT ^ S ^ hLTt ^^^^ h ^ tofl thrust thronjh the gmin * at « TK ? Jti 2 ' ¦ window or gating , as I understood , to keep tbTcold ' e&L At this toe they asled me if 1 lS ^ w f rfi " mouldy crnst of bread to give them . They complained j Of iaing hungry . I would hare given them some tread ' Ithsttfmeif Itoed . ^ i
, The Conunimionar—What time of the day -wa , \^ when they asked yon for bread t I Mr , Joseph Corbett—Was It before breakfast , or after , that they asked you for Oils bit of mouldy ' « rust 2 I ¦ wanes *—it vras abont eleven 01 twelve o ' clock . 24 r . J . Corbett—What time did they have their fcreakfest given to them ? <
Witness—The breakfast was nsnaHy given out to j them about nine o ' clock . « . ' The Commissioner—Are yon , -witness , quite sure yon ' . S 9 " the ~ mf » yi jjated' ? i Wifcaess—I am quite cerfiJent I saw them naked . ' The Commissioner—AH four imked ? j Witness—Yes , Si *; I saw them naked several times as I was passing They were as entirely nafcea as }
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It is gratifying at all times to be able to refer to per .-ous whose position in society place them abore the cummou sphere , for when they exert themselves to advance the cause of truth its progre&s is much accelerated . This ia strongly evidenced in tho g enerous testimony of T \ R . Manilallj Esq ., coroner , Di > ncastor , who permits reference to be made to him with regard to the restorative power of Blair ' s Goat and Rheumatic Pills , he having been a martyr to gout for many years .
The Mysterious Traveller and IHB Inquisitive Scot . —Two gentlemen fell in together , both travellers on horseback , and strangers to each other , when the following conversation took place : — "Raw evemn ' , sir , rather , " dbBerred the one with an Abetdeep accent . » Yes , rather / ' replied the other . You mil likely be a stranger in these parts f " continued the Aberdonian . " If I can . " laconically replied the other , looking neither to the right nor to the left . " Perhaps , like myself , you may be going on to Banff 1 " " Perhaps , " responded the other , vawniD £ , In that case , perhaps , you will put UP at the Cnllen ! " « I may or may not , " answered his companion . "Pardon me the liberty of the S iS i > Sir » may J ask y ° 7 ° area bachelor ¥ * " No . " "O ! married ? " - ' No , not" " Sir , I « m ? ° J * Pardon » 8 > r - a widower ? " " No no , no-r Neither a bachelor , nor married man , nor widower 1 Then what can you be V " A divorced man , since you must know V exclaimed the stranger , clapping his spurs to hie horse and dashing out of sight m an . instant .
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c TflE NORTHERN : STA R ^ 1 - - --i-
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 16, 1843, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct681/page/6/
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