Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1889-04-13
CHAPTER xXXIIL.

Iuo octsu uAdA utAu WI ibociA.
CHAPTER XXXIIL
THE CONFESSION
what am now about to write is set forth
by me 90 that the true circumstances con-
uected with the Hanson Cab Tragedy
which took place In Melbourne in IS, may
be known owe confession, particularly
to Brian Fitzgerald, seeing that he was ac-
cused of the crime Although know be was
rightfully acquitted OF the charge, yet wish
him to know all about the case, though am
convinced, from his altered demeanor to-
wards me. that be is better acquainted with
it than be chooses to confess In order to ac-
count for the murder of Oliver Whyte.
must go back to the beginning of my life in
this colony, and show how the series of events
began which eliminated in the commital OF
the crime.
SHOULD it be necessary to make this con
fession public, in the interests OF justice,
can say nothing against such course being
taken; but would be grateful If it could be
suppressed, both on account Of my good
name and OF my dear daughter Margaret,
whose love and affection has SO soothed and
frightened my life.
IF, however, she should be informed OF
the contents OF these pages. ask her to deal
len.ently with the memory Of one who was
sorelv tried and tempted
" came 10 the colony of vicpu1s. q
rather, a. II was called then. New South
Wales, in the year l8- l bad been in q
merchants Office in London. but not seeing
much opportunity for advancement. looked
about to see II could better myseif heard
Of this new land acros- the ocean. and though
IA ~ ~ - 49, Se >eHn
wards turned out, and. truth TO tell nad
rather a shady name, owing to the transpor
tation Of convicts, yet | iouged C go theirs
and start a new hfe Uuhappily however.
! had not the means to 60. and saw nothing
better before me than the dreary life Of q
London clerk, as it was impossible that
could save out Of the small salary got Just
at this time, however. an old maiden aunt Of
mine died and left few hundred pounds to
ME, so. with this, came out to Australia,
determined to become a rich man. stayed
some time in Sydney, and then came over to
Port Phillip, now 90 widely known a. Mar
velous Melbourne, where intended to pitch
my tent ! saw that II was q young and
rising colony. though Of course. coming a.
did. before the days of the gold diggfngs.
never dreamt it would spring up as it had
done since, to a nation. | was careful and
saving in those days. and indeed, think 1t
was the happiest time of my life
II bought land whenever could ecrape
the money together, and at the time of the
gold rush, was considered well to do When,
however. the cry that gold had been discov
cred was raised. and the eyes of all the ma
tions we're turned to Australia. with her
glittering treasures, men poured In from all
parts Of the world. and the Golden Age
commenced ] began to get rich rapidly.
and was soon pointed out ss the wealthiest
man in the colonies bought a station. and
leaving the riotous, feverisb Melbourne life.
went to live on it. enjoyed myself there.
for the wild. open air life had great charms
for me, and there was a sens OF freedom to
which had hitherto been a stranger But man
is a gregarious animal. and |, growing weary
of solitude and communngs with Mother
Nature came down on a visit to Melbourne,
where, with companions as gay as myself.
spent my money freely. and. as the phrase
goes. saw life After confessing that loved
the pure life of the country. it sounds strange
to say that | enjoyed the wild life of the
town. but did l was neither Joseph nor
a St Anthony and | was delighted with
Bohemia. with its good fellowship and
charming suppers which took place in the
small hours of the morning. when wit and
humor reigned supreme 1t was at one Of
these suppers that first met Rosanna
Moore, the woman who was destined to curse
my existence She was burlesQue actress.
and all the young fellows in those days
were madly in love with her She was not
exactly what was called beautiful, but there
was a brilliancy and fascination about her
which few could resist Or first seeing her
| did not admire her much, but laughed at
companions as they raved about her. On
becoming personally acquainted with her.
however, found that her powers of fasctna
ton had not been overrated, and ended by
falling desperately in love with her made
inquiries about her private life, and found
that it was irreproachable, as she was guarded
by veritabie dragon of a mother who
would let no one approach her daughter.
need not tell about my courtship as these
phases OF mans life are generally the same,
but II will be sufficient to prove the depth OF
my passion for her when ! at length deter
mined to make her my wife 1t was on con
dition, however, that the marriage should be
kept secret until such time as should choose
to reveal It My reason for such q course
was this; my father was still alive, and he.
being a rigiC Presbyterian. would never
have forgiven me for having married
woman Of the stage, 90, as he was old and
feeble did not wish him to learn that
! had done 90, fearing that the shock
would be too much for him In his then pree
ent state OF health l told Rosanna would
marry her, but wanted her to leave her
mother, who was a perfect fury. and not an
agreeable person to live with. A ! was
rich. young and not bad looking, Rosanna
consented, and, during an engagement she
had in Sydney. went over there and mar
ried her She never told her mother she bad
married me: why. do not know. - ! never
laid any restriction on her doing 60 The
mother made great noise over the matter.
but gave Rcsanna a large sum OF money
for her and this the old harridan accepted
and loft frr Now Zea land Anaanna rant