biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

ALLEGED MURDER IN A CEMETERY.

A prolonged inquiry took place on Monday after-
noon at Woking Necropolis, before Mr. Ronmien,
county coroner, as to a female unknown, whose body
was found in a retired part of the cemetery shot in
the head. At first the fatal wound was supposed to
have been self•inflicted, but from the careful disposi-
tion of the body on the ground and the manner in
which a revolver was found in her lap suspicions were
aroused. These were confirmed by the experience of
the coroner and Dr. Shepherd.

After the pl-morleaz examinatloo, Dr. Shepherd
ttid that the moment he had examined the deceased's
head he became convinced that the fatal shot had not
been tired by her own hand, and on corsideration he
felt that it was impossible she could have fallen in the
position in which she was found.
Deputy Chief-constable Barker said that he had
made every inquiry to get the body identified, but
was unsuccessful. The woman was dressed very re-
spectably, and was about forty-five years old.

_
As there waa no direct evidence of the mnrder the
jury returned an open verdict, eo that the police might
pureue tteir icquirieunfettend.

It is itofel in the tneteornl,gicni vport that the sun
reAN)ear.o i ; T.onden on Sunday for the first t-irnj
since the 23rd ult.

The total number of beasts entered a', the Metro,
politan Cattle Market for consomption for the week
ending Saturday last was 2,250 hod; in the corre•
spending week of 188:3, 2,820; 1882, 3,200; 1881,
2,160 ; 1880, 3,180; 1879, 3,770; 1878, 3,160; 1877,
5,000; 1876, 6,480; and 175, 3,780,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

MYSTERIOUS MURDER NEAR WOLVER-
HAMPTON.

On Saturday, Mr. Phillips, coroner, opened an in-
quest at the New Market Hotel, Wolverhampton,
respecting the death of the young woman Eliza Cart-
wright, 21, of Bradley, who died in the hospital from
the effects of a murderous outrage committed on her at
Deeptields cn the previous Thursday. Evidence was
adduced to show that the deceased had no acquaint-
ances, either male or female, and that for some time
past she had been in the habit of walking over a
colliery mound to her work early in the Fiorning.
About six weeks ago she changed her route in conse-
quence of being frightened by a man one morning
coming across a field on his hands and knees, but she
escaped by hurrying to some men who were going to
work. On Thursday morning she left home for her
work at seven o'clock, and in an hour and a quarter
afterwards she was font d insensible and horribly mal-
treated by the side of an old pit mound. Her head,
much battered and fractured, lay in a pool of blood
and her clothes were much torn, while a couple of
large cinders lay beside her, one covered with blood
and hair. Nearly forty yards from where she was
discovered were unmistakable marks of a deadly
struggle baying taken place on the footpath of the road,
and then were continued far 16 yards, from which
point to the spot where she was found her 193c1y sp.
peered to have been dragged head 'oremost, as the heel
marks were visible on the ground. Stains of blood
were scattered the whole distsnse from the com-
mencing point of the struggle. The scene of the
murder was at a place called Blue Button Bridge, over
a canal, and was within a shad distance of the Blue
Button pumping-engine, some cement works, and
cottages, all in different directions, but no one ap-
peared to have heard her screams or groans, nor did
she utter a murmur after being found. Mr.
Batterharn, the house surgeon at the hospital, in de-
scribing the injuries of the murdered woman, said she
remained insensible to her death. She was suffering
from a compound fracture of the skull, besides other
bruises on the head, and she had bruises on the backs
of her hands and arms and her left thigh. The in-
juries were not the result of an accidental fall, because
one of them was sufficient to cause death, and she
could not have inflicted a second one after it. She
had been subjected to great violence, though she was
a fine, muscular, strong, and powerful woman. The
inquest was aljetirned until the 18th inst. for a post,
mortem examination of the body and also a micro-
scopical examination of the injuries, and, further, to
enable tbe police authorities to prosecute their in
quiries.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

THE BIRMINGHAM DYNAMITE
MANUFACTORY.

It is stated that the police at Birmingham have at
last solved the mystery as to the identity of White-
head, who is now undergoing penal servitude for life
in connection with the discovery of dynamite in that
town. Among his papers at the Lsclaam-street nitro-
glycerine factory was a lar?e piece of foolscap, on
which the woods "James Murphy, M,issachusetts,"
were written by means of psrforations with a pin. The
police seized this with other things, and Whitehead sub-
sequently, in prison, asked for his effects, and seemed
particularly anxious regarding this piece of foolscap.
An officer, observing this, said, "That's just what we
thought; your name is James Murphy and not White-
head." The prisoner tried to laugh the matter off,
but he was evidently much disconcerted. Since his
conviction a man, reprementirg himself to be White.
head's uncle, has come from Boston, Massachtisette, to
claim certain of the prisoner's effects, and it is
understood that the convict is now entered in the
prison books as James Murphy, alias Whitehead.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

DEATH OF KESHUB CHUNDER SEN.

A Calcutta telegram says that Keshub Chande
Sen, head of the Brahmo Somaj, or the reformed
theistic sect of Hindoos, died on Tuesday morn•
ing. The Times, in an obituary notice, says :
"The deceased gentleman was the most active and
distinguished leader in the New Theistic Church,
founded about 1830 by the late Raj ill Rammohun Roy,
a reforming sect composel of hignly intellectual men.
Their religion they regarded as a pure theism, which
recognized the absolute unity and spirituality of G3d,
the abolition of caste, and the education and elevation
of women. In the course of a very few years Brahmo.
ism passed through three different str4 es. In the first
it had for its foundation Vedic testiroooy tempered
by reason ; in the se-ond, reason and philosophy, and
about 1870 it was supposed to stand on intuition
guided by reason. The progressive Bralnno followers,
of whom Keshub Chunder Sen was the chief, have
gone through all these changes. He tried, with con
siderable success, and in the face of much opposition,
as early a 3 1866 to carry out in practice various
reforms. He had the boldness to countenance to an
unusual extent what might be called Revivalist prac-
tices and the outward display of religious ceremonial.
The result was a division of opinion and ultimate eepa
ration between the disciples of Keshub Chunder Son
sr,d the more conservative followers of Ramm,thun
Roy. Keshub Chunder Sen was an accomplished
Engli-h L,cholar. He visited this country som,.. }ears
ago, when he preached in several Unitarian chapels."

At Berlin on Sunday afternoon a fire broke out in
the so-called Princesses Palace, a wing of the Palace
inhabited by the Crown Prince. Happily only the
floor under a stove was burnt and the flames were
easily extinguished, the Crown Prince himself assist-
ing. All danger was over In less than an hour.
_ _ _ _

John M'Diarmid, a gamekeeper, died on Tuesday
from injuries he received in a recent poaching affray
on the Rosebery estate, near Gorebridge, on the 15th
of December- last. • The two poachers, Vicars and
Innes, were again remanded.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

A MAD ENGINE DBIVER.

In a telegram dated Tuesday evening the Paris Cor-
respondent of the Daily Telegraph says :
A startling event happened at an early hour this
morning in connection with the mail train from Brest,
which is due in Paris at ten minutes to five o'clock.
Whilst proceeding at full speed the passengers observed
the brakes to be put on with such suddenness that fears
were entertained that a collision was imminent, especi-
ally as the spot at which the train was drawn up was
in utter darkness. Upon the guard reaching the
engine he found the stoker endeavouring to overpower
the driver, who had evidently lost his reason After
blocking the line the guard joined the stoker, and suc-
ceeded in securing the unfortunate man, but not until
after he had offered a desperate resistance. The loco-
motive was then put in motion, the nearest station
was reached without further misadventure, and the
driver was placed in custody, The train ultimately
arrived in Paris after two hours' delay.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

CHARGE AGAINST A HERBALIST.

In London, on Saturday, at the Westminster Police.
court, James Wallis, a herbalist, was brought up by
Deteetive•insp3ctor Marshall charged with causing the
death of Matilda Sainsbury, at Chelsea, by adminis-
tering a poisonous dose of lobelia. On the previous
Thursday evening a coroner's jury returned a verdict
of manslaughter against the accused. It appeared
that he had prescribed an expectorant medicine for the
woman, who suffered from bronchitis. She died 40
minutes after taking half the medicine, which con-
sisted of the seeds and leaves of the lobelia plant mixed
with acetic acid. Dr. Stevenson, professor of medical
jurisprudence, who made an analysis by direction of
the Home Office, deposed-that the entire bottle of mix-
ture given to the deceased contained about 60 grains of
lobelia, the half of the fluid left for examination show-
ing nearly 30 grains on analysis. The presumption,
of course, was that the deceased had taken the re-
mainder of the preparation and as she was in a de-
bilitated condition he believed this would be a
poisonous dose. If the lobelia was taken in any quan-
tity, and the patient did not vomit, the effect of the
drug wouli be extreme depression, and appearances
similar to that produced by swallowing a solution of
tobacco.
Inspector Marshall said that although the prisoner
stood committed on the coroner's warrant it was
deemed advisable to have a m.sgisterial investigation.
On Friday afternoon, in company with Detective-
sergeant Turrell, witness arrested the prisoner and
told him the charge. Prisoner said, "I sent the
woman lobelia, but it is a lie to say it is poison. My
wife has taken double the quantity. That fool of a
doctor who gave evidence yesterday knews nothing
about it. The medical science of this country is a
fraud. God made the world, and gave herbs for
everything, but doctors don't know how to use them.
Lobelia is not a poison, and it was struck off the list
of poisons before a committee of the House of Lords
in 185'7."
The prisoner remarked that he did not think his
statement went so far as that made by the inspector.

Inspector Marshall sail prisoner's shop was fitted
up in the same way as a chemist's, with drawers and
bottles all rouLd on shelves.
Formal evidence of. the verdict of the coroner's
jury having beenkiven, the accused was then remanded,
Mr. D'Eyncourt remarking that in the absence of any
direct evidence he should accept his own recognizances
to appear.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

CAUGHT IN A WINE-ULLLAR.

At the Highgate Police-court on Monday EdzAbeth
Gillings was charged with stealing three bottle 4 of ale,
of the value of is. 9d., from the cellar of Messrs.
Smart, provision merchants, of Queen's-terrace,
Finchley. Messrs. Smart's cellars extended under the
house occupied by the prisoner, her mother, and two
sons. For a considerable time past goods had been
missed, including 20 pint bottles of champagne, hams,
butter, &Wes of beer, and other things. No traces
could be found of anyone having broken into the pre-
mises. Watches were kept, and on each of these occa-
sions no attempt at robbery was made. After a little
time Mr. Sillick, the prosecutor's manager, noticed
that two of the boards of the roof of the cellar, just
under the passage of prisoner's house, were loose. He
kept them under view, and soon afterwards noticed
that they had been again moved. In consequence of
this, on Saturday night, he and one of his assist-
ants hid themselves in the cellar. Alter waiting
until about a quarter past three in the morning
Mr. lick saw the two boards removed. Then ap-
peared a light, and in another moment a pair of bare
legs appeared through the aperture. These legs
belonged to the prisoner, who the next moment
was seen walking across the cellar in very light
attire. She was carrying a light and walked straight
to the shelf and took three bottles of ale. As she was
carrying them back to the passage, Mr. Sillock came
from his hiding-place and captured her. A constable
was sent for, and she was given in custody. On search-
ing the premises the police found a number of articles
similar to those sold by the prosecutor in her rooms,
and among other things a whisky bottle between the
mattresses.—After hearing several witnesses, the bench
remanded the prisoner for a week.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 1884.

KIDDERMINSTER.

ACCIDENT TO AN ENGINE DRIVER.—AII
driver named John Davis belonging to Stour midg.,
met with a very serious accident shortly after mid-
night on Monday night at Kidderminster Station.
He was stretching over the side of his engine with
the view of catching sight of a signal, when he
over balanced himself and pitched head foremost
upon the metals near him and fractured his skull
by the fall and he also received internal injuries.
Spofforth, surgeon to the Gnat Western Rail-
way Company, saw him, and Mr. Mayers the station-
master afterwards had him removed to the inflr.
inary where he now lies in a serious state. He had
only come on duty on the previous night after an
illness which had kept him at home.
BOARD OF GUARDIANS.-Mr. J. Minton, M P-1
presided at the fortnightly meeting of the Guard-
ians on Tuesday.—A communication was read from
the Local Government Board as to steps to be
taken in regard to re vaccination under the circum-
stances of'the outbreak of smallpox : and the
Chairman said the Guardians had really anticipated
these instructions. A house-to-hou-e visitation
bad been going on in the borough for the purpose
of revaccination chiefly and he understood that the'
had been a vast amount of private revaccination by
the medical men of the town. The Chairman sug-
gested that steps should be taken to facilitate re-
vaccination in the rural districts and a resolution on
the subject was adopted. It was stated the fees
the Guardians paid for vacination were is. 6d per
case and for revaccination is per ease. There were
several cases of smallpox in the infectious hos-
pital but it was stated none of these had arisen in
the house itself.

iwing drunk on the licensed premises, and the Bench
informed . him if he came abefore them again he
would be committed to prisuu without the option
of a fine.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

AGRICULTURAL PROSPECTS.

The Magnet, in a review of the British corn trade
during last week, says :—" The weather is very mild
and open, and vegetation is rather forward for the
time of year. There are no complaints to hand re-
specting the agricultural prospects, but a lower tem-
perature would no doubt be desirable. It is a matter
for congratulation that there have been no heavy
rains, consequently the low-lying lands have escaped
9,1 faa from floods, which are unpleasantly frequent in
mild seasons. Wheat thrashing is not making much
nrogre,s just now, and complaints are received both
from the North and from the Eastern Counties cf
appreciable nnevenness in the yield."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

TUE
.LARGEST

WEDDING AND FUNERAL CARRIAGE
.ESTABLISHMENT

IN THE MIDLAND COUNTIES

GEORGE MORRIS, PROPRIETOR,

SAG'S HEAD INN,

KING STREET (Late of StorieStteet), AND BAIT AND LIVERY STABLES, DUDLEY ARDIS,

DUDLEY.

DANKS. St. Thomaa-atreet,Netherton.
GOULD, Undertaker, Cradley Heath.
MOORE and FERRER, Undettakers,Kingawinford
WOODALL. Market-street, do.
-TFIELDA do. Brierley Hil
do. do
de, do

AGANTII:

A Large and Well-selected Stock or

MEERSCHAUM PIPES'

BRIAR

CIGAR

Arch er's,

_
WHIT)
DORREL,
EMERY
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

CHARGE OF ATTEMPTING TO MURDER

A WIFE.

James Lloyd, 30, a tube cutter, who is in custody
at Birmingham on a charge of attempting to murder
his wife, was brought before the magistrates on Monday
and formally remanded. The woman, who is 28
years of age, was not expected to live many hours,
her injuries being of a terrible mature in-
eluding a wound five inches in depth immediately
beneath the region of the heart. In her depositions,
she denied that she has given her husband cause for
the slightest jealousy. She appointed to meet him on
Saturday, but was detained at her work, and later on
she went home and to bed, where she fell asleep. When
she awoke her husband was standing over her with a
long clasp knife, and, after remarking that she had not
lung to live, and that she had deceived him, he rushed
upon her and buried the knife in her abdomen, after-
wards shouting out for the police to be fetched. The
knife was some time ago presented to the prisoner by
his fello workmen.

Twsday afternoon the half-yearly meeting o
the Cunvocqtion of the University of London was
h-ld in the theAtre of the university, Burbngt n•
glriens., when tor the first time lady graduates to(k
part'in the proceedings.
In Dublin on Wednesday, while Joseph Cooke,
aged forty-four, was leaning out of a cab window
giving directions to the driver the vehicle overturned,
and he was instantly killed. The driver was un-
injured.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

BALES BY AUCTIONI

BAGLEY STOCK SALE.
EVERY MONDAY.
THE usual Supply of CATTLE, SHEEP,
PIGS, &.-c. •
OATES, PERRENS, & WOOLDRIDGE

SALE OF ROSES, FRUIT TREES AND
SHRUBS, at the
TALBOT ROTEL
_YARD, ASTOURBRIDGE.

MESSRS.

OATES, PERRENS AND WOOLDRIDGE, will
SELL by AUCTION, en TnEbnay. JANUAEY 22nd,
1884, in the TALBOT HOTFL YARD, STOUABRIDGE, 200
Lois of Standard and Dwarf PERPETUAL ROSES of
the choieeit sorts, Specimen EVERGREEN SHRUBS,
APPLE., PLUM, awl other FRUIT TREES, consigned
for sale from an extensive nursery, at Hereford.
The Bale to commence at one o'cllck in the Afternoon
&Intim Offices, 102, High Street, Stonrbridge.

STOURBRIDGE STOCK SALE.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 15th, HSI
IL KING. Auctioneer.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

ATTEIMPTED SUICIDE IN A TRAIN.

On Monday afternoon, oii- the arrival of a train at
the Baw Station of the North London Railway, a
porter noticed a gentlemanly-looking man leaning hack
in the corner of one of the compartments of a fir -
class carriage. Thinking that he was asleep, the porter
went to rouse him, when he noticed that he was bleed-
ing from a wound in the left shoulder and was insen-
sible. Assistance was summoned, and the gentleman
was lif(ed from the carriage and conveyed into
one of the waiting-rooms, Inspector Smith, of
the K Division, who happened to be on the spot,
summoned a doctor, by whose directions the
wounded man was conveyed to the London Hos-
pitd. Mr. Smith then examined the carriage,
and on one of the seats discovered a small, well.
finished revolver, loaded with la 1 cartridges in three
of the chamber's, and with evident traces of another of
the chambers having been recently discharged. There
was also a mark as of a spent bullet on the back of
the seat where the gentleman was reclining when first
seen, but no bullet could be found; there was also a
letter addressid to a lady, in which the writer inti-
mated his intention of putting an end to his existence.
The injured man was exa Dined at the London
Hospital by Dr. Peskett, one of the house surgeons,
who dislovered that there was a bul:et wound right
through the shmilder, there being a hole in the coat be-
hind where the ball had come through. The would
be suicide was in an unconscious state, and nothing
was found to give a clue to his identity.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

DESTRUCTION OF A MANSION BY FIRE.

On Sunday, Lord Wimborne's residence at Canford,
near Wimborne, Dorset, was partially destroyed by a
fire which broke out about noon. The whole family,
including Lord and Lady Wimborne, were at the
village church, near the mansion, at the time, only
two or three servants being left in the house. Just
before the conclusion of morning service the congre-
gation were disturbed by the violent ringing of the
alarm bell, followed by cries of " Fire." A rush
was at once made for the house, from the centre
of which flames were soon seen issuing, and it
was soon found that the grand staircase was on
fire. Fortunately, the damage was, through the
exertions of the local fire brigades, confined•principally
to the four walls in which the staircase stood. The
flames raged with great fury, and at one time threatened
the whole fabric, coming right through to the large
hall and consuming some fine tapestries there. As the
house itself stands within a few yards of the river
Stour, there was a plentiful supply of .water, and this
was the chief reason the fire was prevented from ex-
tending, as a hign wind was blowing at the time.
Some valuable Worcester china and some fine oil
paintings were destroyed, and much damage was done
by water. The central part of the building was corn-
pletely gutted, and several thousand pounds' worth of
property has been destroyed.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

COOKERY EXHIBITION IN VIENNA.

In Vienna on Saturday the Cookery Exhibillion was
opened by the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.
The balls of the Agricultural Society presented
an interesting scene. Artistes of renown were employed
in arranging the chefs d'oeuvre of Austrian and foreign
cookery. '1 he roost striking feature was the game
aud fish of all kind. Besides the famous dining-
home firm?, many Austrian noblemen have allowed
their chefs to exhibtt. Count Schnenbirn's cook.
serves a complete P7lish Eater luncheon. The
proprietor of a dining room exhibits a miniature
railway train, in the cars of which is a sumptuous
hunters' collation. The whole is rendered more
attractive by a background of Alpine scenery. Salmon
and trout are served on board ancient galleys entirely
made up of eatables. Lobsters surround Neptune's
floating shell. Wild boars grace splendid sideboards
groaning under the load of good cheer.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

KIDDERMINSTER SCIIOOL OF ART.

The annual converaszione t3ok place at the above
school on Monday ni..fht, and there was a very
gratifying display of the works of the students,
testifying to important progress compared with the
previous year. 'lke dietribution of prizes took plc
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

Let those drink now who never drank before,

And those who always drank, now drink the more.
For 50 years Hominian's Pare Tea, has stood high in
the tstimation of tea thinkers, because it is at aU times
strong, rich and delicious, tecuring a wholesome cup of
tea.—Sold (in packe+s) at London fixed prices by
Chemists and others. List of Agents in thie locality:—
Clarke, Chemist and Baker, Chemist, High Street,
Hewitt, Market place ; Morris, 136, High Street.
—Brierley Hill Rawlings, chemist. —Kidderminster,
Hewitt, Bull Ring.— Halesowen, Adams chemist.
Lye, Jones, chemist, Wordsley. White, chemist.
Kingswnford, Pearson. Brettell Lane, :Collins,
chemist,—Birmingh am, Beaks, Bull Ring,—Quarry
Bank Watts Chemist.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

THE FRENCH IN TONQUIN.

A Reuter's telegram dated Hong• Kong, Jan, 9,
says :

Intelligence received here from Hanoi to the 2nd
inst., announces that a terrible explosion occurred
there on December 28, by which two batteries of the
French artillery were nearly destroyed, one artillery-
man was killed and three injured. The cause of the
explosion was believed to have been accidental. Great
destruction was also caused to the homes and barracks
in Hanoi. On the same day two thousand Anna.
mites attacked a French post held by fifty marines
and defended by entrenchments and bambo palisades.
After several hours fighting the enemy retired with a
lost of 100 killed and wounded.

Colonel Maassien had left with a column of troops
to hunt down the bands of pirates on the banks of the
R?.l River, and would Dos,ibly advance as far as
Hong Hoa.
Colonel Brionval had overtaken the Duboc bands in
the province of Iqamdinh, The enemy were completely
surprised, and took refuge in a strongly entrenched
position in a neighbouring village. The fighting con.
tinued for several hours, and resulted in a decisive
success for the French troops.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

Alfred J. OTTER,

RAILWAY AND CANAL WHaltV.ta:b'.

STOURBEIDOE.

COAL of all the Best Qualitie Delivered at Lowes
Possible Prices, and at the Shortest Notice.

Special quotations for Truck and Boat Loads.

USUAL TRADE TERMS.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

SUICIDE IN A CAB.

In London on Tuesday, Dr. Thomas held an inquest
at Paddington into the circumstances attending the
death of Paul Sherman, aged eighteen, formerly a
waiter at 104, Regent-street, and a native of Saxony.
Police-constable Evans said that on Saturday after-
noon he was on duty near the Great Western Hotel
when a four-wheeled cab came along, and the cabman
asked him to look into his cab, as he thought there
was something wrong. 01 looking into the cab he
saw Sherman twitching very much, on which he
told the cabman to drive him to the St. Mary's
Hospital, where, on arriving, the surgeon pronounced
him to be dead. Witness found a revolver on the seat
of the cab. One chamber had been discharged. He
found in the pockets of the man 50 cartridges and a
large piece of rope done up in a noose. There were
also two pawn-tickets and a farthing on him. The
cabman told witness that he picked the deceased up in
King William-street, and he told him to drive him
to Westbourne-terrace. When in Praed-street he
heard a peculiar noise in the cab, and that made him
stop.

Mr. J. Barker, living at 104, Regent-street, said
that Sherman had been in his employ about two
months as house servant. He was of a cheerful dis•
poeition up till a few days ago, when he seemed
rather strange in his manner, and did not take his food.
On Saturday morning he left the house and never re-
turned.

Dr, Degue stated that the deceased died from the
effects of the injury to the breast, he having shot him.
self.

The jury returned a verdict of suicide whilst of un
sound mind.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

A JOURNALIST'S ADVENTURE.

In London, on Tuesday, at the Marlborough-street
Police-court, Mr. H. S. Maclauchlan, a journalist, was
charged with being a suspicious character.
A policeman stated that he was on duty between
two and four o'clock that morning near Hanover.
square. At a quarter to three be saw the prisoner
loitering in the square, and told him to go home. The
prisoner took no notice, but continued walking round
the place. The witness subsequently asked the pri•
soner to give an account of himself, as he thought he
looked like a bad character. The prisoner replied
that he was a journalist. He was then taken into
custody and charged with being a suspicious character.
That morning the prisoner referred the witness to a
gentleman living in Charlotte•street ; but this gentle-
man said he knew nothing about him except that a
man of the same name had been a journalist some time
ago,
In reply to the magistrate the prisoner stated that
he was a journalist, and had been commisskrAd
the editor of his paper to make !.r.Cluiries into the
profits of begging in London. He disguised himself as
be now appeared, iiind begged all the previous day in
the Wt7si.end. He sang songs with a man who had a
banjo, and afterwards sold matches.
Mr. Newton: Was your arrest, then, to be made
part of your article?
Prisoner: No, that was unrehearsed, but it is a use.
ful and not disagreeable experience.

Mr. New tpn : Why did you not explain yourself
properly to the officer? If you are engaged in these
rash enterprises you must be prepared for such un•
fortunate denatlments as this is.
Prisoner to the policeman: Did I not explain to you
that I was a journalist, and engaged in my professional
work?

The policeman: No, you only said you were a
journalist, and you refused to give any other account
of yourself,

Prisoner: My recolleation of the fact is different.
You should study "Stokes on Memory."

Mr. Newton said he must have a witness to confirm
the prisoner's story, and the prisoner thereupon called
Mr. Hawkee, who stated that he was secretary to
the proprietor of the Echo, and knew the prisoner to
be a member of the staff of that paper. He had known
him as a journalist for five years. He was of good
character. Last week the editor :arranged with the
prisoner to get himself up as a beggar and do a day's
begging in the streets of London. The prisoner was
to write some articles on his experience. It was not
arranged that the prisoner was he taken into custody
or committed for a term of imprisonment. No doubt
either of these experiences would be useful to a
journalist.
By the Prisoner: Did you dress me in my present
getup in your chambers in the Temple yesterday
morning?

The Witness : Yes.
The Prisoner: Did you make these rents in my
clothes?
The Witness : Yes.

Mr. Newton Raid he was satisfied as to the pri-
soner's story, and he would be discharged. He trusted
that the unpleasantness he had encountered would
make him more cautions if he should meditate other
enterprises of this kind.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

rklE EARLY CLOSING ASSOCIATION.

The Annual Report of the Early Closing Associa-
tion, 100, Fleet-street, London, E.C., has just been
issued. It contains copious information concerning
the progress of the Early Closing movement in
London and the provincial towns. Alr tt2r issued
therewith states that the Saturday half-holinay hat
made great progress in the wettop)lis during the
year, and that it is in some measure due to the
prin,ipal tradesmen electing, to in tke Saturday the
early closing day, that the mid-week early closing
has, in some districts, been abandoned, The latter
arrangement has, however, been adnpted with
marked success in some suburban districts and in a
large number of country towns. The report con—
tains a list shewing the market days and early clos-
ing days in the principal towns of England and
Wales, and abundant statistics of the hours of
closing on Saturdays and otb er days of
the principal London houses. It also con-
tains a pithy letter on the movements from the Rev.
C. li. Spurgeon, and extracts from si eeches of Mr,
Forster, Mr. Goschen, and Mr. Joseph Cowen. It
is stated that the Board of Management have
striven herd to rouse a determined antagonism
against excessive overwork amongst all classes of
tradesmen and assistants, and have incurred great
pecuniary responsibility by holding numerous public
meetings, and carrying on a large distribution of
pamphlets, placards, hal3dblll9. ecc., Sze. They have
also placed every inducement before others to form
Local Committees and Associations, and lastly they
have spared no effort to rouse the public coLscience
against the baneful results of late shopping
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

DESTRUCTIVE FIRES

A tire troke out on Saturday afternotu at the
Victoria Cotton Mills, near Skipton, Yorkshire,
owned by Mr. Christopher Bracewell. The mill is
three stories high, with an engine-13(113e near the
centre, arid at it nearly 400 workpeople are employed.
The bands left work at half-past twelve, and at a
quirter-past two the flames were discovered, An alarm
was iaimediately given, and two engines of the Skipton
Fire Brigade and the mill engine were soon at work,
endeavouring to extinguish the fire, which bad spread
with alarming rapidity. Within an hour and a half
after the outbreak more than half the mill was burn-
ing with fury, and part of the roof had fallen in. The
combined efforts of the firemen were then directed to
!topping the further spread of the conflagration, and
In this ttev were kuccessful. The damages are esti,
mated at £25,000.

On S thlrday n'gbt a four-story brick bnilding in
R ttt.„-r„,, wa,gocy, wag vranialetely •dettroyed by
tire The etrne'uee nrse eitn)-tri a eburt ciiAranee wt et
uf-Muntrose-ktrLet, end Nc.e txcupied by Mr. Thowas
Brown, joiner and builder, and Mr. Jones, warper.
Shortly before nine o'clock flames were observed in the
joiners' establishment, and in a few minutes the whole
building became a glowing mass. The fire brigade
arrived early on the scene, but nothing could be done
to save the premises, and their efforts were in a great
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

STOURBRI„DGE.

To be LET with possession at LADY DAY next,ls9,
Kith Street, Stourbridge. consisting of an excellent
FRONT SHOP and HOUSE, now, and for the last 25
years, occupied by Mr. Bennett, in the Millinery and
Fancy trade business, The premises have a command-
ing front to the High Street, and the domestic arrange-
ments are very convenient. —Rent Moderate.—Apply to
H. RING, Land Agent, Stor.rbridge.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

BURNING OF A CONVENT.

The Convent of the immaculate Conception, et
Belleville, Illinois, has been destroyed by fire. The
fire originated in the basement of the buildings, and
the structure is now in ruins.

For one hour the operations of the firemen were
greatly retarded by the very severe frost prevailing.
The inmatesconsisted of sixty girls, of a;es varying
from ten to twenty, bf-4ides several teachers and Bel,
vant4. Everybody became paLic stricken at the out-
break of the fire. Several pupils and teachers jumped
from the windows, and were either killed or fatally
injured. Many, unable to make their escape, were
burned to death.

Twenty-two pupils and five of the SisterA, including
the Mother Superior, are known to have perished,

The New York Correspondent of the Daity News
writes in reference to the above disaster :—An eye-
witness says it was the most terribly appalling sight
he ever witnessed. Great sheets of flame enveloped
the entire structure, and the crackling and roaring of
the fire, combined with the shrieks of frantic women
and children trying to escape, and the shouts of the
firemen, and the lamentations of the towns-
people looking helplessly on, produced an up-
oar utterly indescribable. At the windows
f the burning building girls dressed in their
nightclothes only, and crazed with terror, shrieked
piteously for help, while all human assistance seemed
impossible. The streets around were thronged with
people anguieh-ktricken by the horrible scene. One
teacher jumped on the pavement and was killed almost
instantly. Annther climbed out of the window to the
portico and clung there, crying piteously for help, till
the flames compelled her to -loose her hold, when she fell
50 feet, striking on the ice-covered steps. She was
picked up lifeless. When the ruins were cearcbed the
Mother Superior's body was found with those of the
children grouped about her, one of the little one's arms
being about her neck, She evidently had been making
heroic efforts to save them, as she was partly down-
stairs when escape was cut off by the flames. Many
bodies were burned beyond recognition. There were
many other groups of three and four, as if they had
huddled together against the flames.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

THE MYSTERIOUS MURDER AT BOW.

In London, on,Wednesday, Sir John Humphries,
coroner for East Middlesex, resumed his inquiry
respecting the death of Mrs. Ann Hancock, of 34,
Sutherland-road, Bow, who was found murdered at
the bottom of the stairs in her own house on Monday,
the 10th ult. The deceased died from a wound in her
neck, which appeared as if it had been done by a
stab with a knife, which was afterwards twisted
round.
Mrs. Ellen Simons said she borrowed £3 from the
deceased woman on the Thursday prior to her death,
and repaid the money on the following Thursday.—
For what purpose did you borrow the money from
the deceased ?—To buy some mourning with, as there
had been a death in the family.—And wcere did you
get the £3 from to pay back ?—I never used the money,
as I was afraid that I should not be able to pay it back.
—Did you return the deceased the same identical sove-
reigns that you got from her? I did sir.—Did you
see where the deceased took the money from when
she got it for you? No, I did not; she brought the
money down from upstairs.—When did you last see
the deceased alive? About half-past nine on the
morning of her death,—Where were you when you re
turned the deceased the money? I first saw her in
the yard, and she asked me to go into the kitchen and
as I was leaving I returned her the money.—Did you
see the deceased after that time? No, sir; that was
the last time I saw her alive.

A juryman then wished to know if the writer of the
letter which decoyed the deceased out oft he house had
been traced, or if anything further was known about
the matter.

Chief-Inspector Back answered that although every
inquiry had been made, nothing was known concern-
ing the writer. The letter had evidently been written
by a woman, and was to the effect. that some of the
deceased woman's tenants were about leaving with-
out paying their rent.
The Coroner having summed up, the jury returned
a verdict of wilful murder against some person or
persons unknown. •
The Government have offered a reward of i;1OO for
the conviction of the perpetrators of this murder.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

EECKELABB'S ROSE SOA.P.—The best for the Toilet.
"BRICT'111"S DISBAhE AND LIVER COMPLAINT.—The
'llonmew Pan' has a national reputation through its wonder-
ful efficacy in all ailments that have their L,rigin in a torpid
liver or diseased kidneys, and is endorsed by thousands
of earnest, intelligent witnesses, who will tell you that the
.Ifor.wr Pin' is a Cure for these diseases. Read the pam-
phlet entitled 'Nature's Laws,' sent free to any address.
Holman Pad Co., 92,Great Russell Street, London, Price
of Holman Pad, 10s.
"GET A BOTTLE TO-DAY OF PERRY DAVI 6' PAIN
KILLER.—It instantly relieves and cures severe scalus,
burns, sprains, bruises, toothache, headache, pains in the
side, joints, and limbs, all rheumatic and neuralgic pains.
Taken internally cures at once coughs, sudden colds, cramp
in stomach, cube, diturhcea, and cholera infautum. PAIN
KILLER is the household medicine, and has stood the test
of DO years. Any chemist can supply it at ls. lid and
2s. 9d." EECKELARR'S ROSA Soir.—The best for the Toilet.

"COCOA. DRINKERS SILOLTLD TRY DELA.CRIeS COCOA.—Puro,
soluble, digestible, economical. its perfect purity certified
by Savory dc Moore (chemists to tue Queen)—and Profs.
Stoddart, Elenher, Dr. Bottger, and many other eminent
Analytical Chemists and Medical Practitioners. One
pound will produce 100 cups of Cocoa. sold in tins of lib.,
41b.., *lb., at is 9d, 2s, and is. Sample tins of Difittere's
Cocoa by Parcels Post, from Wholesale Depot, 92, (it.
Russell Street, London, on receipt of price.

"ADVICE TO DYSEPTICS."—Symptems of Dyspepsia
and Indigestion, with spacial advice as to diet.—Tnis
pamphlet appeals forcibly to those who have allowed the
palate to decide everything for them, and have paid the in-
evitable penalty of theirfolly."— Globe. Sent for one stamp •
J. M. RICHARDS, Publisher, 92, tireat Russell Street
London.
EECKELkEII'S Ross SoLp.—The best for tb. Toilet.

IF YOU ARE I?TERESTi Din the search for a cure for
Rheumatism and Neuralgic Pains you are hereby directed
to obtain of any cligmist POWELL'S RHEUMkTIC Eransocl-
vox. Its extraordinary efficacy has been attested by Earl
Clarendon, Lady Waldegrave, the Countess of Radnor,
General Wood, and many other eminent persons. It is for
external application only. Sold in bottles, at Is. 1 4(.1 and
2s. fld by all Chemists.
..FOR ADTHMA, HAY FEVER, AND CATARRIJ.—Huz
ROD'S CURE was employed under the highest medical sane
tion in the case of the late Earl Beaconsfield. The medicine
from which his lordsuip found most comfoit and relief was
Himrod's Powder. The fumes are inhaled by the patient
and at once afford relief."—Per Tin 4s. Sample Free.
RICHARDS, 92 and 93, Great Russell Sire Loudon.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

KINGSINTINF RD.

SUICIDE Or A PAUPER AT KINOSWINFORD.—An
inquest was held at the Kingsainford Worbhouse,
on Saturday, on the body of John Smitherutan,
late inmate. Deceased left the house on the after-
noon of the 3rd inst. and was found dead at the
gates the next morning, with a knife in his hand.
tie had been an inmate a the Workhouse for ten
-ears. A verdict of "Temporary insanity" was
turned,

1

A
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

come aoout in a most unusual manner. I was at
first seated opposite the poor girl, and I —"
"Oh, well, then, you shall be called to-morrow to
the' police-court to tell what you know. Give me
your name." said the official.
"Paul Freneuse. lam a painter, and I live in that
large house yonder."
"The one inhabited only by artists—l know it."
" Hero is my card."
"That will do, sir. The commissary will hear
your statement to-morrow; but we cannot stop here;
they are about closing the office, so my comrade
will go and fetch a stretcher. Fortunately it is not
the weather for people to be sitting outside the
cal sof the Place Pigalle. If it were summer we
should have egood crowd at the door."
This old officer spoke with so much coolness, and
had had so much experience in tragic affairs, that
Paul Freneuse began to doubt the soundness of his
suspicions. The idea that a crime had been com-
mitted had come into his mind he hardly knew how,
but he was fain to admit that the facts were opposed
to such a supposition. The girl's corpse bore no
visible wound, and nothing had occurred during
the journey to justify the inference of her having
sustained violence.

"Certainly I am giving too much scope to my
imaginations," thought he, as he obeyed the wise in-
junction of the policeman. 0
"I am seeing a mystery in Avhat7 is after all an
ordinary occurrence. Doubtless the girl had heart
disease, or a blood vessel burst, and she was suf-
focated. It's a pity, for she was very beautiful.
But I can do no good and only lose time by inquir-
ing into so simple a case. I have my picture to
finish for the Salon. It would be absurd to put
myself in the way of being questioned by the police
when I have nothing definite to say, and they will
probably laugh at the notion as ridiculous if I hint
at a murder—committed by whom? By that kind
lady whose place I took at the corner of the Rue
Laval—and how? By pressing against the child P
It's absurd! Life does not go out like a candle."

(To be continued.)
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

ALLEGED CRUELTY TO CHILDREN.

In London, on Tuesday, at the Worship-street Police-
court, Mary Wiseman, aged 23, a married woman, was
charged with having cruelly ill-treated Alice Elizabeth
Wiseman, aged eight years, and Ada Wiseman, aged
seven years, by beating them with a cane and burning
their lingets by placing them against the bars of the
tire-grace.
_ _

Police-constable Parkhurst said : Yesterday after-
noon a child was brought to me by one of the wit-
nesses. I found mArks of violence on her. I then
took her to the statzon, and sent for t,e divisional
surgeon. Afterwards I took the prisoner into custody,
and in answer to the charge, she said, "I did it to
punish the child for stealing." I received further
information, and then went to the prisoner's house,
where I found marks of violence on the other child,
Ada.

Dr. Garman, divisional surgeon, said: I was sent
for to examine the elder child Alice. I took a rag off
her finger, and found upon the forefinger a wound,
seemingly a burn, very serious. I found bruises on
the left arm, and a scratch on the left shoulder. There
were bruises on the buttocks and thighs, and the skin
had been broken on the back part of the buttock.
There were also bruises on the back and chest and left
shoulder-blade, and the body generally was very
tender to the touch. I also examined Ada Wiseman,
and found bruises on the arms and buttocks of the
thighs,
Miss Dyer, head teacher, Olga•street Board School
The two children are under me. Three weeks ago I
saw their condition and questioned them. Alice told
me her mother had put her fingers against the hot
bars of the fire•grate. I saw three or four wounds on
her fingers. The wounds now upon her fingers are
fre.hly done.
Robert Thomas gave evidence as to seeing the wounds
three weeks ago, when the two children were at his
house. At night they were afraid to go home, as they
said their mother had threated to kill them if they re-
turned. Witness had to hand them over to the police
on that occasion.

Alice Wiseman was then put in the box. She was
questioned hy the magistrate as follows :—ls this your
mother 2—No; my stepmother,—How did your hands
g-t had 2—Because I ate the treacle and sugar.—What
happened 2—Mother hit me, and burnt my hands.—
How did she burn them ?—She put them on the bare
of the grate.—Have you stolen sugar more than once?
—Yes.—Has she put your hands on the bars more
than once 2—Yes twice.—What did she hit you
with 2—A cane.—Do you know anything about your
sister 2—Yes; she ate the cake and cheese.—Did your
mother hit her 2—Yes, with the cane upon her back.
The prisoner's husband (who was in court) was called
forward. In reply to the magistrate he said he would
prefer to have the case remanded in order to employ
legal aid, as the woman had denied the charge to him.
—Mr. Hannay remanded the case according to the
husband's desire, and allowed bail—two sureties of
250 each.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

AMBLECOTE,

A meeting was held under the presidency of the
Rev. J. S. Bolder°, in the Boys' School Room, on
Saturday afternoon list, to raise a sum of money
for the widow and children of the late Mr, John
Wwrender, who, for a number of years, was post-
man for this district. Deceased leaves a widow
and four children entirely depending upon her.
The ease appears worse because he died so near
Christmas, when he would have received his pre-
sents. and also because he was being near super-
annuated. The following gentlemen were appointed
to receive subscriptions and also to canvass the
district :—Dr. Turner, Audnam Bank; Mr. Nicklin,
Glassmaker's Arms, Coal bournbrook ; Mr. Hitchings,
Brettell Lane; Mr. Bishop, and several other
leading gentlemen of the district. Any person who
wishes to contribute to this good cause can do so
by sending to any of the above named gentlemen,
by whom all contributions will be thankfully re-
ceived. Eventually the meeting was adjourned till
the 19th January.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12

CR.,i DLEY B EATII.

SERIOUS RESULTS OF RECKLESS DILIVING.-At
the Halesowen Police Court on Tuesday, before
Messrs. F. D. L. smith and H. Howard (magis-
trates), Felix Payne, fruiterer, Cradley Heath, was
summoned for furious driving.—Police-constable
Hinde stated that on the night of tho tieth olt, at
be saw the defendant driving down Pecking-
ham Street at a furious rate. He shouted to the
defendant to pull up, but he took no notice, and on
arriving at the bottom of the street he ran into a
conveyance which contained Mr. Hart and his
family. The whole of the occupants were thrown
into thestreet,and all werebadly injured.—William
Hart stated that his wife, with a child in her arms,
was thrown over the horse's head. His wife was
now very ill, and he did not know what the conse-
quences would be.—ln reply to the magistratei,
the police stated that defendant was driving at the
rate of eleven or twelve miles an hour, and, further,
that he was on his wrong side.—Defendant c_lenied
that he was driving furiously.—The Bench con-
sidered it one of the worst cases ever brought be
the Court, and fined defendant 40s and costs,
and expressed a hope that Mr. Hart would take
proceedings against the defendant in the County
Court.