[19] Ibid. i. 220.
[20] Ibid. i. 220.
[21] In March 1805 the sheriffs of London had been committed to Newgate by the House of Commons for gross partiality in favour of Sir Francis Burdett at the election for Middlesex.
[22] ‘State of Prisons in England, Scotland, and Wales,’ 1812.
[23] These cabins were partitioned off by a wooden hoarding which went up three parts of the way to the ceiling, and they received all light and air from the top.
[24] See ante, vol. i. p. 250.
[25] ‘Neild,’ p. 425.
[26] Ibid.
[27] Ibid.
[28] Debtors are still sent to prison (1883) for a fixed term, but only under a warrant of contempt of court. It is in the power of the County Court judge thus to punish all whom he believes can pay, but will not. Nevertheless, numerous cases of hardship still occur. As when a working-man’s wife pledges his credit in his absence, makes away with the writs served by the creditor, and ignores judgment obtained. The husband hears first of the affair when arrested for contempt.