THE DRUGE CASE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2083, 8 January 1908, Page 2

THE DRUGE CASE.

HOLLAAIBY DRUCE’S COUNSEL AATTHDRAAVS. CHARGE OF PERJURY DISMISSED. United Press Association —Copyright LONDON, J in. 0. > Evidence showed that Druce’* -reave had apparently been untouched since it was made. A crowbar was driven 16 inches in clay under the brick floors. . . Dr Pepper, who had charge ot -he exhumation, described the clay as undisturbed virgin soil. There was ample evidence that the cause ot death was in accordance with the certificate. The face bore a striking likeness to Druce’® photograph. It had a heavy bushy heard. He ridiculed the idea that the beard had grown .after death. . Thackeray, a partner m the bazazar, positively identified the body as that of Druce. Air Atherly Jones, counsel for Holla mby Druce, said that after this evidence he could only' * withdraw uoin the case. Tim charge of perjury was dismissed.

AIORE FUNDS AVANTED FOR LITIGATION.

(Received Jan. 7, 10.10 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 7. A meeting of the Druce-Portland Company shareholders is convened for three weeks hence. . Air. T. K. Coburn states that lie is informed that the proceedings have already cost nearly £7OOO, and further funds are required for civil litigation. REASONS -FOR"WITHDRAWAL. (Received Jan. 7, 10.59 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. v. Air. Plowden asked Mr. Jones wllat impression Air. Pepper’s very remarkable evidence had produced on his mind'. Air. Jones said it was impossible to --ufess the case further. Ho complained of the undeserved obloquycast- upon-the prosecution, consider-/ ing that except in regard to one witness their large body of evidence was unshaken by «. strenuous -and prolonged cross-examination. After the exhumation it was impossible to dtinoy that it had been clearly demonstrated that Druce died in London and was buried at -Highgate, and that tho body exhumed was the same body as that buried. There was also strong evidence to show that the body was Druce’s. AVhile Herbert Druce was right in refusing to open the grave under menace of prosecution, he had shown a wise judgment' in yielding to the moral pressure of public opinion.

REMARKS 'BY THE MAGISTRATE. HOW THE STORY ORIGINATED. “UNFATHOMABLE DEPTHS OF HUMAN CREDULITY.” HERBERT DRUCE VINDICATED. (Received Jan. 7, 11.36 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 7. 'Mr. Plowdon said that after the silent hut important voice from the grave it would be impossible to continue the prosecution without serious injury to Justice; but apart from this new and. dramatic feature Mr. Jones must have felt the foundations of his case slipping away after the collapse of 'his most important witness, and his long and fruitless cross-examination of Nurse Bailey—chat last- bubble which had floated so long mischievously out of reach—had been effectively wrecked. No one could now doubt that Druce died amid his family and was buried at Highgate. His existence stands out clear, distinct, and undeniable as any human being that ever lived. How tho myth confused 'him with the Duke of Portland arose from idle speculation. The case was a fresh instance of how the love of the marvellous was deeply ingrained in human nature, and striking proof of the truly unfathomable depts of human credulity.

The Court thanked Herbert Druce for consenting in the interests of ■Justice to the distasteful step of opening the grave. Ho left the Court with a character for truthfulness absolutely and conclusively vindicated. PRESS COMMENT. “ONE OF THE GREATEST DELUSIONS OF MODERN TIMES.” PROCEEDINGS AGAINST PROSECUTION ASKED FOR. (Received Jan. 7, 11.20 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 7. “The Times” says the Druce. prosecution came to a lit ignominious end. One of the greatest delusions of modern times had been exploded, and they had seen the end of the popular legend regarding the identity of Druce and the Duke of Portland. “Tim Telegraph” ray: it is difficult to adequately characterise the prosecution rebutted by such impressive testimony, and expresses the hope that Justice will put Mine pertinent questions to those bolstering up the monstrous and wicked fabrication of the mock funeral.