Evening star., 1909-08-18

ris, as he is known, breathed easier, say
| ing he felt better with a burden lifted
| from his mind. His statement, in which
he admitted the killing of John Henson
Poole at Muddy Creek. Md, although lie
set up a plea of sef-defense. was made
to Capt. j. A. Pumphrey. chief Of the
afternoon at the Baltimore Jail. Sheriff
Mullican and States Attorney Waters
went to Baltimore yesterday morning for
the purpose of seeking the assistance of
Capt. Pumphrey, and last night they
were elated over their success.
Although Harris has made his state
ment admitting the killing, Sheriff Multi
can will continue his investigation of the
tragedy, interview persons mentioned by
Harris and go along as If there had been
no confession, realizing it is not always
an easy matter to get a confession before
a court. Even before Harris made his
statement Sheriff Mullican and States
Attorney Bowie felt satisfied they would
be able to put up a case of circumstan-
tial evidence from which the prisoner
would And it difficult matter to escape.
Held on Two Charges.
Harris statement yesterday. coupled
with his admissions already made about
the assault on Mrs. Clara Harris. his
aunt, means that he is to be hailed into
court for killing his third cousin and
endeavoring to kill his aunt although it
is more than probable that the latter
case will never be tried. especially If he
| Is convicted of the murder of Poole. Per-
| sons in charge of the prosecution feel
confident they will be able to produce
witnesses whose testimony will present
| so strong a chain of evidence that no
| jury will be able to find a loophole
| through which to permit the escape OF
the accused, even II the confession is
| not admitted.
Sheriff Muilican. States Attorney Wa
ters and Detective Dousherty went to
the Baltimore Jail. where Harris is con-
| fined for safe keeping, and took the
prisoner TO the Office of Capt. Pumphrey.
Marshal Farnan having given permission
to Capt. Pumphrey to take a hand in
the investigation. Capt. Pumphrey was
selected as the man to administer the
"third-degree' work because of his great
success in that line. On the way from
the prison to the headquarters of the
police department the prisoner showed
but little signs of emotion. but when
he reached headquarters and was ushered
into the room where Sergts. Balm and
through the Bertillon method of measslr-
ing and taking his photograph he dis
played signs of nervousness, occasionally,
however. mastering courage enough to
ask questions about the system.
When it came to the matter of taking
his fingerprints, Harris having been told
Of bloody finger prints In the Poole cabin,
the prisoner was visibly affected. seeming
to rear the tcIlIdle QTIHtS WOulu ldSlcu
the crime upon him. Capt. Humphrey
having familiarized himself with the
story of the crime, sent for Harris to be
brought to his office. and the neatly at
tired prisoner passed through a crowd of
curious and interested spectators into the
captains Office. The grilling lasted fully
two hours before Harris displayed any
sign of weakening and telling the story
which may be the means of sending him
to the gallows. 1t is said that questions
hurled at him were repeated several times,
and after Harris had given many con-
Trajectory answers, Capt Pumphrey re-
turned to the question of the finger
prints.
Demanded to See His Fingers.
Now said Capt. Pumphrey. realizing
the prisoner was on the verge of break
ing down, "let me see your fingers"
Harris was given to understand that
the finger prints taken only a few min-
utes ago were identical with those found