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Hello Folks, 
Because I don’t have regular access to an internet connection I’ll address my comments in general. Good points have been raised that draw on contemporary resources; and opinions, although without validation, are useful in promoting ideas.
I can whole heartedly agree that the scape-goating of Leather Apron and, I might add, the reporting in The Times of the murder and mutilation of a women in 1884 by the Jew Ritter, may well have been triggers for the Whitechapel killer to make a diversionary defence. I can’t place Anderson making any specific comments bearing on the GSG. A reference would be appreciated. His definitive statement in his 1910 biography “….In saying that he was a Polish Jew I am merely stating a definitely ascertained fact. And my words are meant to specify race, not religion. For it would outrage all religious sentiment to talk of the religion…” seems to follow on from other sources related to the witness identification.
On the other hand, trying to fake being Jewish would not fool a Jew. The details provided earlier show that the writer had a profound understanding of Jewish traditions that could only be derived by living as a Jew. It may be possible at a superficial level, but highly unlikely for a Gentile to incorporate the nuance of the Jewish way in this message, and how would you prove such a masquerade? A Jewish viewpoint would be appreciated in this respect and I’m open for instruction.
If the GSG pre-timed the apron then no Jewish resident had passed it from the time it had been written, as it would have been wiped off being in the mezuzah position and the hint of anti-Semitism. According to Halse the chalk was “fresh” – but then, he did not make it clear what time frame he had in mind. In a damp environment, natural diatomaceous chalk would discolour due to oxidation of metal impurities, grey, greenish, reddish.
I would propose that the coincidence of timing with the apron supports (does not prove) a connection with the apron. I am aware of Howard Browns (2005 and worth reviewing) proposal that with insufficient lighting it would have to have been written in daylight. Perhaps the Jewish residents only go home when it gets dark! (possibly drunk with home-made kirsch)
The writing by itself, or the apron piece on its own could easily be passed off as chance placement. But together there is a synergistic effect, they were dynamite for civil unrest and they were also a potent message to the Wentworth residents. It is quite clear that Warren thought the writing and apron were associated, directed at the residents of the Wentworth building when in his report wrote, “…that if it was left there the house was likely to be wrecked”.
As Dan points out, police views on the GSG are somewhat divergent, as it seems most views are about Jack the Ripper 120 years hence. On the other hand Anderson should have been the repository of all Police evidence, particularly with a pretty active secret police service directed at anarchist plots. Bear in mind that Berner Street was a meeting spot for many high profile socialist/anarchist activists. I personally would not dismiss his competence despite what appears to be his pompous, opinionated and self important manner.
While the discussion opens up interesting avenues of enquiry, so far I have seen little evidence to negate or even hint at modifying the mezuzah proposition. At the same time, I grant that the link between the writing and the apron may, in a one-to-one context, be circumstantial. Never the less, there is a coherent explanation that provides a credible motivation for the murders within a Jewish framework. It just seems that such a delicate hull is not quite ready for gale force winds.
Incidently Sam, Great picture. Spot on! How did you get that shot angle? Is this a demonstration of your computer wizardry?
I'll try to pop in again when we dock in Sydney, All the best DG
Because I don’t have regular access to an internet connection I’ll address my comments in general. Good points have been raised that draw on contemporary resources; and opinions, although without validation, are useful in promoting ideas.
I can whole heartedly agree that the scape-goating of Leather Apron and, I might add, the reporting in The Times of the murder and mutilation of a women in 1884 by the Jew Ritter, may well have been triggers for the Whitechapel killer to make a diversionary defence. I can’t place Anderson making any specific comments bearing on the GSG. A reference would be appreciated. His definitive statement in his 1910 biography “….In saying that he was a Polish Jew I am merely stating a definitely ascertained fact. And my words are meant to specify race, not religion. For it would outrage all religious sentiment to talk of the religion…” seems to follow on from other sources related to the witness identification.
On the other hand, trying to fake being Jewish would not fool a Jew. The details provided earlier show that the writer had a profound understanding of Jewish traditions that could only be derived by living as a Jew. It may be possible at a superficial level, but highly unlikely for a Gentile to incorporate the nuance of the Jewish way in this message, and how would you prove such a masquerade? A Jewish viewpoint would be appreciated in this respect and I’m open for instruction.
If the GSG pre-timed the apron then no Jewish resident had passed it from the time it had been written, as it would have been wiped off being in the mezuzah position and the hint of anti-Semitism. According to Halse the chalk was “fresh” – but then, he did not make it clear what time frame he had in mind. In a damp environment, natural diatomaceous chalk would discolour due to oxidation of metal impurities, grey, greenish, reddish.
I would propose that the coincidence of timing with the apron supports (does not prove) a connection with the apron. I am aware of Howard Browns (2005 and worth reviewing) proposal that with insufficient lighting it would have to have been written in daylight. Perhaps the Jewish residents only go home when it gets dark! (possibly drunk with home-made kirsch)
The writing by itself, or the apron piece on its own could easily be passed off as chance placement. But together there is a synergistic effect, they were dynamite for civil unrest and they were also a potent message to the Wentworth residents. It is quite clear that Warren thought the writing and apron were associated, directed at the residents of the Wentworth building when in his report wrote, “…that if it was left there the house was likely to be wrecked”.
As Dan points out, police views on the GSG are somewhat divergent, as it seems most views are about Jack the Ripper 120 years hence. On the other hand Anderson should have been the repository of all Police evidence, particularly with a pretty active secret police service directed at anarchist plots. Bear in mind that Berner Street was a meeting spot for many high profile socialist/anarchist activists. I personally would not dismiss his competence despite what appears to be his pompous, opinionated and self important manner.
While the discussion opens up interesting avenues of enquiry, so far I have seen little evidence to negate or even hint at modifying the mezuzah proposition. At the same time, I grant that the link between the writing and the apron may, in a one-to-one context, be circumstantial. Never the less, there is a coherent explanation that provides a credible motivation for the murders within a Jewish framework. It just seems that such a delicate hull is not quite ready for gale force winds.
Incidently Sam, Great picture. Spot on! How did you get that shot angle? Is this a demonstration of your computer wizardry?
I'll try to pop in again when we dock in Sydney, All the best DG
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