The Scranton chronicle. (Scranton, Miss.) 1897-19??, 1903-07-04
IN SHADOW OF THE MOOSE.
"Lieut-Col." F. Seymour Barring
ton Facing the Worst DE-
lemma of His Life.
CHARGED WITH KILLING JOHN ?. n'cANN,
Evidence of the Most
Damaging Character wonid seem
10 Indicate that the English Adj
yenturer Killed Ills Bencfacfor
and Friend Deliberately.

1tAHiohf bdtiihH tblis WIN hdS lstufto
one star engagement here that cul-
minated in matrimonial episode,
followed by sojourn in the work
house, from which he was released by
Mayor Wells, at the intercession of
numerous prominent citizens, is now
confronted with the most serious di-
lemma of his life, one in which the
outcome may be the forfeiture of his
life on the gallows.
Darlington stands charged with
the brutal murder of his friend ard
benefactor, John i. McCann, and
while there is no direct evidence that
Darlington committed the deed, the
circumstantial evidence is so damag-
ing that the prisoner himself con-
fesses hopelessness, and only pleads
that he be not lynched, but that his
life be taken by due process of law.
Present status of the Case.
Now that the nude body discov-
cred in the quarry pond near Bonfils
station has been positively identified
as that OF McCann, and the fact that
he was murdered established, the evil
dence is convincing that harrington
not only murdered his friend and
benefactor, but after the deed re-
turned to the home given in charity
TO WOO the widow, that he might get
her money as profits'o of the crime.
Chief Desmond is of the opinion
that Mrs. McCannn was not implicat-
ed in the crime. Mrs. McCann has
been identified by post Office inspec-
tors as the proprietress of "A matri-
monial bureau, who had been under
surveillance.
The Evidence at Hand.
Up to this time the evidence con-
Meeting Darlington with the murder,
which will be presented to the grand
jury at the trial is;
harrington and McCann went to
Bonfils station the night of June 1S,
and from the evidence given by Con-
ductor Ike Bennett and Motorman
John Oellien, on whose car they made
the trip. there was no evidence of
trouble at Suburban garden.
Darlington walked back from Bon
fills station. wearing McCann's hat.
and admitting that stains on his cioth-
ingn and shoes were from blood.
McCann's cane and other property
were found concealed in the trunk
that harrington was anxious to get
out of town.
harrington had McCann's watch and
diamond when arrested.
harrington admits. in face of for
mer denials, that he went to Bonfils
station.
strong Circumstantinl Evidence.
McCann's fatal wounds were from
3e-caliber bullets. Darlington had n
revolver of that celiber in his trunk.
Cartridges found near the quarry
were the same caliber.
harrington tried to allay the sus-
picions of Mrs. McCann by sending
her notes written by himself purport-
ing to come from McCann and persons
with him.
harrington enlisted the services Of
his friend. Asa Mitchell, 10 write
notes for him, explaining the where
abouts of McCann, and also telephone
harrington and Mrs. McCann to the
same effect.
Barrington's complete failure 10 tell
the truth TO the police when arrested,
Thursday. on suspicion of knowing
where McCann was.
The report of two shots soon after
harrington and McCann had left the
car at Bonfils station. which Barring
ton, admitting that he was there,
had failed TO explain. McCann was
shot twice.
Denial of Darlington that the body,
later positively identified by Mrs.
Mccain, her sister, Mrs. Evans. and
her friend, Brown. was that OF his
friend. benefactor and supposed vic
tim, McCann-
The complete failure Of harrington
TO reveal the identity Of persons al
legged to have been engaged in fra
cas- at Suburban garden, and. later,
TO have resumed at Bonfils station.
Lack Of evidence that any wagon was
there.
Evidence of Plot.
Barrington's admission that he had
visited Bonfils station previous 70 the
trip with McCann on the night Of the
murder, only after being identified by
Mrs Lannon and boy who saw him
there.
Barrington's Invitation TO Mr.. and
Mrs. McCann to visit BonfiIs station.
explaining it by fictitious story OF
securing loan on English army pa
pers.
Barrington's knowledge that Nc
Cam usually carried large sums Of
money, and that both he and Mrs.
McCann had money deposited that
was at her command.
Immediately after Mccann's death
harrington arranged for the messages
explaining his absence and asking
that money be sent him. Barringfon's
urging that money be sent. Finally
his offer 10 send il. in which he would
profit.
Barringten's efforts 10 ingrafiate
himself into McCann's good favor just
previous to his arrangement 10 make
the trip to Bontiis station. and his ac-
ceptancc Of the business partnership
for hotel. in order 10 learn Of Me-
Cams financial standing.