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    g THE NORTHERN STAR. January 2, 1847.1

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    IRELAND. I ]NotNothing can be cleaned fr...

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    Police JntclUgcncc*

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    MONDAY. MANSION-HOUSE.—Charge of Malicio...

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    C&artfet tmtii Compaii^

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    TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE CHARTIST CO-O...

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    TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF IRONGATEWHARF. TWO ...

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    w. U ? Zh 7- -T, " iom! y°u'ro a " excel...

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    lc i Minst Printed by DODGAI, M'GOWAN , of 111, Great Windmill mr et ' "a * n,ar,i,;t ' >" tho City of W'estuiiiistvr at tbe

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    v..u, » • «« mmc - anil l'arisli, tor tu...

• Transcript

  • 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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    G The Northern Star. January 2, 1847.1

    g THE NORTHERN STAR . January 2 , 1847 . 1

    Ireland. I ]Notnothing Can Be Cleaned Fr...

    IRELAND . I ] NotNothing can be cleaned from tht provincial paper * aicmich would lc * d to the inference that the enormou * utlajtlay of half a million sterling per month of the nWiaWic money has tended materially to check the preiiiliuiliue . destitution . North , south , east , and west , ne ne reports tell the"" same gloomy story . Tillage , in wo to provinces at least , wholly neglected—public "orkorks absorbing all the available labour of the country ; ry ; and still n- » beneficial results , nor any diminuiinn ion in the complaints of wide-spread distress . The * ad » ader is already familiar with the scenes of wretcheduessiess described as existing in the counties of Cork and tkiajkiayo ; it would appear from the Ulster papers that he he condition of the people in the county of Donegal is scs sc « rcelv a whit better , and that "death by starva-: ionion" is no more anovelty in thatdistrictthan it is m Skiskibbereen , or Tyrawly , or Castlebar . belief of

    I DcBtM . Dec 26 . —It is the sober many ironcompetent judges that the famine this year , m mllanland ! will prove more destructive to *™« J » J *" Ithetfaecholera . and that prob ably a million of persons "wilwill be swept away by it . _«_„*„ .. „„ r ,. i ' The Kilkenny papers of thij day present an awfu lisllist of sheep and cattle lifting in rations part , of that -coiconntv . Oneattcrapt , however , on a very large scale , faifailed ! On Tuesday night about twenty armed men vi « visited the lands of Mr . Hutchinson , at Jerpomt , and dr drew on" a whole flock of sheep and seven or eight he head of cattle . State of Ro « commoh . —Coroners inquests have be been held on the bodies of three men in the course of la ; last week , and from the evidence adduced it was fu fully proved that the wretched creatures had died fn from absolute hunger . In consequence of the contiitinuance of outrage and robbery , the magistrates of thrhecountvhave made an application foraa additional police force to be stationed in the barony of Bi Boyle . Xo man can count on the pissession ot his fihfiheep or cattle for a single night .

    Extract of a Letter rnou Skiberees . — " Dec . 2 ( 20 . —Distrews disease , and death are running rampt pant here . Every day is addin g to oar miseries , and tt there is not a single gleam of hope before us . Our st supplies are rapidly exhausting , — our demands ai are in an equal degree increasing . —and there is not tithe chance , I tear , that our coffers will be in any di degree replenished . Oh ! I am sure that if the English p < people generally knew of our sufferings , they would hi hold for th the helping hand of charity , and not allow a a people whose destinies arc identified with their o own to perish miserably of famine .

    A Fast Dat . —A clergyman in a neighbouring p parish , belonging to the archdiocese of Tuara , ann nodnced on Sunday , from tbe altar of his chapel , that tithe following Wednesday , Friday , and Saturday , vi would be the last days of strict obligation upon one n meal . One of his congregation with preat truth , es > c claimed ,, ' Father Charles , you need not take the t : trouble to tell us that—sure every day now is a fast d day with us , and we re fortunate and happy the day v we can get even one meal fur our families . "— Galuiay J Mercury . Cocniv of Leitbiu . —A great number of people are i dying here ; some days it is not unusual to see from t this neighbourhood , and including the poorhouse , 12 S funerals . The number on last Monday was fifteen . — i Ballinasloe Star .

    Armivg of the Ueisastrt . —The correspondent of t the Times says—the " popular armanent "—whether f for offensive or defensive purposes , is a question for f future solution—continues to form a prominent feaf ture in Irish journalism . The latest notice of this ; perplexing " movement" will be found in the followi ing strange statement copied from the Carhui Seni tinel . - — " Alarming as the circumstances may appear with i respect to the free importation of arms by the rail . - way , the speculation in 40 or 50 stand of arms , as a 1 branch of trade , dwindles into insignificance when ¦ compared with the campaign opened by another

    speculator this week , who proposed to sell by public auction , at the Assembly Rooms , no less than 500 double and single barrelled guns , 1 , 000 pair of pistols , and 500 , 000 percussion caps , etc ., and at a time when robberies by wholesale prevail throughout the country , not excepting the faUheep even of his Excellence Vae Lord Leutenant ; The trade in guns and pistols appears to have been remunerative ; for the speculator had a supplementary stock for sale , in the way of * flavks , '' shot bags , ' ' belts / * <» ash rods , ' ' nipple wrenches , '' turn screws , ' & c . ; in short , every article in the line essential to a complete equipment of the peoples—say 2 , 000 or 3 , 000 men .

    " Since the foregoing was written we have visited the room of an auctioneer in Dublin-street , and we can assure the Government that so crowded was the meeting , so anxious were the peasantry to secure arms , that the competition for guns , pistols , powder , and percassinn caps , was so treat that the auctioneer had some difficulty in providing a supply for the demand—guns and pistols being purchased the moment they were put up to auction . In fact , the country people , who crowded the town , marched off all armed ; and the novelty of the sale was such , and so urgent the demand , that during the days of sale the room was crowded by this class , the bidding being mom 'iitary and the supply incessant . "

    REPEAL ASSOCIATION . The " rump" of this body met as usual to-day at Conciliation Hall . The lion . Cecil Lawless was called to the chair . The proceedings were more than ordinarily silly . Mr . Steels moved a vote of thanks to the Belfast repealers , in his usual style , addressing the Chairman descriptively as " Son of the illustrious Cloncurry . In the course of his sublime oration , he did not forget to pay bis respect to the Young Irelanders—Renouncing their presumption in daring to dispute either law or facts as laid down by lib august leader , the great inventor of moral-force revolutions , and the father of . his country .

    Mr . O Coxkeli , commented on the obstinacy of Mr . Smith O ' Brien in refusing to agree to a conference to decide the " legal question , " which formed the sole matter of dispute between the seceders and the association . It was not , however , to be wonder d at that Mr . Smith O'Brien should prove so pertinacious , when it is recollected with what obstinacy he opposed the entreaties of the Irish on the question ot attendmce on Parliamentary committees . In spite of every entreaty he persisted , and the consequence wasthat he got locked up in jail . He did not go there in vindication of any public principle , but solely to indulge a whim of faucv , and for his pains he was laughed at by the whole house of Commons . The present wis the last occasion on which he should advert to the " secession" or the seceders . It aopeared as if Mr . Smith O'Brien was walking in the steps of Mr . Feargus O'Connor , who had

    ruined the reform party by his inculcation of the principles of physical force . But he would assure Mr . O'Brien that he should notdtatroy the Repeal Association by any such means . The Association now stood on a fair and intelligible basis , which he trusted the machinations of the evil disposed would never be able to shake . In conclusion , he announced that it was the intention of the Association , betore the end of the week , to issue an address to the people to give up all force and violence , and to abstain trom plundering property , and interfering with the transmission of orovisions from place to place . -Mr . Jon . v O'Cosjjkia replied to some passages in Mr O'Brien ' s letters , and took his part in the pending controversy between the Young and Old parties . He maintained the correctness of hix father ' s statements touching the financial relations of the countries , and the right of Ireland to the loan of th . rcv millions .

    l he proceedings and debates were as flat as possible , and the hall was very thinly attended . The rent tor the week was £ 57 . 7 * . 01 .

    YOUNG 1 RELASD . Mr . Smith O'Brien has addressed a long letter to Dr . Miley , in which be gives a history of bis conn . ction with the Repeal movement , and bis late separation from Conciliation Hall . The letter is dated ir ¦ no Dromoland , December 2 il . The Mowing arcexiracts : — " A * sail «* d as I have b ^ en by the partisans of Mr . O'Connell and by himself , I have abstained perhaps for too long a time from defending myself . The case which you have endeavoured to make out against me in the three long fetters which you have laid

    before the publi -, justifies , if it does not demaud , a general exposition of my views with respect to the past and present policy of the Repea 1 movement . "Allow me to begin by ^ say ing that I did not join tbe Repeal Association for the purpose of acquiring a command ot money—of power—of patronage , or of popularity—nor even for the put pose of extracting through its instrumentality advantages of a tern norary and subordinate kind for Ireland . I made np my mind honestly to struggle through evil report and through good report for the attainment of a domestic Parliament , until success should crown the efforts ol the Irish nation .

    Until the year 1 S 13 I continued to cling to the hope that useful legislation and good government could be obtained for Ireland through the medium of an Imperial __ Legislature . That hope , much dimmed during several previous years , was finally extinguished by the proceedings of the Parliamentary session of 1813 . It is probable , however , that I might have remained for a long time " an unassociated Repealer , " if the Clontarf proclamation and the State prosecution had not occurred . Many reasons made me reluctant to form a c ! o = e connection with Mr . O'Connell . Soon after mv first introduction into public life , I had been ind ueed to enter , perhaps unwisely , into collision with him on account of his having assailed ray

    family in a manner which seemed to me to be unjustifiab ' e . He had subsequently endeavoured , upon more than one occasion , to shake the confidence reposed in me by my constituents , if not to deprive me of the representation of the county of Limerick . When , however , I found that the liberties of my country were at stake , and that tbe most renowned of its public men was about to become the victim of an unjust prosecution , I cast aside these and many other personal considerations , which might otherwise h . ive restrained me from uniting with him . Ifl October , 1 S 43 , 1 waited upon him at his private residence for the first time in my life , and a few days afterwards sent my subscription and adhesion to the Repeal Association . Paring the yean 18 U and

    Ireland. I ]Notnothing Can Be Cleaned Fr...

    1845 , 1 co-operated with him on terms of frank ^ and confidential intercourse . Differences of opinioni occasionallv arose between us ; but I must do him thej-. sticetosay that I always found . him disposed to make , rather than to exact , concessions . No interruption of tfaU harmony of action occurred until tbcresi « nationol Sir Robert Peel m December 184 o I then regretted to find a tone adopted at the Repeal \ ssociation with rcferenceto the Whigs , which appeared to me to be inconsistent with the high pesition and perfect independence which ought to be assumed by the Irish nation . I felt it to be my duty to indicate , both by letters to the Association , and hy my speech at the Repeal dinner at Limerick , in January , 1846 . that 1 could be no party to an alliance with the VVhiga . The game of 1834 , and ' 35 . was not to be delayed again . We hid vowed to obtain , not Justice or Repeal , ' but simply Repeal . " Arriving , in hi- history , at tbe great fracas in Conciliation Hall , when the Young Ireland party walked out . he proceeds : — "Soon after this

    occurrence , I intimated to Mr . O Connell , by a private message , conveyed , through his son , my readiness to assist in bringing about an accommodation in case he felt disposed to change his conduct with respect to the Young Ireland party . He preferred to proceed in the career of which tve have since witnessed the full development . He induced the committee to stop the circulation of the Nation . Having failed to ruin the property of Mr . Charles Gavin Duffy ( whom I believe to be not only one of the ablest men in the kingdom , but also one of the most virtuous ) , he next arraigned him as guilty of high treason by a formal indictment , wbich was sustained by neither legal nor constitutional argument , but was marked by all the perverted inwnuity of a crafty Attorney-General . He has since endeavoured by most ungenerous means

    to fix upon Mr . Duffy , and his friends , the charge ef infidelity , or of indifferentism in regard of religious belief . All the proceedings of the association have been of a similar character since the secession . Mr . John Martin , a Presbyterian gentleman of most inoffensive demeanour , and of unexceptionable character , was excluded from the association because he asked for a publication of the accounts , and because he expressed his disapproval of the recent proceedings—a large body ofthe most active and earnest supporters of the Repeal cause have been expelled , wunouta vote of the association , by the supersedeas of Mr . Ray—a remonstrance , respectfully worded , conveying to the association the sentiments of a T £ considerable P ° P » Kion of the Repeal wardens of Dublin , was flung into the gutter . The worst

    despotism that ever existed could not have outraged the rights of free discussion in a more wanton or contumacious manner . In the mean time , fulsome and indiscriminate praise was lavished upon the Whig administration' and Conciliation Hall became a mart , in which there was open bidding for appointments under Government . For a long time the Young Ireland party remained quiescent . Forbearance was carried to the verge of pusillanimity . For myself I can truly say that 1 have suppressed , with considerable effort , the indignation excited in my mind by many ofthe proceedings which have taken place at Conciliation Hall during the last five months , in the hope that a better spirit might again prevail th ? re . Finding , however , that the reraonstrances made by different bodies in different parts

    of the kingdom were unavailing . I thought it criminal any longer to ^ negiect our duty to our country , merely because we were prevented from endeavouring to perform it in conjunction with the Repeal Association . Hence mv suggestion for the formation of what has been called " The Phalanx , " in derision , but to which we have given the more appropriate name of " The Irish Party . " The report of the association , adopted in reply to the Cork resolutions , compelled the Seceders to place before the country a solemn vindication of themselves . The meeting at the Rotunda took place—a meeting which it appears that I designated as a ' victory" in speaking to you . You seem to forget that I recalled the word as soon as it had escaped my lips ; but in truth it was a triumph—the triumph of honest and

    honourable men over calumny and misrepresentation . No sooner had this meeting taken { . lace than Mr . O'Connell changed his tactics . After refusing , during four months , to lend himself to the various efforts which were made , with a view to reconciliation , he suddenly proposes an arbitration or conference . This conference was accepted by the Young Ireland party . The result of the preliminary interview , as reported by the deputation , speaks for itself . I need therefore say nothing respecting the design with which the proposal was made . By me plan of a conference was rejected ; but another mode of effecting an accommodation was proposed . If I had been disposed to consult merely my own personal inclination , I should have refused altogether to bring myself into contact with men who have

    misrepresented me in a very ungenerous manner , and assailed me with very ungentleraanlike aspersion . But I do not feel myself at liberty to allow personal inclination to interfere with the perform ances of my duty to my country ; and I would have returned to the association if I could have persuaded myself that the line of conduct hereafter to be adopted by that body would really conduce to the attainment of repeal , " On the question of physical force . Mr . O'Brien says—I declined to enter into any discussion upon the question of " The Forces , " because I felt convinced ( I should be glad to believe erroneously , ) that this bugbear had been used as a mere pretext for a quarrel with the JVotton party—a pretext of which nothing was heard during the trying times , when our personal safet y was endangered by every ill-advised expression used by any member of tho association . As regards myself , I had distinctly placed upon record my views with respect to the right of resistance

    under certain contingencies , whilst at the same time I have repeatedly denounced the fatuity and wickednets ofresarting to physical force , except upon such octa-iionsag would afford a full justification for its exercise in accordance with the views ofthe soundest moralists and of the best writers on the British constitution . If Sir Clman O'Loghlen , Mr . O'Hea . Mr . O'Hagan , and a dozen other lawyers , were to pronounce my opinions illegal , such , their judgment , would not induce me to forego convictions derived from the instincts of nature , and fortified by a study ofthe history of mankind . I also refused to enter into the discussion of this point , because I deny altogether the right ef Mr . O'Connell to put any test to the members of the Repeal association with regard to speculative opinions of any kind . We acknowledge ourselves bound by the original rules of the association , but no man could safely join that body if be were liable at any moment to be excluded by the imposition of a new test .

    He then states the conditions in which he was willing to rejoin the association . The first essential requisite is the renunciation of alliances with any English party opposed to Repeal . Tbe draft resolution which referred to this point was as follows : — That it shall hereafter be an invariable principle of the Repeal policy to keep the Irish nation wholly independent of * English parties opposed to Repeal ; to support good measures and to oppose bad measures , from whatever party they may emanate ; and that with a view to give effect to this policy upon the most honourable terms . Repealers be entreated to abstain from solicitation of situations under government , either for themselves or for their friends . "

    that , in order to indemnify the proprietors of the " Freeman ' s Journal" for the expense of reporting the proceedings of the association , copies of the puolication of that journal issued upon the day immediately following the meeting at Conciliation Hall be purchased weekly . " 1 further proposed that we should require that the accounts should be published on the following terms : — '' That an abstract of the past expenditure of the Repeal Association be published with an account of

    its assets and liabilities to the 1 st January , 1847 , and that in future the abstract of receipt and expenditure which is submitted weekly to the committee , be published every week . That Mr . O'Connell still continuesole treasurer and trustee for the association , but that no payments be made by him except with the recorded sanction of the committee . That the funds ofthe association be lodged in one ofthe metropolitan banks or in government securities , and that a statement of the balance in the hands of the treasurer be laid before the committee weekly . "

    In order to render this suggestion intelligible it is right that I should explain the mode in which the accounts were arranged whilst I acted with the association . An ace . unt ofthe weekly receipts and expenditure was , at my instance , submitted to the committee every Thursday . The surplus of receipt over the week ' expenditure was paid to Mr . O'Connell as treasurer , who accounted for these balances to the auditors appointed oy the committee , uver a large class of expenses he possessed entire controul . Now although 1 acquiesce in this mode of transacting the business of the association sooner than imply any want of confidence in Mr . O'Connell , I do not think that it is a satisfactory mode of dealing with the funds of a public body . Neither is it safe for any man of property to join an association , the funds of which may be applied according to the judgment of a single individual , without any control on the part of the committee .

    W ith reference to the staff , I proposed the following terms : — " That no officer receiving a regular salary from the as-ociation be entitled to vote in committee . " That Mr . Ray prepare a report upon the internal arrangements necessary to give effect to the objects contemplated by tbe Repeal Association , in order that the public mny be satisfied that no unnecessary expense is incurred in the maintenance of : m useless staff , and that hereafter the utmost publicity be given to all proceedings as the most secure basis for the attainment of public canfieU-nce . "

    1 ossibly an ambiguity in the phraseology of my draft memorandum , hastily drawn up for private use may have led you info the error of supposing that I acquiesce in the propriety of maintaining the staff paid by the association , when 1 participated in its management . To mention a single instance—it is well ki : own that I strongly objected in committee to he appointment of Dr . Nagle to an office which seemed to me to be unnecessary .

    Ireland. I ]Notnothing Can Be Cleaned Fr...

    Such are the private memoranda which I read to you . I have since added twe more upon the suggestion of others :

    " That no person be hereafter expelled the association , except upon a rote of the association , after a week ' s notice . " That inasmuch as the Repeal Association is a confederation to which persons belonging to every religious persuasion are invited for the purpose of working out the legislative emancipation of their common country , by means of moral , intellectual , and political influences , it is desirable to avoid as much as possible the expression of opinions and the discussion of topics of a sectarian character ; but that such understanding is not intended to prevent remonstrance against substantial grievances which may affect the religions interests of any particular body of Irishmen . " The conclusion is in these terms : — " Having now completed a narrative of my connection with the Repeal movement , and a general

    review of its policy , I have only to say with reference to the imputation that my conduct has been dictated by a desire of 'leadership , ' that I would cheerfully have continued to follow Mr . O'Connell , if he had continued to lead in a path which would eventuall y conduct us to the attainment of a domestic Legislature '; but I am under no obligation to follow him when he deviates from that path . The aim of my political life is to assist in securing my country ' s welfare through the means of national institutions . I will place myself under th- leaderhsi p of any man who will guide me to this result , whether he be Mr . John O'Connell or Mr . Charles Gavan Duffy ; but 1 will not follow any chief who con truckle to English party , or encourage his followers to barter their patriotism for place . I have the honour to bo , Your ' s very faithfully , " William S . O'Brien . "

    Police Jntclugcncc*

    Police JntclUgcncc *

    Monday. Mansion-House.—Charge Of Malicio...

    MONDAY . MANSION-HOUSE . —Charge of Maliciously Shoot-WO . —Patrick Power , a man who has been several jeart in the employment of Messrs . Eyre and Moses , of Crown Court , Philpot-lane , merchants , was charged with having unlawfully and maliciously shot at William Nowlan . — The prosecutor , a porter in tbe service of Messrs . Teed and Bishop , stated that tha prisoner ' s employers occupied tbe upper part ofthe premises owned by that firm , Be . tween eight and nine o ' clock on the morning of Wednesday last , he had a dispute with the prisoner about a water pipe which carried off the water from the upper premises to a blind well in a cellar belonging to Messrs . Evre and Hoses . The prisoner d—d his eves about the

    water pipe , and afterwards rushed out of the cellar , and retired about three yards , deliberately fired at him with a pistol , saying , "that ' s the way to strike terror Into you . " He heard something pass his ear , and he fell dowo supposing that he was shot , in which supposition however , he was mistaken , as he sustained no injury . The witness further stated that he believed the prisoner to be a very desperate character . In his cross-examination , the witness could not exactly say why he called the prisoner a desperate character . The wadding of the pistol was found , but no bullet . The prisoner made a very roundabout statement , which plainly indicated that he had been harshly treated by some of the men employed on the adjoining premises , of whom the prosecutor was one ; that they had d—d him for a spiteful wretch , asked bim why he did not go back to his own country , and otherwise insulted him ; and that the conduct of the

    prosecutor was particularly aggravating , "I had , " said the prisoner , "to go up and down , and each time to pass Xowlan , as he ] stood at the door , threatening me , and I had h pistol with powdtr and paper only in my side pocket , and I snapped ( t at his breast only to frighten bim , and to bring the case before the Lord Mayor or some other mugistrate . 1 had ihat pistol , I assure your Lordship , to protect myself against a combination which has existed against m « more than two years . " The Lord Mayor said , the prisoner had been guilty of a very gross offence , at all events ; for , supposing there was no ball in the pistol , the wadding might have struck the eye of the prosecutor , and done him irreparable mischief . Although the statements which had been made in favour of the prisoner would , in all probability , influence a Jury , he bad no alternative but to submit the case to that tribunal . The prisoner was then committed ;

    Dustmen on Boxing Nioht —William Pond , a regular dustman , and his wife Margaret , were charged with having assaulted » n old woman and two littleboys . Several of the fraternity were present . The defendants had been drinking in the neighbourhood of Petticoatlane at tbe close of their labours on Boxing-day , and the beverage told more severely upon the dustman ' s wife than upon himself . An old woman was hobbling by as they came out of a public house , and the dustman , who was ripe for fun , set his wife upon ber , and cried out " Pitch into the ould 'un , Peg , you devil . " The order was no sooner issued than obeyed . Peg floored tbe poor creature , and two little fellows , who saw the incident , tried to prevent any further violence . The antagonist , however , soon showed her superiority by pitching the

    boys over the old woman ; and the dustman , whose powers were not called into action until the police appeared and collared his wife , then began to show that he was deserving of his partner . He tried to rescue her , but the * ' force" were not to bo denied , and they securely lodged both in the station bouse . The Lord Mayor . — Which was the more intoxicated % The policeman , in whose custody they were introduced to his Lordship , said the man was sober in comparison with the woman . Pond—Why , you see , my lord , she was v « ry lushy—a little overtuck her . It ' s all she had , all this blessed Christmas , and I wanted to carry her home , but the gentleman there wouldn ' t stand it , so 1 thought I wouldn't lraveherin such a pickle . The Lord Mayor—Touare fined 20 s ., or 14 days , and she is fined 10 s ., or H days . A rough voice in the crowd—I say , my Lordship , what will

    you let the pair on ' em at liberty for ! The Lord Mayor —They shall be discharged upon paying 30 s . The voice—take ten , we'll raise ten bob here , if you'll let the pair on ' em go . ( Laughter . ) The Lord Mayor—Ko ; they must pay 30 s . or goto prison , and that won't be comfortable . If the old woman and the second boy had appeared , the punishment would be much heavier . A deep and general groan Issued from the dustmen behind the bar , and their wives , and one of the latter ctied out , " Oh , a ' nt it scnndulous to lock ' em up for a fortnight for only pitching into an old warmint , not worth the dirt she was tumbled in . " In a very short time the fraternity contrived to pay the 30 s ., the presence of the defendants being indispensably necessary in going the rounds for Christmas-boxes , in consequence of the apprehended competition ofthe flying dustmen .

    WORSHIP-8 TBEET , —Apprehension op a Pickpocket bv A Female . —A young fellow of smart ap . pearance , who gave his name Henry Squince , was charged with having picked the pocket of Elizabeth Hanson , a dress-maker , residing in Barbican . The complainant was passing through Finsbury-square , on Sunday sfternnon , when she was beset by the prisoner and two others , and she felt a tug at her pocket , immediately after which she heard one of them say , in a lew tone , ;" Have you got it V On feeling her pocket , she missed her purse , and following the prisoner w ho had been nearest to her pocket , she seized him by the collar , and ac « used

    him of the robbery . He pretended that he knew nothing about her purse , and struggled to get away , but she assured him that she would tear him to pieces before she would let him escape , and held fast hold of him , until he was taken charge of by the police . Haywood , one of the warrant officers -of the Court , said he came up at the time when the prisoner was struggling with the prosecutrix , and assuring her that he was an innocent person . Seeing the prisoner ' s hand firmly closed , he was about to examine it , when he saw him drop the purse , which was picked up and now produced . The prisoner was remanded .

    BOW STREET . —Music and Discord . —Signer Phillip Cioffi appeared to answer a complaint preferred against bim , by his wife for neglecting to maintain ber and his daughter , whersby tiny becomechargebale to the Strand Uniou authorities . Mr . Boswood , the relieving officer , having handed to the court a printed order , signed by Mr . Cooper , an overseer of Saint Paul ' s , Covent Garden , said , that in obed f nee to it , he waited on the complainant , who was lodging at 5 , Tavistock-strcet , her husband lodging at No . 40 , in thu same street , and from iter representation it appeared she had come from America with her daughter , to fill situations in Covent Garden Theatre , where her husband was to be engaged in the orchestra , he having resigned the place he had filled at Her Majesty's Theatre , Having nscertained that the defendant

    was living witk another woman , he waited on him to hear what reasons he could advance for allowing his wife to become chargeable . He refused to give any until the case was brought b . f . ire the court . The complainant raid , that having eloped with tha defendant from her father ' s house in New York , she was married to him on the 4 th October , 1826 , as appeared by the certificate produced . The ceremony was performed by tho Itev . Henry Chase , in private , as she feared her father would prevent her marrying , she being a member of the Church of England . The only form observed was , that they mutually promised to become partners for life , and there was a few prayers resd ; but there was no ring , as on similar occasions . The defendant , she believed was a Catholic ; but he auhered to no religion in particular , and they had lived together for several years , except when he was obliged to absent himself on theatrical business ; and having arrived in England on tho 27 th January , she in consequence of ill he ith , and through ths mediation

    of Mr . Felton , who lod . oil in the samo house , obtained patish relief from the Strand Union . The defoadant denied that his wife was couvpellnd to seek for parish relief , as she had suflL-iont money in hw possession urisitig from the sale of his property in America , in addition to which ho had sent her £ 20 about six months back . Mr . Hall put several questions to the complainant , and from twr answers it appeared that she had disposed of tivo lots of ground by his directions , which , however , wtrcnf very little vttltif , and also a slave , for whom sho got 505 dollars , from which 35 were deducted , and she had paid 75 dollars for medical assistance , together with 12 dollars for medicine ; mid on her arrival in England , on Saturday week , the hud 100 dollars , part of which she expended in the purchase of clothing , for herself and her daughter , aud the reason why she had applied to the parish was , that she anticipated her husband , at whose repeated solicitations she had come to this country , would not support her , Mr . Hall said the case wag not ripe fur

    Monday. Mansion-House.—Charge Of Malicio...

    magisterial interference , and he would suggest that she would arrange her differences in a quiet aud satisfactory manner with her husband . The Complainant said that she would prefer returning to America , where she could support herself by teaching music , to accepting of any engagement in London , as her husband had deceived her in many ways for years . Mr . Hall said he could express no other opinion upon the matter , and the parties left the court .

    TUESDAY . GUILDHALL , — . Cueistmas Fbeaks , — Jenkin Hawks , a hairdresser carrying on business in Howling-greenlane , Clerkenwell , but attired as a female , and Matilda Boddington , a powerful joung woman , looking less feminine than her companion , were brought before the magistrate . Hawk ' s voice and mode of training his hair were so truly feminine that the sitting magistral * was for a time completely deceived as to his proper sex , and was almost incredulous when the fact was mentioued . Jehn Ooram , City policeman , No , 95 . stated that about nine o ' clock that morning he saw the prisoners crossing Smithfield , and Boddington was carrying a-bundle . Bethought they looked suspiciously about , and he asked what they had in the bundle . She at first

    said it contained her own clothes , and then that it was her brother ' s clothes , and that he lived at Greenwich , Suspecting they had stolen the clothes , and left somebody in a very distressing situation , he took them to the station , where the female searcher discovered one of the supposed ladies to be a gentleman . The male clothes in the bundle were then claimed by him . Hawk ' s was directed to take off his black bonnet and veil to show that by the cultivation of his locks this personification of s female was not a new idea , and one of the policeman felt tolerably certain that he had seen the prisoner walk several times in female attire through St . Martin's-le-grand , Matilda Boddington explained that it was nothing more than , a holiday frolic . They had been at a private fancy ball at the Star Coffee-house in' Stockwell-street , Greenwich , from whence they could not obtain a conveyance at so early an hour in the morning , and they came to town on foot . The clothes belonged to her compan- ' on . There was at

    all events no ground for detaining her , as she appeared in tbe dress appropriate to her sex . They accosted nobody , they offended nobody . Hawks made a similar statement , and a card for a ball to be held at tbe same place in a few days was found on him , and seemed to corroborate their statement . Sir Chapman Marshall said he would test their story by seeing whether the coat and trowsers would fit him , and he allowed him to retire to a celt and redress himself . The barber nervously thanked his worship for allowing him to get out of a dress which might endanger his life should a crowd assemble . The clothes appeared to fit . Sir Chapman Marcholl , finding that the female evaded giving her proper address , as She was not known in Wingrove-place , Iidlngton , at tbe house she named , thought the police should have a little time for inquiry , and thathe was entitled to call upon the prisoner * to tend for their friends to show they were persons of good charactvr , and that they had no evil design in nhnt they bad done . He therefore remanded them till Wednesday ,

    MANSION-HOUSE . —Mary Green was brought before the Lord Mayor . John Spittle , ( policeman 671 ) stated that , as he was on duty , in plain clothes , opposite to the theatre in Norton . folgate , at a quarter past fire on Menday evening , he noticed tbe prisoner near several ladies , and knowing her to be a thief , he watched her . She endeavoured to pick the poekets , of several females at the doors . At last she attempted to rob a lady who was ascending the staircase to the boxes ; after which she suddenly retreated , and made her way to Bishopgate * street . Another policeman ( White 667 ) then followed her by direction of witness , who returned to the theatre , and learned that the lady to whom he had alluded had been robbed of her purse . In the meantime White dodged the prisoner to 5 , Skinner-street , Bishopgate ,

    apprehended her as she was going in . at the hall door , and upon searching the spot , found behind a shutter a purse containing 14 shillings and two penny pieces , which proved to be the property that had been stolen from the lady at the theatre . Miss S . Wells stated that she had gone to the City of London Theatre , with some friends , and after being spoken to by tbe policeman , found that she had been robbed of her purse , containing silver under the value of £ 1 . ( The purse found under the shutter was here produced , anV identified by tbe witness . ) The Lord Mayor having ordered that the prisoner should be committed for trial , Spittle said that he bad another charg « to prefer against the prisoner , in conjunction with a man called James Green , with whom she had bean living for some time .

    James Green , a tall , well dressed , resolute looking young man was then put to the bar , next to the female . The officer said he charged the two prisoners with having in their possession a quantity of house-breaking implements , consisting of crow bars , files , picklock keys , < t c , —he had after the woman's apprehension watched at the door of the house , and at an early hour next morning apprehended James Green unlocking tbe door to go in . In the back room of the second floor witness found the articles already described , aud nine silk handkerchiefs , fifteen duplicates , most of them relating to silk

    hankerchiefs , and a new silk umbrella , Elizabeth Nicholl stated that she owned the house No . 5 , Skinnerstreet , and let out several rooms of it to lodgers ; that she knew both the prisoners well , they having lodged in the house as man and wife above twelve months ; that they appeared to be very quiet people , and upon taking the room they gave a reference , to which , however , witness did not take the trouble to apply , and as witness went to bed early herself , did not know what hours they kept . Spittle said he lielitved he should be able to produce tha owners of some of tbe property found ou the man . The case was accordingly remanded .

    The commitment of the woman for stealing the purse ef Miss Wells was then made out , and both prisoners were ordered to be brought up again on Friday . WOOLWICH . —Bitinc orr a Man's Nose . —William Staple , tbe son of a farmer , at Wilmington , wos charged with assaulting and biting off the nose of Mr , Samuel Smith , a person employed in the Royal Arsenal , It appeared from the evidence of tbe complainant , whose face was covered with strappiug , that on Saturday , week he was standing at bis own gate , talking to a friend , when the prisoner , who was in the company of a common prostitute , came up , and without the slightest provocation , knocked him down , got upon his person , and bit off

    nearly the entire ef his nose , which witness believes he swallowed . A friend interfered to prevent further violence , and he threatened to serve him out Lancashire fashion , when be was taken into custody by the police . The prisoner pleaded that he was drunk at the time , and had no distinct recollection of the circumstance , Mr . Traill said that he had made up his miud to send the case for trial , as more revolting , brutal , and savage conduct he had never met with since he bad presided as a police magistrate ; and any summary punishment he could indict , either by fine or Imprtsomest , would not meet the ends of justice . He should therefore send the case to a jury . The depositions were then formally read over , and the prisoner committed for trial .

    SOUTHWARK . —A Suam Attohnev / . —George Paulo Fitt was brought before Mr . Seeker for final examination , charged with having obtained money under false pretences . The prisoner , well known on tbe south side ofthe water as the " Kent-street , lawyer , " has been for some years past in the habit of frequenting the police courts , and contriving to pickup business by representing himself as a professional man , and under that pretext , obtaining money from them by whom he was employed . For soma length of time , however , his business has fallen off at this court , in consequence of an order issued by tbe magistrates , cautioning the public against employing such persons . Since then it appears the prisoner has hit upon another expedient , and instead of making his appearance at any of the police courts , he has been

    accustomed to call at the goals , and on ascertaining that prisoners convicted and about to be sent out of the country , were inmates , managed to have interviews with their friends , to whom he undertook to procure a remission of their sentences . By this stratagem the accused has succeeded in obtaining various sums of money of poor persons who could ill afford it . There wera two cases of the above description preferred against the prisoner yester . day , of which tha follow ins were the brief facU ' . —The complainants , the wives of two men under sentence of transportation , engaged the prisoner , who introduced himself as a " professional man , " and he undertook upon their payment to him of a certain sum of money to obtain the release of their husbands from prison . The women , glad to embrace such an offer , readily gave him various sums of money at different times , he pretending

    that it was required for the purpose of paying the necessary expenses attendant upon the important proceedings which he had undertaken . Is order to raise sufficient cash in both cases it appeared the poor women were compelled to have recourse to the pawn-shop ; but after the lapse of some time , rinding that their hopes were not realised , and that their husbands had no chance of having their sentences remitted , and that in point of fact no exertions on the part of the prisoner had been used for such a purpose , they had come to tho resolution of making their cases known to a respectable professional man under whose instance they had adopted the present proceeding against the accused . The prisoner , who merely said that be was not at present in possession of all the documents he required for his . ' dcfencc , was then committed to the Central Criminal Court ,

    THURSDAY . SOUTWARK , —Robbery . — Elizabeth Brown and Mary Keefs were charged with robbing a Mr , Gowding of eleven sovereigns , and a \ so with the conum-sion of other robberies . It appeared that the complainant had accompanied Brown to a house in Revels-row , at ths rear of this court , on Tuesday night , where he had not been long before he was robbed of a purse , containing eleven sovereigns . The woman , however , had left the bouse before ho was aware of his loss , and on the following day she was met in the street , in the company of the other prisoner , 'by the complainant , who gave

    them into custody . When the policeman was conveying them to the station-houso Ksefe dropped a gold and a silver wutch , the latter of which she said belonged to her husband , but from the marks upon the face of the article , it was found to be the property of the Southwestern Railway Company , and to have been stolen from one of their servants , In addition to the above articles , there was also found in the possession of both priseuers several sovereigns , together with upwards of fiftj duplicates of gold and silver watches , and other articles . When the policeman subsequently examined the house in which the prisoners lived , in Angel-court , he discovered

    Monday. Mansion-House.—Charge Of Malicio...

    the purse belonging to Mr . Gowding , and also bis gloves , wbich had been taken from him on the night in question . A . Ur . Nash , ixtpervntenaerit of the carriage department of the South-western Railway Company , attended , and being shown the silver lever watch above-mentioned he at once identified It , and la describing tbe circumstances under which he lost it , said that in August last he dined in the Tower , and on proceeding homewards at night he wag Induced to treat some females , and on that occasion he was robbed ofthe watch now produced . He , however , could not undertake to say that the prisoners were the women whom he treated on the night in question . It was manifest , however , from the marks upon the watch indicating Its owners , the South-western Company , that the thieves could not dispose of it without the risk of detection , and to that circumstance was to be attributed the fact of Its being found in the prisoner's possession . The prisoners were remanded , as other charges were likely to be brought against them .

    LAMBETH . —Louisa Harris , Frederick Harris , and William Harris , father , mother , and son , were placed at the bar before Mr . Norton , the mother on a charge of plundering her master and mistress to a very considerable amount , and the father and ' son with pledging tbe property with a guilty knowledge . From the evidence , it appeared that the female prisoner entered the service of a gentleman named Jude , residing in Camberweil , about four weeks ago , and hud not been four hours in her situatlon when she commenced a regular and wholesale systent of plunder . On the evening of boxing day she was sent out for some trifling article , and did not return for

    some time . Her conduct on this occasion led to her diecharge , and on a box , in which she kept her things , being searched , various articles of property belonging to her master and mistress were found there . This led to a further examination , when it was discovered that a vast quantity of property was missing , and portions of it were traced to the possession of two pawnbrokers , whose shopmen produced it . Mr . Norton severely censured the conduct of the pawnbroker's shopmen for receiving the principal part of the property la pledge from the son ot the elder prisoner , who was only 13 years of age , and remanded all the prisoners to a future day .

    WORSHIP-STREET . — DisTkESSiNO Case , —Mr . Hai ley , the chief usher , who has been directed hy the magistrates for some days past to visit the habitations of poor parsons in the district , on whose behalf applications had been formally made at this Court , and to administer relief in tho shape of fuel , food , and blankets from the funds ofthe poor box , made a report amongst others of the following distressing cases which have come under his cognizance : —The officer stated that on entering a wretched hovel in Willow-street , Shoreditch , be found a poor widow named Crick lying almost destitute of covering upon a miserable bed , to which she had been confined for eight weeks in the last stage of consnmption , during which time she had been depending solely upon the labours of three little boys , her sons , of ages varying from ten to fourteen years . The little , fellows at the time of bis visit were sitting round their mother's bed ,

    busily engaged in the manufacture of lucifer match boxes for wbich they were paid at the rate of 2 } d . per gross , and as the utmost number they could make was only about 24 or 26 gross in a week , their joint exertions produced net more than 4 s . 6 d . or 4 s . 9 d . for the subsistence ofthe whole family . The officer immediately supplied the poor woman with an order upon the poor box for fuel and food , and two pairs of warm blankets and sheets , of which they were entirely destitute ; and considered it his duty to lay the case before the parish authorities to secure tbe poor creatures some permanent out-door assistance , as tbe woman herself would not communicate her distress to the parish , from a fear that sho might be com pelled to enter the workhouse witk her children . That course , however , had not bee . rendered compulsory by Mr . Ross , the relieving officer , who had consented to allow her 4 s . per week and bread In proportion .

    Tbe next case the cbi f usher investigated was that of two orphan sisters named Jane and Mary Anne Baker , lodging in Finsbury market , who had been suddenly deprived of the scanty means of subsistence they had previously obtained by shirt and waistcoat making , in consequence of their inability to furnish the requisite surety for the safety of their work . Having been several weeks without employment , they bad parted with nearly every , thing they possessed to procure food ; and their pale and bagged looks painfully verified their assertion that they had net tasted animal food for nearly three weeks . The

    place bore tbe appearance of the most abject wretchedness , and to aggravate their misery they had just received notice from tbe agent of their landlord , to whom they owed seven weeks' rent , at Ss . per week , that unless the amount were discharged forthwith he should be compelled to turn them into the streets . Having adminis . tered to their immediate wants , the usher directed the young women to apprise him if the landlord should adopt coercive steps against them , that he might render them some further assistance to alleviate their helpless condition .

    C&Artfet Tmtii Compaii^

    C & artfet tmtii Compaii ^

    To The Shareholders Of The Chartist Co-O...

    TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE CHARTIST CO-OPERATIVE LAND COMPANY , IN THE LEICESTER DISTRICT . Brethren , I am now to direct your attention to the article respecting the establishment of schools . To obtain and preserve unbounded power , and to accumulate and preserve unbounded wealth , has been the first wis-h to possess , and the most unscrupulous means used to keep , of every tyrant and every priest , whose deeds are recorded by the pen of the Historian , whether Pagan , Popish , or , what is called Reformed . After Paganism had received its death blow in Europe by the political ascendancy given to

    Christianity by the Emperor Constantino , the Bishops of Rome begun at once to devclope their views and intentions , and not content with corrupting and perverting the simple and yet magnificent principles laid down and promulgated by the divine founder , and which were made to be understood by the most unlearned , they were shut up altogether from the perusal of the people , and every access to the Temple of Knowledge barred as securely by the fire and the halter , as the access to Paradise was shut up hy the Angel and the flaming sword . It not unfrequently happened during the centuries of darkness which followed , that the kingship and priesthood quarrelled about the spoils obtained by them from the ignorance of their dupes ; and kingdoms were

    depopulated , and oceans ef human blood spilt on either side ; but experience at length taught them the impolicy of tearing each other to pieces while there was enough for both . A bond of amity was executed on both sides , offensive and defensive , and " Herod and Pilate on that day were made friends . " After what is called " the Reformation" in England took place , when the Old Lady of Babylon was superseded by that merciful and benignant sovereign Henry Sth , of wife loving memory , things were only changed in name ; the new priesthood , clothed in the robes , and goreed with the spoils of their predecessors , showed equal ability both in shearing the flock and perpet uating the ignorance of the masses , ' . as the most expert of thefallibles ever had done , and for some time the

    Smithfield bonfires blazed as brightly , tho halters embraced tbe necks of the victims as lovingly , and the chains ofthe captives clanked as musically , as ever was seen or heard at an , Auto dafe , even atGoa . Since that time to the present , the appearance of things have materially altered ; the panoramic presentation is changed , but the principles of the principal actors in the drama of " All in the wrong " are preserved in all the energy of the days which are gone , and are as effectually used for their original purposes , though under different phases ; and the magniloquent appellations of Archbishop , Bishop , Dean , Chapter , Canon , and the rest of the fry of the State Church , are listened to with as humble reverence by fix too many simpletons , as

    ever the names of Pope , Cardinal , and Legate were by our simpleton ancestors . In how many parishes has the parson , in the possession of an overgrown benefice , two-thirds of which are robbed from the poor , and from Church repairs , obtained an absolute controul over the whole of the secular concerns of the parish , from whose imperative dictum there is no appeal , and over whose caprice there is no controul . In how many boroughs and counties are these " reverend" pig consumers made magistrates , to act in two opposite characters to preach on Sunday the divine injunction to forgive injuries , to bless them that curse you , and love them that hate you ; and on Monday , imposing a fine , or committing

    to prison a peasant who has hilled a wild animal , created for the use of all , which he happened to meet with , perhaps on the highway . But , more to our purpose , how many ot our public schools can be found where these clerical Mugs have not been appointed the trustees or governors , or surreptitiously crept into the controul of , - where ( if a bull may be permitted ) ignorance is taught , aud the principles of the d . vine right of kings , the duty of passive obedience and non-resistance , and the most unconditional reverence to their spiritual pastors and masters , are the only matter they seem to care about . Under such directors as these , and with such instruction is the present state of society to be a matter of wonder .

    Let our seminaries be put in contrast to these abominations . We have decided upon due consideration , that the house and school for the master and mistress and the pupils shall be erected upon land which belongs to the company , and nit upon ground taken in small strips from tho allottees , and shall be the property of the company for ever : that the land shall be cultivated for the support of the master and mistress , aud the eultivation shall be performed by the boys at stated periods of the day ; when they shall be called from their books to the labours of tho fields , and thence again to their

    studies , u ? on the plan which is pursued at Willingden and other schools with the best possible result thus giving by the transition the charm of noveltv ' and transforming labour into recreation : that their sports shall be principally gymnastic , giving strength and pliability to the limbs and the rosy hue of health to the countenance ; that the rudiments taught shall be those fitted to the station in society ; that their moral conduct be strictly attended to ; the social duties regularly inculcated - , that all sectarian principles of religion shall be avoided , leaving that wholly to tbe parents ; that the master and mistress

    To The Shareholders Of The Chartist Co-O...

    be chosen b y the directors , as possessing more of the requisite knowledge , and upon the repreaentatioi Mtwo thirds of the occupants of misconduct , to ba dismissed from their situation . More might be said , but this is the outline . Parents , do not these , principles constitute the groundwork of a useful , a good , and a virtuous eaucation ; to make the future man fit to exercise the social duties , and to be an ornament to society . Expect one more letter from Your faithful servant , T . R . Siaitr . 30 , Sanvey Gate , Leicester , Dec . 27 th l & f < 5 .

    BRADFORD . On Sunday the members ef the Chartist Co-ope . ration Land Company , held a discussion on the proposed Bank of Deposit , when they agreed to hold a public meeting in their room , Butterworth-buildings , on Sunday ( to-morrow ) at 2 o ' clock in the afternoon , to make arrangements for commencing to deposit weekly subscriptions for the redemption of their Allotments ; and also to elect auditors and a scrutineer , in accordance with the instructions of the directors , the ilhditors' report will be laid before the meeting . THE LATE CHARTIST LAND

    CONFERENCE . At a meeting of the Westminster district of the National Co-operative Lan-i Company , at the Assembly-rooms , 83 , Dean-street , Soho , on Sunday evening , December the 27 th , Mr . I ' arkes in the chair , a deputation attended from Somers Town , to consult on the propriety of holding an aggregate meeting of the members residing in the Metropolitan districts ; after some discussion it was resolved , " That an aggregate meeting of the members of the National Co-operative Land Company resident within the Metropolitan district , be hereby convened , to be holden in the Assembly-rooms , Deanstreet , Soho , on Monday evening next , January the 4 th , f r the purpose of hearing a report from Messrs . Ross , Ciiffay , and Shaw , the delegates to the late Confertnce , and to transact such business as may aruc therefrom . "

    MARYLEBONE . Mr . Thomas Clark lectured to a most attentive audience at the Coach Painters' Arms , Circus-street , on Sunday evening , December 27 th , on the " Hopes j of the Democracy of Britain . " He reviewed the proceedings of the pa < -t year , both of the National Charter Association and ofthe Land Company , and troix the proceedings of the past drew a lively picture for the future , predicted the speedy coming of " the good time , " wheu universal brotherhood would prevail , and Ireedom and happiness be ours . These aspirations were received with great cordiality , and at the conclusion , on the motion of Mesws . Aldons and Godwin , a vote of thanks was unanimously awarded to the lecturer , for his able address ; and the meeting , after Mr . Clark lud answered some questions ( the answers being deemed satisfactory ) relative to the arrangement for the division of labour among the directors of the Land Company , separated evidently pleased witli their evening ' s instruction .

    NOTTINGHAM . The highly-talented and noble-minded patriot , Dr . M'Douall , delivered [& n animated and soul-stirring Address in the Town-hall , the use of which was kindly granted by the Mayor . The worthy Doctor explained in a clear and lucid manner the principle of co-operatioK—the benefits to be derived to the working classes from the possession of the Land , and exhorted his hearers to become members of the Chartist Land Company . The Doctor also lectured at Carrington , to a very respectable and crowded meeting , and received a unanimous rote of thanks , at the close of each address .

    Mr . James Sweet also gave a report of his mission to the Land Conference , and was listened to with the greatest interest and attention : at the close , on the motion of Mr . Norman , seconded by Mr . Win . field , an unanimous vote of thanks was given to that gentleman , for his services .

    Total Destruction Of Irongatewharf. Two ...

    TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF IRONGATEWHARF . TWO VESSELS , AND £ 20 , 0 «» OF PROPERTY .

    On Thursday afternoon , one of the most extensive conflagrations that has occurred during the past year , broke out on the premises of the above wharf , and , from the combustible nature of the property , the whole ofthe extensive building and contents , as well as the Busy , of Bridport , and a considerable portion of the Hawk , of Montrose , were consumed before the devouring element was subdued . The loss is stated to vary trom £ 150 , 000 to £ 200 , 000 . It appears that the numerous men employed at the wharf were busily engaged in following their different occupations , when , about twenty minutes to four o ' clock , a loud and unusual report was heard at the eastern part of the building , and before the cause

    could be ascertained , a thick heavy smoke was seen to rise from the lower parts , or cellars of the wharf . The density of the vapour left no doubt as to the place being on fire , which caused an instantalarm to be given . Within five minutes after the first discovery a heavy red flame was seen to rise , catching hold of everything in its way . The alarm was instantly given , and the Tower bell , used in cases of fire and danger , was set in motion , when the Guards on duty were turned out , and taken to the spot . Within half an hour after the outbreak , there were on the spot a number of engines from the more distant stations , independent of those belonging to the Tower and Docks , and the floats ; unfortunately it vb $ low water at the time , which caused those who were ready and willing to exert themselves to stop the progress of the devouring element , to remain passive

    spectators of the destruction of property of all descriptions . By the time the engines were set into play , the whole building was one illuminated mase , the flames shooting up through the roof , and out of the windows in long fiery streaks , of a deep dun colour , proving to those well experienced in these matters , that all attempts to save the building and contents were fruitless , while the only object to play upon the vast burning mass was to deaden the lire , so as net to heat the north wall ofthe St . Katherine Docks , and thereby prevent ignition taking place within the docks . During two hours this appeared to be a hopeless task , for iu quiet succession strong livid name , accompanied by a report , was seen to rise up , and while it lasted , added additional fury to the fire . These exhalations , if they may be so termed , were found to arise from , the puncheons of whiskey , as they one after the other exploded .

    While the work of destruction was thus going on on shore , a still more fearful scene presented itself at the water ' s edge . Alongside of the wharf were moored tne Busy , of Bridport , and the Hawk , ot Montrose . The former had arrived on Sunday with a general cargo , and was nearly unloaded , while the Hank had only come to her moorings in the course of the day . Directly after the outbreak th ey were both cut away from their moorings , but being low water it was found to bo impossible to get them away . The consequence was the Busy speedily caught fire , and although the power ot the floating engines was directed towards her preservation , she was burnt , as taras the reporter could understand , to the water ' s edge , while the masts , sn .-irs . and nt . lmp navte n ( tha

    |* awk . were consumed . The vessels were found to be 100 tons burden , and the latter contained a very valuable cargo , most of which was damaged and destroyed by water . We have already stated that the fire began at the east , or lower end of the premises ( and at this part a great body of the devouring element was concentrated . About fifty feet from this point , Loader , the engineer , of the Farringtlon-strcet engine , was rationed , and , while ho was engaged in holding the branch , tho whole length of the front , to where he stood , fell with a tremendous crash . Loader , on hearing the wall crack , ran towards the wall of tho St . Katherine Docks , and he had scarcelv eot there

    before the brancluind hose were buried beneath tho burning mass . When ail danger was past the branch was extricated , and was found to be completely flattened in some parts , while other portions were greatly indented . During the period the fire was at his height considerable alarm was manifested for the safetv of the doclts , and men were sent to the top by Sir J . Hall , who kept pounag water down the walls for the purpose of keeping the brickwork cool , and , being ably awed by the engines , they succeeded in preventing an ignition taking place within . Tho same exertions were made with regard to the Marquis of Graaby public-house , which , with thn « tmiI „ , nt « , » ni-tinn

    ofthe roof , was saved . By eight o ' clock all danger ef the further progress ot the fire was at an end .

    W. U ? Zh 7- -T, " Iom! Y°U'Ro A " Excel...

    w . U ? 7- -T " iom ! y ° u ro a excellent fellow , brave and reliable , but you will get drunk-vou must do better lom , " said a captain down at * tha Hi " Jjrandetoone ot his soldiers . " Captain , " replied l om , you cannot expect all the virtues of human nature for seven dollars a month . " h . ii ? ° m £ *?' Deat "' in'l"cst wfl 3 hi k i Br ? adlle « tl 1 . Worcestershire , on Monday , on tue body of an old woman , named Scfton , who left her home , to seek alms ; at a distance of nine miles , and wandered about in the frost and snow till she lost herself , and was found dead on Sunday , five days afterwarda . by the side of a bye-road , in the parish of Hallow . The Jury returned a verdict of " Found dead , having , it is supposed , lost her wav . and been frozen to death by the inclement weather . " "

    Lc I Minst Printed By Dodgai, M'Gowan , Of 111, Great Windmill Mr Et ' "A * N,Ar,I,;T ' &Gt;" Tho City Of W'Estuiiiistvr At Tbe

    lc i Minst Printed by DODGAI , M'GOWAN , of 111 , Great Windmill mr ' " * n , ar , i , ; t ' > " tho City of W ' estuiiiistvr at tbe

    V..U, » • «« Mmc - Anil L'Arisli, Tor Tu...

    v .. u , » «« mmc - anil l ' arisli , tor tu » rropnetor , lEAUGl'S O'CO . NNOH , Esq ., and published by \\ LtiAM Hewitt , ot ' .-N' o . 18 , Charles-street , Bran I dou-sireet , Walworth , in the Parish of St . Mary , N ' e « vngton , vn the County of Surrey , at tho Office , No . l « Great ft uiduulUtrt * t , Haymarket , in - tho" CitJ ef Westminster . t ~~ T ' " — Saturday . January 2 , I 8 l 7 . " °

• Citation
  • Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 2, 1847, page 8, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_02011847/page/8/