The evening times., 1899-01-25
SAYS HE STILL
LOVED HIS WIFE
DYING MESSAGE OF AYREs
Pathetic Letter Left by the Phi1adei-
phia Uxoricide-Sympatby for
the Slayer.

Philadelphia, Jan. 25.-John G. wilson,
who is the only living principal in the
| frightful Ayres murder and suicide, and
who was wounded in the leg by the en-
ragged husband was pronounced cut OF
danger yesterday by Dr.. Hammond, Of the
Samaritan Hospital. wilson still refused
to talk of the affair. AS soon as he is able
| he will be compelled TO tell his story 10
the coroner, who viii order an Inquest al
the proper time.
In the letter left by Ayres he to in de-
tail the story OF his domestic infe.icity
There was no sentiment of vengeance in
the letter. II was a simple story of the
influences that had cTept into his home
and wrecked his life and happiness. In
his statement, Ayres clearly shows that
the fearful step he took was premeditated
Deputy Coroner Dugan, who has charge
of the letter, says that the writ ng does
not exhibit any signs of nervousness on
the part of the writer. IL was written
with a lead pencil, and there are evil
dences of painstaking, as he had t. ken
occasion several times to make erasures
to correct misspelled words. The letter
began:
27S3 North Hicks street
Gentlemen am sorry that have 10 resort 10
the step that have taken to secure satisfaction
1t was, necessary for me to do what | have DONE
being goaded 10 ii 10y not only ms wifes sc-
tions, hut by the looks and apparent Of
everyone who knows anything at all about my
unhappy lot.
The trouble first began in the summer Of 1897
when George SNYDER and John G. Wilson, two
young men. came 10 board with me. Soon vii
son and my wife began to going together, out
blind. did not comprehend what
their actions meant. After the new year Gs9Sb
| began TO grow suspicious, and first limited to
royv wifi fhaf I did like Wilson's attentions
To her.
She either couldn't or wouldn't pay any at
tention 10 my hints. and when | openly &C
cused her OF being in love with Wilson, she re-
Piled
Yes. l love John, but I don't love you, and
il you don't like it you can get out. You had
better get out OF here, anyway, as we don't want
you about, and if You don't go we Will.
The letter then gives the details of
many conversations which go TO show
that Wilson's love for the woman was too
strong to be broken by her want of mari
tai affection. His wife's deserton, with all
his household effects, and her flight TO
Gloucester. leaving him a heart broken
man is told with pathetic brevity and
plainness. The writer told of his struggle
to provide a good home for himself and
wife IN their old age, and deplored the fact
that the law could not be utilized TO pre-
vent such doings.
the collection of his funeral benefits. He
was a member of the Junior Order United
American Mechanics, the United Order of
Red Men, knights of Pythias, and one or
two other beneficial societies, the bene-
fits of which, he says:
want my sister, Mrs. Mary F. Badger, of
1923 Mexican street, To collect also want her
to get the money on my life, the policy Of
which can be found in my effects. My bank book
is here. too, and when she draws the money and
pays the expenses OF my funeral | want her TO
save what is left, together with my personal
household effects. and keep them until my son
comes back.
At the head of the eighteenth page
Ayres wrote:
Hoping You will also look out for my
Fred's interests.
P S / would write more, hut | haven't time.
GEORGE.
Deputy Coroner Dugan stated yesterday
that so far as he was able he would carry
out the wishes of the dead man, for whom
he has a profound sympathy.