The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1909-07-21
SUTTON SHOTH|MSELF
According to Evidence Of Lieu
tenant Robert E. Adams.


Attorney For Mrs. Sutton Says Il Is
Not His Intention to Fasten Respon-
slbillty Of sutton's Death on Anyone,
but That Every Effort Would Be
Made to Refute the Suicide Theory.
Miss Stewart May Be Called.
Annapolis, Md, July 20-The open.
Ing session here of the court of in
quiry which is conducting a second in
vestigation into the death of Lieuten-
ant James Nuttle Sutton of the United
States marine corps was replete with
dramatic situations.
Lieutenant Robert e. Adams, Sut-
tons former classmate at the academy
and one Of the principal actors in the
midnight fight which cost young SUIT
ton his life nearly two years ago, oc-
cupled the witness stand during the
entire session, and told graphic
story of the incidents leading up to
Sutton's death.
With nervous demeanor, momentar-
ily confused at times, and yet almost
defiant under the severe cross. examin-
alton of Henry r. Davis, counsel for
Mrs Sutton, the young officer sat fac
ing Sutton's mother and sister during
his examination. His brother officers,
Lieutenants Beyan and Osterman, flank.
ed by Adams two lawyers, sat farther
down the inquiry table. Major Henry
Leonard, U. S. NJ. c., the Judge advo-
cate, and the three members of the
board completed the impressive sit
ting, in their white service uniforms.
Struggle Enacted In Court Room.
Al one point in his testimony Lieu
tenant Adams and an orderly enacted
the struggle with Sutton in the court
room. The witness chair was re-
moved and they both lay prone upon
the floor. Mr.. Davis succeeded in
bringing out number Of discrepancies
in Adams testimony compared with
his version of the tragedy at the for
mer investigation when the board of
inquiry found that Sutton died by his
own hand.
A ride to the marine camp in an
automobile with Sutton and two other
officers of marines, Lieutenants Utley
and Osterman. an alteration between
| Sutton and the witness and a deferred
encounter when the senior officer inter
| fered. as the automobile was stopped
| short of the camp with the intention of
avoiding being caught returning after
hours; later accidental meeting Of
the witness and Sutton on the border
Of the woods near the barracks and the
fight between the two men with SUIT
ton armed with a revolver in either
hand and firing five shots. the last Of
which he directed at his own head
while lying on the ground-these were
the points In Lieutenant Adams testi.
mony.
The witness said he had risen from
the PROSTATE Sutton, whom he be-
lieved to be exhausted, and stood
few feet back of him when he saw SUIT
ION raise his right hand and fire a
bullet into his own head. Just previ-
ously some of the officers who had
come upon the scene had cried that
Lieutenant Edward p. Rocker had
ben shot and killed the witness said.
Adams made no attempt to take the
revolver from SuttOn's hands when he
broke away, or was pulled away from
him, he said in reply to Lawyer Davis
oft.repeated question. Sutton had
previously threatened to kill him. and
was generally avoided by the marines
because of his wild talk and actions,
according TO the witness.
Effort to Refute Suicide Theory.
After the session Mr. Davis said that
It was not his intention to fasten the
responsibility Of Sutton's death on any
one. but that every effort would be
made to discredit and refute the sui
eide theory.
Rocker is On important witness
who has not yet been located. His
mother accepted service of subpoena
for him in Washington, It was said, but
his whereabouts is not known. He
left the service soon after the Sutton
tragedy. Mrs. Sutton's counsel said
that Miss Margaret Stewart of Pitts
burg, the young woman who was with
Sutton most of the evening before he
met his death, might be called as
witness. Her testimony would be
material in refuting the theory of sui
eide. he said. Miss Stewart is now In
Canada. but MIR Davis said her father
had recently gone to see her and talk
over the advisability of her returning