The Washington herald., 1909-08-31

Mrs. Sutton has scored a victory in her
contest with the War Department for a
permit TO disinter the body Of her son.
Lieut.. James n. Sutton.
Although a week ago the permit was
issued and then recalled, yesterday Mrs.
Sutton received Official notification from
the department that she could have the
body exhumed and the autopsy performed
at such time and under such conditions
as she herself should arrange.
To a representative Of The Washington
Herald. Mrs. Sutton stated last evening
she did not know when the body would be
raised from its grave in Arlington Gene
tery. where 1t has reposed since October.
1907, without book or bell. Sutton having
been declared a suicide, and hence denied
the burial Office of the Catholic Church.
Of which he was a commitment.
simultaneously with permission OF the
War Department for the exhumation OF
the body OF the dead lieutenant comes
the mandate Of ecclesiastical authority
that the grave wherein the dead Hes In
Arlington may be consecrated according
to the rites OF the Catholic Church.
The Mothers Fight.
The mother. whose fight 70 Danish the
stigma OF suicide from her sons tragic
death has aroused international interest,
said in discussing the question last even
ing that details for the exhumation
would be completed upon the return OF
her counsel. Henry 2. Davis. who win
be absent from Washington until Thurs
day
Thus ends a contest which has been
eagerly watched and awaited during the
last week. Following the decision OF the
navy inquiry which found that Lieut.
Sutton met death by his own hand. Mrs.
Sutton renewed her struggle with un-
abafed ardor.
In company with her daughter. Mrs.
Parker, she waited upon the War De-
partment a week ago Friday. and asked
| permission to have the body exhumed
and an autopsy performed. She was in
formed by Gen. ]. 3. Aleshire there would
be no difficulty about obtaining the nee
essary permission. but that formal ap-
plication should be made in writing.
Such application was made the follow
ing day, Saturday. by Judge Davis, Mrs.
ton received a letter granting her request.
The details for the exhumation were
taken up with Capt. z. H Humphrey,
and arrangements were settled for We'd
nesday afternoon of last week. with
what followed every one IS familiar.
The Navy Department was to be rep
resented at the autonsy by Surgeon
Spear. Mrs. sutton was to be represented
by DR.. George Tully Vaughn. Elaborate
floral tributes had been procured to be
placed upon the grave following its con-
secrahon by Rev Paul Griffith. rector
Of St Augustines Church, who was also
one Of the party whose start for Ar
lington Cemetery was held Up at the last
moment by a telephone message from
Capt Humphrey. who advised Mrs sut-
ton that the disinterment could not take
place, as the permit had been practically
revoked; that the case had aroused too
much publicity.
silence Was Maintained.
1t was then believed the autopsy. which
the War Department had thus author
lied. would conflict with that held by
navy surgeons the day after Sutton met
his end. The War Department maintained
silence about the revocation, and refused
to admit the granting of the permit.
That evening. however. the force of the
permit was renewed. but it was agreed
that before the exhumation should be
made, Secretary Dickinson, then in Camp
Perry. Ohio, must pass upon the case.
A report Of the transaction was sent TO
Secretary Dickinson. asking him to pass
final Judgment. In his, reply, received
yesterday, he stated he saw no reason
why Mrs. Sutton should not be permitted
TO proceed with the dsinterment and
autopsy at such time as would be agree
able to her. This information was con-
veyed 10 Mrs. Sutton promptly upon its
receint at the War Denarfnant