LONDON, WEDNESDAY

Mr Packer, the fruiterer who sold some grapes to the man supposed to have committed the former murders, states that on Tuesday two men came to his shop, one of whom stated he was sure he knew the murderer, who was a cousin of his own. The cousin had been in America, and returned seven or eight months ago. He came to see witness, and they took some walks. Seeing some prostitutes he said, "Do you know how we used to serve them where I come from. We used to cut their throats and rip them up. I could do it in no time. We Jack Rippers killed lots of women, and I am going to be London Jack Ripper." The man said he took little notice of the remarks, but as the murders followed he felt he ought not to remain silent. The cousin constantly used the word "Boss" in the style of the letters received. These facts were communicated by a reporter to the Home Secretary, who instituted inquiries. The supposed murderer is engaged on the Thames, and search is being made.

The police have been busily occupied to-day in endeavouring to obtain a clue to the identity and movements of the man with whom Kelly was last seen, and a detailed description of whom has been published. Various statements have been volunteered to them on the subject, but up to this evening their search had not resulted in any definite information. An arrest was made in Old Kent road this evening, but the man whose movements had excited suspicion does not answer to the description of the person who is wanted. Attention was drawn to him by his leaving a shiny black bag at the Thomas a'Beckett public-house. The police were communicated with, and, on the bag being examined it was found to contain a very sharp dagger, a clasp knife, two pairs of very long and curious looking scissors, and two life preservers. Meanwhile the man had gone to a pawnbroker's, and on emerging from the shop was taken into custody in order that inquiries might be made.

A city policeman in plain clothes, while walking along Commercial road to-day, was accused of being "Jack the Ripper," and was with difficulty rescued from a mob of several hundred persons.