Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-11
OffiCia|SEStabIiSh Innocence
Of FernaId EIdridge.
Movements Traced from After
7 Till 1890 P. NJ, Sunday.
Witnesses Identify Young EldFldge
As Man Seen on 8 A. NJ, Car.

Fernald Eldridge, now in the Kenne-
ments of investigation of the death OF
his father and mother, Mr.. and Mrs.
Wilbert b Eldridge at their home on
the Hallowell road, West Gardiner,
Sunday morning, has now a perfect
alibi which traces his movements
from, about o'clock in the morning
until after y, and absolutely proving
his innocence in the minds of many.
More Strengthening of the alibi prov
ed the only developments. Wednesday,
in the case. Augustin Littlefield, who
lives at Spears Corner identifies young
Eldridge as the man, who arrived at
the Spears Corner station. at about
us, and was their continuously, until
he took the car, at o'clock, for Gar
diner.
Ruth Trafton, the woman who was
on the o'clock car, it is understood,
identifies Eldridge as the man seen on
that car.
Harry Flewellyn, a conductor on the
L., A. & w. Railway is also under
stood to have identified Eldridge as
the man in the smoking compartment
with him.
Furthermore, Aittlefield's daughter
states that she is positive Eldridge got
on the car in question, as she remark
ed when seeing him pacing up and
down the platform. THAT man has a
long time to wait"
DIR. H. f. Merrill is doubly positive
in his statement that he saw. the elder
Eldridge, enter the house, at 7.30 Sun
day morning.
The movements of Eldridge in Gar
diner are traced so closely it would
have been impossible for him to have
returned to West Gardiner and COM
mitted the crime.
The only fact, pointing to Eldridge's
guilt is that nervousness he exhibited
when seen in Gardiner, and his at
tempt at suicide.
Still, it was stated by the authori-
ties that letters had been found that
show, young Eldridge was heart brek-
en- over the separation of he and his
wife. He had repeatedly made at
tempts to affect reconciliation.
The wills of both the dead people
We're filed, Wednesday, in probate and
Attorney Harrington, il is understood,
asked that he be made administrator.
The people in West Gardiner, scout
any theory, ether than murder, but
the facts remain, and those acquainted
with the case, are positive Ii is one
of two, either an accident or suicide,
and possibly a murder and suicide.
1t became known, Wednesday, that
had Fernald Eldridge been found
about the vicinity of the Eldridge
home on the morning of the tragedy,
he would have Jared i'll at the hands
of the angry townspeople.
So high was the feeling and so great
was the rage at one, who would commit
so dastardly a crime. that strong talk of
lynching Eldridge was made. The feel
ing that the two old people We're muir
dered still prevails. and the residents
nearest the locality still refuse to ac-
cept any other theory as plausible.
The boy, now in his cell at the jail,
seems contented and quiet, though
appears sad Ger the loss of both his
mother and father. He has fallen in
to the daily routine, and converses on
~ with his attorney and the turnkey.
He is hopeful of a quick freedom, and
still asserts he knows nothing of the
crime. He did not attend the funeral
of his parents
1.-THE arraignment," stated County
Attorney Fisher. Wednesday after
noon, "if there is any will not be made
until after we hear from Professor
Cram at Bowdoin College," That is
positive stated the county attorney.
The funeral of the victims was held,
Wednesday afternoon, in Hallowell.