TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1695, 6 March 1882, Page 2

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

“ J.F.”—On the 29th February, 1872, a youth of 18 years, named Arthur O’Connor, presented a pistol at the Queen while entering Buckingham Palace, at the same time demanding her Majesty to sign a paper ; but the pistol was unloaded, and therefore no such intention could be imputed. He pleaded guilty to his indiscretionary act, and was sentenced to imprisonment and a flogging. This is the attempt to which we suppose you refer. But besides M‘Lean’s late attempt two others were previously made, which are thus recorded :—On the 10th June, 1840, Edward Oxford, a youth who had been a servant in a public house, discharged two pistols at Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, as they were proceeding up Constitution Hill in an open phaeton from Buckingham Palace. He stood within a few yards of the carriage, but neither her Majesty nor the Prince was injured. Oxford was tried at the Old Bailey (10th July), was adjudged to be insane, and sent first to Bethlehem Hospital, next to Bradmoor ; but was set at liberty in 1868, on condition of going abroad. On 30th May, 1842, John Francis, a youth, fired a pistol at Queen Victoria as she was riding down Constitution Hill in an open barouche, accompanied by Prince Albert. The Queen was uninjured. Previous intimation having reached the palace of the intention of the criminal, her Majesty had commanded that none of the ladies of her court should attend her. Francis was condemned to death the 17th June following, but was transported for life. He was liberated on a ticket-of-leave in 1867.