The Sun.
London, England, 1858-03-01 00:00:00

MARCH l, 11 Na

her face on the bed. On removing her clothes I found
no marks of injury. On turning the body over, the
clothes and body were warm, but the extremities cold.
Her face and body generally presented a livid and ecohy•
mcsed appearance. The face was swollen, and features
distorted, the eyes prominent, and pupils dilated. There
was blood and mucus running from the nose, the tongue
protruding and swollen. On the lower part of the
trachea I observed a dark livid spot, about half the size
of a fourpenny-piece. Tke fingers were contracted, and
the nails livid. This morning, with the assi.tance of
Mr. Palmer, house surgeon of this hospital, I made a
post mortem examination of the body ; the brain was
found much congested and ecchymosed ; the general
appearance otherwise healthy. On removing the skin
from the trachea we found the muscles much congested,
as if pressed upon. On removing the trachea we found
❑o obstruction or foreign body i❑ the trachea horizon-
tally. The heart appeared generally healthy, the lungs
were much congested, but otherwise healthy. The heart
contained a quantity of black, dark blood. It was
rather small, but in other respects presented a healthy
appearance. On examining the stomach we found some
undigested food, apparently soup. The liver and viscera
generally were likewise healthy• The kidneys were
rather congested, but still healthy. From the appear
ance, both internally and externally. I should say the
cause of death was by strangulation, eff ,cted by pre-sure
upon the windpipe. There is nothing else to account
for death, and all the appearances justify us in coming
to the conclusion that death has resulted from stran-
gulation. I have no doubt whatever in my own mind
that strangulation was the cause of death.

After some further evidence the prisoner was re-
manded for a week.

During the whole of the examination, which occupied
nearly four hours, the prisoner exhibited the greatest
indifference to the whole of the proceedings. He leaned
upon the front of the bar with his arms folded, and now
and then made a few trifling observations while Mr.
Albert read the evidence over to him, but always with
a smile.

Tile prisoner's luggage consisted of a new leather port-
manteau, a new black enamelled leather bag, a French
hat-box, an umbrella and a small walking-cane, ail of a
superior description. His clothing is also of good quality,
his talina being beautifully ornamented with silk braid
and velvet.

THE CHARGE AGAINST MR. ISAAC
BUTT, M.P.

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE.—THIS DAY.
The committee for investigating the charges in the
petition of Mr. Coffey against Mr. Isaac Butt re-assem-
bled this morning at 12 o'clock in No. 18, Committee-
room. The room was densely crowded.
Mr. W. P. Hale (barrister) attended to watch the case
for the several persons supposed to be concerned in the
proceedings..

Mr. Butt's examination was resumed by Mr.
Sergeant Deasy. He repeated the particulars in
connection with the reception of the chequee from
Mr. Coffey, stated by him in his evidence on Saturday
with a view to certain explanations of no public interest.
The negotiations with the Board of Control terminated in
June, 1857, and it was then he advised the Ameer to go
to India, because as everthing tact was to be done for
Ali Moorad was to be through the Bombay Government,
it was immaterial whether he remained in this country
or went to India. Immediately an offer was made to
him (Ur. Butt) to go to India, he communicated with
his friends, and, in consequence of their advice,
a correspondence ensued between him and the Arneer'is
agents relative to the insurance of his life. He at first,
by the advice of his friends, declined to go to India. Ali
Moorad and Mr. Coffey both pressed him daily to go,
but on hearing of the revolt he thought it undesirable to
eo out. He considered the negotiations with Ali
Moorad at an end wh, n those in connection
with the Board of Control terminated. Mr. Butt
spoke in a very low voice and very rapid, and as
be sat with his back to the reporters it was im-
possible to hear distinctly what he said. He was under-
stood to say that alter the termination of the aegotei
tions with the Board of Control, he had a conversation
with Ali Moorad and Mr. Coffey, in which the latter
said that if it was necessary to bring the Arneer's
case before Parliament he (Illr. Butt) must do it.
When he heard the East India directors had declined to
send an hostile answer to Ali Moorad's memorial be
wrote a strong letter to Mr. Vernon Smith, in which he
reflected on the system of double government, and said
he saw no reason why the Indian Court could prevent it
from being brought before Parliament. He was in-
duced to do so from a belief that his personal honour
had been impugned by the decision of the
Board. Negotiations were again opened with
the East India board, who on being pressed for
an early decision drew s,un a despatch which was
submitted:to Mr. Y. Smith, It was unfavourable to the
Ameer, and Mr. V. Smith modified it in favour of the
Ameer. He never wished Mr. Coffey to lay under any
imputation with regard to the 2,0001. which was alluded
to in the Aineer's letter, given in evidence on a former
day. He never said to Sir H. Seymour or to any per-
-on that Mr. Coffey was a blackgnard, but he did say to
Sir H. Seymour that Mr. Coffey's conduct to the Ameer
was the grossest piece of treaceery he h vl ever hoard of
It was undoubtedly the intention of tee Aiueer to have
assisted the English forces in capturing Delhi. At
Trieste he frequently told witness the English forco
was too weak, and that if he could get to India in
time he would raise troops to co-operate with them.
Nir. Coffey was dismissed alter his (Ur. Butt's)
arrival at Trieete, and he told the Ameer that if bo
took Mr. Coffey to India he would do nothing snore
for him. Air. Coffey made a claim of 3,000/. against
the Ameer, who said -he had not dismissed Mr. Coffey,
but that he had dimlis2ed himself on the ground of
treachery. After some conversation with the Ameer
Mr. Butt formally dismissed Coffey, on the ground that
he has been a traitor in the Ameer's service. Tee
Ameer confirmed the dismissal. Coffey, in an interview
with witness, denied ever having made the statements
imputed to him. Witness asked him if he were serious,
and Ceffey replied he was, and solemnly asserted it
was untrue. He asked witness's advice what to do,
and he told him that if "any one, whether attachd or
not, uttered untruths against him, he would pr,ceed to
Vienna with a thick stick and use it in his vindication."
Witness then at great length referred to the conversa-
tions that took place at Vienna and Trieste, which lee
gave in direct opposition to Mr. Coffey's statement
before the committee. He added that he advised
the Ameer to go to India and consult his son, then
in Scinde, whom Sir C. Napier, in one of his works,
spoke very highly of. The witness stated that when he
was at Vienna the Ameer came to Lim, and, as witness
wished to have no further connection with Coffey, Capt.
Langley attended at his request as interpreter. Mr.
Coffey broke in upon their conference, saying
he had a private communication to make to the Ameer,
which was granted him, and be then informed witneee
the Ameer objected to Captain Langley's knowing any-
thing about his concerns. The Ameer shortly after left,
and came to witness a second time with a request that
he would accompany him to the bank; Ho did so, and
waited outside whilst the Ameer went in and came out
with a cheque fur 2,0001., ovhich he gave.witnees and
he afterwards cashed it.

By Mr. Sergeant D.,asy—How was it the Ameer
drew the cheque over 1/. short ?
Witness—Because he considered an even number
unlucky. Deadly hostility existed between Coffey and
Ali Akhbar. He then proceeded to an explanation of
one or two points iu Mrs. Parr's evidence. He said she
was introduced to him by Coffey and Mr. Irwin, who
informed him Mrs. Parr was a woman of birth and
education.

Mr. Roebuck—Did you not know better ?
Witness said he did not. Mr. Irvine told him he had
been to her parties, and that they were very nice people.
Coffey said she had been very kind, and of great assist
ance to the Ameer. He in consequence called and
saw her. She invited him to her parties and to a seat
in herb x at the opera, whioli he refused to accept.
On one occasion Coffey said to him that Mrs. Parr
thought his constant refusals a slight, and in consequence
he sent to her box at the opera v. ry late—just before
she left. He never consulted her about the Aumer.
As they were leaving the opera Coffey turned round
and said they were going home to supper, and naked
him to join them. Ile did so, and in the course
of the conversation he did ask her what she
thought of the Ameer. Reference was made to his
going to India, and Coffey said if he went there be
would be obliged to call on the native princes with the
Ameer who would return the visits, and make him
handsome presents ; to that he replied—'° If he went to
India he would come home laden with all kinds
of precious stones." He never said he would
take up the cause of the native princes. He
first knew of the petition from a person—unknown
to him, touching him on the arm in the lobby of the
House of Commons and informing hire of it. He did not
know the name of the mysterious personage, and should
not know hint again. He thought the patty watched
him into a dark part of the passage betore com-
municating with him. The information did net
come from Mr. Holmes. Certainly that visitor
was not Mr. Holmes our any one he knew. He
never considered his arrangement with the Ameer
a violation of privilege as a member of the House of
Commons, he consulted mat)), of his friends (amongst
them Mr. Seymour Fitzgerale), and it was well known
he was about to leave for India as the confidential ad-
viser arid friend of Ali Moored, for which he was to be
paid 10,000/. The money he was paid was certainly paid
him en the belief he was to go to India, or if he did not
go there he should feel bound to return the money he had
received. He looked upon the sum of 10,0001. wore
as an indemnity against risk in going to India, than as
a temptation to go there ; but the real temptation was
teat by going there as such he might gain an important
position-.
Cross-examined by Mr. Roebuck—When did you first
consent to go to India ?
Witness—ln July, 1857, after Ali 'Moored had failed
to proceed by the second packet.
By Mr. Roebuck—Was your real object ingoing there
to prosecute the claim of Ali Moored before the Indian
Government ?
Witness—Ye-e
By Mr. Roebuck—Then you under.tood the Indian
Government was to decide on Ali Mourau'is claims ?

Witness—Yes.
By Mr. Roebuck—What was the date of Mr. V.
Smith's decision to that effec
Witness—ln June.
By Mr. Roebuck—Was it before or after the answt
was given to the letter of Ali Moorad by the Court of
Directors
Witnovs—Long before.
By Mr. Roebuck --So that you had a thorough uu-
derstauding what the res&t wt uld be before any let,er
was sent to the Board of Directors I
Witness—l tkought I had.
Ry Mr. Roebuck—That the decision would be t'ao

Indian Government would be called on to decide on the
Amcor's claims.

Witness—No, I did not understand that. Witness,
in answer to other questions from Mr. Roebuck, said
that he knew before the 24th of July the Indian
Government would have to dec►de on the Ameer's claims
—so certain that he entered into the arrangement; with
the Aweer to go to India ; he understood as much
as any man could, he relying on the honour of
a British statesman that the decision of the
Board of Directors on the Ameer's case would,
if adverse, be reversed by the Board of Con•
rol. He had not a shadow of a doubt the decision
of the Board of Directors would be overruled by
the Board of Control as it afterwards was. It was to
test the Ameer's sincerity that he asked him to pay him
5001., but of which he only bad 3001.
The committee shortly after adjourned till to-morrow
at 12 o'clock.

TRIAL OF THE ROY AL BRITISH BANK

DIR ECTORS.

THE VERDICT.
The learned judge having completed hie charge which
occupied exactly four hours in delivery, at 4 o'clock, the
tipstaff WAN sworn in i❑ the usual haul, and the jury
retired to deliberate.

Precisely at five minutes to six the jury returned into
court and entered the box, the anxiety felt by all present
for the result of their conference being most intense.
The Foreman then, addressing his lordhip, said—My
lord, eleven of the jury have agreed on a verdict. I am
the only dissentient ; but I perhaps may be permitted to
say that I agree with my brother jurymen so far as their
verdict affec4s three of the defendants.
Lord Campbell—You see, gentlemen, there must be a
unanimous ♦erdict of the j us/ before any of the defen.
dants can be convicted. •

The Foremau—We are unanimous about three of the
defendants- We find three of the defendants guilty.
Eleven of the jury consider the remainder guilty, and
from that I dissent.

Lord Campb,ll—You see, gentlemen, I cannot take
that verdict—in fact it is not a verdict. It must be
the unanimous verdict of the 12, and I must therefore
only ask you to retire and reconsider your verdict.
A Juror—l am afraid, my lord, it is of no use,
Lord Campbell—ls Mr. Atherton here ?
Mr. Atherton—l am here, my lord.
Lord Campbell —I do not know if the crown would
consent that a nolli prosequi should be entered as to those
defendants with regard to whom there is a difference of
opinion, and take a verdict on the cases of the three
defendants on which the jury is agreed.
Mr. ICenn9dy—As counsel for Mr. Brown, I am in-
structed to oppose that, my lord.
Mr. Atberton—l was just going to say, my lord, that
in the discharge of my duty I do no.: believe I can adopt
that course.

Lord Campbell—Then there is no other course to be
adopted than for the jury to withdraw and reconsider
their verdict.

A Juror—l don't think there is the slightest chance
of our agreeing.

Another Jur'or—Coull not a juror be withdrawn I
Lord Campbell—No. There must be the unanimous
verdict of the jury. _ _

The Foreman—May I be allowed to say a word, my
lord

Lord Campbell—We must have no discussion in open
court. It must be in privet.) amongst yourselves.
Tne Foreman—We wish to ask whether we are to be
satisfie.i of the guilty of each defendant with regard to
the balance-sheet.

Lord Cmnpbell —Oh yes, gentlemen. Before you can
convict any of the defendants you must be satisfied that
he was acquainted with the real state of the bank. You
should not convict any one of them unle.s you are satis-
fied of his knowledge of the affairs cf the bank, and that
the balance-sheet was false. After that intimation, gen
tlemen, I think you bad better withdraw.
The jury again withdrew at 6 o'clock, and shortly
after 7 they sent in a written communication to his
lordship, who said—The jury wish for the letter of the
15th of May, 1856, from Kennedy to Cameron. Let
that letter be sent to the jury.
Again at 12 minutes to 8 the jury returned into court
—and their names having been called over,
The Associate asked them the usual question—Gen-
tlemen, are you allai:reed on your verdict ?

Tne Foreman—We are. -
The Associate—Do you find Humphrey Brown guilty
or not guilty ?
The Foreman—Guilty.
The Associate—Do you find Edward Eclatle guilty
or not guilty ?

The Foreman—Guilty.
The Associate—Do you find Henry Dunning Macleod
guilty or not guilty ?
The Foreman—Guilty.
The Associate—Do you find Richd. Hartley Kennedy
guilty or not guilty ?
Toe Foreman—Guilty.
The Associate—Do you find Wm. Daniel Owen guilty
or not guilty ?
The Forema❑ —Guilty.
The Associate--Do you find John Stapleton guilty or
not guilty ?

Foreulan—Guilty.
The Associate—Do you find Hugh Innes Cameron
guilty or not guilty I
The Foremau—Guilty.
The Foreman then added—lt is the request of the
jury that I should read this to the court, We nod all
the defendants guilty, but we recsinmend the following
to the merciful o.insideration of the court—Stapleton,
Kennedy, Owen, and Macleod."
After a brief pau,,e,
Lord Campbell said—Mr. Atherton, do you Pay
anything ?
Mr. Atherton—No, my lord, I do not.
Lord Campbell—ls judgment prayed for—l am now
ready to give judgment ?
Mr. Atherton—lf your lordship is ready to pronounce
judgment on the various cases, I should certainly pray
the judgment of the court.

Lord Campbell—Perhaps it would be more becoming
that I should take until Monday to consider the judg-
ment I will pass.
Mr. Sergeant Shee—There may be many circum-
stances, toy lord, that we might submit on affidavits.
Lord Campbell—No ; there can be nothing of that
sort. It is better that I should proceed at once.
Mr. Kennedy—There may be on the part of Mr.
Brown very good cause fcr a motion for a new trial.

Lord Campbell—l will at once pronounce the judg•
ment of the court.

All the defendants were then ordered to stand for-
war I, and took their pace immediately below the bench
in front of the Associate's desk in the following order
Mr. Brown, Mr. Cameron, Mr. Esdaile, Mr. Maclead,
Mr. Stapleton, Alderman Kennetiy, and Mr. Owen. Mr.
Cameron and Mr. Brown appeared rather unconcerned,
the i trmer leaning his face o❑ his hand and narrowly
watching the learned judge a he deliberately marked
the sentences he was about to award to each of the de-
fendant', in his note-fiook. Mr. Esdaile, Mr. Macleod,
and Mr. Owen also kept their eyes fixedly on hi, I :rd.
ship ; but Mr. Stapleton and Alderman Kennedy
appeared to feel their position most acutely. The latter
never raised his eyes from the floor during the passing
of the sentence, and several times struck his breast con.
vulgivkly, the tears on one occasion rolling down his
cheeks. Mr. Stapleton glanced uneasily around, and
his whole appearance indicated the great mental anxiety
from which he was suffering.

Lord Campbell then, amidst the most profound silence,
proceeded to pass judgment. He said—l will first pass
sentence on Humphrey Brown, Edward Esdaile, and
Hugh Dines Cameron. You three defendants, after a
long, and I hope a patient and impartial trial, have been
convicted by a jury of your countrymen of an infamous
crime, the charge being of a conspiracy to deceive and
defraud the shareholders of this bank by false misrepre-
sentations, and it is clear, though I still acquit you of
originally planning the fraud of attempting to cheat the
publ:c in the foundation of the bank, yet it is now de-
monstrative that for a number of years you carried on a
system of deliberate fraud, 'and from year to year fabri-
cated documents for the purpose of deceiving the public,
and for your own benefit, directly or indirectly, engaged
in the most illicit transactions. It would be a dis•
grace to the laws of any country if this were not a
crime for punishment. It is not a breach of contract
with tke shareholders, bat a criminal conspiracy
to do that which inevitaily leads to great public
mischief, to the ruin of families, reducing widows and
orphans from a state of affluence to destitu ion, I am
rry to say that the only mitigation of your offence is a
too common practice. Unfortunately - laxity has been
introduced in certain commercial declines, not so much
from the defect in the law as from the fact that the law
has not-been put in force; and such practices have been
."-laihaoepre c
altliewagni,,idll, thenovut that no
adopted without bringing cloan,si
ncaofursanidisws
without
shame
tliout onuah
loss of character amongst those with whom they asso-
those who practise them,
timet
nt
fhoar tmaant
oe nn d
ah
so up lr do
p.jbbeueerr
lykypnuhfiotawl
evi
known
such a systems ; f dY
ctbhoyan htieesr Ma
ta ocha
jrerasoctpy
thOse who
e
length of inves
ttiiesrgealt-vsteitroatlnriennoo not
device will shield
commit such practicesfroru punishment. In consequence
of this being the first
.informatiou of the kind I pro-
nounce on you a much milder sentence than I otherwise
would, and that sentence is, that you Humphrey Brown,
Edward Esdaile, and Hugh Liens Cameron, be impri•
coned in the Queen's Prison for the term of one year,
amongst the first-dass: of misdemeanants. Richard
Hartley Kennedy, tho jury have recommended you to
mercy, and I most re pectfully attend to that recom-
mendation, I think there are grounds which justified
that recommendation, though there is strong evidence
against you in that last paper for which the jury sent,
and which shows the diligent attention they
have paid
to your case. It shows that though you might have been
a respectable member of society, and filling with credit
the office of sheriff, you lent yourself to this scheme,
altliough you did not derive any personal advantage. I:
appears to nay mind, that when you last joined the
bank you knew it was insolvent, and that the state-
ment of its affairs to which you lent yourself was a false
statement. The sentence of the court upon Richard
Hartley Kennedy is, that you be imprisoned for nine
mouths in the Qieen's Prison, also iu the first &as:,
of uusderneanaots. (Here the defendant s.loltl
tears.) William Daniel Oxen, the jury Lave likewise
found you guilty—that you knew the insolvent state of
the bank before you concurred in that reportandhalancee
sheet. You had long been a director, and had ample
means of information. Several papers read in evidence
,isclose that ; and therefore, though your guilt is miti-
gated, I think the sentence of six months' imprisonme,t
is the sentence which the court ought to pronounce.
Henry Darning -od, the jury, who are the proper
j .dges of this case, have likewise found you guilty.
You were a member of the Royal British Bank, and had
means of information as to the state of its affairs. The