The Sun.
London, England, 1857-06-30 00:00:00

J UNE 30. 1857

irn 17,14-1 Ei ---
Lill._ 1 _Li f,,21,,
1.1 VA rti

PORTUGAL.
(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.)

LIVERPOOL, TUESDAY MORNING.
The steam-ship Cintra has arrived with dates
from Lisbon to the 24th inst.

Her Majesty's ship Princess Royal was the only
foreign ship-of-war in the Tagus.
The Peninsular Company's packet Sultan bad ar-
rived at Lisboa on the morning of the 21st, landed
her mails and proceeded on to Cadiz and Gibraltar.
The stock market continued dull, and quotations
were about the came as by the preceding mail.
Three per Cents., registered 451 to 46 ; Coupons,
45 to 45i ; Deferred, 28 to 281. Bank of Portugal
Shares, 11 to 12 per cent. premium.

FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT ON THE
NORTH KENT RAILWAY.

OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION-(THIS DAY.)

Tiiis morning at a past 10 o'c'ack, Mr. Charles
Joseph Carttar; coroner for the western division of
Kent, and ah respectAblejury, assentbied at the
Plough Inn, neir the Railway Bridge, Lewisham,
for the purpose of investigating the melAncholy cir-
cumstancescon.nected with the deaths ( f the unfor-
tun•ite persons who lot their lives by the frightful
c dli,ion which took place between two trains near
the Lewisham station' of the North Kent Railway
at about eleven o'clock on Sunday evening last,
some particulars of which have appeared in this

journal.
The whole of the dead bodies have been recog-
nised, the last being that of Francis Drake—the
complete list of those on whom the inquest was
opened being as follows :—John. Ballinger, aged
26 years, Elizabeth Ballinger, his wife, aged 29
years, and Edith Ballinger, his child, aged nine
months • Horatio Tutner, aged 16 years, and Tho-
mas William Turner, his brother-in-law, aged 27
years, Mrs. Annie Wilcox, aged 33 years, and her
sister, Mary Ann Howe, aged 22 years ; Thomas
Nightingale, aged 26 years ; Thomas Franklin,
aged 21 years, and Francis Drake, agei 52 years.
Of the injured parties, we have great pleasure in
stating that the whole of the seven lying at St.
Thomas's Hospital, are getting on favourably.
Mrs. Boykett, the most serious of those cases who
has received a severe compound fracture of the left
leg, has passed a good night, and the symptoms
are more favourable. Of the four lying at the
Plough, we are sorry to say that the case of Hart
is despaired of, and it is not expected he will sur-
vive many hours.
The greatest excitement prevailed in the neigh-
bourhood, and hundreds of persons flocked to the
vicinity of the accident and the Plough Tavern.
Mr. Coles Child, director, Mr. Smiles, secretary,
'appeared for the Company. Mr. Burgon appeared
for the driver and stoker of the 9.30 Strood train.
Mr. Solomons, for the husband of Mrs. Willcox
and the friends of her sister, Mies Mary Ann Howe.
Mr. Inspector Wilson, senior, R Division, at-
tended to watch the case for the police.
The names of the jurors having been called over,
and 17 answering to their names, Mr. Charles
Alkins was chosen foreman, and the usual oath
having been administt red.
The Cot oner proceeded to address the jury—He
said it is not necessary for me to make any length-
ened observations to you on this case, you have
been so often before me as a jury that I need not
say anything to you as to the discharge of your
duty in this important investigation. This inves-
tigation is to inquire into the causes of the deaths
contained in' this long list of persona who
have been killed by this unfortunate ca-
lamity. You must, however, bear in mind
that there is no one here under any
charge. .This is merely a court of inquiry, and
if during the investigation there are any proofs of
neglect ag dnst any person, then you will be en-
abled to say so in your verdict. It is no: until the
verdict is returned that any one will he in charge
from this court. I say this to you, because I have
just be, n informed by the officials that some person
is in custody ; but we have nothing to do with that
here. -A magistrate cannot investigate any matter
without having a person in custody before
him; but ours is. merely a court of inquiry,
'and persons are only affected by the verdict
which a jury returns. That is the difference
between the accounts. I therefore pray of you not
to come to any conclusion until you have heard the
evidence that will be brought before you. Iu the
course of this inquiry I feel sure that the police
magistrates will assist us rather than clash with
us. During all my experience, when we have had
it° act together in any investigation I have always
found it so, and I am sure there *ill be no impe-
diment from that source now. We must, there-
fore, gentlemen, go on with this enquiry,
perfectly, independent of any other, and just
as if no other Court was sitting to inves-
tigate the matter. It will not be for
me to go into the merits of the case; but I under-
stand that on Sunday night last, at a late hour, a
collision took place near this station, and the death
of these unfertunate persons was.the result. To-
day we will just commence the inquiry and get the
bodies identified, so that they may be interred,
therefore I shall not detain you longer
than it ,is , absolutely necessary. I cannot
help remarking, that there is a- vast amount
of importance attached to the inquiry, and
a great number of interests bound up in it. Weehall
have to do jus ice to the railway company, to the
parties who are now iii charge, to the friends and
relations of the deceased parties, and also to the
public in general. Ido not intend making any
further remarks, but we will now proceed to view
the bodies.
The coroner and jury then proceeded to view the
bodies, which lay in a shed adjoining the Plough.
It isneedlesa to attempt giving a detailed d.trseriptiou
of each of the belies, suffice it to s ay. that the
whole of them were, more or less, mangled and
mutilated ; broken skulls, fractured arms and legs,
scattered brains, protruding bowels, met the eye at
every point, rendering the sari spectacle sickening
and painful in the extreme Hundreds of persons
had assembled at the Plough, and many were the
endeavours to catch a glimpse of the bodies, but
only the jury and a person to identify each body
were admitted.
Upon the return 'of the jury, the following evi-
dence was proceeded with :
Wm. Russ, 11, Remington-street, City road,
said—l am a steel-engraver. I have seen the
bodies of the various parties down stairs. I identity
the body of John Ballenger, aged 26, he was a
carpetbag maker, aid my brother-in-law. I know
his wife, her name was Elizabeth, and was 29 years
of age.
_The child's name was Edith, she was 9

months old. The Balliugers lived at 21, Shaftes-
bury-place, Alderagate street, City.
Henry' Turner, Kennington-lane, cook—l id,n-
tify my brother. His name was Horatio. He
was 16 years of age, and was a cook. I was.with
him in the carriage on Sunday last. Thomas
Turner, who was killed, is my brothei•-in-law, but
I cannot identify h:m.
Eliza Ann Turner, 71, Snow-hill Smithfield,
a single woman—l nave seen the body of Thomas
William Turner. He was 27 last birthday. He
was a hairdresser, and resided at No. 7, St.
Mary-at-hill-street, Cheapside. Deceased was my
bro. her.
George Franklin—l live at 15, Great Maze-
pond, Bormigh. I am night porter at St. Thomas's
hospital. I can identify the body of my son
Thomas. He was 21 years of age, anti employed
as porter at a saddler's in Cannon-street.
Thos Wilcox, 8, Now-street, Borough-road, car-
riage broker—l identify the bodies of my wife and
her sister. My wife's name was Annie Elizabeth
Standate Willcox. She was 33 years of age. I
have been married 10 or 11 years. My sister-in-
law was • named Mary Ann Bowe. She :a as a
singe woman, and aged 21 years. She resided at
23, William-street, Suffolk-street, Borough. I was
in the same [carriage as the deceased on Sunday
last.
Wm. Nightingale, 7, Breams-buildings, Chan-
cery-lane--.I can identify the body of my son. His
name was William Henry. He was 20 years of age,
and was a pressman.
James Dalton, residing at Sir F. Madden's,
British Museum, as servant—l identify the body
of my. brother. His name was Thomas. He was
20, and was a pianoforte maker.
Thomas Drake, 79, St. John's=street, Smithfield,
a mason—The body of Francis Drake I can iden-
tify es that of my father. He was 52, and was a
joiner. He lived in West-street, Bermondsey.
The identification of the bodies having been corn
pleted, the Coroner inquired whether he could
issue his warrant for the ourial of the bodies.
The jury having aequies,ed, it was arranged that
the evidence of the persons connected with the line
should be next taken ; and, upon the application
of a gentleman named Poiuder, who appeared for
the prisoners, it was also decided that persons who
were to be called as witnesses should not remain in
the room during the examination.
A gentleniaa here stated that Mr. Bodkin, who
was instructed to appear for the Company, was
not able tr be present that day, and he therefore
applied for an adjournment, and that he might be
a!lowed to examine the witnesses with a view of
putting Mr. Bodkin in possession of the facts of
the case.
The Coroner, although he thought the applica-
tion was a very proper one, would not allow the
witnesses to be tampered with, or a " case" made-
up.
Mr. &lemon protested against the delay ; and,
after some discussion, the inquiry was adjourned
until Friday next.
After the adjournment of the inquest the Coroner
made out his warrant for the interment of the bodies,
and during the afternoon they were removed in
hearses for that purpose. The continual passing
of so many vehicles of this description through
Lewisham had necessarily a tendency to increase
the melancholy and gloom that has pervaded all
classes since the lamentable occurrence.
One singular feat me connected with an accident
of this magnitude is the absence of any injury to
the line. On walking over the spot this morning
where the collision took place, and where so many
met with their deaths, there is not the slightest
thing to indicate what has happened. The rails
are not at all disturbed nor is the ground broken
Up near them, and were it not for the presence
of some- of lia officials between the station and ,

the railway bridge who were engaged to endeavour
if possible to come to a sat sfac.oty conclusion when
the up-train must hare first- csnght sight of the
stationary train, and the possibility
of its being
stopped F•o as to have averieti this frightful acci-
dent, there is nothing, to attract the attention of
strangers.
Thousands of persons visited Lewisbain throngh-
as
out the day from the adjoining towns as well
froui London. The "Plough" was besieged by per-
sons anxious to gratify their morbid tastes in ob-
taining a sight of the mangled bodies of those un:
fortunate individusls, but we rejoice to say tbat
they were disappointed, and in many cases grie-
vously so. That part of the line where the acct"
dent occurred was Visit-d by almost every person
who arrived at the station by the train.
The examiDa.ion of the engine-driver and stoker
will be resumed to morrow at Greenwich.

EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE-DRIVER
AND STOKER.
Yesterday afternoon, after the dispoal of the
usual night charges, Thomas Perry, aged 29, of 3'
Victoria-terrace, Victoria-place, Old Kent-road'
engine-driver, and Edward Whiffen, 24, of 7, Swan-
place, Old Kent-road, fireman, were placed in .the
dock at the Greenwich poliCe-court, charged before
Mr. Traill, with " neglect of their duty in drill;
an engine and train of passengers past the dfengs'i
signal -at the Lewisham station on the North lecci.
Railway, whereby eleven persons were killedanef
several others_ seriously injured, in the per's' -
Lewisham."
Mr. Rnbinson, from the law office of the South;
Eastern Railway Company, attended to prosecutew
the case. and Mr. Durgon, solicitor, appeared f(
the prisoners.
Mr. Traill suggested that all the witnesses t 1911:
examined should leave the court, and this haltu"
been complied with, wide
Mr. Robinson, addressing the magistrate,
that in the absence of Mr. Rees, solicitor to t 1:
company, all be purposed doing was to lay
.It,E)fc,
fore his worship sufficient evidence to ill ft'
the prisoners' remand until the particulars ce-e-
-nected with the disastrous occurrence could be I;
curately gathered. The company was exceedinga
anxious that the fullest and strictest inquiry shellas
be made as to the cause of the accident, and wr,
ready and willing, not only fir the purpose of ee,
riving at a correct conclusion, but also for the 'irt
tisfaction of the public, to afford every facilitY irt
its power. He would not further address the Vim
then, but felt satisfied that the evidence lehie." be
would offer, and that which would hereafter of
offered, would show that it was the negligeuele all
the prisoners at the bar that the accident an ,e 4
its melancholy consequences were to be ettribto
The first witness called was— Ilefr
Vim. Wiley, of 14, Mornington-road, eei, cl
cross, who, on being sworn, (1, posed—l- W 4 ••xl rot
of the 9.15 train from Strood on the North ecie
Railway last night. The other guard in 01,81"geWe
the train with me was a man named Hughes. a/id.
arrived at the Blackheath station at 10•3,',0,-ees.
stopped there to let out and take in passemvTiot
The train was what is termed a "fast"
calling at all the stations. Our right time for' at
ing at Blackheath was 10.17. We reln9av-„tes,
Blackheath station either three or four Inif``,", el,
and then went on towards London. We ad t 0
not, in the ordinary course of running base, 're at
train, r-ie.
stop at the Lewisham station. We "eelpun -wisthe distant signal, about 200 yards from the'" --, Teo
ream station, which was also at 46 danger. : foie
" danger" signal is a red light. The other etiete
are a green light for " caution," acrd 3 -eage
light for " all clear," I was in the break-ca r'f 14
at the tail-end of the train, which consisted gs ie-
carriages. The break-van was about 90 yar j got
side the distant signal towards the station., oil
out of my carriage and stood about 20 YArmce" the
it for about five or six minutes, when T he're the
Beckenham train come in. I then he of
whistle, which I thought the weisees - 0
our engine, and that we were abotitop
start. Finding it was not so, I rail tete-jolt
Blackheath station, carrying my hand lantPe,e."o or
showed " danger." I ran down the lin° Je- se
150 yards, and waved the lamp. , I knew there
a train coming, and that the red light of tbe"diee•
could be seen from the spot where I -was sttioa
I saw the train approaching, and still coa--e„ leg
running towards it, waving the lamp and Wird not
my whistle. The night was dark and I celle teo
see whether the driver noticed me. There are
bridges that cress the line between the ree_evriere" pis
and Blackheath stations. I was about; luv J-ee-
from the first bridge, but not quite half-Weirpee
tween the two bridges, when the train paellesel
at a speed of 20 miles an hour. I then turtle,e, to
towards my own train, and before I got bfliase.
the bridge I heard that a collision had taken,Y; tip
Knowing that there was another train colas lade'
the line, I turned back again and ran to the 10101
heath at ttion, and told the station master et Oh
anything pas up the line. I had fog-signa'
me. which I used. • e
lie
by Mr. Robinson—Thu practice is for the,e, nfP -
drivers and guards to look out for all signe",l, the
the spot where the train came up to nee be"
distance and station signals could be seen. - the
By Mr. Traill—l have been tell years off'
employ of the South-Eastern e ailwaY as been e
during three years of which time IWe e
gu ird on the North Kent line. 'of the
Mr. Durgon wished for a copy of the ruleeeees
company, showing it was the duty of the Po's'
a
to watch the signals. eles-1,
Mr. Robinson—There is no copy of the 03%"
present in, court, but there will be on T'u- ,
in quirte y. t that
M Trai 13
l said there could be no doubt 11
was their duty. , toete
By Mr. Robinson—lf my light bad bee'? care
which it could have been, when the traill 0 esies
under the bridge nearest to Blackheath,eetildree the
ample time t i have avoid( d a collision.-v Fri et to
way in which I was waving the light it olig
have been seen. '
By Mr. Durgon—The distance and station shlgllclie-
both showed " danger," and we stopeed et t'P-e till
tance signal and then drew towards theitee stt
station. I cannot say that we stopped leaf
before we pissed the distance signal. ''' e;e,tier.
pass the distance signal so as to afford nlai-b'eloo
from I ehind to the stopping trains, but noteeeeete
we pull up. The train in charge of the Pt.'" Tiet
would have to stop at the Lewisham etatoi'llo;bell
steam of the engine was not turned on ~,,,pree'
passed me between the two bridges. It is t'- why
Lea to telegraph from one station to anotherrpoe•
ther the line is clear or not, a,nd for which Pei% Oct
I believe, a different telegraphic instruneen%lkool
to that for the ordinary telegraph, I don e:est b 0
that this telegraph was broken and could 'et, ovra
worked. Thera was a red light behind 'Tong
train, which was placed there on our lea
Strood. 1 did not use the fog signals before e""
ling the train, not thinking it necessary. a
.tr
By Mr. Traill—l used the fog signals -e cliw
Blackheath station, because there would beeit-„, Or,
culty in seeing a light in coming one 0P",
ne]. It is my duly to use thew signaled oigli"
occasions iu foggy weather, but not on such
as last night. sVtjal
By Mr. Durgon—l am not aware that th -e vl'o 1. •
had been complained of by Perry the deiroygeh
this accident, as being imperfect. I he've„ eatell'
complained about it sometime since, but no' i eavt,
On coming under the first bridge last nigh the it of
both signals at danger, and also between t'eelie'
and second bridge ; and to the best of 131 Ya pee
the signal is now in perfect order, and wors'e
fectly well last night.
By Mr. Trai 11—It is the duty of the statielliB
tali
to pass trains on, and Mr. Chapman, the ht, PI
master at Blackheath, passed us on last 'liege') Jose'
his absence, the man in the signal-boX vrOne lilf,
.By being so started, it is understood OA; ;,eselg,
is clear between one station and another. oe's'etill iv
I should understand that the line was clear,
•L love
would be my duty to watch the signals. 4OO
found the signal at " danger" on mans, eeedi4l,ini;
between one station and another, and still 1104
lit
to be in the way. e eve;e
By Mr. Robinson—Although "all clear A
c
be understood at starting, yet the signal beinegoge
" danger," it would be the duty of those in "
pull up at th° rroo
of the train to pull up.
taut signal, ~ air
apirwegson for protecti°ll'.
Mr.sign aTLraainled—tWheen
behind. 10
Mr. Traill said, the prisoners were charged.
00
culpable negligence. It would be necessary ere
future occasion to have evidence respeatilscea
mode of using the telegraph and the reliance rs eon'
upon its working, because if thp telegraph wafid arl;
sidered always correct between one station a- es at
other, and the signals known to be soulativbiog
fault, it tended to lull the suspicionsof and 1110
of
being wrong on the part of those in charge -140
trains.fac There was, however, a sufficiently l)000
but at to warrant his remanding the Pris-tioit
at
present he should only do so fora short, ball
WaThe question of admitting the prisoners .11 0011
3 mooted, but Mr. Robinson raised all obi :a tir:
until the matter was more fully gone into, ': Geo
prisoners were remanded to Horsemonger-1311-
until Wednesday.

Ks
Mr. Nelson, the station-rnsster, has NirsrkThol"
the wife of one of the sufferers in St. -""°
Hosprtal, at pri sent in his house. Ivi lit'
, ou
Mr. John Poland, an artificial florist, 01 ."'" en'
gentlell',.4oo
street, Whitechapel, and three other
viz., Mr. Search, Mr. Hart, and Mr. Ack,fer: ris'°'
so seriously hurt that they retrain at g• 'I.
the Plough. .