The Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1864-11-05 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

TILE POLICE AND THE COLLIERS.—As some observation have been made relative to the conduct of the Worcestershire and Dudley police towards the colliers during the recent strike, the magistrates acting in the Pulley district have deemed it their duty to express t`mir deeided opinion upon the matter. Accordingly, at a meeting held last week, the magistrates stated that they approved most heartily of the conduct of Mr. Chief Superintendent Burton and the large body of police placed under his command. They consider that Mr. Burton, and his police force, acted with wisdom and discretion during a long and trying period, and that their conduct was exceedingly creditable. Casa°, or HIGHWAY ROM Cr.—At the Public Ottice, Wednesday, before fa awn Fletcher, and Mr. T. Fereday, Jareph Simkiss 01 0 described himself as a carpenter, was charged with having stolen a watch, chain, and key, ss. in monik-, a ring, and one pair of gloves, from Elizabeth Cain, who described herself as  a spinster. Mr G B Lowe defnuled.—The tell stated that on Sunday morning, between twelve and one o'clock, as she was passing down Flood street she stopped to srak to Mrs. Cox at her door. The prisoner came up at the time and said, " I saw you at New street station, Birmingham, on Thursday night." Witness denied this, and prisoner accused her of being a liar, and threatened to knock her teeth down her throat. She told him that if he did she would make him pay for it, and he then struck her two violent blows in the face. Mrs. Cox cried out to the prisoner not to hit witness any more or he would kill her. He struck hee several times afierwards, and ' knocked her into the middle of the street, where she fell or, her back. She shouted murder. She felt the prisoner's hand in her pocket, and felt •snatch at her watch chain. She called out, "lie's robbing me." He got up, and she said, "You have robbed me." He again struck her, and then ran away. Upon examining her pocket, she missed the articles above' mentioned. Maria Edwards brought her watch to her the next day. Mrs. Col saw all that took place. She never saw the prisoner but once before that day. She felt her money and gloves safe before the assault. Had not received any of the articles back besides the watch.—ln croes-examination, witness stated that she was not drunk. She was quite certain as to the identity of the man. The Mrs Cox referred to gave corroborative testimony. —Maria Edwards deposed to having seen the struggle, aid found the watch near the place. Both witnesses swore positively to the identity of the man.—Detective Minchin deposed to having apprehended the prisoner on the 31st of Geoher, at eight o'clock in the evening. He was in a public house in Flood street. Witness read the warrant to him, and told him the charge, and then handcuffed him. Ile was very violent, put his left hand into his right breast pocket, and .rew something out like a purse, wlach he threw into the street, say. ing, "Minnie, it's about a yard from the door.' Witness did not see anything picked up, as the prison• er was so violent. He took him to the station with the asaistazice of another officer. Upon being charged at the station, the prisoner denied the robbery, and said he only struck her in the mouth. Ile received from the last witness a watch, which he prodnced. The prisoner pleaded not guilty, and reserved his defence. He Was committed for trial at the Assizes, and bail refused.