Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1891-12-17
SOCIETY AND A SUICIDE.
Minister Lincoln's Ex-Butlef
Has Cut His Throat.
HE HAD CONFESSED TO A ROBBERY.

Some One Stole Mrs. Bradley Martins
Diamond Spray, Butler Thompson said
He Was the Thief and Brooded over
His Disgrace Until He KILLED Himself
LONDON, Dec. 17-Society Is stirred up
over tragedy Of international interest, In.
volying a mysterious robbery Of jewels
from the American legation and the death
by suicide Of the English butler, who was
suspected Of the crime. Minister Lincoln
some time ago engaged as butler az the
American legation an Englishman named
John Thompson. The references given by
Thompson were first class. He had been
assistant butler at Woddesdon manor foI
Baron Ferdinand Rothschild, and his Ger
tihcate Of character showed that he was i'm.
plicitly trusted IN household where Jew
elry is a conspicuous feature Mr. Lincoln
imposed the same confidence in Thompson
that his former employer had
Mrs. Bradley Martin Robbed.
About a month ago Mrs. Bradley Martin.
the noted American society leader, was
guest at the legation OF Mr. and Mrs Lin
coin. A valuable diamond spray was miss
ing during Mrs. Martins stay. Il was am
article on which Mrs Martin set value,
apart from iss intrinsic worth which was
large, as indicated by the reward Of e5O0
which she offered FOR its recovery. A most
minute search was made throughout the
legation, but no trace Of the jewel was
found
The Butler Confessed.
The butler was not suspected in connec-
tion with the matter, and no one thought OF
asking him any questions. Great was the
surprise, therefore, Of Minister Lincoln
when, about a week after the loss Of the
diamond spray, Thompson went 10 Scotland
Yard and confessed that he was the thief
who had taken Mn Martins jewelry and
TINT he felt II duty 60 surrender himself
for punishment. Notwithstanding the con-
fessson the police had their doubts. The
man could not or did not tell what he had
done with the jewel, and thcre was natu-
raj British reluctance 10 believe it possible
that a British butler, with first class Brit
ish character, had been guilty Of stealing,
even from an American The police thought
it more than likely that tho man was in
sane.
Minister Lincoln apparently believed the
insanity theory, for he insisted that Thomp-
son should be released, If the police did not
consider that there was evidence 20 justify
his prosecution.
without Character.
OF course the butler, upon either theory
insanity or probable guilt-c0nld not he
taken back into the service VI Mr.. Lincoln.
and Thompson went forth "a the world that
most forlorn Of human beiugs-an English
house servant without character Thomp-
son, deprived Of his means of livelihood,
brooded over his condition. He sought en-
poyment, but was unable TO secure any en-
gagement except the care Of an empty house
IN Onslow Garden, a region which is tho
haunt Of the aristocratic dcmi-monde.
Death His Only Relief
On Tuesday evening he said TO his wife:
II am feeling tired. think viii lie down.
He then went up stairs. A few moments
after his wife heard a noise which aroused
her suspicion and she rushed mp stairs. Tho
blood was flowing from horrible wound in
her husbands throat and he was still hack
ing away, as If determined 90 make sure
work Of il. AS she ran toward him he fell
dying in her arms and the blood splashed
over her dress He tried to kiss her and in
a few moments he was dead Public opinion
inclines 70 the belief that Thompson was
guilty Of stealing Mrs Martins jewel. that
after years Of correct living he had allowed
himself TO be tempted by gang OF burglars
engaged in a superior line OF robbery, and
that after taking Mrs. Martins jewel and
delivering il to them he repented Of his dis
honesty