The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-02-15
PERFORMED,
Suffocation or Asphyxiation Not RESPONSE
BILE For misunderstanding the Only
Theory---Was it Accidental?

Marlboro, Feb. 1.-THE facts sur
rounding the strange death of four
members of the Edward S. Underwood
family the story of which appeared in
this mornings Spy, are as remote as
they We're when the tragedy was disl
covered supposedly by Policeman
Hartnett, last evening. Naturally, the
strange tragedy has been the talk of
the city all day and the theories ad-
vanced are as various as they are nu-
merous.
The story of asphyxiation is simply
secuted as altogether improbable as
there is not a single Circumstance CON
nected with the entire affair which in
dicates such thing.
Again, according to the story of
David Dawson, a friend of the family,
which appears below, it kills forever the
theory of suffocation from smoke, as
the four persons were dead before a
fire was built in the room, and the 9TH
er three were found unconscious prior
to the discovery by Policeman Hart
nett. Hence, the only theory advanced
which seems at all plausible. is that of
poisoning, as was advanced in The
Spy this morning. Whether accidental
ly taken into the system or purposely
administered is a matter, as stated this
morning, Tor an analysis of the
stomachs of the dead persons and q
police investigation to determine.
The police are as silent as the pro-
verbal clam and refuse point blank
to advance any theories concerning the
strange affair Medical wa IL -
Hoitt, who was assisted in the au-
topsy performed today by several local
physicians, instructed his assistants
not to divulge any of the facts con-
nected with the findings of the au
topsy.
Every clue imaginable has been fol-
lowed by the police, and the home of
the Underwoods has been the scene of
many bluecoats and copious crowds of
curious persons who were anxious to
see the building in which the strange
tragedy took place, and to gather such
facts as We've possible in connection
with the affair.
The subJool for the autopsy this af-
ternoon as performed by Medical Elk
aminer e. G. Hoitt, was Miss Olive I'm
derWood. the mother of John Clifford
The stomach of the subject was re-
moved. and sent to Prof. Woods of Har-
ward College for analysis.
Medical Examiner p. G. Hoitt told a
Spy man this evening, that the cir
cumstances surrounding the case were
such as to demand a most rigid exam
ination of the stomachs of the dead
persons, and as rigid a police invest-
cation.
City Marshal Fred A. Pope told q
Spy man tonight, that he was certain
that the analyses Of the stomachs of
the dead persons would undoubtedly re-
veal the cause of DEATH and pending
the decision of the chemist, there was
nothing which the police could settle
upon as a possible cause The police
end. however, will be watched closely.
and some developments are likely TO
occur.
No arrests have been made. but to-
night one Of the local policemen found
David Dawson, an employee of the John
A. Frye factory, and escorted him to
police headquarters. Dawson has
been about the city for about six weeks.
and was intimate with the Underwood
family. Dawson formerly resided on
Exchange street, Worcester, where did
also the Underwood family some seven
years ago. They resided near DR.
Penniman's veterinary hospital.
Dawson was closeted with City Mar
shall Pope, for long time, but after a
thorough examination, was allowed to
depart.