On This Day, 5 July 1917

Evening Despatch

Thursday 5 July 1917

PEEPS INTO THE FUTURE

PROPHET MEETS FATE HE DID NOT FORSEE

Sentence of one year’s imprisonment with hard labour was passed at the Birmingham Quarter Sessions to-day upon a coloured man, Rupert Montmorency, aged 43, phrenologist, who had been convicted of being an incorrigible rogue.
Detective-constable Vince proved the conviction of the prisoner at the Police court on 5 June.
In answer to the prisoner he admitted that he would not interfere if he saw him practising as a phrenologist at a garden party in aid of charity.
Mr. Willes remarked that the Legislature had a tender regard for the welfare of fools. Unfortunately a large number of people were misled into the belief that a man like prisoner had occult powers. Prisoner’s activities seemed to have been devoted to the future. Two women – police witnesses – went to his house and had conversations with him relating principally to the future.

A PROPHECY FULFILLED

The only prediction he made which was fulfilled was that at the head his bill, “Leaving shortly.” He did leave shortly – in the company of a detective officer. (Laughter.)
Detectives raided the place, found evidence that Montmorency had made about £10 a week during his stay Birmingham. He had a top room in Bristol road.
There was a pathetic side to the case. A large number of people were anxious about friends and relatives engaged on active service, and would take any means which they thought would give them information of those friends and relatives. Mr. Willes added that perhaps in normal times there would be a smaller market for man like prisoner.

PRISONER’S DEFENCE

Montmorency pleaded that palmistry might be practised under certain conditions. If it was right at a garden party for charity, it was right at other times. He was placed on the same level as other offenders, yet they would not think of allowing worker of the three-card-trick or a pickpocket to give an exhibition at a garden party. There were books on sale dealing with palmistry, but none entitled, “Pockets: How to Pick Them,’’ or “Houses: How to Burgle Them”.
Detective Vince stated that prisoner had a long list of convictions against him. He had served sentences for theft, fraud, and palmistry.