Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1893-04-20

'ounu idcco VI DlsuuLQ WHICH wal
probably administered by the physi
clan when Trynor complained of pains
in the stomach.
1.-THE contents of the stomach filed
tumbler. which In itself is circum-
stance initiating against the poison
ing theory, for usually when poisons
are received into the stomach the vfo-
lent vomiting that generally follows
leaves 1t In an apparently empty CON-
dition. There were some indications of
fatty degeneration of the heart and
valveular troubles which superinduced
heart failure, and from all the examin-
ations so far made the results entirely
negative the poisoning theory"
This is exactly the position taken
by County Physician Thompson one
week ago to-day, when he visited
Trynor's house, and when a post-mor-
tum was suggested to him, he de-
clared 1t unnecessary. The subsequent
mysterious shooting of Basnet, rem
dered the later full investigation nec-
essary.
All the papers have been publishing
good many stories OF clues that have
been run out, and of an overwhelming
theory that Prosecutor Logue had
formed. which he refused to make
public until certain arrests were made.
The fact of the whole matter is, that
Prosecutor Logue has never had
theory other that Basnet shot himself,
and this was more than ever i'm
pressed upon his mind when he first
took Basnet's statement on Monday
last.
he FIRED THE HOUSE ALSO.
Old Thomas Basnet not only at.
tempted his life, but fired the house In
which he lived. as we'll.
Thus by his own confession, the en-.
tire matter is satisfactorily settled.
On Friday afternoon reporter
visited him again, and found the old
gentleman worrying greatly for fear
that he was to be arrested for the part
he has played in the mysterious
tragedy in South Vineland.
BE refused to talk for publication,
saying that sufficient concerning him
had already appeared in the public
print. After little persuasion, how
ever, Basnet permitted himself to be
drawn out little further concerning
the story.
Basnet said he was fifty-nine years
of age, and Vas born twelve miles
from Liverpool in Lanconshire county
England. He came to this country
thirty years ago, and had been back
upon two occasions, remaining each
time about two years.
Seventeen years ago Basnet came to
Vineland, and purchased the property
where he lived of G. K. Lands, and
there was not cent against the prep.
erty, although there was no Insurance
upon the house which was destroyed.
The reporter had previously heard
from the old man the story of the at
tempted suicide, and was present upon
this occasion to learn if possible how
the house was fired, and asked this
question.
''Did yon fire the house, or did 1t
catch from the flash of the pistols"
The somewhat lengthy reply was as
follows:
II decided upon the rash act, then
arose from my bed, struck a match,
and set fire to the house, but do not
remember just what part of my bed
room I started the fire. After the fire
got nicely under way, went back to
bed, and with the revolver, fred one
shot into my head. I was perfectly
conscious after the first shot which
took effect over my eye. I then fired
the second shot, and this stunned me
so that I fell from the bed to the hoor
where remained till the flames routed
me from my legarthy. l then crawled
to the door, but the door being locked
1 went to the window, broke the glass
with my fist, climbed to the sill and
fell to the ground. I became uncon-
scious again and don't know how 1
got to the tree where l was found by
Mr.. King"
In answer to another question Bas-
net said that he expected the shots
would kill him, and he wanted the
house to be burned to cover up all the
traces of his cowardly act.
1t Is not likely now that any atten-
ton will be paid to the case. If the
old man had succeeded In the plot of
killing himself and burning his home
and his body, certain it is that this
county would have been in the midst
of the greatest mystery ever surround
ing any circumstance. And 1t is quite
possible, too, that some innocent per-
sons would have been arrested, and
might have suffered serious and severe
punishment.