Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1906-12-21
THE CUGpEpER TRAGEDY.

Reports from Cuipeper are 10 the eueCt
that the condition of Mira. William F.
Bywaters, widow OF the man who was
slain by bis two brothers in-lsw, an hour
sftes his msrriage TO their sister, Is said
to be improved, and her recovery from
her illness ia practically assured.
There have been no new developments
in the case. The Strother brothers,
Philip and James, who did the shooting,
will be arraigned before the grand jury
on the third Monday in January. There
have been no demonstrations in Cul-
pepper by the people. The shooting OF
nearly week ago is still the topic of
conversation.
Investigation has been started quietly
by the Washington police of the charges
OF Mrs. Viola Bywaters, whose husband
was killed an hour after the marriage at
Culpsper, last Saturday by her two
brothers, that she had been the snbject
of malpractice in Washington. In her
testimony at the inquest Mrs. Bywsters
named DIR. Leon and Dr.~L. ID. Walter,
1884 G. street northeast.
While DR.. Walter admits that he had
been called 10 on the case, DR.. Leon
still maintains that he had nothing 20 do
With the affair. He WAS seen yesterday
by reporter, and reiterated his stale
ment made yesterday that he was at a
loss to understand how his name became
mixed up in the case.
Notwithstanding DR.. Icons deninl,
the police are inclined to believe that he
had something to do with the case. No
request for Icons arrest has been made
by the Virginia authorities.
DR.. Walter said yesterday that he had
been called In to attend Mrs. Byweters,
at that time Miss Strother, but the wo-
man was sick when he took up the case.
He declined to say who had requested
bis services further than that the call
came over the telephone. The couple was
registered ut hotel at the time. In her
testimony at the inquest Mrs. Bywaters
said she had stayed at the Montrose
According to DR.. Walter, Bywaters
and the girl lett Washington Decem Der
l9 against bis protest. He did not be-
lieye the girl Was iu condition to leave
her room. Dr. Walter says she was
very i'll when ho vas called and that he
treated her professionally.
Neither Bywaters nor Miss Strother
made any effort to conceal their identity
from DR.. Walter. They told him the
whole story. He suggested that they
marry, and they declared that this was
their intention. The two we're most de-
voted, Dr. Walter says.
In DR.. Walters opinion, Bywaters
was anxious to postpone the marriage
because he wss short Of funds. The ply
slcian says he did not receive any money
in return for his services. Bywaters
told DR., Walter that he had been defeat
ed for the Office Of treasurer Of Culpeper
county, but that he expected to be elect
ell the next time and would soon be on
his feet fnAncislly. Miss Strothef told
him, he said, that she expected to get
money from her fathers estate.
Dr.. Wal ter said yesterday that be
knew DR.. Leon. Whether DR.. Leon had
been connected with the case, DIR. Wal
ter would not say.
81 was simply called in the case pre-
fessionslly," DR., Walter said.
Msj Sylvester, superintendent OF po-
lice, said yesterday that nc had instructed
his detectives to make thorough inves-
LEGATION. No complaint has been made
by Mrs Bywsters or any of the family,
but on account Of the past record of DR..
Leon, Maj, Sylvester thought it adyis-
able to make 40 Investigation on his own
initiative.
No independent action, however, is
contemplated by the District attorneys
Office.