The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-05-29

RI all human probability win never
Il Il be pierced and that the succeed
ing years serve but to increase lie the
motives that led to some OF the most
gruosome tragedies of modern life in
Washington. A body. lying stark and
terry of crime; disordered room; the
evidences Of hurried hight-these tell
all that is known.
To the solution of these problems in
crime the energy and brains CT the
Washington detective force. one Of the
most competent in the country, have
been directed, but without avail; the
mysteries of those earlier days are mys-
teries still. The dark veil has never
been lifted.
Somewhere In the country or the
world the criminals who are responsible
for these tragedies drag out what must
be a CHASTITY and miserable existence.
The motive that inspired and nerved
their arms when the fatal blows were
dealt may suffice to save some of them
from the burden that Expresses them.
but for the larger number no merciful
thought OF this character can effect an
entrance into their minds. They must
bear their cross alone Remorse and
despair and the memory of the dreadful
night when their victim fell can 6ever
leave them.
OF tragedies Of this character there
have been in recent years relatively few
in WashingtOn--three or four. perhaps,
since Major Richard Sylvester became
Superintendent of Police. Before that
time there were many-some of which
tradition has so shrouded in romance
Il IS difficult to extricate facts from the
enveloping fiction. Theories without
number have been offered 10 explain
them-some plausible and possible. some
without further or other recommended
ton than the ingenuity OF their con-
struction-but all have failed 10 explain.
The mysteries remain unsolved-
The Old Days of Romance.
Back IN Washington's earlier history
occurrences Of this mysterious charac-
ter were sufficiently frequent. Those
were the days Of romance. and romance
and mystery were ever twin sisters and
good friends. In the prosaic present.
when policemen and detectives have
abandoned DISCUSSES and descended to
more matter OF fact methods OF unravel-
ing the mysterious and apprehending
criminals. better work is accomplished.
There IS far less Of the spectacular,
but much more of real effectiveness.
Crime, in deplorable fact. has lost
much OF the atmosphere that formerly
enveloped s. Villains Of today are by
no means the melancholy, ill-used and
Bryone sque creations Of long ago. They
are for the most part rather Jovial ruf-
fans. without even the feeble grace OF
good looks 10 recommend them ard with
no skeleton in the family closet at all
adequate as explanation or excuse OF the
brutal meanness OF their crimes. A SIR
did motive usually inspires their actions
that animus of the neer-do-well. that
the world owes him living and that II
ne has 10 collect IL by force 1t IS just
that much worse for the world.
Not IN every case. however. has this
been true. Age cannot wither nor GUS
tom stale the infinite variety Of human
attributes Love and hate and revenge
play their parts on the stage OF the pres
ent. just as they did when the world
was young and as they viii be doing
when the heavens are preparing TO roll
up like a scroll. The costumes Of the
actors. and the settings OF the stage
are different-that is all: the old motives
and the old plcts are still In evidence.
Officers Chastity Find.
On September q. 1900. Policeman Pot
ter OF the Third precinct. patrolling his
beat on y Street northwest. was halted
by letter carrier. who informed the
ofIicer that for a week he had been I'M
able. 20 secure an entrance TO the house
at gn. occupied By Miss Sallie 7.
clsyvilie. He had carsied letters to the
door and rung the bell. but there had
bctn no response. and the afternoon pa
pers Of the past week Uttered the vesti-
bule.
Policeman Potter reported the facts
TO mis- immediate superior. Sergeant
Judge, and under the latter's instruc-
lions the door was broken down. the
house entered. and the dead and de-
composed body of Miss Clayyille found
stretched upon a lounge in one Of the par
lors on the first floor. A great blood
stain extended from the body out into
the center of the floor. the room was In
fTightful disorder. furniture had boen
overturned. and all about were evidences
OF a struggle. Death, 1t was very evil