The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-03-20
THE MURDER OF DAWSON
ANGST BRUTAL AND ATRocIoUs ONE.
Startling Discoveries Made by the Ohicers
ut the Scene of the Crime-Evidences
That the Murderer Endeavored
To Bury His Victim.

CHARLESTON, S. c., March 13.-The murder
Of Capt. Dawson was the most brutal and
atrOcious ever committed in Charleston. The
popular indignation is intense. All classes of
the community stand aghast at the assassina-
tiOn and would lynch the murderer if they
could get him out of Jail.
Capt. Dawson's assassin and murderer was
called upon last night in Jail and asked to ex-
plain the circumstances of the tragedy. lie
at first declined to make any statement, but
eventually said:
Here it is in nutshell Capt Dawson en-
tered my Office; used abusive language. and
knocked me down with his cane got up
and he was about to strike me again, when
shot him"
DR.. Mellow then went on TO say that Capt.
Dawson was not killed instantly; that he re-
mained alive for half or three-quarters of an
hour, during which time he (McDow) remained
in the room with the man whose life was faS.
ebbing away, making up his mind what TO do.
But there is the strongest and most con-
vincing proof that Dr. Mellow remained in
the room at least an hour after the
death OF Capt. Dawson, planning how he
might dispose of the body AT distance OF a
few feet from the back door of the Office. at the
end OF passage way. is a half-dOOr opening
into a recess under the stairway which leads TO
the second story. As was natural, and TO be
expected from the coroner and his jury, a
thorough examination OF the premises was
made with view of the full post investigation.
1t is the belief that Lieut.. Fordham made a
startling discovery while this examination was
in progress. On the half-door above referred
10, there was noticed some spots of fresh blood;
this was of course an incentive 10 further in
quiry, and examination was extended 10 all
parts Of the closet. Drops of blood were found
on the floor up to a space where the flooring
terminated and the earth OF the foundation was
exposed.
Here another horrible and startling revela-
tion was made. The earth was noticed TO be
freshly turned up and to a depth which was
only limited by quantity of bricks and other
impossible material TO the spade or whatever
instrument used IN the attempt TO dig
grave. Such, certainly, is the conviction OF ail
those who saw the upturned earth and the
blood spots on the floor and the door. This
closet door was found nailed up last night, al
though it had evidently formerly been laid up
against the opening into the closet.
1t is therefore almost absolutely certain that
the assassin endeavored, during his long occu-
pancy of the room with the murdered man. TO
dig his grave and thus forever bury all proof
of his crime with his victim. Certain it is,
however, that DIR. McDow after finding his ef-
forts futile on account of the soil Just noted,
determined TO set up the plea of Self-deiense
anu went out ana 0ellNeTeu llulseI 10 IlNdtt
Gordon. 1t was stated that before being taken
to the Central station, he was permitted to
visit one or two lawyers.
DIR. Mellow said that he was standing up
when he fired the fatal shot and Capt. Dawson
was about 10 strike him a second time with his
cane. Three things are, therefore, quite re-
markable: (l) that Capt Dawson could have
been shot in the spot where the bullet entered;
(2l that if DR.. Mellow had been knocked
down he can exhibit no marks of such implied
~, - 4 rr-lar-
the tel-tale grave beneath the stairs? DIR. Nc
Dow reached the Central station at 6:l5 p. m.
and surrendered to Lieut.. Heidi.
The corOner's jury will not meet until IL
o'clock tomorrow, when thorough investiga-
ton of the crime will be made. The jury IS
composed of prominent men.
After the murder was committed, McDOw's
wife, with whom he had a serious quarrel on
the day of the tragedy, fled from the house,
taking her baby with her. The police have
positive proof of McDow's Illicit connection
with Capt. Dawson's maid. He and she were
traced by detective TO assignation house,
where they remained for an hour or two. The
maid is still in Capt. DawSOn's family. Her
mistress is not inclined TO believe her guilty as
charged
Messages of sympathy have been pouring in
TO Mrs. Dawson to-day from all parts of the
country Ex-President Cleveland telegraphs:
Il am shocked by the death of your husband
and l sadly tender you my heartfelt sympathy
and coincidence"
The funeral this afternoon was attended by
an immense crowd, representing all classes Of
the community. 1t took place at the cathedral
char rel. The services were conducted by Bishop
Northrop of the diocese of Charleston, who
was assisted by Bishop John Moore of the
diocese Of St. Augustine Fla. All the catholic
clergy of the diocese were in the sanctuary.
The sisters of mercy, the ladies of the convent
of our lady of mercy. and the orphans under
their charge attended the funeral. Bishop
NorthrOp delivered the eulOgy.
A pitiiess rain fell the whole day The flags
all over the city were displayed at half-mast
and business was partly suspended in the prin-
cipal streets. the members of the editorial
reportorial and business staffs of the Nelrs and
Courier acted as pall-bearers.