what is the general opinion ?

[jason_c]

Jonathan

I believe the reason the deranged social reformer theory has gotten no traction is because there are few previous examples to compare. A Nineteenth Century Beria with a social conscience is highly unlikely.

"Reformers" who showed such a callous attitude to the working man preferred others to get their hands dirty for them. Lenin and George Bernard Shaw being two prime examples of advocating working class suffering in the name of progress.

[DirectorDave]

Hop picking....or some seasonal harvesting.

[Jonathan H]

Thanks to those having a ponder about this old, now obscure theory.

A strong counter-argument to it is that Macnaghten never suggested such a motive, nor do the fragments -- mere glimpses -- we have on the druitts and MP Farquharson, nor do Griffiths and Sims [admittedly Mac is their only source], and nor does a North Country Vicar who might be talking about Druitt in a 'Western Mail' piece in 1899. The latter comes closest saying that the un-named gentleman went to help East End Unfortunates and then turned on them -- because he suffered from 'epileptic mania' (sic).