The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1878-03-06
Remarkable Crimes,

A daring attempt at murder was made
in London not long since. It seems that
in Woodbridge street, Clerkenwell, there
resides a Mr.. Hamburger, who is
in business with his two sons as jewel
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
certain parcel of pearls. "Where can I
show them?' was the reply. "At my
office, just 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 recently
been built on the Holborn Viaduct.
The moment Mr.. Hamburger had en-
tered the room his companion slammed
the door, fired pistol at him, and draw
ing large bowie-knite made murder
Gus attempt to stab him. A desperate
struggle followed; but Mr.. Hamburger
overpowered his assailant, unlocked the
door, got down into the street, and had
sufficient strength left to hail cab and
drive to his own residence. Medical as
sistance was promptly called in, and it
was found that Mr.. Hamburger had been
severely cut on the wrists and face, and
| that a bullet had lodged in the left side
of his head. His own opinion is that
his assailant, knowing that he carried
with him considerable amount of valu-
able jewelry, 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. Mr.. Mullay
an Irishman, had come up to London in
search of employment, and had offered
by advertisement in the newspapers, s
loan of 81 900 to any one who might be
able to introduce him to situation such
as he wished. In reply to the announce
ment, he received letter requesting him
to call upon Mr.. Howard, No. sc Rec
Lion square, Holborn, between midday
and four in the afternoon. He went t.
the house indicated, and saw a person
purporting to be Mr.. Howard, and it wa
, arranged between them that on a certain
day appointed Mr.. Mullay should come
with the 81, 900 mentioned in the adver
/. tisement.
About seventeen years ago man named
Roberts, commonly reputed to be a usur
er, occupied chambers in the street abov
mentioned. For certain reasons Robert
conceived violent hatred against al
officer in the army, Major Murray, ant
resolved to take his life. The Ma or on
day met Roberts, who had hitherto beel
stranger to him, and was induced to &C
company him to his chambers. Robert
pretended to be looking for some papers
and while Murray had his face turned
shot the major in the neck, and again il
: the head with a revolver. Murray fell t
the floor stunned, and as soon as he re
covered consciousness found Robert
kneeling over him and feeling his heart
Hereupon he grappled with his assailant
t and Selling pair of tongs literally bea
? Roberts to death with them. At the in
y quest which was held verdict was re
[ turned to the effect that Major Murra
/ had committed justifiab!e homicide i
r self defence.