Age 1/11/78 (2)
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THE MANSFIELD TRAGEDY
The fact that the discovery of the body was not made previously is easily accounted for. The scrub is so dense that a number of persons might have passed close to it without their attention being attracted and the immediate scene of the terrible tragedy was not so closely searched after the bodies of Scanlan and Lonigan had been found, as an impression was very general that the desperadoes had taken Kennedy with them. The afternoon passed over, and still there were no tidings to indicate that even the faintest clue had been obtained to the movements of the Kelly and his desperate band, but in the evening the following important telegram message reached the detective department:-
Chiltern, 31st October.- To Detective Department.- Kelly and three other stuck up a man named Neil Christian, near Baumgarten’s place at Bangowannah, before daylight yesterday morning, and obtained provisions from him. Kelly threatened to shoot Christian should he give information. Information not obtained until half past three o'clock this afternoon. Assistance required to scour the country in the neighborhood of Bangowannah. – Sergeant James Lynch.
Meager and bare as the information it contains unfortunately is, the message- if Christian’s statement can be relied upon, and there appears to be no reason to doubt his veracity - clearly indicates the direction in which at the outlaws have been traveling; and with the assistance of the New South Wales police there appears to be every probability that they will soon be run to earth. It would seem that the bushrangers, profiting by their extensive knowledge of the country, have been rapidly journeying through the dense scrub skirting the banks of the Murray, and have now apparently made up their minds to cross the river into New South Wales. Baumgarten's place is a spot well known to the police on the Victorian side of the river nearly opposite Howlong, and some time ago was a rendered notorious as haunt of the horse-stealers who infested the border. It is a significant fact that Baumgarten was only recently convicted of receiving stolen horses, which it was stated during the trial had been stolen by Edward Kelly. After the fate of poor Kennedy, it is surprising that Christian escaped with his life; but probably the gang believe him to be to some extent an ally, or felt confident that the fear of meeting with his death at their hands would effectually purchase his silence. However that may be, it is a subject of deep congratulation that he effected his escape so successfully, and conveyed the information to the police. Had it been given earlier, of course it would have been much more valuable, but he would not be expected to run the risk of losing his own life, and the discovery of the direction taken by the fugitives will greatly facilitate their capture, as it will enable the pursuers to concentrate their forces with every probability of hemming them in. The telegram does not say whether the men were mounted or not, and it may be that they have been compelled to abandon their horses through their being knocked up, in which case they will probably be found staying; and unless the desperadoes succeed in stealing other animals after crossing of the Murray, which they have probably forded by at this time, their chance of escape will be greatly lessened. Further intelligence will be most anxiously awaited. The necessary formalities for proclaiming the murderers outlaws will probably be completed today. The Outlawry Bill was passed through all its stages by the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon, and will receive the vice-regal assent this morning, after which the legal steps rendered necessary well at once be taken. In prosecuting the search for the wretches no expense will be spared, and the Government will endeavor to handsomely compensate the relatives of those who may unhappily lose their lives while engaging in the work. That some such fatal incident will occur it cannot be denied is more than probable, and it is satisfactory to see that the inhabitants of the district are not wanting in courage to face the danger. Black trackers will be employed in endeavoring to track the ruffians to there lair, there wonderful instinctive perception having proved invaluable in many previous instances. It will be seen by a telegram from our correspondent that they have already a reached Benalla. It has also been suggested that bloodhounds should be employed, and in the event of there being any trace of the track of the bushrangers in the neighborhood to where they were seen by Christian, the animals might be a very import assistance.
The following telegram came to hand from a our own correspondent yesterday:-
Mansfield, 31st October.- Sgt. Kennedy's body was found near the side of the police camp at 8 o'clock this morning, with three bullet wounds in it. The intelligence was first brought up by Mr. Thompkins, one of the searching party.
Mansfield , 31st October.- The search party had started for the camp occupied by Sgt. Kennedy's party. Mr. Sparrow accompanied them and a first time Sgt. Kennedy's body, covered with his own cloak. They could scarcely recognize the sergeant’s features; they were so covered with blood and maggots that they could scarcely be distinguished. The body was found near to Constable McIntyre’s retreating track, and the sergeant was supposed to have been shot at the time McIntyre escaped. It is believed that the bushrangers have taken Kennedy's watch, which was gold, and valued at £40. The body is expected to be brought in about three o'clock this afternoon. The men who are out in search for the bushrangers have not sufficient arms. Are there none to spare in Melbourne! There is also a want of more horsemen to scour the bush.
Mansfield, 31st October.- Sgt. Kennedy's body was brought in this afternoon, but is only recognizable by its general appearance and the clothing. His face was quite blackened, and his nose partially gone. There was one large hole in his breast, as if a rifle had been put close to the body and fired after Kennedy had fallen. The clothing round the wound was also burnt. The right ear appears to have been cut clean off, as if with a knife. There is also a wound under the right arm. The volunteers had met parties of police, who started that they believed they were on the tracks of the bushrangers. The police complained of being badly equipped and that they are not sufficiently armed to cope with the bushrangers. The police from Greta had not a ride except one which they borrowed passing along the road. The seven constable engaged in the search have but four rifles between them. The complaints made here are against headquarters for this shameful negligence and all the pursuing parties are disheartened at having to go out and meet well armed ruffians while they themselves are so poorly provided with weapons. Messrs Tompkins, PW Bromfield, and W Collopy and Constable Orr deserve special mention for the part they took in searching for Kennedy. The inquest on the remains will be held tomorrow, and the burial will follow.
Benalla, 31st October,- There was a great crowd and extreme excitement here upon the arrival of the nights mail from Melbourne. The black trackers sent up by it are, however, considered too old for the hard work they will have to do. Sgt. Kennedy's murder has created a profound sensation throughout the district. The government promptitude in the matter gives universal satisfaction.
AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN IN AMERICA
by submarine telegraph
reuters telegram
San Francisco 25th October
A match was commenced to-day by the Australians with the team of 22 of the state of California. The Australians went in the first and finished their first innings for 197 runs. Charles Bannerman making the top score of 78. The Californians then went in, scoring 62 runs all out.
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