The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-04-19
THE PREIh.EE MURDER.
Beginning of the Inquest Over the Body
The Testimony Elected Yesterday.


ST.. LOUIS, April 16-Coroner Nidelet this
morning began an inquest the body of G. Ar
thur Preller, the victim of the Southern Hotel
trunk tragedy. A. S. Hunt cashier Of the
Southern Hotel was the first witness He iden-
titled the photograph of Preller as that of the
man who registered at the hotel He told of the
arrival of Preller and MAXWELL; did not recollect
of Maxwell's mentioning the expected arrival of
Preller; when Maxwell paid his first weeks bill,
on April 6, he did not speak of leaving; he had
not been brought into contact with either man to
any extent.
A. S. Aloe, optician, was next called. Two
weeks ago last Thursday two gentlemen came to
his store. He was called from his office to the
front of the store, and was asked by the smaller
of the two il he desired to purchase some magic
lanterns that he had brought from England.
The man said the lanterns were at his hotel, but
not unpaeked; he would show them in the after
noon. In the afternoon he called and
said the trunk containing the lanterns
had not yet arrived. but when they
came he would let the witness know.
The witness had seen two photographs,
the ones supposed to be Preller and Maxwell.
The man believed to be Maxwell did the talking
about the lanterns called and purchased field
glass, spectacles, and a manicure outfit. When
questioned about the arrival of the trunk he
passed the thing off lightly. He had roll of
bills at the time, and rendered in payment for
his purchase q 500 bill.
James johnson, a salesman for A S.
Aloe, was shown the photograph, and
recognized the picture supposed to be
of Maxwell, and also that thought to be of
Preler. The latter. he said he was not so posi-
tive ahouf ho Had ar tba Of
had on a hat and different clothing from the one
in the picture. Maxwell las he gave his name
was the man who had negotiated the sale Of the
stereopticon and views. He did not want the
witness to send up to see the lanterns
at the hotel at that time. In the after
noon he called and purchased some smoked
glass spectacles. He spoke about payment being
deferred until the transaction relative to the
stereopticon had been completed He paid $1O
and was given change. Then he asked for
change for 800 bill, displaying large roll
While in the store he purchased the field glasses.
No remittance from abroad was then mentioned.
Charles Beiger, of No. 16 South Broadway, being
shown a picture of Maxwell, testified / recog-
nize the face, but would know him better by his
speech. l first saw him on April 16. He bought
two trunks at my store He wore full, short
light beard and mustache I asked him his
name so | could deliver the valise he bought
was specially made for. 1 said it was
waterproof. ! changed S. bill for
it. He wore new SLOUGH hat
On Tuesday was called to the hotel to open
trunk. / noticed blood where the trunk lay. I
could not open the trunk until the rope was re-
moved, as it had been sealed at intervals. Some
one shouted, "Cut the roper / cut it, and
when lifted the lid the dead mans leg fell out
ward over the edge of the trunk. I saw
the body of a man in the trunk When the
policeman saw the body he shouted Shut the
trunk" When the man bought the trunk he
said he wanted no tray with it.
John Lyons porter Of the Southern, testified:
Three weeks ago the occupant of room LA
asked me to take up some baggage One of the
trunks is the same the body was found in The
trunk weighed about 200 pounds. / started to
take rope and strap off of it, but he said not to
mind"
Thomas Marion, another porter, was shown
two pictures, and said: II recognize one Of
these as Preller but cannot identify the other
so we'll. saw the two men at the hotel"
Circuit Attorney Clover to-day wrote letter
to the British legation at Washington, detailing
the facts, as far as they are known, of the
Preler murder, and asking if the British gov
eminent will defray the expense of bringing
Maxwell back to this country
The body of Preller was photographed at the
morgue to-day. This was done for the purpose
of Identification after the body is disposed of.