The Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1864-11-12 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

THE CASE OF FRANZ MULLER.  The Daily News of yesterday contains a long letter from Mr Gerald Massey, the poet, on the trial of Muller, and the conduct of the German Society. Ile endeavours to show how the interfemce of the society has injured the cause of the prisoner. He also surmises that Mr Briggs and Muller were in the railway carriage together; that Muller attempted a robbery ; was struck by Mr Briggs, and that the latter in an attempt to make an alarm opened the carriage door, fell out, was struck by a "buffer," and so received the fatal wound. He then adds his conclusions "Conditionally innocent Muller may be. I feel that he is. I do not think wilful murder in his case a just verdiet, for I doubt whether he ever meant to kill Mr Briggs, or that he did kill him. And this, I take it, is the meaning of the protest after the verdict was given. He felt that he was innocent in one sense, although such was the pass lie was brought to by the mutual deception he and the society had practised on each other in support of the 'alibi,' that he could not show how he was not guilty. Most likely he knew that he had not done a wilful murder, and that Mr Briggs received his death wounds outside the train. But he saw the frightful mistake which had allowed the murder and robbery theory to pass unchallenged, and colour every appearance with the dead man's blood; how the evidence of facts had been distorted, and how absolutely helpless his defence had left him on that side where alone there lay a possible chance of escape from death. And he 'thought there was nothing left now but to try and make the feeling of innocence with regard to a wilful murder cover all the facts of the robbery, and thus stick to the old tale to t',e last. I cannot help thinking that the reason why he changed the watch chain in the reckless manner he did was because he did not for a moment anticipate that Mr Briggs was killed, or that the hue and cry would be so immediate and so hot. Undoubtedly he would congratulate himself on his lucky escape, and he may have wondered how it went with Mr Briggs. It is (site possible that the fatality was accidental, but this Muller had no chance of showing, thanks in great part to the protection society, which had been so eager to assure him of his innocence." The Times of yesterday says that Muller continues to maintain the same reserve with respect to the murder of wnich he was found guilty that he has always shewn since his conviction. The same sedate cool, and collected manner, too, which seems habitual to the convict, has never forsaken him since the conclusion of his trial. Up to last night he had shown no inclination to confess, nor is it likely he will confess, even if he were inclined, pending the memorial to the Home Secretary, which, it is understood, will be presented to-day. Yesterday, or on Tuesday, at his own request, he saw his countryman Haifa, with whom he a orked in London, and lodged for a short time at the house of the Blyths. lie has asked to see other persons whom he has named, but for the present the Governor has de,lined tO atlinne  Printed by the Proprietors, at Francis and Joseph Honnegi'l !Ream Press Printing Office, 141, Higb-street. Stenrb°4lP.; in the Parish of Oldminford, in the Connie Of and Pal:dished by Himeon Field, 92, Highetrest, bridge in the Parish of Oldminford. in the 00004." Nal cootor.—iatoxday, Novemberll2, OW.