In the aftermath of Mary Kelly’s murder – which had taken place at some stage on the morning of Friday the 9th of November 1888 – all sorts of theories were circulating as to who the murderer might be, and, more importantly, where he might be residing.

One theory, that had gained momentum in the recent weeks, was that he might not be hiding out in London, or even England – but rather he was someone from abroad who came in and out of the capital.

The South Wales Daily News gave this idea a wide circulation in its edition of Saturday the 10th of November 1888:-

CLUES TO THE MURDERER

An important fact has transpired this evening which puts a fresh complexion on the theory of the murder.

It appears that the cattle boats bringing live freight to London are in the habit of coming into the Thames on Thursdays or Fridays, and leave again for the continent on Sundays or Mondays.

A DROVER OR A BUTCHER?

It has already been a matter of comment that the recent revolting crimes have been committed at the week end, and an opinion has been formed among some of the detectives that the murderer is a drover or butcher employed on one of these boats – of which there are many – and that he periodically appears and disappears with one of the steamers.

THE THEORY OF THE INVESTIGATORS

This theory, according to information obtained by a Press Association reporter, is held to be of much importance by those engaged in this investigation, who believe that the murderer does not reside either in the locality, or even in this country at all.

It is thought that he may be either a person employed upon one of these boats, or one who is allowed to travel by them, and inquiries have for some time been directed to following up the theory.

A BUTCHER’S KNOWLEDGE

It is pointed out that, at the inquests on the previous victims, the coroners had expressed the opinion that the knowledge of physiology possessed by a butcher would have been sufficient to enable him to find and cut out the parts of the body which in several cases were abstracted.

Up to nine o’clock tonight there had been no arrests, and the police appeared to be without a tangible clue.

They have been much hampered by the lack of information from the inhabitants of the locality, whose statements are most contradictory.

THE VIGILANCE COMMITTEE

The Whitechapel Vigilance Committee, who have recently relaxed their efforts to find the murderer, have called a meeting for Tuesday evening next, at the Paul’s Head Tavern, Crispin-street, Spitalfields, to consider what steps they can take to assist the police in this latter matter.