River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-03-07
Remarkable Crimes,

4 daring attempt at murder was made
in Loneion not long since. 1t seems tha
in Woodbridge street, Clerkenwell, there
resides a Mr.. Hamburger, who il
in business with his two sons as a iewel
merchant One of the two sons was on
| the afternoon in question walking along
Holborn Viaduct when he met general
dealer with whom he had some slight
acquaintance. After little conversation
his friend asked to be allowed to see q
certain parcel of pearls. "Where can I
show them?7 was the reply. At my
Office, last here" was the answer; and the
speaker took young Mr.. Hamburger
across the road and led him up several
| pairs of stairs into back room in one
the large houses which have recent Y
| been built on the Holborn Viaduct
The moment Mr.. Hamburger had en-
tered tbe room his companion slammed
the door, fred pistol at him, and draw
ing large bowie-knife made a murder
Gus attempt to stab him. A desperate
struggle followed; but Mr. Hamburger
| overpowered his assailant, unlocked the
door, got down int the street, and had
sufficient strength left to hail cab and
sistance was promptly called i'll. and it
was found that Mr.. Hamburger had been
severely cut on the wrists and face, and
that "a bullet ha, lodged la the left side
of his head. His own opinion is that
his assailant, knowing that he carried
with him a considerable amount of valu-
able jesgelry, and possibly also of cash,
had determined to murder and rob him.
This crime recalls to mind two other
desperate attempts at murder in the
British metropolis. Some fifty years ago
a gentleman named William Howard was
sentenced to transportation for life for an
attempt to murder. The circumstances of
the case were very singular. Dir. A1ullay,
an Irishman, had come up to London in
search Of employment, and had offered,
by advertisement in the newspapers, a
loan of q, 900 to any one who might be
able to introduce him to situation such
as he .,ished. In reply to the announce
ment, he received a letter requesting him
to call upon Mr.. Howard, No. 36 Red
Lion square, Holborn, between midday
and four in the afternoon. He went to
the house indicated, and saw person
purportipg to be Mr.. Howard, and it was
arranged between them that on certain
day appointed Mr.. Mullay should come
with the $1,000 mentioned in the advers,
tisemcnt.
About seventeen years ago man named
Roberts, commonly reputed to be usur-
er, occupied chambers in the street above
mentioned For certain reasons Roberts
conceived violent hatred against an
officer in the army, Major Murray, and
resolved to take his life. The Major one
day met Roberts, who had hitherto been
a stranger to him, and was induced to &C
company him to his chambers. Roberts
pretended to be looking for some papers,
and while Murray had his face turned,
shot the major in the neck. and again in
the head with revolver. Murray fell to
the floor stunned, and as soon as he re-
covered consciousness found Roberts
kneeling over him and feeling his heart.
Hereupon he grappled with his assailant,
and ssizing a pair of tongs literally beat
Roberts to death with them. At the in
quest which was held verdict was re-
tur ned to the effect that Major Murray
had committed iustitiable homicide in
self defence.