Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), Thursday 23 November 1899, page 4


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AffOTflEft EXAMINATION.

At a meeting of the select committee appointed by the Legislative Assembly to inquire into ?mat-ters in relation to William Creswell, 'an inimate of the Hospital for Insane, Parramatta, it was decided that the best 'course to pursue was to 'have the man in question examined by independent medical men, in order to ascertain If 'he bore 'afly

of the body marks said to 'have characterised Sir Roger Doughty Tichborne. Drs. Pickburn and Devlin' were selected for the examination, ana yesterday, in company with Mr. J. C. L. Fitzpatrick, M.L.A., and Mr. Priestman, they proceeded to Parramatta, M carried out the work entrusted to them. An 'Evening 'News' reporter this morning endeavored to find out the result^ of yesterday's medical examination, and he accordingly first called on Mr. Priestman, who was found at the City Mutual Office, Hunter- street. Mr. Priestman was not communicative. He admitted that he had gone to the asylum as a sort of referee, and that the result of the examination must sooner or later be made public; but he had given his word not to disclose what he had seen. The reporter then tried another tack. 'It would scarcely be a braecb. of confidence, if yo-u were to liinet whether or not the examination substantiated your previously conceived opinion as to the identity of Tichbourne and Creswell?' was the Jesuitical remark of the pressman. Mr. Priestman could not see matters in this light, and simply answered that he had always been of the opinion that Creswell bore the Tichborne marks, with which Delphic utterance he terminated the interview. Inquiries in other directions, however, proved more satisfactory. The examination, it appears, was conducted by the specially-detailed doctors, in the presence of Messrs. Fitzpatrick aiid Priestman, ana the medical superintendent of the institution, Dr. Godson. Creswell underwent the examination with great patience, Dr. Godson expressing absolute surprise at the fact, as the examination was of a most exhaustive character, every point being gone over several times, the whole occupying three hours. Creswell appeared more intelligent than on the previous occasions when he was examined, and did everything he was requested without the slightest demur, though he ehowed no emotion and did not express any desire to know the reason . for the examination. Photographs were taken of him in eight or nine different positions, and he submitted to the ordeal with perfect quietness and indifference. As to the result of the exaCmination, though the report of the medical men will not be submitted to the select committee till Tuesday next, it has transpired that there is still a difference in height between Creswell and that of mfesing baronet, the former being 5ft 6%in tall, vhile the recorded height of the latter 'was an inch more. As Creswell is, how27er, sornswbat tent with age, ihis difference does not amount to roueh. It is stated that several marks, which were known to have been on Sir Roger Tiehbcrne, were yesterday found on Creswell, though tbeir non-existence was previously asssi'ted. Where the famous tattoo mark was, on the left forearm, there is a ecar, consistent with the theory that it was destroyed by searing. Mr. J. C. L. ' Fitzpatrick, when later on seen at Parliament Hcuse, declined to be drawn into making any ?ad-missions. When asked what Benefit it wo-uld be to Creswell if it was prove! that he was the missing Tichborne, Mr. Fitzpatrick replied that it would clear up the muchdebated mystery. 'Besides,' he added, -'if-Creswell is shown to be undoubtedly the man I have always contended he is, the State has no right to be saddled with the cost of his support. Some provision would have to be made for him out of the now alienated estates in England. The select committee sat this morning, and was occupied in taking the evidence of Mr. Priestman. It is anticipated that, in a few days, the 'Evening News' will be able to give further information concerning this matter.