THE BIDDULPH TRAGEDY.

Arrival of the Warrant for the Feehleys' Extradition.

THE REMOVAL TO BE MADE IMMEDIATELY

Speculation as to the Possibilty of other Defendants being made.

Interesting Developments Anticipated.

It is not many weeks since a thrill of surprise passed through the Dominion on it being announced that the two Feehleys (William and James) had made a full confession of all matters connected to the Biddulph tragedy, and that their confession affected seriously some thirty or fourty prominent residents of the now famous township. Subsequent revelations showed that the confession had not be so simple as was at first rumoured, and indeed that the Feehleys denied having made any confession at all. But this availed them little. The story of their arrest at East Saginaw, their removal to Detroit, the application before a commissioner for their extradtion, the evidence addresssed and the Commissioner's decision in favour of the extradtion, are well known to the public. It is now nearly three weeks since the recommendation that the prisoners be extradited was forwarded to Washington, and only yesterday the warrant for their extradition was received by the Attorney-General's Department in this city. The warrant is signed by Hon. Mr. Blaine, Secretary of State for the United States of American. It contains no special or remarkable reason for the extradition save that the prisoners William and James Fehely (so the warrant spells the name) now in custody at Detroit, have been charged by Her Brittanic Majesty Queen Victoria, etc., with wilful murder. The Ontario Government detective, Mr. J. W. Murray, will leave Toronto shortly for Detroit for the purpose of bringing the prisoners from that city to London, where their trial will be opened immediately.

There is much speculation as to whether the Feehleys will turn Queen's evidence as soon as they are regularly extradited, but judging from recent advices from Biddulph township, it appears to be immaterial in the interest of the justice whether they do or not, as it is rumoured that several others of those lightly connected with the crime, are manifesting a tendency to save themselves from unpleasant consequences by a full and free confession, and so anticipate the Feehleys. Whether these speculations will be realized or not, a few days, indeed, possibly a few h ours may tell. Under any circumstances the developments will be of a most interesting character.

Source: Unknown, "The Biddulph Tragedy — Arrival of the Warrant for the Feehleys' Extradition," Globe, June 29, 1881.

Return to parent page