New-York tribune., 1910-07-21

Rawn al the chancery hearing, and ms
answers would have been used against
him later. He was the most irapor-
tant figure in the entire investigation
and from the evidence he appeared to be
involved more deeply than any of the
others
His death will have no effect on the
future movements of the prosecution
The suits will be filed shortly. and then
the names of the officials will be made
public"
WAS Mr. Rawn involved deeply
enough TO cause him to commit sui
cide?" he was asked.
From the evidence he appeared to be
the central figure in the Illinois Central
matter. He did not, however. have any
thing to do with the land frauds in con-
nection with the Chicago & Western In
dians Railroad Company.
In the former matter he appeared to
have been aware of all Of the crooked
ness that existed while he was an official
Of the road. I cannot say whether the
knowledge Of the fact that his connec-
tion with the frauds was to have been
made public within short time caused
him 10 end his life"
In the event of your accusations being
upheld by the courts, would Rawn have
been sent 70 the penitentiary?" was
asked
IT is more than likely that he would
have been was the answer.
Mr.. Rswn was ce-president Of the
Illinois Central. in charge of the operat
ing and mechanical departments, until
last November. when he became presi-
dent Of the Monon. succeeding William
J. Henley, who has been indicted since
then for frauds alleged to have been
committed by him while president of the
Western Indiana Railroad. He was
charged with having embezzled $4,000
10 his own use on May 9. 1907.
This matter. perhaps. had q powerful
influence on Mr.. Rawn's mind, as he
was scheduled 70 appear as one OF the
principal witnesses against Henley. By
& peculiar coincidence. a fellow witness
in the case John c. Fetzer. is involved
in the tangle that has followed the shoot
11E OF R1IS- EII1II1o i OtalLS anu NAA- S01
eide OF Charles ". Rigdon in his office
last week.
Mr.. Rawn's s sons-in-Iaw. r. G Coburn
and r. c. Brinkley, assumed command
OF the investigation of the tragedy from
the start. Detectives from private
agency were summoned hurriedly TO
Winnetka early to-day. a number Of
these were stationed at various points in
the house and grounds. They were
ordered 10 give no information TO news
paper men or any other persons making
inquiries.
This situation was further complicated
tonight when a squad Of employees OF a
second private detective agency arrived
in Winnetka These men stated that
they had been ordered to make fun IN
ouiry into the death
They visited the village police head
quarters talked with numerous residents
of Winnetka. and for time II was be-
1ieved that they also were in the employ
of members of the Rawn family. But
when they went to the Rawn residence
they were repulsed by detectives from
the first agency. and were ordered OF
the grounds.
brief argument ensued, and mem
hers of the Rawn family were called TO
settle the dispute. Mr.. Coburn and Mr..
Brinkley told the second squad they
we're not wanted at the residence and
had not been ordered. II is not known
who is responsible for placing the second
detective agency at work on the case.
/ For time II was rumored that in
surance companies carrying risks on Mr..
/ Rawn's life to the amount Of S1Vo,oO0
were the employers. This report, how
ever. was denied. 1t was then stated
that the detectives had been employed
by railroad interests
! Several neighbors in the vicinity OF
the Rawn residence state they heard
single shot close to 10 oclock on Tues
/ dav night None has been found who
heard q shot on "Wednesday morning.