New-York tribune., 1900-10-08
JONES WAS A RYPNOTIST.
MR. R1CE'S VALET RECOGNIZED BY HIS
TEACHER AS A FORMER PUPIL.

Ifshed in Yesterdays Tribune, that the quick
tests" applied by Professor Wftthsus to the
viscera of the late William Marsh Rice, had
failed to detect the slightest trace of poison,
practically disposes Of the suggestion that the
aged millionaire came TO his death by other than
natural causes. Professor Witthaus will now
submit the organs taken from Mr.. Rice's body
to what is known the slow test, but the
opinion was expressed by physicians yesterday
that If the first tests failed TO show the presence
Of poison it was not very likely that the second
analysis would produce any other result.
Had Mr.. Rice died through having vomica
improperly administered to him, it is believed
that some signs of the poison would have been
brought to light by the quick analysis. It was
learned yesterday that. if the report which Pro
fessor Witthaus win make to the Coroner in
about ten days is to the effect that the chemist
was unable TO discover the existence Of poison
in the body. the police win abandon Immediately
the theory that part of the alleged plot to
cure the Rice millions the encompassing of
the old mans death. and will devote their ef-
forts entirely 10 searching for proofs of the
charges that 4 conspiracy was formed to obtain
possession of the immensely valuable property
belonging to Mr.. Rice.
The case so far as it has been unfolded
presents many interesting developments. On the
one hand some Of the most experienced hand
writing experts IN the country declare that the
assignments which made over to Lawyer
Patrick the greater part of the Rice estate were
forged Two notaries, Morris Meyers and David
L Short, on the other hand, say that they
actually saw Mr.. Rice sign not only these
papers, but the second will" And there the
case in its most pertinent aspects, rests so far.
With the element Of murder absent the case
resolves itself into one Of a struggle for millions.
VIII the jury believe the handwriting experts
or the two witnesses? Upon the verdict depends
the destination Of something like five millions
Of money, and for some individuals the prospect
Of life Of luxury or a long term of penal servi-
tude.
PATRICK AND JONES IN THE TONES.
Patrick and Jones, the attorney and valet. re
spectiveIy remained IN the Tombs yesterday.
They were not visited during the day by their
counsel or by friends, and to newspaper men
who sought TO see them they sent word that, in
accordance with the instructions of their legal
adviser, they must refuse to answer the inquiries
Of reporters. The two men are being supplied
with food by q special caterer and spent their
time yesterday in reading and listening to the
usual Sunday services. II is a peculiar feature
Of these services that when the solost Of the
female choir sings hymn or anthem she is in
variably applauded by loud clapping Of hands
and the shriu whistling with which the patrons
Of the gallery in a theatre usually betoken their
appreciation. II just as invariably happens that
the soloist responds to the applause by repeat
ing one of the verses Of the hymn Patrick is
confined in a cell on the second tier, while Jones
occupies q compartment in the tier above.
The Two men viii be brought up for examina-
ton in the Centre-st. police court at o'clock
. tomorrow afternoon. AS was foreshadowed in
yesterdays Tribune, no attempt will be made
10 release the prisoners bail. for the reason
that the police authorities would Immediately
rearrest them on another charge. Frederick B.
House admitted this much yesterday. Il shall
not give bail for Patrick and Jones tomorrow"
he said because suspect that the police or the
District Attorney would rearrest them an
other charge. I will probably not endeavor to
ind bondsmen for them until the examination
is concluded. I perfectly certain that the
two men are innocent, and am confident Of
proving them so. II any crime has been COM
mitted the guilty ones are those who are seeking
70 divert the Rice millions from those to whom
AIr. Rice wished his money TO go as devised in
the second will
Professor Witthaus, when he was seen at his
home. No, 40 East Thirty-second-st., last night,
refused TO comment IN any way upon the state
ment made public by Coroner Hart, that he had
failed to discover traces of poison by the quick
tests. II did see Coroner Hart yesterday af-
ternoon." he said. but beyond that I viii say
nothing"
ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY TALKS.
Assistant District Attorney Osborne replying
10 inquiries said: Il have not seen anyone in
connection with the case this afternoon. The
experts yesterday in going over the papers again
came to the conclusion that the checks We're
unquestionably forgeries. I believe that the two
men viii be able 10 give bail. If they do I viii
be willing TO have the examination postponed.
If they should go on with the case and be dis
charged by Magistrate Crane it is my intention
10 have them rearrested on another charge I
have sufficient evidence to charge them with
other forgeries. We have several exhibits Of
JOnes's handwriting. The experts have not made
their report vet, but they surnse that Jones
did all the writing on the checks, including the
signatures. 1 have not seen the second will
Patrick promised 20 deliver this TO Captain Nc
Clusky, but whether he has done so 1 do not
know"
Mr.. Osborne said he had only just started on
the case and therefore did not feel qualified to
express any opinion upon its different phases.
OF upon the many theories that it had given
rise
David L. Short one Of the witnesses to the
second viii and other documents, which
serted 10 be forgerles, was seen yesterday at
his home, No. 1,442 Bedford-ave., Brooklyn and
Tor the first time consented TO speak about the
case He said he had known Patrick for long
time in fact, ever since the accused lawyer
came 20 this city. He said also that he had
known Mir. Rice for a long period, and fire.
quently employed by him 10 witness papers. Mr.
Short would not specifically state if he had seen
MI Rice sign the viii and assignments, because
Captain McClusky had told him TO say nothing
about the matter. He added that he had
given Captain McClusky a detailed statement OF
MS relations with Patrick and Mr. Rice, and
was willing that the captain should make the
statement public.
SAY THEY SAW MR.. RICE SIGN
Captain McClusky. in admitting that he had
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