Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper from London, Greater London, England • 13

13 JAW. 30. 189P WEEKLY MEWKPAPEB. THE FOURTH TEST MATCH. ELECTION INTELLIGENCE.

ST. NEOTS TBAGEDY. BRISTOL MURDERER IN COURT. and that it was a poison sent her by her cousin, Walter Horsford, the pre-yioua Wednesday, and the doctor, who was hurriedly summoned, said the symptoms were those of strychnine poisoniner, and that she had told him she had taken, a powder for an unlawful purpose, the matter began to assume a serious aspect. The women who were attending tothsbodv of deceased found under her TSE DABENTH SCANDAL.

AN OFFICER TO RESIGN. Bavin" disposed at their last meeting of the reports connected with the chang-ine of children at the North-Western hospital, the managers of the Metropolitan Asylum district had, yesterday At Chipping Sodbnry police-court, yesterday, the magistrates, presided over by theDuke of Beaufort, held a special sitting for the trial of 4lf)eri Griffiths, 18, who is charged with the murder of James Kioketts, farmer and marKet gardener, li ring at Wick. Theprfeoner, a mere lad in appearance, who would easily pass for 15 sat throughout the proceedings with his face in his hands, now and then moving uneasily in his chair, and apparently orying. Hoginald Wansborough prosecuted for the Treasury Albert Dssery defended. Mr.

Wansborough, in opening the case for the prosecution, said the prisoner had recently been living with his parents at Church-street, Barton-hill, Bristol, his father being a butcher. Until Nov. 27 last the prisoner was employed at a toy merchant's estahlishmentin yiotoria-Btreet, Bristol, but he left on that day, and did not appear to have done any work since. The deceased man was a farmer living at Toghill farm, nearWiok, a village a few miles from Bristol. On Jan.

17 hewenttoBristolwith a cartload of potatoes, and started home about four o' clock in the af ternoon. He called at the Carpenters' Arms, Two-mile hill.where he had refreshment and was joined by a strange young man, with whom he' eventually left, both getting into the cart. Whilst in the house dfe.ceased had pulled but his canvas bag containing money. A new witness, named Hook, had come forward, who wonld identify prisoner as the young man who was with the deceased. About seven o'clock in the evening the people in the village of Wiok heard piteous groaning, and Bioketts was found wounded in the hedge, his horse having ealloiied off towards home.

The poor man was evidently dying, and the pol ce and a doctor were, sent for, but beiore their arrival he expired. It was WH33EB THE BOUT "WAS FOUND. Tits fourth test match between Mr. Stoddart's eleven and a representative Australian eleven was begun at the Melbourne Oval yesterday morning in the presence of a great number of spectators. The weather was oppressive and sultry.

Tho Australian team was tho same as that which beat the Englishmen at Adelaide, while Hirst and Board stood out of Mr. Stoddart's team. Trott's luck at the spinning of the coin did not desert him. and the wicket beins perfect no elected to bat. McLeod and opened tne innings oi cne Australians to the bowling of Hearne and Richardson.

From the start the batsmen worn in difficulties, the two bowler3 being1 evidently in their best form. McLeod was disposed ot by iiearne wnen ne naa madH only one run. Mill partnered Darling, ana a scor from these two left-handed hats was looked for. The total had, however, only been carried to 25 when Darling was caught by Hearhe off Richardson for 12. With two of the best bats in the team out for bo Bmall a total, the prospects of the Australians appeared none too good.

Matters then became worse Gregory was clean bowled by Richardson without-scoring, and Iredale was caught at tha wicket bj Storer off Hearne before he hadl made a run. Four of the best batsmen, in the team were thus dismissed for a combined contribution of 13. Noble next partnered Hill, and he managed by dint of care to make 4 runs-before he gave a cateh to Hearne off his own bowling. Hill met the bowling with confidence, and scored whenever' opportunity offered. Trott came next and played very carefully, and when tlie lunch interval was taken the score stood' at 55 for four wickets.

Hill had made 32 and Trott 5. After lunch Hill batted freely, Trott only added one run, when Storer caught him oft' Hearne. Trumble joined Hill, and at. last the rot was put a stop to. Trumble began quietly, but as he beoanie accustomed to the howling scored and ably seconded Hill's efforts, though the lattnr made his runs at a much faster pace.

Hill was loudly applauded when he made his centurv. and at the tea ad journment was 102, and Trumble 18. Sis wioketB tor 144. After tea Trumble increased his score to 46, when he was caught by Mason ofll who had been out on' to bowl. At four o'clock six of the Australian wiekets were down for 144.

Hill had completed his century, being not out 102, and Trumble was 18 not out. Hill an4 Trumble remained together, and by five o'clock the former had increased his aeore to 137 and Trumble brought hia contribution to 35, both not out. Tho total then was 197 runs for aix wickets Kelly ioined Hill and then a remarkable stand was made, lasting till stumps were drawn ath the total at 27b tor eeven wickets. Australia. First Innings, C.

McLeod, Hearne I J. Darling, Hearne, Bicliitfdsoa 12 C. Hill, not out. 182 S. Gregory, 0 R-A.

IrediUe, Stater, b.Hearne.i 0 M. A. Noble, and Hearne 4 Q. H. S.

Trott, Storer, 7 H. Tmimble, Mason, Storer 46 J. J. lially, not out 22 Extra 1 Total (for seven wickets) 275 The EngliBh team is aa follows A. E.

Stoddart (Middlesex, captain), K. S. C. McLaren (Lancashire), N.F. Druce (Surrey), J.

R. Mason (Kent), Hay ward (Surrey), Wain-wright (Yorkshire). Briggs (Lancashire), Storer (Derbyshire), J. T. Hearne (Middlesex), Richardson (Surrey).

THE TOTTENHAM BABY FARM. Mr. Alfred Hodgkinson, on Thursday, concluded an inquiry into the death of May Steinhauer, aged one year and 10 months, the child of a machinist, residing at 83, Bermondaey-street, S.E.The evidence of the mother was to the etteet that at Liverpool-street station she handed ths baby over to a Mrs. Heley, of 32, Rangemore-road. South Tottenham, paying her 131.

down. An agreement was drawn up in the following terms William Heley. hereby agree to adopt and keep as my own the ohild May Steinhauer, for tne sum oi pam down in full." Mra. Helej admitted having nad other adopted onildren, for one of which she got 25J. Dr.

Daniel Mowat, of 123, Stamford-mil, stated that he attended the child for 10 davs previous to death. It wasaricketty child, and was suiiering when he saw is from bronchitis. He had sinoe made an autopsy. The body weighed lOilb. A.

Juror How much should a child of that age weigh Witness From 301b. to 3iJlb. The cause of death was bronch itis and rickets. William Heley, Husband of the previous witness, stated that he failed to report, the oas through ignorance. He admitted that ha had received two other children not men-tinned by hia wife, one of them beingatill with him, but the other, 10 of age, ran away.

The jury returned a yerdict in accordance with the iuedical evidence, the coroner having pointed out that tho parties would no doubt be prosecuted by. the proper authorities. He further dia allowed the witnesse's expenses. ALLEGED MURDER OF A CON- STABLE. At Birmingham, yesterday, Qeorga William, alias charged with the murder of Poiice-ooiistable Snipe, Birmingham, in July last.

At the lass aBsi es one peraon was actyjitted on tha charge, and a warrant was issued againSS Williams. On Friday night he arrested as he was about to visit Eg mother's house. He was remanded. THE ALLEGED POISONING AT AH ASYLUM BALL. The ooroner for Mid-Warwickshira nnnTifid a.n innuest at Hatton.

near War- wick, yesterday, conc9rning the death of Jane Jones, nurse at the County Lunatio asylum, the victim of the mysterious epi-rlflmin which has occurred in the institu- tion. Dr. Miller, superintendent at tha Feb. 19 has been provisionally fixed as the date of polling in the Cricklade division of Wilta. The polling day at Wolverhampton is fixed for'Thursday next.

To fill the vacancy caused in South-EastDurham by the death of Sir H. Have-lock-Allan (C), the Hon. P. W. Lambton (CI and Alderman J.

Richardson (B) were on Friday duly nominated at West Hartlepool. Polling takes place next Thursday, and the result will be declared on the following day at West Hartlepool. The following telegram has. boon sent to the Tyno and 'fees brigade of Volunteers and the electors of Southeast Durham by General Sir William Olpherts, on behalf of. the comrades of the late Sir Henry Havolock-AUan The survivors of Havelock and -Out-ram's force and the illustrious garrison of Luckncw hope you will vote for the Unionist candidate in memory of their beloved comrade, one of England's glorious heroes, who fell in the Khybor pa38 in what he considered to be hiB duty to his constituents and country." It was announced on Friday that the High Sheriff had fixed Tuesday, Feb.

8, for the nominations atd Wednesday, Feb. loth, for the polling in Pembrokeshire. Yesterday, however, intimation was received that these dates had been altered. The nomination will now take place on Monday, Feb. 7th, and the polling on Tuesday, Feb.

16th. SEEIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A CLERGYMAN. At Ross (Herefordshire) police-court, on Friday, the Rev. Frederick Hamilton Loeibond, reotor of How-Caple and Soller'B-hope, Ross, in the diocese of Herefordshire, was brought up, on remand, charged with and. unlawfully assaulting firstly, a male person, named OharleB Bishop, in the parish of secondly, on or ahout the same date, Percy Baker and on or about the same date, with indecently assaulting and ill-treataiigachild named Gertrude Edith Baker.

Witnesses were not allowed to he court except when giving evidence. The whole of the witnesses in tbe case having been examined, the accused was com-mi' ted for trial on three charges, and was remanded until next Friday on another charge. Bail to the amount of was offered, but refused. POISONED BY PTOMAINES. At the coroner's court, St.

Bartholomew's hospital, on Friday, Mr. S. F. Lanirham. the City coroner, held an in quest respecting the death'of Alice Mary Graik, aged years, late oi oi, savers-road.

High -street, Stoke Newington, whose death on Monday last was alleged to be the result of ptomaine Tioinnnintr. caused by tinned salmon. George Craik, the hust-and, stated that he and tne deceased nao oniy Been married four months, and on New Year eve, shortly after midnieht. the deceased was seized with internal pains. Dr.

Tate was called, but at five o'clock she had become so seriously ill tnat sue was brought to the hospital, where she subsequently died. They had had tinned salmon for supper with coffee at 9.30 p.m., but neither of the others had felt any ill effects, bat the deoeased ate-most of the fieh, and drank the liquid in the tin. Dr. W. Laming hivans, honse Burgeon, stated that when deceased was received at the hospital she had symptoms of ptomaine poisoning.

Two of the most eerious operations became necessary. Death was due to gastro-enteritis, which he attributed to the result of the poisoning, but ptomaine might have been in anything apart from the salmon. By Mr. Bodkin: Ptomaine in salmon was very remarkable in that it could be positively localised, and it was quite possible for fonr persons to partake" of "the salmon, yet only one get the ptomaine. Personally he had never had a case before him, but it was known in medical oirclos.

The operations did not cause the death. Putting the salmon out ot the case, tliere were other sufficient symptoms likely to account for death, and he would not any it waa the salmon that contained the ptomaine, for it might even have been the coffee. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, adding that the' evidence was insufficient to prove tnat the ptomaine was in the tinned salmon. A KEY TO KNOWLEDGE. Mr.

W. Johnson, in his inaugural ad-dresB as president of the West Lambeth Teachers' assoc.ation, delivered yesterday at the Lavender-hill Board school, observed that the newspapers occasionally reminded them of cases of boys who had passed tneir standards, and yet were deplorably ignorant, They had all seen the boy who, after having left school a year or two, could not even, after being bribed, write a readable letter or work out an easy sum correctly. He SENSATIONAL STATEMENTS. Great exoitemeht prevailed at the little market town of St. Neots, on Thursday, npon the resumption of the magisterial hearing of the charge against Walter Horsford.

a voune farmer of Spaldwick. of murdering his cousin, Mrs. Annie Holmes, by sending her strychnine on Jan. 6. The accused, who is only 28 years of age, married 11 weeks ago hie cousin, Miss Bessie Mash.

They went to live at Spaldwick, taking a large house, and it was there he wasarrested ust after having returned from his honeymoon. The accused said he had never written to tho deceased nor known her intimately. Superintendent Freestone, however, went to Spaldwick with an envelope in which poison was sent, and found on a blotting-paper in Horsford' study a fac-simile of the address, which he read with the aid of a pocket-mirror, un ims evidence Horsford waB charged with perjury as well as muraer. iibbu ww-sation was added to the case by the fact that his former sweetheart, Fannv James, died atKettering in 1890 after receiving a letter from him. Miss James's dying symptoms have been described detail to cne ponce oy ner sister, and found to be consistent with strychnine poisoning.

Mrs. Holmes's body was exhumed at Stow Longa on Wednesday for examination and analysis by Dr. Stevenson for further traces of poison, and an application is to be made WALTER HORSFORD. f. mlramatirm nf MlBS James's bodv.

When the case was called on Thursday Mr. J. Percy Maule prosocuteu on uehalf of the Treasury. The prisoner was represented by Mr. Thomas Spencer.

The prisoner was remarkably cool nd collected. Joseph Hinde Payne, chemiBt, Trap-ston, stated that the prisoner purchas -d on Dec. 28 a drachm and a half of strychnine, a pound of arsenic, an ounce of prussio acid, and a pound of carbolic. This was entered in the book, and signed Walter Horsford." The witness was unable to identify Walter Horaford in court. At the time of the purchase the purchaser was unknown to the witneBB, so he got Walter PaBhler to add his signature.

The purchaser asked for a shdling'swortb. of each poison named, adding that he was overrun with rats, and wanted to destroy them. Ordinary rat poisons were no use, rats being too intelligent. He was going to mix up poisons withmaalor corn, and try them that way. The exact quantity of strychnine purchased was 90 grains in 'po wder.

Waltsr Pashler, farmei, of Catworth, deposed to going to Payne's with Horsford. The poisons book, produced, was one in which the witness signed as requested by the prisoner. The name Walter Horsford, Spaldwick, was in the book when the witness signed it. Tho two left together. The witness knew the prisoner very well.

Annie Holmes, aged 14, daughter of ir! liBi- ather. who died 14 years ago, was a coal merchant, bhe Knew tbe pr.soiier well, as ce was me ae-I'eased's cous.n. They formerly lived at t-toueley, where the prisoner sometimes visited the deceased. Twice Horsford visited the deceased at St. Neots.

The witness knew the prisoner's handwriting, and saw letters iroin him to her mother. One letter her mother showed her. After further ev idence the prisoner was remanded' for a week. THE DBATH OF SIKS. HOLMES.

The extraordinary circumatamea con nected with the death of Mrs. Annie Hoimes, on tne 7th haye aroused the greatest interest, particularly Hunt ngdonshire and Northamptonshire, where the chief personages in the tragedy are very well known. Mi'B. Holmes was the daughter of a Huntingdonshire far mer named Mash, and about 16 or 17 years ago became the second wife of Mr. Jiobert Holmes, a corn and coal merchant at the village oi Northamptonshire.

He died about 14 years ago, leaving her with two young children, a boy and a girl, the latter being but six weeks old an tne time oi his death. Mrs. Holmes kept on the business Until the year 1893, when shere-moyed to Thiapston, at which town she resided in a private house adjoin Jiff the wnarl on the river, biie was lett comfortably off by her husband, but ha the misfortune to be one of those individuals who lost the greater part of their income through the Liberator frauds, and there is no doubt that lor a time before her death she was very straitened circum stances. Two vears apo she removed to Stoneley, a small village adjoining the little town of Kimuolton, Hunts. Her mother, a widow, in receipt of an annuity frotn tne Koval Aericulturai Benevolent institution, lived with her.

Tne mother died recently, and Mrs. Ho.mes, at last, went ro.uve at oi. Ncots. Bunts, her family then being in creased by tho addition of ec baby, born 11 nwuths ago. She occupied a.

gmall lionsH. and did nob uDjear to seek friends, for her neighbours knew practicady nothing of her. On the morning ot tne 8th instant the little town was shocked to hear that the widow had died suddenly the previous night through poison. Little importance was attached to the affair, tor it was at first balieved to be a case of suicide, thsre having, unfortunately, been quite an epidemic of suicides recently in the district. Indeed, at the opening of the inquest the coroner, Mr.

C. R. Wade-Gery, expressed that opinion, remarking that there appeared to be, as far as he had learnt, no motive. But when, as the oase proceeded, the deceased's daughter deposed that her mother had told her as she was dying she believed she had taken Doisone morning, to consiusr a reici ti-o-'r General Purposes committee with reference to the death of Martha Wickens, an inmate of the Darenth asylum which took place on Not. 30 last, after childbirth, under circumstances which have been fnlty discussed in the public Press.

The purport of that rej orthas already been published, and its chief recommendation was "That for the reasons set forth in the interim report of the General Purposes sub-committee, dated Jan. 20, 1898, Dr. A. T. O.

White the acting medical superintendent of the Darenth Adult aBylum, be called upontoresign immediately.1 This was moved by Mr. ct, M. Hensley, who explained that it meant not only -Dr. White's resignation as temporary superintendent, but the absolute resignation of his services to the board. The committee had not the difficulties under which the Darenth asylum had been conducted during the few nonths, Duthe wishedittobe clearlyun-deratood that the fatal issue of the case had nothing to dp with the recommendation.

It was based on a grave dereiintion from ordinary routine duty on the part oi' Dr. White, which inoreased the anxieties and responsibilities which the managers werocalled upon to Colonel Webb seconded the adoption of the recommendation. Mr. Maspratt moved, as an amendment, that Dr. YVhite revert to his duties as assistant medical oiheer, and cease to officiate as acting superintendent.

This was seconded by Dr. Osborne, but on a vote was rejected by a large majority. Sir. Lile then desired to move the reference bacii of the report on the ground that tno sub-committee had not begun at iiie comaienuemiait of the case, but the chairman pointed out that this was only an mtorim report, and that the origin of the case would be dealt with in a subsequent report. Mr.

Brown said that at a meeting of the sub committee he had moved an aniemrnent in this direction, which had afterwards been witnarawn on the understanding that it would be dealt with later. Mr. Lile Having withdrawn his amendment, the Rev. Mr. Pope moved mat the whole of the circumstances of the case should be referred to the Local Government board with, a view to -a public inquiry.

The death of the woman, was the result'of a crime, and ibis matter brought the case' within the criminal law. The chairman ruled the amendment out of order, and after further discussion the recommendation regarding Dr. Whitewas adopted by 33 votesto six. Mr. Hensley then moved the adoption of the" interim report, in which the following paragraph occurred We leel that, in failing to apprehend the gravity of the situation and in neglecting to mae proper arrangements in the case by securing experienced medical and nursing attendance, and in omitting to report1 to this Board the full contents of the "letter of the Commissioners in Lunacy, the Darrenth committee have failed to discharge as they ought the ducieB entrusted to Miem.

MT- vvens necohded. Colonel Myers moved and Colonel Bruce seconded an amendment to the eilect that ihe committee ought to be given the whole of the letter Irom the commissioners. On this Mr. Lobo protested against the policy of hush which prevailed at the Board, and demanded that the letter from the commissioners Bhould be placed before the tmblic. The chairman dunied tbe allegation, but Mr.

Lobb said he could give plenty oi examples. Mr. Pope was of opinion that the committee were more to blame than the doctor, and criticised the action oi the clerk. After further discussion a motion for adjournment was lost. The same fate attended a motion that the question be now put.

Mr. ScoveL declared that the committee had failed entirely to realise its responsiuility The woman was an imbecile, immured in an asvlum. and it was clearly somebody's duty to see that she had proper medical attention. He objected to any adjournments in tho interest of the chairman of the committee, whomight be absent from the nest meeting as well. Alter more speeches the amendment was put and lost by to 17.

A passage of arms followed between Mr. Brass and the chairman in relerence to an amendment the ioriner wishedto move. This was to add words instructing theGenerai Purposes committee to lay the matter before Mir George Lewis, with pewer to him to ta.ve onminal proceedings the man whose actions led to the death of Martha Dickens." This the chaiiman out of order, and Mr. Lile then moved the ad.ourn-ment of tho debate, which was lost by 27 to 24. Tho report of the committee then adopte i by 24 votesto six, and the Larentli committee stand censured acco dingly.

it was tesolved that Dr. Elliott, of Caterham e.syiuDi, be sent down on Tuesday next to lake the p.ace of Dr. White until a new m-sdical superintendent is appointed. CHARGE 0 A SON BE SAKS DOWN George Woollen, 28, a on busii.ess ai 230, Harrow-road) Paddington, was, at Mavylebone police-court, on Friday, charged with setting fire to his dwelling-house, thereby endangering the lives of a number of por-sons residing therein on Jan. 2i.

Mr. Angus Lewis now intimated that the Treasury would not go any further with the case. It was true three fires did occur on the accused's premisjs, but according to the evidence of tbe fire- "icu inose mes were not connected with each other. Added to that, here was no evidence to show that the accused was responsible for the fires, I or that he had absolutely any motive in committing the offence with which he was Frefce Palmer said he should like to say on behalf of his client tnat he was a most respectable man. uen the first fire occurred he was away rom home, and had to be fetched back, and aB a matter of fact he was the first person to go and inform the police and to summon the Curtis Bennett men ordered the accused tobe discharged.

1t aowbeen ascertained that Mr. hSfJeaiorimenibof a9 well-known BhipbBdtog firm, fe the anonymous fc of thTOj, to the London hos- mattress a packet of letters, amongst them one purporting to come from Horsford, a paper of directions for taking powder, apparently in the same writing, a packet of strychnine powder, and a paper thathad evidently contained strychnine. Acting on this discovery ihe coroner caused a warrant to be issued for the apprehension of Horsf orcftn a charge of perjury, and this was executed two days la-er at Horsford's residence. PRISONER INTERVIEWED IN CAMBRIDGE GAOL, special iro Lloyd's." A RTiaeial renresantative of litoyi's has succeeded in interviewing Walter Horsford Cambridge gaol. Horsford, reply.to various questions, said: "I am perfectly innocent.

I denv nntirelv that I was in any way. or at any time, immorally intimate, witti. the dead woman. I simply used to visit her as a cousin, and anyone who puts any other construction upon ourf riendship tells a lie. I have no doubt about soon being released, and meanwhile am perfectly happy and comfortable here, hay-insr (mite enoueh to eat.

I spend most of my time in writing, and have just finished a letter to my wife, who is now at and after tnis statement; was mado our reoresentative had a eeneral conversation with the prisoner, in which the latter expressed great unconcern aa to his present position but when the name ot Mrs. Holmes was mentioned a remarkable change came over He shook very much, gripped the ledge of the partition behind which he was standing, became almost purple, and for some seconds. was unable to speak. When he did he carefully avoided mentioning the deceased by name, and the words referring to his intimacy with her, and quoted above, were uttered with great hesitancy, deliberation, and emotion. It is cuite clear, however, that as regards himself he does not at all appreciate the seriousness of the case against him and the task of the prosecution is certainly rendered much easier by the denials oh' oath which we has given.to what are undoubted specimens of his handwriting.

As to his intimacy with the dead woman, that, it appears, has been common knowledge to all dwellers in the neighbourhood. who did. not, however, appear at. allsurprised or bo cd at. it; and the illegitimate child at present in the.

workhouse of waB the. result of an intrigue with yet another cousin. The deceased received 2b. 6d. a week for itssupport.

The theory of the prosecution is that the prisoner deliberately sent Mrs. Holmes strychnine in order that her death might prevent the knowledge of his liaison coming to the ears.of his newly married wife careful inquiries go to show that assumption possesses many flaws. three grains of this poison have already been found in the body. A considerable quantity, in tion, must have been absorbed into the. dead woman's system it ia not.too much to say at least another three grains whiih, in addition to the 35 grains the remainder of the packet now in the possession of the police, brings the total quantity alleged to have been forwarded by the prisoner up to over forty grains.

Now, Horsford, in hiB business as a farmer, was used to dealing with poisons, and, to a certain extent, knew the action of various doses. That he was sufficiently well in formed to be aware of the exact quantity necBKsarv to kill a nerson is unlikely. But it is much more nnlikelj that he should have sent such' an immense quantity as 40 grains to the deceased woman. What really happened was, doubtless, this. There is no doubt that the unfortunate womaa believed herself to be enceinte and if any further proof of this were wanting, it is supplied by an unposted letter, now in possession of the deceased to Madame (Frain) begging her to i orward certain remedies.

There also can be nodoubtthatthe prisoner was desirous that the birth' should not take place. The letter just rei erred to was not sent, in all probability, because Horsford took steps to obtain the necessary drugs In. the prisoner's house was found a bottle containing a powder which, although not poisonous, was of exactly the same oolour and appearance' as strychnine and if the allegation that Horsford sent the powder be true, there seemslooking at all the circumstances very little difficulty in arriving at the conolusion that, in the hurry and confusion of doing what was, in.any case, an unlawful act, he sent' the deadly instead of the harmless powder. This wilt" in airiikeUKSbd be the baBis of the defence, and though probably, even if established, no tin the strictly legal sense any bar to it conviction formurderi would have a very great effect, on a 'jury. Mors than one prominent resident of St.

Heots said, when queBtionedby our representative on the subjectfhat, how-, ever criminal Horsford may have been, hanging seemed much top severe a penalty for causing Mrs. Holmes' death, if the strychnine was sent by mistake for something else. The prisoner's appetite is of such an enormous character at the present time as to create Burprise even among his most intimate friends. The deceased's effects have been sold by auction, and her daughter is now in charge of Mr. Benjamin Mash who is a relieving officer of Oundle.

The son is still in employment at a grocer's in St. iieots. The relatives of the girl Fanny James, Horsford's old sweetheart, who died suddenly in December, 1890, now freely express their opinion that she was murdered but even should poison be found among her remains no conviction could follow in the absence of proof as to who sent it. One remarkable fact in connection with this case is that Horsford, the girl's lianoe, did not attend her funeral, although invited to do so. The Police Obphahaob.

A concert organised by the division of tho Metropolitan police wiu De nera on nesday at eight pm at the Morley hall, i Hackney, ui aid of the Poliee orphanage. evident that a struggle had taken place. In the cart was a. blood-stained butcher knife. One blow had struck a rib, and this probably accounted for the condition of the blade of the knife, which, being thin, had bent" almost into semicircular form.

One blow had penetrated the wall of the heart to the extent ot an inch. Since the case was last before the pub.io, important evidence as to the ownership of the knife had been secured. A 1-n PmTlioV of the Ori- soner's father sawtheknite in the huter shop on Jan. 15, but on tbe Tuesday ioi- low ng he could not find it. 43 Wuvrla m'-ITnTPf amOUST the OUljCAUU utolw -o Bristol pawnbrokers after prisoner sur- a A-nrl on Thursday LOiJUCi -oft 1, tTTan.to.fiat nawn UlDUUVOX u-u a in Cumberland street, some consider able distance from prisoners residence.

It was a singular circumstance that when the police searched the coat they found in one of the pooketa an American kniie, a false moustache and a false nose-covering or mask. Counsel went on to narrate the prisoner surrender to the Birmingham police. In describing the prisoner's surrender at Birmingham, counsel referred to a prayer book touhd in containing several extraordinary entries, such as Killed a million inen in one root murdered five thousand pigs, ail by myself murdored ton thousand bullocks, with another man to help me." Kvidenoe was then called for the Crown. James Hook, a collier, identified the prisoner as a man he, saw in tne public-house with the deceased. John Fox, a slaughterman, employed by the father of Griffiths, said the knife found the eart was like.

one he had missed. Prisoner, two years ago, met with an accident at a railway station, and afterwards was struck oh the head with a cricket ball. Of late witness thought his behaviour rather strange. Theprisoner was remanded nntilFnday. PRISONER'S CONFESSION.

When Griffiths walked into the Birmingham detective office on Tuesday he paid, "I have come to surrender myself on a charge of murder." It a very serious tnmg ior juu served the detective. Yes," Griffiths answered, I know it is, but it's true. I uorry I did it," andhere the lad burst tears. I killed him with a butcher knife" he oontinued. It belonged to my father.

I don't know what made me do it. I read the aoeount of the murder in the newspapers. It sayB there that it Was done with a shoemaker's knife, but that's not correct." Griffiths explained that he had been in Birmingham for a week, endeavouring unsuccessfully to secure a situation as a porter or errand boy. He had pawned his overcoat in Bristol to provide the wherewithal for his fare to Birmingham, and had been living at a coffee-house there until his finances became exhausted." The mur-i der has preyed on my ho con-I tinued, and I was determined to 'surrender myself." To Mr. Hilden the youth repeated "the serious alle-gation against himself, riotwi thstand- ftfeflutl; -'wfasl waf miaisterei.

wasincliued to think that it was due to asylum, said de eased diedfrom influenza, tbe craze of trying to teach too many with kidney complications. 1 Dr. Thurs-matters. He believed reading field deposed" that the post-mortem should occupy a larger share -of the showed nothing inconsistent with-death school hours than was commonly the case, from nsithral causes. The inquest was for really it was the key.

almost every adiournei to; allow Dr. Stevenson ioitavstudy i Gisy'a hospital, -to make analytical Wfitis.