The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1916-07-25
HE HELPED TO MOVE
SLAIN MANS BODY
Statement Declares that Mrs.
Felch Had Previously Civ
en- Morphine to Her Hus-
band But When that Failed
She Offered Money to Will
liams to Get Felch Out of
the Way-He Refused

Chelsea, July 25.-Wth the admission
as evidence of the confession alleged to
have been made by the accused and after
the introduction of four or i've witnesses,
all but one Of whom had been used be-
fore, the first phase in the trial of Otis
Williams, jointly indicted with Mrs.
Anna Felch for causing the death of Jo-
seph Felch at Topsham on The night of
April p, was completed near noon to-
/ day when the state rested Revelations
uncovered in one of the most absorbing
murder mysteries that has ever come to
the surface in the annals of Orange coun-
ty crime reached their climax Monday
afternoon when Irving Worthley. a ste
nographer employed by States Attorney
Frank S. Williams, took the stand and
testified to the authenticity of stem
ographic report of confession of facts
alleged to have been made By the re-
spondent in the county Jail May I.
Worthley's appearance in the witness
box with the manuscript, document of
six pages, letter sheet. in his hand, was
so arranged as to take place as soon as
court convened after the customary
week end recess. The court room vas
crowded and the spectators eyed the wit
ness with a lively interest as he unfolded
the stenographic report of what the state
eused of his own volition. The admis-
sion of the report was contentiously cp-
posed by the defense and preliminary
hearing to determine whether threats or
promise OF immunity had been made by
the state in order to secure the confess
sion doubtless prolonged the trial con
Judge Stanton's decision to
admit the confession was announced iust
before adjournment Saturday noon.
After Worthley left the stand, Sheriff
A. A. Reed Myron j. Buck, civil en-
yineer, and Mary Williams wife of the
accused, were recalled to the stand to
testify briefly. Then Miss Josephine
oero, hired girl who was employed by
he Felches, told her story and was on
he stand when court adjourned late in
he afternoon. She took the stand again
his morning when court convened ut .
tclock and before the state rested Eu
-ene Williams, brother of the respond
mt. and his wife, Margaret Williams,
Miss Pero was cross examined during
bis forenoon but nothing of material
interest was brought out
Eugene Williams testified to having
with his brother, Otis, in
he winter, in which Otis offered him
200 to kill a man; and Eugene replied
hat he wouldn't do such a thing for
10000
Margaret Williams, wife of Eugene,
sstified to hearing conversation at the
iii on Nav between Otis Williams and
Irs. Otis Williams, in which Otis told
is wife that she did not know it all and
rat he was there but that she (name
ot mentioned was with him. At the
ose OF the woman's testimony the de-
nse made a motion that her testimony
; stricken out of the court record be
use it was so indefinite and did not
inject itself closely with the case.
James Smith of Groton. liveryman,
hen put on the stand. told about carry
Q Otis Williams from Groton to West
1psham i'm November. on which occa-
on Otis tcld him of his intimate rela-
7ns with Mrs. Felch and that he had
st come back from Boston. where Mrs.
,lch had promised to meet him but had
lied to do. He said he was coming
ck to see why she had not gone 10
,ston He told Smith then that he
: through working for Joe Felch.
Al the close of Mr. Smiths testimony
hfhit No. 81 was presented, it being a
Tvs handkerchief The defense made
: reouest that an the statements con
ming the handkerchief be stricken out
I the court suggested that the attor-
= for the state and for the defense
fer with the court reporter to deter
~ inst what points il was wished to
Ike ont. This was done and the court
i recess 70 this afternoon.
The Confession.
Whatever significance is attached 20
ilfarus' alleged confession BY the jury
Judging Of the evidence. Il cannot Be-
pssif that the statement formed a re
rkable contribution 10 the case and
: SERVED 10 intensity interest in TIE
tCCntinasd On fourth pagel