npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
Brighouse & Rastrick Gazette. — 1890-12-27 (Brighouse, West Yorkshire, England)

THE BATTERSEA MURDER.  At the Central Criminal Court, onThursday, before Mr. Justice Day, Samuel James Harvell, 48, was indicted for the wilful murder of his wife, Rosins Harvell, by shooting her with a revolver. The alleged murder took place in Plough-road, Battersea. The prisoner was the manager of a business in the York-road and of another in the Plough-road. An assistant named Ogden stated that on the 2nd Inst. be was in the service of the prisoner in the Plough-road, and left the premises at 10 o'clock at night, when the deceased apparently was in her usual health. The following morning be went to work about 8 o'clock. The prisoner let him in, and, saying he was going for a walk, went out. About 9 o'clock the police came to the house—the prisoner not having retuined—and he heard for the first time that the prisoner had murdered his wife.  Evidence was given to the effect that in Nov.. tuber last the prisoner purchased a revolver from a pawn broker, a friend of his, in the York-road; and a ret tired constable deposed that in July last the prisoner instructed him to watch his wife, who, he said, was in the habit of going out in the evening about 6 o'clock. He followed" the deceased, who was always accompanied by a little girl. She visited several shops, as a woman would do who went shopping; and the prisoner then told him that he should not require his (the officer's) services again as the woman had gone away, and there was a good riddance of her. Five or six weeks before the murder the witness again, by the prisoner's instructions, followed the woman, but with the same result._ _ .  sergeant Hudson deposed that the prisoner came into the Battersea police-station about half-past 8 o'clock in the niorning, and said he had shot his wife. He asked for a piece of paper to write to his brother, and, taking the revolver from his pocket, said, "Here's the revolver, it is loaded in three chain'rho witness asked if his wife was dead, and he said, "I don't know." The prisoner wrote on the paper asking his brother to go to 17, Ploughroad, and take charge of the place. He also asked his brother to take care of his children. A brother of the prisoner said that he had been marritd 14 or 15 years. There were three children, and the prisoner and his wife lived together happily until October last, when the prisoner became jealous of her. The witness told him his suspicions were altogether ridiculous, but the prisoner g,•-.t very excited over the matter. The medical evidence, which included Dr. Hasten, who was commissioned by the Treasury to examine the prisoner, was to the effcct that the prisoner was Insane when the act was committed.  The jury returned a verdict of guilty, but recommended the prisoner to mercy, on account of the doctors' evidence. Mr. Justice Day passed sentence of death, and whilst promising to forward the recommendation to the proper authority, he warned the prisoner not to have any hopeful expectations upon the jui y's recommendation.
Brighouse & Rastrick Gazette. — 1890-03-01 (Brighouse, West Yorkshire, England)

POLITICAL SPEECH ES.  MR. CHAPLIN.  Speaking at Cambridge on Saturday Mr. Chaplin, M.P., confessed to surprise at seeing in Liberal organs that the result of the researches of the Commission was a triumphant acquittal of the Irish party. But had there been a triumphant acquittal Eight of the respondents, including Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Dillon, were proved to have Mined the Land League organisation in order by its means to bring about the absolute independence of Ireland as a separate nation. Well, many of them had long suspected that this in reality was the root of the whole Irish movement, and now it was proved. Agein, they found that 44 members of the Nationalist party, headed by Mr. Parnell, were guilty of ,uunonal conspiracy. one ohject of which was to ~xpel the Irish landlords from the country, because they were regarded as the "English garrison.'' Thirdly, they spread in every direction seditious newspapers, the teachings of which the judges fund directly incited to sedition and the commission of crime—and there was no education like that of the Press. Fourthly, they defended persens iffiarged with crime, and supported their families. Fifthly, they were proved guilty of making compensation to persons who had been injured in the commission of crime. Sixthly, the judges held them guilty of inviting the assistanceof and taking subscriptions from known advocates of crime and the use of dynamite, like Mr. Patrick Ford. All these charges had been proved, and it was a tolerably comprehensive list for a " triumphant acquittal." With regard to the charges of which they were directly aciritted—which he believed to to two, or at most thr —their acquittal on some points did not appear to 111. a to improve in any respect their position upon the 3. If a man was convicted of a forgery or theft, it was no palliation whatever that he had also been falsely accused of murder. That was very much the position in which the Parnellites stood at the present moment. Secondly, they were aNuitted of direct incitement to crime: and thirdly, of expressing no disapproval of crime. But they did not denounce the system of intimidation which led to crime and outrage, but persisted in it with full knowledge of its effect. There were some things which were not proved, it was true. But why were they not proved, and why were they not dis['need ? Because the only material evidence by which they could be proved or disproved was within the control of the Partwilit° party and was deliberately withheld. ft was to be deplored that in the matter of the forged letters the 7 inies did not exercise more care and vigilance than apparently they did. But whilst open to blame, and even severe condemnation, in this respect, yet upon the whole, in unearthing this great conspiracy which had prevailed for so long in Ireland—in undertaking this most hazardous, most difficult, yet most patriotic task, they had, upon the whole, deserved the thanks of all good and homiest /*NAG in this country.
Brighouse & Rastrick Gazette. — 1890-10-25 (Brighouse, West Yorkshire, England)

EXECUTORS OF WORKS OF REVENGE." Bravoes of the old Italian pattern who stab or assault for hire, it is said, may be obtained in Paris through an agency which exists for the purpose of utilising the murderous propensities of such ruffians, and of accommodating the persons of revengeful proclivities who desire to retain their services. One of the brotherhood of bravoes has, says the Paris correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, been making disclosures on the subject. The Parisian bravo has little of the picturesque about him, and does not go about in a long red-lined cloak and 21ouched hat like his Venetian or Neapolitan congener, Instead of the slouched hat he wears a common peaked cap, and the cloak is represented by a Mouse, a "jumper" of the Jersey type, Cr an ordinary jacket. Neither does he harm himself with a stiletto, that melodramatic instrument not being considered so efficacious for the modern French bravo's purpose as a revolver, a clasp-knife, a pair of knuckledusters,and a thick stick. There have been numerous nocturnal assaults of late, and the fact that many of tke persons attacked were merely maltreated, and not robbed of their watches or purses, tends considerably to prove that the hired bravoes have been at work. According to the testimony of the person who is sunosed to have made revelations, the bravoes give themselves the lofty title of "executors of works of revenge." They disdain to plunder their victims of money or jewellery, as this, in their estimation, would be killing the goose with the golden eggs; for they are well paid for their deplorable functions, and if arrested by the police go cheerfully to prison, knowing that the "boss" of the band will meet them on their liberation, in order to hand over to them the bloodmoney due from the agency. By the terms of the agency private revenge or animosity may be gratified in different ways, and according to a regular seal,/ of prices. Thus, the head of an enemy or rival may be punched or his eyes blackened for 5f., one of his limbs may be broken for double that sum, while for 20f. the bravoes engage to leave their victim half dead, unless, perchance, they get the worst of the encounter themselves, as is sometimes the case.  A labourer named James Kay was sentenced to 40 days' imprisomnent at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday for stealing two boys, cash aged 21years. The children disappeared at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, and at 8 Kay was found lying helplssly drunk on a country road eight miles from Glasgow. The children were sitting beside him. He said that his taking the children was a drunken frolic. A riot has occurred at the rooms of a charitahl,. soup-kitchen in Berlin which is carried on under the superintendence of fashionable ladies. Men and women violently abused the lady manageress charging her with negligence in the cooking ot the food, and insisting on her paying more attention to the business. A passing policeman witheard the uproar rescued the lady from thti. violence of the mob.  I
Brighouse & Rastrick Gazette. — 1890-12-06 (Brighouse, West Yorkshire, England)

THE MURDER AT NEWCASTLE.  At Newcastle-on-Tyne, on Saturday, George Walls was charged with causing the death of an old man named Dennis O'Neil, waste paper merchant, who lived alone, and who was found in his own'house fatily stabbed. The deceased had twice been insane. The prisoner surrendered to the police at Sunderland. Superintendent Huish stated that, in reply to the charge, the prisoner said: He would have stabbed me if I had not got the knife out of his hand. We came sprawling downstairs after it was done. I was on the top. It was done with a table knife. I don't know where it went up. He must have had a lot of money about the place somewhere. I only took what was on him, and pledged the watch at Byker." The witness then went to a pawnbroker's at Byker and took possession of the watch. The prisoner, who asked no questions, was remanded for a week.  The inquest was held on Saturday night. The following letter, which had been received by a relative of the prisoner, was read:—"Dear Friend,— I write these few lines to let you know what I have done, though lam very sorry for it. A row took place between me and O'Neil. I saw what was going to take place, he having had me in prison before. I knew I would have to defend myself. I spoke about it. He got wild about it, took up a table knife and said what he would do. He started shouting, and I went for him. I clicked the knife from him and cut the palm of my hand in doing se, and he went into me that much that I would have been taken. So I took a piece of iron and hit his head twice with it Lie got the knife again. A struggle took place, and I got the best of the poor old man, so I went in and stabbed him twice as he stood. He ran downstairs for protection. I brayed him on the head until he was dead. If any one had come on the scene, he would have got the same, for I was mad, I believe. So I barred the outer gate till I dressed myself, for I was covered with blood. The poor dog was watching me, but had not the sense to turn on me for doing what I had done to its master. I had no money, and I robbed him of his watch and 12s. I pawned the watch for ss. It was a brutal trick to do, but I had to do it, or I would have been taken a prisoner. I could not get away fn ni him, because I would have had to run the streets. It is done now, and lam sorry. So I conclude my letter with my best wishes to all, and hoping mother gets better. There's no doubt I have been a bad young man through drink, and this is what it has come to. My own life is short, for I intend making away with myself. I am drinking )wavily now for the purpose of doing so to-night in the dark in the river Wear. I hope none of you will think any more of it, for there's no one to blame but myself. So I finish up writing, for the tears are coming. So good-bye to all, hoping you will reach heaven, for I don't think I will now. So no more. lam thinking of father and little Jenny Most. I can't see hardly now for tears. Good-bye, good-bye. Get yourselves a drink. Good-bye.— Yours truly, G. Waus."—The jury returned a verdict of wilf.o rn,rfier again-t. Walls.
Brighouse & Rastrick Gazette. — 1890-09-20 (Brighouse, West Yorkshire, England)

TERRIBLE MURDER AT PLUMSTEAD. A shocking murder was perpetrated at Plumstead on Saturday morning. It appears that between 12 and 1 o'c lock, Walter James Lyons, aged 20, a machinist in the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich, living at 32, Co nway-road, Plumstead, went home and found his mother (a widow) had gone to bed and left the house in darkness. Suspecting something wr ng he procured a light, and on entering his mother's room found her in bed with a Quartermaster-sergeant in the Artillery, named Stewart, stationed at Woolwich Barracks. A violent altercAtion took place between the son, mother, and Stewart. The two latter got up, left the house, and walked into Griffin-road, a street adjoining. When they did not return to the house the son went out at halt-past lin the morning to look for them. He found them together by a fence in Griffin-road. Another violent altercation took place, resulting in young Lyons stabbing Stewart in the chest with a butcher's knife, which he brought from his home. The knife penetrated nine inches and entered the heart. Stewart fell and expired on the spot. Mr. Reavell, principal foreman in the Royal Laboratory, 'ho was returning home, saw the knife glitter by the gaslight, went to the spot and procured help. The on was apprehended by Sergeant French, whc took him to Woolwich Police-station, where he was charged with murdering Stewart. He made a stat(ment that his motive for the deed was his strcng disapproval of Stewart's conduct. The knifE was secured, and the 'oody of the murdered man conveyed to the parish mortuary in Plumstead churchyard. The widow is about 40 years of age, and lost her husband Aye months ago. At Woolwich Police Court on Saturday afternoon, Walter James Lyons was charged with the murder. Tie Court was crowded with soldiers and others. —Police Sergeant Rolfe said: "This morning, at half-past one o'clock, I was in Plumstead-road in company with Constable 470 It, when we heard screams of a woman in Griffin-road. We went to the spot, and saw several men standing in the road, and the deceased man lying on the ground near the middle of the roadway. The prisoner came to me with the knife produced in his hand. (Tile sergeant held up a butcher's knifewith a blade eight inches long.) The prisoner said to me, "I stabbed him; here is the knife." The deceased, who was fully dressed in regimentals, was quite I dead. I told the prisoner I should take him into custody for causing the death of the man, and he said, "All right; I stabbed him, and I know my doom ." He appeared to have had a glass of drink, but he knew perfectly well what he was doing.— Prisoner being asked if he had anything to say, answered, " No." A man in court w's'wd to speak I on behalf of prisoner, but was not p( r 'lifted to do 5 so, the magistrate remarking that nothing could avail the prisoner at this stage of the case. Lyons I was then remanded until Friday.
Brighouse & Rastrick Gazette. — 1890-04-26 (Brighouse, West Yorkshire, England)

CHARGE OF MURDER.  A man named Rouse, head keeper to Sir Phil, Currie, Minley, was shot dead on Friday night by a stranger in the main road, Black water. Tbe murderer was at once arrested and taken to tb• Aldershot police-station. Two revolver shots were fired. The man was a total stranger in the place,and at present no cause is assigned for the outrage. The murderer gave his name as Dr. Milner, aged 31, of King's-road, Upper Norwood. Milner was observed by a son of deceased looking into Fernlea, Hawley, at 6.30 on Friday morning. Shortly be. fore 10 p.m. the deceased went into the Swan Hotel, where he had some whisky and changed a sovereign. Deceased then went outside, in company with his son awl a man named Knight, gardener of Fernlea. They went a short distance up Hawley-road, when Rouse son observed Milner, and remarked that he had seen him in the morning. They watched, and concluding that Milner intended to commit a burglary, turned back te inform Police-constable Reynolds. They stopped at the corner of Hawley-road, and Milner followed, and asked them the way to Reading. Rouse's son said, "I have seen you before to-day.- Milner then turned back and went rapidly towtuds Hawley. and was followed closely by Rouse and his Eon. Milner then turned round and shot Rouse twice with a six-ellambered revolver. Knight tried to arrest Lim, and on Milner threatening to shoot lout, Knight went for the police, and the murdeler at first ran away,but returned. Milner then v ent to the Swan. The land lord came out and saw Milner standing at the door with a revolver in hi ; right hand. Milner stated. "I have been attacked by two men, ancl lan' afraid I have shot one." The landlord went cut and blew his whistle to attract attention, and the landlady stopped and asked Milner to put the revolver away as she was afraid f fire-arms. Police-constable Reynolds arrived and took Milner into custody. He took him to the deceased, who was alive, • and said, "That is Inni." Rouse died a few minutes after this, and was taken from the Swan Hotel to his home. On Police-constable Reynolds trying to get his prisoner into a cab, he became mcst violent and could not be got in, crying out, "Ted. come and help, if you don't good-bye,- and owing to his violence no one else could get into the vehicle, and he had to be taken back to the Swan, and additional assistance sent. Police constable Groundsell, Surrey Constabulary, shortly after arrived on the scene, when the murderer was lying in the hotel with his feet strapped together, and with one pair of handcuffs on. Police-constable Groundsell then put on his handcuffs, and more firmly secured Milner, and after anotter severe struggle the prisoner was taken to Aldershot at 3 o'clock a.m., where he was charged with the murder. On being searched a six-chambered revolver was found on hint with two chambers discharged and four leadocl, and a pouch containing 12 more cartridges. Rouse had a presentiment for , years past that he would be shot. The deceased leaves a widow and eight children.
Brighouse & Rastrick Gazette. — 1890-02-08 (Brighouse, West Yorkshire, England)

THE WEEK.  THE CREWE MURDER.  Tin Crewe tragedy has now culminated in the confession of the murderers. A more ghastly crime has rarely been coiMnitted in England. On the Continent parricide is not uncommon, but with us it is happily almost unknown. But of the cases of parricide which are on record,it is rare to find one in which the details are so terrible and the whole history so squalid mid distressing. There was a cold and brutal premeditation about thr way in which these two young rettikns Vlofted to put their father to death which excites at once indignation an hoer. Fathers and, for the matter of that,. mothers have before now been murdered in the heat of passion. But' in the present case the crime_ was deliberately fought out in all its blood-curdling parti:niers beforehand. The story is best summed up, perhaps, in the confessions which the two brothers have committed to writing. The elder brother, Richard, commences the awful tale, and descrihes how the hideous plot was made. With brutal frankness he says: "1 hereby confess that me and my brother George made it up to kill father on Saturday, January 25. I left the shop at about eight o'clock to go libine, but instead of going home I was to wait in Crewe-lane for father to come, and then I was to come out of the hedge and seize the pony's head while George, who was riding with him, and was bringing the axe with him, would jump up and strike him two or three times." Then-the younger brother, George, takes up the recital, and tells us how the deed was carried out. "About a quarter or twenty minutes to eleven," he says, "we started from the top of Mill-street, and we went on right till we got to Crewe-lane. When we had got about half-way down the lane Dick hit father with something, and father said, Oh, dear, dear, what's that?' and then he said, 4 Way, way.' and Dick hit him again, and then father fell out of the back of the trap, and the seat as well. Then the pony went on a bit, and then I got out and went further down the lane, and did not know what to do." Here we have the whole picture. The father starting in the dark night with his youngest son by his side, in whose heart was the black knowledge that his own brother laid in wait covered by the dark night to dash out the brains of the unsuspecting old man ; then comes the sudden attack, the battered corpse in the road, and the two sons return to their own house to divert suspicion—a more terrible scene has never taken place in a quiet English lane. And now, to add new horrors to 'the history,the young murderers have turned round against each other, and each is trying to save his life at the expense of his brother. While such crimes are possible, it is time to pause and ask whether the boasted advantages of civilisation have in reality done much to destroy the savage instincts in man's breast.