The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1866-03-17
TIM nRowNsvl1Ln TRAGEDY.

The phase his horrible affair has assumed since
oar last issue is most startling. The report first
brought last Saturday morning that Sidney smith
had shot his wife aud Afterwards cut her throat
and then morally shot himself, was soon changed
INTO a statement that the brother. Thos. smith.
who was on the place a. the time. and who origi-
hated the first report was himself the murderer of
bath the dead. He was arrested en- Saturday. and
% Meaday an examination was held before Jus
tee,Ellis Of Brownsville. The examination closed
on Tuesday, and resulted in Smith ; commista for
trial Al the ensuing term Of the Circuit Court for
3ehis county. March 26th. There were a number Of
witnesses examined, bat we hare not been in
Eermed Of the precise character of the testimony,
}arthsE than i was pretty conclusive against the
accused. S. A. Johns. Rsa.. Of Brownsville. an
PaEed for the Stair. and creanor { Helm, Rsqs..
g this city. fsx Smith. The chief witness for the
&Eoseeaeon, theeidest daughter of the murdered
couple, q young lady Of about 10 years, was not
anong the witnesses. She had given her testi
sony before the coroners jury however, and then
stated positively that her pnele <the accused. was
the murderer. A younger daughter. aged about
3 years, also swors to the Same terrible fact.
There arc many reports Of the details of the
e4air IN circulation. but all generally agree On the
following points, viz That the accused had been
living on the farm during his brother's stay in
Idaho and since Siineys return be Went t. live
vita . neighbor. On the fatal morning he went
ever = his brothers There had been some
tenble between them growing ont of the conduct
81 the accused in Sianeyss absence. Tic story
goes that he tied one of the girls in the orchard,
hen proceeded % the bloody work first he went
p the house and shot his brsther ; next shot the
wife, but net fatally, and she escaped into the
orchard he followed her. caught her. dragged her
into the smoke house near the naln dwelling. and
theTe cut her threat, Mr.. Cunningham soon after
Foae By, aud Smith called hita in, told hlA that
bis brother Sidney had killed his wife aKA then
himself and showed him the bodies. He appeared
to be greatly asitated over the affair. aud ex-
pressed great sorrow. Others were finally called
IA and the Developments made led 10 the arrest Of
the accused Ho is soon to answer before q jury
81 his countrysnen upon the frishtfa charge.
On Tuesday afternoon he was brought to this
place and l. new confined, security chained and
shackle3EN = strong room in the Court House.
TITS snst 70 the citizens Of Brownsville and
vieinirate that the Wild reports which tame
10 this pt4ee easls IN the week aboet the proposed
execution Of Smith BY a mob OF committee OF resi-
dents there had not = particle of foundation in
fael. There Vas no other disposition manifested
than to give the accused a fair. impartial examina-
ten, and 70 extend to him all the rights one in his
uetohea eendition Is guaranteed by law and 10
he fullest extent Good order characterized tha
proceedings there in every respect.