The Sun. — 1867-10-17 (London, England)

EXAMINATION' OP FENIA2V PRISONERS A7' MANCHESTER.  MANCHESTER, OCt. 16.  The men remanded on Monday by Mr. Fowler at the City Police-court, charged with the murder of Sergeant Brett, in the attack on the prison van on Sept. 18, wero again brought up for examination this morning. Mr. Talbot, Assistant Town Clerk, prosecuted ; and Mr. It. P. Roberts appeared for the prisoners. The defence of the prisoners was resumed by Mr. Roberts, who said he had sent to Liverpool for witnesses to prove alibis. Those for Brophy refused to come unless subpoenaed, and it was impossible to subpoena them iu time. For Chambers he should call four witnesses, one of whom would also speak for Brophy. The first witness was Esther Rossiter.—We keep a beerhouse at No. 26, Adlington-street, Fontenoystreet, Liverpool. The prisoner Chambers was at our house drinking between two and three o'clock on the afternoon of Sept. 18. I know it was the 18th, from the police having visited our house about 12 o'clock that night. About six o'clock the same night the prisoner Brophy was also at our house, and I served him with a pint of ale.  By Mr. Talbot—Chambers left the house about three o'clock that afternoon, as near as I can guess. We have kept the house 20 months. My husband was previ)usly a corn porter. By Mr. Fowler—l heard of the attack on the van about eight o'clock on the same night. People were talking about it. John Cummins said—l am a bricklayer, living at 8, Adlington-street, Liverpool. On the 18th Sept. I met Chambers in Byrom-street, about a quarter past two, and we went along several streets to Mrs. Rossiter's, where we had a pint of ale each. We stood there a quarter of an hour, but I was with Chambers altogether about half-an-hour. A man named Thornton came in while we were at Rossiter's, and entered into conversation with Chambers. We left the house about a quarter to three as near as I can guess. I parted with Chambers in Great Crosshall-street, about three o'clock. I saw him next morning between seven and eight o'clock. I know Brophy by seeing him at Rossiter's. I believe he was working on the 18th September.  By Mr. Talbot—The last man I worked for was Mr. Haydock at Lime-yard, corner of Blackstockstreet. I left Mr. llaydock's last Friday, having worked eight or nine days for him. I am not in work now. I was born and reared at 8, Adlingtonstreet.  Lucy Gaven, dressmaker, said—l am a single woman, living at 26, Clifton-street, off Prince Edwin-street, Liverpool. I have known Chambers five or six years. Recollect the day of the attack on the police van. On that day he was at our house bet Teen four and five in the afternoon, and had his tea with us.  Mr. Roberts--We have heard a report that your house was searched by the police and found to be full of pictures of Stephens and other Fenians. There is no truth in that, 1 believe ? Witness—There were no pictures in the room where Chambers was. There were one or two such pictures in a paper in my own room. Mr. Roberts—You are not a Fenian ?  Witness—l know nothing about Fenianii,m.  By Mr. Talbot—Chambers sometimes slept with my brother at our house, and did so on the Tuesday night before the attack on the van. My brother is a joiner, and a most intimate acquaintance of Chambers'. I have lived at the house about 20 months. Geo. Thornton, who was to have given evidence, was called, but did not appear. Mr. Rob3rts said these were all the witnesses he proposed to trouble the Bunch with now, and at his request they were severally bound over. The prisoners were then all committed to take their trial for wilful murder.  There is a report current iu Manchester to-day that an attempt has been made to explode a powder magazine in the neighbourhood, but without effect.