The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1852-03-30
Awful Tragedy in baltimore.

Our city was thrown into great excitement
TINS morniug by the perpetration of one OF the
most awful tragedies we have ever been called
upon Journalists to record. The location of
the dreadful affair is in Maiden lane, Ia small
court running from East TO Aisquth streets,
between Baltimore and Fayette streets. The
facts, SO far as we could ascertain. are as fol-
lows:
About 81 o'clock this morning. FIRE was dis.
covered issuing from the upper story of small
brick house in Maiden lane. one door from
East street, occupied for some time past by a
man named James White. a bootmaker. The
iremen and police were promptly on the
ground, and succeeded in conining the fire to
the part OF the house where it originated. No
one appearing in the house at the time of the
hre, and 1t being known that 1t was occupied,
some uneasiness was felt as to the fate Of the
inmates, and after the flames were subdued.
some OF the police ascended to the upper story.
where most awful and horrd spectacle met
their sight.
The body of White was found LAYING upon
the floor. with bis head nearly severed from the
body. his throat being cut from ear TO ear, and
few feet from him. near the hearth, was found
the body OF his daughter. about fifteen years
OF age; the body of qs little son. about years
old, was lying on the bed. The throats Of the
children were alse cut, and their bodies black
ened and burnt almost TO a crisp by the fire.
The scene was most appalling and those who
gazed upon ii. started back in horror! The
bodies were still warm and smoking from the
warm effects ofihe fire, and as soon as circum-
stances would admit, were removed to a stable
II was found, upon examination,
that the little boy, in addition to having his
tn roat cut. had his brains also blown out by a
pistol! The whole affair seemed almost too
dreadful for belief and had not the evidences
been lying before them the spectators mi ght
well have doubted If any could exist so har-
dened as to perpetrate deed so horrible.
Coroner Hooper was called on to hold an in
ques' upon the bodies, and from tho evidence
e!icited, the jury rendered verdict that the
deaths of the deceased were caused by having
their throats cut by shoe knife in the hands
OF James White. while probably laboring under
an attack of dslirium tremens-he having pre-
vIousiy, 1t is supposed. set fire to tho house,
This appeared to be the only conclusion to
which the jury could arrive. The knife was
found lying upon the floor, and was shown to
the jury. pistol was found afterwards, which
was used, it was supposed, upon the boy, the
back part of his head b ,ing greatly fractured.
This is the most horrible affair. and is anoth-
Dr. warning against q too free indulgence in
intoxicating drinks. White, it appears. had
been what is called stree drinker" for many
years, and while under the effects of liquor,
would buse his wife and family in bad man.
Ter. To such an extent had this been carried
,f late. that his wife, being on the eve of con-
was induced TO leave him about two
weeks ago, and went to reside with her grand
mother, where she now lies not expected to live.
The girl was left with him in order to take
,aro of the house and cook his meals. The
mother, it is said, on leaving him, took with her
he youngest chid-the boy-and Yesterday
White went to see his wife, and induced her
o let the boy return home with him, promising
o take care of him. He was probably at tho
ime, meditatng the deed which has filled every
me with horror. White was about 35 to 40
'ears DID, Baltimore Patriot.