2 NOVEMBER 1850, Page 15

THE LAW OF YAGABONDAGE.

Sin—The Recorder of Birmingham cited a statute (the Vagrant.Act) to show that his principle of acting on reputation and notoriety, without the proof of specific facts, is not new to our law. He might have adduced other authorities to the same effect. For' instance, in the 43d of Elizabeth, which has been called the Poor Man's Magna Charta, a provision will be found for setting to work all persons, "married or unmarried, having no means to maintain them, ancL[who] use MO ordinary and ,daily trade of life to get their living by," a. 1. By the 4th section, one Justice of the Peace may send to the house of correction or common gaol such as shall not apply themselves to work, being appointed.thereto as aforesaid. This enactment evidently proceeds on the assumption,justified by cape- rienee and common sense,. that a.man without property, who does not work,