Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-03-31

pride in having his company up to a
high standard. He naturally came into
collision with the sentiments of some of
his men and it is understood that
threats as to what might happen when
all were back in the States and out of
the service were made by some men in
the company.
But the men in the company who
went from this section of the State
were not involved in this, as the lieu
tenant was a favorite with them and
those who have returned speak in the
highest terms of him. But in the alb
sence of any better cause and in view
of the fact that it is understood that
threats were made against the lieuten-
ant, the theory has been advanced that
he might have been met by some of the
former members of the company who
had a grudge against him and been
foully dealt with. But at its best this
theory is admitted to be pretty weak.
The theory that was most commonly
accepted at first was that the lieuten-
ant had been taken suddenly i'll, per-
haDs with some contagious disease, and
that through some oversight his friends
had not been notified. But as the days
went by and nothing was heard from
him this was abandoned and something
more serious considered.
1t is now pretty generally admitted
that there must be something decidedly
wrong somewhere, but what it is re-
mains a mystery. If there had been
foul play of any nature it would seem
hot III raI l,n
fore this. The missing man did not
carry sufficient money on him to have
made any complicated plot for robbery
worth while. If there was foul play for
robbery it would doubtless have been
done by some thug whose work would
have been promptly discovered.
The theory of temporary insanity
50 frequently advanced in cases of this
kind does not make good in this par
ticular one.' Lieut. Dutton was a man
of robust health, without the slightest
symptom of anything of this kind. 1t
could only be accomplished by an ac-
cident in his case and if there was an
accident it should have been known by
this time.
The delayed letter or suddenly
changed plan theory has also gone by
the board long ago, as there has been
ample time to discover anything of
this kind. In fact there isn't a single
theory yet advanced that will hold
much water and every one seems to
have another guess coming. About the
only thing that can be relied on is
that Lieut.. Dutton has disappeared and
that there is something wrong.
Lieut.. Dutton has been a resident of
Waterville about five years. His ma
tive town is Fort Fairfield, although
much of his youth was spent in New
Sharon, and his father now resides in
Lawrence, Mass. After attaining man.
hood he engaged in various pursuits,
including school teaching at which he
was very successful. Something like
three years ago he enlisted in the 43rd
and went to the Philippines with the
regiment where he saw much active
service. He made a fine record and
was considered a most excellent officer.
His friends were a bit surprised when
he left the service, as it was considered
that he had unusually bright pros
poets there. But after two years of
soldering he tired of the life and took
discharge at the expiration of his term
of enlistment.
AS already stated on his return to
this city he entered the insurance
business and conducted this for a few
months. leaving it about a month ago
to enter the employ of the Whittemore
Furniture Co. as a travelling sales
man.
Lieut.. Dutton is man of fine ap-
pearance. his two years in the service
giving him soldiers bearing. He is
very pleasant man to meet and a
very genial companion. His habits
were always excellent and his char
acter unquestioned. He has always
been a great favorite here in the city
and his peculiar disappearance has
created quite a sensation.
The case has not been considered es-
pecially serious until within few days.
but now every day adds to the fear
that the missing man has been the vic
tim of some foul play. But in spite of
everything he may be at home, today,
healthy, happy and well.