Independent gentleman. Been travelling for some years, and only returned to England a month ago. Was at Countess of Kerstoke's ball on Monday last left at a few minutes past two o'clock--walked along Piccadilly; met a friend in St. James's Street--spoke to him for a few moments. When he left him, met policeman, who guided him through fog to Jermyn Street--left policeman and went up steps, thinking it was Guelph Hotel--found there body of deceased--called policeman, and body was taken to hospital. Does not know deceased in any way.
Evidence of Constable Batter:
Corroboration of evidence of former witness.
Evidence of Dr. Fanton:
Examined body of deceased--well nourished. Deceased had evidently been in good health. Should say she had been dead at time of examination about three hours. Death appeared to have been caused by paralysis. The blood was disorganised, therefore he judged deceased had been poisoned, and disorganisation was caused by action of virus. The veins were congested--lungs full of blood, congealed and of a dark colour. The face was swollen, and of a dark purple appearance--tongue also protruded. Small wound on neck over jugular vein, in itself not sufficient to cause death. Thought from all appearances that the assassin had inflicted wound with poisoned dagger or knife, hence appearance of body. If a powerful poison, it would act in a very short time, as the blood in jugular vein went straight to the heart. Poison would act in about ten minutes--if deceased had been excited, in even a shorter time.
This closed the evidence.
Inspector said all inquiries had been made to find name of deceased, but no clue had as yet been obtained. The case had been placed in the hands of Detective Dowker who was present.
Coroner summed up.
Woman had been found dead--proved by evidence of Policeman Batter and Mr. Ellersby.
Death had been caused by poison--proved by evidence of Dr. Fanton.