npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Northern Daily Times. — 1856-03-27 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

WHOLESALE PAPER WAREHOUSE, 19, SOUTH JOHN-STREET, LIVERPOOL,  Lord OVERSTONE labours under a very grave misconception if he believes that the measure of the Government owes its origin. to a mere flight of fancy, or a paltry spirit of pandering to popular clamour. The crotchets for which the noble lord contends have exploded spontaneously, and what has the continuance of unlimited liability in favour of Banks and Insurance Companies done for the public ? We have had no remarkable failures of late among Insurance Offices ; but mark what has taken place in both the private and joint stock banking world. How far did unlimited liability avail depositors in STRAHAN and Company's case ? And how far will it relieve the dupes in SADLEIR'S ? The former has ruined hundreds, the latter the half of a country. The law, it is true, has not been enforced in one case as it was in the other. STRAHAN and his partners were seized, brought  before the magistrates, and the charges against them heard in open court. SADLEIR makes away with himself in a perfectly sound state of mind, after confessing to the commission of crimes of a much deeper dye than those of STRAHAN, PAUL, and BATES, and yet his partners or partner is brought privately before a master in Chancery, at his dwelling-house, and the public are not allowed to know what transpired at the examination of the partner of such a man as JOHN SADLEIR ! This may be law, but certainly it is not even handed justice. Had STRAHAN, put an end to his existence, the chances are, that PAUL and BATES would have escaped the punishment they are now undergoing; and where exposure is dreaded, it is as well that the commercial community should remember that it is only necessary for one of a firm to commit suicide for the rest to avoid publicity. Apart, however, from the law, in one instance, and the practice in the second, we need only take the failure of those banking concerns to illustrate the folly and manifest danger of continuing to hold out the bugbear—" unlimited liability." In STRAHAN and his partners downfall, there was fortunately no one to suffer but them and their customers. Their victims must therefore be satisfied with whatever dividend their joint estates will pay. But what will the unlucky depositors in the Tipperary Joint Stock Bank get ? They may sue a few respectable shareholders, but how are they to fix them with the liability to pay ? We know this question is easily answered by an attorney well versed in the fiction of our joint stock legislation on unlimited liability, but what will the net dividend be when each claimant has obtained judgment and paid his costs ? Those who may like to test the extraordinary virtue of our unlimited liability system, as regards Joint Stock Banks, will be able to pick up some claims against the Tipperary Bank at a moderate rate, but before they go into the market we beg to tell them that the whale thing is a perfect chimera. There is no fixing those who
The Northern Daily Times. — 1856-07-29 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

ATTEMPTING SUICIDE.—C itherine Harris, a decent looking and respectably attired Scotch las, was charged by her master, Mr. Fellett, of No. 7, Seymour-street, with attempting to destroy herself on the previous afternoon. The master introduced the case to the magistrate by observing, that Catherine was a very excellent servant ; she was steady, honest, and industrious, and what could have possessed her on the previous day he could not imagine. He then went on to say, that all at once yes'erday, Catherine rushed into his room and then attempted to hang herself, having tied some pieces of rag together, which broke and she fell down. She next rushed into Miss Tellett's room, and there attempted to get a razor • and, in fact, her conduct was such, that he was compelled to send for a policeman, and have her taken up in order that she might not injure herself. Several times in the course of the enquiry, Mr. Teilett expressed his total inability to account for such conduct. Catherine Harris was then asked whet she had to say to the charge, and her simple tale was, that on F, iday her master and mistress, and the young Misses, went to Bootle to spend the day, and left her in charge of the house. After they were gone, some servant—it did not appear of what gender the visitor was—called in, and they had tea, and after that they went oat, and did not return until after the master, who came home an hour earlier than he said he should. This caused the mas er to be angry, and, before the mistress, he called her a thief, and said she should leave. Being called a thief, hurt her feelings very much, so much so, that she was in such a state she did not know what she did. Mr. Mansfield told the girl to rest quiet, as her master gave her a very good character, and not excite herself any more. The girl was then discharged.  (
The Northern Daily Times. — 1856-06-09 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

LATE SUICIDE IN CROWN-STREET.-iIl our impression of Saturday, we announced that a man had committed suicide in Crown-street. On Saturday, an inquest was held on the body, before Mr. Curry, the borough coroner, and a respectable jury. The deceased, whose name was John Sutton, was 70 years of age, and resided for the last nine months with his son, a joiner, at No. 300, Crown•street. lie had, for a number of Years, been coachman to Mr. William Rosson, of Present, but had been discharged in consequence of his exhibiting symptoms of melancholy. He subsequently got much worse, had many strange fancies, and talked very incoherently, and it was all but necessary that he should he sent to an asylum. On Friday, about noon, he was in the joiner's shop, when his son asked him what he was after there, when he replied that he was rubbing some stains out of his garters, and that it was so warm, he would stop there. Shortly after the son returned to the shop, when he found the deceased hanging from one of the beams quite dead. The jury found a verdict that. the deceased hanged himself while in a fit of insanity, but at the same time, expressed it as their opinion, that he should have had more attention paid to him  FOR BY PRIVATE TREATY, A • TaNs. New Iron yCItEW STEAMER, of the following a+ 117 dimensions, now building here under particular inspection, and ran be ready for sea In about six weeks, vie., length of keel, 94 fee. 6 inches ; bre tdth,ll; feet ; depth. I feet 6 inches. Sh- will carry 125 tons of cargo, Independent of nor machinery and coals, on 6 feet draught of water, and will be propelled by a psir of direct acting engines, of 2it.hurse power. Waen toaded she is expected to steam 7 knots per hour. and is in at respects a serf desirable vessel for the coasting ti ade.—For farther particulars apt' to )4r.
The Northern Daily Times. — 1856-11-25 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

THE REDPATH SCANDAL.—The state of the Audit-office was last session the subject of some animated discussion in the House of Commons, and the true safeguard against any possible malversation was shown, with irresistible strength of argument, to consist in bringing the accounts of that office under the supervision of the House of C6mmons. We do not know how much longer this eminently safe and practical reform may be resisted- by the 'Government, but until it is accomplished there can be no efficient security against possible mistakes or malpractices, The cases of Robson and Redpath also, men filling the most:responsible stations, and having hundreds of thousands passing through their hands, yet remunerated only with trifling salaries, show the expediency, even as a matter of commercial policy, of raising the status of Government officers, and of animating them by ,the prospect of distinetions and rewards proportioned tolthe reponsibilities of their duties.  DESPERATE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE;.—Much consternation and alarm were created in Kentish Town, on Sunday, owing to its becoming knOwn that another of those tragical occurrences, which have lately produced such painful sensation, had taken place at No. 25, Duke's terrace, Malden road, Kentish Town. It appears that at the above address resides Mrs. E iza Chalk, aged 28 years' who has lately been in a very melancholy state of mind. Shortly after the inmates had retired to rest, the fall of a heavy body was heard, and on their going to her bedroom, the unfortunate woman was found on the floor, weltering in a pool of blood, which proceeded from a terrible gash in the throat, that nearly severed the windpipe and carotid arteries, and a razor was lying by her side. She was at once conveyed to the London University Hospital, when Mr. Erichsen. surgeon, rendered every surgical assistance, but from the severe nature of the wound, not the slightest hopes are entertained of her recovery.  THE Swenisti R kILWAY
The Northern Daily Times. — 1856-06-03 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE.—A female named Jane Jones, was brought up on a charge of having attempted to commit suicide. She alleged that treated by her husband, and anout to try to get to her parents in WA., and most positively denied that she evor d.i.tempted to destroy herself. Mr. Holmes expressed his regret that the mother of a family should by'her own accord, attempt to rush into the presence of the Almighty, with all her sins upon her head. having pledged her word that she would not as_ an attempt upon her life, but go home to her parents, was diseliarged, PALMING —A fareigne  rain make  who described himself as a singer, and who gave his name as John Passe, was charged by Mrs. Collins, the keeper of a stall, in St. John's Market, with attempting to steal a sovereign... .Mrs.: Collins stated that on Saturday afternoon, the defendant went to her shop, for, as he alleged, the purpose or purchasing a bath. She showed him one, which he said was too large, and Ale got him another. Having just counted out 100 sovereigns for the purpose of taking them to the bank, and the defendant apparently not knowing bow to give her the price, Bs, for the ham, she took one of the sovereigns from the hundred, with half a sovereign and 10s, and was endeavouring to explain to him how to give the charge, when he took up the sovereign, and threw 7s 6d in silver and 6d in copper into the drawer. She believing that all was not right, caught hold of his hand, and took the sovereign from it, he having previously placed it between his fingers and bound his handkerchief around it. The defendant, in Italian, attempted to explain the matter, and after some little consultation, he was discharged.
The Northern Daily Times. — 1856-03-17 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

SUICIDE BY A SAVINGS BANK ACITARY.--MIICh excitement has been occasioned in Crickhowell, Glamorganshire, by the following melancholy affair. A few days ago the directors of the Crickhowell Savings Bank discovered that their actuary, Mr. Edward Burfield, ironmonger and hard. wareman in that town, had appropriated various deposits to his own use, and to cover his abstractions bad made a number of fraudulent entries in the books. A warrant was issued for his apprehension, and placed in the bands of Inspector Gregory, who, upon going to the shop, and telling Mr. Burfield his business, was told by the latter that he would follow him directly to the magistrates' office. He then went up stairs as though to fetch his hat and coat, but immediately afterwards the report of fire-arms was heard. Running up stairs, the inspector found Burfie'd in a dying state, he having shot himself in the head with a pistol. He died in about an hour. RENTERS or COVENT•GARDEN THEArRE.—At the meeting of the renters and proprietors of the late Coventgarden Theatre, held on Saturday, the pecuniary position of the property was most clearly and lucidly explained by Mr. Surman, on behalf of the body of proprietors. The resolution to which the proprietors had come was, that seeing the heavy incumbrances on the property, amounting to not less than £5,000 a year, and the small margin which existed for profits, they would not be parties to any attempt to reinstate the building, and that their only anxiety was to get rid of the property, leaving it to the Duke of Bedford to retake possession of the land. It was also stated that there was ground for believing that the land on which the theatre formerly stood would be appropriated by the Duke of Bedford to the enlargement of Covent-garden Market, which was at present very much in want of increased space in order to accommodate the amount of business that was required to be transacted there on market days.
The Northern Daily Times. — 1856-12-09 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

DESPERATE ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE.  The neighbourhood of 'Change, Castle and Brunswickstreets, and the adjoining localities were thrown into a state of great alarm yesterday evening, shortly bEf ,re four o'clock, in consequence of a report that prevailed to the effect that Mr. Joseph Hadfield, an eminent sail maker, carrying on business adjoining Brunswick—street and the Back Goree, had put an end to his existence by cutting his throat. The report spread with great rapidity, and the rumour gained strength from the fact that the police were seen hurrying towards the Northerp Hospital hearing a stretcher, on which was placed the body of a man, his clothes covered with blood, and apparently lifeless. A large crowd soon collected, and every sort of rumour, as generally in such cases, prevailed. In justice to the unfortunate gentleman himself, and his large circle of respectable friends, we folk-heir pub'ishing any of these reports, which no doubt are exaggerated, if not totally void of truth. As far as we could collect, there certainly seems an absence of motive which would have worked upon the mind of the unfortunate gentleman, except that he was sized with souse unaccountable tit of insanity, which for the time reduced his faculties to the lowest state of despondency, without any apparent cause. About the time stated, as we are informed, police officer 401 was called into Mr. Hadfield's office, when ho found him lyivg with a terrible gash in his throat, and, at the same time, he was apparently insensible. The officer called anis ance, and immediately procured a stretcher, on which the wounded man was conveyed with despatch to the Northern Hospital, and placed in a bed. Dr. Wall, the house surgeon, was in immediate attendance, sod examined the wound. It was found to be across the centre of the throat, and about four inches long, the windpipe being partially severe 1, Dr. Wall, with his usual ability and promptness. proceeded to render the assistance necessary, and having succeeded in stopping the bleeding, the patient soon became o scions, but was much exhausted. The utmost care and- unremitting attention -was paid to him, and after some time he rallied considerably. He was not, however, able to articulate, but he pointed to sevoral of his friends who we,e present, and pressed them warmly by the hand, and, so far as signs and gestures could express a meaning, he appeared very sorry for what had taken place. Dr. Wall is of opinion, that although the wound is of a very serious character, that at present there is no immediate danger, but such wounds assume . different characters in their progress, so that no definite opinion can be pronounced for some days, We are glad to find that there is no instant danger appres hended, and it is to be hoped that the gentleman will ultimately recover from the Effects of the wounds. It appears the instrument used was a razor. It is not our wish to penetrate farther into this sad affair which has thrown several highly respectable families into a state of the utmost grief.
The Northern Daily Times. — 1856-11-20 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY.  Yesterday morning, shortly after nine o'clock, a man was knocked down and killed instantaneously on the Great Northern R tilway, between Hornsey and Southgate, by the down express train to Edinburgh. It, appears that the express train which left London shortly after nine o'clock this morning, proceeded on its journey, all right, until it reached Hornsey. Between that station and Southgate a man was seen to step on the line in front of the train, and was k ocked down. The train was at once pulled up, and the gurd, upon proceeding back, found that the man was cut and battered about so much that it was impossible to recognise his features, Assistance was at once at hand, and the remains having been picked up, were conveyed to Hornsey, and placed in a shell. Oa him were found two envelopes, addressed to same person in Westbourno terrace, Westbonrne grove, Paddington, Mr. Williams, the inspector, was shortly on the spot, and caused a man to be sent off to the address immediately. From what could be gathered this seems to be en act of suicide. It is stated that a boy observed the person loitering about the line for some time previously, looking up and dawn the line as if for one of the trains. Information has been forwarded to the coroner, and an official enquiry will take place!  BRAZIL MtoLs.—Mr. Priaulx, the Portuguese ViceConsul at Southampton, has received notice that the Postoffice authorities stating that, in accordance with his request, mails will be made up in that town for places at which the Bra;il and Peniusular mail steamers call. The mails will be made up on the day the steamers leave Southampton. Letters from the above named places for Southampton will no longer be sent to London before they are delivered.
The Northern Daily Times. — 1856-04-23 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

FRIGHTFUL ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE.-It will be fresh in the reader's recollection that, a short time since, the magistrates held a private investigation at the police-court, on a case in which the person charged with a serious offence, was stated to be a Mr. Ashton, of Woolton. We say stated, for, as our reporter was excluded, we could only give what he heard by rumour ; but there was no doubt, however, of the fact. Yesterday morning, about four o'clock, Mr. Ashton, accompanied by Mr. Joseph Bates, and another person, went to Lime-street station, for the purpose, as we have heard, of proceeding to London. Whilst waiting for the train, Mr. Ashton entered one of the closets adjoining the platform; but, stopping rather long, Mr. Bates went to look for him, as something struck him all was not right, the more so, as the unfortunate gentleman was labouring under excitement at the time. The door of the closet was found fastened, and, on knock. ing, there was no reply. The door was then burst open, and Mr. Ashton was found in the act of stabbing himself in the neck with a penknife, having already inflicted two or three other wounds on his throat. He was at once conveyed to an hotel in the neighbourhood, and medical aid was in prompt attendance. We have heard that, although the wounds were of a serious character, yet that no immediate danger is apprehended. In the course of the afternoon, as we have been told, he was rembved from the hotel ; and it was also stated to us that great hopes are entertained that the wounds would not ultimately prove fatal. We were also informed that the mind of the unfortunate individual has been very unsteady for some time past. The above are all le facts we could collect at present, relative to this unfortunate affair.
The Northern Daily Times. — 1856-08-07 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

SUICIDE OF A YOUNG LADY IN A BATHING MACHINE.  On Tuesday last, the visitors and inhabitants of Waltonon-the-Naze were greatly distressed by the circumstance of a young woman, about 22 years of age, having committed suicida on Tuesday last, in one of the bathing machines . Our correspondent states that the deceased, whose reputed name was Snell, about three months since arrived at Walton from London, and, up to the time of her death, occupied apartments at Mr. Sherman's, North-street. She had with her an infant six months old, whose guardian she repre, sented herself to be, and for some time past it had been observed that her spirits were greatly depressed, neglect and the scanty means at her command evidently preying heavily on her mind. It had been also noticed that. since thearrival of visitors, she bad sought the utmost seclusion, even, to absenting herself from public worship, and, on Saturday last, it appears, she went to Colchester, where she raised funds by pledging her watch, &c. On her return, after morning ng of intimatedthe Londoni epre ssin go n claims,th the m her catastrophe.inten(tliiosnchtaorgl nagv es some She, however, instead of doing so, repaired to the sands at high tide and engaged a machine for the avowed purpose of bathing. The attendant suggested that, ns she was a stranger and alone, his daughter should accompany her, but the offer was politely declined, and the machine was at her request placed out in deer) water. After a lapse of about twenty minutes, some ladies bathing from the adjoining machine, observed some clothes floating under the curtains of that of the deceased, and, their attendant failing to obtain a reply from that quarter, search was made, when the lifeless body of the young lady above alluded to was discovered, her head being firmly fixed downwards under the bathing steps of the machine. Her shawl and bonnet only had been removed. Instant attendance was afforded by Mr. Manthorp, surgeon, who was accidentally passing at the time, but unhappily, although every means was resorted to to restore vitality, life proved to be entirely extinct. From letters, &c., found in her luggage, it appears that an attachment had been formed with an officer in Her Majesty's service, resulting it. the birth of the infant above named, and oa his return from. the seat of war she learnt he was on the eve of marriage. This, added to her abandonment by most of her family, no doubt led to this distressing event, which has cast a iloona over the entire district. Several documents have also been. discovered, which were to be produced at the inquest, snd which may tend to explain the cause of so direful a catastrophe. The orphan excites the warmest sympathy among the visitors, more particularly as it has been observed that both mother and infant were totally without friends. The child remains under the care of Mrs. Sherman.
The Northern Daily Times. — 1856-07-31 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

LATEST.—The total killed and missing is sixty-six, and wounded sixty-nine, and of these a considerable number is so seriously injured that death in their case is inevitable. Most of the sufferers belonged to the humbler classes, and their means, in many instances, are incompetent to meet the exigencies of the occasion. Exertions are being made to provide for the present wants of the afflicted families.  The conductor of the (1;w1i-train, Mr. Vanstavoren, after the accident, Procud a vehicle and came to the city with the dreadful news. He received no bodily injury by the collision, but when he reached the city he was in a very high state of excitement, and hinted at an intention to destroy his own life. This was subsequently put into execution. In the course of the afternoon he procured an ounce of arsenic and swallowed it; he soon afterwards expired, notwithstanding the exertions of several physicians to save him. Mr. V. was but twentynine years of age ; he was unmarried. The deceased was much respected by a very large circle of friends, and he enjoyed the confidence of his employers in the fullest degree. Williatn Lee, the engineer of the same train, has been arrested and committed for examination. The New York Times adds—The loss of life and the extent of injury appear to be much greater than were at first stated. The dead, it is reported, exceed sixty persons, while there are more than a hundred of the maimed and wounded. So friehtfill • • •• •  oisaster , in which the terror of the calamity is increasedas this by the combination of destroying elements, has seldom startled the community. The suicide of the conductor, whose selfdestruction is an acknowledment of his guilt in causing the disastero adds to ,the gloominess of the tragedy.