The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-08-10
MRS. JENNY SMITH DYING.
Frustrated by Nervous Excitement Deciar-
Ing her Innocence of her Husbands Murder
MI. McGregor's Story at the Inamest.

rumor was rapidly circulated in Jersey
City yesterday evening that Mrs. Smith. the
widow OF the murdered police officer. was
dying. Chief Nathan, while attending tho in
quest in tho Court House received a telegram
summoning him to headquarters, and saying
that the imprisoned woman was very
sick. As her health since her confinement
has boon uniformly wretchcd tho Chief sup
posed that sho was merely suffering from re-
currence Of her violent hystercal attacks and
he made light Of the matter. Within n quarter
OF an hour after tho receipt OF tho despatch an
officer hurried into the court room and forcing
his way through the dense throng to the space
in front Of the bench. handed paper to Chief
Nathan. Its contents informed him that Mrs.
Smith was in q most critical and alarming con-
dition and urged his immediate presence at
headquarters.
The Chief rushed out OF the court room. en-
tered his wagon that stood in Newark avenue.
and drove rapidly down town. The reporter
for THE sun followed him and. on arriving at
Headquarters found tho officer on duty over
the prisoner at tho top Of the steps leading from
the street TO the first story. He directed every
one that entered to ascend the stairs rs quietly
and nolselessly as possible.
The Chief passed frequently up and down the
stairs conducting to the second story where the
sick room is situated. His face was gloomy
and his looks pcrturbed. Justice Davis was
summoned. and after brief consultation with
the chief tho two went up to the sick woman's
room.
After while tho Justice descended and di-
rectcd messenger TO call City Physician Var
lex. In few minutes the physician arrived.
He examined tho patient and rs the result Of
his scrutiny convinced him that death was i'm
minent he recommended her to avail herself Of
spiritual consolation.
Again the Justice came down stairs and the
messenger was despatched for the Row. Dr.
Parmly. Of Grand street. when the clergyman
reached headquarters no was taken w stairs
and the Chiet remained in Mrs. Smiths room,
or the Adjoining apartment for over half an
hour. They then descended together.
The Rey. DR.; Parmly. in conversation with n
reporter Tor THE Sun said that as he was in
formed that the woman was dying he urged
her, II she Ind any knowledge concerning the
murder OF her husband. 10 relleyc her con-
SCIENCE and purify her soul by fun and sim
cerc confession. In reply 10 my cNhortations -"
he continued. she affirmed. in the most solemn
ami impressive manner. that she was absolute
part IN or guilty knowledge Of it,"
Or. Nariek declared tito be- his opinion that
Mr.. smith Is in the most critical condition
Her nervous system he explained, " is COM
rl"tely Frustrated. partly the result of recent
eNeitements She Is. fear Il veloping symp-
toms of Pneumonia She may recover hut H.
not believe thnt shr can live worry much longer
When asked II she had made any confession
the doctor replied that even # she had. he
would consider himself bound 20 secrecy on the
subject.
Justice Davis confirmed the statement as to
her condition, and added that she had made no
confession Of guilt: but. on the contrary, pro-
tested hcr innocence vchcmently.
Chief Nathan said: % To night is the worst
night she has ever had. Her ease is desperate.
/ fear II Ia all up with her"
Being pressed ~ - whether he had obtained
any confession. he denied that she had mala
any statement other than 10 assert hor lunD-
a. let tho world have IL "
The officer on duty was insiru ted to remove
his shoes SO rs % avoid making noise. Ar
rangoments We're made To- send for tho physl-
clan promptly II required during tho night.
The Sergeant M tho desk closed the street en-
franco to Police Headquarters in order ~
sure greater quiet.