Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-04-22
NO REM0RSE
Shown by the Youthful Patri-
eide at Clinton, Mass.
Walter Smith Simply Says Father Wa:
Abusing His Mother.
The 16.Year. old Lad Tells a Straight.
forward Story.

Clinton, Mass, April 21.-The death
IF Thomas Smith, who last night, was
Assaulted by his youthful son, Walter,
which occurred, today, resulted in a
charge of murder being brought
against the lad in the district court,
this forenoon. Young Smith offered a
plea of guilty. He was asked to state
his age and on saying that he was 16
was informed that the case came with
in the jurisdiction of the Juvenile ses-
sion of the court and was ordered held
without bail for a hearing next Mon
day.
The boys conduct in court and in fact
during all the time since his arrest,
last night, was marked by the greatest
unconcern. He met the eye of the
judge squarely and showed no embar-
rassment at being the foremost figure
in the crowded court room. The police
have discovered nothing, however, to
tackled his father because of the treat
ment to which he subjected his wife,
the boys mother.
The assault took place not long af-
ter o'clock, last evening, and was COM
mitted with an axe, as the father was
returning home from a pool room in
the town. Three blows upon the head
were sufficient to fracture the skull and
to bring Inconsistencies in which con-
dition the man remained until $50 A.
NJ, today, when he died.
After committing the deed the son
went to police headquarters and sur
rendered. He stated then, and has
maintained since, that his father had
been drinking and had abused the boys
mother. The young man. expressed no
regret for what he had done nor did he
inquire of the police how seriously he
had injured his father.
He came into court accompanied only
by the police. He had no counsel and
in the crowd which had filled the court
room none Of his relatives appeared
The proceedings occupied but few
minutes and the lad was led away by
the officers. He did not know that his
father was dead until he was told of ii
in the court room and informed that
the charge against him was that OF
murder. Apparently the announcement
aroused not the slightest emotion.
. Mrs. Smith, who is in shattered
nervous state as the result of yester-
days experience with her husband, was
still in such a condition, today, that il
was deemed unwise to acquaint hei
with the true nature of the affair be-
tween her husband and son. She I'M
derstands that there was trouble and
that the son assaulted the father and
was arrested, but no details have beer
made known to her nor the fact of hel
husbands death. While her condition
Is one needing careful medical atten-
ton, it is expected that she will yield
to the remedies which are being ap-
piled.
Chief of Police O'Toole and the medi-
cal examiner, today, visited the scene
Of the assault but nothing new was
found.
The unconcern of the boy is causing
much comment. He had been consider
ed bright and intelligent, but apparent
ly at the present time he is destitute
of all natural feeling. Not only did he
not inquire concerning his fathers in
iuries, but since he was arrested he
has disclosed no thought for his mother
or any other relatives. u