Extraordinary Case of Arson.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4376, 12 January 1883, Page 2

Extraordinary Case of Arson.

A : Nobleman's Apaetment Set in

Flames bx> His Son'; A well dresspd young man "was arrested on Thursday (9th November) for setting fire to a house under most extraordinary . circumstances; At No. 44, JR.ce Meromesml, resides Prince CamilledePolignac,., a gentleman aged about 60, with" his daughter, aged six, a governess,'female . servant/and valet. He received frequent visits from a young man, aged about 25, „• who rssumed great airs ia tbe house, and passed as being a natural son of;; the,; :r Prince to whom he bore some resemblance. Tbe house porter, and servants,:ii fact, us<?d to call him Count de Polignac. The usual object of his visits was to obtain money, and when the Prince refused, angry words passed between.'; them. He called at the house on Thursday morniag at about ten o'clockfand asked if his father was in, and, on being informed that he was not, entered the 1 ' apartment and told the 'valet that he would wait in the drawing room; but before -going further, he lurnrd and locked the door, putting t'»e key-in; his " * pocket. He was carrying sometfiingf rather bulky, under his cqat, and which proved to be fire bottles filled with petroleum. Ob entering the room he poured the liquor on the carpet, furniture, - pictures, curtains, etc., ,and then, dcV liberately set fire to it, the servants looking; on in dismay, and not making an attempt to stay him. Tho young man then sat down on a sofa, smoking a cigar, to watch ' the progress of his work. The servants, on seeing the flames spread, became alarmed, and, bursting open the outer door, rushed down'the stairs raising the alarm. The young man' also descended, and was walking off, when he was stopped and secured. The firemen 'had, in the ' meantime, been called in, and after great efforts, succeeded in getting, the fire under, but not before considerable damage heKl been done. The young man, when ; talon to the police ; station, simply re- ' marked : " He is my father, and is bound. to supply mo with money;", From the y*i\d look of his eyes, end his singHlar manner, there is reason to suppoae that his mind ia deranged.-—Our Paris Letter.