The San Francisco call., 1903-09-27
FERGUSON
MURDERERS
STILL FREE
Robbers Who Killed
With Dynamite Not
Captured.
Arrested Suspects May Have
Guilty knowledge Of the
Crime.
Real culprits Are Believed to Be
in Hiding in the Camp
Of the Construction
Company.

WASHINGTON. Pa, Sept S-The day
has closed without the apprehension Of
the fendish murderer or murderers Of
Contractor Ferguson, who was killed by
the explosion OF a mine Of dynamite near
8Iiddletown yesterday. The suspects,
Francis and Huston, under arrest are not.
IL is believed, the guilty principals, but
evidence has been obtained which tends
10 implicate them in the crime. The pre-
vailing opinion seems TO be that they
were used as tools by the real perpetra-
tors Their stories Of the manner in
which they spent yesterday have been
proved incorrect il several points, and
Until they can prove an absolute alibi
they VIII be held by the authorities.
The day in and around the camp has
been characterized by a determined quiet
What amounts TO martial law has been
declared at Camp Ferguson by General
Manager Norton. Sheriff Carothers and
the County Commissioners and a strict
watch is being kept over the 100 work
men because Of the belief that the lead
er OF the plot may not have escaped. As
an incentive for the capture Of the guilty
ones the Ferguson Construction Company
has offered a reward Of $1,000. To this
the County Commissioner has added an
toher 5000 and an additional 800 is being
raised by individual subscription.
The only description OF the man who
was seen by Farmer Loggitt carrying the
satchel away from the spot where the
dynamite was exploded is meager. It is
as follows White man, about 25 years
OF age, five feet six inches tall. weight
about 40 70 145 pounds. fairly well
dressed: wore soft black hat, dark coat
and light trousers. This description has
been sent out broadcast
BOOkkeeper Martin tonight is resting
more comfortably and the physicians at
the Washington Hospital say his condi-
ton IS favorable, but he has not passed
the critical stage
The abandoned mine on the Patterson
farm. near the scene Of the tragedy,
which was supposed 10 have been used as
a refuge by the criminals. was closely
guarded all night, and this morning IL
was thoroughly explored. without any
evidence being discovered that the men
had been hiding there.
Early to-day John Welsh. resident Of
West Middletown, found the satchel in
which Contractor Ferguson had carried
the money. It was rified Of the roll Of
bills, amounting 10 $500. Some twenty
dollars in silver was left in it: also some
valuable papers.
Manager Norton OF the Ferguson Com
pany does not believe that the suspects
under arrest committed the deed, but is
confident that they know something about
IL He is OF the impression that it was
committed by men employed in the camp
and that the guilty ones are remaining in
the camp in order not TO excite suspicion.
The dead man was one Of the best
known railroad contractors in the coun-
try. He was associated with his brother,
+. IL Ferguson, in the Ferguson Con-
tracing Company. the latter brother be-
ing president Of the company. The Fer
guson family came originally from Kan
sas, and a great deal Of railway work
has been done in the West by the Fe-gu-
son company