CHAPTER V.

Observer, Volume 2, Issue 43, 9 July 1881, Page 477

CHAPTER V.

WANTING THE CALL BOY.

At the trial the circumstances of this cold Wooded murder were sought to be made extenuating by counsel assigned to defend Jemmy, who pleaded speciously that the jjeculiar nature of the temptation placed in his %ay constituted impulse to premeditation ; but ho was nevertheless found guilty and condemned to death. The executive, however, after several consultations, commuted the sentence to one of imprisonment for life. This was some years ago, and only recently the representations made to the authorities by persons acquainted with the case, who had also seen the prematurely aged man in gaol, dead to every sense of pleasure — a living log as it were led to the Jemmy's realease. ■ Short is the itime that has elapsed since the liberation of the

bowed, hopeless creature, who speaks no more, ~ and. only answers when addressed. The Leader of the Opposition has already tabled a motion to ... the following effect : — * 'aThat in the opinion of the Honourable House, the action of the advisers of His Excellency the Governor in inducing him to let loose again upon society the bloodthirsty ruffian, James Passmore, sentenced to death for the deliberate murder of one George Gruby on the stage of the Theatre Royal, in the year ,is highly reprehensible, and points to their utter un fitness for office as being of apiece with their usual maladministration ; and that this resolu- . tion be tabled and meant for a motion of "want-of -confidence. ' Upon learning this, Jemmy -wrote to the Chief Secretary, offering to relieve him and his Government from all responsibility in the affair by resuming his position as a life prisoner — an offer which was refused — and so Prissy Bonsey's avenging is likely to prove the downfall of a Ministry. And George Passmore waits patiently and looks upon death as a call-boy to summons him where he may be cast by the Great Manager for some better part than he played on the stage of this life. THE END.