The Washington herald., 1909-11-22

spscia. 10 The Washington Herald.
Manassas, Va, Nov. 2l-The homs Of
Miss Ella smith was burned at an early
hour this morning, and Miss smith was
.cremated in the burning house. Three
negroes are suspected Of being the au-
thors OF the crime.
Miss Smith was about fifty years old,
and lived entirely alone near Bull
Run battlefield. about four miles from
Manassas. A few days ago she sold a
large number OF turkeys and Il was gen
orally believed she had delivered the
turkeys and had been paid for them. al
though IL developed that the purchaser
paid her but $40 and had not received
the turkeys. and it is thought the money
she was believed to have received fur
nished a motive for the crime.
She always kept her gun loaded. but the
gun was found to-day in the ruins, dis
charged.
About o'clock this morning Mr. Steele,
who lives on the adjoining farm. was
aroused by the light Of the burning build
ing Upon going to the scene OF the
tragedy he found the house almost en-
tirely destroyed.
Bones Found in Ruins.
commemorative Attorney H. T. Davies.
Justice J. B. C. Taylor. Sheriff F. c.
Rorabaugh, and Coroner J. c. Meredith
were promptly notified, and a coroner's
jury was impaneled to make an official in
vestigaton. In the meantime the neigh
bors, who had been attracted by the flying
rumors. were digging in the hot ashes and
smoldering embers for some trace Of the
unfortunate woman. but, excepting part
or the skull. back bone and a thigh bone,
there was little left by which a human
being could be identified
A pistol, which the murdered woman
had obtaincd permission from the court
to carry for her protection. and which
she always kept by her. cannot be found.
and a search warrant has been issued in
the expectation Of locating It.
One Of the suspects is already I'm Jail
and warrants have been issued for the
arrest of two others. The one now in
custody was tracked directly from the
scene of the crime to his own door. All
day long crowds Of indignant neighbors.
both white and colored, swarmed around
the scene Of the crime and discussed Us
grewsome details.
Jury Hears Evidence,
1t was noted that the three suspects,
although living but short distance
away were conspicuous by their absence.
The jury heard a good deal of evidence.
and was adjourned until Tuesday morn
ing, at which time the accused will be
given a preliminary hearing.
The consensus of opinion is that Miss
Smith had not retired. Living entirely
alone. she had grown tired and her habit
OF reading very late into the night grew
out OF a timld reluctance to go 10 bed.
Some unconsumed pieces OF heavy outer
clothing found on her remains indicate
that she was surprised while reading
and murdered and the house burned 10
conceal the evidence of the crime.
She kept a big shepherd dog. which
was always locked I'm the house by dusk
and which was greatly attached 20 his
mistress He was seen last night about
10 O'Clock about half a mile from home IN
a cowed condition. He returned this
morning and his efforts to throw himself
in the smoldering embers were so M.
thetic as to move the spectators to tears
While feeling Is very strong over the
outrage. there is no danger Of mob vio-
ience.