Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-08-28

and the man on a coach. Both were
IN commissions. PHYSICIANS were
summoned hut Mrs. Bernier died and
little hope is held for Wards recpy-
cry.
Fnr some time his identity was a
mystery, and not until Capt O'Con-
nell discovered The letter on his per-
son at the hospital were the most
startling features of the case dis
closed.
Mrs. Sernlsr's husband, who is
employed al Bath, was not in the
city as he comes here only Tor the
week end. The story of what hap
pened at the Bernier home before the
ponce were notified was told at the
house. last night by Della Giroux. a
young woman who is living at 80
Shawmut street. but whose home is
on the Mechanic Falls Road, not far
from Farriew avenue.
Mise Giroux told the police that she
came ID the house about Bis O'clock.
last evening. Ward was there a, the
time and the tllree sat IN the parlpr
talking Ward invited Mrs Bernier
TO have a drink and the two went
into the kitchen. This was repeated
several times.
Miss Girpux said she did not take a
drink NOR did sne go into the kitchen.
Ward and Mrs Bernier were IN such
position that she could not see
them from the pariur.
About an hrur later hpth Mrs.
Bernier and Ward were taken sud-
denly i'll. Miss Giroux went up-
stairs ann word was teiephuned the
police. They Easiened to the house
and Once Levesque WAS sent to sum-
mon DR.. r. j. Wiseman. who was
nearby.
DIR. George Z. Desaulnier also was
called. DR.. Wiseman attended the
WOMEN. WIN was semicrnscipus and
spoke to hum as ne entered. She
lived but short time. Both pi1ysi-
cians then turned every effort toward
-eviving Ward.
DR.. W. L Haskell was called later
and On his advice the police patrol.
which had returned TO headuunrters.
was again summoned and Ward was
taken To the hospital. There he was
attended by DIR. Desaulniers and
DR.. George B. C'Cunneil
Al l O'Clock t1iS morning the police
were informed by the hospital au-
tnuritles that Ward was apparently
recovering consciousness. He Ii a
well built man and IL was found
necessary 10 place MIN IN a straight
jacket. An officer was sent from
headquarters to aid IN handling him.
II Is now thought there is a chance
for his recovery.
Except for Wards letter, two
empty TASKS found on the kitchen
sink were the only clue To the direct
cause Of the tragedy The police SAY
the fumes Of liquor were in evidence
On the person of both MN and
woman.
A zaxchei found in the KITCHEN
contained a rusty hammer and TWO
Nalne automobile registration plates
Of the 1913 series They bore the
number 4D3-s and are listed under
the name Of E. M Ward, Il Pleasant
street, Gardner.
Up To an early hour. this morn
ing, Willie Berniar, husband of the
dead woman. had mot been notified.
Mrs. Bernier was burn In Canada
and her parents live at St Frederic
de BeRuce, PCvince uf Quebec. Her
maiden name lis Marie Labbee. The
only near relative living here lis
sister, Mrs. Joseph Laroche Of Lis
hon Road. She married Mr.. Bernier
five wears ago. They have no chill
iren.
Until Capt. o'Cunneil found the
letter On Wards person. there was
little cine to his identiry. The police
thought they might identity MIN
through the auto plates.
The letter, sCrawied ON an midi
nary piece of ruled writing paper
with a fountain pan. WAS found
crumpled into the outer pocket of
his coat
Il contained neither punctuation
nor capitals, and read:
.am deatf1fy sick think whiskev
we have been drinking is made of
wood alcohol Marie / think is dead
and I am milling fast cannot move
my legs now never STOLE any autos
in my LIN
E. III. Ward
Randolph
Main.-
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