New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-03
HINTS AT AN ACCIDENT.
ACCOMPANIED @. W.GARTH
Thomas La5eson Says His Statement
Is AL Public Should Knozc."

That Granville W. Garth the president of the
Mechanics National Bank. met his death by
accident. and not by suicide, is intimated in a
public statement made yesterday by Thomas
Lawson. who accompanied Mr.. Garth on the
fateful trip to Galveston. Mr.. Lawson returned
to this city yesterday. and after consultation
with Adrian Larkn, Mr.. Garth's attorney. made
a statement as to the bankers disappearance
from The deck of the Mallory liner Denver on
Christmas Day.
The report that Mr.. Lawson knows more than
he cares to make public OF the circumstances
that preceded Mr.. Garth's disappearance re-
ceived color from the significant remark he made
to Tribune reporter when handing him the
typewriter statement
This statement" said he contains all that
it is we'll for the public to know. L will not say
another word
In his statement Mr.. Lawson underlines the
weather conditions prevailing and the slipperi-
ness of the decks which the young banker was
promenadng when he last seem He con-
cedes. however. that on the voyage to Key West
Mr.. Garth apparently suffering from mental
excitement. although nothing in has conversation
indicated the cause MIR. Lawson's statement
follows:
company which is interested in eosl properties in
purposed shortly visiting this companys coal prop
critics. requested by some friends of the late
sail with him on the steamer Denver. scheduled
TO leave New-York on Saturday afternoon. Deem
/ was told that Mr.. Garth purposed making
from nervous prostration and had been advised BY
his physician TO take vacation. was asked TO
ana we sailed from New-York Saturday after
On the voyage to Key West Mr.. Garth was un-
communicative. and seemed 10 be suffering from
mental excitement He was indisposed the first
two days as it was quite rough. but he was not
fact. ate very little. He was unconmunicative with
the other passengers and rather avoided them:
sstng ta2eT our so1yeTsatons were Of general
his head. He seemed TO be suffering mentally.
and spirits He gave a Christmas present to the
table and bedroom stewards and seemed TO feel
came late 10 luncheoG after Which we sat to-
gether and talked most of the afternoon. He did
decks. After finished my dinner I requested the
steward to ask him If he wanted dinner. The
hungry and would not come in to dinner
I at once went out to look for him to ask him
but could not hrd him. made a hurried search
around the decks and then asked the officers OF
from end to end. but we could find no trace OF
The weather during Christmas afternoon and
evening was squally with heavy winds and rain:
The decks were wet and slippery and the vessel
weather side of the Vessel where Mr.. Garth had
been not only dflq leu but really danser9ns
rate Of forty miles hour. and a wind In
the morning another thorough search OF the ship
on my arrival at Galveston further and careful
search was made Of the ship without discovering
his friends in New-York, and in pursuance OF their
request, took charge OF his personal effects and
his Conversation indicated to me what were the
reasons for his mental condition.
It was reported last night that Horace f. Garth
the father of the missing man. teegraphed to
ports along the Southern coast an offer OF
$4,000 for the recovery Of his sons body.