Changes

We have received from a correspondent an epitome of the [[Jerilderie Letter|written statement]] which the outlawed murderer Edward Kelly, left at Jerilderie on the occasion of his last robbery under arms. It is a wandering narrative, full of insinuation and statements against the police, and of the type familiar to all who have bad experience of the tales which men of the criminal stamp are accustomed to tell, it being as impossible to prevent these men from lying as it is from stealing. According to Edward Kelly, his criminal career commenced when he was 14 years old, when he received a sentence of three months imprisonment for using a neighbours horse without his consent. After this convictions were frequent and, says Kelly, somewhat naively, "the police became a nuisance to the family." At one period of his life Kelly describes himself as a "wandering gamester." When the affray with Constable Fitzpatrick took place, however, Edward Kelly was engaged in the horse stealing business, and he says he had stolen 200 horses. His narrative of what took place when Constable Fitzpatrick was shot may be given. He says -" Constable Fitzpatrick came to apprehend my innocent brother Dan. My mother asked him had he a warrant. He replied he had a telegram Dan was having something to eat at the time. My mother said ' If my son Ned were at home, he would throw you out of the house.' Dan, looking out of the window said 'Here he comes." Fitzpatrick turned suddenly round to look when Dan, throwing down his fork, jumped up and seized him and in the scuffle Fitzpatrick was shot." We quote this statement because of the publicity which has been given to serious charges against Constable Fitzpatrick. It was alleged in Parliament that the policeman had attempted to take liberties with Kelly's sister, and that this had led to the fight in the hut.