Current:

Northern Star (1837-1852), 6th May 1843, Edition 1 of 5, Page 6, Untitled Article

Page 6
Page 6
6 of 8

On this page

  • Departments (2)
    • Jzmpevial parliament.
    • £3ankvu$Jt0, src.
  • Text (9)
  • 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.

      Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.

      Untitled Article

      SECOND REPORT FROM T KE CHILDREN EMPLOYMENT COMMISdIuIS . LACE MASrFACTTRE . A further perusal of the report made ai . J the evidence collected by the Commissioners appointed cnuer the " Children ' s Employment Commission , " baa folly eon-TiDced us that Sir J . Graham will be su'Jty of a grrat dereliction of his duty—a dereliction , however , which we by no means ar-ticipaie from him—if'he does not immctiiatciv introduce into Parliament measures fur the protection of Chilian and young persons employed in the manufactuie of lace . It is not a little singular , that those occupations which are engaged in adorning and embellishing the female s * x she aid be pi ? rise . y those which ii filer the maximum of ^ 5 eriEg and torture on that be ' p ? ess class of persons -which , by the True ecor ^ cy <•! na *^ re , is more particularly rec-mjnesccd toitei > n-pj-hifcs , and ^ e may even artd to its ^ rfji r efard ' tad protection . We submitted to cur rta ^ eTs , in a reccut number of enr journal , an appalling tecom . t of the various heart-rt-ndii ;* r LaruahTps ana

      priratkns to -which the young oreas-mslers & { the Hittrcpolis are exposed ( luring every hour of the day and EigLi : -we propose in our present nnsibcr to submit to thtin another picture of misery scarcely le * 3 appalling in its intensity , csriainiy far more extensive in its xandiicaticn , aaa ifcctscribably m&Te dangerous to tby eouiii . unity , from the masses which it embraces , sr . d frcn : the awfn ] immorality and debauchery -which it is hourly generating in three counUes plsc ^ u in the very heart of Eng ' an ' . l . The main features of this picture &r » scattered over a -very long uid tb ' e report of Mr . Grocer , who has inveitig-ted the diStrent pr . c-. -st . s of lat-our in the lace H-inufacsuifc w . ih a patient a * s :-duitj -which does honour to his humanity - iltu fc& 3 dcicrib-e < i them -with a dearttEs aid vigour of language which place him in the erst rar . k among the writers oc statistics . Our objtct triil be mor * than answered , if we can draw the attention of the public to the 160 page * of his repon by the rapid summary of it Which we now subjoin .

      Ths iace manufacture is principally cot-fined to the c on- ties of Nottingham , Leicester , ard Derby , there being , according t » > lr . Grainger , 2 , 760 machines employed there , and only 7 S 7 in the Isle v . f Wight and all the rest of England . The value of this cacbintry maj be estiEuf-td in round numbers at a turn not verv much short of £ l . 50 ( KO 0 d . The amount of the actual fitrd tapitel in the trade has not been ca ' culated ; bnt the value of the goads sold in the year 1535—the annual value has since fallen ofij bnt U > what trust is uncertain—was £ 2 , 212 , 090 . As a branch of r ^ tiorul industry , then , thtre caa be no donbt as to the importance of the ' see trad a Tae manuf-crcre of lac « comprehends a variety , of distinct occupations—viz ., " making the lace , " " gassing , " " bleaching , " ' * in -nding , " ettbrciderirg . ' ' drawing , ptrjiir ^ , and Lemming , ' tnd " dressinggettirig-np , or finishing ; " and in all of them children &ua ymng \ kisVzs are employed .

      "VV'iadicg ard threading the laca are t ! ssed by Mr . Gran ^ -r under the occupation of " nuiir-g the Lcr . " The ¦ wi nding is almost Invariably pei / crincd by girls arcs ; -juig women , "Who begin about twel 7 e &r fourteen , tut are generally above eighteen . Taeir labour is : n wind into brass bobbins the necessary qiactlry of thread to > -. * ke a pirce of lace- The threading is principally pericrmed by boys , -aho ^ ei ; in p . t the age c . f eight years and a-haif , and ccnticue ti » l fifteen , -w h ^ n *^ ey uiualiy go to tLe m-chints . We should transgress our limits , -were -we to dtscrrbe the process c ! threading minutely ; it in'iy be ruifir . crt to' st ^ te that it

      consists in passing the end of tLe thread which baj he-en previfusly wouud into the bobbin , ttrou »; h the aperture of the carriage ia "Khich the bobbin is \ zt r ^ -d and afteriT&iuS w . rts . Oi the prtcess of massing sad bleacinrig the hxe , Mi . Gr&is s -ir observes th .-it no particular otserTation need be made ; but on the process of &endi : g , fciabrcidt-riiig , ax > 'i orsTrirg , he t < marks , teat alcios ; all the children of the labouring classes in 2 wtt : E § ii&Ei are fcn » 2 ged in one or other of tbttn , " as soon ts they can tie a krot or use a secoie . '' TLe dressing a ^ d finishing the i ^ ce si' -y eu . jU < y m _ ny chiiorcn ana your . g ctr&vDB of r- ^ ih 8 * 3 . !** .

      " Wa have niade tL « se preliminary rtniaris on the diff ^ reni processes in the lace inanufacturc , iu order th - tht public may the better understand the ubicj-yatdons -Khic-h -we thai : hereafter hive to c-ffri to it , oa the lab-our tadurod and the -w ^ t&s rtctitwi by th * drawers , Ujeidirs , winders , lice runners , as embroiderers are generalJj termed , ar . d lact menders of 2 fottingLamshire , Liices' . irsb-ire , ai » d Drrtystire . Ani . £ r * t with respect to the drawers . Drs ^ ing is a Tsry simple process , perfonned by uis ^ in ^ out -with a ree-ile the threa- " s -which bold toctth ^ r the separate

      Tri ^ ths which n . ? i ? up the entire piece as comes out of the maehlne . In tie X * tungb-iixiihire district it is common for cLiidrsn to > crrmenc * * t this work at foi ^ r , fve , and six years of ass .. Or . e cf the -witiiefses v . hcm Mr . Grainger tXEnun .-d had U .: rvy-&ix children in her empicy , ch : t 3 y ^ t t < Tc : i years of s-ge and upwards . Some , however , b ^ r ' n as s : > on as th ^ y can hol d a needle . Mr . Grainger round a child placed at wc-rk by its parent tefort it ic-js iys ytars old . The eviuei . ee which h ~ . h \ a c « Ii » cted on tLa : pt-iiit is so dti ^ -mcly curioiis , th ^ t we ahail make no st ,- < - -lo £ ~ for submitting i : to - ^ ur reaJ ^ ii .

      " Mrs . H-. ucbron—Is a lac-c- - ^ " * ^ , and baa Tout dr-0 n .--s ; Edr ; : t , eight ; -ea : s . Anae , g x , Mary , fon ., and E .: zi , Uj ; -t > iis old ; -f ; l . e . * b the thrw tidtr are employed as ] ac » :-: r ^ wers . Htin-: ! wa * net qui ' . e ihree trtie ^ the r-gan to work , Aine was abon * tic taaie , End Mary was nut quite two :-e _ ra old . E : 2 i 'his kritj and dra-s a few threads out . * [ Sufc-Comruiseiyn- _ r—All t ^ iis wa 3 interrupttd "with ' > lind your trurk , '' X-ke care / ' il ^ ke has te , " 2 fow , Anne , get or , " Hind yoar w \ - > .-k- 'l Be ^ iiLS geneTEi . y at six a a w tte gur-. mer , and fr ^ vtn Li the wiuter ; in the farmer

      goes on tul curk , in the latter tul ten ? M . The two bij ^ e ; chil * . r- n -wori with witn-. ss these hcuri ; Mary bezms at tec Bjne t :: rtc in tae morning , but fcue kav ^ i off about P . Ji . The chDdrea have -o tic = Vo go out to play . ' They go cut very sciaoGi . * Have "trt ^ ifast when they have time to cet it ; the ESjae with tiiintrr and tea . Have about a quarter of an hrur for each meaL The children are obliged to sit a : the :. - w . ^ rir . Tfc = y sit all Jay . [ 'Mind ycur wcrs . ] Tie work tries the eyes . Tae black is tLe worst . ; 1 ; is drts wo . k . * [ ' Now , micd your ¦ wori . " . The cLUCren have vtry goe > d health .

      " Sub-CouiniiBSijLer—The chiidren are very fine and pretty prle , and ' . ppear healthy The two jounger sit perc' . sn upon chairs , their legs too thort to reach the ground . " . It app-srs from this statercent that a child of f » ur y ^ irs o i was worked twelvr Lours , and another of six fcf «» n hours a-day by their own icotter , and that , too , ¦ whiLst her husband , who generally ' had work , -was earning twenty-three shillings a-week by his regular ¦ waxes . Tfet-re is a mass cf evidence a !; tending to prove that thirteen or fourteen hours is the or -inary ^ Fork of these very young children . The roost serious effects arc in consequence often prodnced upon tbeir health and Etrenyth . One witness states thut " the children who are drawers are very delicate an-i sickiy-looking . If they are -well when they go to " * ork , in a year or two they b ^ semfr thin . Mauy mothrrs have toM me that their hearts ache to Bend tbeir cbih ' . ren to work at such

      an e ^ rly age and for sues longhouis , but they are cooipelied to do it tu grt Vresd f < r zbe ' ir . families . The wages for Een arc so much rt J . cc-d in many of the traces in Nottingham , that to support the family they are compelled to Besd tbeir chi ' idren cut to work . ; " and ¦ what do our readers suppose the paltry stipend to be -which is earned at the expence of the blood , muscle , and spirits of these infantile labourers } Mr . Felkin states that three shillings a -week is a very high average ; and ilr . Grainger , in cosimcr »' . " iEz upon that statement , expresases his convictien that it is much more than is ileus ' , tj earned . Moreover , though such are tbeir earnings , Uasy are T ^ ry inrcfiLr i sBt y cloth--d and verj poorly fe-i Surely , then , it ia iiicumbinl upon the GoverniBzrl to take EtringcCt measures without delay for the protection of these irfdnts , eiuce i \ is evident that we cani 3 ct trait either to the natural feelings of their paresis , or to the humanity of the ssiall -mistresses who generally employ th * m .

      The average age at which children beein to thread is , as we have already stated , about eiaht years and a half . The majority of threaders &n boys . At the agecf fifteen the girls becoma -winders , or go to other ' occupations , and the b : ya then or earlier go to the machines . Paring these Seven years the children who thread are liable to be called upon to w . rk during the who ' . e of the time that tie machines are at work , wh-ther that be during sixteen , twenty , or twenty-two hours out of the twenty-four . Mr . Grainger mentions one child who etat&d that be had often stopped from four o ' clock one morniag till two on the next , and that , too , twice or thrice in one treek . Robert Stinson , - an opearative nineteen years of a ? e , deposed that when be was a thr = i 4 er , he had stopped al night in the factory three

      or four times a week , and added , natoraiiy enou ; b , " W ^ en I c ame home it was a bit of treat to me . " Indeed , the threaders in most instances stem to bs much neglected by their parents . There are , of course , some exceptions to UJs rule ; and one exception deserves , Bays Mr . GTainger , to be specially recorded . tJirah Pym , herself almost made blind by embrillering lace , has four children , who -were formerly threaders and Viniers . " I -waa aasra . red ( continues Mr . Grainger } that this poor wos ^ n alway « sat np , however late , tfll her children returned home . " " Many and many a ssore cf timaa ( continues this poor -woman ) have I gone into the street to look for them . I -wander how I have lived through it . It is grievous to see the children dragged up aa they now aw ; they are noi fraught up . A constable of the name ef Wilkinson testifies that "he frequently sees a number of children , many

      W yoang »¦ eight or ten , little { kings hardly as higk at the knee , geing to various lace factories as threaders at all times of the night With them there are occasionally young -women of sixteen , seventeen , fnA fflgfp taaw , irko sre winders . During the late Intense frost be * aw boys and girls come oat in . the middle of tbe night in light clothing , and apparently goffering from tbe cold . " And no -wonder that they were suffering from the cold , and suffering severely too -, for then ii abondanoe of evidence to prove that the beat of the Iaoe factories , in which the ventilation ia very defective even in the day time , var ies from 64 degree * to 85 degrees when the gas is lighted , and Mr Grainger Informs na that during the -winter , -when he Tisitod ttea , tba thermometer was often as low ai 18 degrees . Though they hare much idle time in tbe interrali of their work , daring which tbey are allowed ,

      Untitled Article

      if they th : rk £ 1 , to plsy , it i ? ecmd cr ell hands that the thr ^ ueis are subject to inure hardship and greaier vr ~ nt of rest than almost any other persona engaged in UiiDufactnricg labour . Mr . Wm . Hinde states , that bu ^ drt'ds have been sent to their graves by their ioc&ssant labour and want of rest " Tbey have no regular time for their meals : they have their food sent them , and eat it when tbey can . " That food is often insuffi- |

      cient , and coHimsnly consists of nothing but bread anil tea- " Tbeir boon of sleeping , too , are as irregular U their Louw of eating , ' and they are frequently seen lying down in the middle cf the shop floor , or under the tables , or on the carriage-boxes , oi on the old coats of the men , attempting to gain in a short and uncomfortable nap a temporary oblivion of their cruel sufferings . They are also often beaten and illtreated by the men who work the machines , when they are tired and exhausted by tbeir long hours of labour . Nor 'will thiB appear surprising to those who are informed that the earnings vf the men are partly dependent on the time which Ib occupied in windir . g aid threading . But even this is not all that these wrs-tfhpd children have to endure . The process ol threading is very injurious to the sight , especially where the spring top-bobbin is used , for there the aperture is so small vhat it must be threaded like a needle , and the average number of bobbins to be

      threaded for one machine is about 1800 , which * -ill occupy two or three threaders for two hours , or two henrs nnd a half . Mr . Grainger is , however , of opinion , tLat their eyesight ia not permanently injured ; and in tim opinion be is supported by Dr . J . C . Williams , the Vt-ry iriUUiccnt physician to the Nottingham Hospital , to whus- - valuable memoranda on the diseases of the < ye occurring in the different branches of the Nottingham trade—the result of bis observation during fourteen yrara upon at least 10 , 000 cases—we shall have occasion , again and asja-n . to call the attention of the medical public We shall not add a word more upon the degree iu which ibe organization of these children engaged in threading , upon very inadequate wages , is debiJtattd , and tbeir liability to ciistase increased along with their inability to resist it , until we have passed under review the scarcely less miserable condition of tee young girls , who are compelled to gain by winding a scanty and precarious subsistence .

      The winding is almost invariably performed by girls and yt' ^ ng women , who bejrin , as we have already stated , about the age of twelve or fourteen . It is a laborious employment , if the bobbins are turned by hnnd ; but it is mnch easier where tteani power is empluyrd . Toe winders are very iinble to nightwork , but rot quite in tbe same degree , says Air . Gromrer , as the thread trs , becan&o the winding is necessarily done btfure tbe threading . The commissioners , however , declare it to be proved , that " in winding for lace machines the children h » d no regular and certain time whatever for sleep or recreation , being liable to be called upon at any period during sixteen , twenty , or

      twenty-two hours out oi twenty-f » ur , while they have u ^ qucnUy to go from one pj ^ ue to auotb . tr , ofien at cor . siii-rable di *' &r . ctt , at all hours of the nifcht and at &H oe-soua . '" Ya-r . ous diseases are thus engendered . Dr . Wilihms i ^ iorms us , th-t windUig , especially fer ^ ES bobbins , olt-ii strains vhc eye * , and that Binauroeib cataract , coajunctival inflammation , and inrlsnima tion of the cornea are produced by it . But these are by ro means the -wor . t cviis -which lie in wait for these unfortunate young women . Thty are employed in the same factories with the workmen , arid in a great m jority of the factories no precautions are taken to k ^ = p the Bcxes apart This naturally leads to great immorality .

      " In the town of Nottingham , " s ?> ys Mr . Grainier , " all pa-ties , clergy , police , matafricturers , workpet-pk ' , ana parents , agree that the present mode of employing ch idren and you ; . g ptrsor . a as threaders and winders is a most fertile source of imnv-rality . There can , in fact , be bn ; few states more imniedietely leading to vice and pnnliracy . Children of both pexes are called out of tLeir parents' hou&ea at all hours of the i ; ight , and , as it is % Jte uncertain how long they maybe required , whether for two hours or the whole night , a ready and unanswerable excuse for Btuy ' nE jut is furnished . The

      : hrsac ' w-rs , who are njuoliy bo ; s , &r . d the winders , who are generally girls , are required at the same time , and thus ttey hfiTd every facilitj fcr forming improper consexliins . The i . atural results of such a riuxiuus system are out too apparent , and mubs have contributed in no slkht degrts to the immorality which , according to the opinion universally expressed , prevails to a most a' * ful extent in Nottingham . In addition to the immediate evils to the children themselves , the domefct ' . c peace and coafurt of the fr . iuiliea of which they are members are xacrin . - td tu tbii most unnatural state of things . "

      To tLe saiiid effect is the evidence of Mr . B : \ rnett , the clerk to the Nottingham Union . " The extent of e ^ rly sexual intercourse is dreadful . A principal cause wf UiLs cemora : z ; tion is the facility of boys and gir . ' s TD . n ^ ing tOittbtr ia tbe streets at night , aod the almost total absence of parental control . " Another witnt ; S . a female , declares , that " as a mother the thitiBs that it is vtry wrong to enjploy boys and g irls in th' r . 'ihl , and that it ought to be prevented . She has of ^ n c : d the heart ache , whtn her son wee gone out at nigLt , and sLe did not know vhen he would return . .

      . . The evils t . f ni ^ bt Work must lead to guat iminora'ity on the part of these so employed . Many of the cL-i * at au early age besoms pregnant , and some of Lem -ffcmp : u produce Eiifcarriage , a > j in rJ . ia wcy rr-. -ir c- - -nif . tut . u : i is soon ruined . " 3 ilr . W . Enteld , jn-. sor , who is die son of the Town Citik t ? Notlingrj . tn , is so fuly convinced of the drtaiiful ( 5 r > H 6 e-CjTifcaces arii . ng frc ^ m this systetu , th = t he declares " the ji / Disg should not be allowed to work at ci ^ ht r . t all . To the health as well as morals of the y ^ uBg ircb * wo : k is particularly injurious , for thty neither £ ct sleep ner hhoIb at proper hours , and r > . re eX posed t-j g : ea : er temptations to vice . " Oce of the raed ' . cal witnesses examined by Mr . Graicg « r averred that tbe immorality thus engendered was av . ful . Mr .

      T . H- S :-ailh . the intelligent ard indefatigable vice . chairii .-n of the Nottingham Board of Guardians , gave the following striking evidence as to the inoral and physical ruin , degradation , and death which this night Wvik is constantly producing : "I ha'e known many p- f -nts come out of the country merely to live on the ia . i . ur of their young children . In oue case , a short time ago , a widow cams With three children , of twelve , fcurt ^ en , and sixteen years ni age , out cf Derbyshire . These children Were seiit into a fact - > r > , the mother being oiily employed in preparitg tbt . r meals , and jj ctUrs them up early in tLe morning . They did not come tome to tbeir meals : thvy were taken in the

      factcry . All these children died in eighteen months . I think this resulted from thsir employment Almost aJ ] the families employed in ttemanufactures of Nottingham are , with few exceptions , supported more or leas by the labour uf their children . A »; . ng other evils o / this system is that of rev ^ rsin ^ the wder of nature ; children become , at an early age . independent of their parents ; in mar . y cases the latter are even obliged to aat as menials to tbeir children . Another class of evils : , that worthless fathers are enabled to spend their time in low pothouses out of the earnings of thc-ir children . The vice a . iid immorality springing from such a system are too obvious to require illustration . "

      Bat the heart gets sick in recording theae abemiimtiims ; and yet -vrt have a long and a worse liBt of thtm before us . We abstain , at present , from all comment upon thtm , as we havo yet to describe the lamentable etdFeringe and tbe abject , squalid , and almost intolerabla poverty and destitution of another eligs of young females —the lace-runners and the lace-m ^ udtrs .

      Untitled Article

      - ~^ . * . REPORT RELATiYE TO THE SrSTEAI OF PRISON DISCIPLINE . COPT OF A CIUCULAR LETTEK TO CHAIRMEN OF QUARTER SESSIONS , ^ CCOilPANV JAG COPY OP FR 15 OX RULES . Whitehall , January 27 . Si a , —I have the honour to inform yoa that I have hau under ray consideration the system of prison discipline , a : jd the rtata , accommodation , and arrangement of the several prisons in England and Wales , so far as I can judge of ttem from tbe tenor of the rules now in force , &ud from the reports of the prison inspectors . I ha ^ e thought it advisble , before I came to any conelusion on a matter of such grave importance , to uvail mjself of the local knowledge and of the general experience , - ; f the inspectors ef the different prisons of England and Wales , with the view of ascertaining what alterations and amendments of these rules may be necessary to effect and toBecure the great objects of prison discipline , which are , the prevention of crime , and , as far as human msans can avail , the reformation of criminala .

      I have directed that a code of prison rules should be forme 1 , bas&d upon the recommendations of ths in ? pectors . I hav-. caiefully considered and revised that code ; and 1 now forward it to you , with a request that you will call the attention of the magistracy t > f your county to it at the approaching quarter sessions . I am convinced that it is highly desirable that immediate measures should be taken to introduce , centistency asd the ntmosi practicable uniformity into the regulations of the

      It may be said with truth that diffare&ce of construction , and in some instances that local peculiarities , or other special circumstances , in the several prisons , render strict umfo . mity of discipline impracticable ; but I am convinced that the accompanying regulations , framed as they have been with the greatest care , are necessary to carry into effect the intentions of the legislature , and that they are applicable to every prison throughout the country , whatever may be its tizs , construction , or situation . I desire to call the special attention of toe magistracy to those rules which relate to the diet of prisoners . On

      tie proper adjustment of this particular tbeir health mainly depends ; and I am convinced that tbe adoption of the proposed scales will prevent tbe recurrence of those complaints which have freqnentfy been preferred , and in Kme instances justly preferred , against tbe prison autboritiaa . It is by no means intended that the precise articles of foad spedned in the dietaries should be strictly adhered to in the table which you may adopt ; other kinds of foed , containing an equivalen t amount of nutriment , may , with advantage , be substituted , when those articles which have been named are either difficult to be obtained in your neighbourhood , or are considered not suited to the customs and habits of the

      Untitled Article

      1 prisoners ; but that qunritity of food must , in . ill cases , be given which is sufficient , though not more than safj Scient , to maintain health and strength at a moderate | cost ; and , while due care should be exercised to piei vent any approach to luxurious living in a prison , tbe ; diet ought on no acceunt to be made an instrument of j punishment I have consulted , not only the prison inspectors , but medical men of the greatest eminence ,

      possessing tbe advantage of long experience ; I have cnrtfully revised the dietaries now in use , and I have come to the conclusion , — 1 . That animal food should in all cases form part of tbe diet of prisoners employed at hard labour . 2 . That a considerable portion of the food of every prisoner should be solid ; and , 3 . That there should be variety in the kind 3 of food forming the diet , and that occasional changes ate nec * jB saiy . The dietaries which I now offer for your adoption are framed on these principles , and are upheld by

      medical science , and by the recommendation of persons on whose authority and knowledge reliance may be placed , but they have been fr . imad without reference to the local situation of particular prisons , or to any peculiar prisons , or to a ; y peculiar circumstances which may render an increase necessary ; tbey are , therefore , proposed by me as the minimum amount which can safely be afforded to prisoners withont the risk of inflicting a punishment not contemplated by the law , and which it is unjus : and cruel to inflict ; namely , loss of health and strength through the inadequacy of the food supplied .

      I do not frel that it will be necessary for me to enter iuto any explanation generally of the several rules which I propose for the ail-ption of the magistrates ; but I wish briefly to call their attention to some points connected with the improvement of prison discipline , which nearly affect tho health and moral improvement of the prisoners , which cannot be made the sub jec ; ef any prison rule , but which are , nevertheless , of urgent inipoitnr . ee . 1 aUude to tho defective ventilation which exists in many prisons , and to the slothful habits which are necessarily engendered among the pr isoners by the want of aitincial light , and by tbe consequent lateness of the hour to which , during the winter months , their daily discipline or occupation is deferred .

      I coi . aider it also highly desirable , that in all cases every window of a prison nnd of each cell hhuuld bo gtozed . The exposure of tbe prisoners during inclement seasons to the open air is and must be attended with seTiouji results to their htaith ; and it is impossible that with uuglazed windows , tho uniformity of temperature can be maintained , which is one of the Burest safeguards against those diseases by which the inmates cf a prison are most liable to be attacked , and which to persons in their situation are of a most dangerous character . Medical experience has shown that extremes if heat and of cold , and of defective circulation and supply of pure air , are productive of the most pttjudical effects upon the health of prisoners ; and tb : it the temperature of b prison ought to range from about 54 deg . to 60 dog . of Fah-esheit .

      I Biro ; tly recommend , therefoie , to the magistrates , that tfct-y should take into their inim = di : > te consideration buth the ventilation nnd lighting of thu prisons under iheir controul , with the view of introducing such improvements as may be practicable under the peculiar circrmstaDces of ench prison ; the advLce and assistance of Major Jobb , a ftjvtrtimont tfficer will be in all caseB available , free of expense , to aid them in effecting these improvements . My attention has been called to the inadequate nature of the arrangements which are genera ly in force , for the purpr . 3 f of providing prisoner H both adult and juvenile , with r ^ iiijious and moral instruction ; and I am of opinion that in every prison , however small , a person rea . iy qualified should be engaged to give elementary instruction to t « ch prisoner for a portion of every day ; and that in the larger prisons one schoolmaster and one schoolmistress should be appointed , aud more than one whtre a greattr number may be requisite .

      I think it highly desirable that eVury prison should be furnished with a certain number of books of various kir . iis , calculated to improve the moral and religious fteliQ ^ s of the prisoners ; and that the books should be selected by the visiting niagistrat-. s , with tfle advice of tiie chaplain . I am convinced that , for the flue di ? cb « iree of bis important duties , a room within the waiis of the prison should in all cases be uppropriated to the use of the chapiain-A ? regards the appointment of tbe subordinate officers of a prison , the visitinc justices are more peculiarly responsible for tbe discipline , order , and state of tbe

      prison under tbeir superintendence ; their constant attendance at tbe prison pives them an intimate knowle <) ge of all that ia required of any particular cflicer ; I am therefore of opinion tLat it is highly desirabie that their recommendation should be taken before any subordinate officer of a prison is appointed by tbe magistrates in quarter-sessions . I also recon ; ineml that a plain uniform should be is-ued to the subordinate rfflcers of prisons . The responsibility of tLtse tfflsers will be thereby i ; . crua * ed ; tbey will be marl ; tr . aa persons in authority , and they will be aiore cer * . u . ii : ly detected in any breach of the ( M&cipliriB »_ f the prison , or iu any violation of the duties -nhicu are imposed upon them .

      1 have forborne ta txercua the power which is vested in me , aa Secretary of Suite , of introducing into the prison rules now in force the alterations and amendments which aetm to me desirable . I have thought it better , in the firbt instanct-, to call the attention of the magihtrates assembled in Quarter Sessions to thoee alterations which I Cunsidt-r most necessary ; I confidently anticipate the adoption of the recommendations which I have offered to them , for I know that they are actuated by the sincere desire faithfully to discharge their important duties ; ai : d no trust involves greater public icteitBte than tbe management of the gaols , where , fer the sake of example , tbe punishment should be severe , 1-ut well regulated . ar > d where , for tbe sake of tbe prisoner , the utmost care should be taken that at tbe expiration of his ctDflnement be may leave the gaol with his health and atrength unimpaired , and with an improved disposition to earn by industry an honest livelihood .

      A wise economy prescribes attentions to these considerations—they cannot be nftjrlectad without entailing a permanent increase of cb&rge on the county-rate ; but higher and more important objects are in view : the prevention of crime , the reformation of offenders , the peace of society , the vindic-. t-on of th « authority of the law ; and I reiy with confidence on tbe corHial coopenuion of tho magistracy in my endeavour to promote tbe atiainmentof objects such as these . I have the honour to be , Sir , Your obedient servant , J . K G . GRAHAM . The Chairman of the Quarter Sessions of the county of

      Untitled Article

      HOUSE OF LORDS—Friday , April 28 . Lord WhaRNClikfe laid on the table of ttw House a copy of tbe cocventioa between France and this country , reia ' . ive to the Post- * ffice coiuinuuieationa betwesn the t » ro countries . Lord Campbell moved the second reading of h . s bill for facilitating tae conveyance oi real property , by abbreviating the legal phraseology and processes . He proposed the adoption of a parliamentary form of conveyance , which might be conta i ned in the compass of a bank-note , and that solicitors should be psid according to the value of their services , and not according to length of documents .

      The LORD Chancellor stated seve-al onj ^ tiona to the bill , which he coi ' . fcinered would only be applicable in casts where it would be of little use . He obj- cted to a parliamentary form of conveyance , the smallest mistake in which wculd vitiate the transaction . He , therefore , proposed that the bill sh' uid be rejected , by the common form of being read that day Bix months . Lords Langdale and Cottenham also expressed their objections to the bill , which was rejected , after some discussion , without a division .

      IIosday , May i . Lord Wharncliffe moved the second reading of the Registration of Voters Bill . Lord Brougham admitted the improvements which would be effected by it ; but contended that the principle uf annual registration was accompanied with all the evils , without the benefits , of annual election , a point upon which he commented at some length . Lord De . nmaN acknowledged the great value of the bill , as an improvement of the law ; but commented on the clauses directed against personation , which he considered to be objectionable in their provisions , and calculated to interfere with the freedom of election .

      The Lord Chancellor recommended that the discussion of the details of the bill should be deferred until it was in committee . The bill was then read a second time .

      Untitled Article

      HOUSE OF C 0 MM 0 NS .-FRIDAY , April 28 . It was intimated by Lord Stanley and the Lord Mayor , that some of the noblemen and gentlemen connected with the assoclatioa for emigration to Prince Edward's Island , had subscribed sums for the relief of the disappointed emigrants , and it was hoped that others would do so likewise . Lord Eliot , in reply to Mr . Lefroy , sail that Ministers were not indifferent to , nor unwatohful of , the agitation in Ireland for the Repeal of the Union , which could not be carried on without danger to the public peace . The debate on tbe second reading of the Ecclesiastical Courts Bill , adjourned over from before tbe Easter recess , was resumed , and ,

      Sir GE 0 EGE Gbey expressed his determination to vote for the second reading , seeing that tbe main object of the bill was to carry into effect some of the i ecommendations of tbe Ecclesiastical Commissioners , and to improve the condition of that department of the law . But he should do so , in the hope that bis proposition w * uld be adopted , of referring tbe bill to % select committee , in order that its technicalities

      Untitled Article

      might be carefully c « in » i ( 5 ereijl , and its o jectioa ; ib . e matter removed . The Ecclesiastical Commissioners had pointed out the evils arising from the divided testamentary jurisdiction in the matter of real and personal estate , aud the awkwardness , inconvenience , and expense of a man having to go into two separate courts in order te prove tbe validity of oue and tbe same instrument On this point it was highly important that a definite understanding should be come to , in order that the law should hereafter be simplified . Another objection was the exclusive monopoly of Doctors' Commons ; Dr . Lu . ihington , who had heen one of tbe Ecclesiastical Commissioners , having recorded bis opinion in favour of tbe expediency of throwing open tbe courts to common law practitioners . But these aud other objections would be more fitly considered hereafter , if bis proposition of a select committee ware adopted .

      The Attorney-General remarked on the Ion ? continuance of complaint on the subject of tbe defects an < l irconvenience of the Ecclesiastical Courts , These complaints were illustrated by the number , not merely offtctivebut of dormant jurisdictions , as in the case of peculiars , by which a jurisdiction in abeyance , might be revived to defeat the adjudication of a , disputed case . He entered at considerable length into details iu defence of tbe Bill , pointing out tbe number and conflicting decisions of the many Provincial Courts , and tbe importance of concentrating them ; and contended that the Bill exhibited a great improvement on the recommendations of tbe Ecclesiastical Commissioners , by creating a Central and Supreme Court Amongst other reasons in favour of tbe measure , was tbe importance of maintaining a body of learned civilians versant in international law .

      Lord Robert Grosyenor expressed himself as a strenuous friend of legal it form , but stated his obj uctions to tbe Bill , such aa tba perpetuation of the monopoly of tbe practitioners in Doctors' Commons , and other defects , which would defeat tbe good intended by it . Sir James GraiiaM anil the Attorney-General interposed some explanations , and then Mr . FlTZROY pointed out tho hardships which would inevitably be inflicted by the centralisation of the registry of wills . Mr . Newdigate , Sir George Strickland , and Mr . Collett iLincoln ) , followed with siaiiiar objections to centralisation , the latter Gentleman expressing his regret that tbe Government bad not made this an open question , and thus have spared him tbe awkwardness of opposing them .

      Dr . Elphinstome commented on tbe number of provincial courts , amounting to 372 , almost all of them conflicting in their decisions , yet the entire number having to deal with tbe administration of per » onal property to an extent of at least forty-two niUlious aunuaily . Bnt by fixing the . m ' nimnm of litigious jurisdiction at £ 300 , tbe present Bill made goed law for tho rich and ba < l law for the poor ; nor couUi he Bee the objection to Riving the same court jurisdiction in realty as well nu personalty . He BUduced some other objections to tho Bill , which he recommended should be divided into three parts , and attentively considered a'd amended in committee . Otherwise he tupported the Bill .

      Mr ESCOTT avowed his regret and reluctance to oppose the Bill . But his determination had b ^ en strengthened by the obj&ctiona which be had heard urged against it ; and oue main objection which he bad against it was , that it waa a measure of inadequate reform , and , therefore , would prove unsatisfactory and insufficient . Sir James Graham bad said that he would blush for shame if p'rsonal interests led the House to rcjfct the Bill ; but if be blushed , it must be for the inefficiency of his own arguments . Tbe H uso did not sit to register tbe reports of commissions , even though signed by the names of hi ^ h dignitavies ; and he objected to tbe total abolition of the teatameutary contentious jurisdiction of tLe diocesan courts , to the destruction of the business of provincial practitioners , and to the iuciease of ex pence by its transfer to Londou .

      Mr . GraNville Vernon adduced his rfficial experience in favour of tLe bill , and against the existing btate of the law . As Chancellor of the Province , aud Judge of the Prerogative Ourt of York , he was cognizant of the coi'fl \ cting character of the decisions of the inferior courts , and stated some of the many practical abuaes which called for remedy , ; iod wauid meet with It under the pr ^ sut measure , which he hoped would be rendered con (! uMvn to public advantage . Mr . T . DUNCOMliE , after some amusing comments on Mr . Yernon ' s speech , declared his opinion to be in favour of an entire abolition of all Ecclexiastic&l Courts , and the trannfereuce of their powets to the Civil Courts . He therefore objected to the bill , though on grounds Very difiecent from those which had moved Sir K . H .

      Inglis against it . He agreed with Coionel Sibthorp in thinking it " a Doctor * ' Court , ons" job , " though such epithet would not have conio from his aiiie of tLe houae . Tne Eccltsiostic . il Courts were described by some petitioners as a « is (? race to a free people , some amusing instances of which he produced , as the case of tb . 8 owners of a public-house , which encroached on the cb . uicb . yatd , aii'l subjected th . ni to an expansive suit for " t > rawiiui $ , " and aiao an univpt / n . ed BUtute -which suhj . cts an offender for ' statin , ? , " to have bis ear cut off , and if he bad no fars , to be branded on the forehead with ttw letter F . But the Ecclesiastical Courts Bill bad been useful in calling public attention to the nuisance , and , along with the Factories Bill , bad roused » . Bleeping lion .

      fair Robert Peel ttuated that tho House would not bo led by the opinions of men whose opinions were so discordant , to resist a great improvement of tbe-lawan improvement embodying what hart been proposed by L ; r < 1 S'owell , ao far back as ls > 12 , when he rt-prescDtcil tlie University of Oxford . More especially was he surprised that Mr . T . Duncomka should object to a bill which , for the first time proposed to taliove him from his apprehension of having an tar cut off or be : ng branded on the foielieatl . The Government had been threatened with the peril which thwy encountered in carrying forward fhia bill . But they had t > u&n quite aware that in carrying forward such a reform tkt-y roused up against them private intereets , which , however , he hoped would not influtneu the Houao ; these

      who Complained that the Bill did not go Car enough , should pass it into committee , aud endvavour to cxUn < l its provisions . The highest authorities , ecclesiastical and judical , had recommended the reforms now undertaken by the Government ; and if the House now rt-jected the Bill , lot it cease to taunt Ministers with reluctance to introduce measures of improvement . When the amelioration of the criminal law , and the Improvement of the civil law , had beon undertaken , aa measures of progressive reform , it bad been urged that the ecclesiastical law should not escape ; it bad hitherto escaped , but , Wiintever might be the fate of the present proposition , he deel > red , " So help him God , " that no corrupt , motive had influenced the Government .

      Mr . Labouchere having presided over inquiries which recommended these reforms , supported the bill as condemnatory of the existing system , and in the bope of leading to farther modifications of the present me-i sure . Mr . Hume waa also prepared to suppsrt the bill , though he agreed that ic rti < i not go far enough . Captain GLADSTONE could not vote against thu st cond reading , tiwugii obj-jctiiiR to euma of ics provisions . Sir H . W . Barron cur iially supported the bill . It remedied gross abuses ia Engiand , of which thecouiitt-rparts rxistt-d in Ireland . Mr . KoEbt'CK . admitting tbe evils requiring to be pulied rtown , would vote for the second reading , but ol jected to the cors . tractive portion of the bill . Ou a division , the second reading was carried by 186 to 104 . MONDAY , May 1 .

      Lord Stanley announced that on rn ' onday we k he wiH muvu a rc-o ' u . oa with the view of mtro rnij ; li . Sir James Graham moved that the House should go i :. to committee pro forma on the Factories Bill . On thu motion that the Speaker should leave the chair for the commitment of this bill , Sir James Graham rosa to stnte the alterations which Government proposed to introduce into it . after adverting to the excitement which it bad produced in the country , he referred to tbe objection ruadu against it on account of its sudden and simultaneous operation , which objection he answered by relerenece to tho checks provided in its 61 th and 65 tb sections . He next proceeded to the objections of tbe Wesleyan body ,

      which he considered as having been stated in the fairest mauner , and as being entilted to the highest consideration from the praiseworthy efforts made by that body for the advancement of education . He accordingly specified tbe alterations which t . u intended to propose in regard to those objections . The first would be the allowance of a liberty to the parents in the selection t > f Sunday Schools . Another would relate to the hours of attendance at the Statute School , for tho pnrpose of instruction iu the Cateuhioiu and Liturgy of tne Church , which hours be proposed to aivange for tbe convenience of those who might desire to have tbeir children exempted from that attendance . Tbe parent wculd also be relieved from the perhaps invidious obligation which tbe bill iu its present shape

      imposed upon him , of declaring that be had a ground of religious objection ; aud besides tbe Sunday , a time would oe allowed on each week-day for tbe attendance of the chilldren not belonging to the Church upon tbe instruction of the licensed minister or other authorfe d teacher whom their pareuts might wish them to attend . A provision would likewise be made for tbe Roman Catholics , who object to the reading of the Scriptures in their entire form . With respect to the trustees , he would propose that instead of leaviug the second churchwarden to be nominated by the clerical trustee , the bill should give a right of election to those persons wbo should have been donors or subscribers of a

      certain amount to the schooL The remaining fou trustees he proposed t > constitute through the election of ratepayers assessed at £ 10 ; but In order to prevent the minority from being unrepresented , he would propose' that no ratepayer should be allowe d to vote for more than two of theae four trustees . The appointment of the head-master of the school he weuld leave with the Bishop , but all the assistants Bhould be appointed by the trustees . He would give to any one trustee a power of appealing to the Committee ol Privy Council against tbe acts of bis colleagues ; and he would suggest some enlargements in the powers of tbe Privy Council . The alterations which he had thus propounded

      Untitled Article

      were in strict consistence with the principle af tho bill as he had originally opened it , as well as with the respeot which was due to the conscientious feeling of the Dissenter * If this important measure , brought forward by Government , and treated with singular forbearance by their opponents , should , with all these advantages , fail to obtain tbe public approval , he feared that tbe chance of concord and conciliation would be gone by , and that a spirit of antagonism and bitterness would long prevail throughout this country . He deprecated such a controversy , and referred to the great Christian teat , " that ye love one another ;"' bu ^ be feared that the aeorner might in these days point to some professing Chriatians , and say , " See how these men hatdone another ! " This biifcwas the olive-branch which he had to tender , and be trusted that the waters of strife would now be found subsiding .

      Lord John Russell concurred in the bope that this Bill would be discussed with calmness . Meanwhile he begged it miebfc be remembered that when general education was flrat attempted iu the country through the agency of Mr . Lancaster , the Protestant Disssnters were the foremost to aid it , both with their exertions and with their contributions . Aud yet he undtvsto . od that one section of tha church was at this day treating those Dissenters with suspicion aud obloquy ; and under tbat sort of reproach it couid not be matter of surprise if the education clauses in this Bill were received with some alarm . He considered the alterations now proposed as being a mc ; re efficacious fulfilment of the origiaal design

      of tho Government , rather than as any departure from tbat design ; but for the present he must observe upon them , tbat tbe necessity of having the schoolmaster a member of the Cnurch would , as to all thu masters amount to a test and a ditquahde ^ tion ; aud that the principle of election just annuuuctd would still leave the Dissenting trustees in a minority at the Board , even though , aa was the case in some of the manufacturing districts , their constituents might ba a large majority of the rate-payers . He would , bowever , consider this Bill with a hope of effectually accomplishing its objects , which were matter of much more importance to tbe poor of this country than to any political party .

      Sir R . H . Inglis abstained from pronouncing any opinion at the present stige of the proceedings . Dr . Bow ring declared his determination to oppose the Bill , which bad been originally framed So conciliate those who , like Sir . R . Iuglis , were bent on Chureb-of-Euglamiising the community . Mr Ewart said the Bill proposed a scheme of education far too complicated to be carried into successful operation . It v / ould have beea wiser if tbe Government had merely increased the annual education vote , and had not meddled With tbe tbeoligical portion of the system wbich they now proposed . Mr . Gally Km gut considered that tbe Bill , as now modified , was in accordance with the opinions expressed in the petitions which bad been presented . Perfect religious equality could not prevail in a country with an Established Church .

      Mr . Hawes admitted tbat great concessions had been made by the pro » osert alterations , but considered that the value of the Government scheme of education waa a matter to bo reserved lot after consideration . -Mr . . SIilner Gir . soji thought it Vc . iy unfortunate that Parliament shoulil meddle wiih religious iuatiuction at Ml . Their business was to take care of secular education , and leave religious to the pastors of thu different denominations to which tbe children in the schools might belong . After a few observations from several members , Sir James GRaHAM said it was his intention to adhere to the clauses of tho Bill , wbich liiu . it . td the employment of children under thirteen years of age , to six hours and a half .

      After some observations from Mr . P . Scrope and Lord Dungannon , ths latter of whom praised the Government for their proposed scheme , and also Sir James Graham for the liberality of his sentiments , the Bill W : i 8 ordered to be committed on the 22 d inst . The House then proceeded to the other orders , of the day , tbe first of which was the Irish Municipal Corporations Bill , on which the Irish Attor : iey-G neral , - Mr . T . B . C . Smith , made what may be termed a maiden sp ; ech , consisting of details iu defence of the Bill . After some discussion , it was read a stccnl time . On tho proposition for going Into a Committee of Supply , on somo items remaining over for further discussion .

      Mr . T . Du . ncombe called attention to the great increase in the law expenses of the Government . Tho expenses of the recent special commissions , upwards of £ 17 , 000 , had not been fully explained . He cousiriereil tb : it it ought to be referred to a select committee , in order to inquire and report . Sir G . Clerk gave some explanation of the subject , but Mr . Francis Barins pointed out some discrepincfes requiring explanation , which brought up Sir George Cleik again , aud the matter was allowed to pasa .

      Snme » her business of a routine nature fc'Jowe . J , nnd then Mr . MURPHT obtained leave to bring in a bill to r . menil an act paHsed in tho Liat session of Parliament , intituled " An Act to enable Grand Juries at tbe ensuing Summer r . nd Spring Assizes te make certain priiaent ' . uents In counties of cities an . 1 t ' . wu * in Ireland , and to remove doubts as to the jurisdiction of justices of the p . » ce in placea recently annexed to counties at lan ? e in Ireland . " Mr Escott calkd tho attention of the Secretary of State for tbe Home Department to the fees demanded from defendants in misdemeanours at the assiz-ja ; and moved for returns of all feo 3 taken or demanded from dt-fuirtauta by clerks of assize aud clerks of the peace iu the foveral counties of England aud Wales , at the last t » o a ^ -aiz'js and the four last sessions of the peace , as well as at any special conunissioL-s heM within the last or present year . He mentioned some instances of abuse arising out of the practice to winch he Bailed attention .

      Sir James Graham expressed hia surprise at tho statements maiio by Mr . Escott . The vuturns were ordered after a brief du-sussion . HORRIBLE OCCURRENCE AT EIsEY . : ( From the Wills Independent . ) A labouring man , named Isaac Litten , bflongin ? to \>\ w parish of Eissy , with hia wifo and four children ' , haviug been ejected from their cottage , were sheltering on the night of Friday , the 2 lst instant , in a miserable hut which they had constructed of hurdles and i-traw covered with a piece of cottoo patchwork , in Golden Rose-lane , in tbe above parish , when about half past ten o ' clock , tbe fire not being properly extinguished .

      the place ignited . Litten and hia wife escaped unhurt , leaving three of the cbAMren , aged respectively , Eve , seven , and ten years , in tbe flames , withoat miking any attempt to rescue them . Before any assistance arrived the poor children were burnt to deatb . On examining the ground where the fire took place some blood waa discovered . This excited suspicion , and on examination of the bodies , the skull of one of them waa found to be fractured . This added to the suspicious nature of the circumstances , and the father was immediately appreh . nded . About uina months ago a child belonging to * he same person waa found drowned in a ditch hear tii > : s . iine place ; suspicion at tbat time fell on the pn rents .

      A very fearful sensation of course prevailed in the neighbourhood , and in expectation , of the coroner , a v < 'ty li . rge number of highly respectable persons assembled on Tuesday . James Crowtiy , Esq ., one if our magistrates , was present , giving such valuable Uirectiou . s as the horrible and intricate nature of the tranoaction i \ quired . The jury wo e sworn in a cottage adjoining ths lane , and nfter making a very minute examination of the bo < 1 iej < , aud of the spot where they wire burnt , adjourned to Mr . Pinniger ' s , of Seven Bri < 1 ge 9 farm , to take ev ; u » nce .

      Tue father , Isaac Litten , after being caution ^ d tha ' any statement he iinde would be tiken ~ Sowu and used as evidence against him , snid—I lived for ths Jast fortnight in the lane . I went to bed about a quarter past eight on Fridsy night—ray wife was not JaiJ down . I came from Wheeler ' s , where I went to abk him to take us iu , as the policeman had told us wu must ruoTe . There had been a fire about a yard and a half fto : n the entrance . It waa out when I went to bed , and bad been ever since seven o ' clock . I undressed mysaif and got into bed . We burn no candle . I and my wife

      slept just inside tbe tent , ami the children beyond us . About ten I was awoke by the falling of fire . I jumped up , ran out , and took bold of the covered hurdle to pull it off the children . The hurdles fell together , ao that I could not find them . My wife ran for assistance , and in about five minutes Richard Wheeler came , and in about ten minutes afterwards we fou- . d tho children . I never heard tbem cry , nor saw them struggle . The doscged indifference with -which this statement waa made , combined with tue low , hruta . 1 appearance of the man , caused a general feeling of horror in the jury-room .

      Ihe mother , Martha Litten , s-vid—I and my children went to bed about eight My husband was not in . I covered up the fire with the bricks . He came in about uiae with a lighted candle . I was lying down with my baby on my arm . I saw him on his knees . He did not get iuto bed . I fell asleep , and was awoke by some noise . My husband said " Damn thee , thee be ' st all a fire ; " he was then getting off the bed ; he ran out and I followed as soon aa I could . I did not bear the children scream ; I ran away to call for help with my baby , and did not see him do anything . Richard Wheeler came with me . When I left tbe fire was only burning on tbat part which covered us ; it was not burning where the children were .

      Richard Wheeler—When I came from my work on Friday evening last , Isaac Litten was Bitting in my house in Golden Rose-lane about eigbt o ' clock . He told me the policeman said he must remove from the lane , or else they should take him before the magistrate ; he asked me if I could take him in and bis family , so that they might lie down . I told him I could not , as there waa only one room in the house . He said I might have the hurdles . I said I only wanted tuy own ; I should wish him to bring tbem . He said tbat he would not remove a single thing , and that be would set fire to it all first Soon after be went aw ^ y , and took nothing with him from my bouse . I then went to bed , and about ten o ' clock , as near as I can tell , I was awakened by the screams of a woman . I jumped oat of bed , and unfastened tbe window , and

      Untitled Article

      saw a light as if it was burning ; I put part ot clothes on , and ran to the spot , wbich Ia about sixtw yard from my cottage , and in the adjoining parish t E ' sey . I found the camp was down , and on flt 6 > I saw Isaac and Martha Litten . The latter wa 3 ronnini about crying for assistance . Isaac was stooping down apparently looking for something . I asked him whe » B the poor dear children were . He pointed to the spot and said—there . I then begged him to move the BtJr away , that I might see where they were . I n ^ tbem out , tbey were much burnt , and quite dead About two o ' clock Mr . Pinniger and John Ball cam * * and assisted me to remove the bodies into an ecthomo Mr . Parker , surgeon , Crickdale , said he had ei «

      _ mined tbe children , and fonad the eldest child wag girl about ten or eleven years old ; she was very m ^ u burnt , and in examining the bead , he perceived a sevejl fracture of tbe skull on tbe left aide , which must hav been produced by a terrible blow , as a part Gf the skuH was destroyed , which injury was sufficient to cauJ death . On Wednesday , the 26 th instant , I mads further examination of the body of the elder child , and found the membrauce covering tbe brain scorched ami burnt , from being exposed , by the loss cf the skmi therefore I am of opinion that the blow was recer ?* before the body was removed from the fire . The oth » children were much burnt ; but I cannot say that tha blow on the skull of the eldest was received vrhife livintr .

      Mr , . assistant of Mr . Taylor , very ably corrobo . rated Mr . PaTker's statement in all its material point , and two other witnesses supported a portion of Richard Wheeler ' s assertion ^ bnt neither of them conld gg . tUat the father made or had appeared to have made any tffort to save the children . After a very protracted deliberation , the Jury returned a verdict , " That Isaa » Litten wilfully mat his tent or c : \ mp on fire , thereby causing tbe death of bis three children . " Tlie verdict was received with great satisfaction by surrounding inhabitants , many of whom were waiting to hear the decision . 8 Much dissatisfaction was expressed at the conduct of tbe poiicemen who were . in attendance , and a letter of complaint was addressed to the chief constable on the subject .

      Jame 3 Wylie , the Draughts Plater . — . fhw extraordinary youth , who may be eaid to be the N& poleon of the draughts board , in the course of hfe peregrinations alighted in this place last week , and was not long in drawing around him all the aspi . rants to skill at the game in the burgh . Despite however , all efforts , none could gain a march upoa him ; he was found to be alone and unapproachable , Wylie unites the capacity of pedlar with his cafe . brity as a draaghts player , and is thereby enabled while goiug across the country , to exercise his won ' derful gift . He is a diffident , unpretending lad , and would be the last person in the world to be taken for what he is . His striking simplicity of character affords the more striking contrast to his shrewdness at the board . We believe he is engaged to play jdj short time a great match at Glasgow , For £ 200 aside with Mr . Anderson , of Carluke , who is his only rivaf in Scotland . —Kelso Chronicle .

      An Inquest was held upon the body of a little girl , aged five years , who died from etarvatioa , oa the road side near Llangefni , North Wales , last week . It appears that her father was unable to procure employment , and had applied to the relieving officer in the parish , who gave him one shilling , and told him to be off about his business , and not trouble him again . The consequence was that the father had nothing to giro his children , one of whom died for want of proper food .

      Untitled Article

      From the London Gazette of Friday , April 28 . BANKRUPTS . Eimund Collings , Southampton , perfumer , to snrren . tier Miy 10 , at twelve , June 9 , at half-pist twelve , at the Court Bankruptcy ; solicitors , Mr . Xeal , Tokenhousfa-yard ; official assignee , Mr . AHager , Birehin . lane-John Reynolds , London-road , Surrey , draper , May 5 , at half-past ten , June 9 , at one , at the Court of Bankruptcy ; solicitor , Messrs . Sole and Sole , AWhmanbury ; official assignee , Mr . Whitmore , BasinghaUstreet . William Gofton , Gilbert-street , Oxford-street , aid Farriugdon-street , pawnbroker , May 5 , June 9 , st twelve , at tha Court of Bankruptcy ; solicitors , Messrs . Harrison and Dobree , Hart-street , Bloomsbury ; tfficial ussienee . Mr . Pennell .

      William Dutton Townsend , Little Russell street , Covent-garden , pawnbroker , May 9 , at half-past one , June 8 . at eleven , at the Court of Bankruptcy ; « oli « citjr , Mr . A'prey , Furnival ' a-inn ; official assignee , Mr . Graham , Basingfaall-street . Benjamin Crussell , Croydon , Surrey , glass-dealer , May 8 . at eleven , June 9 , at twelve , at the Court of Bankruptcy ; solioitors , Messrs . Russell and Co ., Southward ; official assignee , Mr . Green , Aldermanbur ? . George Hammond , sen ., Havant , Hampshire , csmmun-brewer . May 8 , at one , June 9 , at eleven , at the Court of Bankruptcy ; solicitors , Messrs . Stuniland and L-mg , Bouverie-street ; official assignee , Mr . Green , Aldsrma :: bury .

      Nathaniel Bromley , LitUe Bentley , Essex maltster , May 16 . at half-past one , June 10 , at baif-past twelTe , >\ t the Court of Bankruptcy ; solicitor , air . Mawe , Bri > ige-8 treet , Blackfriars ; official assignee , Mr . Edwards , Frederick ' s-place , Old Jewry . Henry Pearson , York , attorney-at-law . May 10 , at e ' . uvan , at the District Court , L * eds ; solicitors , Mr . Brooks , FeathwBtt » ne-buil <) ings ; Mr . Hodgson , York ; and Mr . Bond , Lsods ; official assignee , Mr . Young , Leeds . Nicholas Tuite , Liverpool , wholesale poulterer , May-13 , at twelve , Juue 12 , at eleven , at the Diatoict Court , Liverpool ; solicitors , Messrs . Cuvclle and Co-, Simthaniptou-bnildings ; and Mr . Thompson , Liverpool ; offieiil asaitjnae , Mr . Turner , Liverpool .

      WillUm Carter , Burford , Shropshire , cattle saleimM , May 8 , June 8 , at half-past twelve , at the Birmingham District Court ; solicitors , Messrs . Price and EdwardJ , Tenbury , Worcestershire ; and Mr . Cullis , Birmingham ; official assignee , Mr . Whitmore , Birmingham . John Fletcher , Eveshaiu , Worcestershire , plumber , May 10 , June 2 , at one , at the Biimingham District Court ; solicitors , Messrs . Colmore and Beale , Birmingham ; official assignee , Mr Valpy , Birmingham . Jgsse Prime , Keele , Staffordshire , maltster , May W , June 16 , at eleven , at the Court of Bankruptcy , Birmingham ; Sulicitor , Mr . Jones , Newcastle-under-Iy 119 * official assignee , Mr . Vulpy , Birmingham . William Moses , Ripon , Yorkshire , innkeeper , M&J 9 , at one , May 23 , at twelve , at the Leeds District Court ; solicitor , Mr . Blackburn , Leeds ; official assignee , Mr . Feurne . Leeds .

      William Hussey , Nether Kuutsford , Cheshire , baser , May 16 , at half-past twelve , Juue 2 , at twelve , at the Manchester District Court ; solicitors , Mr . Cole , Adelphi-terrace , Strand ; and Messrs . Roscoe , Knutsford ; official assignee , Mr . Stanway , Manchester . Michael Jackson , St . Andrew Auckland , DurbanJi miller . May 22 , June 16 , at eleven , at ths Neweastleupon Tyno Bankrupts Court ; solicitors , Mr . Griffi * , Raymonds-buildings ; and Mr . Trotter , Bishop Auckland ; official assignee , Mr . Baker , Newcastie-upon-Tyne . Juhn Wbitehouse Showell , Birmingham , bcokse" ^ May 6 , at eleven , June 1 » , at hnlf-piat eleven , at the Birmingham District Court ; solicitor , Mr . JameSi Birmingham ; official assignee , Mr . Bittleston , Birmingham .

      p artnerships dissolved . F . Burnham and B . Bolton , Kia ston-upon-HuHi builders . J . Greenwood and R . Wilson , IJ'iLf sx , tanners . Tliomas R-jwaon and Co ., Sh-. fti'M , i * eisawiiere , ci limn on brewers , na far as regards H ., T ., and WE . w ,. J . and T . Galloway , Manchester , piper-stainert . riauuHon , Jackson , and C * ., Liverpool , uit-rciiants .

      Untitled Article

      ¦ H — From the Gazette of Txtesday , April 2 . bankrupts . Adam Holloway , draper , Basingstoke , Hampshire , ^ surrender , May 9 , at one , ard June 9 , at eleven , at use Court of Bankruptcy ; solicitor , Saritb , Golden-sfoare ; official assignee , Belcher . . Robert Griffiths , coal merchant , Nine-elms , May 9 . " twelve , and Juno 9 , at one , at the Couit of Bs&truptcy ; solicitors , Wilkinson and Sitchell , Qae « n ' street , Cheapsic ' e ; official assignee , Penneil . Charles Bunyard , grocer , Neison-placo , Old Kentroad . May 12 , at two , and Jane 14 , at three , at tee Cyurtof B ; ii kruptcy ; solicitor . K ^ mpster , Ksnmns ' ^ cross ; ( fficial assignee , Lackington , Co lemaa-strettbuildings . John Nichols and Francis William Nichols , carrier * Dorchester , May 10 , and Juta 9 , at one , at tbe Court of Bankruptcy ; solicitor , Brookes , Great-James-s « e « t » Bedford . row ; official assignee , G . Gibson , BuWfl

      tMstreet . John C-ow , licensed victualler , North-end , Ful&am , May 9 , at three , and June 2 , at two . at the Court w Bankruptcy ; solicitors . Pollock and Co ., Great Georgestreet . Westminster ; official assignee , Johnson , Basins " hall-street . ., # «) : John Allan , brewer , Clapham , M&y 9 . at na lf "P ^ one , and June 2 , at twelve , at tbe Court of Ban kruptcy , solicitors , Miller and Carr , East-Cheap ; official assist *' Johnson , Basinghall-streeh „ - Charles Milns Nicbolaon , corn-dealer , New Co " : " change , Mark-lane , May 9 , at half-past two , an < i Ju « 2 , at one , at the Court of Bankruptcy ; solicitor , «» dall , Welbeck-street , Cavendish-square ; official as * * nee , Johnson , Baainghall-str « et . Wm . Harrington , linen-draper , High-street , A lagJ ^ May 12 , at one , and June 14 , at two , at the Coun Bankruptcy ; solicitors , R . and W . AWenb&w , To * en house-yard ; Craig , Braintree , Essex ; official assigns

      Johnson , Basmghall-street » Samuel B . ^ teman , factor , Birmingham , Mas'I / - ¦" one , June 21 , at eleven , at the Birmingham . » « " "! . Court ; solicitor , Whateley , Birmingham ; official asws nee . Christie . Joti Gastavus Wulff , banker , Liverpool , May is , •» 13 , at eleven , at the Liverpool District C ^ art ; *«»* tors , Ensterby . Preston ; Archer , Liverpoo l ; ! H » V ' Staple Inn ; official assignee , Folifctt , Liverpool *

      Jzmpevial Parliament.

      Jzmpevial parliament .

      £3ankvu$Jt0, Src.

      £ 3 ankvu $ Jt 0 , src .

      Untitled Article

      fi THE NORTHERN STAB -= ^^^

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), May 6, 1843, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1211/page/6/