The Express.
London, England, 1863-01-07 00:00:00

THE MURDER AT WIGAN.

The coroner of the district, Charles Duffield,
Esq., yesterday opened as inquiry into the circumstances
connected with the murder of the fireman Barton, at the
Bawkhome Pit, in Haigh, near Wigan, on Sunday night.
The inquest was held Milo Packet-house Inn, New Springs.
There were present with the coroner the as chief
constable, Kr. Hung, of Bootle • Superintendent Mims, of
Pemberton ; Superintendent Orton, of Leigh ; Inspector
Peters, of Hindley ; and G. Dogfish, Esq., J.P., surgeon.
Several witnesses were in attendance, but before say stein
were taken to open the inquiry the police-oflions consulted
privately with the coroner, and made inquiries of the
Laird of the dimmed. The principal portion of the articka
in the ash-pit of the furnace were produced
before the coroner. The result of the conversation
was that the coroner informed the jury that
after a oonsultation with the police-officers and the family
of the murdered man, he had decided not yet to open the
inquiry formally. The inquest would therefore be adjourned
sine die, but due notice would be given when it was thought
advisable to make the evidence public. The mamas far
this step are, we understand, that the police think it might
very probably be prejudice' to them in their search of the
murderer, if the whole of the information they have ob-
tained and the suspicions they hold were circulated at the
present time ; and that if the impart was opened the coro-
ner would have to issue his order for the interment of the
remains, a course which is not at present thought
advisable by the officers, who wish them to remain
in their hands for a short time longer. The jurors caning 's,
objection, the opening of the ingest was adjourned nee die.
The crowbar, with blvd upon it, and a portion of the frag-
ments found in the furnace, have been forwarded to Mr. J.
B. Edwards, analytical chemist, of the Royal Institute,
Liverpool, for analysis, and his report is daily expected.
None now, have any hope that the result of his investiga-
tion will throw any doubt on the fact, we have pal:Caked.
It may not be a fact without importance that a lunatic,
named Taylor, a Dative of Aspull, the township which
adjoins Haigh, on Thursday night seamed from the Wigan
Workhouse, through )a window from which the Lunacy
Commissioner ordered the bars to be removed, and has not
rime been heard of. Nothing is more likely than that be
should make to his former residence. Many perm= amid' er
it far from improbable that he bits been the murderer. The
peat difficulty of the police is to find a motive
for the commission of the crime. Though they
may have had their suspicions aroused in one or two
quarters, yet we believe we are correct in stating that
at prevent they have no solid ground to work upon, and
their labour is specially difficult, from its being almost im-
possible to find a reason for the murder. The remains of
the ash-pit were examined yesterday, when more half-
burnt bones were found, principally welded to the cinders.
It was also noticed that the clinkers were in many cams
stained with blood. Some of the buttons found have evi-
dently been upon the trawlers of the deceased, whilst others
have formed part of his shirt, the latter being of the kind
usually covered with linen.

The county magistrates held a meeting on Monday, at
Wigan, when the police officers of the district, accompanied
by Assistant Chief Constable King, of Bootle, laid a state-
ment of the fade they had obtained before the bench. Mr.
Daglish, surgeon, who has had the remains laid before
him, informed his, brother magistrates that he had no
doubt the fragments were the remnanta of human bones.
It was stated that the Earl of Crawford and Bal-
cones had offered a reward of 2001. for the apprehension of
the offenders, and it was decided to communicate with the
Secretary of State. The following is the placard which
has been !need :—" Whereas, in the night time, between
nine o'clock of Friday, the 2nd, and three o'clock of Satur-
day the 3rd inatent, 1863, James Barton, aged 55 years,
collier and engineman in the employment of the Right Hon.
the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres, at the Bawkhouae or
Button pit, near the Red Rock-bridge, Haigh, near Wigan,
was, whilst on his duty, foully murdered by some person or
persons not known, and his body burned in the furnace
under the boilers—a reward of 2001. will be paid to any
person who may give such information as shall lead to the
apprehension and conviction of th4mtirderer or murderers."
The bill is signed by Mayhew and Soo, solicitors to the
earl.