Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-11-30
A k7OLINEUX hAELODRAMA.
1t VIII Have It's Premier on To-Eor-
row Night.


NEW YORK. November 29.-(Special)-
1relodralra. entitled The Great Poison
Mystery" founded on the Molneux case,
is to receive its first production in New
ark, n. J.. next Monday evening. It is
from the pen of Victor Calver. 1t will
be produced at Blaney's theatre, in Brook
lyn, the following week.
The author has, of course, taken the
customary liberty with the names, but
that Robert Wiando is meant for the
man who was tried twice for his life. it
is hardly necessary to mention.
The play exonerated Robert Milando
and points to Harrison Cornwall. the
nephew and sole heir of Mrs. Adamson,
who substitutes cyanide Of mercury for
headache powders.
When the curtain rises on the first
act it discloses a View CT the smoking
room and cafe Of the Metropolitan Sport
ing Club It is ladies' Gay. and many
guests are expected. Robert Milando is
10 marry blanche Marlbro that afternoon.
He meets i.is father. the general, at the
club by appointment lie has purchased
a number of presents for his friend
among them q silver bottle-holder, con-
tanning q bottle for Mrs. Adamson.
Robert is the president OF a great chemi-
cal company, and his Investigation into
the science CT chemistry has resulted
in The discovery of a remedy for head
ache. Mrs. Ada:nson is troubled with
headaches. Robert makes up a sample Of
his drug-a harmless mineral compound
incIcsas 1t with the bottc-hol6er in
wrapper and addresses it to Mrs. Adam
scr. The messenger, who is to deliver
the package is intercepted by Harrison
Cornwall. the nenhew and sole heir OF
Mrs. AGamson. He substitutes cyanide
Of mercury for what tie package con-
tains. Mrs. Adanson takes the poison
and dies.
Robert is accused Of Ter assassination
by Cornwall and is imprisoned.
Robert has been tried and convicted,
when news arrives he has been granted q
second trial Cornwall ana an adventur
ess plot to have him Intercepted, thus de-
stroyir2g all OF his chances for new
trial.
Nellie Ely. a reporter en- a New York
daily, and q friend of Roberts. has been
investigating the case on behalf of her
paper. and believes Cornwall to be guilty.
She accuses hin: OF the crime.
The escape is attempted. but at the
last moment Robert. knowing of his in
nocencc, decides TO remain. even though
The outstretched arm of his sweetheart
welcomes him TO liberty in boat below
the window OF lis cell.
Cornwall has been betrayed ny MS Tor
lner mistress. All the railroad stations
ana ferries are guarded by the police,
who are looking for him. His only chance
to escape from Manhattan Island is by
means OF the unfinished bridge. He &c
cides TO be the first man to cross it.
Robert and his bride arc about to cross
the ferry for their Brooklyn home. Corn
wall is On the bridge. 1t catches afire,
collapses and falls into the river, carry
ing Cornwall. with it. There is cry "a
mar overheard"
Robert strips off his coat. He is too
late, as Cornwall dies the moment his
body strikes the water. Robert brings
the dead body of his enemy to the shore,
ara then for tie first time discovers his
identity.
The burning bridge is the new East
river bridge destroyed by fire few weeks
ago.