npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Potteries Examiner : — 1872-11-30 (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England)

AMERICAN NEWS. ;sot, wr0....4 on , nays New Yoi:ic, November 25.—The President, in his The 17th day of the eeareh for the remains of the Message, will reeemntend the ado lion of legislative missing child Joseph Thompson, the son of the measures for the restoration of American commerce murdered Mr. Wood's housekeeper, has passed, but to the condition it was in before the war, as yet no tram of the skull has been found, and it is The Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Robeson, in his the opinion of many that it will not be, as the pigs would eat it up in order to reach the brains The report to Congress, strongly urges the renovation of the navy. A postal convention has been signed bones, however, already found show very conwith Newfoundland, reducing the rates nearly one- elusively that they have all been gnawed, doubtless, half. by the pigs. "What became of the pigs? "is a general anestion in Pickering, and it is stated they , were sold at the sale, and went nobody seems to I know where. Our correspondent has been desired to make a correction in the medical evidence, which was made at the time of the inemest, but which seems to have escaped the ears of the press. Dr. I Walker is reported to have said that " all the bones of the face were broken' except the 'ewer jaw. I believe these were broken before death." In his opinion Dr. Seholefield is reported to have concurred. The dootors can only speak positively to the fracture of the left temporal bone as having occurred during Me. To-day the police have been digging up the remaining part of the orchard at Cropton.lane, where the prisoner Charter says he buried part of the bones of the child. Up to the time of writing, however, nothing had been found. Mr. Jonas and Mr. Nicholson, the officers in charge of the case, were engaged this morning in erecting barriers in the court to keep out the crowd, and in planning the best accommodation that is possible in so small a court for the press, who, with the witnesses, magistrates, prisoners, and police, will about fill the place. The crush is expected to be terrible, for the hearing begins in the annual Martinmas Fair, when some thousands of farm servants attend, whose minds are already highly in. •flamed about the matter. Captain Hill, however, iwill supply Superintendent Jonas with a sufficient I staff of extra constables to secure order. It is intended to admit the press by pass tickets, and it is also intended to proceed against Charter on the charge of murder, and against Hardwick, the sonin-law, who took the " bogus " letter to post at Liverpool at the same time. Mr. Dale, solictor, of York, wilr prosecute, but up to the time of writing it was not known that either Charter or Hardwick or their friends had taken any steps to secure legal aid. Charter continues to eat well, but is very depressed. The examination will last at least for two days.  The Agricultural Department estimates the yield of the cotton crop at 3,500,000 bales.
The Potteries Examiner : — 1872-04-13 (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England)

LATER PARTICULARS.  Up to Tuesday night the police had failed to arrest the murderess of Madame Rid, but they had ascertained, almost beyond doubt, that she had been driven to Victoria Station in time to take the Continental mail train. It no appears that though the woman was known as a Frenchwoman, she is by birth and family a Belgian. She lived formerly in Verdun. She WWI, no stated in the Tines yesterday, in Paris during the reign of the Commune, and she came to England as a distressed foreigner after the suppression of that party. She was taken in, out of charity, to assist at a house where French cooked food is sold in Princes-street, Leicestersquare, and she gave the name of an abbi, as recommending her, but of him no inquiry was made, for it woo not intended to keep the woman ' more than a few days. She gave the name of "Dirblunc," saying in French that elle was "tea white" and not "ten black," her name having been entered as " Diblanc." She was in this situation about six months, and so got recommended to other service. She could speak but a few words of English, and, as her victim spoke English only indifferently, the English servant, Elizabeth Watts, did not clearly understand what was said to her by either her mistress or her fellow-servant. This accounts for her not having taken much notice of her mistress's absence for the day after being told that Madame Biel intended only to go for a short walk, and also for her having readily accepted any statement which Dixblanc made. There is little doubt that the murder was perpetrated by only one person, and that it was 'committed at a time when Madame Biel went down to the kitchen to give instructions about dinner. It is considered certain, now that the police have had time to go over the circumstances thoroughly, that the murderess first stunned her victim by giving her a heavy blow upon the skull with a mallet of wood, and then laced her neck in a slip-knotted rope, which she kept drawn tightly until death ensued. The body was then thrust into the coal-cellax. Diablano must have locked the door leading from the kitchen to the area on the inside, and then got out of the kitchen window to finish her crime, so as to make sure that it was completed, and also to avoid being overlooked. She was seen in the area, and the door was thus locked without the key in it. She gave Elizabeth Watts to understand that her mistress had pushed her out into the area owing to a quarrel, and had locked her out. From this position she gave into the kitchen, through the window, ell the fuel which was needed, and so prevented Watts from going to the coal-cellar, while she herself returned into the house through the window. All the facts imply that the crime was premeditated, and by all accounts the woman was one who had a taste for the horrible. She is stated to have boasted about the deeds she took a part in during the reign of the Commune.
The Potteries Examiner : — 1872-04-13 (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England)

THE BOSTON MURDER.  William Frederick lorry, who was executed at Lincoln OR Monday for wife-murder at Boston, has left a lengthy homily on the subject of his crime. Commencing,"My very dear friends," the purport of the document is chiefly to express penitence forwhat he had done, joined to an earnest conviction of the forgiveness of his sins through Christ. He thanks the governor and the various officials of the gaol for their kindness to him, and urges upon his Mends the necessity of repentance and holy living. He says, "By faith alone can we be saved, and I trust I have not boastingly said, when I have through faith and penitence said, I hope to meet my Redeemer in a few hours with more confidence than I ever dreamed of. Surely you may see, as I have seen, what cowards sin doth make us all. I confess I felt I dare not die. I summed up my many heinous sins, and saw nothing but God's anger before me. Hy guilt made me quake with fear, and was it not natural I should look for something to give me courage to face my awful death ? Slowly, with an anxious heart, I opened the book of God's Holy Word. Every blessed page seemed covered with passages applicable to my position. Quickly the burning tears of repentance coursed their way; my heart seemed lighter. As I read on I grew refreshed and comforted. Death has now to me no fears; and though I know I must suffer an ignoble'end, because the laws of my country and my earthly judges have sentenced me so to do, yet, through Jesus Christ's intercession, I hope to be admitted into his and one Heavenly Father's most glorious presence. I bless God that I have been permitted to make my peace with Him, and I now see how much greater was my eritue in that my unfortunate wife had no warning. Pray without ceasing to the Lord, and if there may, through compassion, be one bright spot for me in your memory, look lightly upon my sins, which I have indeed repented of." He concludes "I must not close without noticing a letter that appeared some time since, in which, instead of clearing any imputation that was laid upon him, the writer replied most cowardly by casting a slur upon the poor, inns. sent children,who,whatever may have been the faults or grievances of their parents,had no right to be thus ruthlessly dragged out, to be vilified by a vile tissue of folly and untruths. I freely forgive all, even that man, ani let me tearfully remind him that he has a family, and had he but thought of them he never email have written that letter. However, hoping he and all may truly repent and lead a new life, especially theca who, intrusted with aught, have not fearlessly and honestly carried out their duties, and with love to you and yours, believe me, although the author of crime and misery, to be truly repentant, and, relying upon God's mercy, to remain, yours very, vex), sincerely, W.
The Potteries Examiner : — 1872-08-10 (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England)

STABBING.—CharIes Carter and William Roberts, forgemen, were charged with cutting and wounding John Gallagher, another forgeman, at Brindley Ford, on Saturday night. Mr. Ackrill appeared for Roberts. The prosecutor did not appear, and Superintendent Baker said he had been stabbed through the right lung and in the region of the breast, and it was doubtful whether he would live. He therefore asked for a remand, and suggested that the magistrate should go to Gallagher's bed side and take his deposition. Beesplumed that the prosecutor, the prisoner, and some other men were at the railway inn, Brindley Ford, on Saturday night, and there was a dispute, which was renewed outside when the prosecutor was stabbed. The prosecutor could not swear who stabbed him, but Carter when arrested, shortly after, had marks of blood and scratches on various parts, and a knife covered with blood was picked up inside a hedge where the row took place. The people at the railway heard the prosecutor scream murder but refused to open the door to him.— Mr. Ackrill said although Roberts was with Carter he took no pert in the fight, and was going away when the blow was struck. He asked for Roberts' discharge, but Mr. Baker opposed the application, and both the prisoners were remanded. Late in the day Mr. Meigh attended at the bedside of Gallagher at Brindley Ford, and took his deposition. He said the dispute in the public-house was about work, and Carter was striking a man named MacMahon when prosecutor interposed. He was the last to leave the house, and when he was leaving he heard Carter offering to fight MacMahon and another man. Prosecutor went to Carter, and, shipping him on the shoulder, advised him not to fight, as it might lead to his having the worst of it. Carter then offered to fight prosecutor, and the other two, and struck MacMahon, who fell, and Carter went upon him. °Tanager pulled him away, and said, "Don't do like that." Roberts then came up, and told Gallagher to to leave Carter and MacMahon alone, to which the latter replied by asking 'Why don't you step them I' Carter presently came up to them' and Roberts shouted "Wire into him," whereupon Carter struck at Gallagher, who ducked his head to avoid the blow, but was knocked down directly after by Carter. He got up with difficulty, and Roberts came before him, when he i , felt a stitch n his side, and putting his hand to his ' side felt something spirting out. He said to Roberts, ' " I'm stabbed," to which Roberts replied, "I'll stab you." He went to two moo in the road and asked them to keep the prisoner away from him, telling them they had stabbed him. Carter afterwards came and asked him what was the matter, and tied a handkerchief over the wound, and said, "Don't speak—don't kick up a row—it's all right." At that time prosecutor was shouting murder. The prisoners, who were present while Gallagher made his depositions, were remanded.
The Potteries Examiner : — 1878-07-20 (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England)

THE GREEN-EYED MONSTER.  A PATRIARCH TOO OLD TO DE THE CAUSE OF JEALOUSY.  Frederick Fishbork was arraigned in the Special Sessions on the charge of assaulting and boating his wife, Christina Fishbock, who resided at No. 58, Goerck. street. As soon as the lady was sworn, she told her own story without any prompting. If all she said be true, she is a mach abused woman if all he said be true, ha is s much wronged man. She said "Last Sunday, at seven o'clock, I was upstairs asleep all the afternoon, and be (Fred) broke in my door, and took me by the top of the head and gave ma a good beating and he had a knife.handle in his hand, and the knife also, and he commenced to stab me with it, and a gentleman came in and took the knife from me, or he would have killed me.' "How long have you been married r" asked Justice Otterbeurg. "Ten years," she replied. "I would like the Court to examine the lady's person, and nee where she has been stabbed," said counsel.  "No," said Justice Otterbourg, giving his shoulders an emphatic shrug, "I never examine ladies. I have the doctor's certificate—that is enough for me." . .  The lady was asked to say what kind of a knife it was her husband had in his hand. She could not say whether it was a table-knife or a pocket.knife. She was asked if there was a gentleman in the room with her at the time. She said there was, but he was a very, very old, old man, with a very, very grey beard; a man, in fact, of whom the lady would have it under. stood that the sands of life had nearly run out. This man only interfered when the knife was drawn on her. The court asked the lady why she did'nt bring that man—the man from whom the sands of life had about ran out—into court.  --The-laiy-Taii-s-h-e. thought her oath was all that was tleee.S4Bl7. . .  The prisoner was then politely asked to tell his version of the affair. He said he went to the door of his wife's apartments, which were unlocked he entered the room without knocking and found two in bed where there should have been but one. The man attempted to escape, but he succeeded in catching the patriarch by the beard and began to give him a punching. He cried " Police !" the wife cried " Murder and came to the aid of her paramour, and in defence he @truck her. His object in going to the hoose that day was to sea his boy. Toe; had .been separated about a year. . . . .  The xensed was found miilty and remanded. She is to bring the man a•hoe sands of life have pretty near run oat, and he to bring bin employer to show that he is an irdastrions man.—New Yor& Dispatch.
The Potteries Examiner : — 1878-07-20 (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England)

FEARFUL TRAGEDY IN WALES.  FIN E PERSONS BRUTALLY MURDERED. A terrible tragedy occurred on Wednesday morning at Llaugibby, a village near Usk, Monmouthshire. In a cottage near the road, in a lonely district, lived Wm. Watkins, a farm labourer, and his wife and three children, aged, eight, six, and four years respectively. A boy went to the house, as Watkins did not go to his work, and saw his dead body in the garden, and that of his wife, with their throats cot, Watkins having severe bruises on his forehead. Assistance was obtained, whet. it was discovered that the house was on fire in two places. UZI proceeding upst tire the three children were found dead, having been stabbed, and they were al3a, severely burnt. Blood was bespattered over the front garden. There is every reason to believe that the family were foully murdered. A hedgestake besmeared with Vood was found in the house. The idea of suLide aa.d murder on the part of Watkins is very improbable, as he is spoken of as a quiet and industrious man. The murder is believed to have been committed by tramps, as some articles of clothing have been stolen. No clue has yet been found to the perpetrators. The excitement in the district is intense.  Further particulars respectingthe Llangibby murders show the victims to have been five in number—William Watkins, workman, thirty-five years of age; bh wife, about the same age ;, a daughter, aged seven; and two other children, a boy and god, uge.l five and four. The husband and wife were lying near the gate c 2 the garden, in front of the cottage, in a pool of blood under some bushes, which partly shielded them hem view from the turnpike road. Two of the claldren were lying on their beds with their throats cut, and dreadfully charred, and the youngest child, alno burnt, with. its throat cut, lying under. The body of Mrs. Watkins was first diazovered by a lad named James, who, at about seven o'clock, went to look for Watkins to coma to work. Ile aros,ed the neighbours, who sent to link for the police. When Watkins was found he had no shoe, on. end they have not since Mon found, although a rigid search has been made. A couple of tramps in i blouses were seen lying under a hedge on Tuesday I evening in the neighbourhood, and ibis surmised that Watkins and his wife were at supper between nine and ten at night when disturbed by the murderers. Two cups half empty were found on the table, and some &laces of bacon were in the frying pan. Tie house appears to have been ransacked, and the room set on fire. , Broken furniture, apparently destroyed ..4 is scuffle, was I lying in all directions.  On Ilmrsday a Spanish sailor on tramp, who WU only liberated from Usk prison on was arroitQd as the perpotrator of the vaunters.  STAFFORDSHIRE MIDSUMMER ' the bottom of the hole. if the woman was not dead THE sgtrrgricr.
The Potteries Examiner : — 1878-08-10 (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England)

HIGH-HANDED JUSTICE. 17R031 THIS " DULY MEWS."  The discussion in the House of Commons on Monday about the execution on board her Majesty's ship Beagle will probably have the effect that Mr. Gorst desires to bring about. As regards the act itself the explanations given by the law officers of the Crown were far from satisfactory. The two facts which first strike the mind of any one ; who reads the discussion are that the man who was pet to death was executed by virtue of a jurisdiction devised ad hoe, and that he was not, after all, the man who did the murder. An Englishman was I killed in a quarrel, the cause of which was variously I stated, in Tanna, a South Pacific island. A : naval officer in command of H.M.S. Beagle, ; acting no doubt under specific instructions from his superiors, landed on the island, and tried to arrest the murderer. The village would not give him up, and therefore the officer carried off soine of the people as hostages. At length a native was sent to the ship, who was described as the murderer, but who was only the murderei 'a brother. Ile wits, however, with his brother when the deed was done, and he seems to have been , really an accessory before the fact. He was tried ; on board the Beagle, found guilty, and executed. In other words, a man was tried and put to death I for a crime committed in a country over which we have no jurisdiction, and found guilty on evidence i taken in the most irregular and random fashion. I The Attorney-General argued that we cannot deal with savages as with the inhabitants of a civilised country, and that of course is quite true. But even when dealing with savages we must have some principles and rules of law for our own sakes and out owa credit, if not on account of the savages. It may lie that in this case the man put to death deserved • his fate; but under such a mode of capture and trial any number of innocent men might be made ictims of mistaken or false accusation. The I Attorney-General argued, too, that it was a mere I act of war on our part, and needed no legal jurin diction to justify it. But, if there has to he war, it : would be better on the whole not to disguise it in a masquerading imitation of the forms of civil , law. We doubt much whether the people of the ' island were profoundly impressed by a trial which seemed only to affirm the principle that somebody must be hanged. The Attorney-General, how: ever, does not seem to have known or to have ; cared to represent the mind of the Government. ' The statement with which Mr. W. H. Smith wound up the conversation practically unsaid all that Sir John Holker had been saying. It amounted to a pledge that the conduct which the A ttorney-Geuk•al defended should not be repeated. ' Mr. Gorat and his supporters may be content !I with this assurance.  Lord Norton has accepted the presidency of the Social Science Congress, to be held at Cheltenhain in October next.
The Staffordshire and Potteries Examiner. — 1880-07-17 (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England)

THE TII:ES.-A CURIOUS SPECTACLE.  An exciting scene was witnessed at Aston (Birmingham) a few evenings ago. Between six and seven o'clock a man was observed walking about in a suspicious manner on the roofs of some houses in the Albert Road. A crowd of people soon congregated, and much speculation was indulged in as to who he was and what he was doing. Some set him down as a lunatic, and others declared that they knew him to be an eccentric gentleman who derived pleasure from employing his time as an amateur slater, while several expressed a firm conviction that ho was a burglar awaiting his opportunity for entering some dwelling by the skylight. Two or three hours passed, and the man continued to hold his exalted position and to look down upon the hundreds of people who had assembled in the street with a curious expression of indifference. Some people surveyed him through the lenses of an opera glass, which was brought out of one of the houses, and as the crowd of sightseers increased the greatest curiosity and excitement were manifested. At length the darkness came on, and the figure disappearing for a time from eight, the people gradually dispersed. Later on the man was again seen on the roof, and excited crowds again be. gun to congregate. An alarm was raised, some cried out for the police, others suggested that the fire-en. gene and hose should be brought into requisition, and there was some talk of bringing out a gun and shoot. ing the mysterious personage on the spot. Several persons who had retired for the night hurriedly left their beds and joined the crowds in the streets. The occupants of the houses on the tops of which the man was seen were not a little alarmed. The thief at length disappeared a second time, and after gazing anxiously at a couple of chimneys for a considerable period, someone was induced. to ascend to the roof, but no trace of the burglar, lunatic, practical joker, or whoever he may have been, could be found. ;That a man disported himself upon the house tops for some hours is however, beyond. all doubt, and it is to be hoped that if he should again try the experiment, his movements will be disturbed sooner and more effectually than they were the other night.  ' James Sweetland, who was to have been hanged on Willie next for the murder of Samuel Warr Buck. lee, in London, has been respited. A heavy flood occurred at Leicester on Thursday, and houses in the lower part of the town suffered 'severely.  An unused Protestant church at Billeentierna, ai to-elve mike from Tralee, has been totally destreved bc tire. Incendiaries smashed up the pews andset fiie to them.  t:, :lewd Sir Prvderick Haines will vacate his nr0:11!71,..r.t us ho,td of the Indian army, and return to E,n,„.,-:::,nitarly next year.  T. Theodore. French vessel, of St. Vast, has returned to Swansea. the Captain having thrown hin,cli overboard and been drowned.  A strik, of 3400 colliers in laieffterslaire ha° elt, I. the tom accepting 5 p,r rott• rvatt,tiont inat.,,l of 10, as originally doznanthgl.