The Sun.
London, England, 1865-03-07 00:00:00

THIRD EDITION.

SUN OFFICE, 7 o'CLocK.

The Great Jewel Robbery in the City,

MANSION-HOUSE.-(THIS DAY.)

The prisoners David Roberts, Henry Geoffrey, Thomas
Casley, Thomas Brewerton, James Hurley, William Brown,
alias Scotty, Martha Geoffrey, Anne Casley, Louisa
Brewerton, and Ellen Hurley, who are under remand for
blirglariously breaking and entering the premises of Mr.
Walker, watchmaker and jeweller, Cornhill, and stealing
therefrom property to the amount of £6,000, were again
placed at the bar before the Lord Mayor.
Mr. Lewis, jun., appeared for the prosecution.
There was also a second charge against the prisoners
for being concerned in a burglary, at the house of Mr.
Johnson, a jeweller, in Threadneedle-street.

A gentleman, an attorney, who said his name was Webb,
said he attended that day to inform his lordship that his
premises in the Euston-road were broken open last Christ-
mas, and property to the amount of £20,000 taken away in
an iron safe, weighing 7001 b. or 8001 b. Thepafe was after-
waids found in Kennington-fields, the inconvertible
property was found safe, but that which could be negotiated
had been stolen. He had fortunately recovered the safe,
but his loss by the robbery had been over £l,OOO.
Sergeant Moss said—l am a detective in the City police.
I have been engaged since January last, in company with
Inspectors Potter and Brennan, to discover the perpetrators
of the robbery. On the afternoon of the 24th of February
I went to the house of Brewerton, No. 142, Whitechapel-
road.

One of the prisoners (Brewerton) asked that the wit-
nesses might be ordered out of court, and the Lord Mayor
directed them to leave the court.
Witness continued—lnspector Brennan and Ranger
went through the tea shop adjoining 142, to the rear
of the house. Inspector Potter and myself went into
the house by the front door. We found the Geoffreys and
the Brewertons. I told them I should apprehend them for
being concerned in a great robbery at Cm nhill. I seized
Brewerton, and Potter took Geoffrey. They commenced
struggling and exclaimed "Who are you?" I then saw the
woman Brewerton run upstairs:. I
_heard a great noise
overhead. By this time I had overpowered Breworton,
and having given him in charge to another constable I
went upstairs, and found Mrs. Brewerton holding one of
the constables by the whiskers. I released Mr. Potter, and
then he searched the female and found a number of gold
chains in her pocket. They were in five parcels. I pro-
duce them. Parcel No. 1 contains three brooch chains, two
seals, and one key ; No. 2 contains seven alberts, two
guard chains, three brooch chains, aiLd one necklet ; No.
3 contains eleven guard chains, eight alberts, one guard, one
piece of chain ; No. 4 seven alberts, one guard ; No. 5 six
alberts, seven do. in separate paper, four do., two guards, one
piece of chain, and some broken gold. I also took some
money and bank-notes, and money from her pocket, and a
gold swivel chain, a braquet chain, and four jump rings. I
heard a noise down stairs, and I there found Brewerton
again struggling, evidently for the purpose of creating
confusion for the women to get rid of the property. I
handcuffed him, and afterwards they were all taken to the
police-station. Ranger was left in charge of the housa. I

then went with Potter and Brennan to N 0.13, Ely-terrace,
Bow-road, the residence of Casley and Geoffrey. Inspector
Potter knocked at the door, and Mrs, Casio), opened the
window and looked out. She said what do you want—who
are you? Potter told her they were police officers, and told
her to open the door. We waited for a few moments and then
entered. We wont upstairs, where I saw Mrs, Casley and
the male prisoner, Casley pssed from the back-room to the
front We told them they were charged with others for
breaking and entering the premises of Mr. Walker, Corn-
hill, and stealing a quantity of jewellery. Inspector
Brannan took charge of the two prisoners, and I and Potter
went into the room I had seen Casley leave. I there found
a large box, which I found to contain a large quantity of
watches. I corded it up and the police took charge of it.
Superintendent Durkin, I believe, had charge of it. On
searching the kitchen I found a bunch of skeleton keys, a
jemmy, and a piece of steel.

Mr. Lewis—l shall prove that this jemmy corresponds
with the marks on the iron safe of Mr. Walker.
Witness continued—l found a life-preserver on a bed in
the back room. We also found some shawls and black
silk, which has been identified. I also found in the box a
large number of gold guard Albert chains. All the chains
I have been speaking of are gold. I also found some gold
coins and money. I also found one £5O-note, £196 10s. in
gold in a purse, one £5-note, £l9 in gold, a gold chain, tw•
rings, a keeper, and a box ring. A deposit note and other
things wore found, but I can't say where. There were 52
gold and one silver watches in the box. I have forwarded
a list of the numbers of the watches to Mr. Walker, and he
has identified them.

The Lord Mayor—The whole of the fifty-two ?

Witness—Yes, my lord.

Examination continued—l rode in the cab to the station
with Casley. Ho said, " You've nearly till Walker's pro-
perty in the box. Don't hurt my wife. I should plead
guilty myself to Walker's. My wife-knows nothing about
it." Ho also said, " What robberies aro you going to buff
to me? Mind, I was not in the shawl robbery, or John-
son's. I was not in London at the time of either of them."
He said, " The two centre-bits you will find at Ned's
(Brewerton) are the things that we used at Walker's and
Johnson's." He said, " The gold charms found at my
house are from Johnson's. If lam asked to account for
them, I shall say I found them on Geoffrey's stairs."

The Lord Mayor asked if any of the prisoners had any
questions to put to the witness.

In answer to the prisoner Casley, Moss said—l was in
the cab with Sergeant Potter when you were taken to the
station. He must have heard what took place in it. I have
made no inquiry relative to the shawls. I have heard no-
body but yourself say you were in Birmingham at the time
of Johnson's robbery. I charged you at Bow-street with
being concerned with others in breaking into and entering
Mr. Walker s. The charge of robbery at Mr. Johnson's
has not been dropped against you.
Scotty—You don't know the man, my lord. You don't,
know of what he'd be guilty.
Casley—They say anything. A thousand pounds is
nothing to you, my lord, but it will put the witness into a
good shop. (Laughter.)
The Lord Mayor—lt appears that the business has put
two of your friends into good shops. (Laughter)
Casley—l have no objection to this witness's evidence.
It is all true except that which is perfectly false. (Laugh-
ter.)

Sergeant Moss—The prisoner Casley is called Counsellor
Kelley, and practices at a judge and jury society. I can
tell you some more of the conversation I had with your
father if you wish it.

Casley—Well, no, you needn't do that—you have said
quite enough.

Inspector Brennan said—I was with Inspector Potter
when the house of Brewerton was entered. I took Mrs.
Geoffrey in custody. The prisoners were taken to Leman-
street station. Casley said, "I'm right for Walker's job, but
not for any other." I saw Brewerton in Leman-street
Police Station. He said,
"Whatever you find on my wife
I gave her; she's innocent, and knows nothing about it
After the first remand, Brewerton called me to the police
cell. He said, "If you will give my old woman £lO, you
may kee £4O. I'll say nothing about it. I won't, so help
me God." I have compared the marks of the jemmy, and
I find it corresponds with the marks on Mr. Walker's safe.
In answer to the prisoner Casley, Inspector Brennan
said—You told me you had some " twirls." Perhaps I
had better explain what they are.
Casley—l'll save you the trouble. They are skeleton
keys. (Laughter.)
person.
Casley—What, nothing? „
Inspector Brennan—l did not take anything off my

Bremlan—Weil, some imoney.
Casley—lsn't money a thing. (Laughter.) If I under-
stand the evidenco, it appears that nothing has been iden-
tified as far as I am concerned with respect to either Wal-
ker's or Johnson's robbery?

Brennan—l believe not. •
Casley—l shall be able, my lord, to prove a :complete
alibi as far as Johnson's and Walker's robbery is contented.
I may as well say that the whole of Inspector Brennan's
evidence has been the perfect truth.
Joseph George Hicks said—l am an engraver, and live
in Northampton-square. The prisoner Roberts called upon
me about three weeks ago. I have known him as a gentle-
man for the whole of that time. He brought me a plate of
a watch ; it was quite plain. I could not see whether it
had been previously engraved. He told me to put the name
of Hilton, Wilmington-square, upon it. I took the plate
after I had engraved it to a house in Wilderness-row. I
left it for him there. I have heard Roberts called "the
quaker." I never called him so.
The Lord Mayor—Have you ever done any work of the
same description for him before?
Witness—No, never.
Mr. Walker, jun.—l have examined the watches and
chains found by the police. I identify them as the property
of my father. Many of them bear our private mark. I
should think the value of the property I have seen about
£1,250. It formed a portion of the property stolen.
Mr. Lewis said that was the length he proposed to go to-
day with respect to Mr. Walker's robbery. He had now to
ask that the greater portion of the valuable property iden-
tified as Mr. Walker's might be given up to him.
The Lord Mayor said he did not think it advisable to
make any order in the matter.
Mr. Lewis—Mr. Walker is greatly inconvenienced by
such a large amount of property remaining in the hands of
the police.
The Lord Mayor—You will want a remand in the case,
and by that time I will tell you what I can do in the
matter.
Mr. Lewis—Very well, my lord. I shall now proceed
with the charge of Johnson's robbery.
The Lord Mayor—Which of the prisoners do you ex-
cept in the case you are now about to go into.
Mr. Lewis—Roberts and the Brewertons.
The Lord Mayor—Then let those persons leave the
dock. Walker's case is remanded until this day week.
The prisoners Roberts and Brewerton having left the
court,
Inspector Brennan of the F Division said—On the 24th
of January I went to York-place, Constable-alley, Hoxton,
and found the prisoner Brown, alias Scotty, and appre-
hended him on the charge of burglary for which he now
stands committed. On searching his trowsers' pocket I
found two signet rings ; on the shelf I found a gold watch
and chain with key attached. The two rings and watch-
key have been identified by Mr. Johnson. On the 26th I
went to Chandler's shop, No. 23, Golden-lane, kept by a
man named Coombs, and received from him the leather
bag now produced. In it I found a gold watch, some shirt
studs, sleeve links, locket, a pair of ear-rings, &c., all of
which have been identified by Mr. Johnson as his pro-

perty. I afterwards went to the Pitt's Head, Old-street,
St. Luke's, and received from a person named Farmer a
savings'.ibank book, made out to Mr. Thomas Price, and
found therein an entry of £62 2s. 6d., and £3B in gold. I
afterwards apprehended Hurley and two of the other pri-
soners, and him I apprehended him f it being concerned in
Johnson's robbery. He said he was right for Johnson's,
but knew nothing of Walker's. On the 24th of February I
took from the female prisoner Geoffrey a ring belonging
to Mr. Johnson. I afterwards went to Casley's resi-
dence. I told him I was going to apprehend him for being
concerned in various extensive jewel robberies. His wife
gave him a bunch of charms, and he then gave them up to
me. I found on the fingers of his wife a wedding ring
and keeper.
Casley—Show me the two rings identified by Mr.
Johnson.
Brennan hero held up a keeper. and wedding ring. I
never said to you (Casley), "Jemmy Hurley has blown
the gaff. "
Scotty—Did you not take the watch you speak of out of
my pocket ?
Brennan—No, certainly not. I recollect that you made
a very desperate effort to strangle me before I could get
you to the station.
Inspector Brennan then loft the court, when Scotty in-
stantly said, "My lord, you said the witnesses were not to
leave the court. Brennan has just gone to give the other
officers the tip."
Inspector Brennan immediately returned to the court,
but

Scotty said, " Ah, it's too late ; he's done it. You don't
know how clever he is, my lord. (Laughter.)
Casley—Yes, he's quite up to everything. (Laughter.)
Constable Ranger—l produce two screw augurs.
found them at 142, Whitechapel-road. Geoffrey said the
tools were his, as he was a carpenter. I have fitted the
small augur into the marks on Mr. Johnson's door, and
found it fit exactly. I also found a dark-lanthern and a
life-preserver. The skeleton keys were found in the same
house by a sergeant of the K Division of police.
John Gilby—l live at 26, Mount-street, Whitechapel. I
was at work last March in Mr. Johnson's premises, re-
pairing some locks. I saw Scotty there.
Witness was here asked to point him out, when he
pointed out Casley, and then Brewerton. The witness
seemed very undecided in his answers.
Mr. Lewis said he thought he had better withdraw the
evidence of the witness.
Casley—l think I've a right to ask him a question before
he goes.—Why did you not identify me yesterday in
Newgate.
Witness—l said I thought I had seen your face before.
Casley—l've seen Mr. Walker's face before, but that is
no reason why I should commit the. robbery. Go down,
you'd swear any man's life away.
James Wicks said—l reside at Hale-street, New North-
Road. I know the prisoner Scotty. I called at his house,
7, Cambridge-street, Hackney-road, in July last. I went
into his room. I saw a quantity of jewellery on the
table. I saw a diamond brooch there. He afterwards
called upon me, and offered some jewellery for sale,
and I purchased two pairs of earrings. I gave
him 10s. for one pair, and £2 for the other. One pair I
kept, and the other I sold then to a person named Bennett.
I used to have a beer-shop, and as he came in and out I
became acquainted with him. I never knew him to be en-
gaged in any particular trade. The earrings (produced)
are those I purchased.
Mr. Lewis—The cost price of the two pairs would be
between £6 and £7.
Witness continued—Scotty afterwards called upon me
to put a stone in a pearl cross. I could not do it, and I
gave it him back. It was about an inch and a quarter in
length. I don't keep a beer shop now. I have worked as
a watch-balance maker all my life. I follow that trade
still. I have known Scotty for about five years.
Wm. B. Bennett—l keep the Lord Wellington, Univer-
sity-street, Tottenham-court-road. I bought the earrings
of the last witness some time ago for £2 10s. I gave them
to Mr. Johnson this morning.
Stephen Brown, of Liverpool-road—l know the prisoner
Scotty. He on one occasion, between July and August,
brought me some jewellery to purchase. I told him we did
not want anything, and therefore I did not look particularly
at it. One of the articles seemed to me to bo a mourning
brooch. Some time after this he brought me some money
to mind (about £2O). He came the next morning and.took
it away. I afterwards brought a pair of earrings for ss, I
did not know that they were worth £2. I thought they
wore not good ones, so I did not give them away. They
have never been used.
Mrs. Charlotte Dear—My husband kept the Globe pub-
lichouse, Borough-road. I purchased three duplicates of
the female prisoner Hurley for a pair of earrings and two
brooches. One was pawned in the Borough-road, and the
others in the Whitechapel-road. I redeemed tite article. I
have since given them to Inspector Potter. I gave 13s.
for the duplicates, and the property was pledged for £2 4s.
Mr. Johnson then identified the property produced, and
said the earrings sold for ss. were worth £4 ss. He further
stated that the property he had just identified was worth
about £4O, and that was all that had been recovered out
of the stock he had been robbed of, which amounted
to £4,000.
Casley—Do you swear to the wedding-ring ?
• Mr. Johnson—l do.
Casley—Was it the only ono made for you ?
Mr. Johnson—l swear that it is my property :it is pecu-
liarly heavy for a wedding-ring.
Casley—l can prove I purchased the ring in Bishopsgate-
street.
Mr. Johnson—With respect to the mourning-ring taken
from the prisoner Casley I can swear to it, from the fact
that I have had it in stock these seven years.
Application was then made to admit the married females
to bail.
The Lord Mayor—l shall not allow any of the prisoners
to bail.
The further hearing of the case was adjourned till Tues-
day next.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

HOUSE OF LORDS--Tuis EVENING.

The Lonn CHANCELLOR took his seat on the woJisack at
he usual hour.

The School for the indigent Blind Act Amendment Bill
was read a second time.
THE CASE OF MR. EDMUNDS.

The LORD CHANCELLOR said he felt he should
make a statement of all he knew of the matter respect-
ing the resignation of Mr. Edmunds, as Reading Clerk to
the House of Lords. He stated that Mr. Edmunds had
held the office of Clerk of the Patents, an_office with a
salary of £4OO a year, created by a statute in the year 1833.
Since then, in the year 1852, a new office had been
created for certain patents—the office of Clerk to the Com-
mission of Patents with a salary of £6OO a-year. This it
was deemed right, and for several reasons to give to Mr.
Edmunds. The obligation is thrown upon the clerk
of the patents to pay all the fees he receives by
virtue of his office into the Exchequer. In 1864 it was
found great confusion had arisen in the Patent-office. Many
complaints were brought to the noble lord touching these
complaints, and Mr. Edmunds was one of the first to
demand the inquiry which followed. The report made by
the committee of inquiry stated that Mr. Edmunds had
received and misapplied public moneys which had come
into his hands, as Clerk of the Patents, to the extent of
£2,681. Since that Mr. Edmonds paid in the sum of
£7,872, notwithstanding the committee had reported
that he was a defaulter only to the extent of £2,681;
and accordingly further inquiry was made in January
this year, and the commissioner stated that Mr.
Edmunds was still further indebted in the sum of £9,100.
Mr. Edmunds has not yet made his answer to that
report. The noble lord first took, the opinion of the
Government upon the question whether he should lay
the matter before their lordships. The Government
was of opinion that he should; and he therefore in-
tended to lay the report and Mr. Edmunds's reply upon
the table of the house ; and to move for a committee
of inquiry into the subject ; and to advise the house
as to the course it would be proper to take upon
that information. But Mr. Edmunds made to him an
earnest request that he should not make that com-
munication for a few days longer until he (Mr. Edmunds)
had received some communications from abroad. At that
earnest request he postponed the communication for
four or five days. Then Mr. Edmunds sent in a petition
praying to be permitted to resign, and also stating that
as he had been a servant of the country for eighteen
years, ho hoped he should have granted to him the
usual pension of £BOO a year. The resignation was,
therefore, laid before their lordships and accepted. The
matter was laid before the committee, and it was a ques-
tion for his lordship to consider if he should pursue
Mr. Edmunds before the committee. As the inquiry had
not fully come to an end, he could net bring his mind to
pursue Mr. Edmunds. The law officers were of opinion
that there was not ground for criminal proceedings .
If should be found in the end that Mr. Edwards
is still a defaulter, the pension is liable to be taken
and will be taken, in satisfaction of the debt. The noble lord
concluded: It was necessary that tho lesser office, that of
clerk of the patents, with a salary of £4OO a year,
should be immediately filled up. The patronage
was with the Prime Minister, but on my advice the
Prime Minister presented the appointment to a relation of
my own. The other office, that of Clerk of Commission of
Patents, in the Lord Chancellor's patronage, it was not ne-
cesssary to fill immediately, and it will not be filled until
the matter is settled. The noble lord moved that a com-
mission of their lordships be appointed to inquire into the
whole matter.

The Earl of DERBY rose, and was
[LEFT SPEAKING.]

HOUSE OF COMMONS—TiIIs EVENING.
The SPEAKER took the chair at four o'clock.

NEW MEMBER.
The O'DONOGILUE took the oaths and his seat on hia
election for the borough of Tralee, and was introduced by
Mr. Longfield and Mr. Hennessy.
PUBLIC BUSINESS.
The following bills were read a second time :—Bristol
and North Somerset Railway (Bristol and Bath Lines);
Garth Quarry Railways • Peterborough, Wisbeach, and
Sutton Railway ; Stonehousei and Nailsworth Railway ;
Goole, Keadby, and Haxey Junction Railway.