New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-26
He Sent Woman's Vital
Organs to Bellevue
for Analysis
Will Contest Waits
Report by Chemist
Finding Will Be Sent to W.
R. Kenan, Who Ordered
Inquiry

Every known test 10 determine
presence of poison or poisonous SUP
stances in the exhumed body OF MIS-
Robert Worth Bingham, the FORMER
Mrs. Henry NJ. Flngler, is being ap-
n,ied in the laboratories of Bellevue
Hospital at the request Of Mrs. BlnG-
hams brother. William R. Keenan, oil
Lockport. y. Y, and her sister.
DR.. Alexander O. Gettler, a pathology
90, chemist connected with Bellevue
and the New York University Medieal
School. admitted last night that he ana
DIR. Charles A. Norris, head Of Belle
vue's pathological department, are en-
gagged on the tests.
They were retained by the FANNY o.
,ho deod woman-who left an estate oil
more than $4,000, O0O-after her BODY
had been disinterred last Tuesday at
Wilmington, n. c., an autopsy per
formed and vital organs brought to this
city.
Crime Suspected
All the steps were taken with the
greatest secrecy, after representation
had been made to the health officer OF
Wilmington that it was thought a
crime had been committed.
Judge Robert Worth Bingham, who
was married TO the widow Of Flagier'
the railroad magnate. year ago. had
no knowledge of the breaking open OF
the grave of his wife, and expressed
the greatest indignation when he
learned Of the unusual step.
DR.. Gettler's statement solves the
mystery surrounding the identity OF
those who started the investigation into
the death of Mrs. Bingham. Relatives
from the first denied knowledge or con-
uection with the elimination.
"Mrs. Bingham's brother, William K.
Kenan, and her sister, whose name l
DO not recall, got DR.. Norris and my
self TO make the examination" said DR..
Gettler last night. ut is private
case. I cannot discuss its merits or
details. l was given to understand that
the utmost secrecy must be maintained
The report, when completed, will go
directly to those who engaged US.
Examination Complicated
pursuant TO instructions, I am max
ing 8 complete Psychological examlna-
ton of the vital organs" the chemist
continued "This examination is no tso
simple as IL We were looking for
single substance, as reported. We are
making tests for every possible TOXIC
substance. These tests have not been
completed, and, because OF the scope
of the examination, cannot say
whether it will take few days more OF
a longer period.
"Wbether the report is made public
depends on the family of Mrs. Bingham
The results Of the tests, OF course VII
determine whether any further steps
will be taken in the case, or whether
it will be dropped entirely"
Dr. Gettler refused to say whether
the examination had disclosed the pres
ence Of poisonous elements. He de-
clined TO discuss Dr. NOrris's part IN
the examination, referring the inter
viewer to DR. Norris himself. The lat
ter, seen in his laboratory az Bellevue
refused to discuss the case.
From reliable source il was learned
last night that approximately week
and a half ago a well known pathologisi
and chemist, in the employ of the city
went 20 Wilmington and performed an
autopsy for the purpose of determining
the nature Of Mrs. BinGham's death.
II was necessary, according 70 The
Tribune's informant, to perform
lengthy chemical tests on the organs OF
absorption and eXcretion- namely
stomach, intestines, liver and kidney
for traces Of poisoning by heavy metals
The connection between the exhuma-
ton of Mrs BinGham's body and the
fight centring about her viii was not
cleared up yesterday.
Will Contest Expected
Reports, partially confirmed, were
that relatives Of Mrs. Bingham would
contest the legality Of codicil to the
will Of Mrs. Bingham by which S5,OOO,'
600 outright is left to Judge Bingham
II is ALLEGED the exhumation and eX.