Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-04-23
The Gray Homicide.

WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS.
HE oTuIng. Lewis O.. Close (wbo was com
nltttd 10 jail on Saturday by DR. Hsrtigan.
acting coroner, on the rendition of the verdict
OF the lu-y OF inquest on the body of Jotn w
S.ny: Ihat ne came to his death from a wOGn1
hlcted by Close.) was brought before Chief
Justice Cartier. on a writ Of habeas corpus
,'ucge James Hughes and Mr.. W. j. Miller
siPtaIed Tor the petitioner, and Judge Fisher
ItLItstlttd The government.
The deputy warden, Mr. Ross, produced the
peuuoneT, with return that he was held bv
virtue oi commitment Of the coroner.
Judge Hughes fled demurrer TO the return
y az !, w Insufficient, and read from the COM
1nittal, found guilty OF the murder Of John
gray He urged that the accused party
Inquest with counsel If he rees ft1 TO cross
examine the witnesses and 10 produce WITNESSES
ID LIS bshalf, and the jury's verdict in this case
euro warrant a committal for urder The
jury dld not charge felony. and vet the cor
ont committed the party for murder.
Judge Cartier suggested that this was a verv
lnteI6stiI POINT, which he would like TO hear
discussed, but as the hearing would have 10 be
adjourned at II O'Clock, that pOi-t should be
Iasssd over for the present.
Judge Hughes reeited the facts in the case as
De uhdeTstood the m, and claimed that "a there
v a. no malice the accused could not be charged
iOI hisheT crime than manslaughter; and
Prove clear case of Unsuitable homicide
Dr A - Borlsud was sworn, and testified a.
10 me nature u the wounds and cause OF death.
JGGse hughes askedif the deceased made auy
dtelaIattOns as 20 who was in fault
Dr. boTland answered that on Friday morning
~hfn deceased was more comfortable than he
had been before. some one spoke of Close having
been arrested, and deceased sale: at don't want
I" prosecute him, but if get well and he will
meet me fatrly and squarely, without instru-
meuts, 10 Will be satisfaction enough for me
On the deceased coming TO the Office of witness
Ton uescay night he said, when the Off Ger was
taxing ms assailant of, that he did not want
l. m IICSeCUfed.
Dr. Hartigan deputy COroner) testified to the
cause Of death.
DIR. !. X. Walsh. Mr.. Wright, t. IT. Ford. and
MT Allen also gave their testimony to the same
POSTPONED.
INPRovYNENT OF LAFAYETTE SQUARE
Ever since tie spring opened large force of
men has been at work, under the direction OF
Sen; o. T. Bahcock, superintendent OF public
buildings and grounds, making many needed
Improvements in Lafayette Square. opposite the
Executive ~ nsipn. Tile pipes, running north
and south, have been laid about forty feet apart
throughout the park 70 carry on the water; the
large, ugly pebbles have been removed from the
walks, which have been relaid ard rolled so that
rev they are as smooth and hard as floor; gas
has been introduced, and eight posts for lamps
erected; and 10 is The intention Of Gen. Babcock
70 erect, az convenient points two ornamental
o1 an IoSn,sins Tor the accommodation
fedestals which stand near the Tern
and western sides OF the square two hand
haps the most notable OF. an the imp,oye-
menfs Is the pretty pavilion on the north
side OF the park. 10 II of the swiss
style OF architecture, and is divided into
retiring rooms for ladies and gentlemen. a
tool room, and q room 20 accom- mod ATE the
Waterman. The Improvements have added
greatly to the attraetiveness OF the square as a
public resort, and Gen. Bsbcock 10 entitled "a
general comnendation for his thoughtfulness
The absence of gas and water has heretofore
operated 70 prevent the park from becoming
very poPuiar with our citizens Now that these
Ieqals1tes are supplied the public will douUties,
ahI rteiate them, and make the square atayorits
summer resort.
NOCAsE AGAINST Mr.. VANT-In the Police
Court, Judge Smell. this morning q noIIe pros.
Was entered in the case OF Richard Want
charged with bigsmy Mr. Gloss stating that h.
Was unable 10 ind any proof OF the guilt OF the
accused This action OF the court Is a complets
yindicaiiOn OF Mr.. Want from the charges pre
feTTed; but he desires to have Il stated in ms
iiee 10 himself that the previous publications in
reference 10 this matter were incorrect: thai he
MAS not arrested; that he was not taken before
Judge Smell; that he not held % bail in the
sum Of 5000. and that the other published
Statements puTFOrtiug 20 give details OF his m ar
IIaEe and mSTied lie were not in accordance
viii the facts.