Evening star., 1901-12-14
ARE ENCOURAGED
Reports Of Mrs. Dennis Condition
Slightly Favorable.
GRADUAL IMPROVEMENT INDICATED
Police Still Puzzled Regarding the
Motive for the Crime.
RUMORS INVESTIGATED

Friends of Mrs. Ada Gilbert Dennis were
greatly encouraged this morning by the
news from the sick room. Drs. Thompson,
Hooe and Atkinson held their usual morn
ing consultation and their report showed
there had been a gradual Improvement in
the patients condition during the past
twenty-four hours. The wounds were in
splendid condition and the sick woman's
mind had shown signs of clearing several
times during the night. While the general
condition of the patient seemed to be a
trifie better in every respect than it was
yesterday her condition is still extremely
critical. Had it not been for the splendid
physical condition of Mrs. Dennis the doc
tors think she would have died before to-
day. more decided change In her condi-
ton is expected during the next twenty
four or forty-eight hours and the doctors
have an Idea that 1t will probably he for the
better because of the strong battle she has
thus far made to save her life.
The belief is expressed by some that the
patient has made statements, probably
whlle she was delirious, but which NAV
nave some bearing on the crime. If such
is the case the doctors and detectives are
guarding the secret well.
1t is stated that Mrs. Dennis is delirious
most of the time, and during her delirium
sIe frequently rererS to her work, and begs
that the bandages be taken from her head
Cut them off, she screamed a number
OF times during the night when her pain
seemed intense.
cate that the awful scene of Tuesday
morning had been recalled, for she would
cry, Go away and let me alone" and
Stop that" When she gets in this condi-
ton she usually makes attempts to tear
off the bandages, but the nurses hold her
until she can be soothed into quietness.
Pursuing Alleged Clues.
The condition of the patient is, of course.
of great interest to the detectives, and while
they are anXiously awaiting the time when
she may tell something of Importance they
are not resting on their oars Several mem
bers of the staff are pursuing the investiga-
ton. Two of the clues regarded as Of
Importance and every effort is being made
to definitely ascertain If certain parties
have any connection with the affair OF
Tuesday morning. In this connection The
detectives have interviewed many lndivid-
uals who have been acquainted with the
victim since she came to this city from
Gettysburg more than twenty years ago.
Persons who were friends of the woman
before she met Walter Dennis, whom she
afterward married, have been seen, and
what II any, light they have thrown on
the case will be known in a few days.
Detectives are also questioning everybody
they can find whoever worked for Mrs.
Dennis or occupied rooms In her house.
Thus far they seem to have found no one
who has expressed a willingness to suggest
a motive. Many theories have been ad-
vanced In the case, but the officers have
formed no opinion concerning the circun-
stances leading to the assault. They have
discussed matters scores Of times and sug-
gested different theories in an effort to
find motive. but none has yet been found.
1t is the opinion of the detectives that
nothing has been shown in support of the
robbery theory which has been advanced
by friends.
Capt. Boardman's Views.
Capt Boardman has an idea that the
scream heard early Tuesday morning may
have some bearing on the case When the
incident was first reported by Policeman
Livingstone but little attention was paid
to it. Detectives engaged in the investiga-
tion of the mystery, as well as the cap
tain, knew full well that the outcry could
not possibly have been made by the VIC
tim of the assault after the first blow was
delivered, for such noise would have
aroused the occupants of the house. as
well as the neighbors. 1t is believed to be
possible, however, that the woman who
uttered the scream may have had some
connection with the case.
1t may be that the woman, should she
have participated in the horrible affair."
became frightened, or it may be that she
had companion-possibly a man-and
some dissatisfaction shown on his
part over what had occurred. This. IL is
said may have led to a quarrel and the
scream followed.
Captain Boardman has several officers
making a close investigation to find other
persons who heard the noise. In this way
it is hoped some one may be found who
give better details Of the affair and
who may have seen the woman. Acting
Lieut.. Matthews. who performs the duties
of night inspector, heard the scream. but
he was unable to locate the point whence
it came He was near New York avenue
and ctr lhO 9afo IL -, 81,
ming when his attention attracted by
the outcry. There was a stiff northeast
breeze blowing at the time and the officer
thinks the woman might easily have Daen
at the time in the vicinity of the Dennis
house, or near where the coat and apron
were found in the sewer Thus far the po-
lice have not succeeded in locating the
woman.
Still Regarded Possible.
The statement of the patient, It's a wo-
man." which was regarded as so significant
by the police and caused strenuous efforts
to fix the crime upon one of the fair SEX is
still regarded possible clue, although
today the detectives paying some atten-
ton to the stronger sex. Mrs. Dennis. who
has done SO much talking In the hospital
and said so little bearing upon the crime,
has said considerable about a man since
yesterday morning, and the suggestion is
made in some quarters that a man may
have committed the crime.
There is one thing certain, and that ,s
that the tracks of the guilty ones were
well covered. Never In the history Of the
police department has there been a case Co
equal in this respect the one under investi-
cation. There was nothing left in the
room by the woman's assailant. so far as
the police have learned. A lady's handker-
chief with the initial ''S' in one corner was
picked up by Detective Trumbo, and held
for the purpose Of Identification.
Blood stains some distance from the house
were found. some on 18th street and others
on K street near the corner Of 18th These
stains were on the pavements Tuesday
and residents of the two streets
feel certain they were not there Monday
before sundown. What bearing these stains
have on the case under investigation is not
shown, nor Is 1t likely to be shown until
more definite concerning the
case is learned
The matter Of the finding OF the coat In
the sewer at 18th and N streets has given
the detectives problem to solve. the
affair may yet prove of interest in the case.
So far as the apron is concerned. there II