THE CLAIMANT AGAIN.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 522, 19 February 1876, Page 3

THE CLAIMANT AGAIN.

{Home News ') On December 16th, at the Philharmonic hall, Southampton, a large conference was held for the purpose of taking into consideration the best means of obtaining the release of the Claimant. Above 200 delegates were present from various associations. The chair was taken by Mr Parkiss, T.Ci, and among those present were Lord Rivers. Mr G. Onslow, Mr E Sheriff Pearse, Mr J. de Morgan, Mr A. J. Biddulpb, J P., Captain Morison, Dr Kenealy, &o. Mr G. Onslow moved the first resolution—“ That this conference, consisting of delegates, representatives, and friends of Sir Roger Tichborne from all parts of the country, are of opinion that the prosecution, trial, and conviction of the Claimant was harsh, cruel, and unjust, and pledges itself never to relax its efforts until the release of Sir Roger Tichborne.” Mi Smith, of Plymouth, seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. Dr Kenealy then moved, “That funds be raised by means of a penny subscription and otherwise to bring up witnesses from Australia and elsewhere, and that iji the event of any witnesses landing in England that their declarations be made before the Lord Mayor, and that the Lord Mayor be asked to grant the Guildhall for the purpose of a city meeting to hear the evidence of new witnesses." Mr Onslow stated that the witnesses they wanted to produce were Mrs Alexander, a lover of Roger Tichborne in 1849, and who met him in Australia in 1855, when he was going under the name of Castro ; Mr Deakin, a solicitor ; Mr Locke, clerk of the Insolvent Court; Mr Rockets, a pilot, who declared that the Osprey actually saved the crew of the Bella, and that the Claimant was the man he saw on board the Comet when he was leaving the Osprey. George Orton, of Singapore, and Edmund Orton, ■of South America, and others addressed the meeting, when the resolution was unanimously adopted. The following names were then nominated to be the trustees of the fund :—Lord Rivers, Guildford Onslow, A. J. Biddulph, J.P., and W. L. West. A discussion ensued, during which many demanded that Dr Kenealy and Captain Morison should be added to the number. During this discussion much illfeeling was shown. The six gentlemen mentioned were ultimately appointed trustees, and the meeting adjourned,