Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-03-30

See ems Evident.
BENNINGTON. March 27.-The mystery
as to what caused the recent death of
Frank L. Briggs in Brandon, is as great
now as 1T was two weeks ago, when he was
brought to his home from New York in an
unconscious state, in which condition he re-
mained 4S hours, when ho died.
MIR. Briggs had been for a number Of
years the most public spirited man in Bran
don, and was considered OH of thee wealth.
est mon there
Several weeks before his death he went
into voluntary bankruptcy, carrying down
with him his brother, George Briggs, whose
fortune of $50, 900 was entirely swept
| away.
Mr.. Briggi soon after resigned his posi-
tiou cashier OF the First National bank.
| 1t was soon rumored that there were defal-
cations, but au examination showed TINT
| the tot al amount of the discrepancies in the
accounts on the books was less than $1,000,
chiefly owing to errors he must have made
in bookkeeping and not with fraudulent
intent.
His health seemingly having improved he
arranged to attend the Inauguration ser
vices at Washington. On March . in COM
pany with c. Ii. Forbes, he started for
Washington, arriving there in time to view
the parade, after which Mr.. Briggs left Mr..
Forbes at the Ebbitt house, whore he in
tended to take room and where Mr.
Forbes was to call for him later
Whom MIR. Briggs lett Mr.. Forbes be was
well dressed, wore large aud valuable dia-
mond shirt stud and ring, and had over
500, and also watch and chain.
Nothing whatever can be learned Of the
whereabouts of Mr.. Briggs from the time
the two men parted in Washington until
about 10 O'CLOCK the Wodnesday following,
when cab drove up to the residence of MIR.
Briggs cousin in New York. In the cab
was negress aud NJ. Briggs. who was in
pitiable condition. His overcoat, travel
ling bag, diamond stud and pin were gone,
and he was partially unconscious.
From his appearance when taken into the
house of his cousin, Mr.. Briggs had evid-
entity been badly assaulted. He was in a
partially crazy condition and talked prin
clpaly about the theatre. He could give nc
possible account of now he got to New York
or what be had been doing
Mr.. Town, seeing that he was in q very bad
condition, telegraphed MIR. Briggs brothers
one OF whom immediately left for New
York returning With Mr.. Briggs to Bran
don Saturday morning.
. The matter wac reported to Supt. Byrne
OF the New Ork police as soon as possible
by his brother George, who is determined
7 to have the matter brought to light, if pos
siLlc, but thus far clew has beer
+ found, Mr. Briggs receiving letter Sat
urday saying thore was no new develop
ments.
From the time he was brought to hi
home until his death Mr.. Briggs was uncon
f scious, never being able to give ono word
. OF information about hi. treatment OF rob
- berry In his delirium he frequently spok
OF Il fight that had occurred, with no refer
n ence to locality, time or participants.
IL is not believed by his friends that h
was picked up at the Grand Central depo
j in New York, but there is feeling that h
got with crowd of men who, after fndin
out that he had relatives in New York, at
tackled him, knocked him down and afte
robbing him loaded him into the cab an
! gave directions where to take him.
? On the side of his head were marks whic
looked if they were made by being struc
f, by some hard substance. There were ais
: finger marks on his throat.
The attending physicians state that Nj
Briggs death caused by conclusion @
+ the brain, which could have been brough
about by blows or fall, and it is hope
t that some light may yet be thrown upo
, tho probable crime