npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Sun. — 1831-03-12 (London, England)

SALISBURY, MARCH 11.  Charles Giles was indicted for the wilful murder of a male child, the on of Harriet Stone, at Warminster, in this county, on the 18th of September last, by giving it  poison. Harriet Stone (the mother of the child) lived at Whiteparish ; had known the prisoner seven or eight years ; had kept company with him, and about seven months since had a child by him. Previous to the birth of the child the prisoner entreated her to stifle it as soon ire born. The next time she saw him was after her delivery, when he asked her what was to be done now the child was living, and before he went away he said, " You might as well let me poison the child ?" Witness replied, " you are not going to poison my child," and cried, for she was frightened. On a Saturday, a fortnight afterwards, witness again saw the prisoner, he came about ten o'clock at night; she was gone to bed, and she got up and let him in at the window. He seat witness to get change for a sovereign, as she wished to pay the nurse Ss. 6d. she owed her, end while she was knocking at a woman's door, endeavouring to get change, she heard the child cry. In about two minutes she returned and found the child in the prisoner's arms. She took it from him, and on kissing it found something hot over its mouth. She said, "Oh ! my God, Charles, you've poisoned my child." He denied it, and then took the child out of the window with him. Witness followed. They went out of the window to avoid paying the rent. The landlord stood in the road, and asked the prisoner if he was going to take his mistress home. He then cams back, and, giving her the child, told her to go on. When she bad got some distance she put her finger in its mouth and found that the tongue was scorched, and soon after found the child draw its legs up. She gave it to the prisoner, for she thought it was dying, and asked if he had poisoned it, he replied " No," and put it in his pocket, wrapped in a pillow-case which witness gave him. She went in a horse and cart, which the prisoner had, to Fisherton, and from thence walked &crass the fields to Honington, about three miles. She asked him what he was going to do with the baby, and he said, " bury it with my brother," and also said that witness must not tell of it, to which she replied she would not; he gave her two sovereigns, and told her to go to service. The next morning she went to Southampton and told her sister of it, and then went to the Mayor, who sent her to a Justice at Whiteparish, who being from home, she caused the prisoner to be apprehended. Cross•examined—He appeared fond of the child. When he told witness to stifle the child she did not believe him, and for that reason never told any one. The prisoner received a most excellent character. The Jury found him Guilty, but recommended him to mercy. His Lounsuir said in a ease of murder that recoxnrnendation could not be attended to, and concluded by passing sentence of death on the prisoner, who was ordered for execution on Monday next, and his body to be dissected.
The Sun. — 1831-11-16 (London, England)

SUSPECTED MURDER.  For some time past tie police force of the S and D divisions has been actively engaged in the surrounding neighbourhood of the Regent's-park, endeavouring to trace out those circumstances which would throw some light on the following extraordinary and suspicious occurrence. Between nine and ten o'clock on the evening of the day of this occurrence, two boys, one of them named John Ball, living with his friends at No. 6. Amos-yard, Tottenham-court-road, and the other named James Brook, living with his parents at No. 19, Grafton-mews, Fitzroy-square, came to the station-house, in Albany-street, Regent's park, and gave information to Mr. Jones, inspector of the S division, that just as the evening grew dusk they were walking along the towing-path of the Regent's-canal, near to Meet-water-bridge, which is the most seeluded part of the park, and entirely surrounded by the shrubberies and plantations, when they observed a man of colour, dressed as a livery servant, standing by the water's edge, and looking at a small bundle which had been thrown into the water, but was prevented from entirely sinking by some weeds and rushes with which it had got entangled. On coming up to him he offered the boys some halfpence to go into the water and fetch the bundle (art, which Amos undressed himself and did, and on bringing, it to shore they both observed the outer covering to be part of the sleeve of a woman's gown, tied at both ends, so as to form a small sack or bag, and on turning it over they both of theta distinctly saw, through an opening or slit at the side, the naked body of an infant child, with a small piece of what appeared to be a woman's check apron tied round its middle; the child was alive and moved at the time they were looking at it, and on their noticing this, the man suddenly struck buth the boys with great violence, knocked them down, and seizing hold of the bundle, concealed it as much as he possibly could under his coat, and set off running at a quick rate towards Porland-town and St. John's Wood. The boys describe the man to be between forty and fifty years of age, dressed in a light pepper and salt coloured livery coat, with yellow gilt buttons, a light waistcoat, red plush breeches, white stockings, and shoes, and as he stooped to pick up the child, his hat fell off, and they observed that he was very bald on the top of the head. Several gentlemen's servants, men of colour, residing in the neighbourhood, have been confronted with the boys, but neither of them was the man ; besides, they were all able satisfac torily to account for where they were at the time in question. The spot where the occurrence is described to have taken place has also been examined, and is found to correspond, in the most minute particulars, with the description given of it by the boys. The police are still on the alert on this subject.
The Sun. — 1831-11-24 (London, England)

BELGIUM. The King of HOLLAND has nothing now left him but submission ; even his sworn allies, the Tories, at whose express instigation his MAJESTY has so long held out, can afford him no further help. The announcement of the close approach of the new Parliameniary Session will,- we. take for granted, decide him. The Allgenwine Zeitung contains an insidious article on the subject of the Czar NiClioLAS's visit to Moscow, evidently intended to throw the odium of the incorporation of Poland with Russia off the shoulders of the EMPEROR, and thrust it upon those of the Russian clergy and aristocracy. His MAJESTY, hints the article in question, is himself favourably disposed towards the Poles, but—there is always a saving but in these cases —he cannot act in conformity with his own feelings. How very odd it is, that his Imperial MAJESTY can always act in unison with his own wishes, when the objects are murder, despotism, and aggrandisement of territory, but is perpetually restrained when merciful and benevolent views are regarded ! The plain truth is, the EMPEROR longs to unite Poland with Russia, but is afraid to encounter personally the odium that would necessarily follow such an atrocious act of inconceivable despotism. He is, therefore, desirous of keeping in the back-ground, so far as he himself is concerned, and thrusting the old Russian Aristocracy forward, of scape-goat. But heroic kingdoms by w are not ot to be blotted out of the map of Europe in this way, by a mere stroke of the pen. Poland must and will rise from its ashes,  even though the Bourbon Louis PHILLIPPV tasks his utmost energies to continue her in abject slavery :  Bausszts, Nov. 19.—A courier despatched from London on the 16th, arrived at Brussels yesterday evening at nine o'clock, with the treaty of peace and unity, signed between their Majesties, the King of the French, the Emperor of Austria, the King of Great Britain, the King of Prussia, the Emperor of Russia, and the King of the Belgians, Leopold I. This treaty will be communicated to the Chamber of Representatives to-day, in an evening sitting. The department of foreign affairs is now drawing up the report on the late negociations. A courier arrived here yesterday evening at half-past eight, from M. Van de Wegyer to the King. Half an hour afterwards, another came to Sir Robert Adair, who, having delivered his dispatches, proceeded to the Hague. About the same time a third courier passed through from Prussia, and in the night a fourth to Austria. BRUSSELS, Nov. 20.—Immediately after the arrival of the courier who brought the recognition of King Leopold by the Five Great Powers, his Majesty sent for the Ambassadors of France and England, and the Duke d'Aremberg.  Yesterday evening the ringing of all the bells announced the conclusion of the treaty of peace. This morning salutes of artillery were fired from the ramparts, and a proclamation of the Burgomaster acquaints the citizens with' he news, inviting them to illuminate this evening.
The Sun. — 1831-11-12 (London, England)

SHEERNESS.—On Saturday most of the urchins who have been accustomed to carry " Guy Faux," on the sth of November, substituted the effigy of a Bi,shop, appropriately dressed with the mitre, surplice, &c., and one or two parties oLtained a rich harvest of pence, by constantly exclaiming, " Pray, remember the Archbishop." HUDDERSFIELD, Nov. s.—Soon after dark the letting off of fireworks commenced in the marketplace. The market-place might almost be said to be in a blaze, from the vast quantity of fire-works that were let off unceasingly, from before seven till past ten o'clock. About nine o'clock a mob of about 100 persons entered the town from Mould Green, with an effigy, which was said to personate the Bishop of Llandaff, mounted on a high frame of wood-work. A mask formed the face, with a hat upon it ; a black calico gown, with clerical sleeves, covered the body; under one arm was placed a sheaf, and under the other a lamb, representing the tenth lamb and the tenth sheaf. Tile effigy was preceded by a band of music, and accompanied by flambeaux, and was paraded all over the town, the mobs stopping to groan opposite the vicarage, and before the houses of some of the most respectable inhabitants. On arriving at the market place, the ringleaders, with a fellow in a white surplice, mounted a sort of hustings ; and this mock prie.tread the following address to the crowd, which had increased considerably in their progress through the town, though numbers were there solely from motives of curiosity " Oh all ye people of Huddersfield ! Lo ! and behold ! here is a great, fat, bloated, blundering Bishop, whom we have bartered for the poor, deluded, and murdered Guy Faux ! Here is the last sth of No vember which shall constitute the anniversary of a bloody Church and State conspiracy in support of tithes, Easter offerings, oblations, obventions, and all the horrid and dreadful train of baseness got up by the worse than devils, to deceive their dupes for the purpose of rioting in holy luxury, out of the grinding of our bones to our utter ruin, and past and present degradation ; and now, my friends and brethren, I have to inform you, that on no future sth of November shall the country reverberate to the diabolical and nauseous rattling of the bells of old Mother Church ; no more shall the disgusting and diabolical sound grate your ears, nor arouse your noble indignation, for now the great deceiver is going to his long home, and ye have all come to see him safe on his long journey, in the sure hope of a glorious change from raw head and bloody bones, from a state worse than slavery, to the old system of Old England, with plenty of roast beef and plum pudding. Then with nine times nine for the destruction of monopolies, the new system and fair play for the people. " Good Lord, put clown aristocracy, Let boroughmongers be abhorred, And from all tithes and shovel hats.  Forthwith deliver U 3, Good Lord !"  The effigy v.as then set on fire. The crowd dispersed immediately after the burning, and I have not beard that any mischief was done. There was scarcely a person left in the Market-place at eleven o'clock'.—Leeds
The Sun. — 1831-11-30 (London, England)

WINTER ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE.  HERTFORD, Nor. 29.  James Gavan, aged 49, was indicted for having feloniously, unlawfully, and maliciously, struck, stabbed, and cut James Darvill, with intent to do him some grievous bodily harm. The prosecutor stated that, on the 15th October last, at about twelve o'clock at night, the prisoner came to his house and wanted some beer. He told him that he did not sell any at that time of night. He said he would have some, or he would murder them. The prisoner then went away, but returned shortly after, and again asked for him, saying that he would murder the first i -- rascal he laid his hands on. A man of the name of Warrington then opened the door, and the prosecutor went out and said, " Come, my fellow, toddle off," and slightly pushed him. Upon which the prisoner immediately struck him under the arm with a knife. They then struggled together, and Gavan stabbed him in the thigh. A surgeon was sent for by the prosecutor's brotherin-law.  The Jury returned a verdict of Guilty, but recommended the prisoner to mercy. henry Mason, aged 39, a corn-dealer, and a very respectable looking man, was placed at the bar charged with having, on the 20th of August last, at Hertford, offered, uttered, and put off, a certain false, forged, and counterfeited warrant and order for payment of money, called a cheque on a banker, purporting to be the draft of R. Fullwood, upon J. M. Pierson, banker, with intent to defraud the said R. Fullwood.  William Henshall, managing-clerk in the house of Samuel Adams, and Co., bankers at Hertford, stated, that on the 20th of last August, the prisoner brought a cheque for 496/.35. purporting to be drawn by Robert Fullwood. The prisoner said his name was Johnson, and that he lived near Hitchin. The witness then cashed the draft with a cheque upon Masterman and Co. for 2001. and the rest in bank notes.and gold. Fullwood's cheque was returned from Messrs. Masterman's, as a forgery. He recollected a Mr. Cator, nephew of Mr. Adams, driving to their bank in a "post chaise and four, on the 31st of August. They went to the prisoner's house, and the witness recollecting him immediately, told him that he was the man that had changed the cheque at Hertford. He denied having been there. Upon witness telling him not to add falsehood to what he had already done, after a short time he said, " I am the man." He stated that he had a hundred pounds of the money in the Hitchin bank, and the rest he had given to Johnson, in whose favour the forged draft was drawn; but he cculd not tell where he was. The prisoner was then taken to Hertford. The Jury found the prisoner Guilty, but strongly recemmended him to mercy. At the conclusion of the trial Mr. Ryland said that he had been requested by Mr. Adams to recommend the prisoner to mercy both on account of his previous good character, which he believed he deserved, and on account of his believing that he had been seduced into the act by designing persons, who were not yet taken. Sentence deferred.
The Sun. — 1831-07-02 (London, England)

LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, JULY 2, 1831.  A long and desultory conversation took place last night in the House of Commons, touching the authorship of certain numbers of the Republican. Sir H. HARDINGE called Mr. HOME to account for having asserted that the publication in question proceeded from the enemy's camp, and asked him whether he was able to substantiate his assertion, or whether he was prepared to admit that he had made an improper statement. Mr. HOME replied that he was not prepared to admit that he had made an improper statement; on the contrary, he was prepared to re-say what he  had said on a former day. He had traced the authorship of the Republican to the West-end of the town, and was besides, from the internal evidence afforded by the work itself, of opinion that the man who wrote it could not be an honest Reformer, His arguments were so preposterous, and the lan• guage in which he clothed them so perfectly offensive and intemperate, that they would unavoidably have the effect of retarding, not advancing, the cause which they professed to serve. Sir ROBERT PEEL repelled, with suitable solemnity of style, the insinuation that either himself,or any of his party, were in the slightest degreeconnected with the Republican, or any such monstrous publication. The insinuation was a weak invention of the enemy, got up doubtless for party purposes. We think that in refuting this charge, the Right Hon. Ex-Secretary threw away much virtuous indignation. No one ever suspected him of having even the remotest connection with the Republican. The discus-ion was wholly unnecessary. Late in the evening Mr. STANLEY moved for leave to bring in a Bill to regulate the importation of arms into Ireland, and the method of keeping them there. The chef novelty of the plan was, that it would provide for a general registration of arms, and that every weapon should be marked with certain  letters and number, whereby it might be identified and traced. The Right Hon. Gentleman observed that clatu,e would be introduced into the 13111, subjecting to transportation for seven years any person, within districts declared in a state of disturbance, having in his possession unregistered arms. This is a most important clau,e, and one that deserves the most attentive and rigid attention. With regard to the registration of arms : this, though we have little doubt, it will at first be generally unpopular throughout Ireland, will at least have the good effect of checking any future massacres of the people by bodies of yeomanry, with whom guns seem to be as much a personal appendage as their dress itself.  The following are extracts from Brussels Papers, but we have not yet heard how the Deputation from London was received, nor of the communication to the National Congress. If the Belgians do not settle the business, the French will settle it for them. It is clearly impossible for things to go on much longer as they have hitherto done, evidently to serve the murderous policy of Russia with regard to Poland :
The Sun. — 1831-04-02 (London, England)

ALI RCH 31.  The Ass;zes commencedi yesterday. Forty-three causes have been set down for trial iu the Nisi Prins Court. The whole number of criminal charges for trial amounts to upwards of 200.  Thomas Searle:, aged 49, was charged with having cut and wounded his daughter, Elizabeth Searle, wish intent to murder her. It appeared that the unhappy prisoner had been in a state of religions madness, in consequence, as he alleged, of a sermon which had been preached at the parish church of Thorn, by a Mr. Watts, and every word of which sermon the prisoner thought to have been addressed to himself. He became impressed with the conviction that be had committed a sin against the Holy Ghost, and that therefore he could never obtain ' forgiveness either in this world or the next; and for months before the commission of the offence he kept his family in a continual state of arprehension for his personal safety. On the 25th of September last he took his (laughter, a child only twelve yews old, up stairs in his house, and asked her if she would wish to go to Heaven arid, upon the child saying the father kissed her affectionately, after which he cut her throat to a considerable extent, under the ear, in the muscular part, and inflicted other wounds upon other parts of her body. Another of his daughters, nine years old, hearing the cries of her sister, ran to the room, and in attempting to seize the knife, was wounded in the hand. It seemed, however, that the attempt to commit so enormous a crime had, in some degree, awakened the unhappy parent from the horrible delusion under which he had laboured, and in consequence of which he believed that he had been commanded to kill his daughter by  the express directions of the Holy Ghost. Some persons came to the assistance of the child, and on remon,trating with the father, he expressed the greatest horror at the attempt which he had made. The child, who was now called as a witness, stated some of the above-mentioned facts, in a manner which excited the interest and sympathy of every person in Court. When her examination had been concluded, the prisonsr, who had no Couesd, was asked by the Judge if he had any question to ask of the witness ? The putting of the question induced the litle girl to look round, and her eyes no sooner had fallen upon her father, whom she had not previously seen, than she burst into tears and instantly fainted away. Another of the prisoner's daughters who deposed to some facts tending to show the prisoner's insanity at the time of committing the act, was so much affected as to be scarcely able to speak.  She said that he was the most affectionate of bands and of parents, and had always been peculiarly fond of the child whom he attempted to kill. The Jury acquitted the prisoner upon the ground of his being insane at the time of committing the act, and he was ordered to be detained in custody until the King's plesure could be known upon the subject. The prisoner is a labourer, and the father of seven children. He got h most excellent character from some persons, besides the members of his own family.