Mr. V. Smithwished to put a question to the right hon. Home Secretary of State for the Home Department. It appeared, that on the Sunday before last, on the occasion of the condemned sermon preached before the murderer, Daniel Good, in the chapel of Newgate, a scene had taken place, which, in his opinion, and, he had reason to believe, in that of the public at large, was a highly indecent one. Orders were previously issued by the sheriffs for particular admissions into the chapel to hear the condemned sermon among others, several ladies of some distinction had seats reserved for them and the whole thing was conducted with an appearance of theatrical display which was highly indecorous and improper. He, therefore, wished to ask the right hon. Baronet if, as Secretary for the Home Department, he had any authority to control such exhibitions for the future? and, if he had not this authority, to point out to the House in 1024 what way he thought that means might be taken for preventing the repetition of a scene utterly revolting to all sense of decency.
§ Sir J. Grahamsaid, that as to any direct authority or control, the Secretary of State had none over the civic authorities, in reference to the proceedings in the chapel of Newgate, but he had always found the utmost readiness on the part of those authorities to attend to any suggestions on the part of the Government, which appeared likely to be attended with desirable results. He quite agreed with what had fallen from the hon. Gentleman, and participated fully in his expression of regret at what had taken place on the occasion referred to. He must say, that, in his opinion, the scene which then occurred was altogether calculated to disturb the last moments of the unhappy man who was so soon to fall a just victim to the offended laws of his country, and was in every way little calculated to serve the ends of religion and order. He was sure, however, that the mention which had been made of the subject, and which he would himself communicate to the authorities in the city, would have the effect of preventing any repetition of this very improper scene.
§ Subject at an end.