The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-06-13
THE FREEZE MURDER CASE.
OF THE PRISON.
Et SET FOR TUESDAY NEXT.
Interesting Facts.

The prisoner, John p. Phair, was on
Friday brought before Justice II. w. Por-
ter and his examination, on the charge of
the murder of Mrs. Freeze, was set for
Tuesday next at nine o'clock in the morn
ing. Hon. NJ. G.. Everts appeared as pros
ecuting attorney. The postponement is
made for the purpose of securing more evil |
dcnce concerning the prisoners case than
is confidently hoped that before the hour
of examination comes that some proof may |
be had upon which the prisoner can either
be held or discharged. Phalr appears per
fectly cool and self-possessed as he has
ever since his arrest and seems willing to
let the matter be thoroughly sifted and to
await the time fixed.
There are several very peculiar circum-
stances connected with the absence of the
prisoner from town on Monday and Tues
day which arc very interesting to the pub
lie and we know of no reason why they
should not he detailed.
A certain printer now in town got on
to the train upon which Phair was arrested
at Ftchburg and knowing Phair, entered
into conversation with him. During the
talk the printer mentioned thc.murdcr of
Mrs. Freeze, at which Phar expressed his
establishment, and said he had heard moth
ing of it. The printer then showed Phair
a nonpr rant oininU a =, oppouut pf fhp ofToir
Before reaching Cuttingsville the two sep
aratet, and at that place Chief of Police
Crawford boarded the train and secured
Phair. the officer at the same time inform
ing him of the charge against him. Phair
then expressed the utmost surprise at the
murder, saying lie had not heard of it be-
fore. The fact that the printer had told
Phair came to the knowledge of the officers
that night.
1t will be remembered that on Thursday
y razor blade was found in the runs of the
burned building. blackened by the heat,
but easy to be identified as a razor. 1t is
known at the Berwick House that Phair
was in the habit of shaving himself in his
room there. The officers have found in the
room shaving utensils and an empty razor
case, but no razor is to c found among his
effects anywhere
Policeman Matthews has found key
with evident marks of blood upon it, near
the scene of the burned building, and
which is claimed by parties who are ac-
quaintcd with the house that the key be-
longs to one of the doors on the first floor
of the house
4 certain boy in town, whose father
works for Mansfield & Stimson, where
Phair has been employed, says he is sure
he saw Phair III that neighborhood on
Wednesday the day that Phair claims to
there is in this story, Of course, cannot be
told, but this and similar statements made
are creating considerable talk and excite
mcnt about town, most of which is not
favorable to the prisoner.
Despite these facts and rumors noted,
nothing has been found which tends to con-
vict the prisoner and give evidence that
his statement, as published in our last
issue, is not correct. To be sure il is as
serted, on reliable authority, that Phair did
not stay at the Berwick House on Monday
night, as he states that he did, and, even,
that the room which he occupied previous
to that was not slept in at all that night.
This may well be considered important
testimony, bearing strongly against the
ycracity of the prisoner, at least.
The fact that Phair was once an inmate
of the stale prison for four years does not
convict him or 90 to show that he is at all
| implicated in the horrible affair of Tues
day morning. Yet, as is usually the case
in such circumstances. his past record Is
thoroughly ventilated and many now recall
the fact above mentioned, and also that he
attempted to kill man in Nergenncs,
named IIawley, some years ago. The ap-
pearances of his case are certainly evil.
Mr. Blaisdell, who went to Burlington
with Mclaughlin, the detective for Bar
num- and arrested the man Foy, returned
| W ltutliIll IIititiy Although Ills pllsOutl
was discharged, on account of insufficient
evidence to hold him, Mr.. Blaisdell still
thinks Foy knew something of the murder.
1t appears that Foy is follower of the
circus in the capacity of candy and
lemonade peddler that he was formerly
employed by O'Bricn's circus and was dis
charged recently for THEFT, being known by
the circus managers as notorious thief,
and they are evidently anxious to get rid OF
him. This may account for the interest
taken by Mclaughlin in his detention at
Burlington AS soon as he was discharged
he started with his old horse and cart foI
, Richmond, where the circus exhibited
Thursday.
1t is fact worthy of note that the
country hereabouts is being well secured
, by men of all classes for suspicious persons
or for any further clue to the guilt Of tho
parties arrested, and for this reason the
true facts of the case are liable to be
brought to light ere many days. The
liberal reward offered by the town authori
ties has been strong incentive to actor
in the matter.