The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-10-22 00:00:00

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A STOUR.
BRIDGE GENTLEMAN.

At a Special Session held at Campden, Glon
cestershire, on Wednesday, before Mr. T. S.
Shekell, Edward Alexander Baxter, a youniz
man, ox Stourbridge, was charged with having
on the 13th inst, at Aston-sub-Edge, committed
a criminal assault upon Emma Davis, a child 7
years of age. Mr. 0. Perry, solicitor, Stour.
bridge, defended the prisoner.

frus' child's evidence was only obtained by
means of leading questions. She said that on
Thursday lust she went up Aston Hill to gather
acorns, and on the way up the hill she passed a
man named George Clark. She was alone. A,
she was gathering acorns a man dressed in black
came down the hill. Tie had a red coat on. He
picked her up, carried her across the road, and
laid her down on the grass by the side of the
road. He then knelt down and hurt her. She
could not see this man now present. The child
was made to look round the room two or three
times, but she completely failed to identify any
one present as being the man in question.-: While
he was assaulting her he put one of his hands
over her mouth. When lie got up lie went doe n
the road, and she followed him, and saw him go
by George Clark. She then went to her mother,
and told her what had happened. The man had
a shawl on, and while he was with her he took
it oft and laid it on his arm

In cross-examination the child said it was a
tall man with whisker who hurt her—a descrip-
tion which did net agree with the prisoner's ap-
pearance. 'l. he nem had a large loose great coat
railwiq rug, black outside, with red lining,
was here produced ; and the child said that
what the man had was like that.) He only had
a shawl over.

Mary Ann DAN mother of the complainant.
said that last. Thursday her daughter went out
abent two o'clock, acuruing. About four she
cam., bark, crjing, and said that a man had hurt
her. Mr. Perry objected to the statement being
received, and it was not taken. flrr pinafore,
frock, and bonnet were dirty. Witness went
into the road, and saw George Clark standing at
Mrs. Stankv's. his mother-inlaw's, door. She
then wrm. !::.•k and ex:lodated the eoild. :rho
Ana: ' clueul. of the chila's condition left
no doubt that an outrage of the most grievous

kind had been committed: After this she sent
for the doctor.

Mr. Perry cross-examined the witness as to
or moans of knowing at what time the child
beck, and it appeared that she was speak-
ing very generally with regard to time. She said
further that the child had shown her the place
where the asqanit was committed, and it was
about three miles from Honeybourne Railway
station.

John Smith, of Campden, who was at work on
the afternoon of the 18th at Campden turnpike
gate, was called to speak to the persons who
passed through the gate ; but he said he could
not swear that anyone now present went through
ii that afternoon.

George Clark, labonrer, Aston, said that on
the afternoon of the 18th complainant passed
him on Aston Hill, and went on to the turn,
which MN two or three hundred yards higher
than where he was. After some time he saw
her come down part of the hill. The prisover
was before her. She turned off to go home.
The prisoner then passed him. He was dressed
in dark clothes, and had a cape round his shenl-
ders ; the corners of the cape flew up as he
walked, and witness saw that it was lined with
roil. Believed the colour of it was dark. Wit-
ness noticed that he had a little dark whisker,
and a hit of a moustache. When witness first
saw him coming he was carrying the cape in his
hand. It was similar to the rug produced. While
the girl was at the top of the hill, witness heard
no noise; he looked up front time to time, and
every time he looked he saw her. He did not
notice any dirt on the prisoner as he passed him.
the prisoner was walking at a fair pace, not
seeming to put himself out of his way. After
the 3soung man had passed witness, a boy came
by witb some sheep.
Mr. Perry etoss-examined the witness as to
his knowledge of time, and it appeared that he
had been speaking somewhat vaguely, though to
the best of his knowledge.
_

--
This was all the evidence offered.
Mr. Shekell said there could be no doubt that
a very serious outrage had been committed on
the child, but he did not think there was suffi-
cient evidence to send the prisoner for trial.
che case would therefore be dismissed, but at
the same time he could not help saying that it
%%as one of grave suspicion.
Mr. Perry said that after this expression it
was not for him to offer evidence, but it was a
very painful thing for the prisoner that there
should be any suspicion of his guilt. He (Mr.
Perry) was prepared to offer evidence, and if the
cow had gone on he should have offered it,
which would remove even the slight suapieion
resting on the prisoner, and show that ii could
not possibly have committed the assault. He
should have supported such an alibi as would
have removed suspicion altogether. Mr. Perry
then remarked upon the arrest of the prisoner
in Worcestershire by the Gloucestershire police
without a warrant, and said that such a course
was absolutely illegal. He did not, however, in-
sinuate malice on the part of the police.
Police-superintendeut Monk remarked that
there was no time to get a warrant, or be would
have done so. He directed the police-sergeant
who made the arrest to apply to Mr. Freeman,
the superintendent of police at Stourbridge, for
assistance.

Mr. Hancock, the Magistrates' Clerk, said that
sometimes a man would escape while a warrant
was 'ming obtained for his apprehension. But
Ia this case no obstacle had been put in the way.
of the police.
Mr. Perry said that so far from any obstacle
being offered, the prisoner's first impulse, when
he heard that inquiries were being made after
him, was to go ti the police, and show that he
was clear. He had no desire to screen himself
in
.s.,ny.,ify.
. -

Mr:klancuck : I think your client, Mr. Perry,
has nothing to complain of.
The proceedings then terminated.

GRAND EvsNIXO CONCERT.-011 MODdity last
a grand evening concert was given in the Corn
Exchange, in aid of the Widows and Orphans
of " The Captain." The performers were Mrs.
Fennell, pianoforte, Mr. James Matthews, flute,
Mr. D. Matthews, violin; vocalists: Miss Alice
Phillips, and the Hon. S. G. Lyttelton. There
was a fair attendance, the front seats being well
tilled with the elite of the town, but the second
sud back seats were rather thin, especially when
we take into consideration the object for which
the concert was got up. The following is the
programme :—Trio, pianoforte, flute, and viola,
in E flat—Mrs. Fennell, Mr. J. Mathews, and
Mr. D. Mathews; song, "I Murmur not—Miss
Alice Phillips; solo pianoforte, Adagio and
Rondo Pastoral Sonata—Mrs. Fennell; Bonet°,
flute and piano in C —Mrs. Fennell and Mr. J.
Mathews; song, "Honor and Arms," ISasnaum
—Hon. S. G. Lyttelton ; solo flute, " Finale to
Concerto "—Mr. J. Matthews; sonata, violin and
piano, Adagio and Rondo—Mrs. Fennell ani
Mr. D. Mathews; song, Romance " O'cessate di
Piagarmi," Hon. S. G. L 3 ttelton ; trio, Piano.
forte, flute, and viola—Mrs. Fennell, Mr. J.
Mathews, and Mr. D. Mathews; song, "Birds
in the Night "—Miss Alice ; solo flute,
"La Babillard" Mr. J. Mather% s ; song,
"Queen and Huntress, Chaste and Fair "—Hon.
S. U. Lyttelton; solo pianoforte " Sounambula"
—Mrs. Fennell. —lt will be seen from the above
that the music and songs were selected with
great taste, being from the best composers. The
instrumentalists are so well known to our readers
that it would be invidious in us to say anything
in their praise, but we may say that the various
trios, duets, and solos were executed with great
skill, taste, and precision, the instruments being
well in tune, and each piece beautifully rendered.
Miss Phillips' rich contralto voice was very °flee.
tive, and she received a deserved encore in her
song," Birds in the night." Mr. Lyttelton also
appeared in good voice, and was eneore,l in his
song, "Honor and Arms." At the conclusion
of each piece, the performer was loudly ap-
plauded. Mrs. Fennell's duties were very ardu-
ous, playing the various accompaniments besides
her solos. We believe the whole was a success.
WOLLASTON ROAD SCHOOLS.—At the examina-
tion in drawing, prizes and certificates were
awarded by the Science and Art Department of
Council on Education, as follows :—First
Freehand, Pries: Elizabeth Burford, Elizabeth
Cook, Albert Pearman, Martha Williarns.—Cer-
wicates: Thos. H. Abbott, Emily Bailey, Agnes
Burford, Eliza Butler, George T. Butler, Hen
rietta Davis, John Davis, Harry Frost, Arthur
Hunt, Samuel Hussclbee Elizabeth Newman,
Georgina Noke, Walter liurchase, Charles H.
Sherlock.—Geonistry, l'rize : John Leeson, err.
tifieittes: Walter Burford, Sandys Darby. Ernest
Evans, John S. Hatton, Warren Middleton.—
Model, Pries: Ernest Evans, Martha Williams.
Cert?fieates : Elizabeth Burford, Walter Burford.
Elizr Butler, Elizabeth Cook, George H. Lov.
att. Sixteen ether children afforded " sarisfac•
tory evidence of having been taught drawing."
OLD PRESBYTERIAN CHAPEL.—Mitis E. Wel-
lings basing recently resigned her place in the
choir, the members of the congregation entered
into a subscription for the purchase of a testi-
monial in token of their gratitude for her past
services, and of their good wishes on the occa-
sion o: her marriage. The testimonial, which
consisted of a handsome timepiece, was presen-
ted at a meeting held at the Wollaston Road
Schools, on the evening of the 14th mat, when
brief addresses were delivered by Mr. B. Wil-
liams iKinver), Mr. J. Millward, Mr. E. Forrest,
and the Rev. D. Maginnis.
GRAND CONCEICT.—We beg to call the atten-
tion of our readers to an advertisement in another
column, announcing two musical and dramatic
entertainments in the Corn Exchange, on Mon-
day and Tuesday evenings. Miss Lydia how-
aid, the wonder of the age, will appear with a
talented company, and no doubt there will be
crowded houses on each occasion.

SCHOOL OF ART.—WO beg to remind our
readers that a coarse of lectures on Geometry
and Perspective, commences at the School of
Art on Monday night.

A DISORDEiLY -Housa.—At the Worcester
Sessions, on Wednesday, before R. P. Amphlett,
Esq., Lough' Smith 1.26 i, was indicted for
keeping a brothel in Birmingham Street, and
sentenced to four month's impri4onment.
STEALING COATE.—Henry Wass°ll, Edward
Jones, and Robert Jones Mn bail), were indicted
for stealing four cloth coats, belonging to four
different persons, on the 4th of September, at
Stourbridgc. The two Joneses were discharged
Wessell was sentenced to six month's hard
labour.

CHARGE AGAINST A LICENSED VICITALLER.—
At the Petty Sessions, yesterday, before Major
Fletcher and the Hon. fg. G. Lyttelton, William
Vale, landlord of the Kings Head, was charged
by Superintendent Freeman with having hi,'
houie open foe the Nate of beer on the 16th inet.
11r. Perry defemled. P.C. Howell proved that
he was on duty in High-strett. and tiaw a woman
go up the passage adjoining defendants house.