§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the sentence of three months' imprisonment passed at the Guildhall on Saturday, 25th September, upon Harry Taherman, a native of Russian Poland, for stealing a purse from a lady as she was entering an omnibus in Old Broad-street, E.C.; if he is aware that the prisoner declared on oath that he picked the purse up in the street, when he was surrounded by an excited crowd and was taken into custody by a policeman, and, in consequence of the magistrate recommending his deportation, the prisoner declared that he was a deserter from the Russian army and, if sent back, would be shot; and if he intends taking action in the matter.
§ Mr. GLADSTONEI have received the recommendation of the court in the case1556W referred to by the hon. Member, and am proceeding, as usual, to make thorough inquiries before deciding whether to act on it and make an expulsion order. For the present I can only say that statements such as are said to have been made by this alien are very frequently made by alien criminals, and that in most cases no foundation can be found for them except the alien's desire to remain in this country.