Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-10-01

Since the confession of one of the ipcen.
diaries, his imprisonment, and the discovery
OF evidence pointing to the identity of other
house and barn burners, Harmony is another
town. feeling of security and an appear
ance of quietude have succeeded to the alarm
and turmoil of the preceding week.
As soon as the detectives had fairly enter
ed into the work affairs took new aspect.
When their buildings were burning about
their ears the heads of the staidsst citizens
were turned. The people thought that an
armed band of desperadoes were trying to
burn the town. One of the town officers,
when he telegraphed Detective True to come,
asked him to be sure and bring bloodhound
with him.
Some of the more superstitious of the peo-
pie imagined that some superna natural power
caused the fires and that a curse had been
laid on the town, One man, laboring under
this delusion, sold his farm for half its valua-
ton. Others took more practical view of
the case and set to work to find the perpetra-
tor and stop his work.
One of the FIRST persons upon whom the
detectives placed their suspicious was boy
named Alfred Hurd, l6 years of age. Hurd
is an unfortunate lad who has not had half
chance in the world. His early years were
spent in the aims house. His eldest brother
years old, for barn burning. Alfred, since
he was old enough to work, has been appren-
ticed to Chas. A. Laughton, one of the suf-
ferers by the fires.
Detective True ascertained that th. boy
was in the vicinity of two of the fires when
they started. On the premises of Abel Frost,
whose barn was burned Tuesday, fresh track.
of cowhide boots with peculiar side irons on
the heels were found in the mud. One of
Hurds boots was found to fit these tracks
exactly, The boy, upon being questioned,
said he had gone there a day or two before,
but denied any knowledge of the fires.
The circumstances attending the burning
of Mr.. Laughton's buildings were peculiar,
and pointed directly at the Hurd boy, but Mr..
Laughton could not bring himself to believe
that his protege had ruined him.
Wednesday forenoon Detective True had
young Hurd brought to the inquest, and as
soon as he was fairly inside the door fatty
accused him of burning these two sets of
buildings. The boy denied it and underwent
a searching examination with much firmness.
He gave a concise account of his comngs and
goings and could not be caught IN any ad-
missions. After the examination Hurd was
placed under charge Of Detective T. A. Simp-
son, who came here with True. Simpson
walked and talked With his charge, who soon
proved unable to bear the strain and to show
signs of gsilt. At dinner time he was unable
to eat anything. Early in the afternoon he
broke down and confessed that he burned
both the buildings of Frost and Laughton.
He told fully how he set each fire. He SEEM
ed to realize the enormity of his crimes and
wept bitterly.
As soon as it became known in the village
that Hurd had confessed the excitement was
great. The news was a surprise to the peo-
pie. They could hardly believe that Alfred
had done so heartess a thing as to burn the
only home he had
Hurd was brought before Jnstice Holman
and pleaded guilty to a warrant charging him
able to furnish sureties, so was taken to
Jail. Before leaving Hurd
made further admissions to the detectives.
which implicate others.
The detectives have other evidence which
will probably clear up the mystery surround
ing the other fires. They have several per-
sons under survelience, among them a woman,
some more boys and man. Detective True
has hold of one string which, if it lead him
correctly, will pull out greater sensation
than the original commotion caused by the
fire.
Instead of being kindled by an organized
system, as was at first thought, it is now clear
that the mysterious fires were set by different
persons, in various ways and for divers rea-
sons.
later dispatch says; The woman whom
the detectives have now fatty accused of set
ting one of the fires is one of the best known
women in town. 1t is said that this women
had grudge against a neighbor, and that
they had not been on speaking terms for
some time. The woman Indignantly denies
the accusation, and her friends claim she is
an innocent and wronged woman. This is
causing the biggest sensation of all.
They Deny Endorsing.
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