§ MR. S. SMITH (Flintshire)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been drawn to the performances on Whit Monday at the Crystal Palace of a female aeronaut, who ascended some mile and a-half into the air, hanging to a balloon by her teeth; and, whether he is prepared to take any steps for the suppression of such exhibitions?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)No, Sir; I had not seen an account of this performance; but I am advised that the law does not prohibit public performances on account of their danger to an adult performer, and that I have no authority to interfere. The law leaves these matters to the good taste and feeling of the community, which, I hope, will always be sufficient to discourage any unseemly exhibition. I understand that the danger in this case is more apparent than real, as the woman is really suspended from the car.