Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-05-03


The London Times OF the 18th of April, has
the following reference to a curious case, in
which a lady Of high social position and great
wealth in London, had been tried for theft
The jury by whom the case was tried were
able to agree upon a verdict:
eve were prevented last night by press Of
matter, from offering any comment upon the
case OF Mrs. Ramsbotham The report Of the
proceedings appeared in our impression ofyes-
terday Upon the facts Of the case it would
be needless for us to offer and comment so
painful notoriety have they obtained. Suffice
it to say, that il appears to have been proved
beyond all doubt that this lady did actually alb
stract from the shop Of draper named Mcule,
in Baker street. certain small articles--a pair
Of sleeves and four pocket handkerchiefs. The
only question was was she at the time OF the
commission OF the act in her right mind2 She
had stolen, or rather was supposed TO have
stolen, the sleeves, and when she presented
herself again, measures we're taken TO have her
carefully watched. OF course, when the ques-
ton of motive came TO be considered, the case
absolutely broke down. Motive there could be
nonein Mrs. Ramsbotham's case. She might,
had she SO pleased, have had all the sleeves
and handkerchiefs in Mr.. Moule's shop, and
her husband would have paid the bill without
much murmur The fact is, that in comment
ing upon this case, we find ourselves in GER
tain difficulty. The medical reasons alleged
by Mr.. Ballantine in his defense of the prisoner.
were in all probability founded upon truth, but
they are not of character to bear much dis
cussion. She bad arrived at time Of life
when the whole nervous system Of woman is
altered, and when the change is a morbid one,
they are scarcely, il at ALL responsible for their
actions. There are among them persons who,
during that change are in constant nervous
excitement-under continual hallucinations--
resulting from morbid affection OF The brain,
supernduced by the change alluded to- Such
was Mr.. Ballantines defense, and II appears
TO be founded on reasonable grounds
rf rHgsfMA
A Defauiting Member of Parliament.
The London Times Of the llth has the fol.
lowing in reference to the recent sporting de-
falcation," which, it says has wellnigh super
seded the Crimea in the mouths Of the Lon
donersn ~
The transactions in which The Hon. Francis
John Robert Villiers, the fourth son of the
Earl of Jersey, is said TO have been engaged,
have effected the interests of so many persons.
and the amount to which he has carried his pecu,
MARY operation considerably beyond 100000
lis stated to be so heavy, that longer conceal
ment of compromise is simply out OF the ques
ton. Here is paragraph we find in The
columns Of an evening contemporary:
=" fit were not the merest waste Of dehcacy
to use further disguise regarding the event
which has formed for some days past, perhaps,
the principal subject Of conversation in society,
the position Of Mr.. Francis Villiers as mem
ber OF, Parliament would justify that open re.
ference which cannot be long postponed. With
out speaking more infinitely of the unfortunate
affair, we may state that il is Of character to
create vacancy in the representation OF Ro.
chester. On learning the circumstances al.