Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-07-21
YER MONT.
A Conspiracy to Convict a Young Man
of Murder.

St.Albans, July 20. The selectmem of this
town, at the request of Geo. e. Smith. son of ex-
Governor Smith, are holding public session at
the court house to-day, relative to the murder OF
Marietta Ball about one year age, which mystery
has been solved by the arrest of the culprt.
Reports have been circulated that young Smith
was implicated in the murder in consequence of
which he demaneed this investigation.
LATER.
Upon the re assembling of the selectmen, at the
court house, this afternoon, to continue the ex-
animation demanded by George Gregory Smith,
relative to the murder of Henrietta Ball, year
ago, the room was filed to overlooking with pco-
pie interested in the solving Of the long undis-
covered mystery. Ii was evident that the
officials were in earnest and would produce some
important Witnesses including two detectives that
had previously been employed on the case. 1t
week past received two letters purporting to come
to come from parties who would be present and
make some startling revelations.
The first witness called this afternoon was Mrs
Abel, with whom the murdered boarded
up to the time Of the murder. The witness knew
the habits of Miss Ball, and positively stated that
young Smith never visited the house. She had
heard that he had come there and entered with
out rapping, but twas false. Mr.. Abel also swore
that Smith was never at his home.
Mr. Chadwick, proprietor of the hotel at Rakers-
field, swore that Smith not at Bakersfield, that
Smith was not at his hotel on the occasion of a
dance. AT this dance has been stated that Smith
was present and insuted Miss Ball. Mr.. Chad
wick branded this story as false in every palticC-
lar.
Miss Curley who had passed team in the vi
cinity of the spot where the murdered woman was
found, swore that she did not recognize it. The
rumor has been that she did know whose team it
was, but she denies it under oath.
Geo. Ballard, an officer who has thoroughly in
vestgated the affair, that he never believed
young Smith to be implicated.
Detective Flanagan, who spent two months in
working up the case gave history of his searches
and firmly believed Smith innocent OF every com
plicity in the murder, and officially reported TO
the authorities months ago.
Detective Burgess was sworn, and produced q
handkerchief marked G. |. Ingram, found near
the locality of the murder, but from his investiga-
tons became convinced of Smiths innocence al
knew Smith did it as well as if he had seen him,
which Burgess denies having said.
Rumors had filed the al. 70, month, that the
murdered woman had told Mrs. Wright that
swore that it was false. She had Known Miss
Ball intimately; never saw Smith with her, and
never had heard him spoken of by her.
At this stage of the proceedings breeze of en-
element was created by the introduction of two
letters, which had been received bv the sclcctmen.
They are dated Plattsburg, July 18th, and signed
by Geo. w. Walling, 3l9 East 10Th street. New
York, and Henry Raner, oath street, Washington
D. c. They hint mysteriously at meaning bust
ness in the trial Of Smith, and ask postponement
of the examination till the presence Of witnesses
can be secured from California.
Mr.. Ballard, of Burlington also received let
ter from the same parties, requesting his services
as an attorney for the prosecution but he swears
to-day that he has neither seen nor heard further
of the matter.
These letters are all in the same handwriting
and have been traced to one Burr Clark, rough
character, who has disappeared aud cannot be
found in answer to subpoena.
At o'clock this afternoon the defence began to
prove an ab The examination will continue to.
| morrow.
1t seems evident that there is scheme to seek
revenge upon Governor Smith through his son
and is only denounced upon all sides as an out.
rage upon society and common decency.