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Northern Star (1837-1852), 16th May 1846, Edition 1 of 3, Page 6

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      Untitled Article

      ^^ H == : ^ "" Mav 1310 , ami which was attended by 188 representatives from the iuwus of Liverpool , Manchester , T } irnuu < rham , Birkenhead , Sheffield , Bolton , MacdeafieW , Leeds . Pi estou , Blackburn , Stockport , Wigan , and Bury ; ' David BELtHousE , Esq . in the chair ; The following dedaration was read by Samuel Holme , Esq . of Liverpool : — The master tradesmen and others who are identified with thebuilding trades , contracts for railways , and other

      public worKs , have now for the first time met together , to consider the position in which they hare been placed by the combinations of the workmen throughout the country . A deeply-rooted and wide-spread organisation of trades now embraces the whole of the British Islands , and by a change of circumstances , hut particularly by the repeal of the combination laws , emp ' oyers are no longer permitted to eonduct their business as before—are no longer aWeto make arrangements with their own workmenbut have to submit to the most arbitrary innovations , and the most dictatorial mandates of the central committee of

      the union of trades . It is no longer passible to manage their affairs With comfort or advantage nor to ewer into any contract with security . AH good faith and sjmpatl . j between master *»> a wmtanen « eans to have been ae . Stroved and instead of that identity of interest which was fonuerlv recognised , workmen have been prejudiced a » ainst * their masters , and feelings have been engendered of a most painfu l nature to conte . plate . Employers can no longer deal with their workmen in their individual capacity . The purchaser of labour cannot aitree upon terms with those who have labour to dispose of : btcause another party arrogantly steps in , and possessing an organised power without any recognised responsibility , interferes between both parties and dictates conditions wlroh areas inimical to re . ison . iud juitica . as they are iu themselves cruel to the workmen and insulting to the master . This unjust interference , however , has been acceded toby theoperaiiveclasses ( in many thousand of cases most unwillingly ) , but their tacit

      acqui'SSreiics has left Them no lonrer tree agents , ami employers have new to deal with men who are bound and fettered by the general union who suppc-rt their demands ny the weight ot" a well-organised association , while the employer has only his individual strength to susiain him in the cunflict , where the otlds are so fearfully against him . The result has been , that in many places , rather than enter into a conflict with the unions , contractorshave had to submit to demands the most arbitrary and humiliating . In some instances , the entire control and management

      Of tlieir business have been Taken out of their hands , inflicting upon them lieavy pecuniary losses , and in other cases involving contractors in absolute ruin , and such has been the exwnt to which dictation has been carried , that firm and unyielding resistance has become a necessary duty , unlfss ' the order of things Is to be inverted , ami the employer become the slave aud the taol of the workman , directed as the latter is by a secret aad irresponsible tiilanal , tddeliatUUiii forced contributions , which reigns by terms , and « vhose principles are repugnant to every notion of British liberty .

      The principle is at once conceded tuat the operative classes hare a legal right to combine to raise the price of labour ; it is equally clear that it is also the right of those who have to purchase it , to combine to prevent that price being uisjust , or more than they can afford to pay . Aii imperative necessity now exists for all employers to enter into an association for mutual support and protection , because it is dangerous for any man to enter into a large undertaking without having some guarantee that he may be secured against rain by demands which { be terms icl'liis contract prevent him from acecding to .

      This necessity is not of their seeking . Jt lias been forced upon them by the trades' unions , and by the severance of those ties which formerly existed . In forming a protective association for employers , its first members desire * o place on record their regret that such a resolution is necessary ; but it is their solemn and deliberate opinion , that no other mode exists by which they can sticees-fully resist the demands of the trade clubs of the workmen . They desire to place on record the fact that no attempt has been made by them to reduce wages , to increase the hours of labour , or to abridge the privileges of the operative classes . On the contrary , wages

      have been advanced , the hours 01 labour have beeu lessened , and the workmen have their privileges increased , by the concession of minor points which have only caused apecuninary sacrifice on the part of the masters . Hut new features have been exhibited—new intentions dieclosed . Flagrant acts have been deliberately eommittid ; and , nainful as it is , the conclusion is most reluctantly forced on the employers , that organisation such as that which sow exists can only be successfully met by counterorganisation , —that individual security can only be found in the association of bodies , because if an individual has to defend himself against 2 powerful combination , he must be overwhelmed .

      That tradesmen may continue to conduct their business with safety—that they may contract as usual for works both of a public and private nature—that they may re able to fulfil those engagements into which they are required to enter—they have now m « t for the purpose of enrolling themselves in an association , which it is intended to establish upon a broad and permanent foundation , and where every member may find that protection and security which is so essential for the general welfare of society , as well as for his individual interest . The association is founded for self-defence , and if it has to take up an aggressive position , it will be forced to do so by the acts of the operative unions ; and , under such circumstances , its members will be prepared to act in unison and with vigour .

      While the trades * unions make no unreasonable demands , this association will remain quiescent , but united . When those unions are dissolved , this also will expire ; tut while individual employers are interfered with , or particular localities selected for a strike , this association mil fee xeadjto act with promptness , and to take such determined steps as will bring strikes to a speedy termination . This association will always be found ready to give en eonragement and protection to those workmen who dissociate themselves from the trades' unions , or who refuse to join them , by affording to them , as much as possible , constant employment , by giving them the means of bettering their condition , in all cases giving them a pre ferencein the ¦ winter stason , or in seasons of depression over those workmen who are the members aud supporters of clubs which are found in hostile array against the employers .

      Every master , tradesman , or contractor engaged in building or public works , is therefore invited to join the association , and to give in his adherence to its general principles . The rules by which it will be governed , the details which it must necessarily embrace , and various other matters connected with it , will probably be better left to the committee of management which will have to be appointed . Moved by Mr . G . C . Pauling , of Manchester ; seconded by Kilpin , of Liverpool : — That the declaration now read be adopted . —Carried unanimously . Moved by Mr . Torakinson , of Liverpool ; seconded by Mr . Gwyther , of Birmingham : —

      That the interference of the trades' unions -with the legitimate conduct of business—their attempts to raise Wages—to dictate conditions which cannot be acceded to—to coerce those of the operative classes who are unwilling to join them , an « l the bad feelings which they have excited between employers and workmen , are all deserving of reprobation ; and this meeting resolves that it will discountenance all attempts which may be made by any club to interfere between the buyer and seller of labour , and which , this meeting asserts , ought to be attended with perfect freedom to both part ies . —Passed unanimously . MovedhyMr . Marsden , ofBoltou ; seconded by Mr , Bootbman , of Leeds : —

      That the time has now arrived when an association of the master tradesmen is imperatively required , it being in the opinion of this meeting the only way in which the unjust aud unreasonable demands of the trades' unions can be successfully combined , ana security be afforded to every man in conducting his affairs . —Passed unanimously . Moved by Mr . TVj-lie , of Liverpool ; seconded by 31 r . Edwards , of Manchester : — That every member now present do sign the declaration which has been read , and he hereby pledges himself to assist in carrying out the objects of the association . Moved by Mr . AValker , of Birkenbead ; seconded by Mr . Kay , of Manchester : —

      That a committee bo now formed , for the purpose of drawing up rules and making arrangements for the extension aud consolidation of the association ; and tfcnt such committee stall havepower to appoint a " secretary , who shall be a solicitor of standing in his profession ; and to callin his aid in the formation of the laws by which the association shall be governed . —Passed unanimously . Moved by Mr . Holme , of Liverpool ; seconded by Mr . John Johnson , of Liverpool : — That tuts following gentemeu be appointed for the purposes stated iu the last resolution , with power to add to their number : — Liverpool—Mr . Tumkinson , Mr . Samuel Holme , Mr . Kilpin , Mr . John Johnson . Birkenhcad—Mr . John Walker , Mr . John Ilogarth .

      Manchestf-r—Mr . Bellhousc , Mr . Edwards , . Mr . Pauling , Mr . Kay . Birmingham—Mr . Briggs , Mr . Gwyther , Mr . Pashby , Mr . Danes , leeds—Mr . Bi-njamin Russell , Mr . Joseph Wood . Bolton—Mr . James Marsflen , Mr . James Walsh . Preston—Mr . SU'ph-n Fawcett , Mr . Richard Crighton . Oldham—Mr . Manuel Whittaker , Mr . Wilt ughby Shepherd , Stockport—Mr . Samuel Bann , Mr . Samuel Hunt . Maccle 5 ficl < 5—ilr . John Evans , . Mr . John Bootlo . Sliefilcld—Mr . George Smith , i ! r . Jolm Harron . TPigan—Mr . Thomas Ellis , Mr . James FaSrclough . Blackburn—Mr . Henry Ibbotson , Mr . Richard Hacking . Bury—Mr . Thomas Barnes . Passed unanimously . Resulted , —That the mcet'iij be adjourned till called together again by the uuited committee of the association . Passed unanimously . Moved by Mr . Kilpin , seconded by Mr . Tonilrinson : — Xiiat the l » tst thaults of the meeting l * e given to the chairman for the able and satisfactory inunner in which he has conducted the business brought before him . — Passed unanitno u

      Untitled Article

      ( From the Manchester Guardian . ) A deputation of ten from , the workmeni of ¦ Liverpool , Birkenhead / and Manchester , were »* Newton , and during the proceedings a note was handed to the chairman , expressing ( he desire of some of ( heir body to be admitted to the meeting . 'I his was deohnod , on tlie ground that their authority to make any proposition could not be recognised ; but it was intimated that if they had any terms to offer , and would put those terms in writing , they would be considered by the committee . / _ After the business had terminated , a letter , ot which the following is a copy , was sent to the chairman . It is dated , ' Newton , Legh Hotel , May 1 , 1846 . " and is in the following terms : —

      Mr . Chairman—Sir , —The operative carpenters and joiners of Manchester agree to resume work upon tlio terms agreed upon by the deputation of employers aud employed , iu the conference before the Worshipful the Mayor of Manchester , May 1 st , 1846 , provided the document be withdrawn . —Tn behalf of the same , JAS . LEVE 5 TS , See . A similar note was also presented from the workmen of Liverpool and Birkenhead . As the meeting had terminated , the chairman ( Mr . Bellhouse ) could give no answer on its behalf to cither of these applications ; but he pave the Liverpool workmen's letter to members of the association of masters in that town , to be referred to their committee ; and the Manchester workmen ' s letter was brought to this town , and laid before the proper parties here , yesterday ; when it was resolved that the following answer should be returned : —

      1 , Ducie Place , Exchange Buildings , Manchester , May 8 , ISiG . Gentlemea , —Your note stating that the operative carpenters aud joiners were agreeable to resume work upon the terms agreed upon by the deputation who had a cotiference before the mayor , on the 1 st May , 1 S 4 C , came too late to be considered by the meeting at Newton yesterday ; but I am desired by the master carpenters and joiners of Manchester to state , that they cannot consent to withdraw the declaration . —( By order ) J . B . R 0 GERS 0 N , Secretary . To the Committee of operative carpenters ami joiners , Carpenters' nail , Manchester .

      At half-past three o ' clock , nearly 200 gentlemen dined together in the Groat Hall , Mv . Tomkinsnn in the chair . The dinner did not occupy more than an hour , and the gentleman again quitted Newton for tlieir respective towns , at an early hour . The Liverjtool Mercury of Friday , in a notice of the proceedings , snvs" It is probable , from the firm and decided tone of the whole proceedings , that the struggle , insteadof-being near its termination , is only commencing on an extensive scale , and that either the General National Union of the

      building trade must be dissolved , or the building trade itself throughout Lancashire , Yorkshire , and Warwickshire will be generally suspended . This is an evcntmwh to be deplored , and we think that the operatives would do well to dissolve their connections with any general and national organisation for trade purposes , as we understand that there is not much disinclination on the part of the masters to agree to local associations of workmen , which do not attempt to coerce the employers , ov to interfere with their freedom to employ men who are nonnnifmists' *

      ( From the Manchester Guardian , ArrKAX of the Central Committee of United Bv . ildi . vg Trades is Manchester . —A printed document , having this head , and '"' signed on behalf of the central committee . . Richard Jones , secretary . " has ju . « t been isstied , which professes to " refute erroneous statements" made in this paper . One of the statements so alleged to be erroneous , is that 300 joiners had signed the declaration . This " appeal" states , in contradiction , " that out of 1 , 700 joiners , only six have signed the infamous document . " All we stated was that we were informed that SOO joiners and carpenters were at work , having signed the declaration .

      We were so informed by employers , who declare that they will not employ a single man until he signs the decLiratioB : and we have no reason to doubt the accuracy of this statement , while we confess we cannot see how " the central committee" can ascertain that only six out of 1 , 700 joiners have signed it . They add that " upwards of 500 of the men are now at work upon the terms we first required , and without signing the document . " The men are at work upon the terms offered by the masters , and , as we are assured , all of them have signed the declaration . This " appeal" gives the following version of the result ef the conference between the masters and men , before the mayor , on the 1 st instant : —

      " The employers would agree to give 2 s . advance , and to equalise the hours of labour ( to be 57 hours per week the year round ) , providing the men would agree to have the three hours on Saturday afternoon distributed throughout the week , in order to avoid the inconvenience of the joiners leaving work sooner than the other trades on Saturdays . To this arrangement of time the men agree' ? , providing the masters would withdraw the document ; to which the masters would not consent , declaring at the same time , that this strike was not for either wages or time : but that the only point at issue was the General Trades * Union ; and that thsy ( theemployers ) were unanimously determined that all men must sign the declaration on their resuming work—assigning for their reas » n that the protection afforded by General Trades' Unions ,

      to the working-men of any locality , is irresistible , inasmuch as the power of the whale union could be brought to bear on any one locality , if required . " We do not find that the men , at this conference , told the masters that they were professing to require the signature of the declaration , while in fact they were employing men without such requirement;—and as they admit that the employers stated their unanimous determination " that all men must sign the declaration on tlieir resuming work , " and as all questions as to hours of labour and wages were substantially settled at this conference , and the signature of the declaration is the only point of difference remaining , we confess that we cannot reconcile with these facts the statement that " upwards of 500 men are now at work , without signing the declaration . "

      Framework Knitters . — At a three counties delegate meeting of the framework knitters , held at Sutton-in-Ashfield on the 4 th inst ., Mr . Georce Buckley , of Leicester , in the chair , Mr . Thomas Winters , of Leicester , secretary , the following resolutions were unanimously moved by Mr . Thomas Winters , of Leicester , and seconded by Mr . Felkin , of Mansfield : That a committee of three be appointed to draw up a code ofresnlutiousfnrthe meetings of the business of the day , the principles of which should be laid before conference . Moved by Mr . Winters , seconded by Mr . Buxton , of Nottingham : —

      That this meeting is of opinion it should be for the advantage of the members of the National Union , for the Executive to appoint as many paid officers from the various trades in eadi town , district , or riding , as the Executive may deem meet , to organize the people , keep them together , furnish all information as to the nature and state of trade , probability of the best time for obtaining an increase of wages , or other matters connected therewith , but , in all cases , such pail officer or office ™ to be members ef the union , and recommended by the trade having the largest nwriber in union in the said town , district , or riding . Moved by Mr . Felkin , of Mansfield , seconded by Mr . Ward , of Stalbrook : — That the meeting is of opinion that a better system of arbitration is requisite between the employer and the employed in all eases connoeted with manufactures , and that we recommend the establishment of local boards of trades , composed of masters and men .

      Moved by Mr . Commery , of Swinton , seconded by Mr . Parkes , Sutton Forest-side : — That this meeting requests every district and locality , belonging to the Nation-. il Union , having thirty members , to send a delegate to the Trades' Conference to be held at Manchester on Whit Monday , and where they have more members to send delegates according to the general law , to advocate sueli measures as they may deem best for their interest and . the trades in general . Moved by Mr . T . Winters , seconded by Mr . Felkin : — That this meeting agrees to the adoption of a bill for the alteration of the Ticket Act , Wages Act , and Truck Act , so as to amalgamate the whole into one , as a Framework Knitters General Act , and that the committee be instructed to draw one up , to be laid before the House of Commons .

      Moved by Mr . relkm , seconded by Mr . Parkes : — That the delegates assembled do pledge themselves to use their utmost endeavours in their respective localities , to procure funds to liquidate the debt owing to Mr . Uriigs , of Leicester , for the Frame-rent trial , and transmit the same forthwith to Mr . Winters , of Leicester . Moved by Mr . Felkin , seconded by Mr . Buxton : — That five hundred copies of the resolutions be printed for circulation among the Framework Knitter 6 of the three counties . That the next meeting be called at Nottingham . That the committee of Leicester be instructed to call the same . Thomas Winters , Secretary .

      Trades Meeting at Pemherton . — On the 4 th inst . ameeting -wascalled and numerously attended . The chairman made a few remarks on the necessity of a union which would embrace the whole body of the working classes . He introduced Mr . Lauigan , of Wigan . He advocated the cause of ( he bandluoin weavers , and made the following statement : — Messrs . Holt and Co ., of Wigan , chock manufacturers , zealous free traders , lately signed an agreement with the Weavers' TJnion , that they wotilil restrict their cutr-lengtlis to fifty yards , tlicj now make them fifty-nine yards long , and have reduced the price sixpence per cut , in consequence of whiel ) their hands have struck . The miners' business then commenced , when it was moved by Mr . Mich . Storklev , seconded by Air . Mathew Sharrock .

      That we , the miners of Pemberton district , seeing the necessity of a future reduction in the hours of labour , do hereby agree to restrict our labour and equalize it as far as * the delegates " at the county meeting shall sec necessary .

      Untitled Article

      This resolution was ably , supported by Mr . Scot , and carried without a dissentient voice . , While Mr . Scot was speaking Mr . Dixon arrived and addressed the meeting in a lengthy and able speech which was warmly applauded . Miners Strike in SiAFFORDSumE .-.. The following sums have been reeeived , for which the men on strike return their grateful thanks : —Newbury and Wild ' s book Ss . Id . Roberts and Clay's ditto Us . 3 d . Adams and Boam ' s ditto 14 s . 1 Id . Buller and Barker's ditto 7 s . OJd . Adams and Pagett ' s ditto 13 s . lOd . Owen and Sraall ' s ditto lCs . 4 d . Stokes and

      Carbett ' s ditto 11 s . 7 d . Gibson and Horn's ditto 1 Is . 5 d . Devenport and Reed ' s ditto 9 d . Meek and Whitehouse ' s ditto 8 s . Id . Simkin and Foster s ditto 6 s . lid . Duncomhe and Glover ' s ditto 10 s . Danks and " Harris ' s ditto 10 s . OR Harris and G . ovcr's ditto 6 s . 4 Jd . Joseph Foster's ditto Us . Cope s ditto 10 s . 2 d . iiallden's ditto 6 s 4 d . Edw . purnelied Reynol ( ls ' sbook 4 s . 3 d . S . Fairn ' s book 12 s . GR J . Whitehall ' s ditto 5 s . 7 * d . Clark and ltawson ' s ditto Cs . J . Harris , per Dijbbs . PU , 10 ? . 8 d . W . Grav ' s book 7 s . 6 d . A friend lid . Thomas Foster 6 d . J . Williams Is . W . Baley 7 s . 6 d . A friended . Mrs . Jones Cd . SruberyPit 8 s . Id . W . Horton Pit 10 a . —Total ... £ 12 12 s . 2 d .

      TnE Stiiire in tiie Building I iudes . —We regre i to say , that not only does this strike continue , but that at present the prospect of its termination is as remote , if not more remote , than ever . The only attempt at accommodation which has been madein the course of the present week has failed . Ten joiners , who formed a deputation from Manchester and Liverpool , attended at Newton on Thursday , and sent in to the chairman of ihe masters' meeting a request that they might be permitted to submit a proposition for an adjustment of differences . They were told that if they would put their terras into writing , they would be taken into consideration . The delegates consequently sent in a note , stating that the operative carpenters and joiners of Manchester were willing to

      resume work upon the terms agreed upon by the deputations of employers and employed , in tho conference before the mayor , on the 1 st inst ., provided the declaration was withdrawn . The declaration which the men arc required to sign bound them not to belong to any general trades' tin ion . Tho note of the operatives' delegates came too late to be considered at the great meeting of employers at Newton ; but the committee had since ; replied to it , and in their answer they < listiRctly state " that they cannot content to withdraw the declaration . " The masters , as we have before stated , aro willing to agree to local unions , but they seem to have an insurmountable objection to a great central or national union . — Manchester Examiner . '

      Meeting op Master Builders . —A great meeting of master-builders was held at the Legh Anns , Newton , on Thursday last , for the purpose of devising the best means of counteracting the proceedings of the trades' union . There were present 1 S 3 persons from fourteen towns , namely , from Manchester , 74 ; Liverpool , 39 ; Birkenhead , 7 ; Birmingham , 6 : Macclcsfield , 1 ; Bolton , 10 ; Leeds , 2 ; Preston , 4 ; Blackburn , 4 ; Stockport , 2 ; Wi « an , IS ; Sheffield , C ; Bury , 1 ; Oldham , 14 . The deputation met in the great hall . Mr . David Bdlhouse , or Manchester , presided . A declaration of the reasons which had assembled together so large aiid extraordinary a

      meeting was read , and the document was signed by every person in the rvpin , A series of resolutions were proposed AliA adopted , in whiuhthe masters resolved to form themselves into an united association , for the purpose of withstanding that gigantic organisation , the Central Union , which has been formed by the various trades of the kingdom . The Masters ' Central Association is to have local branches in all the towns . The whole of the proceedings of this meeting were characterised by the utmost firmness and unanimity . At four o ' clock in the afternoon the masters dined together in the great hall . Mr . Tomkinson , of Liverpool , presided . — Manchester

      Ex-. The Strikes in Birmingham . —There are now about three thousand men out on strike in Birmingham , without the slightest prospect of a speedy and agreeable settlement of differences . The builders appear to be most numerous and determined in their opposition to the terms offered by tho masters , and the carpenters having joined with those in strike in Manchester and Bolton , present a very formidable body , and represent themselves as able to hold out for months to come without suffering much loss .

      Gross Tyranny of the Liverpool Corporation ' . — A communication has been received by a member of the Shoemakers Conference , now sitting in London , which states "that the Corporation of Liverpoo have discharged all the men in the building trade recently employed by them , amounting to many hundreds , who refused to sign' The document ; ' notwithstanding that the ' Highway board , ' a portion of the same Corporation , had given a distinct pledge that they would not interfere , but leave Messrs . Tomkinson and Holmes , and the rest of the masters in union , to settle their dispute with the men , "

      Birkeniiead . —From a letter received by Wednesday's post , we arc informed that the Building Trade at Birkenhead , in conseqnence of the strike , is at ' a complete stand-still , and that working-days and Sunday s closely resemble each other in that town . Should thisstate ot things continue much longer-, this greatly promising new city will be completely tlestroyed , and none but the tyrant capitalists will be to blame for this destruction . Carpenters' Strike i . y Carmarthen . —The men have resumed their work , the masters , generally , acceding to their demands . Although it is said the amount of work in hand did not justify such an increase ; but some buildings having been required to be completed , the employers were obliged to give increased , wages . — Carmarthen Journal .

      The Building Trade . —Birmingham , Wednesday . —At length t hero is some prospect of the workmen employed in the above trade , and who have been on strike , resuming work again , and some amicable arrangementa being come to with the masters . On Monday last the carpenters waited upon liy . Smith , Esq ., Mayor , and requested him to take the chair at a public meeting which they intended to hold at the Town Hall . The Mayor , on hearing their case , desired them to have an interview with their masters that evening , and try if they could not effect a . reconciliation . The Learned Gentleman also had an interview with the masters , and advised them to withdraw the

      declaration which they required the men to sign . Accordingly , at the meeting on Monday evening , they withdrew the declaration , but would require of tho men to promise not to support the bricklayers in their strike . The following morning a large ' meeting of the men was held in King-street , when it was resolved not to resume work again unless they-received an advance of 4 d . per day . At the meeting tho men were advised to go the same afternoon and try and make arrangements with their masters , which in some instances was done . It is expected that the masters will accede to the demand , and that they will shortly resume work again .

      Manchester Masoxs . —At a meeting of the operative masons of Manchester , it was unanimously resolved that a deputation should meet the master masons , to discuss the proposed advance of wages on the 1 st of May . The masters agreed to meet tho men , and , after three interviews , the masters agreed to an advance of Is . 6 d . per week . At the last interview , the masters passed a vote of thanks on the men for their good conduct . The master builders have solicited the master masons to join them , but they have refused to do so . Strike of Colliers . —The colliers engaged in the coal-works in the uci » kbouiluiod of Swansea turned out to the number ol 4 . 0 or more , last week , for an advance of wages . THE CORDWAINERS' CONFERENCE AND TIIE WEST Ei \ D MENS' MEN .

      Untitled Article

      ALARMING FIRES . Fire on Brixton Hill . —On Saturdayjnorning , between twelve and one o ' clock , considerable alarm and excitement prevailed at Brixton , in-consequence of a . serious fire breaking out In f . he residence of . J . Milner , Esq ., stockbroker , of Atkin ' s-road , Bmtonhill , which resulted in the destruction of considerable property . It appears that after the family retired to rest , Mrs . Milner was alarmed by bearing a noise and loud groanin ? , which were speedily followed by a dense volume of smoke . She immediately raised analarm when the servants forced the door of Mr . Milner s

      bedroom , from which the flames were rushing with great fury . Some minutes elapsed before any person could enter the apartment , when John Grainger , the footman , succeeded in finding the body of Mr . Milner who was fortunately extricated from "a most'tearful death . A large body of police officers were qirckly on the spot , who , together with the servants and the neighbours ultimately extinguished the fire . Mr . Milnev was very severely burnt over various parts of his person , and was also much injured by the effect <> f the smoke , which nearly suffocated him . The fire is attributed to Mr . Milner falling asleep whilst reading in bed .

      FiRBs in St . Giles ' s , Chbapsim ; , and Duke-Stbket , London-bridge . — On Sunday morning , shortly before one o ' clock , a fire that at one time threatened serious consequences- broke out in the house numbered 35 , Cromcr-street , St . Giles's . It originated from some unknown cause in the first floor front . The inmates having been roused , a number of the inhabitants broke open the front door , and endeavoured 10 extinguish the flames . In the course of a few minutes , three engines arrived , and owing to the exertions of the firemen , the flames were

      subdued , but not before the bod and furniture were consumed , the wearing apparel and other articles in , thc apartment burned * and the window frames - demolished . The h use was let out in tenements , and none of tho occupiers were insured . About the same hour , a lire broke out in the upper floor of tho premises tenanted by Mr . E M'Crmv , pastrycook , No . 114 , Cheapside . The engines from WaUing- « treot brigade station promptly attended , and the flames were soon extinguished by the firemen , not , however , until a part of the flooring and skirting were burned . Between the hours of two and three the same

      morning , a messenger arrived at the Southwark-bridgeroad brigade depot with a report that the well-known Queen ' s Head , High-street , Borough , was on ( Ire . It was soon , however , found that a crate filled with enrtlieriwarel ' . and standing in the opon yard near tho main premises , had by . soine means become ignited . After some trouble the fire was extinguished . The same morning , at half-past six , a fire broke out in a house situate in Duke-stveet , London-bridge , the property of Mr . Alderman Humphries , but tenanted by Mr . "Yiggins , a hop-merchant . It appears that at a late hour the previous evening the inmates experienced a strong smell of burning , evidently . arising from wood . They endeavoured , but in vain , to find the seat of the fire , but feeling convinced that

      something was burning , they agreed to go to bed and leave their room doors open , so that in case of nn outbreak they might arouse each other . At the time previously stated one of the servant ' s bedrooms became filled with smoke , and without any further delay information was sent to the engine stations . The brigade and West of England firemen and engines quickly . attended . It was then ascertained that flames were raging under the floorings of thersecond floor , and the outside closet . By cutting away , the skirting , cold mouldines , and a portion of the flooring , the fire was got out , but not before nearly two hours were lost hy the firemen . The fire originated from the overheating of a baker ' s flue iu the next louse . ¦

      Fins at RoTiiKnniTiiE . —The most serious fire that occurred on Sunday broke out at six p . m ., upon the premises in the occupancy of Mr . W .. Rons , bread and biscuit baker , No . G , Neptune-street , Rotherhiche . The discovery was made by Mr . Delaforce , the proprietor of the Neptune Wine Vaults , immediately facing . Some ofthe neighbours injudiciously forced open the street door , foolishly expecting to be able to extinguish the fire by means of a few buckets of water . The draught thus given to the flames caused them to travel with surprising rapidity throughout the entire building . The fire-engines were early at the scene ; but , unfortunately , a lack of water for some tirac retarded the operations of

      the firemen . The inhabitants , fearful that the flames would extend to the surrounding property , commenced pulling the window-frames out of their habitations , and throwing their furniture into the open roadway . Alter the lapse of a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes , a good supply of water was obtained , which was copiously discharged into the burninir premises . After two hours' exertion on tho part of the firemen they succeeded in getting the fire entirely extinguished , but not before the whole of the stock in trade , furniture , wearing apparel , &c were totally consumed . The cause of the fire could not be ascertained , as Mr . Rous and his family were from home at the time of the calnmitv .

      Fire at .. Iohseltdown . —On Monday mornine , at half-past four o ' clock , a fire broke out at the Marouis of Wellington , New-street , Ilorselydown . The Tooley-street engine was quickly on the spot , as also the parish engine . It was , however , found unnecessary to put them into operation , the firemen having forced open the door , and , with a plentiful supply of water , extinguished the fire \ tl less than an hour and a half from the first commencement . The house presents an uncommon appearance inside , as each room is entirely gutted , with the exception of the bar and the first-floor back room . It appears

      the fire originated in the kitchen , as the entire woodwook about the fireplace is consumed : the flames then proceeded up stairs . The landlord was awoke with the bed being in one mass of blaze . He immediately got up , and threw the bed out of the window , and had he not compelled his wife to leap out , there is every probability she would have been suffocated , as at that time she was getting quite stupified . Strange to say , that although the door of the bedroom is barely scorched , everything is entirely consumed . A picture , valued at 100 guineas , is destroved .

      Destructive Fire at Plymouth . —On Friday morning between one and two o ' clock , a fire wasdiscovered to have broken out in the house No . 4 , at Lamb-hay Hill , occupied by several tenants . The fire was fii st discovered by one of the inmates smelling it , whereon she awoke her neighbours , and ongoing downstairs , they found the room on the ground floor , occupied by a- family named Harvey , completely filled with fire . The inmates of this and the adjoining houses were immediately aroused ; but the progress of the fire being very rapid , they were compelled to leave their houses with so much precipitation , that many of them were not able to clothe themselves , but were compelled to rush for safety into the street almost in a state

      ot nudity . Immediately on the spread of the alarm , the Citadel engine , attended by a large body of soldiers , directed by several officers , arrived on the spot , and after some delay in obtaining water , commenced playing upon the devouring element . The house , No . 4 , was completely destroyed , and the adjoining houses wore seriously damaged . The scene presented was of the most painful and distressing character—there were the whole of the inmates of the houses ( upwards of twenty in number , including infants , and several who have been the subjects of a long continued affliction ) in the streets almost in a state of nakedness , compelled to see the destruction of all they possessed in the world .

      Untitled Article

      ¦ w THE LATE TRAGEDY AT BATTERSEA . On Saturday , Mr . Carter and a respectable jury held an inquest , at the Red House , Battersea , on the body of William Clark , aged seven years , who was found drowned in the 'lhames , on Thursday last . The jury having viewed the body , which was in an advanced state of decomposition , Thomas Bri { rt : s was the first witness . He said ; I am a labourer , and live at Cottage place , Lnmbpth-butts . On Thursday last , about halt-past six , I was going along the banks of the river , near the waterworks ; I saw something in the water I thought was an eel ; upon going to look at it I saw it was lllo head of a child ; I got it ashore ; it is the same body the jury have viewed ; it was a boy , about seven years of age , and had a pair of new boots on , corduroy jacket and trowsers , and a pinafore . It was neav tht ) shore , at the waterworks , I brought the body to this house .

      William Clark was next examined—lie said I am a painter and glazier , and live at No . 7 . Cumberlaudrow , Marlboroiigh-road , Chelsea . The body now lying dend is that of my son William Matthew Clark . I recognise it by Vie features , aud by the clothes he had on when found . The cap now produced is the one he used to wear . 1 saw him last a livcthis day week , about a quarter past five in the morning . 1 saw him dead on Thursday niyht , between ten and eleven o ' clock . When I last saw him alive , he was in bed at my house . He was then in good health . My wife was very jealous of my boy , who was my son by a former wifr , and we often had words nhhut him . She several times said I should go out some day , and find theni all gone when I came home ; but 1 thought she was joking . Other evidence having boon adduced , Mr . Carter then made some remarks , and the inquut was adjourned till Monday afternoon .

      ADJOURNED INQUEST . On Holiday at four o ' clock , Mr . Carter , tlic Coroner for Enst Surrey , resumed Ilio inquiry into tht uivcuuisbnues attending the death of William Jialtliuv Clark , aged seven years , one ofthe unfortunate children tin own over l ! attvrsca-bridge by their mother , on Suturila . r , the I'd inst . The Coroner , having exvuniiieu all the witness , s , summed up thu evideneu with minuteness unil clearness , ; inii left it to the Jury to sny liou the deceased had come by his death , and whether they considered the woman Kliati Clurlt was tlic }> cra > u who \ : iv \ su caused thin de .-tlh .

      The room was then cleared of strangers , ami after tlio l : ipse of ten minutes , it was announced that the'Jurv liad returned a verdict of" Wilful murder aaninst Eliza Clark . "

      Untitled Article

      The inquest on th « body of the infant , Jane CJark , whose body was first foand , was also resumed on Monday by Mr . WaUley , M . P ., at the Adam and Eve , Chelsea . There waVasliefore ; much " complaint by Air . Wnldey at the non-production of the person of the accused before him ; also , of the non-production of the letter she had written . . TIib Coroner spoke of threo being a conspiracy entered into by the magistrates against coroners' juries . Theprincipal evidence not before given so fully was that of Mary In wood , of 7 , Cumberland Street , who said she knew Mrs . Clark by lodging in the same house with her . She had known her ever since last November . She

      taught her to bind shoes . She sair her on Saturday the 2 nd instant , at half-past twelve o ' clock . She then brought a pair of worsted mits , and said they wero for Phoebe . Witness told her they were too large for the child , but she said , keep them for some one . She looked rather wild at the . time . On the night previous to the Saturday , Clark came home , at twelve o ' clock , and on her opening the door , she ( the prisoner ) said— "Well , old chap , you nro rather late to Bight . " He replied , " You — -, I'll kill you . " She did not speak cross to him . He also said , " You want to earner m » over , but you shan't you

      , " Duritij ? the night witness heard a noise , and Clark said , "You beast , I'll kill you . " She heard a knocking at the door of Clark ' s room ; she asked what it was . She replied , that her husband was going to s : rike her , and that she held up her arms to prerent him , and he then struck the door and broke it . Witness saw Mrs . Clark at half-past five on the Saturday morning , when she told her she had not been t « . bed , as she was afraid lest he should do her some harm . She was a kind mothor and a sober womanl She has complained of head-aehe during the last month . She hag ueeis ii difference in her appearance lately . Shu saiil to witne s on Saturday morning , "Is . not this enough to make me make away with myself , for a man to tell me that he hates me . " She was then crying .

      After ii Ions consultation , the Jury returned the following verdict ( two Jurors only dissenting , on the ' ground that they considered the prisonor insane ) : —" That the deceased met her death from drowning , caused by being wilfully , maliciously , and feloniously tin-own into the water by lierijnother , Elizabeth Clark ; and in returning the verdict tli ^ ff . ^ ry $ xpress tlieir surprise and regret , in the first pl | M , ^ that the proceedings should have been commenctdvi | SS concluded at the police court without allowing tjjernjan opportunity of identifying the accused party . Jn the second place , that \ n important written document ghould have been kopt b % k wIidb it was rofurred to in evidence . " And the Jury do hope that a change will soon take ' plsicefin the law which will facilitate rather than throw iropcdimeiuijn their way . " v

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      THE LATE ATROCIOUS OUTRAGE IN WESTMINSTER . ExTRAOKDINAnt DECLA 1 UTI 0 N OF THE INJURED Fe . male . —Since the apprehension of William Luff , alias William Hunfield . un the charge of brutally assaulting and throwing a female out ef window , tlie magistrate ( Mr . Burrell ] has , from time to time , inquired after her condition , with a view of asctrtaing whether she was in a fit state to give any account of the transaction , and on its boing reported to him that she was competent to give a coherent account , although labouring under erysipelas , Mr . Burrell considering the dangerous nature of this dis . order determined to secure her examination , and on Tuesday , accompanied by Mr . W . Taylor , the chief clerk at the Westminster Pi lice Court , he proceeded to the Westminster II spital , whither the prisoner was conveyed in handcuffs , in order that her evidence Hiighc te taken iu his presence .

      In consequence of thejunexpected and extraordinary nature of her statement , we deem it necessary to refresh the recollection of our readers with the evidence originally given against the prisoner . Three persons residing in the same house spoke to the outrageous violence of the prisoner towards her . The first of these , Margaret Maclean , who lives in the next room , was attracted by the injured woman ' s screams , and on going to the spot found the accused holding her by the hair , and striking her on the heud with a pokev . The fcinnle wus bleeding profusely from the head , and witness was so frightened she ran away . The second witness , Sarah Green , saw the accused heating the female with his lists , anil tried to net her out

      ofthe room , when prisoner struck her also . As witness was going down stairs she . heard the prisoner with a horrid oath say , " I'll throw you out of the window , " and she had scarcely got into her room when she saw the female falling by her window . This witness observed a poker wound on her face , and another on the back of the head . A third witness , Thomas C : irter , also proved liearimja violent noise , and the accused told him , while the female was being removed from the yard into which she had fallen , " That if she had behaved herself it would not have occurred . " Add"d to this , several broken articles of crockery ware were found covered with blood , a considerable quantity of which was also upon the floor .

      Jane t ' ullen examined by Mr . W . lay lor : I am now an in-patient of this hospital . 1 lived with the man who now stands before me , whom I know by the name of William Luff . I have cohabited with him for about twelve months . About eight o ' clock in the evening , this day week , 1 came home , and found the prisoner in the room . II « began to quarrel with me for not being at home , ami said , " This is tine going on for a man come homo from work and no tire . " One of the lod gers called ma out , and the prisoner persuaded ma not to go . 1 said if he would not let me go out of the duorl would gat out of the window . He said you had better set down , and went to the cupboard to get something to cat . While he was at the cupboard 1 jumped out of tlie window , which I had attempted before , but lit ; nulled mu onck .

      Mr . Burivll : Did he not push you from the window ?—Witness : No , Sir , he did not . —Air . Taylor : Had you been drinking?—Witness : I bad hud a little drop to drink . —Mr . liurrell : Was the man sober ?— Witness : Yes , quite . —Jlr . Tuylor : Dili thu prisoner otlVr you any violent ' —Witness , No he did not . —Air . Taylor : Diri h ' r not strike you with thu note ?—Witness : JJo , Siv , I hud the poker in my own hand . —Mr . lium-ll : Bid you strike him with the poker ?—Witness : 1 was going to , but he tool ; it from me . —Mr . Taylor : Uitl you scream murder ?—Witness : Yes , sir , I did , —3 lr . Td ' ylor : Why did yon scream murder '—Witness : lieviiusc he would not let me go oult-Mv . Taylor : Was there any Wood about you ^ --Witness ( hesitatingl y ) : Yes , a little . —Mv . Taylor : How eame blond ab » ut you ? Witness 1 fell down and struck my wm whit : h caused it to bleed 'I here was uo otlitr blood . . m me before I jumped out ol the window . —Sir . Burrell : Did he not strike you ? _\ Vit ness : lie only gave mo a bhove on the side of the hi-ad -

      Untitled Article

      . - ^^ Mr . liurrell : Did he not Sfly lie would throw you the window?—Witness : No , sir , he did not—j [ r , ]}«! , roll : Are you quite SUre of that ;?—WitBesS : 1 „„ , _ ' This b « ing the conclusion of her . evitlence , the prison e was asked whether he wished to put any question to her He replied , "No ; what she had stated was the wliO |« truth . " As the magistrate and elerk were about leaving h , bedside , she requested permission to speak to the prisoner and appeared very anxious to do so . Mr . Burrell intimated that when she was better sh 9 would have an opportunity of speaking to him . The female still carries marks of brutal violence , but her condition is much improved , and unless some unfj , vourable change should take place , her ultimate recovery is not despaired of .

      Untitled Article

      Fatal Fall from a Window . — On Tuesday Mr Baker hold aninquestattlie London Hospital , on the body of Lyons Levy , aged eighty-four , who died in the above institution from injuries he hA received by tailing from a window , eight feet high . The de ceased had been formerly a schoolmaster , and had boon obliged to retire in consequence ofhis infirm ! , ties . Since then he had received support from one ofthe Jewish Synagonies . In consequence of his ill . health he was compelled to take apartments in th » house of Mr . Soloman . a clothes-dealer , 24 , Gold .

      smith-row , Hackney . On Friday evening he went ti ) > ed , and about three o ' clock Mr . Soloman was awoke by a loud noise at the street door . On inquirin g a { the door , lie was told by a police-constable that a man was lying under his window and bleeding profus-ly He was immediately conveyed inside , and Mr . Solo , man identified his lodger . On entering his room | j , window was found to be open , and it is supposed that he ( got out " of bed , and while looking out of window , overbalanced himself and fell into the street Me was conveyed to the hospital , where he died oil Sunday mornin ? . The jury retained a verdict of "Accidental death . "

      Suspected Ikfaxticidk . —On Tuesday mnrninj , about nine o ' clock , the family of J . Rolfe , Esq ., < jf Walcot House , Ship-lane , St . Mary-square , Lamhcth , was thrown into a state of great excitement , in con . sequence of the body of a new-bnrn child beinsr found in the garden by one of the female servants . It w « tied up in a piece of merino , and appeared to have been born but a few hours only . The body was that of a fine full-sized infant , and had no doubt been bora alive . It was conveyed to Mr . Wagstnff " , the surgeon , but lie could not give any opinion as to the cvtusc of death , without a post mortem examination . Dunn the beadle of the District , immediately tonk clianre of the body , and removed it in a shell to the deadroom at Lambeth Church , where it awaits an inquest . ' . ¦

      Accidents ox the ¦ Lancaster asd Carlisle Railway . —On Saturday forenoon an accident took place on Clifton Moor , Westmoreland , on tlio Lancaster and Carlisle Railway , by which Richard Gilbert was killed . Duoonscd was a brenksmnn , and was eonducting five loaded waggons down the incline towards the tip , when the four foremost of them broke away from the last , on which-he was standing ; when tlie waggons separated , he leaped off , and on running after the foremost lot , he fell on the vaiK and the last waggon passed over his body and crushed him in a shocking manner . The poor man lingered in Hie

      areatest agony till i o clock in the afternoon , when ho expired . On the same workings on Friday last , Thomas Wenks , a driver , who was sitting on the bumper of a waggon which he wasdrivinjr , on coming to a gentle curve , it ran oft" the temporary line of rails , when he fell backwards , and the wag-son parsed over Ills legs , and most severely bruised him . He is still alive , and suffering [ the most excruciating pain , but not the faintest hope of his recovery is entertained . Two other men during the last threa days met with most serious accidents on tlie Clifton portion of the line , but they are out of danger .

      Mysterious Death of a Youth . — On Tuesday forenoon , Mr . T . Wakley , M . P ., held an inquest at the Perseverance Tavern . William-street , Ilanipstead-road , on the body of Georce Brown , aaed eiyhteen years , a labouring boy . The deceased was lodging at No . 11 , William-mews , in the above nei ? libour « hood , and had always enjoyed excellent health up to the period of his death . It was stated that , on Friday last , he took a dose of epsom salts , retiring to rest at ten o'clock , his usual hour , when lie seemed unusually cheerful . At five next moi'iiins ( Saturday ) he was discovered lying on the bed quite dead—his face exceedingly discoloured . A surgeon was soon

      called in . and the body being quite warm , attempts were made to restore animation , but proved uselrss , as lite was totally extinct . The mother of tlac de . ceased youth , stepping towards the coroner-said , slio could not be satisfied unless a post mortem examination was made . The coroner—Why had you not said so before , my good -woman ? There appears to be no suspicion against any one , and the body is in such a state now , that it is hardly fair to expect a medical gentleman to perform such a task . Tlie coroner then gave an order for a post mortem examination , discharged the jury , and desired that a fresh one should be empannelled—thus adjourning the inquiry sine die .

      Fatal Accident ox the South Eastern Railway . —On Tuesday an inquest was held at the Angel Tavern , near the railway-station at Tunbridge , hefore Mr . Dudlow , the coroner for that part of the county , on the body of John Shaw , a labouring man , who was killed on the South Eastern Railway , under the following most shocking circumstances . It appears that he lived at- the village of Leigh , which 13 situate close to the line , and on Saturday night was at Tunbi'idgQ , and left at half-past eleven to go home . A pilot engine had been assisting the mail train , which was rather heavy , from town , and left it at Tunbridge . On proceeding along the up line , over .

      a viaduct , about a mile and a-half from the town , the engine-driver felt the engine passing over something on the rails . He stopped is as soon as possible , and on walking back to the stop where they fancied the engine rose , they found the deceased lying across the right-hand rail quite dead , being nearly cut in two . TJieir impression was , that he was lying across the rail when the accident occurred ; if ho hail been walking on tho line the engine-driver would have seen him , as it was a moonlight night . There was no pathway across the line where the body was found . The jury found that his death was accidental , caused by his own imprudence .

      AprREHEssiox or a Gaso of Burglars . —A gang of burglars lias been apprehended at Bristol . Three men ofthe name of Williams , Michael , and Ilolborn , and two women are in custody . They are accused of breakinainto the house of the Rgv . Mr . Ilayncs . o £ Court Hay , Somersetshire , and stealing several 100 ? . notes , a quantity of gold coins , &o . They are also supposed to have broken into the church there , but theyfailed to get hold of the Communion plate . In the house of William * some of the stolen property was found , and an instrument Ingeniously contrived to cut through doors without any noise . It is expected that a number of burglaries which have recently been committed in Gloucestershire and Somersetshire will be brouuht home to them .

      InE Iarmoutii Murder . —In consequence of tlie evidence which Mrs . Dick and her daughter pave at the last Norwich Assizes against Samuel Yarliam foe the murder of Mrs . Candler , they have been subjected to considerable annoyance and repeated threatstheir children have been assaulted , and the windows of their residence broken by having stones thrown , through them . The Board of Ordnance have , therefore , very judiciously determined to remove Sergeant Dick from this station to head quarters at Woolwich . The situation , we understand , is a . better and more lucrative one than this . — Yarmouth Chronicle

      Suddex Death at a Funeral . —On Wednesday , an inquest was held before Mr . Wakley , M . P ., . it the Elephant and Castle , King ' s-road , Camdeutown , on the body of John Maley , aged 50 , An elder brother ofthe deceased , who was an inmate of St . Pancras Workhouse , had been for a length ot ' time afflicted with dropsy , which terminated in his death oh the Tuesday previous . On Sunday hut his funeral took place in the churchyard of 0 W St . Pancras Church , and he was followed to the gravo by the deceased , who , just at the conclusion of the burial service , fell to the earth as though shot . He was raised up and carried in an insensible state to the workhouse , where he shortly afterwards expired . A verdict was recorded of "Died by the visitation of uOd .

      A Bin- Killed through Exfkuimextai . Hanging . —On Monday morning Mr . W . Carter held an inquest at the Sea Lion Tavern , Wooton-stivet , Cornwflll-road , Lambeth , m > fhebod . v of Charles Copeman , aged 14 years . Thomas Copeman , Bates ' sbuildings , Lambeth , deposed that the deceased was his son . On Thursday last , about noon , witness left home for a short time . Witness returned in an hour afterwards and on opening the door of the room where he toft the deceased , he fouud him hanging to the top rail of the bedstead , suspended bv a long leather strap . Witness called for assistance , when a neighbour came and cut t \\» . deceased dnwn . A

      siu-Kcon was soon m attendance , who opened a vein but life was quite extinct . The deceased was of a checrtnl disposition and of sound mind . The deceased was continually speaking of public executions . Witness and his family formerl y resided in Elliot ' s-court , Old Bailey , which house had a commanding view of the scaffold . Sarah Cupcman , iv s * ister of the deeo'ueil stated that while tiuy wore residing in Elliutt ' s-cmiffc Old Bailey the deceased called thu children upstairs into thu bed iMoin , and said . " Now 1 will show vou

      how poor Tapping died . " Deceased then > -ot upon the loot oi the bedstead and pulled a lar » o white nightcap over his hc-ail , after which he e !; is ;< fd his hands together , as if in the act of nrayiti'i . He woiihl then bow tUvou times , jump oiY the beilsteail , antl pretend to die . His father was repeatedly speaking to him about such improper conduct . Verdict"That lite deceased did destroy his own life by hanging himself , but whether it was the result of accident in trying an experiment or otherwise , they luul " ° sullicieut proof . "

      Untitled Article

      ; wm . CHILDREN POISONED TOVCTBTAIN FUNEUA . L ;; •> ' club money . ltUNCORN , Saturday . An inquiry , which has occupied the attention of Mr . H . ' Cliurton , otio of the Coroners for the county oi Chester , nearly the whole duy , has produced a degree ol oxciti-uiont never but ' ore known in this part of thicountry . The inquest was held on the bodies of two children ol Josi-pli and Muvy I'imlett , ulio are in custody charged with thcmui'dei of two of theh 1 own offspring , and » ltempting the murder of a third , rimlutt , it appears , is a ship carpenter , and he and his family came to reside in Ruuconi about three mouths before Clnistmas . Amongst those rvlio knew him ho was considered a respectable , in . dustrious , sober , and humane man .

      Tlie circumstances tvhich led to the disclosure are as follow : —On the 6 th of March , James Pimlett , an infant , Jen months old , was reported to have beim found dtad in bed . An inquest was held on the body , and tiie principal witness examined was the mother , who gave such an account of the illness of the child as to induce the caroucr ' s jury to believe tlmt death was the result of one of the various diseases incidental to children , and : i verdict was returned of " Found dead . " On the . lfith of the same month smother child , Richard Pimlett , was taken ill . This child ' was taken to a medical gentleman , Mr . Edward l ' ye , who administered an aperient medicine . A day or two afterwards the mother called on Mr . l'ye , and in consequence of her representations , two alterative powders were given to her . These powders , however , were afterwards found in the house of the parents , having never been administered .

      This child died on the 21 st , and was buried , tho father giving orders to the sexton ofthe church that the body ot " his former child should be taken uut of tlic grave , the grave inade deeper , and the new coffin placed under the body previously buried . On Monday , the 27 th of April , the mother took the third child ; named Thomas , to the surgery of Jir . l \* e This was threo years and two months old , aud the sjuip . tows produced no suspicion at ihc time in the mind of Mr . Pye . Subsequently , Mr . P . vc ' s suspicions were excited , and he gave information to the magistrates and also to the Coroner for tho county , and in the meantime \\ w child having become vtry sick and ill , Mr . Pje ortiered the mother to preserve the cjecta , but she cunningly avoided doing so and frustrated his purpsse of out iniug

      possession of any portion of it . However , being afraid ol the life of the child , it was removed from its parent , and both she aud ht = i < husband were taken inta custody . Subsequent inquiries prove that arsenic had been administered to the child . The Coroner then issued his warrant for tiie disinterment of the bodies of James ami Richard , and summoned Mr . l ' ye to make a post mortem examination of them . On thu cofiin being opened , bolh bodies were remarkably fresh , considering the period of tinitf which has elapsed since death . This led to the supposition that arsenic might have been taken by them , as it bad tlie effect of preserving deaii bodies . The internal viscera was removed from botli and analyzed , a small

      portion of thut of'the body of Ilichard b y Mr . Page , who found arsenic in the brain , kidneys , spleen , liver , and other parts of tlie hotly . The rest was analyzed by Dr . Brett , Professor of Chemistry , of Liverpool , who found in GJ ox . of the contents ofthe stomach of Ilichard Pimlett ho less than 11 grains of white arsenic , or , as Iib observed , enough to kill several persons . Arsenic was also clearly detected ia the abdominal viscera of the other body . A great variety of circumstantial evidence was given affecting the charge , particularly against the mother ; but there being nothing more than suspicion against the father , lie was discharged , and the Jurj returned a verdict of " Wilful murder" against tlie mother , Mary Pimlett , in both cases .

      The prisoner immediately on hearing the result , burst into tears , and loudly declared her innocence . The Coroner issued his warrant for the committal of the prisoner to take tier trial for the offences at the next Chester assizes .

      0tt!Tente,®Ffeme$,& Xftquestsf*

      0 tt ! tente , ® ffeme $ , & Xftquestsf *

      Untitled Article

      Six nut of the eight sections comprised in that por . tionof the . boot and shoe makers of London commonly called the West End Men , held a general meeting of their body on Monday evening , the 11 th inst .. at which the following resolution was agreed to , there being but about ten or twelve votes against it , out of a body numbering between six and seven hundred : — The committee of the several sections of tlie West End Meus'Men , now connected with th e association , namely ,

      Myer ' s , Bann ' s , Humbj ' s , Dogget ' s , llymer ' s , and the second Hoby ' s , being appointed to urrange the monetary affairs ofthe interests concerned , as also to settle about the situation of our respected and long tried servant , Mr . John Stewart , Lave agreed ( subject to the after approval of a majority ) on both these subjects , the main principle being , that nil property and monies possessed and all sums influbtBd , be considered as jointly belongiiuf to these several suctions and as common obligationsthat Mr . Stewart be still continued in his office—and also that all questions to be brought before any of our meetings , be treated and voteil on as general questions in respect to eur own interests .

      Two of the above named sections , ltymcr ' s and Myer ' s , have left the association during the sitting of the present Conference in cniisvqucncu- of tlieir delegates bfing denied the right to take their seats on such Conference , and accepting two others in their place , who , as it is asserted , " were not properly elected , nor had the ' joiifidonce of the body , but were , merely tlie nominees of the General Secretary , by whose contrivance and iiillueiice this injustice hat ; been perpetrated . " Through this , the West Enci Mens Men have been in a deep sttite of excitement for the whole of the last and the beginning ofthe

      present week . The opposition , however , as expiesscd in the foicgoing resolution , is now delinitive ; while new rules and regulations are to be made , a new system of correspondence to be formed with tlio country , and the whole mutter ii > dispute , with jiJI the documents connecttd therewith , to ho printed through the medium of the " Cordwaineis' Companion" for . the ensuing month of June , tlrt tiie trade Jit large mny be put . in possession of every fact connected with thwu dilferenees . and of the rcniedica to be proposed in the improved form of uuion contemplated . —J . D .

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      THE NORTHERN STAR ' May 16 > x ^

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), May 16, 1846, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1366/page/6/