Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-10-30
HELD TO AWAIT AN AUTOPSY
David Stewart Arrested Because Of Sus-
picions Of Foul Play.
Vague Rumors Tint He Had Some
thing to Do With William Browns
Sudden Death.

lived his allotted three score years ana ten
and is willing to live another score, was
placed behind the bars at the second ponce
station about 8 o'clock yesterday afternoon
On charge of suspicion. While the station
blotter did not give the offense of which ne
was suspected, the police held him because
of statements that had been made concern
ing the death of William Brown, and the
alleged part he took in the affair
William Brown was about ffty-five years
old and was engaged in the purchase and
sale of rags. He occupied rooms in house
in Naylor's alley, and for about week
Stewart worked for him and roomed with
him. Brown was a pensioner, and it is
money for whisky. About the saloons
where pensioners spend their money Brown
was a familiar figure, for he was always
ready to treat until his last nickel was
gone, after which he would return 10 the
rag business.
Some days ago, 1t is said, his conduct was
such that his wife had to leave the house
end seek shelter elsewhere, and then he got
Stewart to room with him. But Saturday
morning he concluded to get rid of his
guest and he elected him ard threw his
trunk into the alley.
Stewart. who is a Woodworking and hon
orable old man, went elsewhere looking Tor
a resting place and he soon found one.
Brown Found Dead.
Monday about noon Brown was observed
to enter his room and nothing more was
seen of him until about 3 o'clock, when a
friend called and found his dead body on
the floor One nand was on his stomach
and the other on his chest.
Poor man." muttered one of the colored
residents of the alley when she saw the
body. II guess he must have had the
cramps"
The case was reported to the police in
the regular way, but there was no sus-
picion of foul play. Brown had died with
out medical attendance. and before he
could be buried it was necessary TO have
death certificate. This could he given
only by the coroner, which would probably
have been done yesterday had not report
been circulated that foul play was sus-
pected.
This report was made by some of the
Grand Army friends of the deceased, so
the authorities say, and the police were
Brown when the latter put him out Of the
house: you old - -. you won't live
twenty-four hours"
Stewart Taken Into Custody.
AS soon as the police heard this Precinct
Detective Barnes was sent out, and, as al
ready stated, Stewart was put behind the
bars.
Coroner Hammett was called upon and
told of what had been done, and he con-
cluded to hold an autopsy today.
Lieut.. Teeple said tor a Star reporter that
he thought there was nothing in the report
of foul play, although, as precautionary
measure, he had to have Stewart locked
up. So far as he had been able to learn.
Stewart Is an Industrious old man, aid
had never harmed anybody.
Detective Barnes had not obtained any
evidence tending to show that foul play
had played any part in Browns death, but
If there had been any foul play, he said 1t
was in the nature of poison, for there were
no evidences of violence about the body.
Stewards Statement.
When seen in his cell by a Star reporter
Stewart denied knowing anything about the
death of his late friend.
HE was always drinking common
! whisky" said Stewart, land was very dis
| agreeable but as for my knowing what
He said that Brown had thrown his wife
out Of the Rouse some time before his
| (Stewart's) going there. Brown, he said,
| had always bCasted that he had considera-
art) knew nothing about it. He did not be-
lieve he could have had very much. for he
| was hard drinker and was always treat
ing the boys. Stewart also denied having
made the remark attributed to him.
| About MAYORS alley, where Brown died
| there were all sorts Of rumors af1oat yes
| terday and today, but there was nothing
| definite in any of them. People in the alley
| seemed to be under the impression thai
| Brown HAD a large sum of money in his
| house, the amount being placed all the way
from $50 to $1,000. Some of the residents
| declare that when the body was found
| there were evidences of robbery. 1t was
| stated by sorie of them that the boxes an(
| drawers in the room had been ransacked
| but the police had been unable this after
neon to find any proof that there had beer
| a robbery committed.
Stewart Released.
Deputy Coroner Glazebrook made the au
| topsy and found that death resulted from
| natural causes. This information was con
| veyed to the police and Stewart was re
| leased.
TOmOrrOyv's Alexander Island Entire,