Denton Examiner, Audenshaw, Hooley Hill and Dukinfield Advertiser. — 1876-05-20 (Denton, Greater Manchester, England)

MYSTERIOUS DEATH IN LONDON.  SUSPECTED MURDER. A case has just come under the notice of the London police which has given rise to grave suspicions that a tradesman, lately carrying on business as a jeweller and watchmaker, has been murdered. It appears that a Mr. Chapman B. Bridge some time ago entered into partnership with Mr. Rostock, of Tottenluno-courtroad, whose premiers were burnt down about two years since. The firm compounded with their creditors. After the brook up of the concern Mr. Bridge went to live in Bedford-street, Bedford-square, WA.)., and was married in September last to a person wino had formerly rented some of the rooms of the house in Tottenham-court-road, and tho newlymarried couple started for Brighton to spend the honeymoon. Prior to the marriage Mrs. Bridge had been, if not actually engaged to, at least on somewhat affectionate terms with a teacher of music, and when Mr. and Mrs. Bridge returned from Brighton this man was heard to threaten vengeance against the huelantl. The threat took practical shape soon afterwards, for one night Mr. Bridge was attacked and to severely hurt that he had to be attended by a medical ntin for some time, and as soon as he recovered he applied to n magistrate for a sununons against his assailant, which was at once granted ; but ultimately the deceased decided not to take action in the matter. On Wednesday morning last, about eleven o'clock, Mr. Bridge, who had been tempo., rilv embarrassed forready money, showed n cheque for 12s. fid. to his wire, and saying that he was going to the bankers to get it rushed, and that he would return in on limit, kissed her, and left home, being at thr finis in capital health and spirits. What became of him after that is not known, but at two o'clock the nest morning, the sergeant an duty at the Kilburn Pokes-stations heard the ottter door raftle, nod upon going to ascertain the cause found Me. Bridge lying upon his side gasping for breath and apparently dying. WaS at once taken inside, and attended by the divisional surgeon, who, finding that a strong smell of oil of almonds pervaded the place, suspected that the unfortunate man had been poisoned by prussic acid, and ordered his immediate removal to the hospital, but he died on the way thither without having spoken. No battle or any other vessel which might have contained the poison was found near the station or elsewhere, but how the deceased was poisoned remoins a mystery. Upon the body was found a pocket-book and gold pencileas.e, but neither cheque nor money, and the lining of the lint had been torn out, as if to prevent identification. The deceased had on various occasions told his wife that he was constantly watched by seine persons, ad n wasafraid at times to go out, thinkint that he might be set upon and injured; but he never mentioned the name or appearance of the watchers, simply saying that they dogged his footsteps and that he could not shake them off. This vtatement he made also to a friend of tho family who nod been staying with them. An inquest on the body has been opened and adjourned.