Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-08-18
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| Manchester; N. H., Aug. 17.-Yount
Smith Davis. the Lincoln. VT, farme
alleged to be implicated In the death O
| 15-year-old Dora Cushman Of that vii
lage. spent Sunday night in Bedford al
the home Of George w. Butterfield, his
uncle.
Davis arrived in Manchester during
the evening. and at once proceeded tc
his uncle's home. which is about three
miles from the Manchester City hall,
or mile and half from West Man
chester, on the old Mast road. At first
1t was understood at Butterfield's that
Smith was merely down for summer
visit. It was remarked that he had
shaved of his mustache and that mir
appetite was very poor. He ate hard
ly any supper at all, and appeared t.
be under some great mental strain. HI
was worried and very much distract.
Davis did not take his uncle into his
confidence, however, until very early
this morning. when he made q clean
breast of everything. He said that he
had been intimate with the young girl,
and that one day not long ago they
both became aware that she was likely
to become a mother.
Davis said that he thought very
much Of Dora and was willing to make
her his wife. When she told him of
her condition he expressed his desire
to place wedding ring upon her finger.
Davis says the girl demurred. She told
him that he was worrying great deal
too much about what was. after all, a
very simple matter, and talked in a
very brutal manner about the affair
This is Davis story.
Finally, he said. she told him to pro-
cure certain instrument for her, and
promised that this would be the last
he would hear about the matter Davis
says he acquiesced and got the instru-
ment she wanted. The next he heard
was on the day Of her death.
On Saturday he received a not from
Miss Cushman at the hotel stating that
she had the instrument with her. and
that she was going To a certain berry
pasture. She wanted him to accom-
pany her, and the two set OF together.
At the berry pasture Davis walked a
few feet away from Dora. about 70
feet. he thought. She attempted to re-
iieve her condition and died instantly. |
There was no groan, no sound.
Davis told his uncle that he was para
Iyzed by the turn the affair had taken. |
ind that his first thought was of flight |
He did not touch the body, but at once
set about arranging for a hasty depart |
lre. He shaved OF his moustache and |
eft Immediately for this city.
When the young man had concluded his |
recital, which had been delivered be- |
tween sobs. Mr.. Butterfield placed his |
hand upon the shoulder of his nephew
md advised him to return at once to /
Bristol and face the situation bravely
He told him that he could not see that |
Davis was directly guilty of the girls
ieath. and that he had acted very fool
sniy IN running away. The fugitive adj
mtted his folly, and said that he now
'aw the better course would have been
o have summoned the authorities and TO
AVE been governed by their judgement.
When Mr. Butterfield got Davis around
o this way of looking at his predicamept.
lie urged him to reconsider his hasty
tep. return to Bristol. and give himself
ip. Davis said he would do so. and he
EFT the farm at an early hour-Mr. But
erheid says at about o'clock-deter-
mined to make the homeward journey via
nashua and Fitchburg. He said ne in
ended to reach Montgomery. Monday
IiSht. and to spend the night there at the
Tome of his father.
The above story is the substance Of the
tatements made by Mr.. Butterfield, to-
light. to Sergeant William Caldwell of
he Manchester police force. NOtwith-
the statements in the afternoon
ress dispatches. the Manchester author
hes did not hear of the disappearance of
Davis until they learned of 1t, late In the
fternoon. from reporter. About 8 p
a.. w. A. Lawrence, a Bristol official.
elegraphed a description of the fugitive.
1ith the Information that he would prob.
bly, be found at Mr.. Butterfield's. While
he officers were on their way back from
hat place, another telegram was re-
ewed. This was from State Attorney
!. Fish Vergenne. who wired practically
he same instructions. .
Davis told his uncle that he would pro-
eed to Lyndonvile and would spend the !
light at Montgomery.