The acquittals of the Captains of two Steam-vessels, on charges
of manslaughter, are stated in our abstract of the proceedings in the Courts of Justice. The verdicts, given under the direction of the Court, are such as we expected and the circumstances warrant. We are glad, notwithstanding, to see that the owners and agents of steam- packets frequenting the port of London are to hold a meeting, on
Thursday next, to consider the best means of making the navigation of the Thames more sate to vessels of all sizes. It is only clammy! neglect that subjects, or that ought to subject, persons to punishment; but it is the duty of men in every calling to take precautions against accidents. As far as we have observed, the commanders of steam- boats are as free from the blame of an incautious manner of con- ducting their business as any other class of persons ; and nothing can be more unfair than the attempt to hold them up as reckless of human life. There is a strong disposition, however, in sonic quarters,
to commit this injustice. Let the public lie on their guard. We suspect from the tone of a recent article in the Times, that the conduc- tors of that journal are only waiting for a favourable opportunity to join the cry which the cheap-humanity people are striving to raise. There is danger of hasty and unjust legislation on this subject, if the facts are not kept steadily in view.
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