npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Sun. — 1850-12-28 (London, England)

BURGLAUS AND THE POLICE.  Sir,—ln your paper of this day, under the head of " Clerkenwell," there is an account of a man seized by a constable, between two and three o'clock in the morning, and on whose person was found the most complete set of instruments used by thieves ever seen, and near the spot where he was captured two life-preservers (query, life destroyers?) and some gags. The above man was captured alter a desperate struggle, in which he nearly choked the constable. The result stat, d is, that he was committed to prison for three months only. May I, as one of the public, inquire why the man referred to could not have been committed for trial for attempting to murder the police-constable; and then, probably, he would have been transported; whereas now he will be let loose on the public in three months' time. Is it not better to get rid of such a fellow before robbery or murder ensues, or must the public again wait until a robbery or murder is effected? And, again, is it likely the police will continue to risk their lives in securing these fellows when they see such results as the above? Won't they say themselves, " On, let them break in first, else they will get hardly any punishment?" And who of us would like these burglars to break in first (and perhaps gag or strangle us before the police can aid), in order that they may get the required punishment? I have omitted to mention in the above account that the fellow referred to was recognised by the police as being the companion of the ruffians recently transported for the burglary at Mr. Holford's, in the Regent's Park. I am, Sir, yours respectfully, Monday, Dec. 23.  H. F.  A man of the name of Wooles, who kept the Blue Bowl Tavern, Totterdown, Bristol, was accidentally killed on the evening of Christmas-day, under very distressing circumstances (a brief account appeared in our paper of yesterday). He had bad a trifling quarrel with his wife, and in his anger inflicted a blow on her mouth ; one of his sons interfered, when the deceased seized a stick to chastise him ; unfortunately, however, the young man took up a fowlingpiece to defend himself, not knowing that it was loaded, ap,parently with no ether intention than to use it as he might use a bludgeon or any similar means of defence; but the gnn went off, and wounded the old man in the groin, an injury which soon terminated in death. The evidence on the inquest went to show that the unfortunate youth did not lire at the deceased, and never had any intention of doing so, or any knowledge that the gun was loaded, or any recent quarrel with his father. That such was the opinion of the deceased himself is evident from the fact that in his will, made after he received the wound, he bequeathed the residue of his property, amounting to about 4,000 i., in equal portions to his sons, of whom the unhappy cause of his death was one. The coroner's jury brought in a verdict of "Accidental death."
The Sun. — 1850-12-09 (London, England)

SPITALPIELDS,  F. to: liwe f year ve,y—int.7l7,(l7l77to.7sTrior, ign P 8 t.4vr, route )14[41 51;.C- I,stz—the rtatious into I,,ndob ha‘itqr, been only 159 tons tram Hooch. and 30 han§yers *r! m Itotterdarn. The e,,nrihued faihng ,ff in the a, rivals Itom Farce and e!..eivl-1,- re, has g of v COLfidt rto rt. hou,e-growt,!-F. al ;:ou2h 'hey ntr;ve torwatO, d shout 3 BCO tsea. Nor. wltilSts,:dillt that. the rid is oy no to o bti,k.inees are from 5s t 10, higher that; on this day ~e'ntoght. Prest-tit race') as  .1 A good deal cf excitement has prevailed during the past week in the neighbourhood of Carmarthen, in consequence of its having been currently rumoured that Elizabeth Gibbs, who was recently committed upon a charge of murdericg, by poison, her mistress, the lady of T. 13. Severne, Dq., of Brixton, and a tellow-servant, named Rebecca Uphill, had made a full confession of her guilt. In consequence of this rumour, and of some official communications made to them, the mogistrees deemed it to be their duty to commence an it quiry into all ' the circumstances of the murder, so as to hind over all the necessary witnesses ; and three days were devoted to this purpose, during which some facts, not disclosed before the coroner, were elicited. Among the new witnesses examined was a girl named Mary Jones, who had lived in the service of the Governor of Carmarthen gaol. She deposed that she remembered the prisoner Elizabeth Gibbs being brought into the gaol. One day in conversation she told witness that her master directed her to go up to her mistress, and when she went to her, her mistress said to her, " 0, Betsy, why have you given me something ? I wish I had nut taken it now." She also told her on one occasion, that Peggy brought her the arsenic, and that when she asked her where she got it from, she replied from a chemist's shop in Langharne•street; she went from the house to get it. On another occasion she said to witness, "I could riot sleep, night or day, till this was done to my mistress, or my fellow-servants." She also said that she had seen lights passing her window, and that it was the devil who told her to do it, and who kept her from sleeping. On another occasion the prisoner told witness, that one Sunday morning she bad to give her master some camomile tea, and that she put some arsenic into it.  Per 'lon. Yorksh. Regents. to 100; Scotch Regent,— SOs to Wisbcach & Cambridge Foreign .. Lire°lit. —s to -Kent Shawl 7os to 75j  Per Ton. Essex Shaws 70s to 7:5s Kent Regents.... 70s to 8.5 s lis,ex 7rPs to ,ris Middling Ware... 40s to 43s Kentish Et,tl Kid. 70s to 7!.s Cambridge ditto COs to 75s ':.'ha s  QUEEN'S BEN C (SLl.tiTs at Nisi Priui,  It_('r IS DA Y.) ,t Wu,!rn:n,t-u, tyior, Lord  CA BI P BFLL and a Spi 661 Jury)
The Sun. — 1850-07-31 (London, England)

ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE. OXFORD ClRCUlT.—Stafford, July 27. By the co-operation of Mr. Whateley, Q.C., and Mr. Greaves, Q.C., who presided in separate courts, one in the grand jury room, and the other in the Judges dining-room, for the trial of prisoners, all the Crown business, with the exception of the murder case, on which the jury were deliberating, and two indictments for perjury, were disposed of by ten • o'clock last night. At that hour the first of the indictments was called on in the Crown Court, before Mr. Justice Williams, when Mr. HUDDLESTON (who was the leading counsel for the prosecution), said, that having been engaged the whole of that day in the two cases of murder, he was physically incapable of proceeding with another case that evening; and as, moreover, the defendant was not present, he hoped his Lordship would adjourn the court until the next morning. Mr. Justice WILLIAMS said he should be most glad to do so if the state of the public business would permit him, but there were three civil causes, and two indictments for perjury still to be tried, and yet to-morrow was the commission day at Shrewsbury. He had no doubt that the counsel was very much fatigued, but he must remember that both himself (the Judge) and the jury had been working equally hard, and were equally tired. He did not intend that the whole case should be tried that evening, bat merely wished to make some progress in it. The presence of the defendant was not indispensable, this being a misdemeanor, and it was admitted she would surrender in the morning. Mr. HUDDLESTON still contended that the presence of the defendant was necessary, and as Counsel for the prosecution, required that she should surrender before the trial was proceeded with. He also further urged the plea of exhaustion, and added, that from the pressure of business at these assizes, he had not been able to open his brief in the present case; and, if he were compelled to proceed must read it at length to.the jury, in order that ho might at the same. time inform himself and them of the charge against the defendant.  After a lung -discussion, Mr. Justice WILLIAMS directed the jury to be sworn and the case to be proceeded with. After the oath had been repeated to the jury, The crier said, my Lord, one of the jurymen refuses to take the oath. Mr. Justice WiLmats—How is this, sir? Juryman (producing from the depths of his fob an enormous watch, and extending it at arm's length towards his Lordship)—Whoy, my Loard, its noaw moare than ten o'clock, and I'om now been sitting here and in t'other courts moare than thoirteen hours, and I wo'ant sit no mosir this noight if I can help it.—(Great laughter, in which the Judge joined very good humouredly.) Further discussion took place, and at length it Ix came apparent to everybody that no progress would be made in the case even if it were proceeded with, and it was adjourned until the morning.
The Sun. — 1850-03-25 (London, England)

POISONING IN NORFOLK.  NORWICH, SATURDAT.—We regret to state that another case of wholesale poisoning has within the last three days been discovered in this county, which, as may be imagined, has created the most painful excitement, a whole family of ten persons having been poisoned, two of whom have since died. The locality of this dreadful affair is Stow 13ardolpb, a small retired village, two miles north of Downham, in the western portion of the county, and the unfortunate vic time are the family of a respectable farmer named Mr.  James Page, who resided there. An investigation has taken place before the Rev. E. J. Howman, one of the county magistrates, but the reporters were excluded on the ground, it was alleged, that it would riot be prudent at present to give publicity to the evidence, though the case was admitted as one involving the utmost mystery, and it was doubtful if it was not a foul and deliberate murder. Tne fscts furmisbed to the representatives of the press by the police are as follow :  The family consisted of nine persons, namely, Mr. James Page, Mrs Page, three sons, two young ladies (sisters of Mr. Page), a governess, three women, and one man servants. A few wet-ks ago a quantity of sugar was bought by a member of the family, which came first into use on Wednesday morning last. The tea at the breakfast table was sweetened with it, and Mr. Page at once complained it made him sick. At the same time he summoned the servants, and a remark was made by one of the women that there were some white particles in the sugar, probably mixed with it to cheapen it. A sediment was also discovered in the cups. Nothing more, however, it seems, was thought of the circumstance, and it was date-ruined that instead of using the sugar for tea it should be employed for puddings and other pastry. At dinner that day an apple-pudding was served, and the sugar was added to it; and immediately after the family had partaken of it they were all seized with violent burning pains in the throat, followed by purging, vomiting, and other symptoms usual in cases of poisoning. The servants partook of the meal, and suffered in the same manner. Mr. Page at once dispatched messengers for medical gentl. men residing in the neighbourhood, who were quickly on the spot, and every means was resorted to to check the horrible effects of the poison. They remained with the sufferers the whole of that night and following day. It Was evident, however, that Mr. Page had swallowed a con. siderable quantity ; he never rallied, but sunk under its baneful effects, espiring in great agony on Friday morning; and at the time of these details being written the medical gentlemen have reported the death of his son. The other members of the family and two of the servants remained very ill, but hopes were entertained of their recovery. Mr. Page was highly respected,. His body and that of his son await a coroner's inquest, which is likely to be held on Monday.
The Sun. — 1850-03-25 (London, England)

POISONING IN NORFOLK.  NORWICH, SATURDAY.—We regret to state that another case of wholesale poisoning has within the last three days been discovered in this county, which, as may be imagined, has created the most painful excitement, a whole family of ten persons having bean poisoned, two of whom have since died. The locality of this dreadful affair is Stow Bardolph, a small retired village, two miles north of Downham, in the western portion of the county, and the unfortunate TiC• time are the family of a respectable farmer named Mr. James Page, who resided there. An investigation has taken place before the Rev. E. J. Howman, one of the county magistrates, but the reporters were excluded on the ground, it was alleged, that it would not be prudent at present to give publicity to the evi. dence, though the case was admitted as one involving the utmost mystery, and it was doubtful if it was not a foul and deliberate murder. The facts furnished to the representatives of the press by the police are as follow :  The family consisted of nine persons, namely, Mr. James Page, Mrs. Page, three sons, two young ladies (sisters of Mr. Page), a governess, three women, and one man servants. A few weeks ago a quantity of sugar was bought by a member of the family, which came first into use on Wednesday morning last. The tea at the breakfast table was sweetened with it, and Mr. Page at once complained it made him sick. At the same time he summoned the servants, and a remark was made by one of the women that there were some white particles in the sugar, probably mixed with it to cheapen it. A sediment was also discovered in the cups. Nothing more, however, it seems, was thought of the circumstance, and it was determined that in. stead of using the sugar for tea it should be employed for puddings and other pastry. At dinner that day an apple-pudding was served, and the sugar was added to it; and immediately after the family had partaken of it they were all seized with violent burn. ing pains in the throat, followed by purging, vomiting, and other symptoms usual in cases of poisoning. The servants partook of the meal, and suffered in the same manner. Mr. Page at once dispatched messengers for medical gentlemen residing in the neighbourhood, who were quickly on the spot, and every means was resorted to to check the horrible effects of the poison. They remained with the sufferers the whole of that night and following day. It was evident, however, that Mr. Page had swallowed a considerable quantity ; he never rallied, but sunk under its baneful effects, expiring in great agony on Friday morning ; and at the time of these details being written the medical gentlemen have reported the death of his son. The other members of the family and two of the servants remained very ill, but hopes were entertained of their recovery. Mr. Page was highly respected, His body and that of his son await a coroner's inquest, which is likely to be held on Monday.
The Sun. — 1850-02-22 (London, England)

WORSHIP-STREET.  Richard Pike, a hairdresser in business at Hertford-terrace, Haggerstone, was placed at the bar before Mr. Arnold, charged with having assaulted and wounded his wife, Margaret Pike, whereby her life had been seriously endangered. It appeared from the evidence of police-constables Hooper and Harrington, that while on duty in Haggerstone shortly after three o'clock that morning they were attracted by a loud crash of broken glass to the house of the prisoner, upon reaching which they heard stifled cries of " murder" and "police " in a woman's voice, in one of the upper rooms. police," knocking loudly for admittance without receiving auy answer, they at length burst open the door and proceeded to a room on the first floor, where they found the prisoner's wife, who was far advanced in pregnaßcy, extended upon the floor and held down by the prisoner, who was grasping her throat with one hand, while in the other he was brandishing a heavy brass candlestick, with which he had beaten her so cruelly that the blood was pouring out from her mouth and now. The instant they made their appearance the prisoner threw down tlie candlestick, and grasping her by both hands round the throat, endeavoured to strangle her, laut they dragged him forcibly away, and upcm telliag him that he appeared to have killed liis wife, who lay perfectly senseless, without exhibiting any signs of life, he carelessly answered that he was glad to hear it, and hoped that she was dead. The prisoner was then conveyed to the station-house, to which also the injured woman was taken in a cab, and Inspector Tarleton instantly procured the assistance of the divisional surgeon, who dressed her wounds, and directed her removal to the infirmary of the workhouse. The inspector afterward; repaired to the prisoner's house, where he found four little children without any one to take care of them, and, as they also appeared to be totally unprovided with the ordinary necessaries, he directed them to be placed under the charge of the parish authorities, until some of their friends could be induced to receive them.  Two medical certificates were produced by the inspector and handed up to the bench, the first from Mr. Robinson, the police surgeon, describing the woman as having sustained several severe contusions about the head, as well as other internal injuries, which, to a person in her condition, would probably be productive of the most serious consequences; and the second from Mr. Clarke, the parish surgeon, to the effect that she was in such a dangerous state as to wholly preclude her attendance at this court. When called upon for his defence, the prisoner said that he had had an altercation with his wife, who had broken the windows of the room, and that he was compelled to drag her to the floor, to prevent her throwing herself headlong into the street. Mr. ARNOLD said that it was a most serious case, and he should order the prisoner to be remanded for a week, to await the result of the injuries bis wife had sustained.
The Sun. — 1850-03-02 (London, England)

TENANT RIGHT. The Marquis of LONDONDERRY presented a petition from the tenant-farmers of the counties of Down and Londonderry, in public meeting assembled at Coleraine, praying their Lordships to puss a statute ensuring tenant-right to the occupiers of land. Tenant-right w tas sr boon given by the landlord to the tenant centuries ago. tie took up this as apubhe question. Great excitement existed in Ulster on the subject of tenant-right, and great bitterness sinned, e ftoladrnt sd e ltallioaadut seyexl achiasltde e)bn'eetca:h had du co to excite the farLucas against the rate in aid, by the unfortunate affair of Dolly's Brac, and by the meetings which had been called during the last autumn and winter by the Protectionist leaders, who had made most exciting speeches; and the most remarkable circumstance was that the very persons who had b. en then called together by the Protectionist landlords had united to call for a large reduction of rent from the landlords, and for tenant-right, and not only for that, but fur a perpetuity of tenancy ; in fact, they claimed the land as their own and threatened all those farmers who dared to take land from which others had been ejected. In other instances they had actually determined not to pay rent—had, in fact, confiscated their landlord's property.—(llear, hear.) In such a case as this something should be done ; he did not call upon the Lord-Lieutenant to roclaim the county, but really _something must be  (done to arrest these gentlemen in their progress, and to prevent the preaching of these doctrines. He had been called upon by a Presbyterian minister to substantiate what he had stated with regard to the non-payment of rent, which he alleged that those ministers had seated: He had received a letter, written by command of the I-Lv. W. Dobbin, calling on him to retract or substantiate those assertions. (The Noble Marquis theta read the letter, challenging him to prove. his. assertions, and charging him with calumniating those who were equally regardless of his • smiles and his frowns, and treated him with unmitigated scorn, and dared him to to try the question of privilege with them.) He had also received a letter from a most respectable landlord of the county of Down, who expressed his satisfaction that he (the Noble Marquis) had drawn the attention of the House to the calumnies of the Presbyterian ministers, and to the reign of terror chicle tLey were seeking to establish, making the county of Down a' second Tipperary. He ho that the Government would discover some mode. of expressing their disapprobation of the proceedings of the:, Pr, shy krian intuistetr. Attempts at murder had h et. made in the county of Down, and he hoped that the G rent ent would otter large regards for the discovery of the ix rpetrt.t.rs of the be outrages. Of ona thing he v. at c e• tain, that the landlords would not be intimidated. but ti.w they would resist with firmness these exciters to teu.tler and incendiarism.  Lord
The Sun. — 1850-05-08 (London, England)

AMERICAN NEWS.  SOUTHAMPTON, TUBSDXT NIGHT. The United States mail steamer, Hermann, Captain Crabtree, arrived off 'Cowes at .5 F.M. from New York, which city she left on the 20th ult. Thr voyage of the Hermann has been protracted to 17 days by a succession of easterly winds. She brings 145 passengers, 25 of whoni landed at Southampton. After transferring the mails for England and France to a small steamer, the Hermann proceeded on her voyage to Bremen. The American news by telegraph from Halifax was published in New York on the 20:h. The intelligence by this arrival is not of great interest.  Our Washington advices mention that the Senate had rejected Colonel Benton's amendment, and determined to refer the subject of admitting California and forming a territorial government for New Mexico to ft select committee of 13. The committee comprised Senators Clay, Cass, Dickinson, Bright, Webster, Philps, Cooper, King, Mason, Downed, Magnum, Bell, and Berrien. The action of such a committee would probably be a recommendation to admit California, and the establishment of a Government in New Mexico, without restriction as to slavery ; the Senate would probably concur, but there were substantial grounds for believing that no such measure would become law. A disgraceful scene occurred in the Senate on the 17th ult., when, during the heat of an altercation in debate, General Foote drew a pistol from his pocket, cocked it, and coolly directed his aim at Mr. Ben:x3n. The friends of both parties interposed, and bloodA. ed was prevented, and a committee to investigate into the circumstances was appointed. The rumours of a modification in the Cabinet had somewhat died away. Accounts from St. Louis of the 19th ult. state that a band of Sioux Indians, headed by their chief, had recently attacked a family cf Chippewas, numbering fourteen persons, at Fulls Croix, and murdered them all.  In the money-market sterling exchange was in request, and bills on London had an upward tendency, the quotations being 1091 to 1094 ; money easier, and a supply of money on call more plentiful. First-class paper was much sought after. United States stocks were very firm, notwithstanding the efforts made to depress prices. The cotton market continued firm, with fair sales in separate lots. Dealers were still disposed to wait for the receipt of later foreign news before entering the market to any considerable extent. The market for New York and Western flour continued firm, with a good Eastern demand, and a fair amount of sales. Canadian remained about the same with moderate sales. Southern was less active, and prices were somewhat easier. Wheat was in good demand. Corn continued scarce. Prices had an upward tendency. Pork was firmer, and sales were freely made at improving prices. Beef continued dull, but meats were steady. Lard was firmer, with moderate sales. Good butter was scarce, and firm. Cheese was in good demand, and firm.  Coffee was steady, with fair sales. • Sugar continued steady, with fair sales, including New Orleans and Porto Rico. Molasses were without change of moment.