druitt getting the sack

[Wickerman]

Ah Wickerman - disagreement!

Victorian society didn't hide or shrink away from 'normal' relationships between men and women.

Hi Lechmere.
We don't have much to go on concerning Druitt's private life.
And, in so far as reading about any twilight exploits with the opposite sex, newspapers were not so inclined to delve into private lives like they are today, and besides, why would Druitt draw any headlines?

Not knowing whether he liked women, or was ever seen at Madam Spanky's on a weekend is not an indication he was homosexual - we simply have no information on that score, thats all.

[Ben]

this story about murderer killing himself after last murder also been a toff fits in nicely.

With what?

[Lechmere]

Ah Wickerman - disagreement!

Victorian society didn't hide or shrink away from 'normal' relationships between men and women.

Macnaghten described Druitt as sexually insane.
The only logical conclusion that can be drawn from this - supported by his sacking from the Boys School and subsequent suicide, supported by his failure (like Oscar Wilde about a year before) to gain election to the Oxford Union, and supported by his affected photographic portraits - is that the form of sexual insanity Macnaghten referred to was homosexuality.
That was the most prevalent form of sexual insanity as then thought.
Victorians thought that homosexuals were also woman haters, and by extension capable of any dastardly deed.

It can't be proved but it is the most logical conclusion.

[pinkmoon]

Yes Nick I think you hit the nail on the head never believed in these major police conspiracys or cover ups but a few people from the higher classes yes

[Nick Spring]

There are elements of conspiracy(if I dare use that word ) and society closing ranks and the true story not getting out. The truth will never be known.

[Wickerman]

You will never find a female linked to Druitt,

We shouldn't expect to though, Victorian society being what it was.

Which leaves homosexuality

The same situation applies, no noticeable links to a male either.
On both counts we are left to our suspicions.

[Lechmere]

But we have no reason to think the school suspected anything linking Druitt to the Ripper murders.

[pinkmoon]

I think if there was any real evidence like blood stained clothing ,knife,or body parts found in druitts room then yes the school would cooperate with police but if it was just rumour or gossip because of his suicide then no they wouldn't

[Lechmere]

Maybe you would but the idea the school would have been complicit in hushing up an event of that magnitude does bear scrutiny.

[pinkmoon]

Call me old fashioned if you will but if I found out that the school where I was paying a lot of money to have my children educated was linked to the worst crime of all times I think I would withdrawn them from such an establishment

[Lechmere]

If Druitt was a chronic masturbator then who would know? Unless he did it in public which would imply some other form of mental illness, unless he was some type of flasher. Which seem unlikely.
You will never find a female linked to Druitt, so an over active heterosexual drive seems unlikely and less likely still to be the cause his sacking nor to be worthy of police comment.
Which leaves homosexuality, which is the obvious inference but one that some are reluctant to accept.
It is the obvious reason for his sacking – the sort of minorish transgression that would result in personal disgrace and social exclusion, but could be and was hushed up to avoid scandal by association.
The idea that the school would hush up damning evidence that Druitt was the Ripper is risible.
The idea that Macnaghten would be motivated by protecting the name of a ‘fairly good’ family is also risible. Fairly good – i.e. a little inferior – not quite the thing. Non U.

[pinkmoon]

I think the term sexually insane in Victorian terms meant hommosexual I remember watching a programme years ago about Oscar Wilde and I seem to remember that expression been used might be wrong though

[lynn cates]

unhealthy

Hello Graham, Jon.

"I'm sure one of the Druitt threads provides information from the period which indicates the term 'sexually insane' also includes an over active sexual drive (heterosexual)."

Insane would refer, broadly, to its Latin etymology. Insane = insanus--unhealthy.

Cheers.
LC

[Robert]

Hi Jeff

Jonathan has replied to you here :

http://www.jtrforums.com/showthread.php?t=9937

[Wickerman]

...Mac also said that it was alleged that Druitt was 'sexually insane', a term which in Victorian times could refer to a masturbation habit. or homosexuality, or both.

I'm sure one of the Druitt threads provides information from the period which indicates the term 'sexually insane' also includes an over active sexual drive (heterosexual).

Sims also adds that Druitt was suspected not only by Scotland Yard, but also by his friends.

The reference to Scotland Yard is indeed interesting, it would be nice to learn of the source used by Sims.