The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-02
Drowning
Held By Some to
Be Suspicious.
CASE WAS CONTINUED.
Engineer Ropes Resigns
From the Metropolitan
v alter Board.

Clinton, Dec. 1.-Scores of people
were turned away from the district
court room this morning. Unusual in
terest was inspired by the hearing in
the case of John P. Murphy, who was
held on suspicion, because of the
drowning of John F. O'Malley.
The complaint was in the nature of
surprise. 1t was made by Oren B.
Bates, chief Of police, and charged him
with committing an assault upon John
F. O'Malley. The complaint coming in
this form was practically an exonera-
ton of Murphy. 1t meant that the po-
lice desired time to make a more thor
ough investigation of the tragedy of
Big pond.
Associate Justice Smith was on the
bench in place of Judge G. c. Stone,
who was out of town. Murphy was in
the court room when his case was
called. He was almost Frustrated He
was represented by David 1. Walsh.
Chief Bates said he was not ready to
have the case disposed Of, but wanted
more time. Mr.. Walsh had no objec-
ton to this, but wished to be heard in
a motion for bail.
He said to the court that in his opin-
ion O'Malley met his death by an ac-
cident. The foot path across the dam
was at all times an unsafe spot. The
court might recollect that some years
ago well known clergyman, while on
his way to the harbor, had slipped
from the same path, and was only
saved by the fact that the pond was
frozen over Under the circumstances,
MI. Walsh thought bail should be
placed at a low figure
Are you ready to give bail?" asked
Justice Smith. When Mr.. Walsh re-
piled in the affirmative Justice Smith
said while the circumstances of this
cfse are not fully known, there is lit
tie on the face of the facts that is Sc
rious. Yet 1 believe bonds should be
fixed at a somewhat higher figure than
they would be in case of ordinary
assault and battery" He then fixed
the amount at $500. Daniel and Pat
rick, brothers of the deceased, prompt
ly furnished the necessary surety
The case was continued until Thurs
day morning at 9 o'clock, when the
| court will go into the details of the
tragedy.
The capacity of the four cells in the
repaired police station was severely
tried Thanksgiving night, when there
were two prisoners in each cell. Moth
ing has been heard from the extra
cells, which are popularity supposed to
be on the way The police need them
greatly, and will be glad when they
are in position in the cell room.
He hit me in the nose, judge. MY
nose proves It," said Peter Carboni to
Associate Judge Smith this morning.
Carboni's nose showed that somebody
struck him. A big piece had been
knocked out of 1t, and the organ could
be seen a long distance away, it was
so inflamed. Cornelius Reagan was
fined $40 for his assault upon the nose.
Reagan said that Carboni called him
a vile name, at o'clock yesterday af-
ternoon Reagan went into Carboni's
fruit store to inquire what Carboni
meant by the epithet, and Carboni
threatened him with a weight 81 be-
lieving in striking the first blow" said
Reagan, 81 smashed him, your honor"
Toll Gate Inn" played at Clinton
theatre tonight. There was an ex-
cellent house.
Horace H. Ropes terminated his ca
reer as a member of the staff of metro
| politan engineers today. His resigna-
ton was handed in some time ago.
Mr.. Ropes will remain in town until
Jan. l. He has held one of the most
important posts connected with the en-
| cheering necessitated by the construc-
| ton of the Wachusett reservoir.