Widnes Examiner. — 1888-09-22 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

IMPORTANT ARREST.  An important charge was made at the Thames Police court, on Tuesday, which the police beleve may throw some light upon the tragedies in Whttechapel. Charles Ludwig, aged 40, a decently-dressed German, of No. 1. 'rhe Minories, was charged with being drunk and threatening to stab Alexander Finlay, of Leman-street, Whitechapel. The prosecutor said that at three o'clock yesterday morning he was standing at a coffeestall in Whitechapel, when the accused went up drunk, and, in consequence, was refused refresh. meet. He then said to prosecutor, "What are you looking at?" and then pulled out a knife and tried to stab witness. The prisoner followed hint round the stall, and made several attempts to stab him. A constable came up, and he was given into custody.—Constable. 221 H said that prisoner was in a very excited condition. and witness had previously received information that the prisoner was wanted in the city for attempting to cot a woman's throat with a razor. On the way to the station, he dropped a long-bladed, open knife; and on him was found a razor and a long-bladed pair of scissors. Inspector Pimley, H Division, asked the magistrate to remand the prisoner, as they had not had sufficient time to make the necessary inquiries concerning him.—A City constable (John Jackson) stated that early yesterday he was on duty in the Minories, when he heard screams of - Murder " proceeding from a court, in which there were no lights. The court led to some railway arches, and was well known as a very dangerous locality. On going into the court he foynd the prisoner with a woman of bad character. The former appeared to be mder the influence of drink. Witness asked what he was doing there, when he replied, "Nothing." The woman, Who appeared to be in a very frightened and agitated condition, said, "Oh, policeman, do take me out of this!" The woman was so frightened that she could then make no further statement. He sent the man off, and walked with the woman to the end of his heat, when she said, "He frightened me very much when he pulled a big knife out." Witness said, "Why didn't you tell me that at the time.? " and she replied, "I was too much frightened." He then went and looked for the prisoner, but could not find him, and, therefore, warned several other constables of the occurrence. Witness had been out all the morning trying to find the woman, but without success. Ile should know her again. 'He believed the prisoner worked in the neighbourhood.—The magistrate thereupon remanded prisoner—The arrest has caused int&nse excitement in the neighbourhood. The prisonerlwofesses not to be able to speak English. Be has been in this country about three months, and accounts for his time for about three weeks; but nothing is known of his doings before that time.  „ It has been ascertained that the name of the man `.7harles Ludwig is Wetzel. He came to this country from Hamburg about 15 months ago, and is a haireresser. by trade. He bears an indifferent character, ming dascr4ied as cowardly and quarrelsome, and given to drink. The woman who complained. that Wetzel threatened to murder her has not yet been found, but there should be little difficulty in tracing her, as she has only one arm, . .  In reply to a communication from a committee in Mile-end-road as to the offer of a reward for the apprehension of the Whitechapel murderer, .the Home Secre tary has written', throne his private secretary, statir that if he had considered the case a proper one for offering of a reward the Secretary of State would at once have offered one on behalf of the Government ; but the practice of offering rewards for the discovery of criminals was discontinued some years ago, because experience showed that such offers tended to produce more harm _than good, and the Secretary of State was satisfied that there was nothing in the circumstances of the recent case to justify a departure from this rule.  ;re;ing the  The inquest on the body of Annie Chapman was continued on Wednesday, when further evidence as to the mutilation of the body was given by the divisional surgeon. Several witnesses were examined, including Stanley, known as the pensioner. The inquiry was adjourned for a week, some of the jurymen urging strongly that the Government should offer a reward.  MR.