The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-08-12
RED DAVE is ARRESTED
A Sensation in the Pawtuxet Valley
To-Day.
He WASN'T DROWNED AT ARCTIC.
The Body Found in the River Must Have
Been That Of Mr. Hawkins. Though
Other Theories Are still Advanced.
ESPECIAL TO THE Sxws.l


WARWICK, Aug. 12.--Red Dave. or
David Mercure, q well-known character
and tough who was supposed to have
been drowned In the Pawtuxet river near
the Arctic Mills at Arctic, about three
weeks ago, was arrested Ia Providence.
yesterday afternoon upon warrant
charging him with rape, and Deputy
Sheriff Michael Is. Lynch OF Apponaug
went to Providence last night aud
brought the prisoner to Apponarg on the
New York. New Haven and Hartford
railroad train at 10 Il. NJ.
This proves beyond doubt. as was
stated by the NEWS representative, that
Harley Hawkins was the man that was
drowned in the Arctic Pond two weeks
ago. Red Dave was seen in PROVIDENCE
The "Wednesday after the body was found
in the water aud it was SO stated in the
columns OF the NEWS ut the time, and
from that statement the local officers
have followed up the clue and have at
last caught one OF the worst desperadoes
In the New England States.
12 o'clock-The mystery In regard to
the body found in the Arctic pond is
still the sensation OF the Pawtuxet Val
ley, and while nine-tenths Of the popula-
tiOn believe the body found in the river
was that of Hawkins, now about one
tenth still have doubts, and numerous
rumors are current.
One prominent resident maintains that
he saw HAWKINS, aud helped TO remove
him from the Arctic crossing but q few
hours before the body was found in the
river.
The News reporter visited the NAM
mouth establishment OF Edward Pike at
River Point, and Commander Holmes OF
McGregor Post informed him that it
OF ha In Inc nj haa haa
acquainted with Hawkins for many years
and says the proofs so far correspond in
regard to the indentity Of Hawkins in
every respect.
Another important fact in the case is
that Hawkins, when indulging in a spree,
WAS rarely absent from the valley, and
would visit the numerous saloons daily
in search Of intoxicating liquors. Since
his mysterious disappearance he has not
frequented the saloons. and although dill
gent search has been made no person
will swear to seeing the man since the
body was recovered from the water.
Many persons are laboring under the
supposition that they could have identi-
fled the body, but it would have been au
impossibilry When recovered from the
river 1t was so dishgured and bloated that
no prominent features could be seen,
while portions of the flesh were
falling from the bones. Undertaken Cough,
Nuo was ihtiiuhOciy dCiut'htcu With
the deceased for years was not positive,
and many Thought that Mercure was the
man. y ,ing to the men bearing such q
striking likeness to each other. The body
could be taken from the grave in the PC.s
ter's field for burial in another cemetery,
but the coffin could not he opened very
we'll for examination OF the remains.
A story has been circulated that it was
Harley Potter, but Mr.. Potter who has
been "A resident OF River Point for years,
is we'll and enjoying good health, and is
indignant that MS name should be asso-
ciated with the case.
Hawkins was always of a retiring dis
position and while drinking would occupy
"A chair in one OF the many saloons for
hours, only rising TO 20 to the bar for a
drink.
1t was also rumored yesterday that
Hawkins might have been found in one
of the NUNS .rous road houses of War
wick but strict search has failed to OBJ
tain any clue as to his having visited any
Of the resorts in number of years.