Echo
London, U.K.
12 November 1888
THIS DAY'S NEWS.
EAST-END ATROCITIES.
EXCITING SCENES LAST NIGHT.
AN AMATUER DETECTIVE'S ADVENTURE.
ATTEMPT TO LYNCH HIM.
THE HOUR OF THE CRIME.
STRANGE AFFAIR ON FISH-STREET-HILL.
Of course, interest in the terrible crimes of the East-end supersedes all other matters - at least in the district of the horrors. There is but one hope affecting the whole community - that the murderer may be brought to speedy justice. Should he be captured, and should he by any accident fall into the hands of the people, his fate will be certain and inevitable. The consternation and fear which at first seemed to almost paralyse the energy of the district, have given place to a revengeful determination.
THE SWEETHEART'S ADVENTURE.
The demeanour of the populace was strikingly evidenced last night on two separate occasions. Wentworth-street, Commercial-street, is a thoroughfare close to Dorset-street. At about quarter-past nine loud cries of "Murder!" and "Police!" were heard proceeding from George-yard-building. Police-sergeant Irving and Police-constable 22H D were quickly on the spot, and once rushed into the building, which were a large set of model dwellings. In the meantime the street rapidly filled with persons from the adjoining houses, while some of those who lived in the top storey of the buildings clambered onto the roof in order to intercept any person who might attempt to make his escape by that means. After a little inquiry, however, by the officers, the truth came out. It seems that a Mrs. Humphries, who is nearly blind, lives with her daughter on the second floor of the buildings, and about the time mentioned went to the outhouse for the purpose of emptying some slops. As she went in, a young man who is courting her daughter, and was on his way to visit her, slipped out of the place past her. Mrs. Humphries at once asked who it was. The young man, who, it is said, stutters very badly, made some unintelligible answer, and the old lady, who, like her neighbours, was haunted with the terror of "Jack the Ripper," at once gave the alarm, which was promptly responded to. The mistake, however, was soon explained, and quiet restored to the vicinity.
A DOCTOR'S NARROW ESCAPE
The evil fate which may befall those who interest themselves too deeply in the police business of the matter was strikingly exemplified at a later hour of the night in the same neighbourhood. In this case the hero of the exploit is a gentleman. Who was at first stated to be a doctor, who had taken on himself to discover the perpetrator of the crime through his own exertions. To use the words of a reporter describing the scene:- "About ten o'clock last night the idle and inquisitive crowd, who since the ghastly discovery was made have ? Dorset-street and its immediate neighbourhood had their attention attracted to the extraordinary behaviour of a man who for some short time before had been officiously making inquiries, and generally conducting himself to an unusual manner. Over a pair of good trousers he wore a jersey in place of a coat, and his face was most palpably artificially blacked. His manner led to considerable remark, and at last a cry was raised that he was 'Jack the Ripper.' In the prevailing state of the public mind in the district this was quite enough to flame the anger of those in the street, and he was at once roughly seized by two young men - one a discharged soldier. Fortunately for him, there was a large number of policemen about, both in uniform and plain clothes, by whom he was at once surrounded on the first alarm being given. He at first resisted capture, but, happily for himself, soon realised his position, and consented to go quietly to Leman-street Police-station. Meanwhile, the officers who had him charge had the greatest difficulty in saving their prisoner from the fury of the mob, who amid the wildest excitement made the most desperate endeavours to lynch him. Sticks were raised in a threatening manner, and the man for a while was in great danger. As it was, he was very roughly handled and considerably bruised by the time he reached the police-station, where he gave his name and address, which are withheld by the police authorities. He stated that he was a medical man, and had disguised himself in the absurd manner above described, in order to endeavour to discover and apprehend the perpetrator of the Whitechapel horrors. He also gave such particulars of himself as enabled the police to quickly substantiate their accuracy, and to discharge him after a short detention in the cells."
THE ARRESTS - PURSUING SUSPECTS
These are only two of the adventures which took place in the neighbourhood. Several arrests were made during yesterday and last night, to these but little importance is attached. In one case the prisoner was apprehended in Dorset-street. It took place at about three o'clock yesterday morning. Two young men had their attention drawn to two loiterers. The two men separated, and one of them was followed by the two youths into Houndsditch. They carefully observed his appearance, which was that of a foreigner. He was about 5ft. 8ins. In height, hand a long pointed moustache, and wore also a cloth deerstalker hat. When near Bishopsgate-street the young men spoke to a policeman, who at once stopped the stranger and took him to Bishopsgate-street Police-station. Here he was searched, and it was then found that he was carrying a sort of pocket medical chest, containing several small bottles of chloroform. In rather imperfect English he explained that he lived in Pimlico, where he was well known. After this preliminary examination he was taken to Commercial-street Police-station, in which district the murder was committed. He was detained on suspicion, but subsequently was taken to Marlborough-street for the purpose of facilitating his identity.
Another man was also detained during the day at Commercial-street on account of his suspicious movements. A man named Peter Maguire says that about eleven o'clock on Saturday night he was drinking at the public-house kept by Mrs. Fiddymont, in Brushfield-street, which is known as the "Clean House," when he noticed a man talking very earnestly to a young woman. He asked her to accompany him up a neighbouring court, but she refused, and afterwards left the bar. Maguire followed the man, who, noticing this, commenced running. He ran into Spitalfields Market, Maguire following all the while. The man then stopped, went up a court, and took off a pair of gloves he was wearing and put on another pair. By a roundabout route he proceeded into Shoreditch and got into a bus, which Maguire still followed. A policeman was asked by Maguire to stop this bus, but it is said he refused, and Maguire continued his pursuit until he met another constable, who at once stopped the vehicle. The man was inside, bundled up in a corner. Maguire explained his suspicions, and the man was taken to Commercial-street Station, where he was detained pending inquiries. These are only two evidences - and there are many others - that in the present state of public excitement in the Whitechapel district the safety - or at any rate the liberty- of no man who acts in the least degree incautiously is safe.
A STRANGE PERSONAGE ON FISH-STREET-HILL
Perhaps one of the most singular episodes in connection with the arrests was that which resulted in the arrest and detention of a strange man at Bishopsgate-street Police-station. Some men were drinking at a beer-house in Fish-street-hill. One of them began conversing about the Whitechapel murder, and a man named Brown, living at 9, Dorset-street, thought he detected a blood mark on the coat of the stranger. On the latter's attention be called to it he said the mark was merely paint, but Brown took out a pocket-knife, and, rubbing the dried stain with the blade, pronounced it to be blood. The coat being loose, similar stains were seen on the man's shirt, and he then admitted that they were blood stains. Leaving the house at once, Brown followed, and when the suspicious stranger had got opposite to Bishopsgate Police-station Brown gave him into the custody of an officer who was on duty there. The prisoner gave the name of George Compton. On being brought before the inspector on duty he excitedly protested against being arrested in a public street, alleging that in the present state of public feeling he might have been lynched. The man had been arrested at Shadwell on Saturday by a police-constable, who considered his behaviour suspicious, but he had been discharged, and had come on to the City. It transpired that before he left the Fish-street-hill beerhouse he had, so Brown alleged, made contradictory statements respecting his place of residence and the locality in which he worked. Compton does not bear any personal resemblance to the published description of the man who is supposed to be the murderer.
LATEST DETAILS.
ARREST THIS MORNING IN DORSET-STREET
Who Mary Janet Kelly's murderer is is still an unsolved mystery. The man arrested last night, and taken to the Commercial-street Police-station was in too exuberant a condition at the time of his capture to give any intelligible account of himself. Afterwards his statement was fully inquired into, and at half-past eight o'clock this morning he took his departure, unobserved and somewhat crestfallen. Neither at Leman-street nor at the City police-stations was there any person detained at nine o'clock this morning. However, the police at the Commercial-street Station had a man in custody. He was arrested at three o'clock in the morning, in Dorset-street, at the scene of the murder. The man, who does not answer the description of the supposed murderer, was acting in a manner that was deemed suspicious, and on his refusing to satisfy the officers as to his recent movements he was conveyed to the station.
THE OFFER OF PARDON.
It is asserted that the Home Secretary's offer of a pardon to any accomplice was mainly at the instigation of Dr. G. B. Phillips, the Divisional Surgeon of the H Division, who pointed out to the authorities at the Home Office the desirability of such a step being taken. By "accomplice" is meant - the police take care to explain - any person who may know of the murderer's design, but who yet is afraid of surrendering him to justice from fear of implicating himself as an accessory before or after the commission of the crimes. Inspectors Abberline, Reid and Beck are aided in their efforts to secure the miscreant by a large staff of detectives from Scotland-yard, whose exertions, it is thought, would be materially aided if those having information as to the men absent from their homes in the neighbourhood during last Thursday night would communicate it to the police.
THE DOCTOR'S JOKE.
The doctor - whose misadventure is now the subject of so much amusing comment - when at the station gave the name of Holt, with an address at Willesden. He stated that he was connected with St. George's Hospital. He told an officer that he had spent several nights in the East-end in various disguises as an amateur detective, but never contemplated or estimated the risk he was running, and is stated to have been the work of the well known pugilist Bendoff, who assisted to take the man to the station.
THE BLOODHOUNDS.
The non-appearance of the bloodhounds is still the subject of much comment locally. The Press Association says - "It is stated that an officer was waiting at Leman-street Police-station for six or seven hours on Friday for the hounds which had been telegraphed for. There reasons to believe that Sir Charles Warren was at this time out of town, and his absence no one knew where the animals were, or how they could be obtained. It is understood that the Government have not yet decided to bear the cost of employing the hounds, and that, therefore, the expense would have to be borne by some private individual."
KELLY'S WELSH ANTECEDENTS.
The statements of the man Barnett connecting the murdered woman Kelly with South Wales have had the effect of creating considerable additional excitement in that part of the county. Up to the present, however, the investigations by local Press representatives have not resulted in the discovery of Kelly's parents or other relatives. It appears from inquiries mat at Carmarthen and Swansea, that after leaving the former place for the latter, Kelly, who was then only 17 years of age entered the service of a Mrs. Rees, who stands committed to the next Assizes on a charge or procuring abortion, and who is the daughter of a medical man formerly resident at Carmarthen. From Swansea Kelly, so it is said, went to Cardiff, but no trace of her in that town can be found.
THE INQUEST.
EXCITEMENT IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.
CORONER AND THE JURYMEN.
THE VERDICT.
At no inquest held in Whitechapel upon any of the victims of the East-end murderer has there been so much public interest shown, for from fully an hour before the announced time of holding the inquiry little knots of spectators, many unconnected with the case, gathered in front of the Shoreditch Town-hall, where the proceedings were opened by DR. MacDonald, touching the death of Mary Janet Kelly. Inspector Abberline arrived at ten minutes after ten o'clock, accompanied by four witnesses. The deceased lay in a shell at the mortuary of Shoreditch Parish Church - about a minute's walk from the Coroner's Court. Though the spectacle was sufficiently hideous, the poor creature's remains had been placed so scientifically and with such care that the sight was far less repulsive than was the case when the discovery so shocked the feelings of those who first entered the small room at 26, Dorset-street.
Nothing of any importance was discovered in the ashes at the deceased's house. A small portion only of the remains is missing, while it is noticeable as a special incident in the barbarous murder that the organ hitherto taken away at the mutilations was found in the room, although it had been cut out of the body. Dr. MacDonald, with his deputy, Mr. Hodgkinson, arrived a few minutes before eleven, but the inquiry was not opened until some time after, when the Court was mainly occupied by the Jury and newspaper representatives.
THE CORONERS' DISPUTE - JURORS' OPINION.
Only a few of the public could be admitted, in consequence of the want of space, the larger hall in the building not being placed at the Coroners' disposal, for some reason not explained. The dispute between Dr. MacDonald and Mr. Wynne Baxter as to the district in which the murder occurred has not yet been settled; and should the body be reconveyed to the Whitechapel district for the purpose of burial, Mr. Wynne Baxter has decided - so it is rumoured - to "seize" it for the purpose of holding a second inquiry.
A little scene occurred between the coroner and two or three Jurors when they were about to be sworn. "It is in Mr. Baxter's district," said one, "and I do not see why we should be called here. The murder was in Whitechapel." "It was not in Whitechapel," explained Dr. MacDonald's officer. "Do you think we don't know what we are doing? Do you think we are doing what is wrong," exclaimed Dr. MacDonald, with energy, adding, "The Jury have no business to object. They cannot object. (Sternly.) If they persist in objecting I know what to do with them. I know (he repeated) how to deal with them." "It was in Mr. Baxter's district," somewhat plaintively argued a Juror, unabashed by the Coroner's sternness. "It happened in my district," replied Dr. MacDonald, "and I may tell you," he said, "that the jurisdiction is where the body is lying, and not where the death occurred." Thus ended the scene. The Jurors were sworn, and the proceeded to the mortuary, and afterwards to the room where the murder occurred, in order, as the Coroner put it, "to save time."
Mr. Superintendent Arnold, of the H Division, and Inspector Abberline and Inspector Nairn represented the police. The jurymen were absent nearly and hour. When they returned it was noted that one had not been sworn. He was called upon to retire.
The Coroner explained that he thought it right to mention that there was no foundation whatever for the reports that there had been any controversy between himself and Mr. Baxter as to the jurisdiction.
BARNETT IDENTIFIES THE BODY.
Joseph Barnett, a labourer, deposed:- From last Saturday I have lived in Lewis-street, Bishopsgate. Before then I lived at my sister's in Portwell-lane, Gray's-inn-road. I lived with the deceased a year and eight months. The deceased's name was Marie Jeannette Kelly. I have seen the body, and identify it as that of the deceased. I identified her (he added) by the hair and eyes. I could only identify her by that, but I am certain it is the same woman. I had lived with her for eight months in Miller's-court.
When did you separate from her? - On the Tuesday week before the murder, because she had a person (an unfortunate) whom she took in out of compassion. I objected to that.
Was that the only reason? - Yes. Being out of work I had nothing to do with it. It was between the hours of five and six on the Tuesday that I left her.
HIS LAST VISIT TO HER.
When did you see her last alive? - Between half-past seven and a quarter to eight on the night she was supposed to have been murdered. I went to call on her to see for her welfare.
How long did you stay? - For a quarter of an hour, till a quarter to eight. We were on friendly terms, but when we parted I told her I had no work and no money, for which I was sorry.
Did you have a drink with her? - No. She was quite sober. I always found her to be of sober habits.
Did she get drunk occasionally? - She has been drunk several times in my presence.
Was there anybody else there on the Thursday evening? - Yes; a female who lives in the same court. On several occasions I had conversation with the deceased as to her friends. She said she was born in Limerick, and went from there to Wales. It was about four years ago when she came to London. Her father's name she told me was John Kelly. He was a ganger at an ironworks in Wales - in Carnarvonshire. She told me she a sister, who was respectable, and fond of her. She had six or seven brothers - one in the Army and the others at home. I never saw any of the brothers.
SHE WAS A MARRIED WOMAN.
Did she tell you she was married? - Yes, but very young In Carnarvon. She was married to a collier. I think his name was Davis or Davies. According to my own ability (added the witness) I think it was Davies. Davies met his death in an explosion.
She married very young? - At 16 she told be. After her husband's death she went to Cardiff to meet a cousin; but whether she met the cousin I can't say. Then she commenced a bad life with her cousin. After leaving Cardiff she came to London and went to a gay house in the West-end. A gentleman asked her if she would like to go to France - so she told me. She went to France but did not remain long. The, when returning to London, she went to live at Ratcliff-highway. There she lived with a man named Morganstone, opposite Stepney gasworks. I have never seen him. The she went to Pennington-street. The many with whom she then lived was Joseph Fleming. She told me she was very fond of him. He lived at Bethnal-green-road.
When did you pick up with her? - At Spitalfields, in Commercial-street. From the first night we had a drink together, and I made arrangements to see her on the following day - a Saturday. The "arrangement" was that we two should remain together. I took lodgings in a place at George-street, Commercial-street - not far from where the George-yard murder was committed.
EXPRESSED FEAR OF NO ONE.
Have you heard she was afraid of any one? - When I brought the evening papers home I used to read them to her - about the murders - every time I bought them.
Did she express fear of any one? - No; but one moment we would row together, and then be on the best of terms.
The Coroner - You have given your evidence very well indeed.
Barnett - Thank you, Sir.
The Coroner said that Dr. Phillips had sent a note to know whether his attendance was required that day. He (the Coroner) thought it would be as well to have a statement as to the cause of death from Dr, Phillips, and the other medical evidence could be given afterwards.
The Jury concurred.
BOWYER'S TERRIBLE DISCOVERY.
Thomas Bowyer said - I live at 37, Dorset-street, Spitalfields. I am a servant to Mr. McCarthy, the owner of the chandler's shop.
What is your occupation? - I serve in the shop. At a quarter to eleven on Friday morning I was ordered by Mr. McCarthy to go to "Mary Jane's" room - No. 13. I never knew the woman to go by any other name than "Mary Jane." I went to get the rent. I knocked at the door, and got no answer.
What then? - I knocked again and again, but got no answer. I then went just round the corner, and there I saw that one of the small windows was broken - the one by the waterspout. A curtain covered the two windows. I just pulled the curtain on one side and looked in.
And what did you see? - I saw two lumps of flesh lying on the table. (Sensation.)
Where was the table? - Close against the bed, in front of it. The second time I looked I saw the body of someone lying on the bed.
Yes? - And blood on the floor. I at once went very quietly back to my master, Mr. John McCarthy. I told him what I had seen.
Yes? - He said, "Good God, you don't been to say that, Harry?" We both then went down to the police-station, but before doing so, went to the window.
Did anybody in the neighbourhood know of this when you went to Mr. McCarthy? - Not a soul. Only Mr. McCarthy and myself were in the shop then. I know Joe Barnett, the last witness. I only saw the deceased under the influence of drink once.
By the Jury - I last saw the deceased alive on Wednesday afternoon, in the court.
THE POLICE COMMUNICATED WITH.
Mr. John McCarthy, who was next called, said - I am a grocer and lodging-house keeper. About half-past ten or a quarter to eleven I sent my man Bowyer to call for the rent. He came back at five minutes after and said, "Guvnor, I knocked at the door and could not make anyone answer. I looked through the window and saw a lot of blood." I went out with him and looked through the window. I saw the woman dead on the bed. For a moment I could not say anything. At last I said to him, "Harry, don't tell anyone. Fetch the police." I followed Bowyer and went to the Commercial-street Station. I saw Inspector Beck. As first I inquired for Inspector Reid or Inspector Abberline. Inspector Beck came with me at once.
How long has the deceased lived in this room? - Ten months - she and Barnett. I did not know whether they were married. They lived on very comfortable terms.
Was the property in the room yours? - Yes.
What rent were you paid for the room? - 4s. 6d. a week. She was 29s in arrear.
Have you seen her the worse for drink? - Very often.
Reeling about? - No. She was a very quite woman, but when she was in drink she got noisy and sang, but not helpless.
WHEN KELLY WAS LAST SEEN.
Mary Anne Cox deposed - I live at No, 5 room, Miller's-court - the last house at the top of the court.
What name did you know the deceased by? - Mary Jane. I last saw her alive on Thursday night at a quarter to twelve. She was then very much intoxicated. That was in the court.
Anyone with her? - Yes; a short, stout man, shabbily dressed.
Did he have an overcoat on? - No; a longish coat - dark coat - and he had a pot of ale in his hand.
What sort of hat? - One of the hard hat - a billycock.
Long hair? - I did not notice. He had a blotchy face and a carroty moustache; nothing on his chin. I followed them up the court and saw them go into her room.
Did he have anything else in his hand? - No, nothing but the pot of beer. I wished the deceased "Good night!" and she said, "Good night! I'm going to have a song." I heard her singing.
What was the song? - I heard her singing "A violet I plucked from my mother's grave." I warmed my hands at one o'clock - it was raining hard - and went out again. I returned again at two, when there was a light in the deceased's room. I did not slip a wink during the night, and must have anything in the court - no noise of "Murder!" or screams. I heard several me go out of the court early to Spitalfields Market. The is one man living in the court who goes to Spitalfields Market. That was about quart-past six that I heard him. I did not hear anything of the murder until the police came to me on Friday morning. It might have been a policeman that I heard.
THE MAN WITH KELLY.
What would you say was the age of the man you saw with her? - About thirty-seven. He had dark clothes on. He had a moustache, but very small whiskers. He walked very quietly up the court, as if he had light boots on.
Down on the heel, perhaps? - He made no noise as he walked.
By the Jury - The light was in the deceased's room; but the blind was down when I passed up the court at one o'clock. I should know the man again.
A CRY OF "MURDER!"
Elizabeth Prater, wife of a boot machinist, deposed , "I live at No. 20 Room in Miller's-court. Deceased lived in the room below me.
When did you leave your room on Thursday? - About five o'clock in the evening, and returned to it about one o'clock on Friday morning. I waited about. No one came up to talk to me. I talked to Mr. McCarthy, as his shop was open at half-past one. I did not see any light in the deceased's room when I went upstairs. There might or might not have been a glimmer, but I did not see it.
Could you hear her moving about in her room? - Oh, yes, Sir. If there had been any noise I should have heard it. I went to bed at about half-past one, and went to sleep directly.
What was the next thing? - A black kitten, of which I am very fond, came to my bed, and rubbed itself against my face.
It disturbed you? - Yes, it tried to get into the bed, and awoke me. That must have been about half-past four, as I heard the clock chiming. I pushed the kitten away.
Yes? - And, just as I pushed the kitten away I heard, "Oh! Murder!" It was as if it was a nightmare. It was just "Oh! Oh! (in a faint, gasping way) - Murder!"
Where did the sound seem to come from? - Up the court, somewhere. I did not hear it a second time. I did not take any notice of it. Then I went to sleep.
You did not hear any singing? - None whatever. If there had been any at half-past one I should have heard it.
KELLY SEEN ON FRIDAY MORNING.
Caroline Maxwell, of 14, Dorset-street, wife of a lodging-house deputy, said she knew the deceased only as "Mary Jane." Witness also knew Joe Barnett.
Do you know how she got her living? - I believe she was an unfortunate girl. I never saw her with anyone, and only spoke to her twice. Witness said she saw the deceased at the corner of Miller's-court from eight to half-past eight on Friday morning. I came out from the lodging-house opposite, and am certain of the time, as I was taking some plates and other things for my husband to take care of for the lodgers.
You are positive that the time was from eight to half-past eight o'clock? - Yes; I spoke to her and she said, "Oh, Carry, I do feel so bad. I have just has half a pint of beer, and have thrown it up." She was standing on the pavement just outside the court. I left her then, and on returning from my husband I saw her outside the Britannia public-house, talking to a man. That was about quarter to nine.
You are sure it was the deceased you saw? - Quite certain. I could not give any description of the man. He was a little taller than myself - (the witness was about 5ft.) - and stout. He had dark clothes.
By Inspector Abberline - The man and the deceased were about twenty-five yards from witness when she saw them.
MAN SEEN IN THE COURT.
Sarah Lewis, of 24, Great Pearl-street, Spitalfields, stated that she worked at a laundry. On Friday morning witness was at No. 2 Room, Miller's-court, at half-past two o'clock. She went to call on a woman she knew - Mrs. Keyler. It was half-past two by Spitalfields' Church clock. She saw a man at the entrance to the court. He was not talking to anyone.
Was he tall? - Not very - a stout-looking man. I do not know whether he had dark clothes on. He seemed as if waiting for some one. Further on I saw another man and woman. I sat on the chair in Mrs. Keyler's room and went to sleep. I woke at about half-past three. I heard Spitalfields clock strike.
What made you wake up? Because I could not sleep. I sat awake from then until a little before four o'clock, when I heard a female voice. It was a scream. I did not leave until half-past five.
Why? - Because the police would not let me leave the court.
A SUSPICIOUS "GENTLEMAN."
Had you seen anyone of suspicious appearance lately? - On Wednesday evening I and a female friend were going along the Bethnal-green-road, when a "gentleman" passed us. He wanted us to follow him - "either of us," he said. He told us he would treat us. He asked me to follow him up an entry, and I refused. He then put a bag on the pavement, and said "Do you think I have got anything in it." He was a short, stout man, with a pale face, and small black moustache. He was about 40.
Was it a large bag? - Not very large. He had a high, round, felt hat. He had a long, brownish overcoat, and a short, black one underneath it. His trousers were "pepper and salt." I ran away and left him. On Friday morning last, when going to Miller's-court, about half-past two, I met the same man with a female.
Where? - In Commercial-street, close by Mr. Ringer's public-house.
The Britannia?
Inspector Abberline - Yes.
Witness (proceeding) said the man had the black bag then, and the "pepper and salt" trousers but no overcoat. Witness looked back at the man, who seemed to know her. She had not seen him since. She should know him if she saw him.
DR. PHILLIPS' EVIDENCE.
Dr. George Bagster Phillips was next called. He deposed - I am divisional surgeon of police, H division. I was called by the police on Friday morning, about eleven o'clock. On proceeding to Miller's-court I found a room, the door of which led to a passage running out of 26, Dorset-street, having two windows, two of the panes were broken, and finding the door locked I looked through the lower of the broken panes, and satisfied myself that the mutilated corpse lying on the bed was not in need of any immediate attention from me. I also came to the conclusion that there was nobody else upon the bed, or within view, to whom I could render any professional assistance. Having ascertained that probably is was advisable that no entrance should be made into the room at that time, I remained until about 1.30, when the door was broken open.
By whom? - Mr McCarthy, I believe. I believe directions to do so were given by Superintendent Arnold. When I arrived in the yard the premises were in charge of Inspector Beck. On the door being opened it knocked against the table. The table was close to the left-hand side of the bedstead. The mutilated remains of a female were lying two-thirds over towards the edge of the bedstead nearest to the door of entry. She had only her nightdress upon her, and from my subsequent examination I am sure the body had been removed subsequent to the injury which caused her death from that side of the bedstead which was nearest to the wooden partition in the room. The large quantity of blood under the bedstead, the saturated condition of the palliasse, pillow, and sheet at the top corner of the bedstead leads me to the conclusion that the severance of the right carotid artery, which was the immediate cause of her death, was inflicted while the deceased was lying at the right side of the bedstead, and her head and neck in the top right-hand corner.
The Coroner said that the other portion of Dr. Phillips' evidence would be given at the adjourned inquiry.
Julia Van Turney, of No. 1 Room, Miller's-court, said she had known the deceased, and also Joe Barnett. They lived comfortably together, but the deceased was frequently drunk.
"FOND OF ANOTHER MAN."
Did she tell you she was fond of another man? - Yes.
Did she tell you his name? - No. But it's a funny thing, his name's Joe, deceased said. I think he was a costermonger, but she did not tell me where he lived.
Did you sleep in the court on Thursday night? - Yes. I went to bed about eight o'clock, but couldn't rest all night. I might have dozed off. I did not hear any noises in the court - no screams of murder, and no singing. I don't think for a moment she could have sung, or I should have heard it. She used to sing Irish songs, as she was an Irishwoman.
Maria Harvey, living at 3, New-court, Dorset-street, said she slept with the deceased for two nights - Monday and Tuesday. She last saw the deceased at five minutes to seven o'clock on Thursday evening.
WHAT HARVEY LEFT IN THE DECEASED'S ROOM.
What do you do for a living? - I am a laundry-woman. When I left the deceased I put my bonnet in her room, and said, "Well, Mary Jane, I won't see you any more this evening. I'll leave my bonnet in your room." The next thing I heard of her was that she was murdered. I also left in the room two dirty shirts, a little boy's jacket, and a black overcoat. I have not seen anything since, except the black overcoat.
Inspector Walter Beck, of the H Division, stated - I was the first person called to see the deceased. I could not say whether the deceased was well known to the police. I do not know her myself.
ABOUT THE BLOODHOUNDS.
Inspector George Abberline, of Scotland-yard, said he appeared on the scene at half-past eleven on Friday morning. Witness heard that bloodhounds had been sent for, and were on the way, and Dr. Phillips said that if the door was not forced there would be a better chance for the hounds. Later on the order for the hounds was countermanded, and Superintendent Arnold then gave instructions for the room to be forced. Witness took and inventory of the things in the room. There had been a large fire kept up, so great as to burn off the spout of a kettle. The ashes had been carefully examined, and it was shown that portions of clothing had been burnt. There was part of the charred rim of a woman's hat.
WHY THE FIRE WAS KEPT UP.
The Coroner - Can you form any reason why that was done?
Inspector Abberline - My own impression is that the clothing was burnt to give the murderer light to enable him to carry out his work. There was only part of a small candle in the room. I may say that the key of the door has been missing for some time.
The Coroner left it to the Jury to say whether they had heard sufficient evidence to return their verdict.
VERDICT.
The Foreman then consulted with the Jurymen, who almost immediately returned a verdict of "Wilful murder against some person of persons unknown."
BLACK WINTER IN EAST LONDON.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ECHO.
SIR, - Black winter has already settled down on East London. My missionaries give a deplorable account of the distress. Many people are foodless and fireless. My blood curdles as I find decent respectable folks going without food for two days together! I think I am pretty well on guard against cadgers and impostors after more than twelve years' work in the East-end. Our strict system of continuous and consecutive visitation makes us acquainted with the poor as no other system could. With funds run out I am powerless. If friends of the suffering care to send help, I will see that it is used to the best advantage. - Yours Faithfully,
W. EVANS HURNDALL.
16, Cottage-grove, Bow, E., Nov. 9.
[We think that subscriptions that are publicly solicited should be publicly acknowledged. - ED.]
THE DAY'S PARLIAMENT
HOUSE OF COMMONS
The Speaker took the Chair at 3.5.
"THIEVES LITERATURE."
Mr. JENNINGS asked the Home Secretary if he would take into consideration the necessity of adopting more stringent measures for the suppression of the thieves' literature and other demoralising and indecent publications, which are now extensively circulated amongst the young, and which led to the Tunbridge Wells murder, and to many other crimes.
Mr. MATTHEWS said, in reply, that the Government were doing, and would certainly do, all in their power to suppress this distribution of demoralising and indecent publications, and the recent prosecution of the publisher of Zola's works was an instance of their action in this direction. Prosecutions, it should be borne in mind, occasionally did more harm than good, for they advertised an almost unknown publication, and it was not desirable to prosecute unless there was a reasonable certainty that a jury would convict. Subject to these conditions, the Government would do all they could in the directions suggested.
THE DETECTIVE DEPARTMENT.
Mr. PICKERSGILL asked the Home Secretary who was at present at the head of the Criminal Investigation Department, whether the Home Office communicated with him directly or through the Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, and whether arrangements had been made at the Home Office for the investigation of crime apart from Scotland-yard.
The HOME SECRETARY said that Mr. Anderson was at present head of the Department. The practice of the Home Office had been to communicate directly with him on matters relating specially to his Department, but where more than departmental interests were involved communications were made to the Commissioner. In answer to the third question, the Home Secretary said that investigation of crime in the Metropolis was entirely in the hands of the officials of Scotland-yard.
Mr. GENT-DAVIS asked the right hon. Gentleman to answer the question of which he gave him private notice of Friday, as to the reasons given by Mr. James Monro for the resigning the position of Assistant-Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, and as to whether it was owing to the system pursued by the Chief Commissioner that Mr. Monro said he could no longer be responsible for the administration of the Criminal Investigation Department, and whether papers on the subject would be laid upon the table.
The HOME SECRETARY said he had already informed the House that he was obtaining advice from Mr. Monro on all matters relating to crime. He had been in consultation with Mr. Monro as to the whole organisation of the Criminal Investigation Department, with which Mr. Monro was more familiar than anybody else in the country. His advice would have great weight. He had already stated that Mr. Monro resigned because of differences of opinion with the Chief Commissioner.
Mr. CONYBEARE Asked the Home Secretary whether he could state the exact reason why the late head of the Detective Department in the Metropolitan Police, resigned his position; whether it is the fact that Sir Charles warren had now practically the direct control of the Detective Department; and whether, in view of the constant recurrence of atrocious murders and the failure of the new organisation and methods to detect the murderer, he would consider the propriety of making some change in arrangements of Scotland-yard.
The report will be continued.
THE DAY'S POLICE.
"STUDYING FOR THE ARMY."
"He is studying for the Army," said the jailer at the Marlborough-street Police-court, to-day, to the Magistrate. Philip Lucas, a well-dressed young man was the person alluded to. He was in Piccadilly shortly after midnight, and - according to a constable - amused himself by brandishing a formidable-looking stick, and by knocking people's hats off. A fine of 20s. was the punishment bestowed by the Magistrate.
"JACK THE RIPPER" MANIA.
Charles Thomas, a man of 51 years of age, was in Crowndale-road, St. Pancras yesterday morning. He was followed by a large crowd, and shouting "I'm Jack the Ripper." Finding that Thomas was intoxicated, a constable took him to the station, and charged him with drunkenness, at the Clerkenwell Police-court today. In defence the prisoner said he had no home and wanted to be locked up. Mr. Bros (to the prisoner): I shall send you to prison for fourteen days, with hard labour, and shall do the same to any other person who is brought before me for calling out "I'm Jack the Ripper."
A WHITECHAPEL STABBING CASE.
Patrick Berry was unable to appear at the Thames Police-court to-day. William Corbin, who lives at 5, Mountford-street, Whitechapel, explained why. About ten minutes to eleven on Saturday, just after he left his house, he saw Robert Makin quarrelling with three other men. In the midst of the quarrel he struck Berry on the side of the head. Blood at once spurted out, and poured profusely to the pavement. Makin immediately ran away, and endeavoured to get on a tramcar. In this he was prevented. On hearing this story the Magistrate decided to remand Makin. The charge against him was of "cutting and wounding."
THIS DAY'S NEWS.
THE WHITECHAPEL MURDER.
"JACK THE RIPPER'S" EPISTLES
THREATENING OF MRS. McCARTHY
"Jack the Ripper's" epistles are again in circulation. Mrs. McCarthy - the wife of the landlord of the house - has been amongst the last recipients of a communication from the mysterious individual whom the public already connect with the authorship of these crimes. In this letter the writer declares that he means "to have another mother and daughter." The writing of the letter resembles that of the letter previously published by the police.
The full text of the letter was as follows:- "Don't alarm yourself. I am going to do another, but this time it will be a mother and daughter."
Another communication from "Jack the Ripper" is of rather a curious character. It was found in Palatine-road, Stoke Newington, and was written in ink on a piece of wood cut in the shape of cross. It was as follows: - "This is a fac-simile knife with which I committed the murder. - JACK THE RIPPER." On the other side was written, "I will visit Stoke Newington next Friday. - JACK THE RIPPER." A recent letter - bearing the same signature - which the Commercial-street police received was written on ordinary notepaper. It ran: - "Dear Boss, - I am coming to do another on Sunday night in the City-road. Then I will let you know when I will give myself up. It will be Tuesday, about twelve o'clock, at the Kingsland-road Police-station. God-bye till Tuesday. - JACK THE RIPPER."
THE ATTACKS ON WOMEN.
The police are still receiving communications from women who complain of having been terrorised by a man answering the description of the man suspected of committing the atrocities. In one case it is averred that while a woman was passing along the footpath by Grove-road and Coburg-road Railway Station, the man seized hold of her round the neck, and only made off when it was seen that her screams attracted attention. This, however, is only one of the numerous statements received by the police. Many of these statements, however, can only have their foundation in fevered imaginations.
VICTIM'S LIFE IN THE WEST-END.
HER VISITS TO PARIS
GOOD SCHOLAR AND AN ARTIST
A representative of the Press Association, who last night made inquiries in Ratcliff-highway and other quarters of the East-end, equally notorious for the advantages they offer to some of the most daring criminals in London, and in which the murdered woman, Mary Janet Kelly, appears to have spent a considerable portion of her life while in the Metropolis - states that, notwithstanding the statements made by several persons as to the deceased being a native of one of the Irish counties, there is every reason to believe that she is Welsh, and that her parents or relatives reside in Cardiff. As far as can be ascertained from statements made by persons with whom she lodged, and companions in whose company she usually spent the evenings when residing in this locality there is little doubt that she came to London from Cardiff some five or six years ago, leaving in that town those friends whom she has afterwards described as being "well-to-do people."
EXCELLENT SCHOLAR AND ARTIST.
The unfortunate victim is stated to have been an excellent scholar and artist of no mean degree. It would appear that on her arrival in London she made the acquaintance of a French woman residing in the neighbourhood of Knightsbridge, who, she informed her friends, led her to pursue the degraded life which has now culminated in her untimely end. She made no secret of the fact while she was with this woman she drove about in a carriage and made several journeys to the French capital, and in fact led a life which is described as that "of a lady."
DRIFTING TO THE EAST-END.
By some means, however, at present not exactly clear, she suddenly drifted into the East-end. Here fortune failed her, and a career which stands out in bold and sad contrast to her earlier experience was commenced. Her experience of the East-end appears to have begun with a woman, who resided in one of the thoroughfares off Ratcliff-highway, now known as St. George's-street. This person seems to have received Kelly direct from her West-end home, for she had not been very long with her when, it is stated, that both women went to the French "lady's" residence, and demanded the box, which contained numerous dresses of a costly description. Kelly at last indulged in intoxicants, it is stated, to an extent which made her an unwelcome friend. From St. George-street she went to lodge with Mrs. Carthy at Breezer's-hill, Pennington-street. This place she left about eighteen months or two years ago, and from that time seems to have left Ratcliff altogether, and take up her quarters in Dorset-street. No one appears to have known anything definitely about her after she arrived at Commercial-street. There can, however, now be little doubt as to her identity. Those who knew her describe her as being a woman of about 25 years of age, 5ft. 7ins. In height, rather stout, with blue eyes, fair complexion, and a very good head of hair. She had two false teeth in the upper jaw. She was known to be leading a gay life in the neighbourhood of Aldgate, Mrs. Carthy states that the deceased when she left her place went to live with a man who was apparently in the building trade and who she (Mrs. Carthy) believed would have married her. She, however, was awakened by Kelly some short time ago at two o'clock in the morning, when she was with a strange man, and asked for a bed for the night. On that occasion Mrs. Carthy asked the deceased if she was not still living with the man who took her from the neighbourhood. She replied in the negative, and explained her position. From this time she was never seen in the neighbourhood.
AMATEUR DETECTIVE AT WORK.
William Avenell, a chimney-sweep, of Adam and Eve-court, and Frederick William Moore, a carver and gilder, of Carlisle-street, were charged at the Marlborough-street Police-court, to-day, with being disorderly and assaulting Henry Edward Leeke, and oil and colourman, in Berners-street. - The prosecutor - a little man - deposed that about five o'clock on Saturday afternoon he went into a public-house in Berners-street, and there was accosted by several men. The two prisoners followed him out, accused him of being "Jack the Ripper," told him they were detectives in private clothes, and should arrest him. They dragged him through several streets into Newman-street, treating him in a most brutal manner. - Ultimately a friend of the prosecutor interfered, and the prisoners were arrested. - Mr. Hannay remanded the men for a week, to give the prosecutor an opportunity of commencing a civil action, and to enable the police to charge Avenell with the offence of pretending to be a detective.
