The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1864-09-13 00:00:00

ALLEGED CHILD MURDER AT WEYMOUTH.

An inquest was held on Tuesday morning, at tbe
Doke of Cumberlaud. before H. Lock, 11. q., deputy
coroner. After the jury had been Sworn they protruded
to the pollee station, and Mewed the body of the infant,
after which the followiog iridium was adduced :
Maria Leas said I am 14 year. of ages and
under servant at Mrs. Pops's, who resides at 9, fit.
Mary-street. The name of my fellow servant is Mary
Simonds. On Sunday morning, about a quarter to
eight, I was deputing. Edmonds cuts upstairs into my
room, and asked me "If I would get the breakfast,
because bee bead was no painful.* I went down mid
did no. I bed been down stairs about au hour and a
quarter, when, having forgot my apron. I went op for
It, end in doing ro I beard • baby ay. I tho tst
first it wu • neighbour's child. I Listened, but I
the cry twit* more. Tbe cries were very faint. When
I heard the cry trot I *as at the bottom of the Ntairs,
but after listening I went into my bedroom, being
satisfied that the cries cams from that place.
. . .

By • Juror: I was not aware that my fellow servant
was about to become • mother.
_ _ _ .

By the Coroner : On getting into toy bedroom lea., her
out of bed, but when she saw me she covered aomothing
upon the bed with a heavy sows. The gown was on
the bed before, but it was at the foot, and she pieced it
mots on tha top. I did not see • child. When I new
down stairs I dii not say anything to Mrs. Pope for
fair I should distress her, u she was then going to
Ohara, bet I afteesratds told an did servant. When I
antetod the room Mary Edmonds was standing Up with
bar bead leaning against the bed, but did not speak. I
was only in the room about three minutes. I meld not
tell from what pert the cried eame. I listened in the
stairs for about throe minutes.
. . . .

By • Juror: I had suspicion that something was
wrong tabu I entered my bedroom; but did not ask. I
was on friendly terms with &bnoods. She looked very
Paid
By the Coroner: She slept in • backparlour. fly
bedroom is four flights of slain from the kitchen. The
box is which the body el the child was lotted belonged
to Edmonds. She used to sleep with tee until .he broke
her leg. On my coming down attire I carried away my
mistress'. breakfast. after which I did my usual work.
The family were In the pulour. Mrs. Pope left her house
about eleven o'clock, and in the course of flve minutes
after Ulundi emu dclon stairs, went into the garden,
and afterwards dame BM the kitchen, where she
remained until dinner time. I waited at labia, and she
assisted me in removing the things from toy tnistre...l
dinner table After that we had our dinner.and I west
to the Bible clue, she saying that she would wash up
the eaves. On my rehire, about live o'clock, I fooled
that Bdmonds had taken the tea to my mistress. In
the evening I sent to chureh, and on the way met an
old servant to whom I mentioned what I had heard in
the morning, who told my mistress. After dinner, when
I went up Mein, I saw blood marks on the bed. There
erre eueral spots on the bed Writhes. The marks were
Upon the eider shied in the middle of tho bed. I told
this to the old servant, whose name is Martha Cook,
Slosh Pope : I live at 9,84. Mary-street, and keep two
sensate, Miry Edmonds and Maria Lofts. On Setae-
dey,the former complained of having a severe headache,
but did her usual work. Oa Sunday morning I did not
see her, but was told by Loess at breakfast time that she
was gone to lie down on her (Lucas's) bed for a short
time, because her heed was not so wells, it was yester-
day. At dinner tips* she reproved pert of the dinner
things. Elbe then harked very ill. I told her to leave,
and that Karla would do what was to be done. In the
afternoon I went into the kitchen to see how she we.,
when she said," I use a little better." I had a very
strong suspicion that she was in the family way two
month previous, but she had denied that she wee.
After I had spoked be Edretheds iq the Itikdom she
said she would go and abuse her dorm I wept into
the kitchen again about Au Abel sad saw her thews&
, She than said sbe was a little. better; sad brought up
the tea bemuse Lana mas not in the hums. The next
time I saw her wee after I returned from evening
set-vies when I amid to her, "Edmonds, Karla tells nee
you have had • child." She denied the seetualloa, and
"Itow could Maria say such a thiog." I said.
" She tot rally said that, bet said she heard it rep"
Edmonds answered, "Hew date ptib Otter Mee a
falsehood." I begged her te Wet the truth, .$d said,
I should send for a medical man. She "1
Should think you would send for my mother. egad.
"Your nether is ill ; iftw toe late, lehall mood far Mr.
Orilla, who attended you Wises yeti bee • broke" leg.
And now I will tell you that I wrote to Nt. Orilla shoat
your being in the family way whilst you were at beam
with your sprained vice. If you do not coefen it I
will send far him." She made so Dimly, and I said, " I
will sow send for Mr. Grills, either you or Maria is
telling a great falsehood. If it is Kris she leaves my
service directly." I then sent for Kr. Grillo. I spoke
to her !boos • month ego of being in the funilyway
when she west home, and I was thankful that when
the tame it: that my Meningitis were wow& Whentspetkeio I kid "I do oat bite year appearance.
'Uploads. If you Me peg ie the hot trey there
must be seme mass for tour solumenetit She wag •
very nice young sores, end I ies AO award that
_ebt
bad any "followly. Oa brandsy leaked her if She hal
been prepseng for the birth of the ehi A, when she re-
pli.cl that shelhad a few Ulnae, but depended as her
sister hteMe 'be enotry arlitiles. I asked her who
was the (ethic, e'stiag • I thedeght it lobe este °Moo
horrid soldiers." She mid such wee wet the an, and
that she had nothing to do with them. nuked her g
she had icy Wags Widen those in her bos, and
whether she had made any more baby's writhes, whim
she said that her Astor could supply her with all she
wasted. . . .

"ii;7llehard Chian, • engem reeding in the tows,
laId: On throday ens* bat, shortly before 10 o'olodr
I remind • note hymn Kni. Pops requiting roe to mute
to her reddest*. I did so end they saw Edmond'.
eicting by the lire dam in the bamboo. I mid to lo r " you
know what I am came for. Ills so ms Is year denying
It; you halo been esallaed. Where's tko ebil / " Bbe
spina' ills in the box upstairs. It was born alive
sad cried, bat died 'Afterwards." I then want up-
silon, In orenpamy with Mrs. Tope. and aniteked
Ildmonds's box, of whisk she gave me the key. On ex-
aminiug the °outsets I toyed on lb. I p • buds of
doilies Mobbed with blood, and in On middle of
tbsat tbealtivehhib. The umbilical cord was not tied,
but tora amora At the bailout of dor box I feud a
ebild, the ambiliedal seed of whisk ma torn 'eines, and
loosely tied with taps. The beads wen Andy douched.
Tbo foot and body were of a livid ooloar, but thvre was
so froth about the mouth or alas. The bask was
milord with • few whitish spot& I Wien the aloe
of death to arise from salfositioe, bet it ie mallets to
' bare • pest swim natairiatioa to prove ihas last. The
whoa wore informed of the ciresmetanera, and &Wain-
tending Lidbary took pommies of the Dec I eeeM tot
disoover arty marks ef violence ora the body from my
exterad ezemindirm. My reamer for tbink4 that
death arose from suleastion, was berme the was
of sash a livid mirky, sad that the bands mare at
rtaJuy eapromi a lairs 64 a peal worteis oz-

meination of the infant should take place, sad hi am.
sequence tie inquiry was adjourned until four o'clock.
Upon the re-assembling of the jury
111 r. Griffin maid : 1 have examined the body of the
child, and ou opening the bead chaeovere I spots of con-
gealed blood between the main and the boars. Thi•
might have been caused by giving birth to the child.
The blood yawls of the braia were tinged with • dark
fluid blood. The wore no marks of injure to
any part of the brain, or the bone' of the
skull. The stained colour of the blood showed that the
child died suddenly. I should eeriest to end such
apneerances after suffocation, The lungs were freely
inflated, but full of dark coloured !kid b lend. I mit
each lung into fifteen pieces, the whole of which lasted
as water, thus showing that the child had been born
alive. Before cutting the lunge to pieces I put the
I heart and thymus gland attache' into e.t.a, and the
longs were sufficiently booyant to support the whole.
I On the right and left aide, of the beset there was dark
fluid blood, which is usually the cam shoe death is
, caused by suffocation. Frost the appearance of the
oriental, the chest I believe that the child sal born
alive,but died from suffocation. The means in the abdo-
men were healthy, but tinged with dark coloured blood.
The weight of the lungs was 1005 grains, but those in
a GT which has not breathed are from 4.30 to solo.
Surf tioe is not • common kind of death for new been
laden a A child might be born alive but die soon after
wieri a woman conies% herself. I think the mum of
death in this ease might bane resulted from accident.
I could not diesoover any marks of violence when I
made the pon-mossfeut exsuriestion. I believe the
umbilical cord was lied after the death of the child.
The infant could sot have bled to death as it was so
full of fluid blood.
Superintendent Lidbury said : On Sunday night.
between 10 and 11 o'clock, in eonseqeenee of what I
heard, I went In Dr. Griffin, at Mrs. Pope's house. I
found a hos in the attic, which I unlocked with a key
which Dr. Griffin gave to me. Mader some linen,
✓emitted with blood, I found the body of a dead child.
I locked the box, and took pomeesioa of it. I after
mode went into the kitchen,whem I saw Edmonds, and
informed her that I should take her in charge for eon:
esaliag the birth of her child. She did not answer me,
and I requested Dr. Griffin to examine her. Os going
up "Mire I asked her if that waa her box. to which I
pointed, and shit said it was. I esuld not find any baby
Been in it.
The Coroneein addressing the jury remarked that the
present was one of those cases which always tensed
them some little anxiety, and required • great deal of
thought and ooesideration as to what Tartlet they
:should come to. The present was certainly • 01110 in
which there wog much to be said respecting the charge
of child murder against this unfortunate woman. There
were many eirournetsnees sleniated to lead to the it's.
mansion that she had not any intention to preserve the
life at her child. Her midrees heal spoken to her.
having suspicion that she was in the family way, bet
this she denied, mad even a few hours slier the shad
had been hors she denied that she wee • mother. Them
were strong foes against her, as well as her making
no preparation for the birth of tb• child, notwithstand-
ing that she had stated that her sister would provide
her with the imams/ay articles. One would imagine
that if she had been desirous to preserve the child, when
ivy fellow servant came into the room, she would bare
acquainted her of what had occurred, and asked her to
have sought assistance. But this she did not do; she
concealed everything; and all her actions tended to
oboe thet her intention wee to get rid of the child.
But on the other hand, there were some eircnnietanage
in her favour. There were no marks of violence
shout the child, and he thought the jury could
some to no other opinion, after hearing the
medical evidence, that auffoestion was the mum of
death : but from the absence of all marks of violence,
they might fairly be entitled to arrive at the conclusion
that death was accieleuteL He considered that the
circumstance, were sufficiently strong to justify them
in sending tbe woman for trial cm the graver sharp,
although they might adept • more lenient decision. So
far as the eoneealumet of birth wee meeerned, it was
one of the strongest eases that had OWN some under his
notice. With that they bad nothing to do ; the only
question was whether this unfortouate woman destroyed
her child by malice aforethought, or whether it wee
accidentally done. The question of concealment would
be for the superintendent of police to take up. and for
the magistrates to decide winethor the matter should be
carried either to the moms or sessions. After • short
consultation the jury returned a verdict to the effect
that the child accidentally met with its death.

TOLLER DOWN—Tug FAIR, Wednesday.—
This bur was one of the poorest that has been known
for years, owing to the scarcity of keep. The
attendance was limited, and but few of those present
were borers. Sheep sold at very low primes. great
difficulty being experienced at effecting sales at any
rates. The following were the general prior :
Horn lamb., 34e :—(There were no horn ewes
entered)—Down wither lambs, 20s. to 275. • down
ewes, 20.. to Ws. (10a. under the prime of last year);
one lot of down wethers in the finest condition
fetched 44..; horn **hem th.
811 Una OlJllY.—Perry SUMO" September 6.
—Before the Marquis at Westminster B. Graves, J.
In Bony, S. and T. Bain:, and T. B.
Bower, Beters.—Cheirtes Baker waa charged with being
drunk and riotous at Bourton, between 12 and 1 o'clock
in the morning of the 213th August last.—P.C. Green
proved the cue nod the Bench fined him ss. and ece.te,
or in default lidays —Joseph Mullins and William
ffilverthoros were charged with • similar offence, at
Bounce, on the 27th August. —P.C. Green proved that be
saw the defendants fighting at Bourton, jest before 12
at night. He enerated them and Silverthorue went
peaceably home, but Mullins 'Anted to renew the fight.
—A eonlAction against Silvertborne was notcrirted, and
he was discharged ; but a former outwit/lion proved
against Mullins, he was fitted Is.and epee, or month.
—William Pricker, of Gillingham, win summoned for
being drunk and disorderly at Gillinebam, on Saturday,
the 13th August last—Defendant did not appear, and
P.C. Orchard having proved the cane, the Bench issued
• warrant for contempt. —Job Omen was charged by
P.C. Bishop with having been drunk and asleep on the
turnpike-road, at Kington Magna, on Sunday morning,
the 28th Au —Fined Its, and costs or 10 days.—
lend Spearing less summoned for being drunk and
riotous at uckhorn Weston, on Saturday night, tbe 27th
August. —P.C. Bishop proved seeing defendant drunk
1 and heating him make use of offensive lasignap.—Fined
5.. and costs, or 10 days.- —William Goddard sad
James Gough, of Gillingham, were oluirpd with cruelty
to • hone. The former aa being the owner, and the
latter for driving the same while in an %Lai state.—P.C.
Orchard proved that on Wednesday, the 31st August,
he met the defendant Gough drivieg • horse, beloneisg
to Mr. Goddard, which had several keep wounds on its
shoulders and body. (Witease Isere dannibed the sise
and nature of the wound.) He had the horse taken
out of the cart and took it to Shaftesbury. where be
showed it to Superintendent liars, who corroborated the
witness as to the sale and state of the wounds.—Mr.
Goddard mid that the horse was at work contrary to
his orders, for be had ordered his man to turn out
the bone till its wounds were well, and in eorroboration
celled Jiines Stacy, who said that his master, Mr.
Goddard, had ordered him not to work the bore.; but
be had • aew collar made, and worked the hone in his
matter's almence, sod that the wounds were twessiceied
by the hone having been worked in • teller which was
too large.—The Beech contldered that Mr. Goddard was
responsible for his servent'a act, and fined hien El and
oosts.—s4thaniel Biker, of the lied Lion Inn,
I Burton, was (dinged with being drank and disorderly in
the public street, at Bourton, about 1 o'clock in the
morning of the 19th July last—P.C. Green supported
the *err, and gelled a number of witnesses to corrobo-
rate his staternent.—Mr. Chitty appeared for defendant,
1 and contended that the rieeitement under which defen-
dant was labouring at the time did not arise from drink,
but 111 S occasioned by the conduct of • girl named
Caroline Moon, who had entered his house and celled
his wife Minims and he then put her out of his
house, and took her to the house of the policeniao
to give her into custody, bet the policeman
was not at home.—Mr. Chitty then called a number
of witnesses to prove that Mr. Baker was not drunk'
but the Beech oonsidering that be was more excited
than was instiflabie from the ecieduct at the
girl Moon, fined hint I. end coats.--Barali Lansing,
of Legion Magna, implied for io order in bastard_ y, on
Jowls Andrews, of the roe phd., Mr. Chief
appeared for defendant, —The Bench having issaseined
somplaleant and her witnesses, Mr. Chitty submitted
that she hid net made out her ease, and the ..esoh
considering her dortelnestiee evidessee isseaffisient. die-
mimed the spplkeffee.-sowThis beteg the annual
licensing day, the magietrates thee proceeded with the
usual business of fle•Will( and granting liessemet
POOLS.— • "spestmiled" gentleman has recently
vietienised several parties in this neighbourhood. On
one oteesion be represented himself as • sheriff's officer
on secret business, which would lead to • very extensive
side, end obtained respectable lodgings in wieasseeenes.
whirls he left, however, without paying for. It is sup.
rrakrbe is in search of the renowned Mies Jeremy
, who has on so many occasions figured before
the polies authorities for violator esphalta
Side of Poorzerv.—Toirer Ceetaget, Parkstone, the
re-ideeee of the kte Mrs. Robbing, wee veld by anodes,
by Mr. Gooey' Ciotti, on Thenday, at the Londe.
Hotel, Poole, for 21,180. TIN bidding tionumeneed at
£l,OOO, and gradually nee £lO at each bid, until the
pries named was resoled. It was purchased by Mr.
Brine, solicitor, we believe for • gentlemen of this
l'f•
- - -

ILANDPORD. —FAIL —Our September flair was
bold on Friday, September 9th. Thew were over
0.000 sheep end lambs penned, being upwards of
4,000 more Ulm hist year. The trade at the own-
missicoment wan dell, and prices ruled from 6s. to
fin less that bet jeer; average quality sheep
radian Mk, but • largo nambor were sold below
that rub. Very few desks* bed anything to offer,
the part being from the hums in the neigh-
b Mr. Mortis &ma, of filapwick, lad •
sploodid mop of rem limbs ia the field, which ware
moth edmireiL About the beet pen were Woo
belonging to Mr. Warren, which we were informed
realised 425. 6d. per hood. Of homes and cattle
there was • very moot supply, owing to W 014012-
Zoylasd fair happening thi aims day. in the
Market-square • full average quantity of cheese was
patched, rather over 12 cwt.—Prieto ranged from
80s. to Us. for mammas, and from 40s. to 455. for
boot household. The pismire fair wan more thus
!molly well supplied with shows, Malls, U., and we
'Wild Imagine that the removal of the stook fair oat
of the town, and the holding of the noisy plower* far
in its centre, must be to the inhabitants living near,
lake jumping out of the frying pm into the lire.
Cursor. —O. Wednesday, September 7th,
through the 'Modems sod liberality of Mitchell
Remy, Esq., • match between the Down flows !
Club sad the Blaadford acme mums off in his park,
ow
the omission. A goodly party of visitors were
oreseot, including the Rev. J. Wisoeld, Mrs. Fronk
Smith, of the Manor limos, J. 8. Daniel, ffeciu
Play woe begun about twelve o'clock, Me Down !
Ifomos party first handling the "willow" to the !
bowling of hissers. Hockey sod Roper, sod stotwilh•
Mending thissoellsot basing of S. C. Vodkas. Esq.,
were diesjosod inf oftsi whin po rem The Blend.
ford gmatlonum them mita in jo SO bowling of
I.
Browns, and 8.0. Vool4e, Rear., smili=!lad
making • total of 51, to which iffr-
Whaled 13, Ismailia *Mir memoir 2111111,

Down Boom potty were rather mono Waste in
the second killings, 8. C. Poulos again maltieg the
rase coetributtog 17 to Ow score of 39. /la left
tat phiallord retirees a very easy duty, baring
ow, 13 rano to hint, which they accomplished with
woven wickets to spare. Tbe umpires were Mesas.
Polly, man., and Mr. 1/0014 but their services were
swiroely pat to tam list; harmony and good will
parading tbe wbols. Wit Deed scaroelv say that a
very picasast day was spent. the noble. lows of elm
maks providios • eery rt.:ken:At laucbsea foe the
guests, to which an parent ma down, and greatly
sojoyed. The following taw soars :
Tay DOWN Rovaa
woohme sari b Hockey - 9 e and b Alper -17
Synirrs, b Haley • -0 b Roper • - 1
Brown*, b Roper • - - 5 b Rop r • 0
Henry, run out • • - I 001'.e• • • 0
R. gustermain, b w • • 1 b Hookty - • 3
tiny, b Hook., • • • 1 c sod b Roper • 5
White, h w - • - 0 run out • - 6
J. Quatersnain, b Hookey • 0 not out- • • 3
Lincoln, b Roper - - - 0 b Hookey 0
Pinar, not oat - • •0 b Roper • • 1
Potter, b Hooksy • - - 2 e Grovels 0
Byes 6, wide. 5 -11 Byes 1,1 b 2 • 3

Roper, 1b w • • -
Moore, b Browne - -
Blandon!, b Browns -
Polley, ran out - •
Ilookey, b Browns -
Grove., b Brows* - •
Rows, I b w.' -
Bolen, b Yoram - •
Lioessy, not out - •
Quirk, it Vold*, - -
Barrough, b 'Poulos •
Byes 10, wide' 2 •

ALL.IIDFORD.
0 b Browne •
6 not out -
0 not out -

13 b Vosles -

- i lo Browse -
- 12 Byes 4, lb 1