Denton and Haughton Examiner, etc. — 1888-01-14 (Denton, Greater Manchester, England)

ATROCIOUS MURDER.  The startling turn of events awakened the authorities on the other side of the Channel to the importance of the case, and it is understood that the Sous Prefect of Boulogne (Mons. Lutand) gave instructions to the police to leave no stone unturned, to bring the perpetrators of this atrocious murder to justice. Immediately the result of the autopsy was made known, Mr. Hector M'Neill telegraphed to the Home Office in London, advising the Home Secretary of the findings of the medical men and urging upon him the great importance of making immediate representations to the French Governmenttoinstitutethorough investigation, as the local authorities appeared to be legarthic. A similar telegram sent by Mr. *Neill to Lord Lytton at the British Embassy in Paris, described the action of the local police as slow and hesitating. On the clothes found on the deceased being examined at the undertaker's (Mr. Jarrett), it was found that the two top buttons had been torn off, and in the case of the second button the centre of the bony substance had been snapped clean away, and remained embedded in the thread with which the button originally had been sewn on. This gives support to the theory that the deceased journalist was collared in front while at the same time he was assailed from behind.  Late in the afternoon of the 7th inst. an anonymous letter directed in pencil reached the Commissaire, Second Arrondissement, enclosing the missing £2O note, and likewise the £5 note that still remained to be accounted for. Accompanying this enclosure was a letter scribbled with pencil in very bad French. The curious document ran as follows "Pour remaitre au Comisair du 2nd Arrondissement, pour PAnglais sur le sable de Pouesse.—Je vous landsis car je nossepas la porter moi mime car quelque foi quo londirai, quil i aver, plusseque sa je vous touvoiz telque je lait trouver stir Iv sable it, dix hem-es du matin." The following is a free translation of the above : "This is to remit to the Commissai re of the 2nd Arrondissement, for the Englishman who has been found on the Western Sands. bend them tops', as I cannot bring them myself, on account of circumstances that I cannot mention, and because it might be thought that I had searched the body and found more. I send you exactly what I have found upon the sands at ten o'clock this morning." The envelope bore the postmark of Boulogne, and was dated Jan. 7. Both the notes were very much discoloured, especially the one for the smaller amount. Those who have seen the notes absolutely disbelieve the statement that the notes had been picked up that morning on the sand. The theory entertained is that the notes have been returned by one of the murderers, who has been actuated by fear in taking this course. The explanation offered as to the discolouration is that the notes have been worn by the holder in one of his boots, to prevent discovery and arrest, it being well known that they were dangerous property to carry on the person. It is also regarded as tolerably certain since this incident that the murderers are still remaining in Boulogne. Energetic efforts will at once be made to effect their capture, although the police, strange to say, point to the restoration of the notes as strong corroboration of their pet theory of accidental death or suicide. It is underatood that the notes are to be handed over to experts for examination. It is probable that a reward will be offered in France for the arrest of the murderer or murderers. Mr. Horace Lennard engaged, on behalf of the proprietors of the Sportsman, M. Nadir% who hap the reputa,tion of being one of the smartest advocates in Boulogne, to watch the legal inquiry, which opened on the 9th inst. before the Judge dlnstruction. He was instructedby  Mr. Lambert, an English solicitor, resident in the town.