Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-10-31
MRS. HALL READY
TO DENY SHE SAW
HUSBAND KILLED
Willing to Meet Accusing
Witness, Mrs. Gibson,
Any Time.
DRIVER OF WAGON
HAS BEEN LOCATED
Authorities Find Man Pursued
by Farmer Night of
Tragedy.
LONG CONFERENCE HELD
Prosecutor Mott and Attorncy-Gcn-
erhl Discuss Cnsc-Forecast
Enriy Arrest.
DRIVER OF WAGON
HAS BEEN LOCATED
LONG CONFERENCE
PROSECUTOR Mott and AttOrncy-Gcn-
eral Discuss Cnsc-Forecast
Enriy Arrest.
Try Universal Scrvicc.1

e.
NEW BRUNSWICK, y. J.. Oct. 40.
Mrs. Frances Stevens Hall tonight
accepted tho challenge to meet Mrs.
Jane Gibson face to face and deny
that she was present when her hus-
band. Rev. Edward w. Hall. and his
clandestine sweetheart, Mrs. Eleanor
II, Mills were slain.
She spoke through her attorney,
Timothy y. Pfciner. who said:
Mrs. Hall will meet Mrs Gibson
Ill the office OF the prosecutor at
any time the prosecuting attorney
deSiCnatcs"
Mrs. Gibson. farmer. has sworn
'hat she witnessed the murders and
that Mrs. Hall was there. Last night
she said She was willing To meet
Mrs. Hall and repeat the accusation
to her face.
The prosecutors Will probably not
call for such a meeting
Should tho meeting come about.
two very remarkable women viii
face each othor. Although of opno-
site types. investigators do not be-
licvc either of them would break.
Mrs. Gibson would undoubtedly re-
peat her Identification and Mrs. Hni1
would no doubt calmly reply:
am very sorry. but YOU arc mis-
taken. | was not on the Phillips
You could not have seen me-"
Authorities believe Witness.
Many OF the authorities selieye
Mrs' Gibson's story. AS they check
II np they find tho details borne out.
For Instance she says II was a clear
night and that the moon was I,,.t
rising when she returned to the farm
second time and saw woman,
whom she says was Mrs. Hall, weep-
ing over the bodies OF the dead.
Weather records show this to be
true.
In spite OF the faith the authori-
ties place in Mrs. Gibson's story, her.
credibility'has begun To crumblc. Re-,
porters have discovered discrcpan-
cies In her stories that have shaken
confidence in her startling atiidavits
as TO the dramatic tragedy she saws
she witnessed.
She had told that she was a widow.
her husband. a Clergyman. having
died seventeen years ago. II is now
round she has a husband living. He
IS tool maker. His name is VIII
liam IT. Easton. He is said to live on
Mrs. Gihson's farm. Other indis-
putablc evidence was found that the
woman's name Is Easton and she Is
known by such.
IL WIS turther learned that her
son. William Easton, dcrided his
mothers explanation of the strange
mule rides on the night OF the MUIR
der when She says she was seeking
corn thieves. The son said no corn
had been stolen and that ho did
not know she left the farm that night
If she did.
The authorities have also found
the man who drove n wagon that
Mrs. Gibson said she was following
on mule in search OF corn thieves.
Wilbur a. Mott, special investi-
gator for the State, has said he hc
lievcs Mrs. Gihson's story. This con-
ftd"nce In her narrative was strik
inGly reai'irmed today by George
Tottcn. a detective, who had Il two
hour talk with her.
He said:
81 had long and satisfactory
talk with Mrs. Gibson. told her
believe her story absolutely and
do. She is not imaginative and
She is not liar''
Mott Opens Headquarters.
Mr.. Mott has opened secret head
quarters for tho investigation. From
MS new center OF activities II is
expected he will soon issue the order:
Go out and arrest so and So"
There is every indication that he
viii take this step rather than hasti-
iy summon grand jury for the
presentation OF evidence II is be-
iievcd certain necessary links In tho
states chain OF evidence are being
forged
Mott and Acknowledgement Nc
Gran held long conference today.
II Is believed the Attorney General
has approved every step taken hy
Mott and that Is another reason de-
cisive action VIII soon he taken.