npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Weekly Journal. — 1904-11-25 (Hartlepool, Cleveland, England)

JETTATORES.  Just as certain individuals are pursued by malignant ill-luck throughout their lire*, ass says 'T.A.T.'. " are certain inanimate ol4ecits and localities _ _ _  For instance, the Wolf Rock Lighthouse, off Land's End, differs in no material respect from scores of other similar edifices. Its position is no lonelier, its surroundings no more dangerous. Yet its record is such as to clause its name to have become a synonym for misfortune throughout the "Seven Sees." In the autumn of 1877 one of the light-keepers was washed off the rock and drowned, the same fate haying befallen three at least of his predecessors. Another man, an assistant keeper, died in the and hie surviving companion kept the dead body by him for several weeks, communication between rock and shore being out off during the whole time by a succession oi terrific south-westerly gales. Whilst, of two others, oae committed suicide, and another became raving mad. Burton Crescent is the unluckiest locality in London. A respectable thoroughfare in a decent middle-class treighbourhood, it yet has more crime to its debit than any other street is the metropolitan aree. Here Mrs B.achael Samuel, a widow living alone, was mystesiously murdered in the night of December 11* 1878. In a hones here, also, Mary Ann Yates was found stabbed to death, March 9th, ISIML And these ax s but samples. It seems as though the "murder microbe " had become endessis thereabouts. Only a few months back occurred the last, and sot the least shocking, in expiation of which as alien Jew is now serving a long term of penal servitude it an English prison. The unluckiest London house is No. 2O Dorset Street, Spitalfields, wherein have Lem; committed over a score of serious offences, including two shocking murders. Thu first of these was the killing, under circumstances of well-nigh inconceivable ferocity, of Mary Jane Kelly by "J: :lc the Ripper." 'Mils took place on November 9th, 1888. Some years later a poor working woman took in to e her room a sister who had just been from penal servitude, and who requited her kindness by stabbing her to heart durit4 night.
The Weekly Journal. — 1904-10-21 (Hartlepool, Cleveland, England)

GREAT CRIMINOLOGIST.  Professor Lombroso, the famous criniino'ogle, who has been giving hie opinion on the subject of the cause celebre which is exciting all Italy just now, has king made the characteristics of the female criminal a special study. though whether the jury will endorse his view of the matter in the present inutance remains to be seen. It was while working in Paris at the study of mental diseases in Mel that LOMbroso was first drawn to that special branch of science with which he has become so closely identified, the study of insanity leading him irresistibly to the conclusion that criminality as a rule is only a form of mental diseaae. "One evening," he has narrated, "there died in one of the prisons of the city a celebrated brigand, robber, and incendiary, who had often escaped by means of his great agility. Upon the death of this man, who was a true type of the born criminal, I examined his skull. It presented an enormous median occipital Wont in plate of the occipital median spine which occurs in the interior of the skull. I made the autopsy in the yard of the prison in ,the early hours of the morning. . . . and the whole idea of my future work rose before me like a picture. I instantly perceived that the criminal must be a survival of the primitive man and the carnivorous animals." Professor Lombroso once had a curious experience. He was in a printing office correcting the proofs of his "Delinquent Ilan" with the chief reader, when, on reaching a page which dealt with a young man who, impelled by jealousy, had stabbed his fiancee, he made is surprihing discovery. The proof-reader had been this man. " Suddenly he threw himself at my feet, declaring that he would commit suicide if I published this story with his name. His face, before very gentle, was completely altered, and almost terrifying, and I was really afraid be would kill himself or me upon the spot. I tore up the proofs, and for several editions omitted his story.
The Weekly Journal. — 1904-05-13 (Hartlepool, Cleveland, England)

COO. This owl is wont to make a meal of almost any bird, small mammal, or reptile it can capture, rooks especially being • favourite dish. Naturally this is resented by the desired victims, and they band together to apprehend the culprit. A wubkr, perhaps, gives notice of the whereabouts of the obnoxious owl, and crows in large numbers, and hawks, and falcons assemble to execute lynch law. 'They worry him until, in anger and disgust, ho takes to flight. This is just what they desire, for they are swifter on the wing than he is. Darting down upon him in turn, they scatter his feathers to the wind, until, damaged and depressed, he finds refuge or rest in some hole or tree Smaller birds, too, combine against their oppressors. All the swallows of the village will assemble in the nesting season to drive away a hawk from their midst. Occasionally a bird's fears will destroy its judgment. A colony of rooks have been known to mob a balloon, thinking it to be 401110 dangerous enemy. The annual and other migrations of many beasts and birds are really instances of excellently-arranged and personally-conducted co-operative tours. The route is marked out by experienced members of the community, upon whose memory linger the outlines of the cape and isthmus, or river and island. The members take, so to speak, life tickets, and each complete tour of swift and swallow, of lapwing and of cuckoo, lasts exactly a year, the sun being the unfailing timekeeper.  HOW LEMMINGS COMMIT SUICIDE,  One oi the most *Maar Instances of co-opera.  tion is that of the lemmings of Norway. These are. animals of the mouse tribe, about six inches long, with short tails, which live among peat-moss in mountainous districts. They feed on When% grasses, and roots; and, like many other of the rodents, breed ate rapid rate. Al intervals they set out from the centre of Norway to the east or west, going straight on in a dense mass over valley and bill and across river and lake. They are destroyed in countless numbers on the journey by birds and beasts of prey, but at length the survivors reach the Atlantic or the Gulf of Bothnia, into which they plunge and die. It is a vast 00operative society for the purpose of committing suicide.
The Weekly Journal. — 1904-01-22 (Hartlepool, Cleveland, England)

BIRD THAT COMMITTED SUICIDE.  A South African ostrich farmer describes how one of his finest birds committed suicide by squeezing its head and neck through a narrow fork of the branches of a quince tree, for tho purpose of reaching a very fine, large quince. Having got the fruit in his throat, he tried to withdraw his head, but, finding he could not do so, instead of raising his head, he tugged and jumped until be killed himself. When hurt very badly by running against the wire fences, they seldom recover, as they lie down, stretch out their necks, and seem at once to  "give up." However, the same farmer who had the bird killed in stealing a quince had another which out its throat open to the gullet against a wire fence. He was seen to do it, and the owner at once ran for • needle and some thread to sew up the gap. On returning, he found that the patient had got at a bag of Indian corn, and was busy eating it. As he swallowed the corn, it all tumbled out slain through the slit in his throat; but, apparently insensible to pain, he went on eating, no doubt wondering, after eating so much, why he was still hungry. The bird, as an exception to the rule, recovered. Ostriches swallow all sorts of hard thifigs, which give rise to the saying, "the digestion of an ostrich," but they take them, just as a small bird takes grains of sand, to enable the gizzard to grind up the food. In their crops are found bones, broken china and glass and pieces of iron, as well as stones. They have been known, OD ostrich farms, to take the lighted pipe from • man's mouth and swallow it, and other things as curious and unlikely. Their action in doing so is as quick as lightning. They are attracted by anything that glitters, and often pick up such things, carelessly left about, particularly jewellery.
The Weekly Journal. — 1904-04-29 (Hartlepool, Cleveland, England)

TAMING A TIGER.  BY A NOVEL METHOD.  The tr liners of wild beasts show a good deal of originality in deviciing means to subdue intractabb. animals. The "Philadelphia Record" (motes Mr. Lover. Superintendent of the Zoo logi at l'ark in that city. as thus describing how a tigi r became reconciled to its attendants: •• There was a showman I used to know named Melchior. He on bought a magnificent Bengal tiger, which he got at a low peke because it had already killed two men. "At 144 Nfehlior would put his foot or his hand into his cage, but from the way the tiger would leap at him he knew that to put himself entirely in its power would be suicide. Nothing he could do would establish a friendly relationship between himself and the tiger._ _ _ _  "Some originality was needed, and Nlekhior showed it by taking some old clothes. stuffing them with rags, and throwing them into the cage. The tiger in • jiffy tore the old clothes to pieces, thinking that the figure was a human-being. "Next day, and the next, and the next. Mel. ehior fontinued to throw in to the tiger stuffed figures, and the tiger continued to destroy them. But, as time passed, the animal ceased to put heart into its work. and in the end gave up altogether these attacks on the searecmws; it would just play with them, or else not notice them at all, "Nov was Melchior's time. Re opened the cage door ono morning, walked in boldly, and slapped the tiger familiarly on the back. It gave him a friendly look, and purred. It took him for another manikin not worth bothering about. It lived seven years with Melchior, and became as gentle SA a kitten."  A swell at the seaside was surprised, when leaning against the railings on the parade, to notice that nearly everybody who passed him burst ihto laughter. On looking down at his feet some time after, be perceived to his horror that lie wvis standing just °nor a notice board, which read in large prints "Stead for One dankqes
The Weekly Journal. — 1904-11-11 (Hartlepool, Cleveland, England)

TONY LUMPKIN.  STAGE-STRUCK GIRL'S SUICIDE  DESPONDENT AT FAILURE. Disappointed by her failure ae a music ball artist, Harriet Parkhurst, aged 20, committed suicide in Liverpool by taking a dose of salts of lemon at her lodgings. From early youth she had been enamoured of the footlights, and longed to p on the stage. She was an extremely attractive looking girl, and had a fairly good voice; and, on making her ambitions known to Mr Carroll. a music baU artist, to whom she was introduced at Burnley in July last, that gentleman offered to roach her, on the understanding that he was to receive 26 per cent, of her earnings during the first three years of her professional career. But she never had a real career other than that of companion to Mrs Carroll. She worked hard at her songs, but she did not win success, and Mr Carroll told her she never could do. Then the girl became despondent. On coming to Liverpool last Monday she declined to have her dinner, and Roarrelled with Mrs Carroll, who stated at the inquest yesterday that the girl so far lost her temper as to strike her in the face. A struggle ensued, and Mr Carroll had to interfere. In the evening the landlady heard the deceased in her bed moan "I have done it," and it was then discovered that she had taken poison. An emetic was administered, but death took place shortly afterwards. The deceased sent the following letter to her sister in London:— By this letter has reached you I hope I shall be dead. I cannot stand this soy longer. Mrs Carroll and I have quarrelled, and I don't know how to get to London without money. I don't went to be any more trouble in this world. My life has ended different than I thought it would. I think my temper is getting hold or me. I have fought to-clay as I have never done in in, life. How I should like to thee you. I signed on for three year, with Mr Carroll. and sham the bother I know what my life will be. With love to all, from your loving sister Harty. A verdict of "Suicide while insane" was returned.
The Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester Telegram. — 1877-05-18 (Weymouth, Dorset, England)

THE MURDER THROIYOHJEALOUSY. In our 10th page will be found an 115 count of • dreadful murder and suicide from jealousy. It would seem that • witness has been found who saw the murder. A domestic semen; residing at 8, Stradbrook Road, was on an errand, when she observed the two men standing fare to fees, apparently In altercation. The tallest (Bullock) suddenly drew • revolver and fired 'freight at the heed of Clemente, who fell. Bullock then turned the weapon to his own head, fired, and also fell. It transpired that Mize Muir broke off the engagement with Bullock in February last, no lemon. She had then received the attentions rfflein Clement.. The effect on Bullock was the greatest mental agony. He could not sleep, declared the siagtng of two pet birds would drive him mad, and was afraid to shave himself list he might do himself some injury. at he was imam is inferred from several instances of hereditary insanity in his family. His half-brother committed suicide a short time ago. It seems that previous to the murder he sent to Clemente, threatening his We. When he met his victim the latter was on his way to visit Miss Muir, who is the daughter of • well-known engineer. She was, however, at Cream Hall, svisiting his family, end awaiting the coming of her lover, when • friend brought the tidings of his death. On Clements were found some love verses, believed to be in Bullock's handwriting. In these the lady was passionately addressed. The reverse of the MS., however, contained • note to her, from which it Is inferred that the writer was rebuked for writing, for he expresses his sorrow that he had offended her. The photographs prove Mill Muir to be a lady of considerable personal attractions. From further inquiries it seems to be almost certain that Bullock met Clements accidentally, while the former was hinging about, intending, it is believed, to waylay Miss Muir, and destroy her, for Miss Muir was at Cream Hall when the murder took place, and would page the scene of the murder on her way home. On the night of the murder Bullock stopped an hour later than usual at his office, and was observed- to be in unusually high spirits at the time. Another witness has come forward, Mrs. Slane, • laundress. who Ml' the shots fired. She slates that Bullock was facing Clements, and they were talking when Bullock fired. He fired twice at his whin, both shots entering his temple. Bullock was hut 13 years of age, being six years the junior of Clements, and he was greatly inferior in social position, being but a clerk at an accountant's office, while Clements belonged to a wealthy
The Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester Telegram. — 1877-07-13 (Weymouth, Dorset, England)

WIMB ORNE. SAD DEATH OF A LADY.  About half-past ten o'clock on Sunday morning a young man named Edward James Patrons, gave Woo. motion at the polioe.ststion that he had discovered the body of a female in the Stour at Julian's Bridge, Wimborne. P.C. Stone proceeded to the spot, and, with assistance, got the body out of the river. The body had apparently been in the water &lout • hour or a hour and a-half, and life was, of course, quite extinct. The body of deceased, who was well dressed, was taken to the Three Lion's Inn, where it was identified the same afternoon as that of Miss Mary Ann Stocker, a lady 43 years of age, who had been staying with Mr. Henry John Whitling, of Code Lodge, Corfe Mullen, about two miles from Whitborne. Deceased AVIA a daughter of the late Colonel Stocker. R.E., of 'Pitch&ld, Hants, and sister to Major dtocker, R.A., who is now at Gibraltar. Mr. T. Rawlins, the coroner for the district, held an inquest on the body at the Three Lions Inn, on Monday evening. The jury, which was an unusually respectable one, chose Mr. T. Laing as their foreman. The principal witness was Mr. Whitling, who said deceased had lived at his house, except at intervals, for the last three years. bite appeared to be perfectly right in her mind, and he multi not in any way account for her committing suicide. Deceased was generally very cheerful, and she had been in the habit of going about alone a great deal, visiting poor people, &c. She was of a strong religions mind, and very fond of the services at the Wimborne Minster, where she occasionally attended. He Haw deceived paps his window about half-past seven o'oleck on Sunday morning, as he was dressing, and on his nodding to her she nodded in return. Deceased was about earlier than either his wife or himself that morning. He did , not feel alarmed when deceased did not return to breakfast. and he drove to Wimborne and attended the morning service at the Minster. He was alarmed to find when he got home that deceased had not returned. There was not the slightest foundation for the rumour that deceased attempted to drown herself about three weeks ago at Corte. Mr. S. J. Parkinson, surgeon, of Wizaborne, said there were no external marks of violence on the body, which had every ' appearance of death from drowning.—The Coroner , having summed up the jury consulted together for some time, and returned an open verdict of "Found drowned."  The suspension is innotiii;;(l—o-f gr. John Oldroyd, of xby Park, Hudderidield, and Britannia Mills, Dewsbury, carnet manufacturer, with liabilities amounting to from £270,009 to £209,000. Mr. De Touredle. the (natoralierrD English barrister charged with the murder of his wife in the Tyrol under well-known circumstances, pushing her over • precipice, ham been found guilty of the Mule by the Austrian court at Dotzen, and has been sentenced to death. An appeal against the conviction, however, has been lodged, and & fresh trial will take place.
The Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester Telegram. — 1877-02-16 (Weymouth, Dorset, England)

YYSTMINSTEIL ESCAPED PRISONER. On Thursday morning a prisoner named Jacob Buahlr. aged 40, awaiting his trial on a charge of having stolen, several weeks ago, some cloth, the property of Mr. T. Hawkins, of Fore-street, Taunton, made his escape from Taunton county gaol. At the October sessions for the county he was sentenced to • period of imprisonment for having perpetrated • number of shop robberies at Yeovil. and on the day he was liberated, after completing his sentence, he perpetrated the theft for which he was also to take his trial A few weeks since he attempted to commit suicide in his cell, and on this charge he was also committed for trial. On Thursday morning, about eight o'clock, Bugler and a number of other prisoners, who were patients of the prison hospital, were being conducted to the chapel, in charge of a warder, when he managed unobserved to drop out of the ranks. He was wit missed until after prayers, when a search, which proved hunk, was commenced. A linen sheet and a plank wine found close to • part of the boundary-wall at the mar of the prison, and it is conjected that by the means of these he was enabled to scale the wall and so effect his escape. Ile was afterwards seen beating • hasty flight in the direction of Sherford, and some warders were sent off in pursuit. Bugler is • native of Yetminstor, Dorset, and it i 8 thought probable that he will make for that place no Yeovil, if he does not in the meantime destroy himself. No doubt he anticipated being sentenced to a long spell of penal servitude, as be has proved himself an ineomgible law-breaker ; and this may have supplied the motive for the attempt on his own life, and induced him, when he found he was too closely watched, to effect his deadly purpose, to try and escape from prison. Bugler is the only prisoner during the last 24 years who has succeeded in getting away. He was traced to within about two guiles of Chard, where it is supposed he branched off into the road leading to Ilminster. As he was awaiting his trial he was allowed to wear his own clothes. The escaped prisoner was captured onSaturda) morning by Police Constable Serley, at %demob% where he had added to his other offences by stealing a shirt. Ile was brought to the Sherborne station and locked up in a cell, and on Monday afternoon was taken back to Taunton Gaol. He hays be escaped by climbing over a plank.
The Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester Telegram. — 1877-01-12 (Weymouth, Dorset, England)

THE LATE INQUEST, AND MEDICAL MEN.  Tn _ Ms lifitor.  Sir.—Will you kindly permit me in you next impression to draw the attention of the public to the report of a recent Coroner's inquest which appeared in your last issue The report is certainly remarkable and must have afforded cc nsidereble amusement to your readers, though it casts a sad reflection upon the general intelligence of the community in which we live. It has hitherto been supposed that the ream& cretre of the Coroner's court is in all cues of sudden death to ascertain the cause and determine whether any criminality is involVed. Now, in the case referred to, instead of Investigating the cause of death, the Deputy-coroner and the jury seem to have been animated by the all. absorbing thought of trying to find a scapegoat in the persons of certain medical men who were in no way connected with the case. A worthy juror undertook to read a lecture to the doctor for having violated the laws of humanity, in declining, when summoned, to rush to the rescue of a child who was admitted to be dead before the messenger was despatched! He Also siad in support of his argument to a case of suicide by hanging, in which I am informed the man who found the woman suspended. instead of instantly cutting her down, rushed wildly in search of medical Had the child in question been alive and suffering from the effects of poison. I venture to affirm that there Is not a medical man in Weymouth who, if it were in his power, would not have immediately done his utmost to save its threatened life. There is, perhaps. no class of society which displays more practical philanthropy than medical men, and surely it is not asking too much of the public to credit them with possessing at least average humanity, and when this is not exhibited to assume there is some occult but substantial reason for it. The subject of the recent enquiry involved no consideration of humanity:, so that the charges of the Coroner and his jury melt into thin air, being baseless as the fabric of a vision." Any medical man who, under the suspicious circumstances of this case, volunteeredihis servicesotimply usurped the place of the Coroner, who is a paid official appointed for such investigation& The whole proceeding affords a good modern MNtwation of the old saw : "But man, proud man. Dres't in a little brief authority. Most ignorant of what he's most assured. Plays such botanic tricks;.hefore high Heaven As make the angels weep. I ens, Sir, your obedient Servant, Hutt&Nrru.