Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1905-03-04

that the cause of death was tetanus
Of the respiratory organs. but that he
cannot state how the tetanus was
brought about until after an examina-
ton of the contents of the stomach
Mrs. Stanford came here from San
Francisco on the steamer Korea on
February q. In conversation with
Mrs. Henry Highton, Of San Francisco,
who is now here. Mrs. Stanford said
that an attempt had been made to poi
son her in that city, and that this was
her reason for sailing on the Korea.
1t was Mrs. Stanford's belief, accord
ing to Mrs. Highton. that enough poi
son had been used to kill 20 persons.
1t is understood that an investiga-
ton of the case is now being made by
the police Of San Francisco. The po-
lice here are also conducting an in
vestigation.
Before retiring Tuesday night Mrs
Stanford took a dose of bicarbonate
Of soda, which she purchased at San
Francisco. 1t is reported that the soda
contained strychnine. but this report
cannot be verified. DIR. F. H. Hum
phris, who attended Mrs. Stanford
is now making an examination of the
contents of the bottle. which had not
been touched since Mrs. Stanford left
San Francisco.
At IL o'clock Mr.. Heunish. who &C.
cupied an adjoining room, heard Mrs.
Stanford groaning, and ran to her as
sistance. She had evidently tried to
summon help. At the time of Mrs
Stanford's death there were present
Miss Burner. her secretary. and her
maid. May Hunt Both are Frustrated.
The Investigations of the police so
far have failed to find any evidence of
poisoning. but the authorities decline
to express any opinion pending the re-
suit of the autopsy and the analysis
of the bottle of bicarbonate OF soda A
box of capsules also was found In the
room, and these are being analysed.
Mrs. Stanford took a drive over the
Pail road Tuesday. accompanied by
her secretary and her maid When
very cheerful and went Immediately
TO the dining room. where she ordered
only soup, saying that she was not
hungry, as she had eaten a hearty
luncheon. She spent the evening on
the verandas of the hotel. apparently
in good spirits.
Mr.. Heunish. who, as already told,
was the first to see Mrs Stanford after
she was taken i'll. said:
81 retired shortly before IL o'clock
and soon fell asleep. My room was
next TO that occupied by Mrs. Stan
ford. had not been asleep long when
l was awakened by hearing a groan
and then another. | opened my door
and saw Mrs. Stanford standing in the
doorway of her room. She threw up
her arms. as if suffering great pain.
and said:
"'Oh. | am so ill., Get me doctor;
get doctor
II ran to the elevator and sum-
moned DR.. Humphris. who was a guest
OF the hotel. Mrs. Stanford at that time
did not seem to be very weak"
Mrs. Henry Highton told the Asso-
ciated Press correspondent that Mrs.
Stanford said to her shortly after ar
irving here:
1.-THE reason ! left San Francisco
was because an attempt had been
made on my life-an attempt to poi
son me. and enough poison was used
to kill 90 persons"
"Mrs. Stanford seemed to be greatly
affected" said Mrs. Highton. Il sought
to disabuse her mind of the idea, as
feared it might he only delusion. but
Mrs. Stanford talked SO nationally
about the attempt on her life that
do not now hold the belief that it was
mere fancy of hers. was very un-
easy after this talk with Mrs. Stan