The Sun.
London, England, 1862-07-19 00:00:00

EXTRAORDINARY CHARGE OF ASSAULT.

by the hair of the head and said he would give her
in charge.
At the Borough Sessions, held yesterday, in St. Jane Jenkins, a
girl in the employment of the
George's Hall, Liverpool, before J. B. Aspinall,
prosecutrix, spoke to seeing her mistress, when she
Esq., Q.C., and a jury, heard her cries, on the floor. Mr. Chapman was
adjustingixhi takeress the. pokerls andpo strike the defenthe-
road (who was out on bail), surrendered to take his dant with it, and the defendant taking it from her
trial on a charge of committing an indecent assault and striking her over the back with it. In crass
on Maria Harding, who resided in the same street. examination, the witness said that she had not
Mr. Littler and Mr. Fawcett appeared for the pro- spoken to the prosecutrix about what she was to say
secution ; and the defendant was defended by Mr. in evidence, and had not been told what to say.
Conway.
Mrs. Mary Drew, of 43, West Derby-road, said
The defendant, on tile application of his counsel, that she had been invited to dine with the prosecu-
was accommodated with a seat at the table under trix on the day in question. When she got to the
the barristers' seat.
house the prosecutrix was crying, and appeared
Mr. Littler, in opening the case for the prosecu- much excited. The told her of the treatment she
tion, said that he was quite sure the jury would had received.
treat the case with the same attention as if the pri- Dr. Stone was called, and said he was the medical
soner did not occupy the position he did, and that attendant of the prosatatrix. On the day in ques-
he would be dealt with by them just the same as it tion he was sent for to her house. He examined
he was the poorest and meanest person. The facts
and back.
baanndk.found several bruises on the legs, arms,
of the case were of a most extraordinary character,
and would call for the careful consideration of the Cross-examined—Mrs. Harding was very ex-
jury ; and he was satisfied that they would give citable, and very liable to get into a passion. The
them that attention which they merited. It might bruises on her arms might have been caused by Mr.
be maintained by the defence—and he thought it , Chapman holding her. Witness was not a friend
would be better for him to refer to it then—that of Mrs. Harding's, but had attended her, and she
Mrs. Harding had had the misfortune to have a had paid him. If she had not done so he should
child born out of wedlock some six years ago, but have summoned her to the county court—that was
with that exception he (the learned counsel) did not the only friendship between them. (Laughter.)
think anything could be said against her morality Had not given her his portrait. (Renewed laugh-
or respectability. The prisoner ought rather to ter.)
have sympathised with her on that account than to Mr. Conway, for the defence, contended in an
have committed a most outrageous and abominable able speech that the charge was a most improbable
assault upon her. The learned gentleman then one, and urged that a man in the defendant's posi-
went on to state the facts of the case to the jury, tion must have been insane to have acteudpoinn
thei
and concluded by calling upon the jury, if they be- way alleged. He commented at length
lieved the evidence that would be submitted to them evidence of the witnesses, and said that the whole
by the prosecution, to convict the prisoner of the story had been trumped up to injure the defendant
offence with welch he was charged. by a bad and designing woman.
Maria Harding, the prosecutrix, was then called The learned recorder then summed np, and the
and examined by Mr. Fawcett- She said—A few jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict
weeks ago I resided at 12, Dankeld-street, West of " Not guilty."
Derby-road, and the defendant, John Chapman, The verdict was received with applause in court,
was my landlord. He lived next door to me. I which was immediately suppressed.
think I went into the house in September last.
My son is living with me and a servant girl. I had
the misfortune some years ago to have a son With-
out being married. The gentleman who is the
father of the boy made a settlement upon me, and
since then I have been living alone with my boy.
When I went into the house in September last de-
fendant offered me some assistance to bring my fur-
niture from Birkenhead, and I have been friendly
with the family of the defendant since then. On
the 20th of June I was in the scullery about one
o'clock washing myself. I was about to dress for
dinner, es a lady friend was coming to dine with me.
There is a door leading from the kitchen to the
scullery. At that time I was in my morning wrap-
per, and had nothing on but my two skirts. While
I was in the scullery I heard a knock at the door,
and the servant went and opened it. I asked who
was there, when the servant replied that it was Mr.
Chapman. Mr. Chapman then came in and said
twice to me, " I want you." The quarter's rent was
then due, but he did not ask for the rent. I said,
" Mr. Chapman, please excuse me : I am not fit to
come before a gentleman ;" but he replied, " I want
you." Before Mr. Chapman came in I had told tree
servant to go for some beer, as the dinner was all
ready. When Mr. Chapman was in I again told
the girl to go for the beer, and he heard me. Just
after that I was going up stairs to dress, and said to
Mr. Chapman that I would be down in a minute ;
but as I was passing, Mr. Chapman, who was sit-
ting in a rocking chair in the kitchen, caught hold
of me and threw me on the ground. (The witness
then went on to detail a series of indecent acts
which she alleged Mr. Chapman committed when
she was on the ground ; but that part of her evi-
dence is unfit for publication.) She then went on
to say—l kicked him, and we struggled on the floor
together. lie took hold of me by the throat, and
I cried out " Help ! murder !" and the servant girl
came in. As soon as the girl came in the defen-
dant jumped up and readjusted his dress. I got
up also and got hold of the poker, and struck
Chapman with it on the side of the head. He
then seized me round the arm and took the poker
from my hand, and struck me a blow on the
back with it, saying, " You—, I'll give you the
weight of it." He took hold of me by the hair of
the head, and said that he would drag me into
the street and give me into custody. My jacket
and dress were almost torn from my body, my
hair was torn from my head, and was hanging
about my facie and shoulders. He took my child
by the shoulders and shoved him on the floor, and
his head came in contact with the fender. When
the girl was saving me from Chapman's violence
he knocked her head against the wall and called
her a bad name. He then went into the scullery
and washed himself, and when he came out
was very polite, and said "If you'll not tell, I'll
not tell." I told the girl to take the half of a
bank note from a book to show Mr. Chapman that I
had money. I soon afterwards ordered him out of
the house, end told him to go out at the front door,
as he came in. He then went out, and shortly after
Mts. Drew came in, and I complained to her of the
treatment I received. I also complained to a police-
man who came, and I afterwards had Dr. Stone to
examine me. I afterwards took out a summons.
The defendant took out a summons also. His sum-
mons against me was heard first, but was dismissed.
—Cross-examined : Before I came to live in his
house I lived at Manchester, in a respectable house,
and was my own housekeeper. I was living on
my " settlement." I was not then living with
the gentleman to whom I had the child.

FRENCH THEATRICALS.

(From Galignani.)

GRAND OPERA.—Though this is proverbially the
dull season of the year in matters theatrical, it is
occasionally cheered by an exceptional ray of un-
looked-for brightness, and as such we must note
the debut of Madame Cinti-Damoreau. No lover
of music in Paris requires to be told of the claims
of this young lady to take a high place among the
aristocracy of musical art. The name she bears is
a presage of success, and through all the nervous-
ness of a first appearance before one of the most
exacting audiences we know of, every critical ear
could discover under the veil of natural timidity,
the grace, sweetness, and brilliancy which had
charmed the public so many years in the voice and
style of her mother, whose name she wisely retains
for the stage. The opera chosen was Rossini's
" William Tell," in which the debutante appeared
as the Princess. The part is not particularly suited
for her style, and the agitation arising from her
position impaired her power and execution in pas-
sages requiring the confidence only to be gained by
experience, but as we have said, enough remained
to assure us that Paris has obtained a " bright par-
ticular star" which will be hailed with hope and
joy by all our rising composers, who had really
begun to look with despondency towards the dark-
ening horizon of the opera. It is scarcely neces-
sary to add that Madame Cinti was quite successful,
but it is gratifying to say that on this occasion the
success was perfectly merited ; by no means an in-
variable sequence at the Grand Opera.
GYMNASE.—A sprightly little comedy from the
pen of M. A. Belot was brought out here on Tues-
day, called " Les Maris a Systeme." The author
has placed his scene of action at Trouville, where a
multitude of husbands and wives annually assemble,
from among whom he has selected a couple of
wedded pairs as specimens to illustrate the title of
his comedy. One, an elderly major retired from
active service, whose "system" is that a husband
should be obeyed by his wife upon the military
principle—that is to say, blind, absolute obedience ;
the other is a notary by profession, and his plan is
to keep his wife in subjection by the rules of the
Civil Code, quotations from which he is constantly
citing for the edfication of his better half. Neither
of these systems succeed, for both ladies are smitten
by a well-looking fellow named Stiles Lambert, and
seem but too ready to forget their duties towards
their over. systematic husbands in favour of this
interesting personage. Their views upon him are,
however, thwarted by the presence of a smart,
clever, sharp-sighted individual, M. Mequiliet, who
sees at once all that is going on, and, playing the
rival ladies off one against the other, keeps up the
interest and animation of the piece from beginning
to end. This character, which is the moving spirit of
the plot, is slightly hump-backed, a drawback
which does not, however, prevent his win-
ning the heart of the gentle Mlle. Pau-
line, whose hand is the grand prize of this plea-
sant little piece, which concludes satisfactorily
with the prospect of their marriage. The charac-
ters in this spirited sketch are all well brought
out ; that of Mequillet, capitally acted by Landrol,
particularly, showing haw sense and good feeling
can redeem the disadvantages of personal dis-
qualification. The acting throughout very credit-
able, and the name of the author was given out
with undivided plaudits.
VAUDEVILL. Two agreeable novelties have
written by
been favourably received here. One, ,
M. Boiselot, is called " A Bord du
being an anecdote of a young marriedPre
lady, whocipice,
loves her husband, but somehow also likes one
of his friends. Without going into details, the
affair has a certain awkward look of Sir C.
Cresswell's Court about it, but luckily before
worst she sees her danger,
things get to the very
cipice. The and bids her lover adieu, thus escaping
second is a little piece interspersed
with music, entitled "La Volont6 de Mon Oncle,"
in
pleasant comedian Saint-Germain
which that
plays half-a-
dozen characters, and keeps the au-
dience in
a state of hilarity for a good half-hour,
and seconded a hearty reception for the bagatelle.
An old favourite "Le Petit-File, has also been
produced here with some success, but a good piece
is earnestly called for both by tne manager and
the public.

I also-lived at Plymouth-road, Chorlton.—By the
Recorder : I lived two years in Manchester.—The
Recorder : When did you part with your
friend ?—Witness : I have had letters from
him during these six years. I have seen him
during that period on business. Cross-examination
continued: I came from Plymouth-road, Manchester,
to Birkenhead, and lived there in German-terrace.

I did not live with my "guardian" in Birkenhead.
I knew a Mr. Walters. I lived in Birkenhead 15
months, and left on account of my health. I only
lived in one house in Birkenhead. I did not know
a Mr. Galloway, but he might have called for rent
or taxes. I never had any disputes with my land-
lord in Birkenhead, except in self-defence ; but I
committed no outrage. One time when there was a
flood in my house, and when my property was all
destroyed, I went to Mr. Walter and had some
words in self-defence, but 1 cannot recollect what
these words were. I was then in ill-health, and could
not do much harm to any one. I said I would make
Mr. Walter pay for the things that were destroyed ;
but that was all in self-defence, for I have no one to
speak for me : lam my own master. (A laugh.)
Since this occurrence I have not applied to Mr.
Walter for a character. 'When I saw him in court
I asked him if he had anything to say against me ;
and he said he would give me a character as a re-
spectable woman who paid my way. He did not
say that I was the most violent woman he ever knew.
I never said to Mr. Walter, " If I had a poignard
I would assassinate you." Mr. Chapman lived next
door to me in Dunkeld-street. I believe he has a
wife and a family—Mr. Chapman says sLe is his
wife. The walls were not thick between the houses,
and during the struggle they might have_ easily
heard called
heard in the one house or the other.
Iledlicaalled in
before in the same way for rent.
once and offered me £l5O.rent. My
he had called, but never asked for
tlVhen the de-
When lit
he
he
eh renta was due
e guardian" sent the money of June he
fondant called at my house ontothmaene
.2teot-h,
d and not the
said that it was the widow
hay he wanted,
me £lO to go to
rent. (Laughter.)bibition. This was a few
Birmingham and to the %xne...__By the Recorder
days before the 20th of
Birmingham for a week, and
The £lO was to go to
my
child behind me, and no
he told me to leave cross-examination continued :
one would knowe---1
when I called out twice, and
The servant came In
up from the ground when she
Mme defendant jumped
got
also. A's'hen I was on the
eame "
I cried out, Helphelp . murder ! mut-
grou,,ndb
t I could not say how long I was on the
ground. u I would not swear I was n five
ground. minutes
round, for I had
upon the g not time to look at the
clock. (A laugh.) No discussion took place be-
tween Mr. Chapman and me about the same time
the rent was due. He said " I want you, I want
you." (Laughter.) 1 will swear I did not hear Mr.
Chapman say that he would send the bailiffs into
the house if the rent was not paid. I will swear
that 1 did not use any coarse expressions to him
when he came in. I never fell down on my knees
and said to him "Pray, forgive me;" but my
little boy said, "Do forgive her."
N r. Littler, at this stage of the proceedings, said
he must apply for the defendant to take his place
in the dock; as he had been laughing at the wit-
ness, and conducting himself in an improper man-
ner while she was giving her evidence.
The Clerk of the Peace (to defendant)—'You must
go into the dock, sir.
Mr. Chapman was about to do so, when the Re-
corder told him to stay where he was and conduct
himself properly.
One of the jury he said
• had been watching the
defendant, and he was not laughing at the witness,
but was speaking to a gentleman near him. But
he observed a gentleman D ( r. Stone) standing near
the witness ready to prompt her.He had tried to
do so several times.
raedi"
Mr. Littler-1 may mention that he is the
cal man of the witness,
ht to speak
The Juryman—Well; but he has no rig
to her.
Cross-examination of witness was continued, and
. he would
she said Mr. Chapman had
never '
"s n al
daHs with her.
summon her—he wanted to make trie
n e took her
She Wa4 summoned by Mr. Chap
m 6—

PORTE ST. MARTIN.—A drama of considerable
power, though containing little or nothing new in
the shape of plot or dialogue, has been brought out
here, sailed " Andre Rubner," written by M. Tete-
deux, and well received. A young man, Andre,
without means, friends,
or employment, is on the
point of committing a robbery, when he is dis-
covered by the man, a traveller, from whom he is
about to steal the property. This person, seeing
the young criminal not to be a common thief, pre-
sents him with his purse, and, with some good
advice, sends him about his business. This benevo-
lent personage some years after falls into deep dis-
tress, and is relieved and restored to prosperity by
the young fellow he had formerly so generously as-
sisted. This simple plot would have made a pretty
and and touching little drama, but, alas! the author
had written five, or rather six acts! and theset
72311
Andrebe
be all filled up. He does this by makiniFi
marry a young lady wlao happens unluclo Y" :s
in love with a certain Doctor Sandois. She
ef is
languishing, and falls so ill that the advicedd that
physician becomes necessary. Need we a
it is Sandois who presents himselfflight, but a
lid. The lovers resolve
uP°tlibe hands of the
letter falls accidentally intc!
g the doctor down
husband, who, instead of
kicking sets matters
to the inva
stairs, as he ought to
right by steallotring ivz•llis wife, whom he loves
stacle to the haPPl"sstoo
'4.°,2-seon as not to be an ob-
say, there are here and
to idolatry. Strange and passion in this ext.-
there p
sif
assages
of-eil prohat sensibly affect the specta-
crably trashy
that
the writer possesses genuine
tor, and provest
had
pl
oa dhe but the sense and taste to
dramatic
applause was of course vociferous,
Threhupt consider that the final or ro t-
fi
piece is what may be called "anablepb u direct
t wei
t. talen
„ono,
squuc
:tea% no f the
."

Frederick is announced for an engagement at
in an old piece of the Varietes,
the Paa
ledtlhis-e,ll, osyaial,
timban
ques," in which he takes the
part formerly filled by
the most popular of corniques
—Odry, of that theatre. A daughter of the late
excellent comedian, Aleide Toussez, is also about to
make her debut on this stage, when her name is
sure to be a passport to favour.
ed to compose the
M. Jules has hurse of revival
new musin for "Psyche," now In co
at the Vrtonais.
Cohen --- been enga g