npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Sun. — 1865-07-01 (London, England)

THAMES.  ATTEMPTED MURDER OF A WOMAN BY HER PARAMOUR.  —Henry Smith, a dock labourer, aged 49, was brought before Cdr. Partridge charged with attempting to murder a young woman named Esther Cooke by stabbing her on the neck with a knife.  It appeared that the prosecutrix and the prisoner had lived together as man and wife. Their quarrels had been frequent, and she was subjected to great violence from him. He was a very brutal fellow. They separated 12 months ago, and the prisoner since that time frequently annoyed and threatened the woman because she declined to renew the connexion which formerly existed. She obtained a comfortable living as a charwoman. Last night sho went into the tap-house of the St. George Brewery, Churchlane, with a female acquaintance, and they remained there two hours over a pint of beer. The prisoner was there, he did not exchange a word with the woman, but he occasionally nodded to them and laughed at them. He left the house a quarter of an hour before them. When they left the beerhouse he was on the opposite side of the way. The prisoner asked Cooke to come across the way to him. She went to the edge of the kerb stone, and stood there. The prisoner came across the road to her, and she leant against the beerhouse door. The prisoner said, "Are you going to stick in there," to which she replied, "Yes; I have no other place to go." The prisoner said, " I'll be hung for you." The woman said, "I do not care." He then put his hand in his pocket, opened a clasp knife, and stabbed her on the throat. The blade of the knife went through her bonnet strings, and she was soon covered with blood. The prisoner ran away. She pursued him a short distance, with the blood gushing from the wound, and called out "Murder, murder, stop him." Sho soon fall from exhaustion, caused by the loss of blood, and was raised by the bystanders, who carried her to the stationhouse in Leman-street,Whitechapel, to charge the prisoner. He was captured by George Foster, a police-constable, No. 207 11, as he was running across the High-street. Foster said the prisoner made a laugh of the affair, and gloated over what he had done.  Jane Withenall, a married woman, confirmed the statement of Esther Cooke as to the occurrences of the preceding night in every particular, and added that a week ago, in a conversation with the prisoner, he said, in speaking of the prosecutrix, " I'll be hanged for her. I'll do for her. I'll stab her."  Mr. John Connley, surgeon, of High-street, Whitechapel, said he dressed the wound of the prosecutrix at the station house. She lost a large quantity of blood, and had been very ill and weak all night. A severe wound had been inflicted just above the neck bone. It took an oblique direction, was an inch and a half in depth, and threequarters of an inch in width. Had it not taken the direction it did the wound would have been fatal.  The prisoner said he would reserve his defence, and Mr. Partridge committed him for trial.
The Sun. — 1865-04-27 (London, England)

THE EDITOR OF THE INDEX.  " Sir,—Time will develope the mystery as yet attending the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United States, and the attempted assassination of Mr. Seward, his Secretary of State. I desire only to repel at once the calumnious assertion of Edwin M. Stanton, the Secretary of War, in his letter to Mr. Adams, printed in the London journals of this morning, that these acts were 'planned and set on foot by rebels, under pretence of avenging the South and aiding the rebel cause,' and of which he says there is evidence obtained.' " Mr. Stanton's letter is dated on the 15th April, and states that Mr. Lincoln was assassinated in the theatre at half-past 10 the previous night, and died at 20 minutes past seven on the morning of the day that he wrote. I adduce this to show how unlikely it is, in the hurried excitement, and the necessary occupations attending such events, that any but the wildest theories would prevail in regard to the. cause of the event, or the objects of the perpetrators. Mr. Stanton adopts that which he deemed would be the most useful before the public of his country. Should the evidence' to which he refers to support his calumny ever see the light, it will be scanned with the experience derived in regard to other evidence, unscrupulously fabricated in the same quarter, during the present war, for base political effect. It is the crudest conception, too, that the murder of Abraham Lincoln was planned and executed for the purpose of 'aiding the rebel cause ;' but I can well understand that it may have material influence in aiding the cause of that overpowering party in the United States which Mr. Stanton is the type, and Andrew Johnson, who succeeds as President, with Butler of the notorious prefix, are the exponents and leaders—a party in whose path the late President and his Secretary were acknowledged obstacles in their projected schemes of plunder and rapine to follow their dominion over the Southern States. " For the rest, 1 learn from a well-informed source in London that Wilkes Booth,' who is accused of the deed, is a son of the celebrated English actor of that name, was of his father's profession, which he pursued principally in the Northern States, and was generally understood as inheriting those traits significant of his father's name, Junius Brutus Booth, by whom he was named John Wilkes, after the great English Radical—an origin and mental training little likely to engender the slightest sympathy with the great cause of the Conservative South. As to the crime which has been committed, none will view it with more abhorrence than the people of the South, but they will know, as will equally all well balanced minds, that it is the necessary offspring of those scenes of bloodshed and murder in every form of unbridled license, which have signalised the invasion of the South by Northern armies, unrebuked certainly, and therefore instigated, by their leaders, and those over them.  "Pardon the length of this note. I desired only instantly to repel the atrocious calumnies in the letter of Mr. Stanton.  " Very respectfully yours, "J. M.
The Sun. — 1865-02-03 (London, England)

THE SAFFRON-HILL MURDER. Serafini Pollioni, aged 36, was indicted for the wilful murder of Michael Harrington, on the 26th December last. He was also charged with the said murder on the coroner's inquisition. The indictment and inquisition were interpreted to the prisoner, who is an Italian, and to both he pleaded not guilty in a firm tone of voice. When asked if he would bo tried by a jury composed entirely of Englishmen, or of a mixed jury of Englishmen and foreigners, tho prisoner elected to be tried by a jury of Englishmen, and a jury thus composed was sworn. Mr. Gifford, with whom was Mr. Beasley, instructed by Mr. Pollard, from the office of the solicitor to the Treasury, conducted the prosecution, and the prisoner was defended by Mr. Ribton and Mr. F. H. Lewis, instructed by Mr. Lewis, of Ely-place, who had been retained by a body of Italian gentlemen.  The facts of the case have been so frequently and fully reported that a brief summary is sufficient to remind the public of the circumstances as disclosed by the evidence. It appears that on the evening of -the 26th of December last (Boxing-day), a party of friends had assembled to spend the evening together at the Golden Anchor publichouse, in Great Saffron-hill, kept by a person named Shaw. They occupied the apartment known as the bagatelle-room, and were amusing themselves by singing songs. Tho deceased, Michael Harrington, was one of the party, and had finished a song, when the prisoner, who, with 12 or 13 other Italians who had congregated in the taproom, rushed into the apartment and stabbed the deceased in the abdomen, the effect of the blow being to cause a large wound, through which the bowels of the unfortunate man protruded. The prisoner was secured on the spot, but not until he had stabbedthe potman, Alf red Rebbeck, and another person. The woundedma.n Harrington was removed to the hospital, where he shortly afterwards expired from the effects of the injury he had received at the hands of the prisoner. It seemed that the prisoner and his fellow countrymen had entertained a spite against the landlord of the tavern, in consequence of his having ejected an Italian from the public-house on the previous Saturday night, and that they came in a body on Boxing-night, when the, prisoner not only threatened, but struck the landlord, who was protected by his English customers, and hence the onslaught which ended so fatally. These facts were sworn to by a host of witnesses, and their cross-examination was directed to show that in the confusion they were mistaken as to the identity of the prisoner being the man who had struck the fatal blow, and that it was another Italian, named Gregorio, who had absconded since the transaction. It was further proved by Sergeant Baldock, of the G division, that when the prisoner was brought the same night to the Clerkenwell Police-station, he found blood on his right hand, and the prisoner stated that all he had done had been to protect himself. The case was proceeding when we went to press.
The Sun. — 1865-02-03 (London, England)

THE SAFFRON-HILL MURDER.  Serafini Pollioni, aged 36, was indicted for the wilful murder of Michael Harrington, on the 26th December last. He was also charged with the said murder on the coroner's inquisition. The indictment and inquisition were interpreted to the prisoner, who is an Italian, and to both he pleaded not guilty in a firm tone of voice. When asked if he would be tried by a jury composed entirely of Englishmen, or of a mixed jury of Englishmen and foreigners, the prisoner elected to be tried by a jury of Englishmen, and a jury thus composed was sworn. Mr. Giffard, with whom was Mr. Beasley, instructed by Mr. Pollard, from the office of the solicitor to the Treasury, conducted the prosecution, and the prisoner was defended by Mr. Ribton and Mr. F. H. Lewis, instructed by Mr. Lewis, of Ely-place, who had been retained by a body of Italian gentlemen. The facts of the case have been so frequently and fully reported that a brief summary is sufficient to remind the public of the circumstances as disclosed by the evidence. It appears that on the evening of the 26th of December last (Boxing-day), a party of friends had assembled to spend the evening together at the Golden Anchor publichouse, in Great Saffron-hill, kept by a person named Shaw. They occupied the apartment known as the bagatelle-room, and were amusing themselves by singing songs. The deceased, Michael Harrington, was one of the party, and had finished a song, when the prisoner, who, with 12 or 13 other Italians who had congregated in the taproom, rushed into the apartment and stabbed the deceased in the abdomen, the effect of the blow being to cause a largo wound, through which the bowels of the unfortunate man protruded. The prisoner was secured on the spot, but not until he had stabbed the potman, Alfred Rebbeck; and another person. The wounded man Harrington was removed to the hospital, where he shortly afterwards expired from the effects of the injury he had received at the hands of • the prisoner. If seemed that the Prisoner and his fellow countrymen had entertained a spite against the landlord of the tavern, in consequence of his having ejected an Italian from the public-house on the previous Saturday night, and that they came in a body on Boxing-night, when the prisoner not only threatened, but struck the landlord, who was protected by his English customers, and hence the onslaught which ended so fatally. These facts were sworn to by a host of witnesses, and their cross-examination was directed to show that in the confusion they were mistaken as to the identity of the prisoner being the man who had struck the fatal blow, and that it was another Italian, named Gregorio, who had absconded since the transaction. It was further proved by Sergeant Baldock, of the G division, that when the prisoner was brought the same night to the Clerkenwell Police-station, he found, blood on his right hand, and the prisoner stated that all he had done had been to protect himself. The case was proceeding when we went to press.
The Sun. — 1865-05-04 (London, England)

EDINBURGH.  A special meeting of the Town Council of Edinburgh was held on Tuesday for the purpose of expressing sympathy with the people of the United States on the assassination of their late President. The LORD PROVOST said—Whatever differenee of opinion may exist with regard to the war, lam sure there is but one opinion in this country with regard to the sad fate of President Lincoln, and I trust you will support me in voting resolutions on the subject. This will assist, with a multitude of others from all classes in this country, to convince the American people of the intense sympathy which exists with regard to this sudden and terrible calamity. The clerk then read the proposed resolutions, which were as follows :  Resolved, that this Council do record an expression of the sorrow with which they and the entire community of the city of Edinburgh have learnt of the assassination of President Lincoln—an act the foul atrocity of which has excited the horror and indignation of the whole civilised world.  That, warmly participating in the feeling of profound sympathy entertained by the people of this country towards the people of the United States of America, under the circumstances of unprecedented trial and difficulty in which they are placed, the Council desire very respectfully to offer them the expression of that sympathy the spontaneity and universality of which, the Council trust, will be accepted by the great people to whom it is addressed as the best evidence of the existence in this country of that feeling of brotherhood which should ever hallow the relations between the two great branches of the same race. That the Council also sympathise most deeply with Mrs. Lincoln and the family of the late President, and earnestly pray that the terrible event which has caused them so much suffering may, in the hands of Him who in His inscrutable providence often causes the wrath of man to praise Him, be so ordered as to facilitate the re-establishment of peace and order in the United States, and to strengthen feelings of amity and goodwill towards them all over the world.  Resolved,—That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to his Excellency the Minister of the United States, with a request that he will take the earliest opportunity of communicating them to his Government and to the widow of the late President.  The LORD PROVOST moved, and Bailie PASSELS seconded, the adoption of the above resolutions, which were unanimously carried, and several of the Councillors warmly expressed their thanks to the Lord Provost for calling the meeting. EDINBURGH, Wednesday.  A public meeting was held to-day, at which resolutions were passed expressing sorrow and indignation for the murder of President Lincoln and the attack on Mr. Seward, and sympathy with the United States.  Several speakers took occasion to express strong views on the slavery question, and others spoke of the calamity as equally disastrous to the South and North, and hoped President Lincoln's memory would be honoured by following out his cementing and conciliatory measures.
The Sun. — 1865-05-04 (London, England)

EDINBURGH.  A special meeting of the Town Council of Edinburgh was held on Tuesday for the purpose of expressing sympathy with the people of the United States on the assassination of their late President. The LORD PROVOST said—Whatever difference of opinion may exist with regard to the war, I am sure there is but one opinion in this country with regard to the sad fate of President Lincoln, and I trust you will support me in voting resolutions on the subject. This will assist, with a multitude of others from all classes in this country, to convince the American people of the intense sympathy which exists with regard to this sudden and terrible calamity.  The clerk then read the proposed resolutions, which were as follows :  Resolved, that this Council do record an expression of the sorrow with which they and the entire community of the city of Edinburgh have learnt of the assassination of President Lincoln—an act the foul atrocity of which has excited the horror and indignation of the whole civilised world.  That, warmly participating in the feeling of profound sympathy entertained by the people of this country towards the people of the United States of America, under the circumstances of unprecedented trial and difficulty in which they are placed, the Council desire very respectfully to offer them the expression of that sympathy the spontaneity and universality of which, the Council trust, will be accepted by the great people to whom it is addressed as the best evidence of the existence in this country of that feeling of brotherhood which should •ver hallow the relations between the two great branches of the same race. That the Council also sympathise most deeply with Mrs. Lincoln and the family of the late President, and earnestly pray that the terrible event which has caused them so much suffering may, in the hands of Him who in His inscrutable providence often causes the wrath of man to praise Him, be so ordered as to facilitate the re-establishment of peace and order in the United States, and to strengthen feelings of amity and goodwill towards them all over the world.  Resolved,—That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to his Excellency the Minister of the United States, with a request that he will take the earliest opportunity of communicating them to his Government and to the widow of the late President.  The LORD PROVOST moved, and Bailie CASSELS seconded, the adoption of the above resolutions, which were unanimously carried, and several of the Councillors warmly expressed their thanks to the Lord Provost for calling the meeting. EDINBURGH, Wednesday.  A public meeting was held to-day, at which resolutions were passed expressing sorrow and indignation for the murder of President Lincoln and the attack on Mr. Seward, and sympathy with the United States.  Several speakers took occasion to express strong views on the slavery question, and others spoke of the calamity as equally disastrous to the South and North, and hoped President Lincoln's memory would be honoured by following out his cementing and conciliatory measures.
The Sun. — 1865-06-01 (London, England)

THE OLD MORGUE.—This building on the Quai du Marche-Neuf is now completely pulled down. It was erected in 1804, and during its GO years of existence received 23,000 bodies, of which about one-fifth were females. Like the Assize Courts, the Morgue has had its celebrities. In the first must be placed Louise Leroux, surnamed the Belle Ecailliere, whose body when exposed on the marble slabs attracted all Paris to see it. The same occurred in 1837 for the Bergere d'lvry, killed by a-man named Ulbach, who carried his audacity so far as to go and see his victim when exposed. During the events of the sth and 6th June, 78 persons were carried to the Morgue. Then might be witnessed families in tears seeking a husband, a brother or a son, among the corpses disfigured by horrible wounds. The catastrophe of the Champ-deMars on the 14th June, 1837, on the occasion of the marriage rejoicings of the. Duke of Orleans, also caused numerous victims. Among 22 persons carried to the Morgue was an individual in whose pocket were found a dozen watches and a poignard. The outbreak of 1839 again sent to the Morgue a largo number of victims, the majority of whom were not clainied; among the bodies were recognised that of Jean Toures, who was condemned by the Court of Peers, in the trial of April, to 20 years' imprisonment, bat was restored to liberty by the amnesty of 1837 ; that of Jean Fournier, who, in July, 18'30, had hoisted the tricoloured flag on the towers of NotreDame, and that of Guillaume °Met, on whore was found reserved fo a papersta4rng that the conspirators in .case of success him the post of .Prefect of Police; under his waistcoat he wore a blue scarf with a gold fringe, no doubt intended to serve as the insignia of his new post. But of all the bodies brought to the old Morgue since 1801, that ono which excited the greatest curiosity and the most profound interest was that of young Joseph Anizet; whom the murderer Eligabide, since become celebrated for the crime, had killed at La Villette by smashing his skull with stones; his body was carried to the Morgue, and all Paris want to see it. The boy was designated as the "enfant de Ira Villette." By a measure quite unparalleled in the annals of the Morgue, the corpse was embalmed by the Gannal process, and being dressed in the clothes worn by the boy, was placed, not on the marble slab, but on a little white bed, where it remained exposed for t wo months atid a half. The murderer was condemned- cud executed at Paris. The rooms in the interior of the funeral station of the Marche-Neuf had also their illustrious guer:ts, among others Were Duchatelet, formerly editor of the Palriote (.16 la ifeureze, and of the Siecle, who was found dead one night at the corner of the Rue do is Hachette ; the actor Lepeintre, the elder, who threw himself into the Canal Martin after having seen Le Pentlzt acted ; the neor lars, a foreign prince; and, lastly, Gei.,rd de ereal, 11ute,. o hanged himself at two o'clock in the mor.iingi the ' do la Vieille-Lanterue, during a cold of 10 deg. Fahrenheit.