Deemsters are considered extremely equitable. Strangers, indeed, imagine that in trials between themselves and the natives, the latter sometimes have the preference. Of their laws and constitution they talk little; there are no parties among the generality of the people; and differences of opinion respect English, and not Manks politics. In the House of Keys, however, dissensions sometimes arise. Their debates and decisions are not always so favourable as the other branches of the legislature might wish; and they possess a large majority of what is termed the Manks party, or those more inclined to the preservation or enlargement of the rights and liberties of the people than to the encroachments of any part of the government. Major Taubman takes the lead of this party; and holds the office of Speaker of the House.

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CHAPTER VII.

On the Privileges enjoyed by Debtors.

A FEW anecdotes arising out of the real, or supposed privileges of the island, will form the subject of the present chapter,

Although persons having debts abroad or actions determined against them are privileged, excepting so far as respects their moveable property, yet no asylum is here afforded for any one guilty of criminal conduct.

About sixty years since, a lady of the name of Hingstone was imprisoned in this island for a debt of her husband's, the particulars of which transaction I am unable to give the reader. It gave rise to a pamphlet, published in 1751, entitled " Liberty Invaded," and to another by J. Baldwin, Esq. entitled "British Liberty in Chains, and England's Ruin on the Anvil in the Isle of Man, now commonly called, Little France, addressed to all Free Britons, zealous for the glory of their King, the Liberties of the People, and

Safety of the Realm, especially to the laudable Association of Antigallicans," 1755, 8vo.

A considerable time ago, a man of the name of Wood escaped from Dublin goal and found his way to this island. He was either traced, or discovered by advertisement; and a correspondence respecting him ensued, between the Governor of Man and the Secretary of State for Ireland. The nature of his crime I have been unable to learn, but am informed that it was not felonious. He was finally escorted back to Dublin.

Scotch bankrupts refusing to surrender themselves, have sometimes been apprehended on this island and sent back to Scotland, even at a time when such conduct was not in that country felony.

A few years ago a stock broker of the name of Daniels, nephew to Mr. Goldsmid, arrived here from London with about eleven thousand pounds in his pocket. He had been employed by a person to sell out stock to the amount of sixteen or eighteen thousand pounds, and received the money of the purchaser. He gave his employer, as is usual, a draft upon his banker for the amount; but not thinking proper to pay in any of the sum received, and not having sufficient effects

any

?

there, the draft was returned for non-payment, and the drawer was not to be found. It appears evident from the transaction that his design was fraudulent; but not more so than that of person purchasing goods, re-selling them, and making off with the money; which latter practice is deemed in law, unless the articles be bought under false pretences, to be a private and not a public wrong. There is no law to prevent a man's drawing upon his banker for a greater sum than the effects in his hands, The vendor, in accepting the draft instead of cash, took it upon the reputed credit and integrity of Daniels; and although many persons considered the transaction as a fraud which the law could reach, yet the greater number of those, well informed on subjects of this nature, did not imagine it to be so, Of the former opinion was the Chief Magistrate of the city of London, who, on complaint being made to him, gave immediate directions to have the offender advertised in all the papers, with a reward for his apprehension. These advertisements very accurately described his person; and the High Bailiff of Douglas was the first who perceived a resemblance between their description and a gentleman who had lately taken lodg

ings in that town. He communicated his suspicions to others, and an examination was determined upon. The account which he gave of himself was so contradictory as nearly to determine their opinion; and, instead of conveying him to the Castle, the more lenient measure was adopted, of placing sentinels at the door of his apartments till the Governor's pleasure could be known. He afterwards confessed to Lieutenant Governor Shaw and the High Bailiff, that their suspicions were well founded. The Council was convened upon the occasion, and it was determined to deliver him into the custody of two Bow-street Officers, who had come in pursuit of him. It was thought expedient to gain Daniels' consent to his return. This and the money in his possession were obtained by the Officers, on giving their promise that no criminal prosecution should be carried on against him. On his arrival in London, a process of this nature was, nevertheless, immediately commenced, and he was finally acquitted by the jury.

This transaction gave rise to a long paper war, carried on by the High Bailiff and a resident of Douglas, supposed to be Sir John Macartney, through the medium of the Manks