The sun., 1919-07-15
DOWSEY SLAIN, CUT
ON SCALP SHOWS
Effort Made to Hide Wound
Before Body Was Sent
From Seattle.
BROTHERS DENY ILLNESS
Ship Board Agent Probing
Graft "Got," According to
Boast in Club.

A deep flesh wound several inches In
length on the scalp OF Frederick A.
Dowsey's body substantiates the theory
Of his relatives that the ship graft
hunter did not die OF apoplexy, as re-
ported by a Seattle coroner. but came to
his end through foul play.
The wound appears to have been IN
hicted by blackjack. 1t II on the top
Of the head and according to expert
authority could not be the accidental
result Of a fall. 1t was also learned yes
terday by a representative OF THE SUN
that the wound had been carefully
stitched up and so treated before the
body was shipped eastward to relatives
In this city that 1t would ordinarily have
escaped notice.
It's existence in fact would never have
become known to the family but for
careful examination made OF the body
ey several physicians after its arrival
here. This examination was ordered be-
cause OF reports that had reached the
relatives OF threats made against the
life Of the man who as special agent OF
the Shipping Board was probing condi-
tons in the Seattle yards.
Brothers Probing Tragedy.
Two brothers of the deceased man,
Dr. George II. Dowsey of so Wall Street.
and James L. Dowsey. an attorney of
6s Broadway. when asked their opinion
regarding this scalp wound yesterday
refused to go into details.
Dr. Dowsey, however. said emphatic
ally, 1T is my belief that my brother
did not die OF apoplexy, but of violence"
These brothers have been piecing to-
gether bits Of evidence concerning the
tragedy. though greatly Handicapped by
the fact that their brother met his end
so far away from home.
Ever since Frederick A. Dowsey was
reported to have been found dead on the
floor of the washroom In the building
in which he had his office they have
suspected the case to be one Of murder.
They have now asked the Federal au-
thorities to aid in bringing the persons
responsible to Justice.
The County Democratic Club OF Seattle
has also taken the matter up and has
demanded the suspension of all OF the
officials OF the Shipping Board in that
city pending an investigation.
According to reports received by the
family shipping man Is said to have
boasted in a Chicago club, shortly be-
fore Mr.. Dowsey began his Investigations
into alleged dishonesty OF Western ON
cials, I'VE got the last one the Govern
ment sent out there, and we'll get this
one too"
After Dowsey's death, which occurred
May 2. this same man Is said to have
boosted. I'VE got him just as we said We
would
DR.. Dowsey gave II as his profes sio nal
opinion yesterday that his brother was
not apoplectio. Regarding the finding of
the Seattle Coroner, he said he had seen
no report OF any investigation on the
Pacific coast whatever. The only nota =
ton regarding the death on the official
papers appears to be the single word
"apoplexy."
Robbery of u. s. Fooled.
Frederick A Dowsey was formerly
acting Deputy Collector Of Customs in
this city. He became associated with
the Shipping Board In the summer OF
1913. and his journey to Seattle was
occasioned by reports OF wholesale graft
in connection with a shipyard there.
Work at this yard was said to have
been going on in a most mysterious
manner, and 1t was believed influences
were in operation there for the purpose
of robbing the Government in large
contracts.
Mr.. Dowsey was in the midst OF his
graft probe when his sudden death
halted the proceedings.
He left a widow. Mrs. Genevieve A
Dowsey, and two children. Virginia, 16
and Marjorie. 10. who reside at Grea,
Neck. L. l.. where the brothers also
make their home.
Ofncials OF the Shipping Board were
rsticent about the matter yesterday, de-
ciaring that they were not at liberty &c
discuss It. 1t was admitted that an Of
ficial investigation Is in progress and I,
was learned by representative OF TIL
SUN that the result OF the examination
OF the body by physicians here Is known
to the ofYicials.
Major w. A. Higgins. special agent Of
the Department of Investigation OF the
Shipping Board. conferred upon the case
during the day with members of the
family.