Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-06-28
CRAVE SUSPICION
Of Foul Play in the Death
Of Ralph MERCER,
Cut Over Eye Found When
Body Is Taken from Water.
Nothing Shown at Hearing on
Which to Hold Companions.

The body of Ralph MERCER, son of
John Mercier of this city, who lost his
life Sunday in the swaters of China
lake, was recovered about 8 o'clock
Monday morning by his father and
party who started from this city early.
The body was found near the intake
pipe on the north shore and in about
eight feet of water.
When the body was raised to the
boat it was noticed that there was d
bad wound over the left eye,' which
in the minds of mis- father and the Of
ficers. pointed to foul play. although
they had 10 evidence to substantiate
their allegations. The body was taken
in charge by Coroner A. F. Hussey of
East Vassalboro and later turned over
to Charles Roderigue, undertaken of
this city. at whose place it remained
all day pending an investigation. Hun
dreds of. people viewed the remains
during tie day.
Deputy Sheriff ]. A. Dawson and
Coroner Hussey worked upon the case
ali day. endeavoring tn find sufficient
evidence to warrant an inquest, but
the accident happened SO late Sunday
evening when it was dark, that no one
outside the party was a witness of the
accident.
A private hearing regarding Mer-
cier's death was held at the council
rooms in the City building behind
closed doors about s O'Clock, when both
Joseph Noel and Frank Carey were
put on the stand. County Attorney
Hildreth presided.
Joseph Noel testified that the party
obtained old cider and other liquor
from a farm house nearby. He also
stated that he jumped from the boat
when the wave struck it. Carey stated
that he did not know whether he
Jumped or rolled from the boat, but
the first thing he knew he was in the
water Both of them denied having
any trouble with MERCER. and that he
swan nearly 100 feet after being in
the water
This was all the evidence offered and
nothing appeared to hold them for.
John MERCER of King: street, the IA
Their of the drowned boy. was seen
Monday morning by Journal reporter
and asked regarding the case. He was
very emphatic in the opinion that his
son had been the victim of foul play
He stated that he thought that during
the sail his son was struck over the
eve and for this reason was unable TO
swim, as his strength was exhausted.
He said that his son was an excellent
swimmer and never was intoxicated.
He. blamed Noel and Carey for not no
tifving him Sunday evening, when they
returned to their homes. MIR MERCER
stated that he would probe the matter
to the bottom.
DR.. NJ. S. Goodrich viewed the re-
mains shortly after the body was
brought to this city, at noon, but sad
nothing concerning the injuries. the
injury was inflicted with some SORT
of a sharp instrument, although 1t was
not cut very deep. 1t bled freely after
the body was taken from the water.
Deputy Sheriff Dawson and coroner
Hussev went to China village. Where
they thought that possibly there We're
some persons who were present that
evening. but they found nothing That
could add materially as evidence. on
their return to this city they passed
tho electric car on which was County
Attorney Hildreth and Sheriff Getch-
all both of these officials viewed the
remains.
The bodv was prepared for burial
Monday but will remain TO-DAY az tne
rooms. The funeral VIII De
held at Q o'clock "Wednesday morn
ing from st. Francis de sales church'