The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-01-17

Right Honorable Spencer PorceSal,
tho English statesman, who was Pre-
mier OF England from 1909 to 1912,
was assassinated In the lobby of the
House OF Commons on May II. 1872
There was a certain bankrupt named
John Bclllngham. man Of disorder
ed brain, who had grievance against
the government originating In the re-
fusal of tho English ambassador at St
Petersburg to interfere with the reg
ular proccBs OF Russian law under
which he had been arrested, He had
applied to Perceval for redress, and
tho inevitable refusal inflamed his
crazy resentment.
On Monday. May II. the House OF
Commons went into committee on tho
orders In Council and began to exam
Inc witnesses. RrouEham complain
of Porcevars absence and he was sent
for AS he passed through the lobby
to reach tho House. Bellngharn placed
a pistol TO his breast and fired Per-
ceval was dead before doctor could
be found. His large family was III
provided for: but the House OF Com
mons voted him monument In West
minister Abbey, and grant TO his fam
ny OF S25o,0O0 and 81 further $4,000 a
year to his widow for life.
Tho horror and dismay caused by
tho assassination of Mr. Percevai pre-
vented any attention Icing pnid to the
, perpctrntor, and 1T was not until the
victim was raised from the floor that
Il person exclaimed. Where is tho
rascal that nred?" when Beilingham.
who had been unobserved, stepped up
to him and coolly replied: ~ am tho
unfortunate man"
BellinBham did not make an attempt
to escape, though he had thrown away
the pistol by which he had perpetrat-
cd tho deed. When he resigned him
self into the hands OF some of the by
ISLANDERS, they placed him upon q bench
near the fireplace, where they detained
him; the doors were closed. and the
egress OF all persons prevented Whom
tho assassin was interrogated as to his
motive for this dreadful act he re-
piled: My name Is Bellingham; IL is
q private INJURY know what / have
done-it was denial OF justice on
the part OF the government"
| Bellingham was conducted without
! the slightest resistance to large
room beyond the termination of the
upper lobby of the house. where he
was examined During tho whole pro-
| cedurc Bellnghnm maintained the ut
most composure. He said he had. for
! more than a fortnight, watched for a
favorable opportunity of effectine his
purpose; that he had implored for JUS
tice in vain; that he had made appli-
cation to every person likely to pro-
cure him redress: and that he had been,
at length, driven to despair by being
/ tOiu Ut the puDllC once that he might
| do his worst. II have obeyed them"
he said, 81 have done my worst, and I
rejoice in my deed"
Bcllingham a tall raw boncd
man. and appeared about forty-two
years OF age. with n thin, long visage,
I aquiline nose. and short brown hair
/ After committing the horrible deed his
principal anxiety seemed to be to per-
suadc tho spectators that the act was
tustifiable from the provocation he had
! received.
The assassin was confined in New
gate and on Thursday following the
murder tho grand jury found "A true
bill against him. His trial took place
at the Old Bailey. on Friday, May To-
Upon being called upon to state the
reason for the murder. the prisoner
| rose and bowed respectfully to the
court and jury. went into his defense
In arm tone of voice and without any
appearance OF embarrassment or feel
Ing for the awful situation In which
| he was placed.
| In part he spoke as follows: 81 feel
great obligation to the attorney-gen-
cral for the objection which he has
made to the plea Of insanity. That 1
nm or have been insane, is circum-