The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-08-21
OFFICIALS GET RESOLUTIONS.
Chief McDermOtt Stands by His
Theory of HeiIegenberg's Death.

Theory of HeiIegenberg's Death.
A copy Of the resolutions passed by the
| Teutonia Singing Society upon the death
of August H. Heilegenberg, and request
/ ing that the city and county officials give
the case their attention, was sent yester-
/ day to the Police Commission, Chief of
/ Police McDermott, Solicitor General Os-
borne, and Coroner Goette.
No new features Of the case were de-
veloped yesterday, and the probability is
there will be nothing further unless the
officers unravel 1t. The affair is in the
same darkness as at first, and unless
something unexpected transpires, the way
the victim met death will probably never
be known to his friends.
1T is not necessary to call upon me
to do my duty in this case" said Chief
McDermott yesterday, after having re-
| ceived the resolutions. My theory has
! been explained and l feel more confident
! than ever that there was no foul play In
the first place we have alleged crime
without a motive, thing unheard of in
the experience of police and detective de-
partments throughout the country, When
a murder is committed there is always a
motive on the surface, even though the
work be done by an insane man. If we
know Of anybody who had a reason for
getting a man out of the way, he Is
watched; If there is any evidence of rob-
berys people out at night, and who knew
something of what the assaied had, is
closely investigated. But where there is
no reason for suspecting any one, where
the friends of Mr. Heilegenberg admit he
had no enemies there is no ground on
which 10 predicate suspicion.
'Df course I NAV be in error COQti0-
ued the chief, but l reason it out that
the man came TO his death by accident
Detective Woods in company with two
other men, had just left the police bar
racks when the man was found, on their
way 10 the country for a horse thief
While DR.. Kenan was calling the firemen,
the detective discovered the body, and re-
marked to those with him, Look there;
we have a job on hand The officer took
a look at the body for himself, after which
he sent for me, and l ordered out the de-
tectves
THE position of the body and the nature
of the wounds, was enough to convince
me the man fell. But I did not step at
this. found where the man had been dur
ing the night, and obtained all facts to
show whether there was foul play, but to
this time there is not a scintilla of proof
he was assaulted. The bottle ne got at
the drug store was laying broken a short
distance in front of the body, which was
another evidence he stumbled and fell in
The direction he was walking. IL appears
TO me the wounds can be clearly account
ed for. The probability is his head was
slightly turned to the left as he fell, and
in this manner, Ii was easy for both the
right temple and the nose to hit the
ground at the same time"
What the chief will do In regard to the
resolutions is not known. He stated yes
terday none of the German citizens had
called upon him to disclose any of the
clues some claim they have. 1t is sure
the police theory win be given If they
call at the barracks and make Inquiries i
The spot where Heilegenberg fell is cul
riously gazed upon by passersby. All who
have become interested in the case, espe-
cially If they are accompanied. stop and
discuss the affair, much to the displeas-
ure of those who live near