[185] Bentham defines the "Lettre de Cachet" as "an order to punish, without any proof, for a fact against which there is no law."--(Principles of Penal Law, chap. xxi. part 3). [186] In the year 1820 the Spanish government suppressed some of the leading newspapers for daring to adversely criticise the police of Madrid, and at the same time it was currently believed in England that Italian police officials employed the torture to procure evidence against persons suspected of political offences. [187] Hansard, vol. i. p. 271; and see Ann. Reg. 1830 Chron., p. 185. [188] See article by Sir C. Warren, _Murray's Magazine_, Nov. 1888. [189] See Report of Parliamentary Committee, 1838. [190] 10 Geo. iv. c. 45. [191] 3 Will. iv. c. 19. [192] 6 & 7 Will. iv. c. 50. [193] Peel wished to include the City of London in the Metropolitan Police Area, but in a private letter to a friend frankly confessed that he dared not meddle with it.--("Life of Sir Robert Peel," C. S. Parker). [194] 2 & 3 Vict. c. 47. [195] See 2 & 3 Vict. 47-71 & 93. [196] See "The Police of the Metropolis," by Sir C. Warren--_Murray's Magazine_, Nov. 1888. On the 15th April 1829, Peel informed the House of Commons that crime was then far more prevalent in the metropolis than in the country--one person out of every 383 persons having, on the average, been committed in London, whilst in the provinces the proportion was only one in 822. [197] 1st Report Constabulary Commissioners, 1839, page 13. [198] 3 & 4 Will. iv. c. 90. [199] This "Lighting and Watching Act" still remains the authority for the appointment of firemen, who may be "additional constables," and who, "shall, during the time they shall be on duty, use their utmost endeavours to prevent any mischief by fire." (3 & 4 Will. iv. c. 90, s. 41.) [200] 5 & 6 Will. iv. c. 76. [201] 13 and 14 Car. ii. c. 12. [202] 1 and 2 Will. iv. c. 41. [203] 5 and 6 Will. iv. c. 76. [204] 1 and 2 Vic. c. 41. [205] Bicknell's "Police Manual," p. 58. [206] 2 & 3 Vict., c. 93. [207] In 1840 the Act was amended, and a separate Police rate levied, by 3 & 4 Vict., c. 38. [208] In the year 1842, the Criminal Jurisdiction of Courts of Quarter Sessions, which hitherto had been competent to deal with all offences except treason, was limited by 5 & 6 Vict. c. 38, which removes murder, capital felony and some other offences from the cognizance of the Justices. In the metropolis, at the same time, much criminal business was transferred from Justices of the Peace to Stipendiary Magistrates. This was due rather to the increase of commitments consequent upon an improved police, than to any implied incompetence of the Courts. In 1896 Quarter Sessions were again empowered to try Burglary cases (59 & 60 Vict. c. 57), and a further extension, or rather restoration, of the powers exercised by Justices in Quarter Sessions is understood to be now (1901) under consideration. [209] 5 & 6 Vic. c. 109--amended by 13 & 14 Vic. c. 20.