The Court of Queen's Bench decided on Monday a nice
legal point arising out of the prosecution of Mr. Charlesworth, on a charge of bribery at Wakefield. It may be remembered that Fernandez, an essential witness, would not give evidence at the assizes, that Mr. Justice Hill, instead of directing an acquittal on this failure of proof, discharged the jury and fined Fernandez 5001. for contempt. Mr. Charlesworth had pleaded "Not Guilty," and that plea remained. Another was entered, that he had already been put upon his trial, and could not be tried a second time. A rule was then obtained to set aside this plea, intended as it was to bar further proceedings. The case was learnedly argued, but the Court decided that the plea must be taken off the file, on the ground " that a plea of this nature cannot be pleaded in a misdemeanour." A very curious action has been tried in the Bail Court before Mr. Justice Hill. Mr. Harvey, a chemist, sued a Mr. Robert Clavering Savage for the recovery of a diamond ring, worth 1000/., the charge being that Savage had wrongfully converted the ring to his own use. Some years ago Mr. Savage persuaded one "Minnie Holmes " to become his mistress, but a few months ago they parted at Paris, because Savage somewhat too nearly justified his name at the ex- pense of the woman. On coming to England she brought with her the ring in question, and pledged it for 101., the pawnbroker, who refused to give more, alleging doubts as to the rightful property of Holmes in the ring. Subsequently she raised 21. on the duplicate at the shop of Harvey, but when he proceeded to redeem the ring it was gone. The pawnbroker had communicated with Savage, to whom lie supposed the ring belonged, and Savage had obtained it. Mr. Harvey then commenced this action. The evidence showed that both Holmes and Savage lived in a manner not creditable to either. The question was, did Savage give her the ring, or did she take it, not steal it? The Jury was satisfied that it was her pro. p erty, and found for the plaintiff, damages 10001.
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