The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-07-21
Then Shot to Give the Appear
ance Of Suicide.
That Is the Theory OF Lieuten-
ant Sutton's Relatives.
LIEUT.. BEVAN sWEARs
That Three Men We're Sitting
on the Dead officer
When He Shot Himself With
His Owa Gun.

Annapolis, Nd, July 21.-Lieuten-
ant William f. Bevan, of the marine
corps, resumed his testimony today,
when the court of inquiry continued
the investigation into the death of
Lieutenant James n. Sutton, of
Portland, Ore.
Henry E. Davis, counsel for Mrs.
James Sutton said he would subject
Lieutenant Bevan to lengthy cross
examination.
Bevan's graphic story of the Incl
dents leading to Sutton's death, va
rIed in many essentials from the tes-
timony of Lieutenant Adams and
Lieutenant Osterman, all OF whom
were present and testified they saw
Sutton kill himself. According to
Bevan there were three men either
sitting upon or holding young Sutton
down when he freed an arm and shot
himself. Sutton's mother, in view OF
this part of BeVan's testimony last
night again expressed her belief that
her son was beaten to death in the
quarrel with the officers and the bull
let wound in his head was afterwar.e
inflicted.
Major Henry Leonard, conducting
the inquiry for the government, had
g conference last night with Mrs. SUIT
ton and her daughter, Mrs. Hugh
Parker. 1T was said afterward that
the conference might lead to an I'M
expected turn in the investigation.
Nothing has been heard here
the naval authorities of Lieutenant
Edward p. Rocker, the much want
ed witness. although it was reported
yesterday he had been found.
1t is not thought likely that Miss
Margaret Stewart of Pittsburg, the
Girl who spent the evening with Lieu
tenant Sutton before his death, will
be called as a witness Lawyer Davis
said today he had not heard from
Miss Stewards father, who went to
Canada to endeavor to persuade her
to return here and testify.
He Made No Threats.
Before Major Leonard proceeded
with the examination of Lieutenant
Bevan, part of Lieutenants Adams and
Osterman's testimony to which objec-
ton had been taken by one side or the
other yesterday, were read by the
stenographer on request of Mr.. Davis
counsel for Mrs. Sutton.
Major Leonard continued his exami-
nation of Lieutenant Bevan.
You were testifying yesterday
about the apparel worn by the officers
on the night of Sutton's DEATH Sad
the major. Gould you tell just what
every one had on?"
The witness said it was too datk to
the, clothes worn by soIfe
Of those present.
Major Leonard asked Lieutenant
Bevan if he knew of threats against
the ieutenants or any officers in
camp or attempts on Sutton's part to
shoot UP the camp"
Mr. Davis objected to the question
as irrelevant
IF any officers should be subse-
luently charged with causing Sutton's
DEATH said Major Leonard. ANY tes-
.imony which would tend to. show n !
motive would be material. If any Of
fcer had caused his death through Il |
deep sense of fear and in an effort to
protect his own life, such testimony
would be very material"
All the lawyers took hand in argu-
ng the question and the court ruled
hat if it should be allowed he would |
not object
The witness said he did not recall |
.ve- hearing Lieutenant Sutton threat |
IN to take the life of any one in camp. |
He related the occasion of Sutton's |
Shooting up the camp" as told pre- |
riously by LIeutenants Adams and |
0sterman.