New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-06-19
A KEY THAT FITS THE DOOR.
THE POLICE DISCOVER ONE IN THE
CLOTHES OF WILLIAM HENRY.
WITH IT A MAN COULD HAVE ENTERED THE FRONT
ENTRANCE OF THE HOUSE IN SOUTH PORT
LAyp.AvE.-sYMpArHY FOR THE Ac-
CUsED BROTIIER-A FUND RAISED
TO PAY FOR HIS DEFENCE-UN-
USUAL INTEREST IN THE



Not for many years has public interest In
Brooklyn been aroused to such an extent as 1t has
been In the murder of Charles W. Henry. the
miser In his home at No 50 South Portland-ave.,
last Friday. Every one is anxious to learn some
thing about the case and every scrap OF news or
gossip relating to 1t is eagerly scanned. Since
william Starr Henry gave himself up to the police
on Saturday morning. and made his statement de-
nying that he was the murderer, nothing OF real
. Importance has developed. though all kinds OF
theories have been advanced.
II the police have any facts beyond what have
already been revealed they are reserVing them
FOR the inquest which takes place at noon to-day.
When superintendent McKelvey Is pressed for an
answer TO some direct question he simply smiles
and tells people TO wait until the Inquest Tne
suspected man has gained number OF sympa-
thIzers since his incarceration. On Monday night
a few OF them met in Fatbush and agreed to raise
enough funds 10 defray the expenses of defence
Foster L. Backus has been retained by Morrison
Hoyt a cousin OF the accused man. He is presi-
dent of the Wildwood Club, Of Flatbush, and 10
using his influence to gain friends for William.
Those who profess to know William Henry VIII
declare that they do not believe him guilty OF the
crime charged against him.
The fact that Walter Henry at once set sus-
picon upon his brother by declaring when the
body was found This Is some OF Williams
work." has raised a prejudice against Walter
1t has been asked why he entertained his brother
at his home for several hours while he knew OF
his fathers death. yet never mentioned 1t to
him. Walters excuse for not speaking TO MS
brother about the murder is that he was afraid
1t would come to his mothers ears. Yet II mas
been pretty clearly shown that his motner
knew OF the murder shortly after It was dis
covered The police say that the murder was
committed on Wednesday night or early Thurs
day morning. Friends Of the accused william
say that he was too intoxicated on Wednesday
night to recol!ect what he did.
William vas seen by caterer named Reilly.
who keeps a store almost opposite the house
where the murder was committed. trying to get
in William he says. rang the bell several times
1t is not told. however. that he gained an en-
trance.
Superintendent McKelvey attaches some I'M
portance to the fact that William had latch
key William says that the door bo!ted on
the inside when he called at the house on Sat-
urday night, after his father had driven both
his mother and himself out OF doors.
Still another theory is that the murder was an
arrangement between the two brothers. That
the police have Walter under surveillance there
can be no doubt although 1t Is not known
whether they have any facts that will involve
him This cannot be known until the Witnesses
are brought TO testify at the inquest.
william was taken to jail yesterday afternoon
for the first time since his arrest. He had been
kept in a cell at the Fourth Precinct station since
ne gave himself up. and had to go through several
rigid examinations Thus far he has not wavered
from his first statement that he is innocent OF the
crime Dctectiye-Sergeant Lawrence j. Dele
hanty yesterday swore to an affidavit charging
William with the murder. basing the charges on
Information and belief. The information the de-
tective received was that there were frequent
quarrels between William Henry and his father.
Charles w Henry. and that William asked Wal
ter Henry to join with him in proceedings to have
their father adJudged insane 20 that william
could not be deprived OF his share OF the property
The affidavit further states that william was
seen by one Charles Erdman on the stoop Of the
house. II does not state when he vas seen, now
ever.
|; was given out late yesterday afternoon by
Detective Sergeant Deehanty that. in searching
Williams clothes. a key which fits the front
door was found. Superintendent McKelvey
was asked about this ky early yesterday af-
ternoon and. after partly admitting that key
had been found ne checked himself and re-
marked
Both Inspector Mclaughlin and Captain Kilt
ger looked more complacent asst night than
they have since thev began investigating the
murder Captain Kitzer has maintained all
along that he had the right man in William
but he would not give any definite reason for
his belief.
superintendent McKelvey was asked last night
II he had refused lawyer named Hennessy
permission 10 see the prisoner William at the
staton-ho II was never asked by Mr.
Hennessy" he replied. for permission to see
the prisoner A man came to Monday
afternoon and complained to me that he had
been treated uncivilly by the sergeant at the
desk at the Fourth Precinct. | told him
would look into the case" said the Superin-
tendent and he went away. That is all
know about It."