New-York tribune., 1920-06-20
Officials Keen on Fresh
Trail After Council in
Which Turfman's Valet
Gave New Information
Girl Who Called at
House Identified
Impression Grows That
Crime Was Result of
Effort to Shield Some
Woman From DishonOr

There were indications last night
that the authorities are on a trail
that may result in unraveling the
mysterious murder Of Joseph Bovine
Elwell.
For the first time since the discov-
cry of the crime the police, detec-
tives and members of the District
Attorneys staff connected with the
case gathered for conference at
the District Attorneys office yester-
day for the ostensible purpose Of
eliminating worthless theories and
clews. William Barnes, secretary
and valet to Elwell, was questioned
for more than two hours. 1t was an
bounced that Barnes had furnished
many important new leads to the
authorities.
We now have an idea of several
peoplo who may have committed the
crime said Alfred j. Talley, Assistant
District Attorney, "but we haven't any
"Man With the Key" Sought
Barnes. unlike Mrs. Marie Larsen,
the card wizards housekeeper, has
,teadfastly refused to be drawn into a
discussion of the case. His examina-
Ion yesterday was the first extended
questioning that he had been given
since the discovery of the crime. He
insists that Elwell was killed by per-
~ M to< he
Find the man with the key he
says, "and YOU will solve the mystery.
There is a general feeling in the
District Attorneys office. based on the
latest developments, that the murder
was the climax OF one of Elwells nu-
merous love affairs, and that those in
possession of the facts are withholding
them to protect the, honor of a women.
In this connection, Edward Rhodes
Eiwell's chauffeur. is reported to have
ttld District Attorney Dooling of a
quarrel Eiwell had with handsome
woman at Palm Beach shortly before
se left the Southern resort for Lexing-
ton, Ky. in December. According ia
ms story, Elwell was trying to per-
shade the woman to leave him and was
insisting That they had better separate
IS her husband was becoming aware
Il their affair.
The woman. however. declined to
accept tins suggestion. interpreting it
"a merely a move on the part Of
Elwell to get rid of her. and set up a
connection which became the subject
of gossip among frequenters of the
resort.
1t was learned at Lexington, too
hat during Elwells stay there last
December he was accompanied by a
loung and beautiful woman whom he
Introduced to acquaintarces as miss
wilson According 70 these acquaint-
noes, she made the trip from New
York to Lexington with him by rail
and motored with him TO the Idle
Hour Farm. where Elwell emporarily
was keeping his string of racehorscs.
Real Name Is Withheld
This IS believed TO be the same wom-
All whom Mrs Larsen has identified as
The owner Of the silk night robe, bou-
doir cap and pink silk slippers found
IN the slam mans house shortly after
tne murder. and whom Edward Rhodes
klwells chauffeur, said he frequently
drove around with Elwell in the slain
mans car. District Attorney Swami
said this vas not the woman's right
name and that her real name would be
withheld for the present.
Detective Henry P. Oswald, now al
lexington Investigating Elwell's move
ments wnlIe there, says he has learned
mat Elwell introduced the young wo
man 10 Harry Shannon, manager OF
me Idle Hour Farm, but when asked
ABOUT her refused 70 say more thar
tCcntirued on paus your)