The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1885-03-28
THE GUSHING CASE.
THE AnnEsp AND SAD SUICIDE
ofw. D. ca.hlDs, the Defaaltlns Kmpleye
Of the belmont Iron works, Causes
Profound Rslling OF Sorrow and Sur.
prise4rho Amount Embss1lod.

The tragic death Of w. D. Cushing by
his own hand. and the causes which led
to IT, created the protoundest horror yes
terday morning when most Of the citizens
Of Wheeling learned Of the affair for the
first time. The arrest and the attendant
circumstances had been kept as close as
possible the night before, and the subse-
quent suicide occurred at 80 lato an hour
that few people learned Of 1t until the full
details were spread before them in the
morning papers. The matter was the
principal topic OF conversation about town
yesterday, and there was nobody who did
not express hearty sympathy for the un-
fortunate mans family, and sorrow for the
self.slain young man, culpable as he may
have been.
cusnIso's CONFESSION.
It transpired yesterday that Cushing
had made eonfession to q friend after bis
release on bail Thursday night, and be-
fore going to his home on the Island 10 put
an end to his life.
Mr. Cushing said that his peculations
began in small way about four years ago,
and that the sum embezzled since that
time would reach about $1,000. II any
explanation was made as to the manner
in which the money went, the gentleman
To whom he unbosomcd himself did not |
impart the information TO any one else.
After leaving the Justices office Cush-
ing spent an hour or two with friends,
stopping at two or three saloons and drink
ing freely at each. He played game OF
billiards aud two or three games Of domi-
nos, also, before going home. He seemed
cheerful when he parted from his friends |
and started across the Suspension bridge |
for his home on Zane street.
THE CAUSE OF IT..
There was Of course great deal ofspec-
ulation as to the use TO which the embez-
zled funds were put. Mr.. Cushing was
known to be a good liver, and a very OPEN
handed, generous young man. He had
been living little high Tor manw with a
modest salary, but bis extravagant life
would scarcely account for leak OF SO, 900 |
in addition to lis salary in four years
A few years ago Mr.. Gushing failed
in the confectionery business, and
acQuaintances now say, that he
then admitted that he had been
gaming. That he had renewed this habit
lately is the general conjecture, but only
q conjecture. tits rumored that he had
extended financial aid to friends beyond
his legitimate means.
The most inexpllcable feature OF the
whole case is that Cushing had requested
an advance on his salary early this week
from the mill owners, and was pressing
them for an answer.
NO FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS
There were no other Developments in
The matter yesterday. The mill officials
became satisfied that tie loss would prove
larger than had been developed, but were
to busiiy engaged In making up the pay
rolls to pursue the investigation further
yesterday. As soon as Sir. Cushing sue
cessor in the position of Payroll Clerk, Mr..
Alex Updegraff, assumes the duties Of his
position, which will be at once, and the
office force is organized anew, a thorough
oyerhauling Of all the apoonnts will be
made. It is believed, however, at the
Office, that the atatement made by Mr..
Cushing, quoted above, will prove to be
very nearly correct.