Times (London)
September 15, 1888
THE WHITECHAPEL MURDERS.
The police at the Commercial-street station have made another arrest on
suspicion in connection with the recent murders. It appears that among the
numerous statements and descriptions of suspected persons are several
tallying with that of the man in custody, but beyond this the police know
nothing at present against him. His apprehension was of a singular character.
Throughout yesterday his movements are stated to have created suspicion among
various persons, and last night he was handed over to a uniform constable
doing duty in the neighbourhood of Flower and Dean-street on suspicion in
connection with the crime. On his arrival at the police station in
Commercial-street the detective officers and Mr. Abberline were communicated
with, and an inquiry concerning him was at once opened. On being searched
perhaps one of the most extraordinary accumulation of articles were
discovered--a heap of rags, comprising pieces of dress fabrics, old and dirty
linen, two purses of a kind usually used by women, two or three pocket
handkerchiefs, one a comparatively clean white one, and a white one with a
red spotted border; two small tin boxes, a small cardboard box, a small
leather strap, which might serve the purpose of a garterstring, and one
spring onion. The person to whom this curious assortment belongs is slightly
built, about 5ft. 7in. or 5ft. 8in. in height, and dressed shabbily. He has a
very careworn look. Covering a head of hair, inclined somewhat to be sandy,
with beard and moustache to match, was a cloth skull cap, which did not
improve his appearance. Suspicion is the sole motive for his temporary
detention, for the police, although making every possible inquiry about him,
do not believe his appehension to be of any importance.
Regarding the man Pigott, who was captured at Gravesend, nothing
whatever has been discovered by the detectives in the course of their
inquiries which can in any way connect him with the crimes, and his release,
at all events, from the custody of the police is expected shortly.
In connexion with the arrest of a lunatic at Holloway, it appears that
he has been missing from his friends for some time now. The detectives have
been very active in prosecuting their inquiries concerning him, and it is
believed the result, so far, increases their suspicion. He is at present
confined in the asylum at Grove-road, Bow.
All inquiries have failed to elicit anything as to the whereabouts of
the missing pensioner who is wanted in connexion with the recent murder.
On the question as to the time when the crime was committed, concerning
which there was a difference between the evidence of the man Richardson and
the opinion of Dr. Phillips, a correspondent yesterday elicited that Mr.
Cadoche, who lives in the next house to No. 29, Hanbury-street, where the
murder was committed, went to the back of the premises at half-past 5 a.m. As
he passed the wooden partition he heard a woman say "No, no." On returning he
heard a scuffle and then someone fell heavily against the fence. He heard no
cry for help, and so he went into his house. Some surprise is felt that this
statement was not made in evidence at the inquest. There is a very strong
feeling in the district and large numbers of persons continue to visit the
locality.
Annie Chapman, the victim of the crime, was buried early yesterday
morning at Manor Park Cemetery. Some of her relatives attended the funeral.