Inept assasin

ATTEMPT TO ASSASSINATE MR. CHARLES BUXTON, M.P. - An attempt to assassinate Mr. Charles Buxton, M.P. for West Surrey, was made at his residence in Grosvenor-crescent, Hyde-park.

Mr. Buxton for several years had had in his service as secretary a young man named Arthur White, in whom the most implicit confidence was placed. Latterly, however, he neglected his duty so much that Mr. Buxton felt constrained to give him a three months’ notice to leave, and subsequently he had occasion to reduce the time to one month.

On the 26th he attended in Grosvenor-crescent as usual, but Mr. Buxton was called away, and White was desired to wait his return. He failed to do so, and the next day Mr. Buxton requested him to meet him this morning at 9.30, as usual. Mr. Buxton reproved him slightly for not waiting his return on the 26th, and said that at any rate he might have sent him the papers by post, and to this White made no reply.

Mr. Buxton then requested him to procure the Army List from another apartment. The man for some time was as sullen as before, but ultimately he made an impertinent observation, and in consequence was told to leave the house. He then said, “You want the Army List, do you?” and Mr. Buxton replied, “Yes; go and get it.” He then fetched the book, and as he went towards Mr. Buxton the latter said, “Mr. White, why do you treat me so insolently? I have done all I could to get you another situation, but really I can hardly recommend anyone to employ you.” White answered, “I don’t believe a word of it,” and, leaning on the table, he scowled viciously at Mr. Buxton. Thinking that the man merely intended to assault him, Mr. Buxton remained seated, and said, “Why, you know I asked a gentleman to employ you, and have been looking out in other directions,” and White then returned to his seat at a table.

The conversation was continued for a minute or so, and then Mr. Buxton desired him to leave, as he could not tolerate his conduct any longer. Mr. Buxton went towards the door, and instantly he heard the report of a pistol. Starting round, he saw the man standing in front of him and pointing a revolver at his head. Believing that a second shot was intended, the hon. gentleman threw himself down behind a table, upon which his would-be assassin observed, “Are you wounded, Sir?”

Mr. Buxton rushed at the man for the purpose of disturbing his aim, the revolver being still pointed towards him, when White rushed to the door and ran into the hall, followed by his master. Before Mr. Buxton could secure him, however, he had opened the street-door, had entered a hansom cab, and had got clear away.

On searching the study a bullet mark was found in a wall immediately over where Mr. Buxton stood when fired at, and the bullet itself was found lying in the middle of the room.

Information of the attempt to murder was immediately given to the authorities at Scotland-yard, and Colonel Henderson placed the matter in the hands of Inspector Pay and Sergeant Daisy. White was subsequently captured, and, being found to be insane, was directed to be kept in custody during her Majesty’s pleasure.