Delaware gazette and state journal., March 11, 1897, Image 1

About Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902

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Entered at tbe poBtoftlce
Wllmlncton, Delaware.
siconp-cln«» matter.
|)Mit\VAKK NTATF .lOt'RNAIi, KSTABLlMIlKI» 1R3I.I ( , nNiil ,. . OB ™
IIKÜAWAUKiaAZKTl'IÎ. fcsTAUl.lMll»l) 1784.« 1-ONWn.lllATED I9K3.
NEW SERIES—VOL. NVII-NO. 37
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE, THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1897.
THE MYSTERY NOT FATHOMED
✓
Result of tho Inquest Hold In
the Tuchton Case.
THE CORONER'S JURY PERPLEXED
No Light Shed Upon the Bran
dywine Tragedy.
Ml In n Mi
Tho Fatal Injurie» I
tv ii t» the .1
rongly Opi»i
I—Theorlo*
In
by I'liyalrl
iveatigation.
i—A
Full Acc
"Resolvod, That Funnio S. Tuchton
cptnn to hor death from injuries re
manner
iorm unknown to
and about February 27th,
•eived i
the jury
1897."
Such was the vordict of the corn
's jury in the case of the young
nan whose body
Booth long r
It is a verdict
nd Rends it into history with
tiio significant parallel, "Anothor
Katie Dugan'Case,"
found in the
• Tuesday morning week,
hieb loaves tbo ca*»o
op
•hich was held in the
municipal court room Friday night,
opened about 7.45 o'clock and con
tinued for four houra Deputy Coro
nnr .lames T. Chandler conducted tbo
inquest, hut the corouer, J. Thomas
Wright, who is raroly present on such
occasions, wan also there and occupied
u seat upon the judge's platform be
Attorney-Geoeral Hobart O.
White und Court Stenographer E.
Hardesty. The jury, comprising
Charles Wbnnn, foreman; John W.
SiotHer, secretary; William 11. Mur
phy. James J. Doherty, A. P. Stetser,
Frank Carey, Willia
Myors und Pennell Stetsur,
chairs i
court 's desk.
Police Captain Thomas A. Kane
»State Detective Walter Witsil assisted
in getting tho case before the jurv.
Tho evido
Stenographer Hardesty and
questions w
general.
Before the taking of testimony began
Mr. Chandler directed tbe witnossoR
to go to the chief of police's room and
tho investigation was opened in tho
hearing of perhaps 40 persons, com
prising city officials, police officers and
others.
Mrs. Mary E. Ellin of No. 320 South
Twelfth street, Philadelphia, testified
t!u»t, she kDew Mrs. Fannie Taylor,
who had been Miss Piorce. A tintype
shown tbe witness and on it she
recognized a picture of Mrs. Tuchton's
as that of tbe Mrs. Taylor sho bad
kuown. She first saw Mrs. Taylor
July 6th last in hor parlor. Mrs. Tay
lor's husbnud.as the witness supposed,
whs with ber. They routed a room
from the witness, and Mr9. Taylor
reraaind there for three months. Wit
ness understood Mr. Taylor to be
traveling agent, and tboy said thoy
from Trenton, N. J.
>uld come to visit bis wife one, two
week. Tbo witnoss
questioned Mrs. Taylor os to ber
riage and tbe lattor said sho would got
hor husband to got or bring t)
tificuto, at:d he did show Mrs. Ellis a
certificate of marriage of Samuel Tay
lor and Minn Fannie Pierce. It was
signed by Mr. Burrell of Camden.
Witness understood that tbe certificate
afterward destroyed. Later Fannie
epolio to Mrs. Ellis, who was a trained
nurse,and wunted lier to perform a crim
inal operation, but Mrs. E
do it. F
until October lltb.
«Hponso to a question, tho wit
»id that Fannio was very loving
coined tho
what Fannie told tho
Bllis, however, said
ho treated
heard him
The inquest,
Lyons, E. E.
,'upied
front of tbo clerk of tbe
Chief of I'olice Dolan,
was taken down by Court
f tho
naked by tbe attorney
Mr. Taylor
1 three ti
Ilia refused to
• was at Mrs. Ellis' houso
I
ness
to hor husband, but he
ot hor
•it
s. Mrs.
that when sbo
Fannie well and she nev
use any rough languugo. F
to her that it, would
husband's family to laar
would disgrace hi
eyes of his family. He novor said any
thing about her condition. Hu said ho
would like to "get rid of tbo d—
thing." He
peatodly. lie
to 8500 to got rid of it.
suggested to senil it to a home, but
the husband said "ring its neck; any
way to got rid of it." Thereupon,
witness bud turned to Fannie and
asked her what she thought of tbat,
and Fannio ropliod tbat anything ho
all right,
s wont
finding of Funnio by her brother,
Frederick Peacock. Ho had recog
nized her through tho window and at
once caiuo to the door. F
down
witness "F
him in. If Stanley he
louvo
hi
id
do for her
ii",
of her con
ilit
in tbe
nimm this remark ro
said be wouid give 8100
Mrs. Elli
said
Mrs. Elli
to tell of the
io got
her knoea anti implored tho
God's sake, don't let
of it ho tvjJl
. " She then
upstairs. Mrs. Ellis lot Peucock i
ami his sister consented to
uftor he had waiter! about uu hour.
Fannie, on account of tho discovery by
her brother, told
Mrs. Ellis,
that this w
kill
hi
I'itnoRs thut she,
would be sorry for this;
tbe beginning of tbo end.
f ie left that Sunday evening.
Tho switch found in the Brandywine
was identified by Mrs, Ellis us one
worn by Fannie.
Mrs. Dotty Deidleman of No. 1507
Thompson streot, Philadelphia, w
tbe second witness,
court room veiled, and
I
Shu entered tho
.. . , - I when put upon
the stand, appeared nervous and it
fearod [hat ehi. would faint. Matron
Wogan was called in and fanned the
witness whilo sho wan giving her testi
mony. She was shown a small tintype,
which wero the portraits of four
young women, hv Attorney-General
White, and readily pointod out the
picture of tbe dead woman.
Biedlemao stated thut. Mrs. Tuchton
• l, k° r houce on Sunduv
night, October lltb, between 10.3Ü
and 11 o'clock, after sho, tho witness,
bad retired. Mrs. Tuchton gave her
Maud Pierce. Sho wuh alone
and. after asking if Mrs. Bcialem„_
"rtj 3 . tu Wwife, and receiving un
u.Jrmativo reply, immediately engaged
bourd. She was admitted and re
mained there tbat night in a room by
Perucif, Iho noxt morning she seemed
very nervous and Mrs. Beidionian
ttskod what was tho mattor und in
formed her thut if dotoctives mado in
quiry she would have to tell them that
fibo, Mrs. Tuchton,
Tucbton mude
first cam
name
there, Mrs.
reply, but frequently
after tbat time remarked that she
wiBbed she was dead. She gavo birth
to a child on January lltb. Stanley
j-uchton visited iicr regularly from the
time she first engaged board.
Li 18
t
visits wore frequent ami sometimes ho
«was tboro thron times in one week, but
be never remained ail night. A short
after tho child wua born Mrs.
lie id lemon, at the request of Maud, ns
Mrs. Tuch ton was Unown, took a walk
with her, and in tho course of a con
versation Airs. Tucbton expressed a
desire to oontinuo to board
Beidieman. Mra. Beidieman asked her
if sbo did not intond to go to house
keeping, to which she replied: "I'll
never go back to 'Wilmington alive.
I'll never give Lizzie Pyle a chance to
laugh over mo. I'll never go back
there." Sbo emphasized the declara
tion, Mrs. Beidieman stated, by clinch
ing her fist ar.d making a significant
gesture. Three weeks after the baby
was born tho young mother, without
previous notification, took the child
away, saying that she was going to
take it to friends in Trenton, N. J.
She left ahout 11 o'clock i
ingand returned In'
About Christinas timo Mrs. Bnidioman
rceived a ttuKav from "Sam Taylor,"
Stanley Tu« ton was known. Whilo
Mrs. Beidloman and Mm Tuchton
wero examining tho turkey Mrs. Tuch
ton asked Mrs. lieidloman what was
tho easiest death. Mm Jleidlouian re
plied that she did not know, but bad
beard people say that drowning was.
Last Saturday week Mrs. Tucbton re
ceived a registered letter, and uftor
reading it eeemod downhearted. Mrs
Beidieman questioned her about it und
she stated that "Stanley had loft her."
Mrs. lleidlemau tried to comfort bor
und Funnio said "I hope he'll not
throw himself away. He's been
good and kind to me; I hope be will
not throw himself away. He'll never
be back." Last Saturday, while Mrs.
lieidloman was :.t murkot, another
registered letter was received by
Fannio, and at noon Funnio left the
bouse ami the witness bad not
ber since that time. On Saturday
night "Sam" called at the door. Mrs.
lleidlemau uskod him if he bad
"Maud," as she always spoke of
Funnio, and he replied that ho bnd
not and asked where sbo was. lio re
mained about throe quarters of an hour
und left, stilting that he would come
to Wilmington, as he expected that
Fannio might bav
his futber. Ho roturued to tho house
9 o'clock, but in the moautimo
bad evidently changed bis coat,
ätated that he hud been to Wilmington
but failed to find Fannio, and said be
had an engagement to
brother at Broad street citation at 12
o'clock that night, lie left the bouse
and returned ut 1 o'clock, when ho
stated that tho brother had failed to
keep tho appointment. Ho remained
there during the night, nud left noxt
morning. He returned last Wednesday.
Thursday night Detectivo Witsil
visitod Mrs. Beidieman, und at his
request she accompanied him to tho
almshouse, whore tho child bad been
placed, anti identified it. In reply to
a question from Detective Tate of
Philadelphia, she stated thut nothing
had ever been said to her in regard to
the disposal of the child.
Stanley Tuchton was brought into
the court room, and Mrs. Deidleman
recognized him as the
been visiting hor house
name of "Sam Taylor."
Mrs. Maggie Cumpboil, daughter of
Mrs. Deidleman, who liv
corroborated ber mother's statements,
she was acquainted with the
facts. She also said that sbo had no
beard any cross words between Funnio
and Tuchton, and what appeared to
worry ber was the dread of coming to
Wilmington.
Ii
itb Mrs.
the morn
tho same day.
n hero to soe
lie
t Fannie's
who hail
'M
tho
itb hor,
far
io Wood of Philadelphia,
who makes a business of curing for
young children, stated bet ween 7 and 8
•eniDg late in January,
went to her bouse, accom
, and they left tho
Young Tuchton
Mrs. A
lock
V
paniod by a
chi id them,
brought info the court room und tbe
witnoss stated.tbat, ho was not tho
with Fannie that night.
man who
Tho couple gave tboir
d Mrs. Robertson of No. 702 North
Eighth street, but Mrs. Wood after
ward found that tboro were no such
persons living at thut addross. On Sat
taken sick and
Mr.
rduy last tho huby
sent to the almubouso.
it
Coronor's Physician Joseph R. Smith
testified to making the post mortem
examination. In his opinion death
produced by external violence.
Tboro was u mark running obliquely
tbo centre of the forehead,
if produced by some blunt instrument,
completely de
stroyed. Ho oxamined tbo lungs, und
found thnt death could not havo re
sulted from drowning. If she hud
fallen 50 or GO feet into tbo depth of
water under tho bridge tboro would
havo been socuo bones broken. Death
wa9 not produced by a fall into tbo
brui
and the right oyo
rare. There
Hide of tho head, which looked as if it
had scraped against something. It
was not sufficient, however, to draw
hloud. Tbo wounds could not have
bean sulf inflicted. They could ba
been inflicted with a club without
breaking tbo skin. There were bruises
all the way down the sido. The lungs
wore found to bo in normal condition.
tho right
Tho Dr. Joseph P. Pyle, who assisted
in making the post mortom examina
tion, stilted that tho woundu on the
forehead und head wero the direct
causo of death. There
wound on tho right eyebrow and eye,
usod death. Tboro
the back
a deo{
which probably
was also
by
deep wound
part of tbe skull. Death ensuod before
tbe body reached tbe water,
possible for wuter to
out respiration. In hi
woman was injured and bor death was
slow. Tboro were swelling*
right
with tbo blue finger
that bis theory
It iB i
eh lungs with
opinion, tho
and leg and those, together
auils, indicated
currect. There
decomposition presout and the
stomach was mirimd.
Detectivo J. II. Tate of Philadelphia
testified to tbe visit of Stanley Tuchton
and his father to the City Hull in that
city, where thoy reported that Fannie
missing. Thoy guvo hor name as
"Fannio S. Taylor." and h
Wilmington, Delawaro. Tboy said
she bnd left this city to visit friends
in Philadelphia. Tate asked thorn who
sbe
seemed to hesitate ubout telling, ami
he informed them that if they did not
tell bim he would havo nothing to do
. In reply to this, the
young man stated thut tho girl was
demented. Tho father gave tho name
"W. E. Tuchton, Wiimiogton, Dela
,'' wheu ho signed the complaint.
Father and son wero identified by tho
detective.
Detective Frank Gallagher also of
•donee
guiug to visit there und they
ith tho
18
the
ton.
child
looks
all."
child
that
child
Philadelphia, rolatod tbe details ot tne
visit of himself, Detective Witsil and
Stanley Tuchton to M
on Wed
Mrs. Do id le
you been to Wilmington? Did you do
any good?" In reply to thiB Mrs.
said : "Don't break down,
There was a short
Boidleman's
day. When Tuchton saw
bo.said to ber: "Have
Deidle
titouley. "
versation about the missing woman,
nnd tbe party left Mrs. Baidlemau's
bouse.
Mrs. Annie Pyle of No. 61G West
Fourth street, the dead girl's aunt,
Baid she last suw her niece
evening of July 6th, when she left her
house without saying where she
going. Tuchton hod
see h
the night sbo left he
to >ree her about half
had gono. Tbe next moruin
Pyle sent for him, as Fannie
returnod. lie pretended that he did not
know whero sbo
heard of F
later, when a letter was received from
hor stating thnt she was in Now York.
Tho witness did not know whether
Tuchton and Fannio wore married or
not. On tho 11th of October the wit
ness heard of Fannie's whereabouts.
been
tho
the
i he
been calling to
for about 26 months, and
st the house
hour after ehe
her
that
to
P.,
by
by
O.
the
told
It
of
ing
to
was
ing
On
a
on
to
a
his
the
to
to
to
for
in
I
bail
not
. Tho next she
about 10 days
Mrs. Pyle-statod that wniie Fannio
wns at her house she never beard her
thronten suicide.and she novor had aDy
trouble with Mrs. Pyle's daughter-in
law.
Albert S. Beale testified that be was
walking along tbe race bnnk Saturday
night week about 8 o'clock
ington bridge with Annio McC'lenigan.
Mis» McC'lenigan called his attention
to a splash in the water on tbe Joffer
street sidn of the bridge. He
looked, and thought he saw a dark
nbjoct about the size of a large boy
Hooting down the race Wb
about 10 feot from bim bo thought bo
w tho arms thrown un. and imagined
ho hoard a groan. He bad startod
toward tbo object, but finding that bis
companion was sinking to the ground,
directed his attention toward her. Sbo
told him sbo thought it
and advised him not to go
which they wont home. Mias McCleni
gun, who was also put upon the stand,
corroborated Beale's Htatoments.
Wit
it
mud dog
it, after
Miss Lydia MoQuiiieu, on nttomlnnt
at tho Delaware Hospital, said sbo saw
a woman, between 7 und 8 o'clock,
standing just outside tbe hospital
grounds, as if she were waiting for
sumebody. Sbo remarkod, however,
that this was nothing unusual, as she
frequently sees people waiting about in
tbe vicinity of tbo bridge.
Mrs. Rebecca L Morrow of No. 1328
King etreot, who know Mrs. Tucbton,
Baid she hnd not seen her, but that
Stanley was there on Sunday morning
and said he expected to meet F
thero. He called again on Tuesday
morning between 10 and 10.15 o'clock
and asked if sbe bad boon thero. Fif
toon minutos later tho body
found, but sbe did not know it until
1.30 o'clock to the afternoon, although
sbe lived but two squares from whero it
found. Sbe had seen lottorB from
Fannio, but saw nothing in any of
them about suicide.
Mre. Mary Kloberg of this city testi
fied that Mr. Tucbton came to her
house on February 22d and asked her
to go after Mrs. Pyle for Fannio wanted
to see her. But Mrs. Pyle was sick
.1 witness consented to visit Fannie
in place of tbe aunt. Sbe did so at
Tuchton's store, where Fannin greeted
her by throwing hor arms about her
neck. They had a long talk and Fannie
made no throat of suicide. She spoko
pleasantly of her pusband, said bo was
kind to her and sbo regretted that she
could not soo ber aunt, Mrs. Pyle. On
that evening Stanley said they
married. Fannie also spoko kindly of
Lizzie Pyle nnd when Stauley referred
to the trouble between tbom, sbo re
plied that for all that she liked Lizzie.
Mrs. Anatbalia Wilson, who lives
, stated that sho saw u
Fannie on Snt
Elliott
woman she thought
urday afternoon about 3 o'clock. Sbe
was accompanied by
tall, and they passed up and down by
hor houso throe times. Witness said
that the woman wore a black silk
satin skirt and something bigb up
around her nock, and bad on a dork
bat. The mun was dressed all in black
and she thought he had a light mus
tache. The last timo they pitssSd the
bouse thoy went as far as the open lot
up Elliott avonuo anil probably crossed
toward Washington streot. Mrs. Wilson
also thought she bad
about 6 foot
tho same
before, about a year ago, and in
company with the same woman. Sho
recognized the photograph of Mrs.
looking like the woman sho
Tuchton
Statn Detoctive Walter Witsil noxt
told bis storv, spoakiog first of being
told by George Pyle about tho last of
tbo first of August about tbe
of Fannio. Mr. Pyle
July
disappearanc
informed him that it was feared she
might do away with herself. But after
ward sbe
Witness then told of the flndiug of tbe
body in the race and gavo an account
also of Tucbton's statement, his ad
missions that he had gono to New
York to mail letters fur F§nnio to bor
auot iu order to
Tucbton told him
heard from in N
York.
bor tracks,
they wore married
under un assumed naiVie,and the names
ho gavo corresponded with those
obtained from tbo Rev. W. II, Burrell
of Camden, N. J,, by tbo detective.
Tuchton .informed tho witnoss that
he bad torn the marriage certificate up;
tbut they
uuder their proper names; thnt ho
mado arrangements to go to housekeep
ing. Witness referred to visiting Phila
delphia in company with Tuchton und
to a fruitless search in tho vicinity of
Washington bridge.
According to the witness, Tuchton
bad accounted for nil of tbe time
tetween 5.32 o'clock on Saturday ufter
uoon, when lie left Wilmington for
Philadelphia, until tbe finding tbo
finning of tho body.
Detective Witsil related tbe story of
bis search for tbe baby, which
born to Mrs. Tucbton
Januury. Ho learned tbat two children
bnd been takeu in at No. 113 Pine
street. Philadelphia, the latter part of
January. Mrs. Beidletnan went with
him and identified some baby clothes
there as tbo ones sho hud cut out for
Fannio's baby. Tboy
of tne babi
sick
phia Hospital
the marasmus, and tbo physician had
said he did, not think it would live to
get to tbo hopeitnl. On Friday the
detoctive, with Mrs. Biedleroon and
Miss Wood of No. 113 Pi
Philadelphia, went to the hospital to
look fox tba child. Fréta Mis a Wood's
going to bo married
in
of
tbe lltb of
told tbat
had been tukan away very
Tuesduy last in tbe Philudel
bulanco. It then bad
A.
■tree!
description of the woman who had
taken the baby to the Pino street bouse
the detective took it to be Mrs. Tucb
ton. At tho almshouse they found tho
child alive. It bore tbe nain a of Willie
Robinson. M
looks very much like it; lent faco and
all." Even tbe detective thought tho
child a living image of i'
Witness said Tucbton bad [told him
that hiB wifo said she would bave the
child adopted. A month's board bad
advance at tbe Pine
of
Deidleman jattid "That
father.
been paid i
streot bouse.
Elmer Thompson and Harry Moritz
testified to the finding of tbe body in
tho race.
Stanley Tuchton, the husband of
the dead woman, said: "Tbe last time
her (meaning hi
in) was on
tejegraphed
her in the afternoon to com4 to Wil
mington, as she was to meet hiy falber
that evening." His wife had been in
Wilmington on tbo previous- Monday,
when she had tbe interview with Mrs.
Kloberg and told b>
to Wilmington to live. On ^Thursday
although ho expected his
P., W. & D. railroad, nnd
station to moet her, she
by coming
When he did moot bor at hfa father's
store, she throw her arms around bis
neck. Ho asked hor what ihn meant
by this trick of coming by * the B. Sc
O. railroad, but she said she did cot
know.
regard to No. 713 Tatnall street,
the father was to give to tbe sen, and
told her sho might prepare a nut of
furniture sho would need for Ale house.
It seemed rather expensive^Jiving in
Philadelphia, and it was though! that
they m ght bourd bore until tbe 25th
of March. But she shook per head.
spoke as if she did nu want to
meet her people here. lie told of
ing her to tbe train and of promising
to sind hor a registered letter'With 810
with which to buy a wrapper. That
was the last letter ho sort to Her.
Witness stated that on Friday Sullie
Malonev, at Gardner's restaurant, tele
phoned him to eohio around that even
ing and seo ber, which lie did, and
while tbore spoke of his nice proBpocts.
On Saturday afternoon be oponod a
letter addressed to his wife. It was
a disboai t-jniug epistle and contained
something which he thought should ho
proven, und bo decided to go to Phila
delphia on account of it. Hoi-wont up
on the 5.32 B. & O. train anti went out
to No. 1507 Thompson streot. and
inquired for bis wife, but fouod she
wuh not there, although she was ex
pected back. He thought from several
things Fannie bad said bn had better
look her up. He thought sho might
bave come to Wilmington; that iho
might havo intended to get bdard here
and surprise him. Ho returned to Wil
mington on tho 7.40 train and boarded
a Delaware avenue cor in which he
recognized sovoral people. Ho wont to
his home on Jefferson streot, and found
that his wifo
partly changed bis clothing, got his
storm coat and wont to Philadelphia
the 9.16 train. Going tb the Thompson
street house ho found no tidings of
Fannie and decided to look up hor
brothei,Frederick Peacock to help him.
Peacock was to havo met him at Broad
stroet station at 11 o'clock, but failed
to do so, ami Tucbton, ufter waiting
tbore until 12.30 o'clock, returnod to
tho Thompson street house. Fannie
had not returnod. He thon went to
bed in Fannie's room. Thinking pos
sibly she might have left some note, he
rched the room, looking in trunks
and drawers and
pictures. Th
the time until 7 o'clock. Thut
ing he bought a Philadelphia news
paper to eon if he could find any in
formation about his wife. IIo returnod
to Wilmington by tho B. Sc O. railroad
and went, at his father's suggestion,
to soo if there was any word there from
Fannie. On Sunday morning he visited
Mrs. Rebecca L. Morrow, at No. 1328
King street, and mado inquiry there
for his wife, but learned nothing about
her. Later bis father suggested that
they both go to Philadelphia together,
but witness went
order to visit the Thompson stroet
house first. Ho aftoiward met bis
father at the station, and together they
wont to tho Central police station,
where he gave Detective Tate a detaiiod
description of every article bis wifo
had on. The detective asked what was
tho charge if she was found, and Tuch
ton renliod : " The girl is supposed to bo
demented." Another call at tbe
Thompson street house brought, no
news of tbe missing woman, and father
and son returned to Wilmington on tbo
10.02 train Sundny night,
had a
restaurant before going borne. On
Monday be had recoivod no word of
Fannie and that evening bo wont to
Philadelphia to inquire for hor. IIo
returned to Wilmington on tbe 8.35
train ond wont homo. On Tuesday
morning he showed a friend a picture of
his wifo and asked him to watch at
Sixth and Washington streets for her
in the hope that be might
going to hor cousin's, there. Lat *r
this friend and Capt. Kane came and
told him of tbe finding of bor body.
Witness went to tbe morguo and identi
fied tbe body.
Frederick Peacock,the dead woman's
brotbor, verified Tuchton's statements
that be bad called
Ho also apoko of Tuchton having deuiod
knowledge of Faunie's whereabouts
until after witness by his visit to the
Twelfth street bouse had discovered
her. Neither witness
had received any message of
I
Thursday evening. I had
fa by the
n at the
iaeil him
tbe B. & Ot railroad.
ii:
father spoke tp her in
hich
Wit
rot thRre.^ He
the backs of
be managed to murder
earlier train i
Witnoss
all oyster stew at Beckett's
her
the witness
bis family
icide.
This ended tbe testimony, and all
excludèd
. After a consultation of
but tho coroner's jury
from tbe
about 15 minutos tho jury reached
verdict of death from injuries
in an unknown manner
ived
i l( . m
EXAMINATION OF TIIK UACIC.
On Friday afternoon
mado of tbe south long race aftor
the water bad been lot
of material importance was fouod,
beyond tbe fact tliat
contained occasional obstructions
which might bavu chocked a body.
One small object found by a boy was u
small pencil, such
poccil their eyebrows. It was found
tbe foot of Adams street, and
to Capt. Kane. The hat
examination
t. Nothing
the bottom of the
to
'..•'ii —i
turned
has not boon found.
»1118. TUCHTON.
FUNKHAL
The funeral of Mrs. Staoley F. Tuch
ton took place last Thursday morn
ing from the residenco of Mrs. Martha
A. Tuchton, No. 213 West Eleventh
street, and tbe services and interment
wore strictly private. It bad been
announced tbat tbo funeral would take
place from the residence of William E.
Tucbton, No. 918 Jefferson atreot,
that street
crowd, anxious to
Owing to the ill
Tucbton, however,
avoid the curiosity sookers, the arrauço
raeuta
was disappointed.
Tho body lay in a handsome
bogany casket with tufted white pearl
satin lining, and extension bar silver
bandies. The body was surrounded by
vioiets.
The Rov. W. L. 8. Murray, D. D.,
of tit. Paul's M. E. Church, conducted
tbe services, and interment was mado
in the Tuchton family burying lot in
Wilmington and Drandywiuo cemetery.
( Additional particulars on flltb page.]
s black with u curious
the funeral,
of Mrs. W. E.
•der to
d i
changed and the crowd
WILLIS-HANDY CONTEST.
rno ii
tigutor* Show
Alleged
\
r'ihree Hun
id In Sussex County.
Special Correspondence ot Gazotle and Journal
Georgetown, March 5.—Tho "inves
tigation" concocted with the Willis
test. came to rn end Wed
nesday evening. The result showed,
according to tbe investigators, that in
ali except five of tbe 15 election dis
tricts of the county, there wore re
turned on the certified voting lists, tho
names of more voters who entered the
booths und voted than there
ballots in tbe baWct boxes. The dis
crepancies were as follows :
North West Fork hundrod, 28; South
Milford district of Cedar Creek, 18;
Nuticoke, 22; Georgetown, 4; Lewes
and Rehnboth, 29; Broadkiln, 34; Sea
ford, 60; Broad Creek, 48; East dis
trict of Little Creek, 41; West district
of Little Creek, 44; total, 328,
At the uioso of tbo investigation, tho
figures for Broad Creek hundred wore
90, but for some ronson unexplained, it
was reduced to 48. Stenographer Guyor
of Wilmington, has been presont and tho
stenographic report of tho outiro pro
ceedings will bo forwarded to tbe
House committee on elections at Wash
ington, where tho contest will be
settled.
John M. Richardson of this town,
baa been retained by Mr. Handy, nnd
with Messrs. Gray and Cochran of Wil
mington, will conduct tho Handy aide
of the contest before the Congressional
committoo.
tho Lute F.l
Handy
FREIGHT Vi
WRECKED.
& II. Rnilrnnd
An Accident
i;i
A freight, wreck occurred about 4.30
o'clock Friday morning on tbo l'.,W. &
Broad in tbo vicinity uf Elkton,
blocking both northbound and south
bound travol.
The accident was caused by the
breaking of an axle and the consequent
breaking of a draw bar, which derailed
14 cars. Tho northbound track was
partially cleared and a temporary truck
was
B.
around to relieve tbe blockade.
The first trains north
several
specials. The trniD due hero at 6.39
o'clock arrived at 9.35 o'clock. Other
trains followed in rapid succession,
and in a short time matteis
fairly good shape. By noon the tracks
cleared and trains were enabled
to run both ways on schedule time.
Nobody was injured in tho wreck,
but while oloaring away the debris
Conductor Leonard of tbo wreck train,
which had boon sent from this city,
slightly burt.
in
SFMOCSLV
I.JURED.
rd Grclf!i Skull Fi
by a Stone
If
Thrown by a N
Sowell Massey, colored, inflicted seri
iujurios upon Howard Groff at
Eighth and Scott etreets Friday after
noon.
Massey was assisting i
goods of a
Granogue to a b
Scott streets.
moving the
from
at Eighth and
A crowd of boy wero
standing at the corner and Massey
instructed to drive them away by
his employer. Ho went out and threw
a stono, which struck Groff.
Tho negro became frightened nnd
started for Granougo. Capt. Kane de
tailed Offi
natnod Ti
Riley and Ward on tbo
and Massoy w
State line **nd brought to this city.
Howard Groff, the injured hoy, is 12
years old, and rosidos at No. 1921 West
Seventh street, lie was removed to
the Delaware Hospital, whore it w
found that his skull is fractured.
ght
tbo
Thu
tie Thx.
A number of merchants and manu
facture
hility of auking the Legislature to
make some alteration in tbo mercantile
tax system. At present persons paying
required to mako affidavit
to tbe exact amount of tboir business
for tbe year, which, it is claimed,
unfair ad
ill be prepared
thut tho exact
considering tbe ndvi
that tux
curious people
bill
gi
vantuge. A
changing tbe system
amount of businoss done by morebants
and manufacturers will cot- be oxposod.
,'ery rating of tux tbore is to bo a
limit- of busi
I'
and minim
maxim
ness.
Ordained to tlie ministry.
Charles E. Hurl burt, who leads the
Monday evening Bible class at Asso
ciation Hall, this citv, was ordained
minister and
Friday night
stalled as pastor of a
known
Church, organized i
church,
tho Philadelphia Missionary
West Philadel
phia. Mr. Hurlburt baa been active
iu Y. M. C. A. work and in Bible
teaching. He is at present superin
tendent of tho Pennsylvania Bible
Institute.
Crook Takt-n to Kirkbride.
Robert R. Crook of Philadelphia,
who married a Wilmington woman live
s ago, and who
aivay with
another woman a few weeks ago and
subsequently captured i
and taken to Philadelphia, was
amined
Texas
Friday by physicians, who
pronounced bim to be of unsound miud
and ordered bim sent to the Kirkbride
asylum.
Held for
Delnplaiuo Maeey, colored, charged
with assault with intent to kill Robert
Johnson, colored, by stabbing him in
the abdomen on Sunday lust, was held
in $509 buil for his appearance at tbe
upper court. Johnson, his victim,
appoa r od as a witness, showed a dis
position to shield Macey, and he
uftonvards placed under $200 bail as a
witness.
Ionian Silver
Denth ot
Solomon Silverman died Friday morn
his residence,
ing of heart disease,
No. 108 West Front street, aged 38
years.
AN UNWtLCOME REVELATION.
by Congress for
Tho 151" Appro]
Wilmington'* Harbor ti
President Lawton made the startling
announcement at tho meeting of the
Board of Trade Friday night that the
8295,000 appropriation which
contly made by Congress for improving
the Christiana river was of no avail,
as tho engineers, after an examination
found that 6170,625 would be required
to do flie work which was specified in
tho bill, makiug tbe appropriation
According to Mr. Lawtun, who has
given tho matter close attention, the
bill calls for dredging a 21 foot channel
from the mouth of the Christiana to
tho works of tho Ilarlan Sc Hollings
worth Co., and as the amount specified
will not pay for the work the appro
priation cannot be touched, according
to a recent decision of the Secretary of
War, in accordance with which it is
necessary that the full amount must be
available bofore tbe work is started.
It will bo necessary, therefore, to work
for an additional appropriation before
Wilmington can reçoive any benefit.
Mr. Lawton stated, however, that
there in an appropriation of about $20,
000 for improving tho Christiana, and
ho understands that the work which
that calls for will bo commenced within
30 days.
It is understood that a big itom in
dredging, if a 21-foot channel is to be
made, will be tbe removal of trouble
some rocks in the vicinity of Third
stroet bridge, which, tho engineers
estimate, will cost about 890,083.
Patrick Neary suggostod that the
board might make an effort to bave tho
appropriation applied with a view to
making an 18-foot channel,and thought
it might be accomplished by way of
an amendment to tbe bill making tbe
appropriation. He believod that by
getting the engineers to recommend
thut tho channel bo made 18 feet
instead of 21 feet that tho desired end
could bo accomplished through Con
gressional euactmont. Ho also sug
gested thut a committee bo appointed
to consult with tbe engineers on this
puint.
Alfred D. Warner made a motion
that; the rivor and harbor
tho board confer with Delaware's Sena
tors and Representative in Congress,
to having them use their
efforts in the direction of having the
depth of tho channel changed to 18
feet instead of 21 feet, so that the
appropriation of 8225,000 can be used.
The idea mot with favor and the
motion was unanimously adopted.
President Lawton state! that the
ted to know what the
going to do with the sewage.
Ho* thought that tho city should uane
ual appropriation for harbor
Mhi
ittoe of
ith
engineers
citv
improvement.
Tho mutter of the proposed now city
charter
Marvel suggested that it would bo wise
to call a town meeting in order to
have tho citizens expross their views in
regard to it, and on motion bf A. S.
Rood, the president waR authorized to
II a town meeting for some oarly date,
at which tho charter can bo freely
discussed and tbe opinions of tho
goneral public obtained.
The president was also authorized to
appoint a committeo cf five to mako
arrangements for tho meeting, which
bn held about next Tb
etails in regard to dute
brought up, and Josiab
will probably
y. Tbo d
and meeting place will bo decided and
announced by tho committee.
The new charter for the board, which
has been prepared for presentation to
read and discussed
day
tbe Legislature,
and approved, aftor Mr. Marvel had
explained that it followed in tbe line of
the old charter, except, in tho matter
of port wardens, which had already
been provided for by Legislative enact
ment. The now charter will give tho
board nil tho necessary powers, although
it ie brief.
A communication was received for
Secretary II. D. Spoakman of the new
bourd of trade, thanking tho
Wilmington board for information
which assisted tbe Lewes pooplo in
organizing tboir board.
The president was authorized to np
committoo of five to mako
L
point
arrangements for presenting
service to tho new gunboat Wilmington.
ATTEMPT 10 BREAK JAIL
»luil
A Ilottio or Vitriol
Cull at tho N
Special Corresponâfnee of Gazette and Journu!
New Castle, March. 6.—Another at
tempted jail delivery ba* come to light.
On Thursday, during tho investigation
of tbe cells by tbo wardens, a bottle
of vitriol was found in coll No. 18.
Tho occupants of the coll aro Arthur
Webster and James Mitchell, who
serving five year son tances on account
of the Banning robbery and Ehvood
Gibbons, who is serving a sentence of
tbo charge of robbory.
Tho men had evidently intonded to
tho vitriol on tbe bars of the cell
window to facilitate sawing,
have not yet boon located,although tbo
wardens made a thorough search of
tbo coll.
The usual weekly search of the jail
was not mado last week, owing to the
of tho wardens and some
of tbe men took advantage of tbe op
portunity to mako preparations for
escape.
The search instituted this
a great surprise to tbo
foiled several attempts at completing
preparations alroady begun for a jail
delivery.
Tbo wardens deserve credit for their
koen method of detecting irregularities
among the prisoners.
9
Tho saw a
?ek was
and has
A Mow lteconl.
A special irai
und two
composed of an
bearing somo New
engi
York artists passed through this city
■dt 5 o'clock Thursday afternoon, on the
P., W. it B. railroad, en route from
Washington to New York. The train
made tbe trip in four hours and nine
minutos, boating all previous records.
A Fatal Stroke.
Catherine Lentz, who was
strickon with paralysis Thursday week,
died about noon Friday at tho residence
of her brother, David Lentz, at Gare
sebe's Lane and lloald street. She
81 years of age und was an aunt of
Police üfficor Lyons.
;
led II«
William Wharton of this city who
has been visiting in Lob Angeles, Cal.,
has returned home.
ltet
The Norfolk, Va., Trust Co., which
hus been winding up its affairs for
•ome time,made an assignment Friday.
THE FEDERAL JUDGESHIP
Memorials Being Circulated By Tire*
Applicants for the Position.
SPRUANCE STRONGLY ENDORSED
Conrad and Ward tho Other
Candidates.
McKinley hus become President of
these United States, and the Demo-
crats having missed tbe opportunity
to secure tho Federal judgeship, it re-
mains for President McKinley to select
a Republican for that responsible po-
sition. It will not be because of any
luck of material from which to choose
a Judge that will delay the President,
although bo may consider for some
timo ovor the material which comes
under his observation. Several lawyers
have been mentioned for the place,
aiming them ex-Senator Anthony Hig-
gins, Clerk of United States Court 3.
Rodmond Smith, Edward G. Bradford,
Henry C. Conrad, Herbert II. Ward
and William C. Spruance. Ali these
have bueu mentioned, it is true, hut
tbo contest, for tbe place will in all
probability lie between MessA, Conrad,
Ward and Spruance. Some days ago
-Senator Higgins was thought to bo
looking towards tbo appointment, but
be seems now to be out of the contest.
Mr. Bradford, who it is conceded
id make a good Judge, would
probably not stand in tho way should
the appointment tend to go to Mr.
Spruance, and if not, may be expected
to bo in tbe field.
Tbe tb
talked of
Ward and Conrad, and for them
petit ions of endorsement are understood
to bo in course of preparation. Mr.
Spruance has tho endorsement of
practicully two-thirds of the members
of tho bar, and one of bis supporters
said there was little doubt of bis ap
pointment. Mr. -prUanee, who is 66years
old, is looked upon by tbo lawyers
one of tho leaders of tbo bar. He and
Senator Gray aro held in similar re
spoct in that regard. There has always
been a fooling among the membors of
tbo bar that there was judicial timber
in him and that he would make a good
judge. Ho mado a good fight for tbo
judgeship in 1884 and at that time was
largely endorsed, but Judge Wales
recoivo tho appointment. It is expected
that the Higgins people will bo a
unit in tho endorsement of Mr. Spru
aDce. In tbo community outside of the
bor there is hold to be a good deal of
diversity of opinion, and eorae look
with more favor upon tho appointment
of a younger
Mr. Ward is supposed to bo the per
sonal choice cf J. Edward Addieka.
AjtOHTEl) HIlTviPE IS BE It,
Wlllmin Clark,an Iuvalnl,Received Injurie»
From Which He Died.
William Clark, aged 60 years of
No. 1810 Gilpi
burned on Friday afternoon by the
firing of tbo bed clothing of his bed.
Clark lived with tho family of Nicholas
Maher at tbe address given. He is au
invalid, and whilo lying in bnd lighted
his pipe, unfortunately dropping a
spark upon tbo bedding. This was
soon ablazo and ho was surrounued by
flames. His cries for help
hooded ond he was taken from tbe
room, but not bofore he had received
bad burns about tbe face, arms and
body. Dr. John Palmer, Jr., was sum
moned to attend him, and had Clark
sent to tbe Delawure Hospital. The
injured man spent a painful night and
his condition grew worse until relieved
by death Saturday afternoon about 1
o'clock.
tbo raoBt
Messrs. »Spruance,
, was fatally
H I I
THE IAS1GI AFFAIR.
A True Bill Keporteil Against the Turkish
Consul
nottoo.
Boston,Mass., March 6.---The Suffolk
nortod a true
grand jury, to-day
bill against John lasigi, Turkish con
sul at Boston, fur the embezzlement of
trust funds and securities. He is under
arrest in New York, pending tho pre
paration of extradition papers. There
73 counts to the indictment, covor
:urity and all
ing overy note
money entrusted to him, and the
amount of the sums alleged to havo
boon embezzled exceods $100,000.
Appointe
senator.
Col. John
Atlanta, Ga.. March 6.—A special
from Savannah to tho Journal says:
"Col. John Hendersou, vico-presidont
and genoral counsel of tho Florida
Central & Peninsula railroad, while
hero
court business last night, ro
ved a telegram from Gov. Blcxham
of Florida, tendering him appointment
to the United States Sonate, and Hend
erson wired acceptance."
Serious Fire iu a Bicycle Plant.
, Syracuse, N. Y., March 4.—The fac
tory of the Barnes Cycle Co. was badly
damaged by fire to-day and tho plant
of the Duguid Saddlery Co. was de
stroyed. The fire was caused by the
plosion of apparatus used for tho
manufacture of gas for the bicycle
plant. The lire was under control in
hour. The Iosb is about $75,000.
ethoiiita Conference.
Manhattan, Ivan., March 6.—The
Kansas Methodist Episcopal Confer
ence, in session here, voting on the
proposed Constitutional amendment
to whether women shall bo permitted
to become delegatus to tbe General
Conference, decided iu favor of the
women by a vote of 84 to 35.
ra AI. Jaccard.
New York. March 6.—Mrs. Clara M*
Jaccard, granddaughter of Laura Keene,
actresH, and daughter of Albert L.
Rawson of Woodcliff, N. J., died last
night of pneumonia.
To Be Kntertaiuert by Air. Bayard.
London,Eng., March 5.—Mr. Bayard,
the American Ambassador, will enter
tain tho Lord Mayor of London and
city maguatos at his residence
Murch 19th.
Death of Air*.
Lost.
San Sebastian, Spain, March 4.—•
Tho French steamer Blanche
wrecked while leaving Pasages, three
miles east of this port. The crew was
Steamer Wrecked and
lost.
Revolution in Urnicuay.
March G.—A dispatch.
Uruguay, to Lloyds
London, Eng.,
from Montevideo,
says tbat a revolution has broken ouf
in the interior of that Republic,