The Sun.
London, England, 1865-09-05 00:00:00

THE SUB, LONDON, TUESDAY EVEN! G, SEPTEMBER 5,186 b.

less to the powers of the horse than to the consum-
mate skill of the rider.

The fifth and last race, by gentlemen riders,
Prix de Rastadt, for 1,500 f., three-year-olds, 1,200
metres distance, was run by five horses—Count La-
grange's Yamuna, ridden by M. de St. Germain ;
M. G. Flersheim's Schooner ; Count Dampierre's
Benjamin, ridden by Captain Hunt ; M. de Reiset's
Tambour de Basque, ridden by Mr. C. Howarth ;
Count Lehndorff rode his own horse Gaulois. This
gentleman, tall, strong-built, and well adapted by
nature to all manly exercises, with a set of features
and the hair of a real son of Arminius, came up at
the head of the troop, his good horse securing in
his faWnir an advantage of which the rider seemed
scarcely aware. Up he came in a state of hot ex-
citement, severely lashing the noble animal, which
seemed scarcely to need such punishment and was
brought to the winning post an easy conqueror,
enjoying, no doubt, his success with an exultation
which would have been in some measure damped
had he heard, as I did, the comments that were
passed on his style of riding by competent judges
about me. The meeting was over at five o'clock.

Murder of a Womin.

At the Southwark Police-court yesterday, Henry Rick-
man, 31, labourer, employed at Hartley's Wharf, was
placed at the bar before Mr. Woolrych, charged with the
wilful murder of Sarah Scott, a widow with whom he
resided, at No. 3, White's-grounds, Bermondsey. The
prisoner, who seemed to feel his perilous position very
acutely, was allowed to be seated during the examination.
Mr. Phillip Raymond was the first witness called. He
said,—l am an inspector of the M division of police. On
Saturday night, about 6 o'clock, I was on duty in the
Bermondsey station-house, when the prisoner was
brought in by 308 M, charged with causing the death of
Sarah Scott. After I had entered the charge on the
charge-sheet the prisoner commenced making a statement.
'cautioned him not to say anything unless he liked, and
told him that whatever he said I should take down in
writing, and it might be used against him at another
place. The prisoner said he wished to make a statement,
and I wrote down as follows :

"The deceased Sarah Scott has lived with me at 3,
White's-grounds, four years. Her husband died four years
ago. On Saturday evening we had no dispute. When I
came in I saw she was the worse for liquor, and that there
was no fire. I said, ' Why don't you get my tea ?' She mut-
tered something which I could not hear, and I could not tell
what she said. I said to her, Any ways, you will suffer for
this ; 'tis not the first or second time you served me so.'
While she was trying to light the fire I got out of temper,
and struck her, when she fell and I kicked her with my foot,
and I think that the heel of my boot must have made a gash
in her head and caused her death. I then went into the
yard, and when I came again into the house I found she
had not moved. I lifted her up and found that she was in-
sensible. I found life was gone from her. I laid her head on
a small block of wood and sent for a doctor by my next door
neighbour. I fancy she was led away by Mrs. Lapthorne,
living at No. 2, White's-grounds. The deceased had two
children by her husband."

Mr. Woolrych—Were these voluntary statements, with-
out any questions from you ?

Inspector Raymond—They were, Sir, as I strictly cau-
tioned him before I took it down in writing.

Mr. Woolrych—Who keeps the house ?

Inspector Raymond—The prisoner pays the rent, and
occupied it with the deceased and her children. After I had
taken down his statement I proceeded to the holm and saw
the dead body of Sarah Scott. Dr. Evans, the divisional
surgeon, was sent for and examined the body while I was
there. I saw bruises and wounds on her head.

Mr. Woolrych (to the prisoner)—Do you wish to ask
the inspector any questions ?
Prisoner—No, Sir. It is just what I told him.
Inspector Raymond—When I returned to the station-
house the prisoner told me that the deceased had been
cutting wood with a knife (produced), which I found had
blood on it ; but I don't know that the wounds were caused
by that. I took the boots produced from tho prisoner's
feet, and I found blood on the inner edge of the iron heel
of the right foot.

Samuel Congdon, police-sergeant, 16 M, an old Crimean
office; said—On Saturday evening, a little before 6 o'clock,
I was on duty in Bermondsey-street, when I received in-
formation that a woman had been murdered at No. 3,
White's-grounds. I proceeded there and saw a woman
lying on the floor with her head resting on a block of wood.
She was quite dead. I saw an incised wound on her right
forehead, and on looking round I found at her feet a small
table knife, the blade of which had blood on it. There was
some wood lying about, which appeared to have been re-
cently cut. I took the knife to the police-station, and while
showing it to the inspector in the prisoner's presence, he
said, " I did not do it with that, but with a kick."
James Haynes, 308 M, said—On Saturday evening, about
a quarter to 6, I was on duty at the police-station in Ber-
mondsey-street, when a gentleman came to me, and, from a
communication received from him I went to No. 3, White's-
grounds. A Mrs. Gregory admitted me into the house, and
I asked her what was the matter, when she pointed to the
floor, and I then saw deceased lying apparently dead. The
prisoner was sitting on a chair by her side, holding herright
hand in his. I said, " Who did this ?" The prisoner ex-
claimed, " I did." I told him to be careful what he said, as
whatever he said I should have to say again before the ma
gistrate. The prisoner said, "I know that, but I want to
tell you all." He then said that deceased was drunk when
he came home, and had neither provided his tea nor had
any fire. (Witness then repeated the statement taken down
by Inspector Raymond at the station-house.) After he had
said so I took him into custody.

Sarah Ann Gregory, wife of Richard Gregory, said—l
live at 4, White's-grounds. On Saturday evening a little
after 6 o'clock I saw the prisoner coming to my door. He
came up to me and asked me to step into his house for a
minute or two. I accompanied him, and in the front room I
saw Mrs. Scott lying on the floor, and the prisoner raised
her head. I said " Dear me, what have you done 2" as I
thought she was dead. The prisoner called out, " Run for
a doctor !" I went out and sent for one. I know prisoner
to be a very hard- working, sober man, but the deceased was
very intemperate in her habits.
Mr. Woolrych—llad you seen her alive in the course of
the day ?

Witness—l had not, Sir.
Mr. Thomas Evans, the divisional surgeon of the M
division, said—l was called to No. 3, White's-grounds on
Saturday evening a little after 6 o'clock, whon I saw the
deceased, Sarah Scott, lying on her back on the floor, with
her head resting on a block of wood., She was quite dead.
I made a superficial examination of the deceased, and found
severe contusions on the left brow, just above the eye, and
a wound on the back of the head. It was an incised wound
an inch and a half in length, penetrating to the bone, the
scalp being separated from the cranium. There was not
much bleeding.
Mr. Woolrych—Can you tell the cause of death ?
Mr. Evans—No, Sir; not until I have made a post
mortem examination. It may possibly be congestion of the
brain.

Mr. Woolrych—Are you going to make a post mortem
examination of the body ?
Mr. Evans—Yes, Sir; I have just received orders from
the Coroner, and directions to report the same at the in-
quest. I have examined the prisoner's boots, produced,
and on the inside part of the right heel I have discerned
blood. I think the wound at the back of the head might
have been caused by the iron heel of that boot.
Mr. Woolrych (to the prisoner)--Have you anything
to say why you should not be remanded until after the
inquest ?
Prisoner—l have nothing to say, Sir.

Mr. Woolrych—Then you aro remanded.

The prisoner, who seemed very much depressed in spirits,
was then removed to Horsemonger-lane Gaol.

The Frauds on the Birmingham Banking
Company.

Yesterday Benjamin Taylor, of 67, Camden-street, Bir-
mingham, boot-uppermaker, and Henry Kelly, 18, Grove-
street, Camden-town, builder, were brought up on remand
before the Lord Mayor, at the Justice-room of the Mansion-
house, on a charge of having, in the month of May last, in
the city of London, unlawfully conspired, combined, and
conf9derated together, by divers false pretences, falsely and
fraudulently to obtain to themselves, and in pursuance
thereof unlawfully did obtain, from the Birmingham Bank-
ing Company large sums of money, about £2,400, with in-
tent to defraud them of the same.

Mr. Lewis, of the firm of Lewis and Lewis, solicitors, of
Ely-place, appeared for the prosecution ; Mr. M. Williams,
barrister, defended Taylor, and the other prisoner was
undefended.

The circumstances of this case have been brought so fre-
quently before the public that it is unnecessary to say more
than that the prisoner Taylor obtained the assent of the
Birmingham Banking Company to pass into their establish-
ment good trade bills to a large amount, with liberty to
draw upon them to an equal amount. Ile then, in conjunc-
tion with Kelly, opened several offices in London, and drew
several bills which purported to have been accepted by some
genuine and by many fictitious firms, all of which have
turned out to be worthless. The names of the genuine firms
have been proved to be forgeries. These bills werepassed
into the bank by Taylor, who drew cheques for their full
amount, and these cheques were duly cashed, and in the
result the bank alleges that it has been defrauded to the
extent mentioned—about £2,400.
There was a great deal of evidence taken yesterday with
the view of showing the ramifications of the fraud.
Mr. Wm. Smith, an engraver and printer, of 33, Alder-
manbury, said that two persons, whom he could not iden-
tify to be the prisoners, had taken an office from him in
October last, at a rent of 255. a month. They paid him up
to March, and left in June. They did not carry on any
business so far as he could see. They called themselves
Sitchell and Forster, and put up a plate on the doorpost of
" Sitchell, Forster, and Co., artificial stone agents." They
merely called for their letters.
Mrs. Mary Rogers, of 2, Winchester-buildings, said a
person named Davis took a room from her as an office, at
a rent of £l4 a year and £5 for cleaning. It was on the
third floor. The name " Albert Davies and Co." was put
up on the door. He said he dealt in fancy goods from Ber-
lin. He left in June last, but only paid her a quarter's rent.
That was paid partly in money and partly in 1 cwt. of soap.
A great many parties came to see him every day, and a man
named Streamer seemed to be the factotum of the concern.

Mr. E. Parker Champion said that in January last a per-
son named Brewer, who was accompanied by the prisoner
Kelly, had taken an office from him.

Mr. Charles O. Burgess knew the handwriting of Wm.
Farnham, who was connected with the prisoners. The two
acceptances now handed to witness were signed by Brewer,
but were in reality written by Farnham, and it now ap-
peared that Brewer was Farnham. _ _

Mr. G. W. IVyman, of Sussex-street, Plumpstead-road,
Woolwich, said he was engaged by Kelly to manage a boot
and shoe shop at 285, High-street, Camden-town. The
name "Ross and Co." was placed over the door, but there
was no Mr. Ross connected with the business. All the let-
ters which came for Ross and Co. were handed to Kelly.

Mr. J. G. Coke, of Ladywood-grove, Birmingham, saw
an advertisement in the Birmingham Daily Post for a tra-
veller and agent, and was induced by it to come to London
and visit 36 and 37, Langbourne-chambers, Fenchurch-
street, where the name of "Frederick Beeves and Co." was

painted up. He there saw Kelly, who represented himself
to be Reeves, and he also saw a tall clerk, who was said to
be Mr. Hamilton. Kelly engaged him to purchase general
hardware goods and tho manufactures of Birmingham and
the surrounding neighbourhood. Witness asked for refer-
ences, and was given the name of the prisoner Taylor,
who was represented to be in the indiarubber trade. He
went back to Birmingham with instructions to purchase
goods to the amount of £l5O or £2OO for Reeves and Co,
He gave an order for £l5O worth of iron bedsteads, but as
matters at headquarters did not appear to go on satis-
factorily, he gave no further orders, and he stopped the
bedstead order from being executed. He called at Taylor's
place, Birmingham, but failed to see him, as it was said he
was in London. On July 12 he received a letter from
Hamilton, dated Langbourne-chambers. Hamilton was
about 35 years of age, with a nose a little on one side.
In cross-examination, witness said he had never seen
Taylor b3f ore the present time, and that be (Taylor) was
said to be the employer of 200 hands in Birmingham.

Mr. Edmond W. P. Taunton said he carried on business
in electro-plated articles at 46, Broad-street, Birmingham.
He received an order on the 30th June last from Reeves
and Co. for an assortment of electroplated goods to the
amount of £BO or £lOO. That order came direct from Lon-
don through his agent. The reference in it was to the pri-
soner Taylor. Witness wrote to Taylor to know something
of Reeves and Co., but received no reply. He then offered
to deliver the goods for cash, but he never heard anything
more from Reeves and Co., and the order was not executed.

Mr. Thomas Lamb Smith stated that he carried on busi-
ness at Worcester with Mr. Macnaught as a carriage manu-
facturer. He received an order from Reeves and Co., on
the 22d of June, for a phaeton or a dogcart, and a set of
plated -harness, with a reference to the prisoner Taylor,
and also to a person named Winkworth, of Northampton.
Witness wrote to Taylor and Winkworth to inquire about
Reeves and Co., but answers were not returned, and the
dogcart and harness were in consequence not sent.
Mr. Frederick Hughes, who is in the employment of his
father, a carpet manufacturer, at Kidderminster, received
an order from Reeves and Co. for goods suitable for ship-
ment to Canada. He was in London at the time and saw
Kelly, who was introduced to him as Mr. Reeves, and he
gave an order to him for about £6O worth of carpets, with
a reference to the prisoner Taylor. Witness wrote to Taylor
to learn something about Reeves, and there was no reply,
and tho goods were not forwarded.

Mr. Burgess was recalled, and he proved that the letter
purporting to have been sent by Hamilton to Mr. Coke was
written by Farnham, and that the several orders given for
the electro-plate, harness, and carpets by Reeves and Co.
were also written by Farnham. He also proved that the
letter-book found in the office of Reeves and Co., and which
consisted entirely of orders for goods, was entirely in Farn-
ham's handwriting.

Detective Henry Webb said that two days after the ap-
prehension of the prisoners he went to the office in Lang-
bourne-chambers and searched it. Ho found there a letter-
book, four ledgers, a cash"-book, and an index-book. He also
found a great quantity of stationery, with the name of
Reeves and Co., Langboume-chambers, on it, and there
were besides in the office the Directories of Birmingham,
Liverpool, Manchester, and Derby. The man Hamilton,
alias Farnham, whose nose was crooked, as described, was
in and out, and he was also seen at the residence of Kelly,
at Grove-street, Camden-town, but he had since disap-
peared. On searching Taylor, six letters were found upon
him from parties asking about the respectability of Reeves
and Co. There were also found upon him several copies of
a prospectus for the formation of a company to purchase
his upper-boot establishment in Birmingham, and guaran-
teeing a dividend to the shareholders of 10 per cent. A
copy of the agreement was also found upon him for the
taking of the office in Langbourne-chambers.
Mr. Lewis here intimated that it was not his intention to
produce any further evidence for the prosecution.
Mr. M. Williams said that at the proper time he should
be prepared to prove that Taylor was a mere dupe in this
conspiracy, but now he presumed it was intended to coin.
mit him for trial.

The Lord Mayor said that was undoubtedly his inten-
tion.

Mr. M. "Williams asked whether Taylor would bo admit-
ted to bail.

The Lord Mayor replied—Certainly not, and remanded
the prisoners until Thursday, in order that the whole of the
depositions, which are very voluminous, might bo read over
and signed by the various witnesses, previous to the pri-
soners being committed for trial at the Central Criminal
Court.