The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-03-29
MURDER TINTED AT
 IN CHICAGO DEATH
Alexander J. Moody's Case Is
 Being Investigated
ARSENIC IN THE STEAK
Coroner Was Particular Friend of the Dead Man and His Suspicious Led Him to Take Up the
 Matter Decfsively

1HltdSO, mdTCn 6o.--ih ffitAdhoSa v. Moody, whose death February 20 last was attributed to ptomaine poisoning, really died fl om the effects of arsenic, was the startling assertion made here today by Coroner Hoffman. That the poison was contained in hamburger steak eaten by the decedent seems clear to the authori ties. but the manner in which 1t was placed in the meat is mystery which neither the coroner nor the police have been able to solve.
 While the coroner and Assistant Chief of Police Herman Schuettler declare they accuse no one, 1t Is admitted that 8 woman of MT. Moodys household and one of his employees have been under sur- veilanee for a month.
 MT Moody, like his brothers, Frank, who is son-in-law of Congressman Mox ley, and Charles H. Moody, inherited 8 considerable fortune from his father. founder of the big pie-baking firm of Moody & Walters, of which Charles H. Moody was the head and Alexander was the secretary. The latter occupied a fine residence at 20 Seeley avenue. this city, owned a summer residence in Wisconsin, and farm at St. Charles, III.
 February 20 fell on Sunday. The pre- vious Thursday hamburger steak had been purchased, but not used until Sat- urday, the intervening Friday being ob- served as a fast day. Sunday the family partook of the meat without i'll effects Sunday morning MT Moody was com- pelled to visit the factory, on which re- pairs were being made, and as Mrs. Moody, his wife, was not feeling well, MT. Moody took breakfast alone the meat being prepared by Agnes Hartwick, a servant, who had been in the family for 13 years.
 Steak in the Ice Box
 The leftover portion of the steak had been rolled into balls by Miss Hartwick and placed in the ice box over night. This box contained no ice, the weather being cold and was accessible from either the kitchen or the rear porch The easy ac- cess to the refrigerator from without is shown in the testimony of Miss Hart wick at a private inquiry, when she stated that eggs and meat had been missed from the box on several occa, sions.
 At the direction of Mrs. Moody the serv- ant served Mfr Moody the steak, corn bread and coffee. Later Mrs. Moody arose but ate no breakfast. Miss Hartwick however, ate piece of bread dipped in the gravy of the meat and some hours later was taken violently sick. MT. Moody remained at the bakery all day, but re- turned In carriage at 10 D. m, so i'll he could scarcely stand. home remedy failing to afford relief the family phy- sician Dr. F. S. Hartman, was sent for, but he was unable to alleviate the pains of the patient, who died within an hour. The doctor was about to leave the house when he was informed that the servant was i'll and exhibited symptoms similar to those of MT. Moody, In this case med ical aid proved efficacious
 Moved by reasons which he has not made public Dr. Hartman admitted hav- Ing secured that night the remaining por- tions of the steak which he sealed in a glass jar. This exhibit was given to Dr. Walter Haines, the chemist, whose name has become familiar In connection with scientific investigations in the Swope case of Kansas City, for analysis. The latter in & report to the coroner, which was suppressed until today. stated that the meat contained enough arsenic to have killed half a dozen persons,
 Trace of Poison
 The kidneys, heart and stomach of the decedent according to the coroner, also showed pronounced traces of the poison. Coroner Hoffman is personal friend of the Moody family and the next day, Monday, learning of Mir. Moody's sudden death. visited the bereaved household with the idea he declared, that he might save the family the notoriety of a post-mor tenn.
 Three weeks elapsed before the chem isr made his own report. Then a private inquest was held, the testimony being recorded by a shorthand reporter. Mrs. Moody was closely questioned as to the details of her husbands death. Her story was in substance as hereinbefore given.
 Meanwhile detectives kept close watch on all who might possibly shed light on the mystery. An officer is still at St. Charles. H., where the Moody farm is situated.
 Peter Peterson. also known as Peter Reilly, who has been in the employ of the Moody household for 15 years as. coachman, farm manager and general factotum, is said at present to be at the St. Charles He had room at the Moody residence and was regarded in the light Of friend by both MT. and Mrs. Moody.
 Narrow Escape
 A year ago MT. Moody Is said to have narrowly escaped poisoning. Mrs. Moody was absent from the city on visit and at noon one day the maid, among other things, served soup. The servant who had previously tasted of the gruel was later seized with severe cramps. MT. Moody merely tasted the broth and pushed 1t from him. declaring 1t burned his tongue. He advised the girl not to touch it. Peterson or Reilly was then at the house, but left the premises before the meal, coming in some time later accord ing to Miss Hartwick. Peterson Is a well built man of neat appearance and seems 10 have accumulated considerable money.
 Mrs. Moody refused to talk with re- porters today. referring them to James l., Bynnm, the attorney who attended to the settling of the Moody estate.
 MT. Bynum laughed at one of the ques- +ioners, who inquired if check for s3o,ooo, drawn by MT. Moody and designated for Kansas City had not disappeared at about the time of Mir. Moody's death.
 Nothing to it." declared the lawyer.
 MT. Moody is said to have carried an insurance policy for si5,00o in favor Of his wife. Her maiden name was Anne Olsen and she was married to the de- cedent 25 years ago