Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1889-03-14
IT WAS ATROCIOUS.
THE TERRIBLE DETAILS OF CAPTAIN
DAWS0NS MURDER.
Popular indignation Against The Assassin IS Most
Inisnss-Hs Attempts Made TO Bury the
Dead Body-Msssags Of Sympathy
Prom Ex-Presdeni Cleveland

CHARLESTON, S C, MsrsG l3.--The
murder of Captain Dawson, yesterday af-
ternOon, was the most brutal and atrociOus
crime ever committed in Charleston.
The popular indignation is intense, all
classes in the community stand aghast at
the assassination and would lynch the
murderer if they could get him out of Jail.
The circumstances attending the murder
are now given as follows: Captain Daw-
son left tbs Necs and Courier Office at half
past three o'clock. Some time ago it had
been brought to his attention that one Of
his domestics, q stranger in America, aud
one for whose conduct, being employed IN
an educational and tduciary capacity he
was responsible, WAS conducting herself in
manner that demanded his immediate
attention.
As will appear elsewhere Captain Daw-
son had the best reasons for calling upon
DR.. Mellow, which he did az probably
about twenty minutes TO four o'clock yes
terisy afternoon Captain Dawson, on
reaching the Office 5f DR. Mellow, alighted
from the street car and entered. He never
returned alive. The whole truth Of what
really occurred in that Office, and in the
few fateiul moments of the tragedy will be
buried il the grave of Captain Dawson.
The revelations, only partially made last
night, indicate that the death of Captain
Dawson vas no. only cOmpassed IN q bra
tally murderous manner, but that futile
effort had been msde to bury the body Of
the victim and keep the affair secret
forever.
Dr.. Mellow, Captain Dawson's mur-
derer, was called upon last night Ia Jail
and asked to explain the Circumstances Of
the tragedy. He al first declined 70 make
any statement, but eventually said; Here
it is in a nutshell. Captain Dawson en-
tered my office, used abusive language and
k locked me down with his cane. got mp
and he was about to strike me sgain when
I shot him"
DIR. Mellow then went on to say that
Captain Dawson was not killed instantly;
that he remained alive for half to three
quarters of sn hour, during which tine
he (McDow) remained IN the room with
the man whose life was fast ebbing away,
making up mis- mind what 10 do buI
there is the strongest and most conyinciog
proof tina. DR.. Mellow remained IN tho
loom at least an hour after the death
of Captain Dawson, planning how he
might dispose of the body. \ few feet
from the back door OF he office, al the
end of passaceway, iss halt door opening
into q recess under the stairway which lads
to the second story The coroner and his
iury made thorough examination OF the
premises, with view Of the fullest inves-
tigation. 1t is the belief that Lieutenant
Fordha made q startling discovery while
this examination was in progress. On tfe
door above referred to there we're noticed
some spots of fresh blood. THIS was, Of
course, an incentive TO further inquiry, and
the examination wac extended 70 all
of the closet. Drops Of blood were 10
90 the floor mp TO a space where tho
ing terminated. and the eaIth OF
foundation was exposed here hno
horrible and startling revelation WAS M
The mould was noticed to be freshly q
ed up. to depth which was only lin
by quantity Of bricks and other impi
bic material to the spade or whatever IN
strument was used in the attempt to dig
grave. Sach certainly is the conviction oI
all those who saw the upturned earth and
the blood spots on the floor aud the door.
This closst door wss found nailed up last
night. although il had evidently formerly
been laid up against the opening into the
closet. Il is therefore almost absolutely
certain that the assassin endeaYored
during his long occupancy OF the room
with the murdered man, t. olg
the grave and thus forever bury all proof
of bis crime with his victim After tinding
his efforts futile, on account Of the son,
ina noted. be determined tosst up the plea
of self defense, aud went out aud delivered
him.elf 10 Private Gordon. 1t was stated
that before being taken % the Central
Station be was permitted to visit one or
two LAWYERS. DR.. Mellow said that he was
standing up when he fired the Atal sno's
at Can't. Dawson who WIS sbout to strike
him the second time with his cane. Three
things are therefore quite remarkable: one,
that Cant. Dawson could have been shot
in the spot where the bullet entered sec
ond. that DR.. Mellow had been knocked
down he can exhibits no marks Of such I'M
piled violence, ard thirdly, if it were self
defense, why the tell-tale grave beneath
the stairs?
Messages of coincidence and sympathy
have been pouring in TO Mrs. Dawson to-
dsy from ell parts OF the country. Ex-
President Cleveland telegaphed II am
shocked by the death Of your husband and
sadly tender you my heartfelt sympathy
and coincidence
The funeral this afternoon was attended
by an immense crowd, representing all
classes of the community. A pitiie's rain
fell the whole day. The flags all over the
city were displayed at ha.f mast and bust
ness was partly susp pended in the principal
streete.
WASHINGTON, March l3.-The news of
the death of Capt Dawson WIS received
hsre with great regret b. his numerous
friends; and expressions OF condoltnce
with his widow ard her two little children
were universal. Senator German said:
'By the death Of Capt Dawson, the
South has lost of is best men. and "A
champion who was ever foremost in every
matter Of material interest or benefit to
that section"
The deepest eympathy was maniifsted
in army circles where Capt Dhwson WAS
we'll known, having marfied sister OF
tbo ,.ifa of f,en. Drum.