npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Sun. — 1869-12-18 (London, England)

SUICIDE OF A SCHOOLBOY.—An inquest was hem on Thursday at Oxford on the body of John Arthur Hone, a youth between 15 and 16 years of age, the son of a clergyman residing at Dradleigh, near Redditch, who was found drowned in the Chet well on the previous day. The Rev. F. W. Fryer deposed that the deceased was at his school at Oxford, together with his twin brother. He never complained, but sometimes showed signs of diffi culty in preparing his work, and his conduct was exceed ingly good. Ile suffered from indigestion. The father of the deceased was examined, and stated that he had not the slighteat complaint to make of his son's treatment at school. James Arthur Hone, brother of the deceased, said that the latter complained to him at school of being poorly, and he had consulted a medical man. Witness had never heard him talk of committing suicide. He was very- quiet and dejected when they were packing up to go home for the holidays, and left him while so engaged, saying ho was going downstairs. Witness never saw him again alive. Had never known deceased to be threatened with any punishment. The following note, in deceased's handwriting, was found in one of his poc esk t • Darling Brother,—l feel that my life will only be a burden to tne and my parents if I live any longer. It is all right. I hope soon to bo in heaven. Don't trouble about me; I will soon see all your happy faces again with the angels in heaven. I quickly commit myself to God, in the hope that I shall soon be with remain, your dear brother, JostN." A witness stated that he saw deceased run into the river. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased committed suicide while iu =mad Mac 01 paina.
The Sun. — 1869-12-18 (London, England)

THEAMICAL AND MUSICAL MEJIS.  The new theatre now in course of erection in the Strand will be opened, it is said, in March next, under the management of Mr. J. It Montague, not Miss M. Oliver.  Mr. and Mrs. Rousby make their first appearance in London on Monday next, at the Queen's, in Torn Taylor's play of "The Fool's Revenge." Drury Lane closes to-night until Boxing-night, when Mr. E. L. Blanchard's Comic Christmas Annual, "Beauty and the Beast," will be performed.  Miss Lydia Thompson and her troupe are still thliceeYeassnkien America. The fair Yankees with her last new ~ The Girl of the Period," whilh reacting Lydia haswit hs t agrrtel eadt head-dress iu and under a crowd dntosf aeahmvoadsell yacht, fully rigged,  Mr. James Bennett has been playing " Othello " at the Surrey Theatre with marked success. Planche's splendid burlesque, " The Fair One with the Golden Locks," will be revived and produced at the H _ aymarket on Boxing-night.  The Orchestra hears, on what it considers good authority, that Signor Mario has committed suicide at St. Petersburg. Ile is said to have poisoned himself with prussic acid. Grief for the loss of Madame Grisi, and the dread of destitution, are the reasons assigned for this lamentable act. The well-frequented hall of the Christy Minstrels was dark and silent last night on account of the lamented death of Mr. Henry Crocker, who died yesterday afternoon, after a painful illness of nearly two years' duration, at the age of 35. Mr. Crocker was one of the joint proprietors of the Christy Minstrels, and a performer in the original company, lie was a favourite with the public, and his loss will be deeply regretted by a large circle of friends who esteemed his private character. (brmn the Musical Standard) Strauss, the chief of the French Court orchestra for dancing, has resigned his appointment. In New York Parepa and Patti have been the " sensations" of the week, Parepa's company being the best in English opera ever known in that city —not excepting the Pyne and Harrison troupe. Madame Sass, who has been singing with great eclat at Pergola, has received from the King of Italy a superb diamond bracelet, valued at 7,000 francs ; and in one of the bouquets sent her was a fine medallion inlaid with rubies and diamonds.  A new journal devoted to music and the theatre has been started at Paris, under the title of " Le Tel6graphe," by MM. Strakosch and Vizentini. It has for its motto, " Dire vice, dire juste, dire vrai," three conditions not easy to carry out at the same time, and especially difficult to fulfil in the organ of an enterprising impressario. Mario has received a number of sympathetic condolences on the death of his wife. The Duchess of Somerset has taken Grisi's daughters from Berlin, and intends to adopt them.  It is stated that, although Mr. Wood has the " word" c.f ?[dlle. Roze to sing in lilndon next seas-m, M. Perlin, the French manager, has her " signature" to do the same at Paris !
The Sun. — 1869-12-18 (London, England)

THE BERLIN SHOOTING CASE.  Our readers may remember the recent attempt to shoot a clergyman in a Berlin church during the services. The trial of this " representative of German infidelity" has just taken place in Berlin, and has ended by the condemnation of the culprit, who was declared to be of sound mind, to twelve years' bard labour. Some of the points which came out at the trial are now published. Carl Billand is the son of a tailor in a small country town, and is 18 years old. He is charged with having discharged a tin ball at Dr. Heinrici during service, with the attempt to murder him. He pleads not guilty ; inasmuch as "man has no free will, he there/ fore cannot be guilty. He has done the deed, but thinks, for this reason, to have committed no wrong." The young man is described as of only common appearance, and indifferent to his fate. His parents were highly religious people, and he too was of a religious turn of mind. While at school he used to copy out sermons, and read them to his fellow-pupils. When he left school he wanted to become an actor; but his father forced him to read for a schoolmaster's examination, which he did, but without being able to pass. Again he renewed his solicitations for money to enable him to propare for the stage, and this time the father yielded, frightened by his son's threat to commit suicide. He then led so dissipated and disreputable a life that the father withdrew his support, thus forcing him to return home. It was in order to avoid this that he determined to shoot "some clergyman." Many of his previous utterances— among them, that "he must become either famous or notorious," or his threat to kill one of the masters at school because he had done him some supposed injustice— shew a weak mind and an eccentric and violent disposition.
The Sun. — 1869-12-16 (London, England)

MILK AND WATER.—We see announced in a contemporary the establishment of a " Milkman's Total Abstinence Society." This looks bad for their customers, for they were pretty well addicted to water before, and if they stick to it altogether, London milk may as well " walk its chalks " altogether.. A Sulacy. CnowN.—We believe there is no truth in the report that a thoroughly neutral and unpolitical contemporary was refused admission into France last week because it contained the following paragraph :—" Business people are cautioned against bad sovereigns which are in circulation just now."  (From Judy.)  The latest " Musical Pitch "—Mr. Sims Reeves's pitch into his brother professionals—Mr. Bishenden to wit. A Goon NOTlON.—According to the Globe, it is reported in naval circles at Portsmouth that so great is the difficulty of obtaining employment amongst captains and commanders, that an officer from these ranks has accepted the appointment of beadle to a City company. He has been permitted, in consideration of his limited income and large family, to utili3e his naval cocked hat, which he now uses athwartships, instead of fore-and-aft. This is a hint for the First Lord. Everyone knows that beadles' hats cost a lot of money; couldn't some arrangement be made with the various parochial authorities for the supply to parish beadles of the cocked hats of naval officers out of commiss;on--at an allowance say, of so much—or rather, so little—a week ?  A dangerous practical joke is reported from Leeds. Three operatives scared a new-corner to the mill whore they worked by telling him that a man had some time before committed suicide in the room where he was detailed to labour, that the apartment woe haunted, and that a pendant rope, which they exhibited, was the instrument of coif-destruotion. OA) of them, towards dusk, dressed himself in white, and rushed towards tho man Dickinson with a hate* and hurled a pitcher at him. In his fright he fell seneeleei, and the shock endangered hie life,' For this freekoi inadae#B the "ghostly 7 trio wore each flood 20e, an 066,
The Sun. — 1869-02-12 (London, England)

REMARKS.  The increase of pressure noticed yesterday continued at Nairn until midnight. Since last evening, however, a decrease has occurred along our south coasts, amounting to about three-tenths of an inch at the entrance of the Channel, and pressure is now falling generally. R.,.akiings, though still high in the south-west of France, are much more uniform than of late ; but that at Nairn is 0'59 in. lower than that at Rochefort. Temperature has decreased generally in these islands, but remains unaltered in the west of France. Southwesterly winds continue to blow with considerable force at all southern stations ; but over the British Isles light variable winds are general, and an easterly breeze has shewn itself in London and in the ir►,,l, Channel. Rain has been continuous and heavy in the south. The sky is generally overcast, with thick fog on the east coast,  The hearing of the Tamivorth election petition was resumed yesterday morning before Mr. Justice Willes, and further evidence in support of the allegations of treating was given. It is reported that ono of tho witnesses subpoenaed on behalf of the petitioners attempted to poison himself last night by swallowing laudanum. his name is Radford, and he is landlord of the White Lion Inn at Fazeley. When it was known that he had taken poison remedial measures were taken, and the man is said to bo still alive, although in a very precarious condition.  Yesterday Dr. Lankester investigated the circumstances relative to the death of Mr. John Stephenson, the great bookmaker, who was found dead with his throat cut on Tuesday morning, in the library of his residence. A physician deposed that when he saw the deceased on the right preceding the suicide ho was very agitated, and certainly nut in a right state of mind. Mr Lambert, who bad been connected with tho deensed, deposed that his business loises had never -roulded hint, becaus3 they were soon recovered. As a rule Le was a temperate man. lir. Lambert said that deceased lad suffered no hisses to worry him, neither were there any xpccted. The jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a state of unsound 4iintr."  The first report of Mr. RevcrJy Johnson's speech at Glasgow repress Ws 1 ni 'o hay said :—" The Americans believLd that the Alabama outrages might have been prevented by the British Government not recognising the belligerency of the South, or preventing the Alabama getting out. Lord Russell, in conversation with him (Mr, Janson), had said he wanted to stopber, but the Government c uld de nothing without consulting the proper law offic• and that gentleman was partially insane at the time. When proof was first got as to the Alabama being allowed to entea colonial ports, his lordship said the law officers thought Government could not prevent it. Proceading to speak of the conventions recently signed, Mr. Johnson said their principle, honestly observed, wouldprevent any future affilculty."
The Sun. — 1869-03-10 (London, England)

SECTARIANISM IN RUSSIA.  Nothing in the history of religious schism is comparable to the extravagancies of the numerous Russian sects and sub-sects which abjure the Greek Church and make war upon the Czar as its temporal representative. The Skoptsti are but one powerful division of Russian dissent. The two great sections into which these schismatics are divided are the Bezpopoftsi, who do not acknowledge a, priesthood, and the Popoftsi, who support a species of clerical hierarchy. The former are subdivided into thirty. seven sects, of which the Skoptsu are one. All these differ among themselves, but they agree in the main principles of hostility to the Emperor, who seems to be the genuine " Beast," and in excessive mortification of the flesh. They practice literally the precept "if thine eye offend thee pluck it out," and as a natural sequence to this doctrine, suicide is held to be the most meritorious of actions, and the surest passport to heaven. On one occasion 1,700 fanatics, not Skoptsu, shut them. selves in wooden huts, around which inflammable matter had been heaped, and set fire to the whole mass. On another occasion a monk and 38 adherents burned them. selves in a similar manner. The members of one sect break off all relationship with society, and roam about in the depths of the forests in order to escape obedience to the " Beast." Another denomination lives in incessant expectation of the coming of Christ. Their preachers have several times announced the precise day of His second appearance, and on each occasion the members of the sect dug graves and lay in them awaiting the blast of the last trumpet. Their frequent disappoint.. ments have not sannatished their credulity. The second great division, the Popoftsi, are less wild in their practice and belief. The total number of Dissenters in Russia is estimated at nine millions.
The Sun. — 1869-03-10 (London, England)

SECTARIANISM IN RUSSIA.  potbing in the history of religious schism is comparable to" the extravagancies of the numerous Russian sects and sub-sects which abjure the Greek Church and make war upon the Czar as its temporairepresentative. The Skoptsii are but one powerful division of Russian dissent. The two great sections into which these schismatics are divided are the Bezpopoftsi, who do not acknowledge a priesthood, and the Popoftsi, who support a species of clerical hierarchy. The forper are subdivided into thirty. seven sects, of which the Skoptsti are one. All these differ among themselves, but they agree in the main principles of hostility to the Emperor, who seems to be the genuine " Beast," and in excessive mortification of the flesh. They practice literally the precept "if thine eye offend thee pluck it out," and as a natural sequence to this doctrine, suicide is held to be the most meritorious of actions, and the surest passport to heaven. On one occasion 1,700 fanatics, not Skoptsii, shut them. selves in wooden huts, around which inflammable matter had been heaped, and set fire to the whole mass. On another occasion a monk and 38 adherents burned them., selves in a similar manner. The members of one sect break off all relationship with society, and roam about in the depths of the forests in order to escape obedience to the " Beast." Another denomination lives in incessant expectation of the coming of Christ. Their preachers have several times announced the precise day of His second appearance, and on each occasion the members of the sect dug graves and lay in them awaiting the blast of the last trumpet. Their frequent disappoint. ments have not aanfinshad their credulity. The second great division, the Popoftsi, are less wild in their practice and belief. The total number of Dissenters in Russia is estimated at nine millions.
The Sun. — 1869-07-09 (London, England)

THAMES.  THE SUICIDE BRIDGES OVER THE LONDON Dom. Mr. Paget addressed Mr. George and Mr. Mumford, chief constables of the London and St. Katherine Dock Companies own police, and said he was much obliged to them for their attendance, and wished to call their attention to the number of suicides and attempted suicides at the Old Gravel-lane bridges over the dock. The attempted suicides only came before him and his colleague, and the method adopted was to remand the offendar to Clerkenwell prison for a week, and thou on a favourable report from the chaplain of the prison to discharge them with a reprimand. He now had two women under remand, who had attempted suicide at the Old Gravellane Bridge. As one of the magistrates, answerable for the peace:of the district, he could not help thinking it was shocking to humanity that these attempts were so frequent, and that some scheme might be devised to prevent drunken and half-insane persons jumping into the water. Ho and his colleague only heard of the unsuccessful cases. The successful cases of suicide were investigatod by the coroner, and they were numerous. Mr. Mumford said the railings of the bridges were high enough for ordinary purposes. Mr. Paget said that was so, but drunken and insane persons got over the railings and attempted suicide in the dock.  Mr. Mumford said if the height of the railings were increased it would be an impediment to business, and that nothing would then stop people jumping into the River Thames a few yards further on. Mr. Paget was of opinion that the height of the railings could be increased at a trifling expense, and people kept out of the water. There wero some bridges at the lower part of the docks in Shadwell with lattice work 10 feet high, and there were no suicides or attempted suicides there. Mr. George said those bridges were moved by hydraulic machinery, and erected under the provisions of a recent Act of Parliament. Mr. Mumford said it had become fashionable for drunken persons, and particularly prostitutes, to attempt suicide at the bridges of the London dock. The Bridge of Sighs, as Waterloo-bridge was termed by Tom Hood the novelist, was the fashionable resort for suicides in the West, as the London dock bridges were in the East.  Mr. Paget said he had nothing to do with Waterloobridge. He was firmly of opinion that these outrages to humanity could bo lessened, and he wished the solicitor of the London and St. Katherine Dock Companies, now united, should wait on him.  Mr. George and Mr. Mumford said Lho magistrate's wishes should be communicated to the solicitor, and after stating that Westminster-Bridge was not a fashionable resort for suicides, though the railway was only four feet higher, took their departure.
The Sun. — 1869-07-09 (London, England)

THAMES.  THE SUICIDE BRIDGES OVER THE LONDON DOCK. Mr. Paget addressed Mr. George and Mr. Mumford, chief constables of the London and Sr. Katherine Dock Companies own police, and said he was much obliged to them for their attendance, and wished to call their attention to the number of suicides and attempted suicides at the Old Gravel-lane bridges over the dock. The attempted suicides only came before him and his colleague, and the method adopted was to remand the offender to Clerkenwell prison for a week, and then on a favourable report from the chaplain of the prison to discharge them with a reprimand. He now had two women under remand, who had attempted suicide at the Old Gravellane Bridge. As one of the magistrates, answerable for the peace:of the district, he could not help thinking it was shocking to humanity that these attempts were so frequent, and that some scheme might be devised to prevent drunken and half-insane persons jumping into the water. He and his colleague only heard of the unsuccessful cases. The successful cases of suicide wore investigated by the coroner, and they wore numerous. Mr. Mumford said the railings of the bridges were high enough for ordinary purposes. Mr. Paget said that was so, but drunken and insane persons got over the railings and attempted suicide in the dock.  Mr. Mumford said if the height of the railings were increased it would be an impediment to business, and that nothing would then stop people jumping into the River Thames a few yards further on. Mr. Paget was of opinion that the height of the railings could be increased at a trifling expense, and people kept out of the water. There were some bridges at the lower part of the docks in Shadwell with lattice work 10 feet high, and there were no suicides or attempted suicides there. Mr. George said those bridges were moved by hydraulic machinery, and erected under the provisions of a recent Act of Parliament. Mr. Mumford said it bad become fashionable for drunken persons, and particularly prostitutes, to attempt suicide at the bridges of the London dock. The Bridge of Sighs, as Waterloo-bridge was termed by Tom Hood the novelist, was the fashionable resort for suicides in the West, as the London dock bridges were in the East.  Mr. Paget said he had nothing to do with Waterloobridge. He was firmly of opinion that these outrages to humanity could be lessened, and ho wished the solicitor of the London and St. Katherine Dock Companies, now united, should wait on him.  Mr. George and Mr. Mumford said the magistrate's wishes should be communicated to the solicitor, and after stating that Westminster-Bridge was not a fashionable resort for suicides, though the railway was only four feet higher, took their departure.
The Sun. — 1869-07-09 (London, England)

CURIOUS WILL CASE.  In the Probate Court, on Thursday, a case well known by name— " Sharpe v. Cumans "—was be fore Lord Penzance aLd a special jury. The case has often been before the court as to the question of domicilage. The testator, who was born of Portuguese parents, ands, in that country, was sent to Brixton to school. He became insane, and died in an asylum after making a will, and the question was whether he was sane at the time he executed the document. the will was opposed by an ausg, and as the question of domicilage had been settled, the Plaintiffs yesterday sought to propound the will. Dr. Spinks, Q.C., and Dr. Tristram, were for the will, and Dr. Deane, Q.C., and Mr. Inderwick were for the defendant.  Dr. James Ramsey Atkins, Grove House, Stoke Newington, from 1840 to 1862 was proprietor of a private lunatic asylum. In 1840 Mr. Crispin came to reside as a patient, and stayed till he died in December 1862. Before he came to the asylum be resided with his aunt, and often committed acts of violence. Whilst in the asylum he was occasionally villent. In 1850 his mind had materially improved, and he was in a condition to make his will. The testator knew that his father had died n l let him a deal of property. He often talked about his will, and said that he should leave witness a legacy. At that time the deceased was apparently of sound mind. Ks insanity was of a peculiar character, and on altern ate days he seemed to be sane and insane ; and when he appeared in the latter state be was of a very obstinate disposition. Dr. Southey saw the testator some short time prior to the execution of the will. Dr. Jones and Mr. Watney, a solicitor, came on the day in question. In December 1858 there was a commission to inquireinto the state of the testator's mind.  By Dr. Deane : In 1&6 he improved for some time ; but not till his death, w 4, in witness's belief, he committed suicide. lie was put into a straight waistcoat when he was violent, and was in the habit of putting his finger down his throat to induce vomiting, and this so weakened the vessels of the stomach that he vomited blood. Ey the Judge : Believed that the testator knew that ii he did not eat he would die, and be wished to do so. Other evidence having been taken, Dr. Deane addressed the jury, contending that at the time of making the will the testator was insane. The jury took this view of the matter, and the will was ordered to be revoked.