The Birkenhead News and Wirral General Advertiser. — 1888-11-24 (Birkenhead, Merseyside, England)

CHAPTER %LI.  While Dr. Taylor was engaged with his analysis, the county coroner, Mr. W. Webb Ward, summoned a jury together, and opened an enquiry ittia the cause of Cook's death. At the first meeting the proceedings were only formal, the body being viewed and identified; and the inquest was adjourned until Dr. Taylor had completed his analysis. By this time the attention of the whole country had been aroused, for startling reports appeared in the newspapers as to the" Suspected Poisoning Cases at Rugeley " ; for, when once the floodgates of rumour and suspicion had been opened, all the-suspicions as to Palmer's previous murders were more than hinted at. But, at first, the references were of a guarded character. In spite of his unparalleled coolness and confidence, Palmer now began to feel that his position was not only doubtful but dangerous. All through his life he had been accustomed to purchasing the good will of those whom be thought could serve his purposes,aud although be was a very reserved mall to those who were not intimate with him, nevertheless, whilst the first formal enquiry was proceeding, and at the subsequent meetings of the coroner and his jury, he " treated " everybody at the Talbot Arnie, and people felt considerable pity for him, while many thought it impossible that this quiet, genial man could be guilty of such atrocious crimes. L Bo great was his influence over some of his old associates that he found them ready to take great risks on his behalf. This was r especially the case with Cheshire, the postmuter.  Palmer gave him a hint that he would like I to know the contents of Mr. Taylor's letters to Mr. Gardiner, the Rageley solicitor, representing Cook's friends; and Cheshire, to his own undoing, fell into the snare. The letters of the great analyst were opened, and their contents were revealed to the man who was suspected of murdering his friend. At last the joyful intelligence was conveyed to Palmer by the postmaster that one of Dr. Taylor's letters to Mr. Gardiner stated that no traces of poison could be found in the stomach, and Palmer exclaimed, "I knew they would not be able to do it. I am asinnocent as a baby !" This put new life into the half despairing Rambler, and as he had been so far successful in using other men for his purpose, he decided to attempt to influence, in his favour, Mr. W. Webb Ward, the coroner, with whom he had long,been acquainted. George Bate, the man whose own life had been in such danger through Palmer's insurance schemes and crafty designs, was selected to be the messenger to the coroner. He was ordered to time a note to a dealer in game, at Stafford, named Frantz, and Bate was told that the dealer would give him a package of game, which he was to direct to Mr. Ward, and send to him. Palmer then gave Bate the following letter, carefully sealed up and addressed to the coroner : "My dear sir,—l am sorry to tell you lam still confined to my bed. i do not think it , was mention & at the inquest yesterday Oat ' Cook was taken ill on Sunday and Monday night in the same way as he was on the Tuesday night when he died. The chambermaid at the Talbot Hotel, Master's, can prove this. I also believe that a man by the name of Fisher is coming down to prove that he received some money at Shrewsbury. Now here he could only pay Smith ZIO oat of £4l he owed him. Had you not better call Smith to prove this? And again whatever Professor Taylor may say to-morrow, he wrote from London last Tuesday to Gardiner, to say "We and Dr. Rees have this day finished our analysis, and find I no trace of either stryohnia, prussic acid. or • opium." What can beat this from a man like I Taylor. if he says what he has already said. and Dr. Harland's evidence? Mind you, I know, and saw it in black and white, what Taylor said to Gardiner, but this is strictly • private and confidential but is true. As : regards his betting-book, I know nothing of It, and it is of no good to anyone. I hope the verdict to-morrow will be that he died of ' natural cameo, and thus end it.—Ever I yours, W. P.