The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1886-08-14
oRAzEp ny cuLoRAL,
Cause Of Robert DraEsley's Crime The
Only Plausible Theory Yet Given,

Only Plausible Theory Yet Given,
WOODBURY., ooEN,, August l3-Robe,
Drskelsy's murdered bride was buried to
day in the little village Cemetery, Thu
excitement has not abated at all, ant
people are as much puzzled as ever to fac
plausible motive or clear explanation o.
the boy husbands crime. In the tilnC
that has intervened since the tragedy
much has been said about the woman
who stood at the altar but five week
ago that Ia wholly false and cruel libs
upon her, Those who knew Maud Drake
ley best assert that she was an upright
woman. Until last night the generally
accepted theory was that Drakeley was
drunk at the time he killed his wife. Thii
waa seemingly confirmed blythe fact thai
the murderer accldently shot himself in 4
very bungllng manner; that is, taking Il
for granted that ho had attempted suicide,
II was not whisky that caused the
tragedy, but that subtle and deadly
drug-Chloral. The wreIched youpp
Baltimorean was addicted to the use o.
this drug in great doses. Those who saw
him Immediately after the tragedy, declare
that he was not In o normal condition,
yet 1t could not be said that the young iel'
low was under the influence OF intoxiCRt.
ing liquor. This Ia what puzzled the peo-
pie. Dfakeley was under the influence oi
Chloral or crazy for the want ot 1t. II is
possible that the ill-ialed woman realized
what her husbands habits were.
DRAERLEY's AIssPRNT LIFE,
On the night OF the shooting she may
have tainted him in his halkcraxsd con.
dition, or reproached him for his slavery
to the drug, and thus brought upon
herself the fatal bullet. Such is the
explanation OF the tragedy now put
forth by those most conVersant with the
inner facts Of Drakeley's life, and this
theory, from q careful study OF the facts,
Is the most rational one, and will have TO
stand until the murderer opens his llps
AS yet, not one word has he uttered about
the matter, except 10 reiterate his previous
statement that he shot and killed the
woman. Young Drakeley Ia OF very
variable, unsettled character. Pho.
vlded with what money he wanted
he has wasted all his opportuni.
ties. At times he would seem to be
prlcked up little by his conRcieRCe, and
would make q great display OF ambition,
AT such times he would start out as though
he were going to master o profession, and
be somewhat worthy Of his family name,
Once he started out In the study Of
medicine, and tried to get place
In DR.. Ketcham's Office in Wa.
teTbury. Then he talked about studying
for the priesthood, but nothing was fol.
lowed up with that zeal which Is given by
q lack ol this worlds goods, or BY a
naturally indushi ious turn Of mind, Alter
the death ofbOth his parents he did about
as he liked, and many were the fears en-.
teftained Tor him when he should come
into possession OF his money next year.
The preliminary trial OF the murderer
began at heli.past o'clock this afternoon.
The Town Hall'of Woodbury. was crowded
when Justice Kelly opened court. and
prepared to bind the prisoner over to tic
Superior Court. States Attorney Hun.
tington appeared for the State. The
prisoner 40 yet has no counsel, His
guardian, Mr. Thomas, OF Baltimore, has
been sent for, and will probably arrive In
Woodbury. tonight or tomorrow morn.
ing. Alter short hearing Drakeley was
bound over To the LitchAeld county Su.
perior Court to await trial for murder.
The proceedings in the ustice's court was
entirely lorna, the trial being held simply
to find probable cause.