Star. — 1822-12-21 (London, England)

SHOCKING MURDER AND ROBBERY.—A dreadful murder was perpetrated in the village of Llanbedr, in North Vales, on Monday night. Jane Williams, an aged widow, many years a respectable shopkeeper in the above village, and who was generally thought to have amassed a little wealth, was found murdered behind her counter on Monday morning. A little grand daughter said she heard her grandmother,in the night, cry " Murder!" two or three times, but was too much :Tightened to stir. Three persons are supposed to have been concerned—they had dragged their unfortunate victim from her bed; the shop-drawers, &c. were broken open, and several articles stolen, as well as what money she might have had in them. We have not heard of any clue being yet afforded by which to trace the wretches. Swzaairro.—The savages of America learn to swear in English, having no correspondent expressions in their native tongue ! Bow-wraear.—Yesterday, Jerensiah Ansa Reading, charged with obtaining money from persons under pretence of procuring them situations under Government, underwent a final examination before Sir 'Louisa Brame, and G. lt. Mnrsmett. and TaoMAS HALLS, Esqrs. Previously to the examination being gone into, Mr. Slausuutt, assisted by Mr. STAFFORD, the Chief Clerk, had a consultation with two Gentlemen from the Colonial Office, with a view to ascertain whether the prisoner could not be proceeded against under Mr. Perceval's Act, for negotiating for the sale of a Government place. The result was, that it was not a case within that Statute. " Have you consulted with your solicitor, as you talked of doing, Mr. Reading?" asked the Chief Magistrate. The prisoner replied that be had not ; and when asked why he had not, he answered," Because that Gentleman in the corner there (pointing to Mr. Parkins) has done his utmost to prevent any person from attending me ; nay, be has done more; he has visited me himself in prison, on Tuesday last, for the sole purpose of abusing and insulting me." Mr. Parkins was about to reply, when Sir RICHARD Mame stopped him, by inquiring if a Mr. Evans was present? And no one answering, he observed, that they were inundated with letters complaining of the prisoner, but no one came forward to charge him publicly. lie said, the Magistrates had made up their minds to proceed upon the charge of Messrs. Dwerrihouse, the watchmakers, and desired that the witnesses, might be hound over. Mr. STAFFORD then read the evidence, and bound over Mr. Austin, the partner, to prosecute for feloniously stealing, taking, and carrying away two watches, &c. Prisoner—Stealing! How can you call it stealing? I thought I was charged with fraud only. Sir liteuaan Bram said, they considered it a stealing. Had the prisoner anything to say to the charge? Prisoner—Sir. Austin, did you not, some months ago, issue out a writ against me for 891. the price of these watches? Mr. Austin said he did. Prisoner—That of course makes me your debtor for them. T know I owe you the money and I will pay you ; but a charge of felony is nonsense. Now this being done away— Sir Merman Brauta—No, no, it is not done away. with ; for it is by your intention at the time you entered Messrs. Dwerrihouse s shop that we shall be guided, and we believe that intention to have been to steal the watches. Prisoner—That is a very extraordinary declaration, that you can know what passes in a man's mind. Sir RICHARD Bresta—We have a knack of judging of a man's intentions by his acts. Mr. Hall was then called to be bound over, and at the request of the prisoner was sworn. Prisoner.--Was you ever a draper, Mr. Hall? Hr. was. 'Prisoner.—And you lived in Barbican, Mr. Hall?—Yes. And you was a bankrupt, Mr. Hall?—I was. Prisoner—Did you ever take the benefit of the Insolvent Act ? Mr. Hall—No, 'never did, Mr. Reading! The prisoner explained the object of these questions to be, to skew that Mr. Hall had endeavoured to impose upon him with an assignment which he ought to have given up to his creditors. Mr. Hall, however' said, that he had not the reversionary interest at the time of his bankruptcy, it having been bequeathed to him since. He added that there was property sufficient to pay his creditors 20a. in the pound. Sir Riemaaa litsaux.—l believe, Mr. Reading, the situation you said you could procure for Mr. Hall was, that of accredited agent for the lonian Islands at Liverpool? Prisoner.—l will explain everything upon my trial, but shall decline saying more latish time. The prisoner was told he stood committed. He asked if bail could be taken? and was told net in the case of the watches, as, the chary was felony.