The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1902-10-31
JACKSON He
IS INNOCENT
OF CRIME
BROKE DOWN TODAY WHEN
TOLD OF HIS wIFE'S DEATH
BUT STOUTLY DENIED ANY
GUILT

There have been no developments to-
day in the Friel-Jackson case. Nigel
Jackson, the husband of one of the vic
tins of the fire yesterday, is still close
ly guarded in a cell at the police sta
ton. Although many suspect Jack
son of having been concerned in
the cause of the fire, no such charge
has been regularly made against the
prisoner. In fact he is being held by
the police, merely as a witness to APP
pear before the coroner's jury which
meets tonight at the office Of the High
Sheriff.
Thus far Jackson has made no con-
fession of the crime of arson. On the
contrary he has vigorously denied all
guilt of the firing of the Friel prem
| ises. 1t was this morning that Jack
son first learned of the death of his
wife. He was informed of the occur
renee by High Sheriff Brown.
DO you know Nigel" inquired the
High Sheriff, that as the result Of the
fire yesterday morning several people
have died?"
rs my wife dead?" was the first
query put by Jackson.
Yes, she is dead and so are Mrs
Friel and Eta Friel" replied the High
Sheriff
"Oh my God! Oh my God! Is she
dead? Is my wife dead?" cried Jack
son, as he burst into tears. He SEEM
ed completely Frustrated by the new.
and wept as the officers say they have
seen few men weep. Jackson continu-
ally moaned and otherwise expressed
sorrow over the death of his wife. Nc
attempt was made by the officers tc
secure any confession from jackson
| today.
| Jackson was questioned on this sub.
! ject Lass night, however, by Deputy
High Sheriff Chillingworth. Jackson
protested his innocence. jackson i,
keenly alive though to the situation in
which ne is placed. To the High Sher.
! lift this morning, the imprisoned mai
| protested innocence of setting fire t.
! the Friel place THE public is dowr
on me- declared Jackson. Every.
! body has got it in for me. l had moth.
J ing to do with it,"
! Thus far the police have not secured
any very strong evidence to connec
Jackson with the cause of the Erie
fire. New points are being secured
! Jackson stated several days ago tina
he would give the newspapers some
thing big to write about,
The Coroner'S jury has the power e
recommend that jackson be taken int
custody. Whether such recommenda
ton will be made will, of course, de-
pend entirely upon the evidence tina
/ is presented to the cOroner's jury. l
the evidence is. strong enough to war
rant the jury believing that Jackson i
implicated in the matter, the recon
mendation may be made. Should sucl
recommendation be made by the jury
JSckson will be arraigned before tn
District Magistrate. Inasmuch as tn
grand jury is to meet shortly, it woul,
not be surprising if Judge Wilcox re
fused to take jurisdiction and referee
the officers to the grand jury. Sucl
action would result in the evidence be
ing laid before the grand jury. At tn
present time, there has been no charg
of arson or murder made against JACK
son. The police state that he is bein
held under the statute which gives tn
coroner authority to hold a witness.
InQuests were begun asst night in tn
three cases Nothing especially ney
was ELECTED from the several witnesse
who were examined. The inquest to
night is likely to prove more interest
ms, however, as Jackson win probabl
be called upon to testify.