A strong deputation waited on Mr. Cross on Thursday, to
ask him to bring in a Bill modifying the law under which the Brighton Aquarium Company was fined for keeping open the Aquarium on Sunday. It was stated that under the same statute actions were pending against the London, Brighton, and South-Coast Railway, for accumulated damages amounting to £10,000; and against the Daily News and Telegraph for 15,000 each, for advertising that the Aquarium would be open. Mr. Cross said he was advised that he had power to remit the penalties, but Mr. Brewer, legal adviser to the Brighton Company, doubted this power. Mr. Cross also desired that the Aquarium Company should stand a friendly action, to see whether they were liable if they abolished the band, and this was agreed to, the Home Secretary promising to remit the penalties. Of course, if the Home Secretary can remit the penalties the informer's occupation is gone, but it would be more satisfactory to pass a short Act declaring that no action under the Act of George HI. shall be brought without the con- sent of the Attorney-General. The Police could then prosecute when necessary, and abstain from prosecuting when public order was not disturbed.
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