The Express.
London, England, 1851-08-05 00:00:00

GREENWICH.

Lori Banelagh, of No. 4, Park-place, St. James's, was
charged before Mr. Traill with having violently assaulted
two railway constables at the Greenwich terminus, whilst
in the discharge of their duty, on Sunday night, under the
following circumstances; and Mirhael M. fl ~ran, Esq., of
Park-place, St. James's, with attempting to rescue his lord-
ship ou that occasion.
Lord Ranelagh was now accompanied by Lord Alfred
Spencer Churchill, Colonel M'llowell, and Captain Jen-
nings.
The first witness sworn was William Price, No. 7 Ser-
geant of the South Eastern Railway Company, who deposed
as follows :—At half-past 10 o'clock on Sunday evening 1
was on the platform, and was ordered to close the gates
, during the departure of the train for London, to prevent a
I rush of persons. There was a great body of persons coming
from the waitiniT-room, and I desired them to stand back.
I The defendants and their friends, five or six in number,
rushed forward. I toll them the train was full, but I
could not carry out my orders; they forced their way through
the barrier, Lord Itanelogh being first. Lord Ranelagh
struck' me a violent blow on my rye. I was quite taken
by surprise. It was • very severe blow. Ile then took
hold of toy collar, and he attempted to throw me down.
The other gentlemen also caught hold of me. I was over-
powered by several of his party. Mr. Rowan held my collar
to release Lord Itanelagh. SCrgeant Carpenter, of the It
division of police, cow to my assistance, and separated me
from the grasp of his lordship. We both let go our hold of each
other, when his lordship again struck me on the face (the
marks were visible on his face and nose), and Mr. Rowan
caught hold of my coat. I was civil, and tun always care-
fully so to the passengers.
Lord Itanellith—They exceeded their duty. I had been
dining at the Trafabfar Cavern, and was retuning to town
with my friends and 601118 ladies, two of whom had hold of
my arm.
Serg. Price continued, in answer to his lordship—There
were ladies in the crowd. Upwards of 100 or more persons
were without the barrier. I did not understand the cause
of the blows. I have marks on my nose and face, and my
body is very sore.
Mr. Rowan—l interfered to prevent the violence of the
railway constable.
Walter Jackson, Esq.' of Msize'hill, Greenwich, deposed
—I was returning by the lu o'clock train from London.
There was a very great crowd at the terminus. The coa-
-1 stable was closing the gale at the time. The defendants and
others were trying to force their way through the barrier.
I stopped on the landing of the platform, three or four
yards from the defendants. The gate was forced open by
Lord Ranelagh. I saw the defendant Rowan. 1 saw Lord
Itanchigh striae the officers. The harrier had at this time
been forted, and his lordship was close to the barrier. The
constable was struck in the five, and his hat was knocked
oaf by Lord Ranelagh. There had been a great scuttle. A
police sergeant of the metropolitan force tame and inter-
lived. The complainant was struck a second time or
pushed by Lord Ranelagh. I believe it was a blow. Lord
Ranelagh was the first man who passed the barrier.
William Widelows sworn, said-1 um a porter, stationed
on the platform at the Greenwich 'terminus. I was assist-
ing to close the gate at the barrier until the next train was
ready. When the 11.-11 rings we close the gate to prevent
pressure until the trains have departed, to prevent confu-
sion. Lord Ranelagh and his party used force in obtaining
un entrance to the platform, by their own persons and nut
by the crowd. 1 tried to stop them, when Lord Itanelagh
stack me on the head with a stick, breaking it in piret..
Mr. Price was struck in the face and side of his head by Lard
Ranelagh. This was after the gate had been closed on the
inside, having previously been forced. His lordship Was
very violent awl without provocation. Bath defendants
held me fast by the collar. Believe the blows were struck
after Sergeant Carpenter came. I collared Lord Ranelagh
after the blows, and he collared also.
Police Sergeant 3M It deposed, at a quarter past 10 on
Sunday evening I 'rent to the railway station, and saw the
defendants and others. Lord Ranelagh held the officer
(Price) by the collar, and was pushing him against the wall,
and the other constable was held by Mr. Rowan. I succeeded
with much difficulty in separating the parties, when Lord
Itanelagh said, " 11l give it you," and struck Price with
great violence. I acired his lordship,who used great strength
and violence to get away. I told him who 1 was, being in
plaiu clothes, and with the utmost difficulty I succeeded in
getting him into the street. His lordship and the other
defendant went quietly to the station-house, where his
lordship again became very violent. There were two blows
struck.

Crow-examined by Lord Ranclagh, who was much ex-
cited—Now, sir, did the constable let go his hold at all.
Carpenter—yes.
Lord Itatielagh—Then you are a liar.
Mr. Traill checked such undignified behaviour on the
part of h 6 lordship.
Lord ltanelagh said he was very sorry, and apologised.
Carpenter—Mr. Itowan's hand was the first I saw hold-
ing the constable's collar, and Lord Itanelagh, in reply to
me said, " This scoundrel has insulted me."
Mr. Acting-Inspector Weak deposed, that he entered
the charge at the station-house against the defendants.
That against Lord Ranelagh was taken first, he being the
most violent, and then against Mr. ltowan, by direction of
the railway constable whom he had also assaulted. Evi-
dence of two blows and other violence having been com-
mitted by Lord ltanelagh was taken down. The bail book
was here handed to the magistrate, showing this to have
been the fact, Lord Ranelagh and Mr. ltowan having been
admitted in twenty pounds to appear to-day, Lord- A. S.
Churchill and Colonel M•Luwell having become their
=retie..

Colonel 3l'Dowell, of Hyde- park-gate, was then sworn
and depo,ed that he was one of the party with Lend Ranc-
lagh and some ladies. I was at the terminus with my
friends, and being in front I got through the barrier hr,t
and turned round. I saw the constable and porter on the
platform. Lord Ranelagh and a lady were close to the gate,
and he put his shoulder to it. A man put his arm over the
barrier and laid hold of his lordship and improperly held
him by the collar. His lordship had a stick. Two men
afterwards held his lordship by the collar. No blows were
struck; I watched carefully. Threats were made, but no
blows given by his lordship with his hand or stick.
Mr. train said the law was stringent in protecting the
humblest constable ; even if he held up his linger persons
wire bound to submit.

Lord Itanelagh-1 was excited to the highest degree.
Lord Alfred Spencer Churchill sworn, said he saw Lord
Ranelaghputh the gate as hard u he could, having a lady
with him. Saw no violence used by Lord Itanelagh ; it
was just possible that he did. Two :railway constables
rushed at Lord Itanelagh, and a police officer collared him.
The sergeant in plain clothes then came and apprehended
him.

Captain Jemaings, of Ficeadille, denied that his friends
had used blows in getting into the platform. After Sergt.
Carpenter came he lost sight of his lordship (Itanelagh)
from whom he was separated by the confusion. Wss as-
tounded at hearing that Lord Ranelagla had used violence.
Mr. Train said that the evidence was as contrary as black
is to white and light to darkness. He should leave the par-
ties to deal with the case at the Quarter Sessions. lie was
sure the Commissioners would see their officer protected,
and the railway directors would take their own steps. He
would leave them to go to the sessions.
Lord Itanelagh said he should take steps against Sergeant
Carpenter.
Mr. Traill said that might be done hereafter.
The parties then retired.
WANDSWORTH.
Charles Whitt-her, aged 40 years, greengrocer, of No. 14,
Church-row, Aldgatc, was charged with being concerned
in stealing • boa containing mousseline de laines and
French merinoes, of the value of 2801., and John Seward,
of the arm of Seward and Co., linenprspen. No. 8, Here-
ford-place, Commercial-road east, with receiving a patios
'of the property, well knowing it to be stolen.
Mr. John Batten said he was • Custoon-immes
officer, stationed at the Soutlumptan Docks, Bona-
anapton. On the 21st of February last witness remembered
examining a box marked C. C. and Co. containing
pieces of mousseline de Line. The box had come Wand
from France, and there might have been • few pieces
merino in the box, hat the greater part consisted of mouse-
Gan de Imam. Witness then examined the mousseline de
Lions hood by Wpm*, !Mid open .award's premiss,

and he said they corresponded exactly with the description
of mousseline de laines in the box he passed.
Mr. John Scott, foreman of the goods warehouse at the
Southampton Docks, said on the 21st of February last ho
remembered having delivered a ease marked C. C. and Co.,
from the docks into the railway waggens. There were
other boxes delivered in the same waggon, and amongst
which was one marked L M. Witness saw the waggon
covered up, and it proceeded to the station.
Mr. Cumbie said he would mention that there was a
communication front the dock to the railway station, and
the waggons were drawn along the rails, which bad been
laid down for the purpose.
William Chaneller, a porter in the employ of the South
Western Railway, stated he recollected the morning of the
22nd of February last. A man named Winter was en-
gaged at the Nine Elms station in ticking off the goods
from the trains. Witness uncovered one of the vans con-
taining goods, and when the ease marked "C. C. and Co."
was called over, it was discovered to be missing. Winter
asked if the box was there, and a man named Potts, who
was assisting in unloading, said he could not find it. There
was another box marked " L. M." called over, and, upon it
being found, Winter remarked that the missing box was
nearly the weight of the box " L. M.," and he supposed
that it had been sent from Southampton in mistake.
In cross-examination by Mr. Games, the witness said he
did not recollect what day in the week it was when the box
marked "C. C. and Co." was found to be missing. Ile was
present at the time when such a box was discovered to be
missing. He had had no communication with the police
within the last two or three days.

Mary Plampin, the wile of WiEiam Plampin, who is
now in custody for the gold dust robbery on the South
Western Railway, was next swore., and she stated as fol-
lows. I live at No. 72, Earl-street, Finsbury'-square. My
husband was the tenant of that house. I hove known
Whitcher for two years and a half. I also knew William
Winter. They were in the habit of coming to our house
frequently. Winter and Whitcher came to our house on
the Ist of February last. I think it was that time, but am
nut quite certain to the day. My husband was at work at
' a coot. They inquired of my husband if any ease had
been delivered there from any of Chaplin and llorne's car-
' riers. My husband told them there had not been any
case left. Winter spoke of the ease, and said the carts
and waggons from, the South Western Railway had been
landed very late that morning. They were surprised the
case had nut arrived. This conversation occurred about
one o'clock in the day. They left the house about five
o'clock, and told me to let them know se hen the case came.
I was to let Winter know that night. They said the name
of Noon would be upon the case. About seven o'clock in
the evening a ease did arrive directed to Noon, and with
address Nu. 22, Earl-street, Finsbury-square, written upon
it. There was no such person as Noon living in the house.
The ease was covered with unbleached calim Whitcher
came on the next day. Sunday, and opened the case.
It contained French meriuos of all colours. I saw one
piece of flack, and that was like silk. The wit-
ness was here shown some of the mousseline de
bine and merino, and she said it was that description
of materials that she sow in the ease. I remember
Whitcher cutting off some patterns, and after he was gone
my husband told me that he had token them to a Jew. lie
returned that day, and said he could not agree on the price.
Whiteher came again on Monday, and said he must get
" Old Stiff," meaning a man named Vincent, to remove the
property away. Whitcher took two pieces out of the lot
for himself. 1 think they were invisible green and marone
colours.

The two dresses found in Whitcher's wife's bNlroom
were then shown to her, and she said they were mado front
similar colours and materials, like two pieces taken by
Whitcher as a present to his wife.
Examination resumed—Vincent came on Tuesday follow-
ing with a horse and cart. Whiteher was there when he
came. Some of the goods haul been packed in a box, and
some in the unbleached calico. My husband and Whiteher
packed up the goods. It was u wooden box ; but I don't
think I should know it if I saw it. The goods were put in
the cart. and I did nut see them afterwards. Was not pre-
scut when Whitcher had a settlement with my husband.
I know there was a settlement, as my husband told
me so.

dhara Vincent said he was a carman. In February
last, directed by prisoner and I'lampin, he went to l'lam-
pin's house with his horse and cart, and they assisted in pla-
ting a box and n bundle in the cart. They did nut tell witness
what they contained. They then both got in the cart, and
the goods were removed to witness's house. They bud
presiotedy asked witness if he had any objection to taking
care of some property for a doe or two, and witness said he
hod not. The goods remained in his house fur two or three
days, and at the end of the week they were again placed in
the cart, and the same two persons attended. Tiny diti not
tell witness where they were going to until after they were
in the cart ; they then directed him to drive to the Com-
mercial-road East. Witness stopped in the New-road,
when Whitcher got out and went away. Witness then
drove to Messrs. Sawarics,lwhen Plampin got out and went
inside the shop. Witness WOO nut aware what oecurred
inside, but l'lsmpin retuned, and the box and bundle
were taken into the shop. Shortly afterwards Plarapin
jumped into the cart, and witness drove oW. Witness
afterwards saw Whitcher in the evening. Witness owed
Whiteher a few shillings, and when Whitcher settled with
him it was deducted.

Inspector Field, of the detective force, said that on Wed-
nesday last he accompanied Mr. Young and Mr. Wilson
from Messrs. Candy and Co.'s to the prisoner Saward's
house. Witness told him that he had received information
that hr had .. ire property in his possession than he had
said he had when he delivered up the mousseline de laines
on a former occasion. The prisoner said be nod got no
more, but afterwards said he had two pieces of black merino
in the parcel he hail purchased. The prisoner then went
into another room and produced eight pieces of merino,
mousseline de laines, and a des se, which he said a female
had paid some money upon. Mr. Wilson examined the me-
rinos, and immediately identified a piece of black, as being
a portion of the property sent in the box from the house in
France. The prisoner said be had sold the remainder fur
Is. ltd. per yard. The merino WAS of rare quality, and the
whets sale mire was Ins Ail. per yard. Witness first saw Seward
the day after Whittler was apprehended. Ile said then
that he had purchased the merinoes and mousseline de
Mines of a man named l'lampin. lie did not knew the
man, but lie had since read in the newspapers that lie had
been tried fur the gold dust robbery. The invoice of the
goods purchased by Saward was in the name of Roney.
the prisoner also told him that he had sold the other
mousseline de laines fur &I. per yard. When witness first
saw Sasard, he informed him that one morning he went
to Bethnal-green to collect some rents, and he celled upon
Mr. Senior, the landlord of the Black Dog public-house,
Crown-street, Finsbury. Ile had a glass of something to
drink, and while !dandiest in front of the bar, Senior called
him into the bar parlour, and showed him some patterns of
merinoea and mousseline de laines, and asked him if he
could do anything with them. Plampin woo then standing
at the bar, and Senior called him in. lie said, " That
is the person who can sell them," at the same time
introducing Plampin to him. Ile (Seward) said he
would take them home, show them to his brother, and
would let them know in a dal or two. lie told them that
if lie purchased them it would be considerably under the
market price. Ile then took the patterns away, and called
agaia in a few days afterwards when the bargain was made.
Some time afterwards the goods were brought by the ear-
man (Vincent). lie then produced to witness the first
bundle, and said that was the remainder of the property
that lie had purchased.
By Mr. Beudon—The prisoner mid the merinos and
mousseline de laines were all that lie had purchased in that
sale. Ile said he had no other goods but what he had
delivered up.
By Mr. Crombie—The prisoner said he paid the money
for the goods by instalments, la down, and the remainder
afterwards. Re also said his brother had nothing to do
with the sale.

George Senior, landlord of the Black Dog, Crown-street,
Finsbury, was then called, but could recollect nothing of
the subject on which he was exarnided.
Mr. Beadon said there was no doubt about Whitcher's
case. He could place no credence in what Senior had
stated ; m.d he thought Seward stood in the same position
as he did on Saturday last, when he was examined before
Mr. Poynter. lie had very• little doubt that Senior knew
something about the matter. He certainly should take bail
for the appearance of Seward.
Atter a long discussion it was arranged that the further
hearing of the case should be taken un Tuesday, the 26th of
August next, in time for the September sessions of the Cen-
tral Criminal Court.
Substantial bail was given for Seward, himself in 200!,
and two sureties in 1001. each. The other prisoner was
then :a mended to prison.