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Foreign News
September 25, 1829
Rhode Island American, Statesman And Providence Gazette
Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
Pauper William Smith wins £70,000 and £2,000 annual annuity in lawsuit against East India Company after parish dispute publicized, leading to investor aid. Reported in London paper.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
GREAT CHANGE OF FORTUNE.
On Wednesday one of the officers of the Ward of Coleman street came to Justice room, before the Lord Mayor took his seat, for the purpose of mentioning the good fortune which had been visited upon a pauper named William Smith lately, and which entirely arose from the publication of a complaint made by him at the Mansion house some time ago against the parish officers, before the present Lord Mayor.
Upon the occasion alluded to, the pauper complained that the parish refused to advance him a pound or thirty shillings, upon his assurance that he would not apply again for a considerable time. The officers however, had had so much experience of the promises of paupers, that they thought fit to refuse him in any other way than weekly, and told him if he did not like that mode he might appeal to the Magistrate.
The pauper therefore did so, and told the Lord Mayor that it was his intention, the moment he should obtain what he was legally entitled to, to repay all the money he had been long in the habit of receiving from the parish. The parish officers said they had reason to believe that there was foundation for the poor man's statement as to his claim to large property; but without the assistance of some man of the law, who had capital and honesty he might as well hold his tongue on the matter.
A gentleman of large fortune called upon the authorities, and asked whether it was true that one of their poor considered himself entitled to large property? The pauper himself was introduced to the inquirer, and stated circumstantially the nature and extent of his claims. He believed them to be at least to the amount of 50,000l.
"I shall be glad," said the gentleman, "to receive a tenth part of the sum for you." and immediately employed a solicitor, who proceeded at once.
The defendants were no other than the East India Company, and the other day the case came on, and a verdict to the amount of 70,000l. and 2,000l. a year, was given for the plaintiff before Chief Justice Best.—London paper
On Wednesday one of the officers of the Ward of Coleman street came to Justice room, before the Lord Mayor took his seat, for the purpose of mentioning the good fortune which had been visited upon a pauper named William Smith lately, and which entirely arose from the publication of a complaint made by him at the Mansion house some time ago against the parish officers, before the present Lord Mayor.
Upon the occasion alluded to, the pauper complained that the parish refused to advance him a pound or thirty shillings, upon his assurance that he would not apply again for a considerable time. The officers however, had had so much experience of the promises of paupers, that they thought fit to refuse him in any other way than weekly, and told him if he did not like that mode he might appeal to the Magistrate.
The pauper therefore did so, and told the Lord Mayor that it was his intention, the moment he should obtain what he was legally entitled to, to repay all the money he had been long in the habit of receiving from the parish. The parish officers said they had reason to believe that there was foundation for the poor man's statement as to his claim to large property; but without the assistance of some man of the law, who had capital and honesty he might as well hold his tongue on the matter.
A gentleman of large fortune called upon the authorities, and asked whether it was true that one of their poor considered himself entitled to large property? The pauper himself was introduced to the inquirer, and stated circumstantially the nature and extent of his claims. He believed them to be at least to the amount of 50,000l.
"I shall be glad," said the gentleman, "to receive a tenth part of the sum for you." and immediately employed a solicitor, who proceeded at once.
The defendants were no other than the East India Company, and the other day the case came on, and a verdict to the amount of 70,000l. and 2,000l. a year, was given for the plaintiff before Chief Justice Best.—London paper
What sub-type of article is it?
Colonial Affairs
Economic
What keywords are associated?
Pauper Fortune
East India Company
Legal Verdict
William Smith
Colonial Claim
What entities or persons were involved?
William Smith
Lord Mayor
Chief Justice Best
East India Company
Where did it happen?
London
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
London
Event Date
On Wednesday; The Other Day
Key Persons
William Smith
Lord Mayor
Chief Justice Best
East India Company
Outcome
verdict for plaintiff: 70,000l. and 2,000l. a year
Event Details
Pauper William Smith, after complaining to the Lord Mayor about parish relief refusal, revealed claims to large property. A wealthy gentleman funded his lawsuit against the East India Company, resulting in a favorable verdict.