New-York tribune., 1869-03-27
TIE PHILADELPHIA TRAGEDY
FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ARREST OF TWO
PERSONS on SUSPICION.

FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS : ARREST OF TWO
PERSONS on SUSPICION.
Further investigations show that robbery was
the object of the murder OF Joseph W. Smith, in Phila
delpha Oh Wednesday last BY his industry and frugal
ty he had saved considerable OF money. and It s
gains in the apartment where he slept About three
ysa5s snss an hnt ne Thieves were overheard and
frightened of before they succeeded Lees than
fortnight after this match was applied to the building
and tie flames spread through one OF the apartments
destroying the contents The fire was II is tEOugh KIN
e sea rory y Ty @ the nope that they would have an o
portuuity during the excitement to break into tho mnr
thew were frustrated Baaed in both attempts they
sought 20 accomplish their purpose by numbering the
ianor He was q sickly man. having been left wreck
By typhoid fever and epepe fts succeeded hat mHa mr.
with tho handkerchief then throttled him with the sash
throw him 10 the floor. tied his bands, and dragged MIN
Tho room was then ransacked, and the valuabes
in the deceaseds pocket were empued out
and The tin box which Is believed 10 have contained the
Among the deceaseds effects revolver; this the
robbers doubtless intended TO carry off, but the thought
Of being discovered may have occurred 10 them az tns
moment. and their helpless aud speeehless victim lay
through his he al. Tho deceased may have been lying
down when the murderers entered, and they. PERHAPS
BLOOD spots were here and there visible about the apart
ment the door containing several botches did also
Il has been asceralned that about Wednesday
two entered the place to inquire about letting rooms
OF fancy dresses. These men left small deposit and
to call IN tho afternoon and get their dresses but
whether they did is not known. An Inspection OF tile
body yesterday disclosed confused wound upon the
head back Of the left ear apparently caused by some
blunt Instrument There also blow upon the fore
head aud a scratch on the back OF the right hand.
The deceased made his will In 1863 he said he feared
that he might be killed time persons had got the
idea that ho kept money about the promises. In this
will he beQueated sOO to the knights Of ythias TO pay
for his BURIAL and the remainder of his effects 10 an nt
mate friend Some Of the detectives had an interview
with tins friend this morning He stated that about
wear ago Smith told him that he had $500, and that II
might be found II anything happened 10 him, he took his
friend the attic raised board from the floor and
show cd him the box which contained the money. The
attic was searched and the board, which year ago had
concealed the box, found covered with dust and
bearing the appearance Of not having been disturbed for
some time Tie ees % osa not there aud probably had
cealed under the floor IN his sleeping as one OF the
boards was turned up III the box there 10 had been
carried OF The handkerchief found around tho head
identified as the property Of the deceased. The
detectives busy at work endeayOrng ferret
guilty parties, but up TO late hour last night had
not met with any success. Two persons are In custody
on suspicion OF having committed the deed -
Philadelphia Post.