npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Sun. — 1858-10-13 (London, England)

THE PUBLIC HEALTH.  (From the _Registrar-General's Return.)  The ecaths in London, which had been in the previous week 1,021, declined in the week ending I Saturday, Oct. 9, to 993. In the ten years, 184857, the average number of deaths in the weeks corresponding with last week was 1,073 ; but as the deaths returned for last week occurred in an increased population, the average, with a view to comparison, should be raised in proportion to the increase, a correction which will make it 1,180. When the deaths from cholera in epidemic seasons are eliminated from the calculation, the comparison will show that the deaths in the present return are less by about 100 than would have resulted from the average rate of mortality at the beginning of October, Sixty-three districts of England, in which the mortality is least, have been selected, and their average rate of mortality in the last three months of the year has been ascertained. If the deaths in London last week had been according to " the healthy rate" thus obtained, and which it is useful to adopt as a standard, they would have been 770 ; and the actual excess, or the number of unnatural deaths, is 223.  The mortality from scarlatina continues to increase, the deaths from it having risen from 125 and 134 in thetssto previous weeks to 145 last week. All of these 145 deaths, with the exception of 10, occurred to children under 10 years of age. The corrected average of this disease for 10 corresponding weeks is 76. It reached a higher mortality than the present return shows in the first week of October, 1848, when the deaths from it rose to 180. Six deaths front scarlatina were registered last week in the sub-district of St. Margaret, Westminster, six in Islington East, and seven in Bow. Of 41 violent deaths registered last week, 11 were eases of suicide. Last week the births of 810 boys and 711 girls, in all 1,521, were registered in London. In the 10 corresponding weeks of the years 1818-57 the average number was 1,382. At the loyal Observatory, Greenwich, the mean height of the barometer in the week
The Sun. — 1858-09-11 (London, England)

WANDSWORTH. A very pretty-looking young woman, who gave the name of Ann Bartlett, and stated that her age was 18 years, was placed in the dock before Mr. Dayman, charged with attempting to commit suicide by swallowing a quantity of oxalic acid. Police-constable Hughes, of the V division, deposed that about half-past 3 o'clock on the previous afternoon he was on duty in the Wandsworth-road, when he saw the prisoner leaning against a wall in Green-lane, Clapham, crying bitterly, and she appeared to have vomited a great deaL He asked her what was the matter, and whether any person had ill-used her. After some time she admitted having swallowed a pennyworth of oxalic acid. He then took her to the nearest surgeon, Dr. Connor, who examined her, and stated that she had vomited the greater portion of the poison. Dr. Connor directed him to take her to the Wandsworth Union, and on the way she told him that she had left her situation on Monday after having stolen a sovereign from a writing-desk in her master's bedroom. -Witness subsequently took her to the divisional surgeon, Dr. Parrott, who administered some medicine. She also said that she bought the poison at a druggist's shop as she came from London in the morning. Mr. Dayman inquired of the constable if-the prisoner informed him where she had been in service ?  The witness said she told him at Mr. Williams's, of Shepherd's-bush, where she had only been a fortnight. She had previously been an mmate of a penitentiary at Greenwich. She further stated that after she stole the sovereign she went to London-bridge, where she met some of her friends. She bought the cape she was wearing out of the money, and then went to the play in the evening and spent the•remainder. She had no parents and no home to go to after she had spent all the money, and she then made up her mind to destroy herself. Mr, Dayman asked her if she had anything to say? The prisoner replied in the negative. Mr. Dayman said he should remand her for a week to ascertain how much of her story was true. The prisoner was then removed.
The Sun. — 1858-09-11 (London, England)

WANDSWORTH. A very pretty-looking young woman, who gave the name of Ann Bartlett, and stated that her age was 18 years, was placed in the dock before. Mr. Dayman, charged with attempting to commit suicide by swallowing a quantity of oxalic acid. Police-constable Hughes, of the V division, deposed that about half-past 3 o'clock on the previous afternoon he was on duty in the Wandsworth-road, when he saw the prisoner leaning against a wall in Green-lane, Clapham, crying bitterly, and she appeared to have vomited a great deal. He asked her what was the matter, and whether any person had ill-used her. After some time she admitted having swallowed a pennyworth of oxalic acid. He then took her to the nearest surgeon, Dr. Connor, who examined her, and stated that she had vomited the greater portion of the poison. Dr. Connor directed him to take her to the Wandsworth Union, and on the way she told him that she had left her situation on Monday after having stolen a sovereign from a writing-desk in her master's bedroom. Witness subsequently took her to the divisional surgeon, Dr. Parrott, who administered some medicine. She also said that she bought the poison at a druggist's shop as she - came from London in the morning.  Mr. Dayman inquired of the constable if the prisoner informed him where she had been in service ? The witness said she told him at Mr. Williams's, of Shepherd's-bush, where she had only been a fortnight. She had previously been an inmate of a penitentiary at Greenwich. She further stated that after she stole the sovereign she went to London-bridge, where she met some of her friends. She bought the cape she was wearing out of the money, and then went to the play in the evening and spent the remainder. She had no parents and no home to go to after she had spent all the money, and she then made up her mind to destroy herself. Mr, Dayman asked her if she had anything to say The prisoner replied in the negative. Mr. Dayman said he should remand her for a week to ascertain how much of her story was true. The prisoner was then removed.
The Sun. — 1858-02-09 (London, England)

PRUSSIA.  A letter from Berlin of the 7th says :—" The First Chamber yesterday discussed the bill for suspending the usury laws. Art. 1 and 2, which ratify the royal ordonnance temporarily suspending that l.aw, wen 3 adopted after a short debate. The Cuaniber then took into consideration the following resolution proposed by the committee The Chamber of Nobles wishes to make its reserves in older that the idea may not be deduced from the approbation given to the ordonnance, that such approbation removes the serious objections which can be brought forward against the definitive abolition of the usury laws. An amendment for erasing the word definitive' was proposed, which was adopted, as was the resolution so amended, and the bill was afterwards passed in its ensemble." The Guinan Journal of Frankfort says : "It has been alleged that Prussia intended to pi opose to the Germanic Diet to demand from Danmark its reply relative to the duchies within a given time. This assertion is unfounded, for we learn that Prussia is entirely agreed with the other federal governments in thinking that the Diet ought for the present to stand to the resolutions proposed by the committee, seeing that no sufficient motive exists for adopting any other. In fact, in converting the propositlon of the committee into a resolution, the Diet would for the first time formally manifest the wishes of the Confederation ; and ulterior resolutions cannot be taken until these wishes shall have been notified to Denm trk, and the latter shall have returned same reply to them."  DENMARK A letter from Copenhan of the 3d gives some account of the discussion in the Supreme Council , on the proposition of the six deputies of Holstein, , already mentioned. It says •-"The debate on the second reading of the Holstein proposition to the effect that the labours of the sesiion should be confined to the most urgent and administrative and financial measures commenced yesterday. The proposition was defended by M. Kirchoff and M. Renek, on the ground that the pending negotiations with Germany relati e to the Duchies of Holstein and Lauenburg rendered it necessary, and they alleged that some of the measures brought forward by the government were not eif pressing cuportance. In the sitting of this day the debate was continued. Ode of the s;x deputies demanded that the proposition should be referred to a umnrnittee, but only three members supportei him. MM. Mourier, Davit, and do Scheele spoke against the proposition, and the President of the Council declared that if the Council were to adopt it he would commit suicide. He added that Denmark was not isolated. On a division, tho proposition was rejected by 41 votes to 6."
The Sun. — 1858-05-06 (London, England)

ROYAL GENERAL DISPENSARY.  Last night a festival in aid of the funds of this institution was held at the Albion Tavern, Aldersgate-street, the Earl of Dartmouth presiding. Situated in the very centre of the metropolis; and in the midst of a populous district, this institution, supported by voluntary contributions alone, has for nearly a century from day to day administered medical and surgical relief to large numbers of the pocrest p or, During the last year no fewer than 20,500 Poisons of this class of the population participated in its benefits, being exactly double the number on iti records for 1847. It was the first charity of the kind established in this country, and " example has long ago been followed in every considerable town in the kingdom. Its relief is not limited to any one parish or district of tbe metropolis Iu seasons of prevailing sickness the prompt and efficient attention always paid to all applicants —and to many of them at their own homes—has tended considerably to lessen alarm among the poorer inbabi ants of the neighbourhood, and to avert the more fatal attaclis of epidemic visitations. Teis Pr:Ls more particularly the case in 1854, when upwards of 3,000 patents had medicine and advice during one month al,ne. Unfortunately, the institteion is row in debt to the treasurer, Mr. John Wood, of Prdeon-street, Aldersgate, about 1,0001,, and efforts are now being 'made to liquidate the obligation. At the festival last night nearly 500/. was subscribed, the oh 4irm n giving the sum of 504 The noble earl discharged the duties of the chair in an extremely genial manner, and reeora_ mended the claims ,of the charity on the wealthy With au earnest simplicity far more persuasive than Moro pretentious oratory. The musical part of the ezytertaiument was directed by Mr. J. L. Hatton, and the style in which Mr.-Young sang the fine air of " Good-bye, Sweetheart," at one part of the evening, charmed the whole coma any.  M. Basco, the eelebrattd conjuror, is in Algeria. The person fined 'a short time ago for attempting to commit suicide at Manchester Was merely an imitator.
The Sun. — 1858-12-16 (London, England)

ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS.  The Tribune of 29th Nov. says :—From circumstances which have come to light it is confidently believed that Mr. Dickens came.to his death by accident rather than design ; and had the coroner's investigation been prosecuted as it should have been, the jury would in all probability have re• turned a verdict to that effect. It appears that there was no post mortem examination at the inquest, nor all available evidence elicited on the subject under consideration. The jury therefore came to the conclusion that Mr. Dickens committed suicide from the fact that two bottles which had contained laudanum and potassium were found in his room. _  When Mr. Dickens went to the American Hotel at Jersey City he took with him two or three clean shirts, and three or four clean pocket handkerchiefs, evidently with the intention of remaining there several days. He sat down in the sitting room, and sent a boy to purchase an evening newspaper, which he read; and, after remaining some time reclining on the sofa in the sitting room, he went to bed. He had placed a clean shirt upon a chair, as if for use the following morning ; undressed himself, folded up his clothes carefully, and put his shoes outside the door to be cleaned. When discovered in the morning he was lying upon the floor with a basin by his side as if he intended to use it. From the fact of entering an assumed name upon the register at the hotel, it is presumed that he did not wish it to be made known that he had been stopping at a house of that class. In the meantime his address was ostensibly at the Astor House, from which his absence had not been noticed by Mr. Stetson. It must also be borne in mind that the deceased came over in his own name, and that at no place, except the Jersey City Hotel, had he passed by an assumed name.
The Sun. — 1858-12-16 (London, England)

THE SUICIDE AT TILE AMERICAN HOTEL.—The inquest upon the young man found dead in his room at the American Hotel on Wednesday morning was held yesterday by Coroner Morris. Two letters, in female handwriting, were found on his person, addressed to `E. J. Dickens,' with the signature torn off. They are supposed to have been written by an actress, and one of them desired him to meet her at the theatre. Phials containing laudanum and potassium were found in his room. The linen was marked 'E. J. Dickens.' The jury returned a verdict, That the deceased came to his death by taking poison.' "  He was about 5 ft. 6 in. in height, stout built, full face, dark brown hair, long black whiskers and moustache, and hazel eyes. Deceased was well dressed—black cloth coat, black vest, grey pants, striped; he also had a dark blue beaver-cloth overcoat, and black hat. It immediately occurred to us on reading the paragraph that the deceased was Mr. Edwin James Dickens, an English literary gentleman, who had recently been introduced us. Who Mr. Dickens is may be seen from the following note, addressed to a contemporary : " Astor House, Nov. 8, 1858. " Gentlemen,—l am desirous of getting placed on a firstclass American journal. I have for the last nine years been connected with the English and Colonial press, and have held the following situations : " Parliamentary condenser and theatrical critic to the London Daily News; contributor of leading literary articles, and book reviews to the Manchester Guardian; co-editor of the Melbourne Argus ; co-editor of the Melbourne Herald; sole editor and manager of the ' Geelong Spirit of the Age, a daily newspaper. General contributor, book reviewer, and theatrical critic to the John Bull, Britannia (since united), and Press,—all first-class London weeklies. I am also accustomed to translating French, and having been well worked in, am thoroughly donversant with the economical arrangement of newspapers in all branches. I have brought with me some of my later writings, which I shall be happy to submit to your notice, and by a perusal of which, I think you will perceive that, although a stranger to America, I am not altogether unacquainted with American topics. " I would suggest to you that the ground held in London by the Athenaeum, Literary Gazette, Leader, and John Bull is altogether unoccupied in New York, and my experience teaches me that good and independent book reviews, in a first-class journal, are not only the most valued by the public, but also the most productive of advertisements. "Hoping that you will favour me with a reply, I remain, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, "
The Sun. — 1858-12-16 (London, England)

TILE SUICIDE AT TIIE AMERICAN HOTEL.—The inquest upon the young man found dead in his room at the American Hotel on Wednesday morning was held yesterday by Coroner Morris. Two letters, in fethale handwriting, were found on his person, addressed to 'E. J. Dickens,' with the signature torn off. They are supposed to have been written by an actress, and one of them desired him to meet her at the theatre. Phials containing laudanum and potassium were found in his room. The linen was marked E. J. Dickens.' The jury returned a verdict, That the deceased came to his death by taking poison.' "  He was about 5 ft. 6 in. in height, stout built, full face, dark brown hair, long black whiskers and moustache, and hazel eyes. Deceased was well dressed—black cloth coat, black vest, grey pants, striped ; he also had a dark blue beaver-cloth overcoat, and black hat. It immediately occurred to us on reading the paragraph that the deceased was Mr. Edwin James Dickens, an English literary gentleman, who had recently been introduced us. Who Mr. Dickens is may be seen from the following note, addressed to a contemporary : " Astor House, Nov. 8, 1858. " Gentlemen,—l am desirous- of gettinc, placed on a firstclass American journal. I have for the last nine years been connected with the English and Colonial press, and have held the following situations : " Parliamentary condenser and theatrical critic to the London Daily News; contributor of leading literary articles, and book reviews to the Manchester Guardian; co-editor of the Melbourne Argus ; co-editor of the Melbourne Herald; sole editor and manager of the Geelong Spirit of the Age, a daily newspaper. General contributor, book reviewer, and theatrical critic to the John Bull, Britannia (since united), and .Press,—all first-class London weeklies. I am also accustomed to translating French, and having been well worked in, am thoroughly conversant with the economical arrangement of newspapers in all branches. I have brought with me some of my later writings, which I shall be happy to submit to your notice, and by a perusal of which, I think you will perceive that, although a stranger to America, I am not altogether unacquainted with American topics. " I would suggest to you that the ground held in London by the Athenceum, Literary Gazette, Leader, and John Bull is altogether unoccupied in New York, and my experience teaches me that good and independent book reviews, in a first-class journal, are not only the most valued by the public, but also the most productive of advertisements. " Hoping that you will favour me with a reply, I remain, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, "
The Sun. — 1858-07-02 (London, England)

RDELZ AND SUICIDE AT STAFFORD.  A dreadful affair took place in Peel-terrace, Stafford, ou Wednesday night, when a young man named John Cooper was murdered by his companion and fellow bigger. H, err Meneey :dad, who almest itrone eiterwards killed himself by eead,g iris throat with a razor. Th- murderer and his victen, both y ung awe, were coidwAiners by trade. Henry Murray Hall cccupted a small house, in which he lived with a female by whom lie had three children ; and the murdered man lived with them. They were both accustomed to take an interest in politica, and they had lately been very busy on behalf of the contested right of the burgesses of Stiff ird to fishier the waters of the River Sow. under the provi-ions of Kiug John's Charter, in spite of the Rid of Sh,ewsbury and other landowners on the banks of the river. Public meetings hail been held in the town upon the rpte.tion, of which Hall was chairman, and it had been resolved to open a subscription to try the question. Notices were served on Hall and others not to angle in the water, but he and other burgesses persisted in tire pracice. Writs were then served on him and others, on which he became greatly excited, and threatened to do some' hiog. Oa Wednesday night be and Cooper retired to bed as usual, in one room, his children and their mother occupying the other. Shortly afterwards his manner became so excited that Cooper, fearing some mischief, dressed hiinself to go and call his brother, to calm his excitement. On reArrning with his brother, Cooper went into the house, when Hall, who was a tall, powerful, man, shouted out, that he " would make the Aristocracy remember it," and rushing down stairs, caught up a sharp shoemaker's knife from the workb nch, and thrusting Cooper against the wall struok him in the alytomen. The woman, who followed Half down the stairs, immediately stopped his arm, when Coop, r ran out of the house into the garden, followed by HAI, who, except au old tattered shirt, was quite naktd. Cooper was almost instantly overtaken by his pursuer, who inflicted several severe stabs on his chest and heart, and the unfortunate man fell at his feyt a lifeless corpse. As soon as this deed was perpetrated Hall walked back to his house and said to the mother of his children, " I have doge for him," adding that he would have served her the same if she had attempted to stn: him. He then went up stairs• and kissed his children, amid again descending into the kitchen, having possessed himself of a razor he inflicted a severe gash on the right side of hi 4 neck, completely severing tire c rrotid artery. The unhappy man fell backwards ou the floor, the [flood spirting over the furniture and flowing in a pool around his body. Several persons, who wen) ,roused by the cry of " murder," saw the deceased mtn in the gar den from their bedroom windows, but they were unable to interfere until too late. The dead.body of Coopier was conveyed into the house and placed on the floor near that of his murderer. The coroner's inquest was to tali, place last (Thursday) evening.
The Sun. — 1858-07-09 (London, England)

DISTRESSING CASE OP SUICIDD.-A• highly-respectable family at Putney have been thrown into deep distress by the suicide of one of their relatives while in a state of inebriation. Tim party who committed this act was a married man, named Nicholas Blythe, a clever house decorator and plasterer, a native of Plymouth, but who had resided at Patney since his marriage with a young woman there, about 18 months ago, she being related to a very creditable funily in the place. It appears that Blythe and his young, wife had quarrelled in consequence of his intemperate habits, and she, with her child, about nine months old, left Putney for a few days, and passed the time with some friends at Brixton. During her absence Blythe con• tinned his drunken habits, but seemed much disturbed in his mind by hii wife's ab-ieuce, On Monday week he seemed more than usually excited, and waited up at his home till the last train arrived at Potney, about twelve o'clock at ❑ight, in the Expectation of seeing her. She did rot, however, arrive, and a friend advised him to retire to rest. He replied that he would never lie in his bed again, and soon afterwards left the house. On Friday last his body tc aA discovered floating in the Thames, near Wandsworth, and on Saturday an inquest was taken on view of it, when a verdict of found drowned was returned. In the meantime his wife returned home, and communications were made to Plymouth in the hope of finding him there. On Monday, however, it became known that the clothes of a man exactly resembling those of Blythe were lying at the• Wandsworth Policeoffice not owned. His wife went °vir to the place the same day, and recognised the apparel as that of her husband, who had been interred by the parish authorities at Wandsworth on Saturday. It is stated that whilst sober the unfortunate man was orderly and correct in his conduct, but that having been some time ago severely struck on the head with a. policeman's truncheon, he frequwly became frantic whilst in liquor.