The Druce Case.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXIV, Issue 3675, 7 January 1908, Page 3

The Druce Case.

London, January 6. Robert Caldwell, the New York accountant, has signed a death-bed statement, reiterating that the vault of the fifth Duke of Portland contains a coffin with lead, and has no body in it. A cable message published yesterday stated that the extradition of Robert Caldwell, the New York accountant, who after giving extraordinary evidence for the prosecution in the Druce perjury case eluded the police and fled to America, was being pressed for. After his arrest at New York, Caldwell was examined by two doctors, who reported that he was "desperately ill." He has been charged with conspiracy and perjury. London, January 6. The evidence showed that Druce's grave had apparently been untouched since it was made. A crowbar was driven 16 inches under the brick floor. Dr. Pepper, who had charge of the exhumation, described the clay as undisturbed virgin soil. There was ample evidence that the cause o± death was in accordance with the certificate. The face bore a striking resemblance to Druce's photograph and had a heavy, bristly beard. He ridiculed the idea that the beard had been grown after death. Thackerah, a partner in the bazaar, positively identified the body as that of Druce. Mr Atherley Jones, counsel for Mr Hollamby Druce, said after this evi. dence, he could only withdraw' from the case. The charge of perjury was dismissed.