The Sun.
London, England, 1866-12-27 00:00:00

MANSION-HOUSE RELIEF FUND.

The fund now being raised in the City of London
by the Lord Mayor and a committee of gentlemen
continues materially to increase from day to day.
Last evening it amounted to about £lO,BOO, of
which £7SG was received in the course of the day.
In eight churches and chapels £l2B odd was col-
leCted on Sunday and Christmas-day, and subscrip-
tions came in front clerks in places of business, and
from private families, not great in amount in any
case, but still not the less welcome on that account,
and all going to swell the fund for the humane ob-
ject in view. Poor widows send their mites, and
working men small sums, spared in not a few cases
by cheerfully foregoing some accustomed treat or
little luxury at this festive season. Noblemen,
bankers, merchants, and others, at the same time
contribute sums ptoportionate to their means from
day to day, and by the constant accretions from
these various sources the committee hope in the end
to raise an amount sufficient with the local subscrip-
tions, and those collected by some of the large pro-
vincial towns, for a substantial provision for the
widows and orphans, such as was made in the case
of the Hartley calamity.

Among the principal subscribers yesterday and on
Christmas-day were Messrs. Matheson and Co.,
£lOO ; Lord Dynevor, through Messrs. Hoare and
Co" £5O; Capt. John Gordon of Clunie. £5O; Mr.
M. P. W Boulton, £5O; Messrs. Jacomb, Son, and
Co., £3O ; Mr. Thomas Bridges, £25 ; the clerks
and assistants of Messrs. Waterlow and Sons, £2l
10s. ; Messrs. Bryant and May, £2O ; Mr. F. 11.
Toone, £2O ; llon. A. G. Tollemathe, £2O ; Dr. C.
Collier, £2O ; the Rev. Chas. A. Belli, £l5 ; Messrs.
Charles Candy and Co., £lOlOB. ; Mr. J. C. Brown,

Yesterday morning a terrible tragedy took place
at Lower Edmonton. It appears that for some years
past a coachsmith named William Gudgeon and his
wife, a very quiet hardwm king woman, Anne Gud-
geon, have occupied a six-roomed house opposite the
Great Eastern Railway Station at Lower Edmon-
ton. They had five children, the eldest of them
being a girl of 14 years of age. On Christmas_
day the mother of the children complained to
her husband of being unwell, and she went to bed r.,t
7 o'clock in the evening. At 11 o'clock at night Fshe
got up and went down stairs and joined her husband
and children. They remained together for an. hour,
and then the whole family retired to rest. The hus-
fbraonndt st toapt states
ot Ina tolfi ethaen dh
ohni
ssei,v
aifned sleptthat iinn aa beeodr
nine
r theof
the same room a bed was made up for three of the
children. When the woman was going to bed she
looked very wild, and she said to her husbanr
" The light of the candle stares in my eyes; put
it
out." He did so, and he then fell asleep. At that
time the youngest child, a baby aged six months,
was alive, and was lying asleep in the father's bee;,
At 2 o'clock yesterday morning one of the children,
Selina, aged 10 years, was awoke by a quantity of
blood being squirted over her face. She states that
when she opened her eyes she was horrified at seeing
her mother kneeling upon the dead body of her little
brother, Timothy George, who had been lying asleep
alongside her sister, Sarah Anne. The little boy's
throat was cut in a most fearful manner, and blood
was gushing from the wound. The mother looked
very excited, and she held an open razor covered
with blood in her right hand. When she saw that
she had awoke the girl Selina she leaned over towards
her and caught hold of her. The girl screamed, and
a fearful struggle then ensued. Selina, for the pur-
pose of protecting her throat, caught hold of the
bed clothes and held them over it. She cried out,
" Oh, mother, why do you not put that razor down?
You have killed Timothy, and now you want to
murder us. Why do you want to cut our throats ?"
The girl then wriggled and slid out of the bed, ran
through the doorway, and rushed down the stairs,
followed by her mother, who continued to hold the
open razor in her hand. When the girl reached the
bottom of the stairs she ran into the lower front
room. Her mother rushed past her, and ran to the
fireplace. The little girl felt in the dark and found a
match box lying on thetable. She struck a light, and
then she saw her mother by the light of the match
cutting her throat, and the blood flowing from
the wound. The girl gave a loud scream, and she
says that the light then went out, and she heard her
mother fall upon the floor. The girl then ran up-
stairs, and went into her father's room. ner father
was in a sound sleep, and by his side lay the dead
body of the little baby, six months old. The child's
throat was cut from ear to ear. Selina caught hold
of her father and shook him violently. She had
nearly to pull him out of bed before she could awake
him. The girl than quickly told him that her
mother had murdered two of her brothers. The
father became most excited, and hurriedly dressing
ran out of the house and called in a Mrs. Robertson,
the wife of a railway employe, who lived near.
While he was thus engaged the girl ran to another
room in the house, where two. of her uncles slept
and awoke them. One, Thomas Gudgeon, instantly
went to the police-station. Sergeant Howlett, who
was on duty there, instantly accompanied him to
the scene of the tragedy. When they entered the
front parlour they found the dead body of the
wretched mother lying near the fireplace. Her
head rested on the fender, and there was an open
black-handled razor lying on her breast. There
was a severe gash across her throat An iron-pail,
partly filled with blood, lay near her head. Dr.
O'Brien, of Church-street, Edmonton, who was
called in at the time, said that the wound was self-
inflicted, and that it must have caused almost in-
stantaneous death. The police and the doctor then
went upstairs, and in the front bed-room they found
the dead bodies of the two children. The doctor
examined the bodies, which were lying in pools of
blood. In the bed, in the corner, which was di-
rectly facing the street lamp, they found Timothy
George Gudgeon, a boy aged four years, lying dead.
His throat had been cut, and it was the opinion of
the doctor that his death must have been in-
stantaneous. The little baby bad been killed in
a similar manner. • The police then questioned
Selina. Gudgeon, and then she gave the account
of the dreadful occurrence which we have nar-
rated. When the father returned, he said that
he had neither heard nor seen anything before
he was awoke by his daughter. It was the opinion
of several persons that if the little girl had not
been accidentally awoke by her brother's blood
falling upon her face, all in the house would have
been murdered by her mother. The family have
very respectable connections in the locality, and the
father of the deceased, who was a coach-smith, had
a workshop of his own. His wife was a very sober
person, but the habits of her husband may be judged
from the fact that, yesterday afternoon, he fell drunk
on the railway platform. The deceased woman was
latterly very ill, and she was under the care of a
doctor. Some short time ago a brother-in-law of
the deceased woman died, and he left a widow and
five children, and the fact that they were badly off,
and that she could not do as much as she desired to
do for than, preyed very much upon the deceased's
mind.

SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY.-EXETER HALL.-
The thirty-fifth annual Christmas performance of the
" Messiah" takes place on Friday evening next, the 28th
inst., when Mr. Sires Reeves will re-appear for the first

time since his recent severe illness.
TAUNTON AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.—The
annual meeting and dinner of the members of the
above association took place on Saturday, under ,the pre-
sidency of Mr. E. A. Sandford. At the dinner the chair-
man was supported by Sir Alex. Hood, Bart., M.P., and
Mr. W. Gore Langton, M.P. After the loyal and constitu-
tional toasts, the chairman proposed " The Members of the
Western Division of the County of Somerset." Sir Alex.
Hood, in responding, expressed the satisfaction he felt
that, although they had not that day the usual attraction
of a cattle show in Taunton, Somerset had distinguished
itself at the Smithfield Club Cattle Show, and that Mr
F,

'arthing, a tenant of his father-in-law, had brought home
with him live prizes. The present Government were taking
every precaution against the disease being reimported, and
the agriculturists of England must be contented to bear those
restrictions which were so necessary at the present moment
to eradicate the disease. He rejoiced to see that the
events of the present moment were bringing men of mode-
rato opinions together, and he hoped that junction would
continue to be formed. Sir Alexander next alluded to
the overthrow of Austria by Prussia, which has led to a
united Italy and a united Germany, and which, in its re-
sult, more nearly balanced power, which afforded an ad-
ditional security to the peace of Europe. It would not do,
however, for England not to take a lesson from what had
occurred. She should be prepared, in case of sudden at-
tack, to hold her own, without trusting to the friendly
interference of other nations. Besides, looking to the
military and naval forces of the country, there Was ono
thing of paramount importance, viz., that they should be a
united, contented, and loyal people. He truated that the
question which had excited so much interest in some parts
of England would be treated in the next session of Parlia-
ment in a large, wide, and liberal spirit, such as would be
consistent with the best interests of the country. Ho did
not himself think that the present Parliament would last
long, perhaps not after next autumn. In conclusion, Sir
Alexander intimated that at the next election it was not
his intention to ask for a renewal of that confidence now
reposed in him by his constituency, an announcement that
was quite unexpected, and created some surprise. m.r
Langton, M.P., also briefly responded.
Sure Cure.—Be the ailment external or internal,
a certain remedy may
or acute, inflammatory or otherwise,
both of Holloway 's prepara-
tions:[ADVERTISEMENT.] —Holloway's Ointment and
chronic,Pills.
be found in ono or other orrthbottoi
toilet they aroequally in
In the nursery n
they
apprehen-
sion employ_
ment of them will not cause
relieve, and by their
of doing mischief. always They.
indvtohleovemsonsot timiddngetii.'n
pr
ove
beneficial and healing powers, invariably
corrective, puri ,
place. The use of thema
Nvounds, frame.sprains, glandular swellings, enlarged veins,
' in every disorder incident to the human frame.
and diseases of the skin, Holloway's medicines may be used
with safety and certainty, without weakening the systenl
or transferring the disease to other parts.

II R
E E ROYAL DRURY-LANE.—'
T. Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. F. B. CHATTERTON.
Special Morning Performances of the Grand Pantomime
on Thursday; Friday, and Saturday, Dec. 27, 28, and 29,
1866; and on every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday
during the month of January. Children and schools at
reduced prices to the following parts of the Theatre :
First circle, dress circle, and stalls.
THIS EVENING (THURSDAY), Dec. 27, her Ma-
jesty's servants will perform the Comedietta, A DAY
AFTER THE WEDDING: Messrs. Sinclair, Harcourt,
J. Johnstone, Miss Isabel Adams, and Mrs. Hodson.
After which will be produced the Drury-land Comic
Christmas Annual, entitled NUMBER NIP; or, Harlequin
and the Gnome-King of the Giant Mountain, written by
E. L. Blanchard, with gorgeous and fairy-like scenery,
designed and painted by Mr. William Beverley. • Gro-
tesque masks and costumes, invented and illustrated
by Dykwynkyn. Fanciful ballet, arranged by Mr. John
Cln•mack, with popular and characteristic music,
ctorsse-
lected and composed by Mr. J. H. Tully. Chara
in the opening by Miss Lydia Thompson, Miss E.
Bodenbani, Miss Hudspeth, Miss Cardonni, Miss Sey-
mour, Miss L. Wilmot, Miss E. Brougham, MFerina
Stussey, Mrs. H. Vandenhoff, &c.; Mr. Tom Matthews,
Mr. C. Seyton, Mr. F. Barsby, Mr. Fitzjames, Mr. J. Ro-
bins, Mr. E. Clifton, and Master Percy Roselle. The
m bar-
lequinade includes the services of those popular pantci-
mh-nists, Harry Boleuo and Mr. G. Lauri, Qlowns ; Mr. W.
A. Parnes and Mr. J. Morris, pantaloor.s J. Cormack
and Allr. S. Saville, harlequins; Madame Boleno and Madlle.
Adele l',/arion, columbines. The smallest drummer in the
world, tite Infant Vokins. Au Irish Jig, byMisther Paddy'
Son. rne Dev il's Chapeau, by Majilton the Grotesque.
A new Troupe of French Dancers, 16 iu number. The
whole produced under the direction of Mr. Edward Stir-
ling. ''l,o Boys of the Royal Military Asylum, with their
Band, will attend the Morning Performance of the Grand
Christmas Pantomime on Monday, Dec. 31.—Prices Pri-
wtto boxes, 1,2, 3,4, and 5 guineas; stalls, 75.; dress
cir 53. ; first circle, 4s. ; balcony seats, 3s. ; pit, 2s. ;
low,lr gallery, ls. ; upper gallery, 6d. Box-officeopen from
teu 01 five daily. Doors open at half-past six, commence
at seven.

/pp OYAL LYCEUM THEATRE.-
..kg" Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Fechter.
VHS EVENING, ROUGE ET NOIR. Maurice D'Arbel
(a (ambler), Mr. leebter ; Messrs. Emery, Evans, Moreland,
Fits oatricir, Dalton. Reynolds, Lom4s, Newbound, Andrews,
Ande."son, Vivian, Bennett. and Edward Priae
rade, i'lrs. Leigh Murray, Miss Grattan, and Miss Carlotta
Leclercq.
Prec deg' by THE TWO POLTS. Mr. 11. Widdieomb.

_
R 0 y A PRINCESS'S THEATRE.
soleLc4see and Minager, Mr. Geo. Vining.
BARNABY RUDGE. Miss A Thom-
Tills EVENIT4I%.I,
son. Mrs. Henry Vil.'l!l Mrs. Charles Horsman, and Miss
-r,
liatharine Rogers; osprs. S. Calhaem, F. Villiers. J. G.
aua:tr. George Honey,
Shore, C. Horsman,
To conclude with the INVISIBLE PRINCE.

Al R. SOTHERN.-TIIIS EVENING
_l3l in a New Comedy, "A LESSUN FOR, LIFE," by Tom
Taylor, Haymarket Theatre.

rtHEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET,
Sole Leesee and Manager, Mr. Buck.stone,
TUTS EVENING, A MERE CHILD, Messrs. Howe,
Gordon, White, &c. ; Mesdames Chippendale, Yitzwilliam,
Laws, Powell, &c.
After which, A LESSON FOR LIFE. Messrs. Fothern,
Chippendale, Compton, Howe, Kendal, Gordon, Rogers,
Braid, Vincent, &a. ; Mesdames Chippendale, Moore, Wright,
&c.
Followed by JENNY LIND AT LAST. Miss lone
Burke ; Mr. W. Farren, &c
To conclude with a GRAND BALLET DIVERTISSE-
MENT. Mdlle. Sophia.
Commence at Seven.

THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHI.
Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. Webster.
THIS EVENING, Dec. 27, at Seven, A SISTER'S
PiI;ANCE. Miss Kate Terry, Miss Hughes, Miss Emily
Pitt ; Messrs. H. Vezin, Billington, Ashley, Eburne, Horner,
aad Stephenson.
To conclude with the New Grand Burlesque of THE
MOUNTAIN DIIU; or, THE KNIGHT, THE LADY,
AND LAKE. Messrs, J. L. Toole (his 2nd appear-
ance since his provincial tour), Paul liedfOrd, Ashley, K.
Homer, and U. J. Smith ; Mrs. Alfred Mellon, Miss Furtado,
Miss Hughes, Miss Emily Pitt, (cc.

"ROYAL OLYAIPIC THEATRE.
New Management.
Sole Lessee, Mr. B. Webster ; Manager, Mr. H. Wigan.
THIS EVENING, LONDON ASSURANCE. Messrs.
Horace Wigan, H. Neville, G. Vincent, Addison, D. Murray,
and Mr. Charles Mathews; Miss Milly Palmer, Miss E.
Farren, and Mrs. Charles Mathe, s.
After whi, h, the successful Burlesque of FAUST AND
MAIWCERIIE. Mesdames E. Farren, Sheridan, and
Stephens ; Messrs. G. Vincent, W. H. Eburne, 1). Murray,

&c.
Doors open at half-past Six; commence at Seven.

ROYAL STRAND THEATRE.
Sole Lessee and Manageress, Mrs. Swanborough.
THIS EVENING, NEIGHBOURS. Messrs. I'arsslle,
Belford, and G Murray ; Misses Swanborough, Johnstone,
and Hughes.
After which, will be produced a Grand Burlesque, entitled
GUY FAWKES : Messrs. 'I borne, James, Robson, and
Fenton; Mesdames Swanborougb, Raynham, Johnstone,
II ug hes, Newton, Am
To conclude with BOOTS AT THE SWAN.
Commence at Seven.

lIOLBORN THEATRE ROYAL.
Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. t efton Parry.
EVENING, a new Farce, 311 TITUN NEXT. Mr.
Belmore, Miss Foote, Miss Lennox'.
After which, Boucicault's drama of FLYING SCUD.
Messrs. Neville, Belmore, Blake. Ganien,Vollaire ; Mesdames
F. Josephs, C. Saunders, B. Foote, Ilaym nd.

riIIIEATRE ROYAL, ASTLEY'S.
Under the Sole Management of Mr. W. 11. C. Nation.
THIS EVENING, and durlag the week, the performances
will cornmenc:i at even o'clock with a Comic Drama, en-
titicd LICA'I2E GROUND
Concluding with, at a quarter to 8, the Great NATIOX-AL
Pantomime, written by Charles Alillward, and entitled
lIUSII-A-BYE, BABY, UPON TILE TREE TOP. In the
Grand Burlesque Opening, Misses Caroline Parkes, Nelly
Nisbett, Polly Marshall, Fanny Gwynne, Nelly Burton,
Fanny Howard, Lizzie Kelsey, Mrs. Caulfield ; Mes!rs.
Atkins, W. H. Stevens, Arthur Milano, Miss Bessie Sim•
mends, Premier Danseuse ; and the favourite Children
Dans euses, Misses Fanny Highs, Florence and Annie Wright,
will appear. The Harlequinade will include—Clown, the
original Little Rowena; Pantaloon, Mr. Beckingnam;
Har.equin, Mr. Honey wood ; Harlequin ',a, la Whatteau),
Miss Ester Austin ;from Paris); Columbines, Misses Gros-
venor and Simmonds. The truly magnificent Scenery painted
by Messrs. Julian Hicks, Hall, and numerous assis-
tants. The Dances, including an entirely novel and charac-
teristic Ballet of Ladybirds, arranged by Mr. Milano.
N.B.—Mr. W. H. C. Nation begs to announce that MORN-
ING PERFORMANCES ot th:s, the best Children's Panto-
mime in London, will be given every MONDAY, WEDNES-
DAY, and SaI:LT/WAY, being the only Morning Verferm-
ances on the Surrey side ot the water. First Morning Per-
formance on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Two o'clock.
Box-office open from Eleven till Four. No charge what-
ever for bills or booking.
It will be absolu ely necessary, to prevent disappointment,
that seats should be secured in advance.

rit liE "SUN" NEWSPAPER.-
G. R. GLEN lE, Sporting Library, 4, Connaught
terrace, Ed4ware-road, is specially appointed At3rEi k to
(Oliver the LATE ELATION of " rah; SUN " at the
earliest possible moment alter leaving the press. lie is able
to deliver copies iu Town, the Suburbs, and in many parts of
the Country at a comparatively early hour the same evening,
ay 40 miles by 9 o'clock.
Orders by Post punctually attended to.