Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1890-09-30
RirchalI to Hang.

lore LWclVe CloCh ,i-et niRuts at w ooNeSoNN
Oat. The jury in the Brchall case, after
beiug out two houts, returned verdict OF
guilty. Brchsll paled pereeptibly when the
fateiu words of bis lordehip were pro-
nounced sentencing him to death by hang.
ing on November IA. but he soon rallied,
and lett the corrt-room with firm step and
the same uuialteriog cok in his eyes that
nus all along stamped him as one of iron
nerve Mrs. Birchal was not present dur
ing the closing scene, bevng retired for the
night utterly fatgued from the proceedings
of the day. The promptness with which the
Jury reached their verdict was quite sur
prise to the prisoners friends, many OF
whcm felt convinced that Mr.. Blacsstock's
powerful plea In the prisoner tehslf must
have raised reasonable doubt OF bl5 guilt
in the minds OF the jury
Preliminary to the spec ches yes tsrday some
evidence was taken. James Costin, farmer
living half q mile from Princeton, said
Granger called at his house Tuesday evening,
Feb. l6. and asked nights lodging. He was
refused. He said he was going to Woodstock.
The witness saw the body OF Bepwell, and
new sWore tnat the stranger was the same
man. The register of the Metropolitan He
tel, New Yosk, was produced, showing the
entry of the names "Biteball, BenwelI and
party.n and acknowledged to be gerui7a
Hi- Iordship began his charge to Tue jury
al 7:3S, e1d in opening, warned the jury
to disabuss their minds of any ststements
they mey have read, and leave their minds
like blsnk page to receive the evidence
given in court under oath. 10 this case
thers was no direct evidence of guilt. yet
ike many other csees it showed great de-
pravity. He pointed out the difference be-
tween direct and clrcumstantial evidence.
The Judge reviewed the evidence given by
the witnesses for the crown and said: THE
theory of the crown is that the prisoner
murdered Benwell in the swamp. HIS
| lo.ship, In conclusion, said the duty rested
with the jury to pass upon the evidence,
aud theirs was q solemn one. With the
punishment they have nothing to DO. at
$50 o'clock the court was cleared and the
jury retired. The jury were waiting. with
their verdict when the judge arrived in the
courtroon at 11:45. The prisoner was
brought iuto u5urt handcufsd, looking
pale and nervous. The jury were asked If
they had agreed upon o verdict I:
Guilty" the formau replied. When asked
if be had anything TO say why sentence
should not be passed upon him, Blrchsil
replied: "Simply, l am not guilty OF
murder"
The iudgo then aaid: Il fully concur with
the verdict of the iury," and proceeded to
pronounce the sentence. which was that
B!rchall be taken to the jail and between the
hours OF a. m and p. m on Friday, the
IA day Of November, be hapged by the
neck until dead
The crime is one of the most remarkable
or record. The dead body of F. c. Benwell
was found In desolate spot near Princeton,
Ontario, not far from Niagara Falls. In Feb
!uary last. Death had been caused by two
pieto shots fsed into his head from be-
mind. Bircbali is twenty y-fve years of age,
and wss born In Church, Lancashire, Eng
land His father was the Rev. Joseph Biz
chai, who was for years rector OF Church
Kirk and rural dean OF Wballey, and who
died in 1878. Reginald was educated at
Harrow and Oxford, where he mingled With
| the last set." spending money beyond his
meaUs. Iu the GUNNER of 1883 he arrived
with his wife at Woodstock, Ontarlc, telling
different stories, saying at times that they
were Lord and Lady Somerset, and at other
| times that he was the con of Lord Somerset,
and sgaip giving the name of Brchall.
| They were received In the best society, he
| being daehiDg young man and she pretty
and refined woman Of charming manners.
He drove falt horses aDd drank great deal
of champagne. He announced that their
purpose was TO go to farming, but the purpose
was never put 10 practice. In May, 1889,
h. disappeared, leaving 81 0C0 in debts.
| IL the msaniime be had advertised as a
"univortlty man having q farm, Wishing to
inset 4 g. rt!eman's son 10 live With him and
learn the business With view 20 partner
ship; must Save $500 TO extend stock
board. lod 4lug nd Ave per csrtioierest until
partnerships arranged hishest references"
He had many soswers 10 this advertisement,
cut The only oUee wi whom he had bull
ness were Douglas Ra u 9nd Pelly, of Essex,
Eoglsnd aud Frederick Q Benweli, son of
LisuteU Bt-Cnlone! Benwel, of Iseultdens,
both the Peiy and Benwel families. He
impressed all those he net with his ospdor
and business respcu sibiiity. TIE two young
mep, accompanied by Mr.. and Mrs. Birch
all, sailed for the osteusible farm in Canada,
arriving at New York Friday, February IA.
They went to Buffalo On Sunday following,
end on Tuesday, February is. they went to
Clifton. Ont jast across the Suspension
| bridge. Thcy lcuuged anout for a week.
Finally, on + hsuary 26, Brcbai went to
Pelly with paper in his hand containipg an
account OF the 6ndng CT the murdered man
ct Princeton Oh February "a with a cigar
..e near rim marked F. G. Ben~ell. Pelly
was horrif d. Bltchail said he would 90 at
once to Princeton and look at the body.
Pelly said he would 90, too. In an hour or
so Birchali came to Pelly and said that he
tad received telegram from the clerk OF
the Stafford Eousa as Buffalo saying that
Bsnwei! had gone to New York and desired
that sl his luggage be sent to the Fifth Av-
enue Hotel there. Pelly posted off to New
York to see If Banwell was there. and re-.
turned without fudlng him Birchsll visit.
ed Pfi1cetop, identified Bsnwell and was ar
rested Mrs Rirchall Was arrested day or