There is always some crime prevalent in London, besides fraud,
which is chronic and incurable. Just at this moment, it is ruffianism on the Thames Embankment and in several subur- ban districts, especially Hoxton. Gangs of boys and young men assemble, and for sport assail any respectable person passing, .often pursuing their "fun " until he dies or is carried into hospital. Eight persons were recently taken out of the Thames in one week, and though Sir W. Harcourt says they were all suicides, he takes his information from the police. Mr. Justice Hawkins, on Saturday, described the state of affairs as most discreditable to the police management, and sentenced a man convicted of a murderous assault—followed by death—to ten years' penal servitude, the Crown having, with ill-advised lenity, withdrawn -the charge of murder. Severe sentences in such cases are in- dispensable, but why should not dangerous districts be decently policed ? We venture to say that if Sir E. Henderson or the Prince of Wales conjd be made to stand sentry for a week on the Victoria Embankment, the place would be as safe as a London drawing-room. If there is a Bishop desirous of martyrdom, he has a magnificent opportunity. One Bishop beaten into his grave by belt-buckles would make all London safe.
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