The morning times., 1895-11-12
HER DEATH AIN ACCIDENT
Jury Finds No One to Blame for
Nettie Thompson's End.
Recomm endatiOn That Lights and
Guard Rails Be Put On the Bridge
for Projection of Pedestrians,

Coroner C. NJ. Hammett and jury COM
z. Lucas. James E. Cemick, Alfred T.
Monroe, Burton Vernon. and John Il.
Thomas. held an inau at the Fourth pre-
cinct station house yesterday afternoon 10
determine the manner in which Nettie May
Cummings, or Thompson, the young woman
whose body was taken from the James
Creek canal shortly after 2 O'Clock Sun
day morning, came 10 her death. After an
examination, which lasted about an Lour
and half. they returned a verdict of ac-
cidental death by drowning, and exonerated
every one connected with the affair.
George Chapman, a Coiored railroad en-
ploye living on First street southeast, was
the first witness. He was walking across
the brioge about quarter past L O'Clock.
He heard some one say 'Oh, N ettie why dId
you do it," and looking down saw a man
standing on the bank OF tie canal and a
black object floating IN The water.
WHAT'S the matter down there" he
called.
"tor Gods sake come down and help
me, came the response. "Netue is
drowning"
Witness replied that he could not swim,
and ran off, returning shortly afterwards
with Policeman Barnic. In a few minutes
to the mans cries for help and the body
was gotten ashore.
Dr. L. W. Giszthrook, the deputy coroner.
then gave evidence as TO the condition
of the body when he examined it. There
were no indications Of violence.
Aa ggie Is. Thompson. mother OF the de-
ceased, said her daughter left the house
about O'Clock Saturday evening, saying
SHE was going 20 meet young Martin, who
1nhls.aH h-- a fa n har
accepted lover She was not seen again
until her dead body was brought TO the
house, about six hours later.
Herman j. Martin. the young printer,
who was with the girl up to a few minutes
before her death, stated that according to
arrangement Nettie met him at his office.
No. 4o7 Seventh street northwest, where
he, with a friend. was awaiting her. He
gave her a quarter and told her to go to
his house and see his sister. while he and
his friend got shaved. She went out and
he and his friend followed in a few min
utes- They had several glasses Of beer
during the interval that elapsed before Sue
reJoined them.
He ana Settfe then visited several places
and drank 4 quantity OF beer, starting for
home about O'Clock. When they reached
the bridge Nettie told him that he would
have TO stay at the house the rest Of the
night and asked him TO go back to Dusans
saloon and get u bottle of whisky.
Hestartcd back and had gotten about $50
feet awar when he heard h er call. "GoOd-by,
Herm.' He thought she was joking. but ran
back, calling to her. She was finally located
in the water and was brought ashore by
Mr.. Dugan.
During his testimony the witness broke
down several times.
The jury remained out about half IN hour
and returned a verdict completely eX-
onerating young Martin. and holding that
the girl came to her death by accidental
drowning. They also strongly recon-
mended that lights and guard rails be
provided for the protection of people
crowding the bridge at night.
Arrangements have not yet been COM
pleted for the funeral.