Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-10-13
DELAY REOPEN|NG
OF NURSES GRAVE
Cemetery Custodian Pre-
pared to Begin Work on
a Moments Notice.
star Correspondent o, The Star.

BY a Stan Correspondent OF The Star.
CHINA GROVE, N. c., October H.
Despite emphatic denials by the agents
of the Department OF Justice that the
elimination of the body of Mrs. Viz
ginia Mcpherson would be made before
Monday, A. r. Davis, custodian Of
c-eenlawn Cemetery, where the body is
inferred, intimated tonight that pro-
ceedingS might begin on a moments
notice. He is prepared, he declared, to
disinter the body at any hour of the
day or night.
The investigators, although mysteri-
ously silent regarding the proceedings,
said positively that they would not IN
dertake the task during the nigfk
Sunday, they declared would not be see
lected for the work because of the large
crowds that probably will gather at the
cemetery.
Residents Await Action.
As the unexplained delay continues,
residents of the surrounding country
anxiously await the elimination and
autopsy that may throw light on the
canSe of the girls death. In China
Grove, where Mrs. Mcpherson lived,
the arrival of every stranger is viewed
with anxiety. He is questioned as to
whether he is going to assist in the aex-
humation or knows when 1t will take
place. Many drive to the cemetery at
intervals TO see II the weather beaten
flowers that cover the surface Of the
grave have been removed or any at
tempts made to disturb the body.
Every one who knew her had the greatest
regard of the girl and praises her. She
was one of the most liked young women
of the community, they say. At the
Farm Life School where she attended,
her old classmates say she was ex-
tremely popular With their knowledge
of her the girls friends do not be-
lieve she took her own life. The pre-
vailing opinion is that she was MUIR
dered. BY whom theey do not know.
Should the identity of the murderer. If
there Is one, be established, China
Grove would not be the place for him
to venture. 1t would not. be the first
time the populace has taken the law
into its own hands as they are ready TO
act with sufficient provocation.
DR.. c. w. Armstrong, county health
of1cer has had no requests for authority
to conduct examination, he said last
night. Although permission might be
given by State officials. 1t is considered
unlikely that DR.. Armstrong will not be
consulted. Davis, the custodian, de-
clared that while he would be forced
to recognize credentials from the 81 te,
he also would desire permission from
the county health officer.
Proceedings Will Be Secret.
Davis announced last night that per-
sons not directly connected with the
work of exhuming the body would be
barred from the cemetery. No crowds as
he expects will gather, will be permitted
to assemble in the grounds. He believes
the proceedings will be secret and he in
tndS that such an order shall be obeyed
Local undertaking establishments in
formed DR.. Armstrong that as yet they
have not been requested to assist in the
elimination. A f1rm at Concord, IL
miles from the cemetery, however. is
said to have received communications
| from Chester. 8. c.. where the girls
parents now reside, regarding the task.
No definite details were arranged.
Following the disinterment Of the
body it is not known where the body
will be taken for further examination.
The popular belief. however, is that the
autopsy will be conducted in Sail bury
Should 1t be planned to remove the
body from the county DR.. Armstrong
will be called upon to give permission.
He has stated that he would raise no
objection.
The question OF who will conduct the
examination has also been raised. Local
physicians say that they have not been
consulted. and it Is believed possible
that skilled medical assistance may
come from other sources.