The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1899-11-09

Kingston, jamaica (By Cable. THE gov
ernment OF Costa Hica has definitely refused
to surrender Rutherford, the man charged
with the murder of the American citizen
Archer, unless the British government guar
antees not to innict capital punishment, to
which the government cannot accede, thus
closing the case so far as Jamaica is con-
cerned
Early in 1897 an American OF the name Of
Best Harding Archer arrived in Jamaica for
the purpose of taking up land and engaging
In fruit cultivation. To all Appearances he
possessed considerable means, both in ready
money and personal effects.
Archer secured property known as Eden
Vale. in the parish Of Portland. most val
uable place for his purpose, but situated on
the very outskirts OF civilization and reached
by a road that led no farther. Asacompan-
ion1ahd partner in his venture Archer Sc
cured the services OF Jamaican named
Rutherford. October %. 1897, the body of
Archer was found in an unfrequented spot
in pool OF blood. The body showed two
pistol shot wounds, one through the brain
and the other through the heart There was
no weapon found, and the flannel under
shirt. shirt and coat were buttoned up and
found to be unperrorated by the bullet that
entered the heart. The body also lay face
downward on pile of broken stones, yet
the face was not bruised. The effects Of the
deceased were found to have been stolen.
In spite Of these facts, the police of the
district, after a delay of week. set up u
theory of suicide, with which they went be-
fore the coroner's jury. The coroner, who
was the resident magistrate. refused to allow
Supb n var1iot ha at,i1 fbs
corded verdict that "the deceased came to
his death from the effects of two pistol shots,
but by whom discharged does not appear
from the evidence. As the circumstances
surrounding the death OF the deceased are
80 suspicious we would suggest that the
police be instructed to institute further Wig
liant investigation"
In January, 1893. the government formally
notified the United States consul that Archer
had committed suicide. Meanwhile Mr..
Elworthy had kept up a lively correspond
ence with the colonial secretary, pointing
ont the criminal negligence and incapacity
OF the police, hut his representations had no
effect.
Early in the present year there was
shuflling of the police and one result was
the transfer to Portland OF one of the shrewd-
est and most active inspectors on the force.
Inspector Mcleod. In the interim Mr.. El-
worthy, justice Of the peace and friend of
Archer, had been quietly carrying on pri-
vate investigation, with view to the ulti-
mate clearing of the memory OF his friend
from the stain OF suicide and to bring the
murderer to justice. He placed the results
in the hands of Mcleod, and. after consid-
criDg them, that officer united with Mr.. Ell
worthy in urging the government to order a
reopening of the inquiry. This was done.
What new evidence has been brought for
warl has not. OF course. transpired; hut
Rutherford. who Immediately after the hold
ing Of the inquest disappeared from the
island, was located in Costa Rlca, where he
was arrested on an eNtradition warrant from
the jamaican government.