The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-05-10
GORDON PROBABLY A TOOL
New Aspect of the Double Tragedy
at Louisville.
THEORY or GOVERNOR BROWN
Believes Ills Sons Murder Was n Foul
COnspiracy-Scnsation Promised
in COurt--AnOthcr Man
in the Case.

Louisville, May 9-The sensation at
tending the Gordon double killing is not
over. yet by half. The prosecution to-
day will attempt to prove that Archie
Dixon Browns death was due to a deep
laid plot to assassinate him; a trap, as
the prosecutor believes, fostered and
planned by one who, for reason best
known to himself was afraid to do the
work, and used Gordon as the tool to
carry out his design. These statements
come directly from the prosecution.
Governor Brown has reason to believe
that his sons coming to Louisville on
the day of the tragedy and his assigna-
ton with Mrs Gordon was known to a
man in Frankfort who telegraphed to a
man in Louisville. This Louisville man,
the prosecution claims, notified Gordon
that his wife was to fneet Brown, and
"actively assisted in a foul assassina-
ton" The prosecution further says
that the name of the man ''who acted
the spy" is known to them. and that
he will have to be produced in court.
In private letter last night Governor
Brown insisted that the man referred
to be brought into court on an attach
tinn believes, piloted Gordon to the
house of Lucy Smith, is a college chum
of Gordon, and was married in Frank
fort.
James A. Scott, the Frankfort attor-
ney employed by Governor Brown to
prosecute the case, was seen last night
at the Willard hotel. He is fearless,
capable lawyer, and has the reputation
of doing what he believes to be his duty
at all hazards. He said:
Governor Brown sent for me about
1 o'clock yesterday afternoon. He ex-
planned his views and position in the
matter and employed me to prosecute
the case in the examining trial only.
l want to say that Governor Brown
never authorized any statement that
he would not prosecute the case, nor
did he ever dream of granting a pardon
to, Gordon, as has been stated.
Full Investigation.
Before deciding on the step, Cover
nor Brown took counsel with a number
of intimate friends from all over the
state. He came to the conclusion that
it was due the memory of his son that
there should be full and fair investi-
cation of all the facts; not necessarily
for the purpose of prosecution, but for
the purpose of enabling him and the
officers of the law to determine whether
there ought to be a further prosecution
of the case. He arrived at this conclu-
sion after satisfying himself that Cor
don had no reason to believe that his
son had led her from h.e path of virtue.
VJn fhl CT
have known that his wife was dissi-
pated, reckless and imprudent, if not
an unchaste woman.
Governor Brown is now firmly con-
vinced that well planned trap was
laid for his son, and that his son was
selected for the sacrifice out Of a large
number of like offenders, and that in
formation was furnished OF his COM
ing by some one in Frankfort to an
other man in Louisville, who for some
motive advised and actively assisted in
what Governor Brown considers a foul
assassination. We have good reason
to believe that we know who the man
is who took Gordon to Lucy Smiths
house. He was a college mate of Cor
dons, and was married in Frankfort.
This man must be brought into
court. We will demand 1t. There will
be some very interesting developments
when he is brought. We will push the
matter to the bottom and bring out all
the facts"
Gordon Is Discharged.
Judge Thompson, after listening to
arguments for four hours In the Cor
don-Brown murder case this afternoon,
decided that Fulton Gordon should not
be held for trial and discharged him.
Then followed a wild scene. People
jumped upon chairs, the bar, and even
on the steps Of the judges bench and
broke into cheers. Hundreds waved |
their hats in the air and the attorneys |
for the defense almost had their hands
wrung off by the enthusiastic multi
tude. Judge Thompson was unable to |
restrain the commotion and court was |
declared adjourned.
The defendant was not present In |
court, having been excused by the |
prosecution. Enthusiastic friends of |
his jumped into cab and rode to the |
residence of DR.. Gavin Fulton to con- |
vey the cheerful news. Gordon was
overcome with emotion,
Colonel Scott, for the prosecution, |
said after the trial that he did not |
know whether the case would be taken |
before the grand jury or not. He |
would have to consult with Governor J