The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-03-15
THE YOKOHAMA TRAGEDY.
Lieut.. Hetherincton Charged With MUIR
DIR hut LIZ ell To Re A en- uifted

der. but Likely to BE Acquitted.
SAN FRlscIsco. March 14-Rear AID
miral Belknap was interviewed today by
an Associated Press reporter concerning
the Hetherington tragedy at Yokohama
While refusing TO express an opinion
as to the business of Hethering-
toms act, the admiral intimated
that public opinion in Yokohama
was not all against Hetherington, al
though the occurrence is deeply deplored
by everybody. The admiral stated that
Hetherington is now in custody at the
United States consulate. When asked
for a copy of the letter written
TO him by Robinson Just before
the latter's death, the admiral
said the original was in the hands Of
Hetherington's counsel and a copy had
been forwarded to the department at
Washington City. The letter was yerv
brief, and was substantially as was stated
at the inquest. Il neither denied nor
affirmed the charges made by Hethering-
ton, but merely expressed forgiveness for
the lieutenant's foolish act. "Mr. Hether-
ington will never be convicted of murder"
were the adrniral's closing remarks on the
subject.
YOKOHAMA, Feb. 25.--The inquest into
the circumstances attending the death of
George Cover Robinson, the prominent
broker and society man who was shot by
Lieutenant J. II. Hetherington, of the
United States ship Marion, FEBRUARY -,
was concluded on the 18th with verdict
charging Hetherington with willful muir
der. The latter had accused Robinson of
alternating his wife's affections from him.
ana, meeting Robinson, who was driving
with friend named NJ. Porsson the after
noon Of the 18th, Hetherington fred three
shots at Robinson, one bullet passing close
TO Pors, the second also flying wide Of the
mark. but the third striking Robinson in
the side. shattering the hip. the ball
travelling forward and upward I'M
Ill it reached the stomach. Robinson
was carried into the United Club building.
where he fingered until IL 30 O'Clock sun
day night, February Il, when he died.
Before death he caused letter to be writ
ten TO United States Admiral Belknap, ex-
pressing forgiveness for Hetherington's
act. and requesting that the utmost pos
sible leniency might be shown in dealing
with the case. Many prominent
officials and residents OF Yc-
kohBma were present az the induest.
bullet in Robinson's abdomen and tina.
death was caused from hemorrhage there
from. DR.. EIdr.dge testified that Robin
son told him in an indirect way who fred
the fatal shot, and added: Doctor. If l
get through this time alive he'll fin
ish me next time" The doctor re-
piled: NO, if you recover he'll
be ont Of the way of doing you any mis-.
oh In
doctor meant, the latter stated that
Hetherington would be arrested. Robin
son responded: God, that will never do :;
IL will ruin the poor fellow" After re-
peating this several times Robinson
asked DR.. Eldridge to write from
dictation 4 letter to Admiral Belknap.
In it Robinson used a phrase, rs nearly as
witness could remember 10 the following
effect: III anything from me can make
the position of Lieutenant Hetherinrton
easier or better, | shall be very glad. I
fully forgive him" The other evidence
before the jury about the shooting did not
vary from the particulars already pub
lished
The jury. after deliberation Of about
fourteen minutes, returned the following
verdict:
George Cover Robinson. brokerof Yokohama.
cied February a. lsl2. from a buIle. wound
inflicted BY !. Il. Hsthe-,aRton. lieutenant Of
the United States navy, on Saturday, February
Is, 1892, At a Little alter ?. m. IN the bunj.
Sokohams, and We 3nd sad ). Il ustherington
guilty Of Utliful murder.
Rohinsoa's funeral took place February
q. and Was attended by q majority Of the
leading residents Of Yokohama and Toxic.
the foreign diplomatic corps being well
represented, 5. Dun, United States charge
d aflairs, being among the mum
her. The funeral took place from
Christ church, which was filed,
many ladies being among those
present. Rev. S. Irvine OBLIGATED, and
the English liturgy was used. The cotin
was covered by many floral tributes. The
remains were escorted 10 the grave, which
is in the vicinity of German Consul
2appe's tomb, by eight pallbearers, and
was followed by the general community,
making one OF the most numerously AZ
tended funerals ever seen in Yokohama
tLieu,enau. James Il HetAerington married
his Bessie Hewes, beautiful society girl q,
Wilmington, Del, and n graduate OF NAsssr,
December 10. 1889, the wedding being an extra
ordinary enc. Mrs. Hetherinston was tai
and erect and OF tie most charming
manner, ant was sought everywhere.
After brief honeymoon, which, it was
whispered shortly after its termination, did
not pass SO happily was anticipated. they