Times (London)
September 11, 1888
"The Whitechapel Murders"
Two arrests were made yesterday, but it is very doubtful whether the
murderer is in the hands of the police. The members of the Criminal
Investigation Department are assisting the divisional police at the East-end
in their endeavours to elucidate the mystery in which these crimes are
involved. Yesterday morning Detective-sergeant Thicke, of the H Division, who
has been indefatigable in his inquiries respecting the murder of Annie
Chapman at 29, Hanbury-street, Spitalfields, on Saturday morning, succeeded
in capturing a man whom he believed to be "Leather Apron." It will be
recollected that this person obtained an evil notoriety during the inquiries
respecting this and the recent murders committed in Whitechapel, owing to the
startling reports that had been freely circulated by many of the women living
in the district as to outrages alleged to have been committed by him.
Sergeant Thicke, who has had much experience of the thieves and their haunts
in this portion of the metropolis, has, since he has been engaged in the
present inquiry, been repeatedly assured by some of the most well-known
characters of their abhorrence of the fiendishness of the crime, and they
have further stated that if they could only lay hands on the murderer they
would hand him over to justice. These and other circumstances convinced the
officer and those associated with him that the deed was in no way traceable
to any of the regular thieves or desperadoes at the East-end. At the same
time a sharp look-out was kept on the common lodginghouses, not only in this
district, but in other portions of the metropolis. Several persons bearing a
resemblance to the description of the person in question have been arrested,
but, being able to render a satisfactory account of themselves, were allowed
to go away. Shortly after 8 o'clock yesterday morning Sergeant Thicke,
accompanied by two or three other officers, proceeded to 22, Mulberry-street
and knocked at the door. It was opened by a Polish Jew named Pizer, supposed
to be "Leather Apron." Thicke at once took hold of the man, saying, "You are
just the man I want." He then charged Pizer with being concerned in the
murder of the woman Chapman, and to this he made no reply. The accused man,
who is a boot finisher by trade, was then handed over to other officers and
the house was searched. Thicke took possession of five sharp long-bladed
knives--which, however, are used by men in Pizer's trade--and also several
old hats. With reference to the latter, several women who stated they were
acquainted with the prisoner, alleged he has been in the habit of wearing
different hats. Pizer, who is about 33, was then quietly removed to the
Leman-street Police-station, his friends protesting that he knew nothing of
the affair, that he had not been out of the house since Thursday night, and
is of a very delicate constitution. The friends of the man were subjected to
a close questioning by the police. It was still uncertain, late last night,
whether this man remained in custody or had been liberated. He strongly
denies that he is known by the name of "Leather Apron."
The following official notice has been circulated throughout the
metropolitan police district and all police-stations throughout the
country:--"Description of a man who entered a passage of the house at which
the murder was committed of a prostitute at 2 a.m. on the 8th.--Age 37;
height, 5ft. 7in.; rather dark beard and moustache. Dress-shirt, dark vest
and trousers, black scarf, and black felt hat. Spoke with a foreign accent."
Great excitement was caused in the neighbourhood of Commercial-street
Police-station during the afternoon on account of the arrival from Gravesend
of a suspect whose appearance resembled in some respects that of "Leather
Apron." This man, whose name is William Henry Pigott, was taken into custody
on Sunday night at the Pope's Head publichouse, Gravesend. Attention was
first attracted to Pigott because he had some bloodstains on his clothes.
Superintendent Berry, the chief of the local police, was communicated with,
and a sergeant was sent to the Pope's Head to investigate the case. On
approaching the man, who seemed in a somewhat dazed condition, the sergeant
saw that one of his hands bore several recently-made wounds. Being
interrogated as to the cause of this Pigott made a somewhat rambling
statement to the effect that while going down Brick-lane, Whitechapel, at
half-past 4 on Saturday morning he saw a woman fall in a fit. He stooped to
pick her up, and she bit his hand. Exasperated at this he struck her, but
seeing two policemen coming up he then ran away. The sergeant, deeming the
explanation unsatisfactory, took Pigott to the police-station, where his
clothing was carefully examined by Dr. Whitcombe, the divisional surgeon. The
result of the scrutiny was an announcement that two shirts which Pigott
carried in a bundle were stained with blood, and also that blood appeared to
have been recently wiped off his boots. After the usual caution the prisoner
made a further statement to the effect that the woman who bit him was in the
street at the back of a lodging-house when seized with the fit. He added that
he slept at a lodging-house in Osborne-street on Thursday night, but on
Friday was walking the streets of Whitechapel all night. He tramped from
London to Gravesend on Saturday. He gave his age as 52, and stated he was a
native of Gravesend, his father
having some years ago had a position there in connexion with the Royal Liver
Society. Subsequently Pigott told the police that he had been keeping several
publichouses in London. As the prisoner's description tallied in some
respects with that furnished by headquarters of the man wanted,
Superintendent Berry decided to detain him until the morning. In response to
a telegram apprising him of the arrest Inspector Abberline proceeded to
Gravesend yesterday morning, and after hearing the circumstances of the case
decided to bring the prisoner at once to Whitechapel, so that he could be
confronted with the women who had furnished the description of "Leather
Apron." A large crowd had gathered at Gravesend railway station to witness
the departure of the detective and his prisoner, but his arrival at
London-bridge was almost unnoticed, the only persons apprised beforehand of
the journey being the police, a small party of whom in plain clothes were in
attendance. Inspector Abberline and Pigott went off in a four-wheeled cab to
Commercial-street where from early morning groups of idlers had hung about in
anticipation of an arrest. The news of Pigott's arrival, which took place at
12 48, at once spread, and in a few seconds the police-station was surrounded
by an excited crowd anxious to get a glimpse of the supposed murderer.
Finding that no opportunity was likely to occur of seeing the prisoner, the
mob after a time melted away, but the police had trouble for some hours in
keeping the thoroughfare free for traffic. Pigott arrived at
Commercial-street in much the same condition as he was when taken into
custody. He wore no vest, had on a battered felt hat, and appeared to be in a
state of high nervous excitement. Mrs. Fiddymont, who is responsible for the
statement respecting a man resembling "Leather Apron" being at the Prince
Albert publichouse on Saturday, was sent for, as were also other witnesses
likely to be able to identify the prisoner; but after a very brief scrutiny
it was the unanimous opinion that Pigott was not "Leather Apron."
Nevertheless, looking to his condition of mind and body, it was decided to
detain him until he could give a somewhat more satisfactory explanation of
himself and his movements. After an interval of a couple of hours, the man's
manner becoming more strange and his speech more incoherent, the divisional
surgeon was called in, and he gave it as his opinion that the prisoner's mind
was unhinged. A medical certificate to this effect was made out, and Pigott
will, for the present, remain in custody.
Intelligent observers who have visited the locality express the upmost
astonishment that the murderer could have reached a hiding place after
committing such a crime. He must have left the yard in Hanbury-street reeking
with blood, and yet, if the theory that the murder took place between 5 and 6
be accepted, he must have walked in almost broad daylight along streets
comparatively well frequented, even at that early hour, without his startling
appearance attracting the slightest attention. Consideration of this point
has led many to the conclusion that the murderer came not from the wretched
class from which the inmates of common lodging-houses are drawn. More
probably, it is argued, he is a man lodging in a comparatively decent house
in the district, to which he would be able to retire quickly, and in which,
once it was reached, he would be able at his leisure to remove from his
person all traces of his hideous crime. It is at any rate practically certain
that the murderer would not have ventured to return to a common lodging-house
smeared with blood as he must have been. The police are therefore exhorted
not to confine their investigations, as they are accused of doing, to common
lodging-houses and other resorts of the criminal and outcast, but to extend
their inquiries to the class of householders, exceedingly numerous in the
East-end of London, who are in the habit of letting furnished lodgings
without particular inquiry into the character or antecedents of those who
apply for them.
A visit to Dorset-street, which runs parellel with Spitalfields Market
from Commercial-street, reveals the fact that nearly every house in the
street is a common lodging-house, in which wretched human beings are, at
certain seasons of the year, crammed from cellar to roof. The streets leading
into Dorset-street, where the woman was last seen alive, are also occupied by
lodging-houses. In Hanbury-street, Deal-street, Great Garden-street, and
several smaller thoroughfares houses of the same sort are located and are
frequented by the poorest class of the "casual" community. Some of
these places have been searched and inquiries made as to their recent
inhabitants, but so far nothing has been discovered to lead to the
supposition that any regular frequenter of these establishments committed the
murder. The woman Chapman was known by appearence to the policemen on the
night beats in the neighbourhood, but none of those who were on duty between
12 and 6 on Saturday morning recollect having seen her. It is ascertained
that several men left their lodgings after midnight with the expressed
intention of returning who have not returned. Some men went to their lodgings
after 3 o'clock, and left again before 6 in the morning, which is not an
unfrequent occurrence in those houses. None of the deputies or watchmen at
the houses have any have any memory of any person stained with blood entering
their premises, but at that hour of the morning little or no notice is taken
of persons inquiring for beds. They are simply asked for the money, and shown
up dark stairways with a bad light to their rooms. When they leave early,
they are seldom noticed in their egress. It is then considered quite probable
that the murderer may have found a refuge for a few hours in one of these
places, and even washed away the signs of his guilt. The men in these houses
use a common washing place, and water once used is thrown down the sink by
the lodger using it. All this might happen in a common lodging-house in the
early morning without the bloodstained murderer being noticed particularly.
The conviction is growing even, that taking for granted that one man
committed all the recent murders of women in the Whitechapel district, he
might in this fashion, by changing his common lodging-house, evade detection
for a considerable time. Whoever the man may be--if the same person committed
the last three murders--he must on each occasion have been bespattered
profusely with bloodstains. He could not well get rid of them in any ordinary
dwelling-house or public place. Therefore it is supposed he must have done so
in the lodging-houses. The murderer must have known the neighbourhood, which
is provided with no fewer than four police stations, and is well watched
nightly, on account of the character of many of the inhabitants. On Saturday
morning, between half past 4 o'clock and 6, several carts must have passed
through Hanbury-street, and at 5 o'clock, on the opening of the Spitalfields
Market, the end of which the murder occurred was blocked with market
vehicles, and the market attendents were busy regulating the traffic. In the
midst of the bustle it is admitted that two persons might have passed through
the hall of 29, Hanbury-street, and in consequence of the noise of passing
vehicles, any slight altercation might have occurred without being overheard.
Although at first, from the contiguity of Buck's-row to a slaughter-house and
the neighbourhood of the Aldgate Shambles, suspicion fell on the butchers
employed in those establishments during the night, the suspicion is
disappearing, inasmuch as the names and addresses and the movements of all
those engaged in the occupation are known.
A meeting of the chief local tradesmen was held yesterday, at which an
influential committee was appointed, consisting of 16 well-known gentlemen,
with Mr. J. Aarons as the secretary. The committee issued last evening a
notice stating that they will give a substantial reward for the capture of
the murderer or for information leading thereto. The movement has been warmly
taken up by the inhabitants, and it is thought certain that a large sum will
be subscribed within the next few days. The proposal to form district
vigiliance committees also meets with great popular favour and is assuming
practical form. Meetings were held at the various working men's clubs and
other organizations, political and social, in the districts, at most of which
the proposed scheme was heartily approved.
From inquiries which have been made in Windsor, it seems that the
deceased was the widow of a coachman in service at Clewer. While the deceased
lived at Clewer she was in custody for drunkenness, but had not been charged
before the magistrates.
The Inquest
Yesterday morning Mr. Wynne E. Baxter, the Coroner for the North-Eastern
Division of Middlesex, who was accompanied by Mr. George Collier, the Deputy
Coroner, opened his inquiry in the Alexandra-room of the Working Lads'
Institute, Whitechapel-road, respecting the death of Annie Chapman, who was
found murdered in the back yard of 29, Hanbury-street, Spitalfields, on
Saturday morning.
Detective-Inspectors Abberline (Scotland-yard), Helson, and Chandler,
and Detective-Sergeants Thicke and Leach watched the case on behalf of the
Criminal Investigation Department and Commissioners of Police.
The court-room was crowded, and, owing to the number of persons
assembled outside the building, the approaches had to be guarded by a number
of police-constables.
The jury having been impanelled, proceeded to the mortuary to view the
body of the deceased, which was lying in the same shell as that occupied a
short time since by the unfortunate Mary Ann Nichols.
John Davis, a carman, of 29, Hanbury-street, Spitalfields, deposed that
he occupied the front room, which was shared by his wife and three sons.
About 8 o'clock on Friday night he went to bed, and his sons came in at
different times. The last one arrived home about a quarter to 11. Witness was
awake from 3 to about 5 o'clock, when he fell off to sleep for about half an
hour. He got up about a quarter to 6. Soon afterwards he went across the
yard. The front portion of the house faced Hanbury-street. On the ground
floor there was a front door, with a passage running through to the back
yard. He was certain of the time, because he heard the bell of Spitalfields
Church strike. The front door and the one leading into the yard were never
locked, and at times were left open at nights. Since he had lived in the
house witness had never known the doors to be locked; and when the doors were
shut any person could open them and pass into the yard. When he went into the
yard on Saturday morning the back door was shut; but he was unable to say
whether it was latched. The front door was wide open, and he was not
surprised at finding it so, as it was frequently left open all night. Between
the yard of 29, Hanbury-street, and the next house there was a fence about
5ft. high. When witness went down the steps he saw the deceased woman lying
flat on her back.
The CORONER here observed that in similar inquiries in the country the
police always assisted him by preparing a plan of the locality which happened
to be the subject of investigation. He thought the present case was one of
sufficient importance for the production of such a plan, and he hoped that in
future a plan would be laid before him.
Inspector Chandler told the Coroner a plan would be prepared.
The CORONER replied it might then be too late to be of any service.
Witness, continuing, said the deceased was lying between the steps and
the fence, with her head towards the house. He could see that her clothes
were disarranged. Witness did not go further into the yard, but at once
called two men, who worked for Mr. Bailey, a packingcase maker, of
Hanbury-street, whose place was three doors off. These men entered the
passage and looked at the woman, but did not go into the yard. He was unable
to give the names of these two men, but knew them well by sight. Witness had
not since seen the men, who went away to fetch the police. Witness also left
the house with them.
In answer to the Coroner, Inspector Chandler said these men were not
known to the police.
The CORONER remarked that they would have to be found, either by the
police or by his own officer.
Witness further stated that on leaving the house he went direct to the
Commercial-street Police-station, and reported what he had seen. Previous to
that he had not informed any one living in the house of the discovery. After
that he went back to Hanbury-street, but did not enter his house. He had
never previously seen the deceased.
In cross-examination, the witness said he was not the first person down
that morning, as a man, named Thompson, who also lived in the house, was
called about half-past 3. He had never seen women who did not live in the
house in the passage since he had lived there, which was only a fortnight. He
did not hear any strange noises before getting up on Saturday morning.
Amelia Farmer stated that she lived at a common lodginghouse at 30,
Dorset-street, Spitalfields, and had lived there for the past four years. She
had identified the body of the deceased in the mortuary, and was sure it was
that of Annie Chapman. The deceased formerly lived at Windsor, and was the
widow of Frederick Chapman, a veterinary surgeon, who died about 18 months
ago. For four years, or more, the deceased had lived apart from her husband,
and during that period had principally resided in common lodginghouses in the
neighbourhoods of Whitechapel and Spitalfields. About two years since the
deceased lived at 30, Dorset-street, and was then living with a man who made
iron sieves. She was then recieving an allowance of 10s. a week from her
husband. Some 18 months since the payments stopped, and it was then that she
found her husband was dead. That fact was also ascertained from a relative of
the deceased, who used to live in Oxford-street, Whitechapel. The deceased
went by the name of Sievey, on account of the man with whom she had cohabited
being a sieve maker. This man left her some time ago. During the past week
witness had seen the deceased some two or three times. On Monday, in
Dorset-street, she complained of feeling unwell. At that time she had a
bruise on one of her temples. Witness inquiring how she got it, the deceased
told her to look at her breast, which was also bruised. The deceased said,
"You know the woman," and she mentioned a name which witness did not
remember. Both the deceased and the woman referred to were acquainted with a
man called "Harry the Hawker." In giving an account of the bruises, the
deceased told witness that on the 1st inst. she went into a publichouse with
a young man named Ted Stanley in Commercial-street. "Harry the Hawker" and
the other woman were also there. The former, who was drunk, put down a
florin, which was picked up by the latter, who replaced it with a penny. Some
words passed between the deceased and the woman, and in the evening the
latter struck her and inflicted the bruises. Witness again saw the deceased
on Tuesday by the side of Spitalfields Church. The deceased again complained of feeling unwell, and
said she thought she would go into the casual ward for day or two. She
mentioned that she had had nothing to eat or drink that day, not even a cup
of tea. Witness gave deceased twopence saying, "Here is twopence to have a
cup of tea, but don't have rum." She knew that deceased was given to drinking
that spirit. The deceased, who frequently got the worse for drink, used at
times to earn money by doing crochet work, and at others by selling flowers.
Witness believed she was not very particular what she did to earn a living
and at times used to remain out very late at night. She was in the habit of
going to Stratford. Witness did not again see the deceased until Friday
afternoon, and about 5 o'clock on that day she met her in Dorset-street. The
deceased, who was sober, in answer to a question from witness as to whether
she was going to Stratford, said she felt too ill to do anything. A few
minutes afterwards witness again saw the deceased, who had not moved, and she
said, "It's no use my giving way. I must pull myself together and go out and
get some money, or I shall have no lodgings." That was the last time witness
saw her. She mentioned that she had been an inmate of the casual ward.
Deceased was generally an industrial woman, and witness considered her
clever. For the last five years she had been living an irregular life, more
especially since her husband died. She had two children, and on the death of
her husband they were sent away to school. The deceased had a sister and
mother, but witness believed they were not on friendly terms.
Timothy Donovan stated he was the deputy of a common lodginghouse at 35,
Dorset-street, Spitalfields. He had seen the body in the mortuary, and
identified it as that of a woman who had lodged at his place. She had been
living there for about four months, but was not there any day last week until
Friday. About 7 o'clock that day she came to the lodginghouse and asked him
to allow her to go down into the kitchen. He asked where she had been all the
week, and she replied, "In the infirmary." He then allowed her to go down
into the kitchen. She remained there until shortly before 2 o'clock the next
morning. When she went out she said, "I have not any money now, but don't let
the bed; I will be back soon." At that time there was a vacant bed, and it
was the one she generally occupied. She then left the house, but witness did
not see which way she turned. She had had enough to drink when he last saw
her, but she was well able to walk straight. The deceased generally got the
worse for drink on Saturdays, but not not on the other days of the week. He
told her that she could find money for drink but not for her bed, and she
replied that she had only been to the top of the street as far as the
Ringers' publichouse. He did not see her with any one that night. On Saturday
night deceased used to stay at the lodginghouse with a man of military
appearance, and witness had heard he was a pensioner. She had brought other
men to the lodginghouse. On the 2d inst. deceased paid 8d. a night for her
bed. The pensioner was about 45 years of age and about 5ft. 8in. in height.
At times he had the appearance of something better. Witness had never had any
trouble with the deceased, who was always very friendly with the other
lodgers.
John Evans, night watchman at the lodginghouse, also identified the body
of deceased. He saw her leave the house at about a quarter to 2 on Saturday
morning. Just before he had asked her whether she had not sufficient, and
then told the last witness she would not be long before she got it. Witness
saw her enter a court called Paternoster-row and walk in the direction of
Brushfield-street. Witness should say she was the worse for drink. She told
him she had that night been to see one of her sisters who lived at Vauxhall.
Before he spoke to her about her lodging money she had been out for a pint of
beer. He knew that she had been living a rough life, but only knew one man
with whom she associated. That man used to come and see her on Saturdays. He
called about half-past 2 on Saturday afternoon to make inquiries about the
deceased. He said he had heard of her death. Witness did not know his name or
address. After hearing an account of the death of the deceased he went out
without saying a word. Witness had never heard any person threaten the
deceased, and she had never stated she was afraid of any one. He did not see
the deceased leave the lodginghouse with the pensioner on Sunday week. On
Thursday the deceased and a woman called Eliza had a fight in the kitchen,
during which she got a blow on the chest and a black eye.
The CORONER here intimated that that was as far as he proposed to carry
the inquiry at present, and it was adjourned until to-morrow afternoon.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES
Sir,--I would suggest that the police should at once find out the
whereabouts of all cases of "homicidal mania" which may have been discharged
as "cured" from metropolitan asylums during the last two years.
Your Obedient Servant,
September 9
A COUNTRY DOCTOR.
ANOTHER MURDER AND MUTILATION IN WHITECHAPEL
Early yesterday morning a discovery was made which leads to the belief that another horrible murder has been committed in Whitechapel, and that the victim, a woman, belongs to the same class as the eight who have been murdered in the same locality during the last two years. The manner in which the body has been mutilated suggests that the outrage has been committed by the same person.
At half past five o'clock yesterday morning Police Constable Bennett, 239 H, was passing on his beat by a railway arch in Pinchin street, St. George's, when he noticed something in the arch. The place in question is used as a receptacle for stones belonging to the District Board of Works, and in front of it there is a hoarding. Part of this, however, has been broken down, and the officer, getting through it, was horrified to find the trunk of a woman in a condition which showed it had been hacked about in a most brutal manner. The head had been severed from the body, while both legs were also missing, and from the lower part of the stomach was a deep gash through which the bowels were protruding. In accordance with instructions given to all the police in the district, the constable did not move, but blew his whistle for assistance. In a few seconds two other constables came up, and on being made acquainted with the discovery started for King David lane Police Station. when further assistance was sent to Pinchin street, and the news telegraphed to the heads of police, and the whole of the stations within the metropolitan district. In order to save as much time as possible an order has for some time past been in force that whenever a murder is discovered in the East end the telegraphic code should simply be "Another Whitechapel." Consequently, as soon as these two words were telegraphed over the district every outlet in the immediate neighbourhood was blocked. Superintendent T. Arnold and Detective Inspector Reid, H Division, were soon on the spot giving directions for the place to be searched, while the Thames police, under Detective Inspector Regan, were busily engaged in searching the vessels in the river and dicks, notably the cattle boats. While the constable was standing by the body he heard a noise inside the arch and three working men came out, saying they were homeless and had been in there to have a sleep. They stated that when they entered the arch after midnight they saw nothing of the body and heard no alarming or suspicious sounds during the night. These men were detained and afterwards conveyed to the Leman street Police Station, until proper inquiries could be made concerning them. Dr. Clarke, who is acting for Dr. Phillips, the divisional surgeon, who was away on his holidays, together with Dr. Sargeant, who practices in the neighbourhood, was soon at the spot and minutely examined the body. They were of opinion that death had occurred at least three days previously, as the blood was all dried and signs of decomposition were setting in. Other details having been obtained, a police ambulance was brought in and the trunk of the body conveyed on it to the St. George's mortuary where the doctors again examined it. The result of that examination was that the police afterwards issued the following notice:-
Found at 5.40 this morning, the trunk of a woman under railway arches in Pinchin street, Whitechapel. Age about 40; height 5ft 3in; hair, dark brown; no clothing, except chemise, which is much torn and bloodstained; both elbows discoloured as from habitually leaning on them. Post mortem marks apparently of a rope having been tied round the waist.
Dr. Sargeant was heard to say that the head had been cut off in a very skilful manner. The medical men were also of opinion that the cuts were inflicted by a left handed person, which fact points to the murderer being the same person who killed the eight other poor creatures, as in each instance the cuts were supposed to have been the work of a left handed person. From the appearance of the breasts it is believed the woman had not borne children.
Within half an hour of the discovery of the trunk Mr. Monro, Chief Commissioner of Police, and Colonel Monsell, Assistant Commissioner, visited the spot and personally directed the movements of the detective officers, who were then busily engaged in making inquiries under the direction of Detective Inspector Swanson, of Scotland Yard. This officer is well fitted for the task given him, as he is an old "East ender" and, consequently, is well acquainted with the locality. Later in the day Dr. Clarke assisted by Dr. Hibbett, Dr. Sergeant, Dr. Appleford, and others, made a post mortem examination, the result of which will not be made known until the inquest, which will be held at the Vestry hall, St. George's, this morning, by Mr. Wynne. E. Baxter.
Within a few minutes of the discovery the front of the arch, and, in fact, the whole of Pinchin street, was crowded with hundreds of persons, and the excitement was intense. Indeed, it was growing during the whole of yesterday, and the discovery was almost the sole topic of conversation amongst those living in the East end. The spot where the body was found is at night time a very lonely one, and is only frequented by the poorest class, who seek refuge under some of the many railway arches which abound in the district. Carts and barrows stand against the walls. There is only one exit to the place, and that is by way of Backchurch lane. The police are confident that the trunk had only been conveyed to the spot shortly before it was found; and they are making strenuous endeavours to find the missing portions, which they are inclined to think have also been concealed in the immediate neighbourhood/ They also believe that the spot where the murder was committed, or where the body was dismembered, would be in a bad condition through the flowing of blood, and these facts might serve to supply some clue to the place.
From the later examination made by the doctors it is believed that the trunk belonged to a woman of slim build, and that she had been in a somewhat neglected condition. The organs also indicate that the deceased woman had been addicted to drink. The difficulty in identifying the remains is obvious, owing to the absence of the head. There are no marks on the fingers of any rings having been worn, and it is evident this latest victim belonged to the poorest class of women. The hands presented a dirty and neglected appearance; but, as far as could be ascertained at the first cursory examination, there were no birthmarks by which the body could be identified.
Large numbers of women have applied to the constable in charge of the remains at the mortuary for permission to view them, but their requests have been refused, as it was not possible for them to say to whom the trunk belonged. The legs had undoubtedly been severed with some sharp instrument, and in such a manner as to indicate a knowledge of surgery or butchery. The hands were not clenched, a fact which seemed to show that the deceased woman had not been struggling before her death. The left arm was bent, and the fingers of the left hand reposed on the chest, while the right arm was more extended. These facts point to the probability that the amputation took place after death. The deep gash above referred to was the only kind of mutilation about the body, with the exception of the removal of a small portion of the lower part of the trunk. The fingers are long and tapering.
The police, after full investigation, give it as their opinion that the murder, if such it be, was not done by the person now known as Jack the Ripper. They incline to the belief that the deceased may have died from an illegal operation, and that the body was afterwards cut up so as to more easily be disposed of, with the view to preventing discovery. They wish this fact to be made known, as by that means something might be learned to elucidate the mystery. The police also believe that the body could not have been brought far, as, owing to the bad odour arising from it, the carrier of the burden would have been noticed and probably stopped. They are therefore making a house to house search in the neighbouring and surrounding streets where the body was found. Under the arch there is no blood, and this fact confirms the theory that the body was carried there after it had been mutilated. Amongst the poor living near the spot there is a report current that a woman named Hart, who is well known as a dissipated creature, has been missing for three or four days. The police are making strenuous endeavours to find the whereabouts of this woman. At the same time it is no uncommon thing for women of her class to absent themselves from their regular haunts for days together. They come and go as the whim takes them. All persons living in Pinchin street have been closely questioned, but these deny all knowledge of having seen anything unusual on the street on the previous night, or, in fact, at any time. The arches which run along the street belong to the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway Company. During the search in the neighbouring streets a piece of cloth stained with blood was found, but its connexion with the dead woman is not certain. The post mortem marks on the body show that a cord had been tightly tied round it, but for what purpose is not ascertained, and at present this remains a mystery. The trunk measures 2ft 3in, and the arms 2ft 2in, while the waist measures 33in. The three men who were detained have since been liberated, as their statement as to going into the arch to sleep has been verified.
The following is a list of the East end murders:-
1. Dec., 1887 - Unknown woman found murdered near Osborne and Wentworth streets, Whitechapel.
2. Aug. 7th, 1888 - Martha Turner found stabbed in 39 places on a lading of the model dwellings in George Yard buildings, Whitechapel.
3. Aug, 31st, 1888 - Mary Ann Nicholls, murdered and mutilated in Baker's (sic) row, Whitechapel.
4. Sept. 8th, 1888 - Mary Ann (sic) Chapman, murdered and mutilated in Hanbury street, Whitechapel.
5. Sept. 30th, 1888 - Elizabeth Stride, found with her throat cut in Berner street, St. George's.
6. Sept. 30th, 1888 - Mrs. May (sic) Eddowes, murdered and mutilated in Mitre square, Aldgate.
7. Nov. 9th, 1888 - Mary Jane Kelly, murdered and mutilated in Dorset street, Spitalfields.
8. July 17th, 1889 - Alice M'kenzie, murdered and mutilated in Castle alley, Whitechapel.
9. The woman whose mutilated body was found yesterday morning.
