The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-05-07
homage before

that have excited the admiration OF
thousands. and indellibly stamped upon
them the conviction of his innocence.
The refusal of Governor Flower on last
Thursday to interfere in his case sealed
Harris doom and some time during TINS
week, probably the latter part, ne VIII
meet an ignominous death, and the
world is waiting with eager expectancy
the end. Will he carry that superna-
tural calmness with him 10 that fatal
chair? or will the spectators witness
collapse OF that iron nerve which has
maintained him with uncanny strength
during the ordeal of trial, uncertainty and
disappointment? are the questions that
agitate thousands to-day.
History of the Crime.
The murder for which Carlyle w. Har-
rls to-day stands in the shadow Of death,
awaiting the moment when a fash OF
electricity will end his life. was one that
has aroused great interest.
The murderer and his victim were not
ordinary persons. nor was the method
he adopted to rid himself of Il young.
talented and beautiful wife any more
commonplace. In truth, the trial Of Har-
rs for the murder Of his wife, nee Helen
Mary Nelson Potts. through administer
ing a narcotic poison, was the first OF that
character which had been held In the
New York courts for twenty-six years.
II was at cotillon at the Coleman
House, Asbury Park, y. J., that young
Harris, in the summer OF 1889, was in
troduced to Miss Potts. The young cou-
pie were thrown much together that
summer, and that fall. when Mr.. ana Mrs.
George II. Potts came 10 this city, Har-
ris was a frequent visitor at their apart
ments.
Under the pretence Of taking Helen to
see the Stock Exchange on February 8,
1890 the couple left the house and went
before Alderman w. T. Rickhoff, at the
City Hall, and were united in civil mar
rage, she as Helen Nelson and he as
Charles Harris.
This clendestine adventure was kept
from the families Of both the contract
ing parties for some time. 1t was at the
suggestion OF Harris that Helen was, in
December, 1890 sent to the Comstock
Boarding School, No. 30 west Fortieth
street, and it was there she died at II
o'clock on the morning of February l,
1901
Helen Potts sat in the sitting-room the
previous evening with Miss Lydia Day,
1.-THE principal Of the school. She was In
the best OF spirits. laughing and chatting
with her companion. They both retired
shortly AFTER ~ q CLOCK. MISS LAY went
to her room on the fourth floor, and
Miss Potts to hers in the rear Of the floor
below.
Three schoolmates who had returned
from concert at 1890 o'clock partially
awakened the school girl sleeper. Helen
was stupid, drowsy, and is said TO have
remarked, 'I have taken a dose Of Mr..
Harris medicine and have had most de-
lightful dream"
She then dropped into a sleep from
which she never awakened
Her breathing became loud and labored
and her companions were awakened.
They rushed to Helen's side, but 20
arouse her was impossible. Helen had
previously stated that she thought she
was going to die
The girls were unable TO get their
companion cut OF her stupor, and Miss
raw was hastily summoned. Appreciat-
ing her pupils condition, she called for
doctor. and Or. F.. p. Fowler, OF No. 80
west Fortieth street, and Dr. william
L. Baner, his assistant. were hastily
sent for.
Both physicians saw at once that they
had a case OF morphine poisoning to
dea. with and DR.. George w. Kerr, or
No. AZ west Fiftieth street, was called
I'm to assist Hour after hour these ply
sicians worked over the girl, using every
method known TO science TO resuscitate
her. 1t was no use, and they stood oy
a corpse a few hours later.
Harris had ben sent for. He had ire
ouently visited Miss Potts at the school,
and in her room was found an empty
nil box marked &C. W. H.. Med. stu
dent" When Helen Potts was declared
bevond earthly assistance. the physicians
turned their heads TO allow Harris an
opportunity OF giving way TO his grief.
OF grief he had none, however, but OF
fear plenty.
He acknowledged that he had prescribed
for the girl, whom, he said. he was
somewhat interested in" and exclaimed,
'NIv God, what will become OF me?'
The physicians told him TO run 10 the
apothecary shop Of Even Mcintyre &
Sons. No 992 Sixth avenue. where his
prescription had been compounded. Har-
ris went out and returned, saying IL had
been put up all right, but he had not
visited the druggists.
The body of Helen Potts was removed
the following day to Asbury Park for
interment Mrs Potts, however. appre-
ciating the fact that something was
wrong. visited on March 22d DR.. James
w. McLane president OF the College OF
Physicians and Surgeons, and told him
of the secret marriage OF her daughter,
which had been told her by Helen.
Dr. McLere got Mrs. Potts to furnish
him with afidavits, IN viii n II was set
forth that Harris was in love with an
heiress, whom he intended 20 marry
when Helen died. This led to Harris be-
ing expelled from the college.
The affidavits were given 10 District
Attorney Nicoll. who commenced a thor
ough investigation, which led to Helen
Potts body being exhumed ffty-fve days
after her death. An inquest held by Coro-
ner Schultze resulted In the verdict OF
death by opium poisoning.
When Harris learned that the charge
NJ causing the death OF Helen Potts was
made against him. he visited the district
attorneys ONCE on March ga, ana OF
800 70 rive bail. but was told to 60
..x-.tt until he waa sent for.