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PEMBROKESHIRE ASSIZES. I
PEMBROKESHIRE ASSIZES. The Spring Assizes for the County of Pembroke commen- ced on Saturday last, before the Hon. Sir H. W. Watson, Kt., who arrived from Swansea by the two o'clock train. His lordship was met at the Railway Station by Col. Sir J. J. Hamilton, Bart., of Plas, Llanstephan, attended by the Rev. Clement Bowen, the Sheriffs Chaplain. The usual courtesies having been exchanged the learned Judge entered the carriage in waiting, and, preceeded by the usual retinue of javelin men, went direct to the Town Hall where the commission was formally opened. The cortege had an exceedingly chaste appearance. The body of the carriage was of rich ruby colour bearing the crest of the Sheriff, which represents the Castle of Alba de Tormes, a tree intersecting the word Through," the former being awarded in con- sideration of the distinguished bravery of Sir John Hamilton in the Peninsula Wars. The postilions wore crimson jackets with plated round buttons, and white buckskin smalls. The javelin men were dressed in coats, vests and trousers of Oxford Mixture with plated buttons impressed with the Sheriff's crest. Crimson silk flags iveie attached to the trum- pets upon which various devices were richly embroidered. On the following morning his Lordship attended Divine Service in St. Mary's Chuch, when an apposite discourse was preached by the Sheriff's Chaplain from the 55th Psalm part of the 19th verce—" Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God." The business of the Assizes commenced at ten o'clock on Monday morning with the trial of prisoners, of whom there were sixteen in the county calendar, and one in the town. Two charges of cutting and wounding with intent to do bodily harm, two of concealment of birth, two of burgla- riously entering dwellings, several of sheep-stealing, and the rest of larceny constituted the crown business. Three of the prisoners could neither read or write, two were able to read, six were imperfectly instructed. The list of magistrates was called over, but, as is usual in this county, not one of those present answered to their names. The Grand Jury for the county comprised :—J. H. Philipps, Esq., M.P., Williamston, (foreman) J. T. Beynon, Esq., Trewern; J. Clunes, Esq., Woodfield N. J. Dunn, Esq., Tenby W. Fortune. Esq Leweston J. James, Esq., Llawhaden; R. Llewellin, Esq., Tregwynt; W. H. Lewis, Esq., Clynfiew; E. T. Massey, Esq., Cottsmoor W. Owen, Esq., Haverfordwest; George Lort Phillips, Esq., Ashdale Peregrine Lort Phillips, Esq., East Hook; Nicholas Roch, Esq., Paskeston Henry Richards, Esq., Tenby; Edward Wilson, Esq., Hean Castle; William Walters, Esq., Haver- fordwest; E. George, Esq., Plascrwn; Anthony Denny, Esq., Avellenau; J. M. Jones, Esq., Bolton Hill. The following were the Grand Jury for the Borough —The Rt. Hon. Robert Fulke Greville (foreman) Capt. Butler, Victoria-place Mr. John Brown, Market-street; Mr. Alfred Beynon, Bridge-street; Mr. David Clare, Castle-square; Mr. John Dawkins, Market-street; Mr. George Green, Bridge- street Mr. John Harvey, Victoria-place Mr. Richard James, High-street; Mr. William Lewis, New-bridge Mr. John Madocks, Bridge end; Mr. T. Owen, High-street; Mr. Joseph Potter, High-street; Mr. Chas. Prust, Crescent; Mr. Richard B. Pratt, High-street; Mr. Henry Phillips, Hill-street; Mr. William Perkins, Market-street; Mr. M. Whittow, Brewery Mr. W. Williams, Spring-gardens Mr. W. P. Williams, Merlin's-terrace. The usual preliminaries having been observed the learned Judge charge d the Grand Jury, Gentlemen of the Grand Jury for the county of Pembroke, I am extremely glad, on this periodical occasion for the administration of justice, to find present so many gentlemen of rank and influence in this county, which, I am sure, cannot be without its effect upon the morals and well-being of the people. It is still more satisfactory to me to see so few offences named on the calendar, and those of such a trifling nature. It is always right to examine a calendar closely, and this, it should be remembered, is for a period of eight months-since July last to the present time; and it presents no offences against the person except two, and these will probably come within the class of unlawful wounding with intent to do bodily harm. There are also two cases of burglary, little more than stealing in a dwelling-house and altogether it is astonishing to me, that in a county so ex- tensive as Pembrokeshire there is comparatively so little crime, which may be attributable in some degree to the fact that this is an agricultural county, and therefore does not present those masses of property and population which are found in manufacturing counties, and it is no doubt partly attributable to the residence of gentlemen of property, who by their exertions to give education to the people, and by their own influence and example, induce those moral and physical improvemeuts which prevent the perpetration of crime. You all perfectly understand the nature of your duties as Grand Jurors, and I do not know that I can assist you in any of the cases on the calendar, except one-that of a woman who is charged with concealing the birth of her child, which rejts upon an admission made by her to a policeman in Liverpool. Now, the difficulty is this, and I request your attention to it: The woman admits the attempt to conceal the birth, but to complete the offence there must be proof that the act of burial took place within the county of Pembroke. It may, however, turn out in evidence that such is the case, but I must say that I have looked for it in vain in the depositions. The woman herself has said that she threw the child into the water somewhere between Swansea and Liverpool. If you think there is no evidence to prove the case, it can be of no use to return a bill and put the woman on her trial. As to the other cases, they are of a very simple character, being simply of identity, and with which you can have no difficulty. It has been the practice for learned Judges at Assizes to remark on the Ticket-of- Leave system, reformatories, and education, but any obser- vation from me on these subjects would be entirely misplaced, as it is not called for by the state of the calendar. 1 must repeat that the residence of gentlemen on their estates, ex- pending their wealth in the county, and discharging every duty of public and private life, tends more than anything else to prevent crime, if I except the necessity of inculcating upon the people habits of industry and frugality, and putting them in possession of a sound moral and religious education. His Lordship then very briefly addressed the Borough Grand Jury, remarking that the observations he had just made applied peculiarly to the town. There was only one case to come before them, and that was of an extremely simple nature, being- an indictment against a native of the town, and the only difficulty was as to whether there was sufficient evidence of the identity of the goods so as to justify them in sending the case before another tribunal. Alluding to the almost total absence of crime in the borough, he said it was highly desirable to preserve such an immunity, and the great object by which to attain it was tho education of the people. The Grand Juries then retired, and in a short time re- turned a true bill against James Morgan, John Horgan, and George Hughes were arraigned on an indictment charging them with feloniously killing a ewe sheep, the property of William Dawkins, with intent to steal its carcase, at Pembroke, on the 20th of October last. Mr. T. Allen conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Giffard defended the prisoners. William Dawkins examined: I live at Pembroke Dock. In October last I had some sheep which I kept in the parish of St. Michael. During that month I went to Ireland, where I remained a week. I went on a Friday and re- turned on the Sunday week following, and in consequence of information I went to the field and found the entrails of a sheep. The skin had previously been sent to my house. Stephen Sullivan examined I am a rag dealer living at Pater. I know the prisoners. Last Saturday week 1 got into some difficulty about marine stores, and at that time I gave information about this sheep stealing. I reoollect seeing the three prisoners with mutton some time before Christmas. Mr. Allen-How long ? Witness: I am no scholar to keep account of it (laugh- ter), but it was about six weeks before Christmas. I was there between twelve and one o'clock at night, at the house of Geo. Hughes. I asked where they had the mutton from, and they replied they had found it in Mr. Dawkins' field, and were ashamed to bring it home by day. They added they would not see it rot, so they took it. The mutton wns left in his house, and James Horgan took me to his house to weigh some rags, the other going in a different direction. In crossing the road James Horgan said, We could not catch the sheep, so we shot it with a pistol." This is all I know of the transaction. Mr. Giffard-You said you are a ragman—are you a thief as well ? You need not answer unless you wish. Witness-No, I am not, thank God (laughter). Mr. Giffard-Have you not said you had stolen hay and other things ? Witness—Yes, I have stolen but it was the result of a bad education. Mr. Giffard-It was bad education, I know but still you are a thief ? (laughter). Witness-Yes, I have stolen hay and other things. Mr. Allen had no further evidence to offer, and His Lordship directed an acquittal. It appeared, ho said, that the charge was made in spite, and the prisoners' mouths being closed, it would be exceedingly dangerous to convict on the evidence of a man who was an acknow- ledged thief. He then advised the witness not to steal hay and other things, and suggested to the prisoners that they should keep better company if they wished to remain out of the dock. James Murphy, aged 33, labourer, was charged with steal- ing a piece of corduroy, the property of William Edwards, at Fishguard. Mr. Lascelles appeared for the prosecution. William Edwards examined I am a draper living at Fishguard. On the 11th of February I had some pieces of corduroy behind the shop door, one of which was missed; but I afterwards saw it at the house of the policeman. Caose-examined by the prisoner: I never saw it with you. James Gwynne examined: I recollect meeting the pri- soner and George Walker about 8 o'clock on the evening of the 11th of February. They offered me a. piece of cordu- roy for sale, as they wanted money. I took them in charge and deliverd them to Mr. Vaughan. Prisoner-I never had the cord in my possession. His Lordship—Who had the cord ? Witness—The younger prisoner, George Walker; but the two were together, and both sought to negotiate with me. Thomas Vaughan, superintendent of police, stated he recollected receiving the prisoners into custody, with a piece of cord, from the last witness. The prisoners said they had the cord from the next d'lor to a druggist's shop. His Lordship enquired whether Edwards' shop was near the druggist. Witness replied it was next door. The prisoner maintained that he had nothing to do with the,robbery, and had not offered the cord for sale. The jury found him Guilty, and he was sentenced, toge- ther with George Walker, who had pleaded Guilty, to Four mouths' imprisonment. Sarah Summers, aged 20, married, was arraigned on an indictment charging her with stealing one cloth cape and a piece of flannel, the property of William Davies and Son, drapers, of High-street, Haverfordwest, within six weeks last past. Mr. Owen appeared for the prosecution. The prisoner was undefended. William Henry Davies examined I am the prosecutor in this case. Some time since Mr. Superintendent Robinson called my attention to a quantity of drapery goods, in his possession, amongst which there was a mantle which I recognised as one that was missed from our stock about six weeks previously. I identified tho mantle from the back part of it being made'imperfectly; and also from the nature of the trimming. The mantle waa made on our pre- mises, and tnat shown to me by Mr. Superintendent Robinson was never sold by us. The plaid flannel was identical in pattern with a piece missed by us about a month before. His Lordship Of course you cannot swear to the flannel. Witness: No, only that is similar in pattern. Frances Harvey examined: I superintend the dressmaking department at Messrs Davis's. I made the mantle now pro- duced. I recognize it by the back being cut wrong through mistake. There was another mantle made at the same time, but the same mistake did not occur. The mantle produced was never sold. Elizabeth Whittow examined I identify the mantle now produced as the property of my employers. It was not sold by me. Morgan Williams, Thomas Rees, Catherine Thomas, and Mr. William Davis severally identified the mantle, and deposed that they had not sold it. [The witnesses comprised the whole staff of the establishment since November.] Mr. Superintendent Robinson deposed to finding a quan- tity of goods, the cape and flannel being amongst hem, at the residence of the prisoner's father. There were several shawls, unmade dresses, silks, ribbons, and perfumery, which the prisoner, who was present, said belonged to her sister and herself, adding that some of them were brought from Swansea and Newport, and some belonged to her mother. Witness apprehended the prisoner on the 19th of February. She said she had brought the mantle from New- port, about a week before November last, having had it from a prostitute. The flannel she described as havingiiad from her mother-in-law, and that she prisoner had given the cape to her sister Ann. P.C. Reuben Thomas deposed to accompanying the last witness to the house of Thomas Phillips on the occasion when the goods produced were found. The prisoner, who had not cross-examined any of the witnesses, declined to say anything to the jury in her defence. His Lordship pointed out that there were two questions for the jury was the mantle proved to be the property of Messrs. Davis, and, secondly, were they satisfied it was stolen, and if so by the prisoner, or received by her with the knowledge that it had been stolen. The Jury, after a short absence, returned a verdict of Not Guilty, and the prisoner was discharged. John Lewis, aged 18, was charged with burglariously en- tering the dwelling house of Miss Maria Mansel, at Manor- bier, on the night of the 1st February, and stealing a Ger- man-silver pencil case, the property of Ellen Davies. Mr. Hughes appeared for the prosecution. Martha Reynolds examined: I am a servant to Miss Mansel, of Manorbier, and recollect the family going to bed on the night of the 1st of February. The window of the sitting room fronting the garden was secured by a screw, and the house altogether was fastened. About four o'clock in the morning, seeing the reflection of light on the bed room door, I alarmed Miss Davies, who went with me down stairs. The sitting room door, which had been left open, was shut. We opened it and found the window propped up by a carpenter's chisel. There was a pane broken. It was the window we had seen secure. From a workbox in the adjoinining room several articles were stolen. The pencil case produced I believe to be Miss Davies's property. Cross-examided by the prisoner: I never saw you about the premises. Ellen Davies corroborated the evidence as to the doors and windows being fastened, and added that she believed the pencil case to be her property. Richard Thomas, a neighbour of Miss Mansel's deposed to taking the measure of certain tracks which corresponded with the prisoner's boots. The tracks examined led to the window which had been broken. A piece of candle was found near a hay-stack by witness's son, and given to the constable. By a Juryman I did not reckon the number of tacks in the shoes. Superintendent Thomas, of the Castlemartin district de- posed to visiting Miss Mansel's house where he found the window broken. He received a number of articles from Miss Davies, and examined the tracks near the window. He also received a small piece of candle from the last witness, and in consequence of information went to the prisoner's house, and asked for his shoes. Prisoner said he didn't know where they were but admitted that a pair pointed out to him were his. Witness examined one and found it to correspond with the marks. Prisoner had a pocket book in his possession containing a German silver pencil case. There were two pieces of candle in the prisoner's pocket, and to one of these the piece found by the son of the last witness, fitted exactly. Witness charged the prisoner with the burglary, but he denied it, saying he had not been out of bed. The prisoner was conveyed to the lock up at Pembroke, and upon his father saying to him, "How could you be so wicked last Sunday night, John." Prisoner said You know, father, I was not out of the house last Sunday night fortnight." The father said No, but as to last Sunday night I can say nothing." Prisoner then admitted having broken into Miss Mansel's house, and that he had taken the pencil case. Prisoner here stated that the policeman's wife offered to let him go near the fire if he would confess the robbery but the witness denied this. Superintendent Rees deposed that he saw the pocket book in the prisoner's possession in January, at which time there was no pencil case in it. His Lordship summed up, and the jury found the pri- soner guilty, and he was sentenced to eighteen months im- prisonment. r [It will be recollected that the prisoner was the person who attempted to escape from the Pembroke Lock-up, but was frustrated in his design through the resistance of Mrs. Thomas, who was awarded a sovereign as a mark of His Lordship's approval of her conduct.] Thomas Edwards, 34, mariner, was indicted for unlawful. ly wounding Daniel James at the borough of Pembroke on the 19th July, 18-56. Mr. Lascelles conducted the prosecu- tion. It appeared that the parties were at a public house, and there was a conversation as to getting some liquor, and prisoner, who was drunk, went up to the prosecutor with a glass, full of ale, in his hand, and with his clenched fist struck him. The glass broke, and the consequence was that three arteries of the eye were severed, by which he has lost his sight. The jury found the prisoner guilty, and he was sen. tenced to a month's imprisonment. John Phillips, 20, labourer, was indicted for wounding Thomas Phillips, at the parish of Rhoscrowther, on the 14th Nov., with intent to do grevious bodily harm. Mr. T. Allen appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Gif- fard defended the prisoner. Thomas Phillips examined: The prisoner and I were fellow servants at Corside, in Nov. last. On the 14th of that month I was in the field with him, carting out lime and earth, and Geo. Richards was also there. I was filling, the prisoner was driving. We had some words, I forget about what, and some blows passed, I think. I don't know who struck first. When it was over ho went away with his load, and having taken the lime and earth out with a mattock, he brought the im- plement back to me. I did not see him when he came back with the empty cart, nor was 1 aware of his presence till I received the blow on my back. I was stooping. I did not see who struck me, but I was struck with a mattock in the small of the back and fell. When on the ground I was struck again with the mattock I suppose. Cross-examined: I had a fight with the prisoner, but can't say'whether I beat him. The prisoner is eighteen, and I thirty.six l George Richards examined: I was working with the prosecutor and prisoner at the lime and earth. It was usual to bring the mattock when they got to the end of the row, and the prisoner had finished his row before he brought it back. They had a quarrel, the commencement of which I did not see, nor do I know who was most punished in the affair. I afterwards saw the prisoner strike the prosecutor with the mattock when he was on his knees, and then I went for my master, Mr. Hitchings. The prosecutor was on the ground. Blood was flowing from his head. Mr. Superintendent Thomas examined I heard the par- ticulars of this assault, and apprehended the prisoner on the 14th of November, but he had to be several times remanded before the prosecutor could attend. Cross-examined: I heard the prisoner say he did it in a passion and was very sorry for it Mr. H. P. Jones examined: I saw the prosecutor at my surgery on the day he was injured. He was brought to my surgery in a cart almost insensible. He had a bruise on the back and a severe cut on the left side of the head just above the ear. He was bleeding from it. My opinion at the time was that there was a fracture at the base of the skull; at all events there was a severe concussion. The mattock pro- duced might have caused the wound I have spoken of. Mr. Giffard What is the thickness of the humau skull ? Witness: Yours or mine ? (Laughter) Mr. Giffard Now, sir, you needn't be so clever. I don't intend to submit mine to investigation. Witness Nor mine to you. Mr. Giffard: I ask you, sir, not to be so clever, but to answer my question, what is the thickness of the human skull ? Witness: About the third of an inch. Mr. Giffard: Don't you think that if the mattock had been used with any degree of force that it would have broken his skull ? Witness: Yes, with any degree of force. Mr. Giffard: Would the wood inflict the injury you saw ? -No, it was a cut wound-there was no bruise. The witness Richards being re-called, stated that he could not identify the mattock produced as the one used on the occasion. Mr. Giffard in his address to the jury did not contest the facts deposed to by the prosecutor, but, after a satirical to the flippancy allasion of Mr. Jones, he asked the jury to look at the circumstances of mitigation and left the case in their hands. His Lordship, paying a compliment to Mr. Giffard on the proper way in which he had submitted to incontro- vertible facte, explained the law, and The Jury retired, and in a few minutes returned with a verdict of Guilty. His Lordship said he wished to give further consideration to the case before sentencing the prisoner, whom he ordered to be brought up on Tuesday morning. Mc" Giffard then called two witnesses who gave the pri- soner an excellent character. Benjamin Llewellin., aged 28, labourer, and David Williams, aged 25, labourer, were indicted for stealing one sheep, value X5 5s., the property of Richard Scale, at the parish of Bletherstoue, on the 7Lh Jan. Mr. Owen prose- cuted, and Mr. Giffard defended. Richard Scale examined: On the 8th of January I missed a ram, which I .searched for ineffectually till the 16th, but subsequently found it at the house of Mrs. Collins, at Nar- berth. I identified the skin from a mark on the tail. Mr. Giffard: Your ram was not a perfect one, I believe ? Mrs. Collins examined I purchased the skin of a ram from David Williams. I bought seven. I cannot swear to the one I bought from David Williams. Mr. Owen Is this your skin, Mr. Scale ? (Laughter.) I mean the skin of the ram ? Mr. Scale: It is. Thomas Truscott Superintendent of Narberth was called, but nothing was elicited from him inculpatory of the ptisoner, and he was not cross-examined. A female witness proved the purchase of a ram from one of the prisoners, but certain explanations which she gave negatived the possibility of its being the ram spoken of by the prosecutor. His Lordship then enquired if the prosecution was not prepared with more conclusive evidence thau this— Mr. Owen Yes, my Lord, there is an admission which I propose producing. Mr. Giffard Then in that case I must cross-examine Truscott. This witness was then recalled, and he admitted, with- out evasion, and apparently unaware of the position into which he was betraying himself, that he had advised the prisoner Williams to confess the whole truth and give I evidence against Llewellin by which he (Williams) would come off free. His Lordship having remarked that he hoped this was not the witness's custom, Mr. Giffard submitted that the admission made before the Magistrates was not admissable, inasmuch as it had been produced by an inducement. Mr. Owen contended that the ordinary declaration had been read to the prisoner at the end of the examination before the Magistrates, in which he was cautioned that anything he might say would be taken down and might be given as evidence againt him upon his trial; but Mr. Giffard rejoined that there was nothing in the first ) declaration which referred to an inducement held out, and that as the second declaration warning prisoners that they had nothing to hope from any inducement which might have been holden out to them, had not been read, the inducement might still be acting on the prisoner's mind at the time of the admission which, therefore, was not re- ceivable. His Lordship decided that the evidence was not admissible and turning to Truscott, said,- -It is not unlikely that you by going out of your way to get a man to give evidence promising him that he should go free, have prevented the due course of justice. I never heard of such an extraor- dinary course as you have taken, but independent of all the irregularity and improper conduct I hope the magistrates of the County of Pembroke will investigate the matter and see whether you are a person fitted to hold your office as a policeman. It is no part of a policeman's duty to go about extracting confessions, and I hope the magistrates will enquire into your conduct, because if this be your practice I should recommend them to discharge you. The prisoners were then ordered to be discharged. John Dowd, 23, a soldier, was indicted for burglariously entering the dwelling-house of Mary Evans, at the borough of Pembroke, on the night of the 11th of December, and stealing a drawer, key, and certain money, the property of the said Mary Evans. Mr. Mills prosecuted. The evidence of one witness, Daniel Daly, went to show that on the night in question the inmates of the house were disturbed, and looking out at the window he perceived two men beneath, one of them having his hand in proximity to a drawer. The man so engaged happening to look up saw he was observed by Daly, and he and his companion at once decamp- ed. It was moonlight, and according to the witness the prisoner was the man who raised his face to the upper window. When the men had gone the, parties in the house went down stairs and saw that the till was missing, and that entrance had been effected through an extracted pane. Some time afterwards Daly, who had seen the prisoner once before the robbery in question, recognised him in the streets of Pater as the man he had seen on the night of the 11th, and subsequently he pointed him out of 30 soldiers in the guard room. This was the only evidence against the pri- soner except that moneys said to be almost agreeing with the amount lost from the till were found upon him, and that he was absolutely proved to be absent from his company at the barracks on the night in question with another man, but he urged, and it was not denied by the sergeant, who proved the latter offence that many men might have' been absent from other companies, and he also pointed out how easily Daley might have mistaken one soldier for another, more especially as the evidence of identity was without corroboration. His Lordship pointing out that the evidence as to the coins was weak, went through the case favourably to the prisoner, who was acquitted. The court rose shortly before six o'clock. TUESDAY. The Court opened at nine o'olock. The prisoner John Phillips was this morning brought up to receive judgment for the assault on John Thomas. His Lordship, remarking that he had taken time to consider what sentence ho should pass on the prisoner for the com- mission of the grave offence of which he had been found guilty, said that while affording due weight to the good character which had been given to him by more than one witnesses, he still felt bound to pass a somewhat severe sentence, not mere as a punishment for the offence committed but, as a warning to others against the use of murderous weapons to gratify passionate feelings. The sentence was that he be imprisoned for twelve months. Benjamin Thomas, 33, sawyer, was indicted for feloniously assaulting David Evans, in the parish of Llanstadwell, and putting him in bodily fear and danger of his life, and of stealing from his person £10 lis. 3id. on the 16th of February. Mr. Owen prosecuted. Prosecutor exaniiiej I was at Haverfordwest on the 16th of Febrtrai/.#?'p|pl several bills, and had remaining a JE5 note of Mr. Walter's bank, and six sovereigns. I left for Neyland by the twelve o'clock train, and proceeded from the station to the Traveller's Rest which I reached about four o'clock. There were several persons present, and the prisoner joined the company about seven o'clock, and Jesse Evans, the landlord and I had a glass of ale. I remained till about nine o'clock, and on leaving deposited half a sovereign with the landlord for the purpose of treating the company, who were my customers for butter and other things. In handing over the half a sovereign I took out the whole of my money, so that the prisoner and the rest saw it. I should say that it was a sovereign I gave to the landlord, and that I had half a sovereign returned to me. On leaving I asked two boysjto accompany me home, and they went out with me, but when we had proceeded about two hundred yards the prisoner jointed aa, and not. liking his look desired them all to return, as I could go home alone. They did go back, and I went alone in the direction of my home but when I had reached a valley near Shipping, the prisoner came up, and putting his arms around me said, I muit have your money or life.' He put his hands in my side pocket and took the money out. I was afraid to resist him He put his hands in my other pockets and took away everything except a handkerchief and my keys. With my money I lost a butcher's knife, given to me that morning, and some receipts. When he had rifled my pockets he left me, and I proceeded quickly homewards, but before I had gone far he came up with me again, and taking hold of me, said, I must have your watch." I told him I had no watch, and requested that as he had my money he would spare my life. The night was fine and clear, and I could see the prisoner plainly. I had known him twelvemonths and had seen him that night in the Traveller's Rest. I also knew bis voice. Some time after my arrival at home the landlord of the Traveller's Rest, James Newland, Wm. Griffiths, and Wm. Howell, of Honeyborough (the two latter were not at the Traveller's Rest when I was there), came to my house, and in consequence of what passed we went for a constable, and he accompanied us to the lodgings of the prisoner, whom we found lying on the floor. I gave him in custody, and he was searched. There were upon him a X-5 note, five sovereigns, and half sovereign, six- pence, two penny pieces, three halfpence, and a pair of gloves, which I had on the evening when I was robbed. The prisoner was detained in custody and brought before the magistrates. I was sober when at the Traveller's Rest. Cross-examined by the prisonor: I was not tipsy when I first saw you in your lodgings about six o'clock. I did not throw a man over the chair. I gave two boys a shilling to get beer. Perhaps I drank a glas of it. I don't know how many persons were in the Traveller's Rest. I drank a glass of grog. I was not tipsy. I asked the boys to accompany me because I didn't like your looks. Jesse Evans, examined I recollect the prosecutor being at my heuse (the Traveller's Rest) on the day in question. The prisoner care there, and the company comprised several other persons, whom the prosecutor treated. The prosecutor, prisoner, and two lads left about nine o'clock, but the pri- soner returned in about three quarters of an hour. One of them offered him a little whiskey and water. The prisoner's finger trickled with blood, and he was asked by one of the company if he bad been committing murder. He replied "No;" and shortly afterwards took from his pocket some receipts. (These were produced and identified by the prose- cutor as his property.) He took out a bank note also, and about five or six sovereigns, but he put them again into his pocket. I inquired what he had been doing, and he asked me what I meant. I replied that he had been robbing Mr. Evan of Sbippin, on which he threatened to strike mo. I repeated that I was certain the receipts in his possession be- longed to Mr. Evans. Presently the prisoner went out, but in a minute or two returned. I was talking to the lodgers about the matter when he came in, and he told me to hold my tongue. Subsequently I saw him searched and taken into custody. The money described by the prosecutor was found on the prisoner. The witness was subjected to cross-examination by the prisoner, but nothing was elicited to serve the purpose of the defence. James Newland deposed to hearing the prisoner say that the prosecutor had several sovereigns in his pocket, and that he intended to have some of them. He also confirmed the statements of the previous witnesses, and others gave cor- roborative evidence of the prisoner's departure from and his return to the Traveller's Rest, of his having an abundance of money and certain receipts in his possession, and of his search by the constable, with its results. Others deposed te finding a knife, and some receipts on the road, and the latter were identified by the prosecutor, who could not, however, swear to the note. The prisoner, in a rambling defence, denied his guilt, and urged that the prosecutor was incapacitated by intoxication from identifying any one who might have attacked him. The Jury found the prisoner Guilty, and a previous con- viction was proved against him. His Lordship, in passing sentence, said:—You have been convicted upon the clearest possible evidence. I never saw a case more conclusively proved in a court of justice, and it is a very bad and serious offence. It is the offence of high- way robbery in the night time, and for this I must make an example of you. I am very glad to find that there are no other cases of this description at the present Assizes, and I hope the offence is rare in the county. You seem an old offender, and therefore the sentence of the Court is, that you be condemned to penal servitude for six years. William Smith, aged 1.5, labourer, was indicted for steal- ing a flannel shirt, value 6s. the property of Wm. Lewis, at the parish of Nevern, on the 24th of February. Mr. Powell prosecuted. The article mentioned in the indictment was seen safe on the 24th of February, immediately before the prisoner called at the prosecutor's house. It was missed soon after his departure, and was found next day on his person. The jury found him Guilty, adding a recommendation to mercy. His Lordship said it was a trifling offence, and he should not visit it with a severe punishment. Ho should order the prisoner to be incarcerated for a month. [During the progress of this case his Lordship com- plained of the too prevalent practice at these assizes of bring- ing unnecessary witnesses, thus saddling a heavy expense on the county.] The following bills were ignored by the Grand Jury: — A charge against Ellen Newton, for concealing the birth of a child, and an indictment against Maria Nicholas, for a a similar offence, and Margaret Nicholas for aiding in its commission. Mathias against -Eva;is.-This was an action to recover possession of a farm at Eglwyswrw. Mr. Grove, Q.C., and Giffard, were counsel for the plaintiff, and Mr. Evans, Q.C., and Mr. Hughes, for the defendant, The facts: were those :—In the year 1813 a marriage settlement was entered into between Caleb Evans and Benjamin Evans of the first part, David Griffiths and Easter Griffiths of the second part, Essex Bowen and John Evans of the third part, and William Bowen and Thomas Lewis of the fourth part, by which the land in question was conveyed to Essex Bowen and John Evans in trust for Benjamin Evans for life, the remained for the use of Easter Griffiths for life or widowhood, the remainder to William Bevan and Thomas Lewis for a term of one thousand years, to raise portions for the younger chil- dren resulting from the marriage of the said Benjamin Evans and Easter Griffiths. William Bowen died in 1822, Thos. Lewis in 1845, and Esther Griffiths and Benjamin Evans died respectively in 1830 and 1845. The two latter left several children, of whom three now survive. The estate was recently sold at the instance of the Court of Chancery, to raise portions for the younger children. The plaintiff became the purchaser, and had the property conveyed to him by Mr. W. II. Lewis, eldest son and sole executor of Thomas Lewis. The defendant, however, refused to give up possession, hence the present action, the defence to which was, that there was a prior deed of 1804, to which Caleb Evans and William Davies were parties, and that as this deed was for a term of one hundred years, and Davies was not made a party to the second deed, it was invalidated. But as it was not shewn that the deed of 1804 had ever been acted upon, Mr. Grove contended that there was presumption of a surrender or re-conveyance, and his Lordship adopting this view, a verdict was given for the plaintiff, with leave to the defendant to movo the court above to enter a verdict for one moiety of the said farm. The Court adjourned at six o'clock. WEDNESDAY. Gonne against Lalcs.-This was an action of trespass, Mr. Evans, Q.C., and Mr. Coleridge appearing for plaintiff, and ..Ilr. Giffard and Mr. Hughes for the defendant. The learned counsel on each side produced a large mass of evidence in support of their case, but the material facts were, that a party wall existing on the Marsh farm, in the parish of St. Mary, Tenby, lately purchased by the plaintiff, had been pulled down by Mr. Edward Mathias, brother-in-law of the defendant, on the plea that a right of way previously ex- isting had been interfered with. The wall in question had been built for the purpose of enclosing a piece of land known as the Wreck Field." The Jury found that the defendant had a right of way, but awarded a shilling damages in respect of the excess of breakage by the defendant, who, to secure his right, had knocked down no less than thirty yards of wall. His Lordship certified for a special jury. t This case terminated the business of the Assize, at noon.
BRECONSHIRE.
BRECONSHIRE. BRECONSIIIRE LENT ASSIZES. Up to the 11th inst. there are only eight prisoners in custody for trial, the crimes alleged are-Henry Jenkins and William Thomas charged with burglary, at the parish of Vaynor; Thomas Lewis, with night poaching, at the parish of Llanelly Evan Evans, for stealing a pony mare at Devynnock William Williams, for stealing pig iron, at Llangattock; Thomas Davies, for stealing a copper roller, at Llangenny Charlotte Stephens, for wilful stabbing, at Penderryn Ann John, for stealing X15, the property of her master, at Brynmawr. COMMITTALS TO BRECON COUXTY GAOL.—By P. Wil- liams Vaughan, and Evan Bowen, Esqrs. Edward Phil- lips, labourer, to six months hard labour, summarily convicted of stealing, at the parish of Llanfihangcl-Taly- llyn, a cross-cut saw, and 3 lbs. of bacon, the property of John Thomas. By the Ven. Archdeacon Venables, and E. D. Thomas, Esqrs.-Jon Davies, cooper, to three calendar months' hard labour, in default of a penalty of £ 5, inflicted for attempting to destroy salmon in the river Irvon, during the fence months. By David Thomas, Esq., mayor—Roger Morgan, sawyer, to 14 days' hard labour, convicted of va- grancy, in the borough. By Martyn Thomas, Esq.— William Williams, boatman, for trial at the Assizes, charged with having, at the parish of Llangattock, stolen a quantity of pig iron, the property of Messrs. Joseph and Crawshay Bailey Thomas Davies, labourer, also for trial at the assizes, for stealing a copper dandy roller, the property of the Messrs. Parry. Ihmcox BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. Monday, before David Thomas, Esq., and Walter Maybery, Esq., A] r. Christ- mas, of the Green Dragon was summoned for non-payment of Board of Health Rate. Ordered to pay by two fortnightly instalments.—Thomas Jones, junr., glazier, was summoned by P.C. Jones, for being drunk and disorderly on the 5th inst. Jones did not appear. He was adjudged to pay 5s. and costs, and in default to be put in the stocks.—Thomas Jones, landlord of the Dolphin, was summoned for keeping his house open after legal hours. P.C. Ball stated that he visited the Dolphin on the 5th inst., about two o'clock in the morning, and found a great number of persons there some of the worst characters of the town, and there appeared to be dancing in every part of the house, it was the cause of creating a great disturbance in the neighbourhood. He informed the landlord that he was wrong in allowing persons' at that hour to dance and cause such a noise. Jones, the defendant, stated that it was Llanfaes feast, and he was not aware that it was not allowed at the feast time, and hoped their worships would overlook the offence. He thought that he had a right to keep open his house as well as other publicans, he knew other houses that allowed persons to remain there all night. The bench told him that licensed victuallers were allowed to keep open all night providing there was no disturbance. There were two other summonses against Jones for the same offence, and he was fined Is. in each case and expenses, and allowed a month to pay
PETTY SESSIONS FOR THE HUNDREDS…
PETTY SESSIONS FOR THE HUNDREDS OF MERTIIYR AND PENKELLY. These sessions were held at the Shire-hall, Brecon, on Saturday last, before J. P. do Winton, Esq., and Walter Maybery, Esq. The overseers of the parish of Llanfyrnach summoned P. M. Pell, Esq., late of Tyraaur, in that parish for non- payment of poor-rates. The liability of Mr. Pell to pay the rates was disputed by Mr. David Thomas, on the ground that he had ceased to occupy the farm having sold the estate. Mr. S. B. Evans appeared on behalf of the parish officers. The assistant overseer, Mr. William Evans produced the rate-book properly signed and allowed, as by law required. He deposed to having demanded the rates from Mr. Pell when that gentleman refused to pay, in consequence of his having ceased to occupy the land since Michaelmas last. The assistant overseer admitted, on cross-examination, that the name of Mr. Pell had not been inserted in the rate-book when the first rate was made and signed. The property had been sold, and he had considerable doubts as to who was liable for the rates. He had applied to several whom he had been informed had become the purchasers of the property, but they denied their liability. Mr. Thomas contended that Mr. Pell's beneficial oc- cupation had ceased since Michaelmas last, and that since that time he had only occupied according to the custom of the country, and the present owner of the property was alone liable for the rates now claimed from Mr. Pell. Mr. Lord, who was formerly Mr. Peel's farm agent, proved that he had ceased to be employed by that gentle- man since the 29th of September last. He had since acted for Mr. Waller, auctioneer and estate agent, London. Mr. Waller had sold the stock for Mr. Pell, and he was still in his employ. Their worships after consulting together said, that it appeared Mr. Waller acted as agent to Mr. Pell, and they, therefore, felt bound to make an order upon the latter gentleman for the payment of the rates. Henry Rauff and John Rauff, two German lads, one 16 and the other 13 years of age, appeared in support of a summons issued against Mr. Morgan, of Danycrug, near this town, for non-payment of 18 month's wages, which amounted to £ 5 17s. 3d. each. Henry Rauff, a most intelligent lad, who appeared in rags and without shoes or stockings, (his master having kept his clothes,) deposed that he came into this town with his little brother John about two years ago, he played on the accordion, and his brother played on the triangle. They went up one day to Danycrug to play during the harvest. Mr. Morgan told them he had no time to listen to their music, but if they liked he would give them a job of work. The lads consulted together, and returned to Mr. Morgan, when they agreed to go to work for 6d. per day during the harvest. They worked for him at 6d. per day for some time, but after the harvest was over they were discharged. In October, 1855, they came again on their rounds to Brecon, and Mr. Morgan met them in Ship-street, and asked them if they would like to have a job of work with him, to which the lads replied in the affirmative. Mr. Morgan agreed with them for three pence per day and their board and lodgings, and they went to work accordingly. They had re- ceived some money on account, and clothes, and remained in his service till Thursday last when their father came for them. Mr. Morgan had kept their clothes, and refused to pay them any wages. John Rauff, (who appeared in rags and without a coat or shoes, but who seemed a most intelligent lad,) corroborated the evidence of his brother. Mr. Morgan admitted that he had agreed to give the lads clothes and board and lodgings, but denied that he had agreed to pay them three pence per day as alleged. He asked for an adjournment in order to produce a witness who would confirm his statement. The bench refused to adjourn the case unless he paid for the keep of the lads for that time, as the statement made by them had the impress of truth. They would make a deduction for clothes and money paid on account, and ordered the defendant to pay the boys XI each, and costs, and to return the clothes which he had kept from them.
I BRECON LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.
I BRECON LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH. This board met on Monday last at the borough hall. Present-David Thomas, Rsq., mayor, in the chair, Alder- man Maybery, Col. Pearce, W. L. Banks, Esq., James Williams, Esq., Mr. Morris, Mr. T. B. Jones, Mr Abel Powell, and Mr. Thomas Powell. The Mayor twad the following letter which had been ad- dressed to their clerk by the Secretary of the Gas Company, in reply to a letter written by him to the directors request- ing them to number the whole of the lamps in the town. In reply to your letter of the 24th ultimo, I am de- sired by the directors to say that they consider it would be useless to incur the expense of numbering all the public lamps, particularly when the position of every lamp is so explicitly mentioned in the schedule to the contract entered into for lighting the town." Mr. Morris said the company treated them very cavalierly, but it was just what he expected from them after the con- tract had been signed. Mr. Maybery said the council must meet the company in the same way. The Chairman thought a deputation from the council ought to see the secretary and ascertain from him what they meant. The council were good customers to them. It was ultimately agreed that the Town Clerk should write to the secretary to know the reason for refusing to number the public lamps. Mr. Morris asked the Mayor if lie had received any com- I municatioll from the county magistrate with reference to the extension of the county gaol, as the property belonged to the borough, and the county merely paid a popper corn rent, which according to a minute in their book was let to tho county with a provision that such tenancy might be I termmated by either party giving six months notice, Lind it was their duty to protect that property. In common courtesy to the council the connty magistrate ought to have consulted them, the land was let at so low arentupon the consideration that the county should support the borough prisoners for the time being in the county gaol instead of which the borough had to pay a share of the expenses of the gaol. Col. Pearce said he paid £6 a-year to Mr. Lazenby the governor, for a piece of land which he held adjoining the gaol. Mr. Maybery asked if they were going to extend the gaol on the borough property. Mr. Morris—They had done so, they had commcnced the eftavations. Mr." Maybery I thought it was their duty to the borough to put an end to the agreement and obtain as much rent as they could, they certainly ought to have a more substantial rent than a pepper corn. I His Worship coincided with Mr. Maybery, but as they could not deal with the question at that meeting he would suggest that a special meeting of the council be called to discuss the question, and communicate with :the Clerk of the Peace. The board felt obliged to Mr. Morris for bringing this subject forward. Mr. Morris said they should be wanting in their public duty if they did not see into it, especially when Col. Pearce told them that he paid £ 5 rent for what they let at a pepper corn rent. It was agreed to call a special meeting on the subject. Mr. T. B. Jones said the pitching in the town was in a very bad state, and their surveyor was in a very peculiar posi- tion, being one of the directors of the gas company, and he was not at all satisfied with Mr. Kirk's reports of the Watton pitching. Mr. Kirk assured the board that he had not interfered in any question which had been brought before the board of directors in which he was concerned as surveyor to the council. The Mayor observed that the pitching was in a very bad state and in some places it was dangerous. He then asked some member to move that the surveyor should make a survey of the pitching, and report at their next meeting. Mr. Kirk said the Gas Company had agreed with Vickery that in three months after the work had been completed, the pitching should be properly replaced and left in the same state as when he commenced laying the mains. Mr. Banks said they had nothing to do with Vickery, they should look to the company to put the streets in good repair. Mr. T. B. Jones moved that their surveyor make a report of the whole of the pitching and paving that had been re- moved by the gas company, and what it would cost to pUt them in good repair. Mr. Banks seconded the motion which was agreed to. Mr. Morris said he had been asked by several parties if the borough police were kept to protect private property. The police had been placed to watch the church. Mr. Maybery said he was the guilty party and he threw himself upon the clemency of the council. Mr. Banks considered if any private gentleman thought his property was in danger of being stolen he would be justified in calling a policeman to protect it. Mr. T. B. Jones asked the Town Clerk if he had heard any anything from the county magistrates as to the lights en the bridge. The Town Clerk replied in the negative. Mr. Stephens the inspector of nuisances said, that several parties had complained to him of a large quantity of manure which Mr. Prothero had placed in a field near the barracks being a great nuisance. The board ordered the usual notice to be served upon Mr. Prothero for its removal. After paying some small bills the board adjourned.
IMODERN MANNERS. I
I MODERN MANNERS. I That one half of the world is ignorant of how the other half lives is an old enough saying, which would appear to be singularly illustrated by the case of "Coglan v. La Mert," which was tried on Saturday last before Mr. Justice Willes at Oxford. In this proceeding were invol- ved the son of an English nobleman, a quack doctor, an Irishman in an indescribable position, and a horse formerly the property of that respectable member of society, William Palmer of Rugeley. The action was in the nature of an interpleader to try in whom lay the right of property in the horse, which was called Gemma Di Vergy. We need not, however, trouble our readers with technicalities, as they have nothing to do with that which we alone are concerned—namely, the picture of modern manners which is presented to us in this report. The two principals in she transaction were the plaintiff Coglan, a defaulter on the Turf, and Joseph La Mert, who is described as a quack doctor. The history of Coglan appears to have been somewhat as follows :-He began life as apprentice to a merchant at Dublin, but the tedium which attends the operations of legitimate commerce was not to his mind, for in the year 183-5 he became affiliated to the Turf. We cannot suppose that during the first five years of his carter in this speculative profession Coglan very materially im- proved his fortune, for in the year 1840 we find him engaged at the Wellington Arms, at Strathfieldsaye, in a serious game of Blind Hookey" with a young gen- tleman named Stratford. From this deluded individual he won a sum of £ 10,000, for which he obtained bills, which he endorsed away to another dupe, from whom he received as value EI,000 or E5,000 in cash. The endorse sued the young champion of Blind Hookey" on the bills, failed in his action, and lost his money. This transaction, as Coglan said, proved to him a great moral lesson." It is to be regretted that during the next six years materials fail us for an exact biography of Mr. Coglan. In the year 1851 he became insolvent, but most unfortunately, as he said, through a techni- cal objection"—the man is an Irishman,—his petition was dismissed. He happened to be down at a steeple- chase at Liverpool in the year 1855, and there he was arrested. When questioned by the Court he was unable to give any idea of the amount of his debts. They might reach the sum of £ 20,000 or, again, they might not—he was entirely uninformed—or perhaps, magnas inter opes inops, he was too well informed upon the subject. He was a defaulter on the Turf had he not so far back as the year 1850, as he informed the jury at Oxford with tears in his eyes, sustained heavy losses on that debatable ground ? Despite of this series of adventures in the year 185G, by some miracle of good luck or good management, he had a credit in the hands of his bankers, Messrs. Herries, Farquhar, and Co., to the extent of E 1,800, and in that year paid E650 as the price of the horse Gemma Di Vergy to the Hon. Mr. Lawley. Mr. Lawley, as is sufficiently notorious, subsequently got into difficulties. The horse was seized, as his property, by the Sheriff of Berkshire under an execution, and the ques- tion before the Court was whether the sale from Lawley to Coglan was a bona fide proceeding, or whether it was a mere pretended sale, set up in order to protect from Law- ley's creditors a horse which had so increased in value as to be estimated at £ 2,000. Mr. Lawley's connexion with the case is somewhat more strange This gentleman, the son of Lord Wenlock, was com- pelled through untoward circumstances not long since to quit the country. Before the occurrence of this event, however, the Turf, like misery, had made the hon. gentle- man acquainted with strange bed-fellows. On Saturday last there was placed in the witness-box, as a person who had acted in the character of Mr. Lawley'a confidential agent, a street-sweeper named Hamil. This exhibition will, we fear, prove a heavy blow to the" crossing interest." Mysterious tales have ever been rife as to the luxurious manner in which the ladies and gentlemen who devote themselves to this somewhat unpretending profes- sion pass their hours of retirement. If we remember right, the tenant of the Bank crossing is generally sup- posed to have married a lady of great personal attractions and considerable fortune, and to have resided in a genteel villa residence in one of the more polite suburbs. Even the less fortunate members of the profession are said to meet at luxurious suppee tables, and to laugh over their savoury rashers and steaming punch at the credulity of the public. Elderly street-sweepers of the gentler sex have died upon mattresses stuffed with golden sovereigns. Their outward poverty has been but as the ugly wall of the Alhambra, erected by the cautious Moor to disarm the Nemesis of his creed, and conceal the internal splendour, which might provoke the envy of mankind. Mr. Hamil, however, the street-sweeper, the confidential agent of Mr. Lawley, regardless of the traditions of his school, made ostentatious display of his wealth. He carefully inspected the check which was submitted to his notice with a gold eyeglass, for he had been called by the plaintiff to prove that the amount of one of the checks had been paid to Mr. Lawley. It is a somewhat novel feature in London life to find a street-sweeper engaged in Turf transactions, acting as confidential agent to a nobleman's son, and coming forward to give his evidence in a court of justice with a gold eye-glass. Time was when the betting-ring was filled with gentlemen of high character but those days seem to have departed.
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THE MAN FOR THE FOREIGN OFFICE.-If ever the Manchester party should get into power, Mr. Cobden, of course, will be the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Of all Foreign Secretaries that old England has ever seen, the honourable member for the West Riding would be the most thoroughly foreign.—Punch. NOTES ON THE THRUSIl.-The thrush is a bold, saucy rogue-one who will not be daunted, or put down by any one. He fears no enemy—not he And determined if possible to have no enemies, he sings to all alike. As we have before observed, he pays due deference to the black- bird, with whose matins he rarely interferes but no sooner are the devotions of the latter over, than the welkin rings out with the most ravishing strains of joy. No suppressed notes have we here. Our hero's heart is full to the brim, and we must hear what he has to say both to his cara sposa and to us. So rapid, too, is his utterance, and so expressive his little story of love and happiness, that variety appears in every second note he utters. He is now in all his glory.-Kidd's Treatise on the Thrush, Black- bird, &c. THINGS TIIAT SURPRISE ME.-That the most con- temptible biped in pantaloons imagines that the most. at- tractive and lady-like woman out on a sunshiny day, is but too happy to be ogled and followed. That women should accept presents valuable, or the contrary, from gentlemen who are not relatives. That men can use pro- fane language and depreciate female virtue, in the pre- sence of ladies, and still expect to maintain their claims to the title of gentlemen. That they can consider it a proof of a superior understanding to sneer at the Sab- bath and those who desire to respect and observe it. That tall Anakims of men should invariably make matrimonial overtures to little buttons of women. That a lecturer should so often find the lost thread of his discourse in the tumbler of water at his elbow.-Panny Fern.
I LITERARY NOTICES.
I LITERARY NOTICES. The History of France, from the Earliest Period to the Present Time. By Thomas Wright, Esq., M.A., F.S.A., c. Part VII.—The London Printing and Publishing Company. This work progresses most satisfactorily, and will con- stitute an exceedingly handsome library edition of the history of France. This number has appended to it full-length portraits of Napoleon III. and Eugenic, done in the highest style of art. They are really beautiful en- gravings, and themselves of more than double the value of the price of the part in which they appear. The Chain Bearer. By Fenimore Cooper. (Parlour Li- brary.)—London: Thomas Hodgson, 13, Paternoster Row. Edgar Iluntly, or, TIle Slucp IValleer. -London :-Thomas Hodgson. The constant and increasing demand for The Parlonr Library" is the best evidence that could be adduced of its popularity, and Mr. Hodgson has determined to sustain its high character by the selection of the best novels at his command, and this month we have Fenimore Cooper's celebrated 11 Chain Bearer" and the popular talc of The Sleep Walker"—works with which our readers are no doubt acquainted, leaving us the simple duty of calling their attention to them as a part of this popular series of tales. Count of Monte Christo. By Alexandre Dumas. Part VI. London W. Kent and Co., Paternoster Row. This work is so universally known that we need but mention it to secure to this edition the support which its elegance and cheapness deserves. This is the sixth part, and the edition when complete will form a handsome library volume. The Rifle Rangers. By Captain Mayne Reid. Part III.- London Kent and Co. This part completes the work. Captain Mayno Rcid's popular tale is well known to our readers as a work of thrilling interest, and this edition, we are sure, will be sought for eagerly, is no other combines so much elegance with cheapness. The London University is not so good this month as formerly, although there are several excellent articles. It would be highly injudicious to change the character of this magazine in order merely to secure an extensive cir- culation earlier than could possibly be done by exclusive dependence on literary merit. We are aware that the class of readers for whom this serial was evidently in- tended at first are not so apt to run after new publications as those who seek for the reading suitable to a vitiated taste. These remarks are justified by some alterations which have been designedly made, the chief of which is the introduction of "That's the Question," a tale very inferior to the ordinary novels in magazines. It does not admit of a shadow of a doubt that the permanent success of this magazine must be secured by articles such as those which uniformly appeared in the first volume. The National Magazine is worthy of its editors, and if Mr. Saunders and Mr. Westland Marston continue as they have begun they cannot fail to secure public approbation and even a more durable reward for their labours. The engravings are finely executed from well selected designs, particularly The Village Gossips" and "A Contrast," which are really choice specimens of the English School." The literary department is an agreeable admixture of entertaining and instructive reading of considerable merit, and far beyond the average of cheap magazines. Punch's wit is as pungent, and his satire as keen, as ever. The cartoons for the past month are admirable spe- cimens of the London Charivari's humour. The Family Friend and Family Economist are invalu- able magazines for the domestic circle, being instructive useful, and entertaining,
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Why is a tight shoe like a fine summer ?—Because it makes the corn grow. It is better to be the credit of a mean post than the shame of a high one. What is the best attitude for self defence ?" said a pupil to a well known pugilist.—" Keep a civil tongue in your head" was the signiifcant reply. It is said that certain aristocratic temperance men re- fuse to have anything to do with water because it is so often drunk. When a friend once told Plato what scandalous stories his enemies bad propagated concerning him, "I will live so," replied the philosopher, that no one shall believe them. Well, Sambo, how do you like your new placer"— 0, berry well, massa." —" What did you have for break- fast this morning ?" Why, you see, missis biled tree eggs for herself, and gib me de brorf." The Rev. Nathaniel Howe, of Hopkinston, exchanged with a brother on a Sabbath when the morning chanced to be rainy and the afternoon pleasant. Observing a much larger attendance at the second service, he com- menced his prayer with the following:—"O Lord! have mercy on the noon hearers and fair weather Chris- tians. LAST WORDS OF MARIA THERESA.—To her son, Jo- seph, who was persuading her to try and sleep, she said, "Joseph, when God is calling, who dares sleep ?"-D?-. Do?-an. How TO ALARM THEM.—A gentleman at Notting Hill who has a dread of garotters over his garden wall and burglars in his bed room, has succeeded in awing a bad neighbourhood by putting up as a notice, "A wild Irish- man is let loose on these premises after dark." THE "WOODEN WALLS" OF ATHENS —When the Athenian envoys consulted the Delphian oracle as to their hopes at Salamis, the priestess assured them that the wooden wall" alone should remain unconquered. The people enquired what was meant by the wooden wall." Some supposed that the acropolis itself, which had been originally surrounded with a wooden palisade, was the re- fuge pointed out but the greater number, and among them most of those who were by profession expositors of prophecy, maintained that the wooden wall indicated the fleet, as it does at this day in our national boast of the wooden walls of Old England."—limbs's "Curiosities of History." HOMCEOTATIIY.—The Lancet in its last number hurls the following indictment against homccopathy:-The homcco- path is one whose philosophy is to expect something from nothing—whose logic is comprised in assertions without proof-whose moral mechanics require a fulcrum of cre- dulity to work on—who sacrifices the right to the expe- dient-who places his trust in crying out one thing, and crying that one thing very loudly-who is occasionally a very clever man with a bee in his bonnet-is sometime a knave, sometimes a fool, and often both-who is a great tea-table physiology, and luxuriates in scientific lectures adapted to the meanest capacity-who, like the ass in the lion's skin, takes advantages of degrees legitimately ob- tained to practise in a manner diametrically opposed to the belief he expressed for the purpose of obtaining them, and who calls this honesty—whose influence is almost entirely exercised on weakmiuded men and silly women-and who considers that rowing against the stream of science is the way to arrive at the ocean of truth." A NAPIER REMINISCENCE.—Anniversary of Busaco, in which I was shot through the stem and George through the stern that was burning the family candle at both ends. I was on horseback, and the shot stunned me, black shadows came across my eyes, my sight went, I reeled in the saddle, and fell; my cousin Charles picked me up, and then blood gushed from where the ball had entered it was supposed to have lodged in my brain, and that I was a slain man. I could not see or speak, but heard-" Poor Napier, after all his wounds, he is gone at last." I felt obliged by this regret, but hoped they would not bury me, being still alive and bent upon living. The observation made me uneasy though, for when a fellow shows no life they are sometimes on a field of battle over quick in burying him so with a slight twist I intimated, alive but not merry.-Life of General Sir Charles Na- pier. As a child Sir Charles Napier was demure and thought- ful, and his expressions generally had a touch of great- ness. A longing for fame was with him a master pas- sion, and in his childhood he looked to war for it, with an intense eagerness yet nothing savage ever entered his mind, his compassionate sensibility was that of a girl; it was displaped early and continued till death. When he could but just speak, hearing for the first time the caw of a single crow, probably a melancholy one which infancy could detect, he stretched forth his little hands, and weeping, exclaimed with broken infantine ac- cents, What matta, poor bird ? What matta ?" And only by repeated assurances that the bird was not unhappy could he be pacified. At ten years of age, having caught a fish when angling, he was surprised by the descent of a half-tamed eagle of great size and fierceness, which, floating down from a tree, settled upon his shoulders, co- vered him with his huge dark wings, and took the fish out of his hands. Far from being frightened, he pur- sued his sport, and on catching another fish, held it up, inviting the eagle to try again, at the same time menacing the formidable bird with the butt end of the rod. Plu- tarch would have drawn an omen from such an event. About this time he was taken to the Hot Wells of Bris- tol, where Mr. SLeridan, being acquainted with his fa- ther, took much notice of the boy, and once offered him a present of money, which was instantly rejected. Papa told me never to take money, and I will not have yours but I thank you." Sheridan was surprised, and rather characteristically said to the father, Your boy is a fine fellow, but very wonderful. "-Ibid.