The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-02-01
Kans' Doctor Accused of PoIsons., den Reta|-
 iatBs By Hing Suits
STARTLING TURNS ARE
 TAKEN IN SWOPE CASE
pr. Hyde Is Accused of Poisoning Colonel Swope and His Nephew, the Latter Being a Brother
 of Mrs. Hyde.

Kansas City, January sI.--The fling of damage suits against an attorney and two physicians connected with the in- vestigation of the deaths of Col. Thomas II. and Chrisman Swope, by Dr. B. R. Hyde, the Swope family physician, for sums aggregating s7Oo.0O0 marked his &C., tive entrance into the case here today. Following the filing of the suits, state ments were issued by pr. Hyde and by his wife. who was niece of Colonel Swope, and sister of Chrisman Swope, regarding the deaths of the two men. Mrs. Hyde expressed absolute confidence fin her husband. Since her marriage sev- tral years ago she has been estranged from members of her family. None of the Swope heirs has been in communica- tion with the Hydes since the investi- gation of the deaths of the two men be- gan on January IA.
 The first suit filed was against Attor- ney John G. Paxton, executor of the Swope estate, who has been prominent in the inquiry Sander is alleged. Dr. Hyde charges that MT. Paxton openly declared the physician had poisoned Thomas H. and Chrisman Swope. causing their deaths. Actual damages of $5O.OOO and punitive damages of s5o.0oo are asked in this suit
 Mr. Paxton, Frank J. Hill, a bacteriolo- gist and Dr. Edward L. Stewart are named as defendants in the second suit. which is for $Ge0,oe1. Dr. Hyde alleges these men made defamatory statements regarding him in connection with t.- Swope deaths.
 The suits were filed in Independence, Mo. shortly after noon today. Almost simultaneously with the filing of them the report of the physicians who have been examining the organs of Colonel Swope. saying poison had been found in his system, was made public.
 Paxton's Petition.
 The statement which MT. Paxton is al- legged to have made and upon which the suit for islander is based, follows:
 The part of the petition in which MT Paxton's alleged statement is quoted fol- lows:
 'I believe that Col Thomas H. Swope and Chrisman SwoIe were poisoned and did not die from ttural causes, and . believe that Dr. HyGe (meaning the plain fiff) poisoned or caused them to be poi
 
 And believe that he (meaning the plaintiff inoculated the Swope family with typhoid fever germs and caused several members of said family including Margaret Swope and Lucy Lee Swope to contract typhoid fever.
 And that he (meaning the plaintiff) att tempted to poison Margaret Swope and Lucy Lee Swope, meaning thereby and in tending to mean and charge, and being understood by him who heard statements to mean and charge that the plaintiff had murdered Thomas H. Swope and Chrisman Swope, and was therefore gull ty of the crime of murder and was liable capital punishment. therefor and also guilty of the crime of assault with in tent to kill and liable to conviction and punishment thersfor in the penitentiary Mrs. Hyde's statement gives a detailed account of the illness of her brother It also expresses desire to have the inves. tigation made as vigorous and complete es possible in order that there may be no doubt about the causes of the deaths
 Reasons for the Suit.
 Dr. Hyde explained that one reason why he brought the suits was to have an opportunity of demonstrating beyond doubt that all rumOrs concerning him in connection with the mysterious deaths were false.
 When Dr. Hyde heard of the result of the examination of Colonel Swope's or sans he declined to make any state ment.
 From Chicago MT. Paxton sent Attor- rey John H. Atwood to look after his interests in the case. MT. Atwood irn- nnediately notified John M. Cleary, Dr. Hyde's attorney, that he would expect dispositions to be made by Dr. Hyde on next Thursday.
 pr. Hyde and his attorneys held a lengthy conference tonight. It was said by one of the attorneys that other suits may be brought.
 Henry l.. Jest, the first assistant pros ecuting attorney. said the suits would in no way affect the plans of the state. It was announced prior to the departure of Prosecutor Virgil Conkling for Chicago, where he heard the official report of the experts, that no action would be taken toward an arrest until after the cor oners inquest over the remains of Col onel Swope The inquest will be called either Tuesday or Wednesday.
 Result of the Consultation.
 Chicago. January A.-Strychnine was found throughout the vicera of the late Col Thomas H. Swope the Kansas City millionaire, according to report made by Drs. Walter s. Haines. Ludwig Hek- toen and Victor c. Vaughan to John c. Paxton, executor Of the Swope estate here today. The same poison is also be- GevAd to have been found in the liver