The Sun.
London, England, 1856-03-19 00:00:00

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THE MURDERER OF T.HE GAOLER
AT BASTENGS:

The authorities at Hastings having written to the
Commissioners of the metropolis for information relating
to the young man called Murdoch Murdoch, who
strangled an old man named Weiland, the aolkeeper of
the Hastings Borough Prison, on Monday, the 10th inst.,
have received in reply a communication from Mr. Daniel
Howie, superintendent of the K division of police, con-
veying some important and 'very curious information re-
specting the murdertr, who was very well kronor for
many years in the Thames Police Court, and to the Nn-
stables of the K division, under the cognomen of Bluey,
which he obtained by having for some time worn a pair
of old naval b:ue trousers. The real 'Janie of the mur-
derer is Joseph Williams, and some part of his career
gained fur him the appellation of Young Jonathan Wild,
which he richly deserved. He first became known to
the police about eight year; ago under these orcitm-
staneen :—A woman, named Fordha.m, the wife of a
tradesman at Bow, had her pocket picked of e purse, con-
taining 561. in gold, which she had received the
!same
day in payment of a cheoito, at the B _nit of England.
The robbery was effected be a boy, while Mrs. Ford-
haul was listening to the discourse of one of the many
Cheap Jacks is the Ellie-end-road. Willi:one, who was
then connected with a gang of young thieves in i-pital-
fields, gave information to tae police, and upon his evi-
dence two well-known l thieves:,
oremonet:
the
ey
inaag7rd,l,, G rewrenre,
and the other a man called
ceinnetted fr on the Thames Police Court and con-
victed of the offence. Greco i received a slieht, punish-
ment, but "Jem, the leggier," who was heowii to be
a trainer of young thieves, 'n-as sentenced te be trans-
ported ,fee 15 years. The magistrate who heard the ease
questioned Williams, then a boy of 14, and the lad ex-
pressed a desire to shun bad company, and lead an honest
life, and said the gang of ymeng thieves with whom he
had been associated, and otht re, had threatened to mur-
der him for impeaching Gra in and "Jen', the logger,"
and that if he aver went to tite neighbourhood of Spital-
fields he should be torn to pieces. The magistrate, on
hearing this, directed Mills, a police-constable, No. 306
K, t 5 take care of the boy, aid see that he was properly
provided for. Williams boarded and lodged with Mills,
at his dwelling in Berinuda-street, Stepney, for seven
weeks, at the end of which tinro, the report of hie conduct
having been favourable, he teas provided with an out-
fit at the expense of the poor-box fund, and sent to sea.
He made only one voyage, during which he behaved well ;
and on his return, having taken a distaste to the tea ser-
vice, he became an itinerant vendor of stationery, and
was for about two years regular in his attendance every
Wednesday, at the Arbour-square station of the K divi-
eion, in Stepney,' and Wednesday being the pay-day
! of the division, he was extensively patronised by the
police, to whom he made himself useful by giving infor-
mation :Against parties accused of burglaries and rob-
beries, and whose dwellings and connexions he knew.
He also gave evidence on many occasions at the police
courts against young thieves charged with picking
pockets and robbing shops, and ho was frequently ac-
cused by the parties, against whom he was giving testi-
mony, of having instigated them to commit the very
crimes he afterwards denounced. On one occasion he
was accused of receiving bribes from pickpockets to wink
at their depredations, and though he strongly denied the
truth of the allegation, many eld police-officers expressed
their belief that Willia.metasstnned a virtue he had not,
and that he was acting the part of a Jonathan Wild. One
part of his life was no doubt genuine, and he effected a
good deal of good. Coming through Bow one morning,
.abort three years ago, he watched two men, whom he
knew to be notorious thieves, and saw them go into a
linendraper's shop, and come out again a minute after-
wards. One of them was carrying a large cash-box, which
he had take* from a table in the parlour at the back of
the shop, while the shopkeeper was tempera' ily absent.
Williams collared the thief with the cash-box, and held
him fast until a policeman arrived. He then obtained
assistance, and pursued the other thief, who was also
arrested. The magistrates of the Thames Police Court,
before whom the case was brought, warmly eulogised
the conduct of Williams, and the judge upon the trial
also noticed him approvingly. The thieves were con-
: victed, and sentenced to ten years' transportation. The
prosecutor rewarded Williams with the shabby remune-
ration of 20s. Soon after this affair Williams evinced a
desire to enter the police force, but he was declared net
eligible. Through the influence of the officers of the
Thames Police Court he obtained employment in the
London Dock, where be behaved well ; but finding he
was looked upon with distrust by many of his fellow-
labourers, he did net rema:n long there, and sought other
employment. Failing in this, he relapsed into crime,
and was semmarily convicted for picking pockets. On
his release from prison he enlisted into the East India
Company's service, and was sent to the camp at Warley
to be drilled. He had not been many weeks with his
regiment when he deserted. and went home to his mo-
ther, who is living with his step-father, in Three Colt-
street, Old Ford, Bow. His mother persuaded him to
go back to Motley, which he promised to do, and she
gave him 30s. to pay his expenses and purchase some
necessaries ; and there was no doubt he would have
acted on his mother's advice had he not met with a giosy
tramp, of known bad character, and another fellow, who
remained with him while his money lasted, and then
induced him to become a thief again. He betook hum-
self into Kent, and on reaching Hastings committed a
robbery there, for which he was committed to the bo-
rough gaol. He determined to make his escape, anti for
that purpose made au attack on Welland, the gaoler,
and strangled him. He was soon recaptured, and now
stands committed for wilful murder. lie will be tried at
the next Summer Assizes. Williams has expressed the
greatest contrition for the fcul murder he committed.
His gietim was a kind old man, and much respected.
Williams was always considered, by the Metropolitan
police, to be a cheerful, good-humoured lad, but im-
patient of restraint. He would never settle down to
anything long. He frequently said that it was more
pleasant to be an honest bard-working man, who could
look any one in the face, than be a thief ; but he has
often complained that he was consta,u tly beset with bad
advisers, and particularly by a gipsy, tramp, a kind of
Mephistopheles, who, to this day, tares a pleasure in
luring youth to their ruin, and then boasting of his
hellish exploits. This fellow has been long under the
notice of the police, and he is well known at the Hert-
fordshire and Essex fairs. The age of Williams bas
been stated, in the accounts of the murder, to be 18
only. He is upwards of 21. It is eight years since he
gave evidence against Green, and "Jem, tho. lagger ;"
and be was then more than 14 years of ago.

ALLEGED Pi,ISONING OF A SERVANT GIRL
BY HER MASTER,

HARTLEPOOL, Monday, March 17.—0 n Fritlea- morn-
ing a young girl, named Mary Brown, aged 17, living
in the service of Mr. George Wilkinson, surgeon, of this
town, died suddenly after a short illness. A. report was
very industriously circulated that the, deceased girl was
enciento by her master, and that poison had been admi-
nistered to her. Mr. John Little, deputy coroner for
Stockton ward, therefore iuspauelled a jury which as-
sembled this afternoon at the St. Hilda lintel. Mr.
Wilkinson attended at the inquiry.
Jane Taylor, the mother of the deceased, residing at
Castle Eden, said that six weeks ago she came to Hartle-
pool to see her daughter, who was very poorly. De-
ceased was at that time taking medicine prepared for
her by her master. She sometimes refused to take it,
saying it was very nauseous. Mr. Wilkinson replied to
witness's questions that nothing serious was the anatter,
and that he would "talk her over." Three weeks ago
the deceased went borne to her parents, and slept there
for two nights. She complained very much of pains in
the bead, On Wednesday morning last a messenger
came for witness to go to Hartlepool, as her daughter
was very ill. Oa arriving she found her in bed, and
speechless. Deceased did not recognise her. She re.
mined in that state till Friday morning, when she died.
During all that time Mr. Wilkinson prepared the mai.
eine for her, but she could not be got to take much.
Jane Duwson, housekeeper to Mr. Wilkinson, said
that deceased, who had been in the service of her master
about 14 months, was a healthy-looking girl till about
September or October last, when she took a fancy for
eating hearth or sandstone. Witness checked her for
doing so, and informed Mr. Wilkinson, who splice
to her about the practice, and gave her purgative medi-
cines. When deceased refused to take the medicines
prescribed for her, she (witness) stood over her and com-
pelled her to take them. Deceased at that time com-
plained of pain across her chest. She got considerably
better, though not strong, after taking the medicines,
but on Tuesday last she suddenly became seriously ill,
was insensible and speechless, and lost the power of
using her right band. It F.eented paralysed, and she
never regained the use of it. Medicine was prepared
for her by Mr. Wilkinson, but witness could not get it
into deceased's mouth. On the preceding Saturday de-
ceased vomited a great deal, as also on Sunday, Mon-
day, and Tuesday. Tea, gruel, and sago, which she took,
came instantly off her stomach. She had not eaten
animal food for a week previously to her death. De-
ceased bad free access to her master's surgery, and its
contents.

Martha Booth, wife of Richard Booth, fisherman,
who resided next doer to Mr. Wilkinson' aid that she
had known the deceased about six months, and she ap-
r€ared to be healthy girl. On Tuesday afternoon, wit-
ness was called in by Jane Dowson, and saw deceased
lying upon her bed. She asked deceased if she had any
pain, and the reply was " No." The housekeeper asked
deceased if she had been eating any more of that
" filthy stuff" (the saudstone), and deceased replied
" No." On deceased being lifted off' the bed, she ejacu-
la,ted, " It's death—death—death I"
At this stage of the inquiry, the coroner informed the
jury that he considered a postponement necessary in
order to have a post-mortem examination. .
Mr. George Green, surgeon, was then appointed to
1 the task, and the inquiry was adjourned till to•morrow.

A fire broke out a few nights ago in the theatre of
Bourges (Cher), by which part of it was destroyed. As
no performance had taken place since the Sunday pre-
vious, the origin of the fire is attended with some ear.
tory. The fire broke out at midnight. At the very
commencement the flames caught the roof, and all hopes
of saving the building were abandoned. Attention was
then turned to protecting the offices of the commissariat,
the Hotel de Jacques Cceur, which serves as the Mairie
and the Palais de Justice, and which are contiguous t
the theatre. By the exertions of the firemen, all the
books in the different offices were speedily remoy. d. All
the registers of the Octroi wove, however, destroyed. All
that can be conjectured as to the origin of the fire is,
that some lighted coal must have been dropped in tne
' room of the artistes, or that the lighted ashes from a
cigar must have fallen, and that the fire had been onion!-
,
dering until the time when it broke out. The building
was insured for 100,000 f.—a sum far inferior to that
which would be nocceoary for its re-construction.

1S 5

5 8

I

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ROYAL PRINCESS'S TErEATRE, OXFORD-STREET.
Under the Management of Mr. Cuanza Kum.
ON EASTER MONDAY

A RONDERFUT, WOIIAN.

After which,
FAUST AND MARGUERITE.

To conclude with
A PRINCE FOR AN HOUR.

EMMA STANLEY'S " SEVEN AGES OF WOMAN."
Commencement of the Second Season on EASTER MONDAY.

This Lyric Entertainment has been crowned by the unanimous
approbation of

ALL THE LONDON JOURNALS

As the greatest artistical triumph of the day. It constitutes an Opera,
Comedy, and Vaudeville. With a host of characters in Correct Cos-
tumes ; and Songs in
SIX DIFFERENT LANGUAGES!

Never attempted by any other artiste.
Evening performances on Mondays, Taesdays, Thursdays, and
Fridays, at 8. _ _

3loining performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays at half-pas'
two, precisely.
Admission—Chairs, 3s. ; Centre Seats, 2s. ; Back Seats, Is.
SAINT MARTIN'S lIA.LL, Long-acre.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
THIS DAY—Morn. 0 min. aft. I—Evening 20 min. aft. 1
To-Moßßow—Morn. 39 min. aft. I—Evening 56 min. aft. 1

THE WEA.TFLER—SuN OFFICE, MARCH 19.
THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE.
5 —highest since noon yesterday.
47—lowest this morning and during the night.
53 —this day at noon.
BAROMETER, 29.83.
WIND, S.W.—Light, and fine weather.

el'-z-

P

LONDON, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1856.

Well, the murder will soon be out ! The terms
of the discreditable and injudicious peace about
to be patched up will shortly be announced.
We are told that it has been already virtually
concluded, and that a sub-committee has actually
been appointed to settle the draught of the

Treaty; nay, more, the names are actually stated.
Lord CLARENDON is not of the number, the in-
terests of England in this very important matter
being confided to the hands of Lord COWLNY ! It
is useless to declaim on the vast importance of
this part of the transaction, where not only every
sentence and expression, but even the mere punc-
tuation, may be used to alter the real meaning of
the contracting parties. We have already had
but too many illustrations of the " forty petti-
fogging power" of quibbling, of which Russia is
capable ; and the simple, straightforward language
in which Englishmen are accustomed to represent
their, meaning can be easily twisted and distorted
by so astute and unconscientious an opponent !
Nor are the German diplomatists much behind
the Muscovites in this respect. The unfortunate
Vienna Note may be received as the latest case
in point ; and the serious consequences arising
from that grave mistake should have induced
extraordinary vigilance and caution on the present
occasion, and made the services of the best man
that England could put forward, indispensable.

Why, then, did Lord CLARENDON shirk thi.
arduous duty ? Why should he delegate his task
to a Nobleman in whom the English nation do
not repose as much confidence as in himself ?
We do net mean any disrespect to Lord COWLEY
in saying that the case is analogous to that of an
action is which the leading counsel, who had
ree:ived enormous special fees, submit the case to
arbitration, and leave the matter in the hands of
their juniors. The renowned PICKWICK would
not have been pleased if abandoned by Serjeant
SNUBBIN, and consigned to the tender care of
Mr. FLUNKEY. There is but one solution to/the
enigma, which it requires no (Epirus to discover,
viz., that the Foreign Secretary was heartily
ashamed of the result, and desirous of shifting
every possible portion of responsibility to other
shoulders. The presence of the Prussian Pleni-
potentiary will add inauspicious omens to those
already witnessed..
It is also stated, apparently ex cathedra, that
the proceedings are to remain strictly private, and
that nothing but the results will be communicated
to the world. This may be very convenient for
some of the parties, to avert the odium that
might otherwise attach to their " sayings and
doings." But it will not be satisfactory to the
peoples of France and England, who detest
mystery on such occasions, and will certainly not
in the present instance be inclined to confound
the unknown with the magnificent.
It is useless to deny the fact that there is a
general impression abroad that the French Go-
vernment has not supported that of E❑gland as
strongly as might have been anticipated. Any
attempted concealment of the facts will strongly
tend to confirm that untoward feeling. The
truth, however unpleasant it may be, will be far
better than the " doubts and fears" that must
otherwise be entertained, more especially if, as
there is but too much reason to believe, the
final arrangement be very different from what
had been expected, and what the Allies
might reasonably have demanded, and could
easily have enforced, and that without extra-
ordinary efforts or expenses in addition to those
already made and provided for.

The rumours above alluded to possess a Irani-
siudlitude that renders even the most sceptical
unable to take refuge in total incredulity. Would
that we could do so, or hold out any reasonable
expectation to our deceived and betrayed country-
men ! That, however, seems now almost beyond
hope. The birth of the Prince, " born in the
midst of the hopes of peace" (!), the admission of
Prussia to the Conferences, the contemplated ma-
trimonial alliance between the presumptive heir
of the throne of Prussia and our own " fifteen
year old Princess Royal," contracted with such
unseemly haste, the presence of the Belgian bird
of ill omen, awl a variety of minor incidents,
all supplying a dditional evidence in favour of the
infelicitous re'Ault, leave but little ground for
consolation. All that we have gained by our
sacrifices of men and money, by the weighty
fiscal burdens we have endured, and the lives of
our gallant brethren, is the unpleasing knowledge
that England has been made a laughing-stock for
every petty German potentate who rules a domain
scarcely more valuable than the estate of au
English country gentleman, and who is enabled
to supply beer and " Sauer kraut" to his vassals,
and to gratify his own vanity by the lavish sub-
sidies and innumerable decorations bestowed by
Russia. Possibly we may, under peculiarly favour-
able circumstances, hope to obtain a few of the
members of the scrubby lot as husbands for Prin-
cesses who would be thought too good for the most
eligible members of the high-minded and wealthy
nobility of England. Verily England " pays
dearly for her whistle." And we suppose that
for the time being we must be contented "to
swallow our leek" with becoming resignation. It
is not in the spirit of ancient PISTOL, however,
that we add—

"We eat, but eke we swear."

The apparently insuperable obstacles to national
agreement on national education can be removed
only by candid discussion. Certain collateral ob-
jects are probably more dear to each of the parties
than they are aware of, and each of them striving
more or less consciously to realise its pet object by
the nation's aid, finds itself no nearer to co-opera-
tion with the other parties after the fullest debate.
Each has been advocating its own view with ar-