St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1884-05-29
A VermOnter Murders "A Man in
a Boston Rum shop.

DR.. Samuel j. Allen, Jr., of White
River Junction, son of one of the best
known physicians in the state, is in
Jail at Boston, charged with the murder
of d. Hansell, Rockland, Mass, shoe
maker. DR.. Allen arrived in Boston on
Wednesday. During the day he drank
rather deeply. Early Thursday he
continued his spree and during the
afternoon started ont to see the town.
He hired a carriage in front of Young's
hotel on Court square, and spent the
greater part of the afternoon visiting
various places, including drinking re-
sorts. At about o'clock in the eve
ming, he was left ut the Stanley house,
where he stopped for short time, and
later wandered off alone, and visited a
number of places. At about 10 o'clock
he visited Gleason's saloon on Howard
street, where he met his victim, in the
company of others. What took place
there after his appearance is only
known to those who were present.
From their stories, which ara in a
measure conflicting in several minor
points, it appears that the doctor, on
entering, found Hansell, with James
Frank S. Harkins, before the bar.
Thomas Gleason, younger brother of
the proprietor, was behind it. Allen
proposed to shake for bottle of wine,
and upon the dice being produced sud-
denly changed his mind, and said he
would buy bottle. He then ordered a
pint bottle, and the contents were
poured out into small glasses. Allen
invited all to join him, except Hansell,
who, finding he was not remembe
called for a glass of beer, and laid
down two quarters on the counter, at
the same time asking all present to join
him except Allen, being evidently
piqued at the latter's failure to ask him
to drink. No words mad passed be-
tween Allen and Hansell up to this
time Allen offered 81 bill to pay for
his wine, and got 80 cents silver coin
in change, which he swept off the
counter with the 80 cents or two quar-
tiers, which Hansell had laid down A
few moments later Hansell called the
barkeeper's attention to the fact that
Allen had taken his change, and young
Gleason remarked the fact to Allen, at
the same time stating that, as Allen
was gentleman, he would, of course,
give him what belonged to him. A few
words passed between Allen and Han
sell, and, upon the latter reiterating
that he wanted his money, Allen sud
denly drew revolver and made blow
with it at Hansell. The latter terrified
at the sight of the weapon, got out of
his way, leaving Sullivan standing be-
tween him and his assailant. Allen
then mutteriugly advanced upon Sulli-
van, pressed the muzzle of the revolver
and attempted to fire. The revolver
was a self-cOcker, and upon the click
of the hammer, which failed to explode
the cartridge, Sullivan, who felt the
point of the weapon against the button
of the waist-band of his trousers,
Jumped to one side. At the same time
Allen turned around and, without aim
ing directly at Hansell, shot the latter
the heart, death being almost
Allen coOlly surveying
the premises, remarked: at was only
"a bluff" meaning, evidently, that he
was only joking or that the man was
not injured after all Those in the sa-
loon were so astounded as not to real
ize what had taken place, and Allen,
revolver in band quietly departed. He