The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1867-02-15
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Brutal MupSler.

q.
Yesterday afternoon foul and brutal muir
der was Committed, in the sailor boarding
house, kept by Mrs. Robert Douglass, in the
rear Of Messrs. 'Rurnery & Burnhams packing
establishment on Franklin, between Fore and
Commercial streets. The name of the muir
dered man is Charles johnson, otherwise
known as Dutch Charlie,,' a German, who
has resided in this country for many years,
and who has been employed by Mrs. Douglass,
since the death of her husband, as an assistant
and runner for her house. The facts asi we
gather them at the police office are the follow
ing: -...-.. .,asr,
Henry Keenan,, steward of bark Mary e.
Libby, arrived in that vessel in Boston Tues
day night. He came to this city in the train
Wednesday evening, and applied at Mrs.
Douglass for board, having, as he says, always
stopped there, but was refused by Johnson
Alter some words with Johnson,) he left,
swearing he would have his (Johnson's life be-
fore twenty -four hours. a. 5a.a $50
Between two and three o'clock yesterday af-
ternoon, while johnson was seated in the room
talking with Mrs. Douglass, Keenan, entered,
and, without a word of alteration, as Mrs. ID.
says, drew jacknfe from his sleeve and stab
bed Johnson twice-one of the blows in the
abdomen the other in the region Of the heart
johnson sprang up, enchanting, II am killedP'
and started out Of the house; few steps from
the door he fell dead 9ii +Ass 90 ai"i't
The blows were given quickly and unex-
pectedly, that Mrs Douglass had not time to
interfere. After they had been struck she
seized Keenan's hand and took the knife from
him. In doing this she cut one of his fingers
SO that it bled profusely.,.usal 4 fs ea
After stabbing johnson, Keenan, escaped. In
formation of the murder was forthwith COM
municated to the police, and search was made
for him. Deputy Marshal Irish and officer
Barbour traced him, by the blood that oozed
from tile wound on his finger, from the house
to India street, and thence to Washington
street At this latter point they took q sleigh,
and when about two.thirls the distance to the
bridge, overhauled HIM Officer Barbour jump
ed out OF the siegh and arrested him, Keenan,
remMlsing, II am the man you want" He was
taken to the lookup, where he confessed stab
bling Johnson, twice with the knife, but said
Johnson first knocked him down. This is de-
MED by Mrs, Douglass, who AYERS that John
son did not touch Keenan, after he came into
the house, until he had been stabbed ~
Keenan, was perfectly sober when he was ar
rested, and did not exhibit any Indications that
he had been drinking. He is abont twenty
six years of age, and has a good looking APP
pearanoe. 1t is supposed jealousy was the
cause of the attack upon johnson u.I 5.' .+i
johnson was about twenty -fonr years old,
and is represented to have been very indus
trious man, and of quiet disposition.
ID Coroner Hall commenced an inquest upon
the body yesterday afternoon. The jury, after
viewing the body, adjourned to o'clock this
morning, when DR.. Hunkins, who is making a
post norton exani nation Of it, win give his
stimony. A- 1888 2--. 81 i.'. P.