ISSUED WEEKLY.
THE
''“i:
PRINCIPLES, NOT MEN
$1.50 A YEAR IN ADVANCE
VOLUME XXXXII
Asheboro, North CaTOliaa, Thuradar, September 13, 1917.
NUMBER 35
RANDOLPH COUNTY’S
QOUTA IS SECURED
The local exemption board wm in
session the first of the week to psjfs on
claims filed by the men of the second
call. Seventy names were certified to
1iie district board, which added to tl^e
82 previously certified, makes a total
of 152 certified by the local board. The
county’s quota if 118.
Called Into Service
The following is a list of ^ose called
into the service of the United States,
being neiti^r exempted or discharged:
S91, Clarence E. Gray, Archdale.
1764, June Langley, Staley.
970, Clarence Frazier, Camp Hous
ton, Co. C, 4th Eeg. Va., Norfolk, Va.
1675, Lester Ernest Skeen, Qimax.
1657, Cynif Lineberry, Clim^.
2055, Wade C, York, Liberty.
1217, Grover C. Varner, Co. C. N. G.
Engineers. ^
1067, Jaiaef Hurley Hooker, E^siwfie*
man. ,,
2012, John Franklin Moor®, liber
ty.
805, Furman Eeid Auman, Seagrove.
1981, Cicero Gamer, Liberty.
1142, George Benjamin Crowell, Far-
mer. , ,
1765, Madison Clyde Lednum, Lib
erty, Et. 1. , , 1.
6, Milton Harris Birkhead, Ashe-
^°327, Marcus Hilliard Johnson, Mill-
boro. , _ „
664, Jamef R. Parrish, Fullers.
1722, Carl William Craven, Eara-
seur, Koute-
1557, Jacob Daniel Hamll, Cedar
Falls
1744, John Hieka, Staley.
1595, Arthur Clarence Eeeves,
Franklinville.
103, Moody Lamb, Spero.
556, Henry Orlendo Graves, col. Ran-
dleman, Et. 8.
154, Marshall Vander Eobbins,
Asheboro.
1057, Theodore Lyman Ingram, Ran-
dleman.
1256, Leander Cox, Coleridge.
1073, Clarence Allen, Asheboro, Rt.l.
388, Jacob Qinard Floyd, Trinity,
Route 1.
773, Williwa Harmon. Seagrove.
608, Emmett Houston Cox, Pisgah.
406, Andrew Johnson, High Point.
889, Gurea krthur Richardson, Ran-
diem an.
1166, Tliomas Hughes, Farmer.
1957, Jobs William Butler, Liberty.
576, Joha Alfred Richardson, Pis-
gah.
122, Hanry Grady Miller, Asheboro.
222, Arthur Cotton, coL, Asheboro.
906, Lonie Edwin Presnell, Eandie-
man.
1195, Clifton Presnell, Farmer,
1101, Roy Luther, Asheboro, Star
Route.
368, John Craven Collett, Trinity.
950, John Jennings Hinshaw, Ran-
dleman.
919, Pearl Lovett. Eandl^an.
1919, Luther Wilson Robbins, Edgar.
1175, lYed Martin Kearns, Parmer.
738, Ernest Laban Slack, Seagrove.
1167, Roscoe Ray Hill, Jackson
Creek.
1191, William Colbert Pierce, Farm
er.
1234, Otho Carl Brown, Ramseur.
1616, George Washington Allred,
Franklinville.
292, Steven Giard Richardson, Sea
grove.
822, Lacy A. Moffitt, Ore Hill, Rt. 2.
504, Lewis Thomas Dougan, Ashe
boro, Rt. 2.
1064, James Henry Wall, Rjuidle-
man.
1205, John Clark Ridge, Caraway.
1510, Ralph Whatley, Ulah.
470, Harrison Harris, Thomasville.
312, Hazel Vincent Bonkemey^,
Eandleman.
1187, Percy CSay Morgan, Faiwier.
424, Arthur June Mendenhall, High
Point, Rt. 5.
1511, John Lesley Strickland, col.,
Ulah.
657, Albert Roy Pearce, Fullers.
278, Robert Grove*’ Hix, Spokane.
212, Elmer C. Yow, Asheboro.
8, Dewey C. Bulla, Co. K, Ashe
boro.
1160, George F^ix Hughea, Sidem
Church
1355, Clarence C. Allred, Complex.
588, Delbert Tow Lucas, Seej^ove.
848, Carl Cokmebus Brown, Ore
Hill.
1943, Jamea O. Evans, CHenola. Bk
empt until December 1, 1917.
IIC^, Chazli* Lack, A^eboro. Bk-
empt until Deeewker 1, 1917.
■Rempted or Dtsckarged
The following were exempted or dis
charged either because of family de
pendents or phyaical disqualifications:
2024, George Wade Payne, Liberty,
Route 1.
360, Grady Brown, Trinity.
112, Clyde Brainard Lowdermilk,
Asheboro.
1287, Chariee Coley Gee, Coles
Store.
957, Levi Hudson, Randl^an.
1912, Cecil Carl Lyndon, Sophia.
1625, Charles Wesley Allred, Mill-
boro-
1716, Wesley Monroe Burgess, Ram
seur,
51, Calvin Gravee Pi*eier, Jr., Aake-
boro.
1366, Winbura Cra^oi’d, Pinsoa.
363, Charlie Browa, Trinity,
6S7, Benjamin Harrisoii Summy,
Fullers. • ■}
571, William Shelton Strider, Pis
gah.
1873, Charles Addison Bristow, Ed
gar.
488, Dealie Tillman, Trinity.
City iiH;i*oois Aiave Auspicious upening
x-iVc aliu xxLiy —
AISiC iU
ci-Lui-cii are bade
ac Vvoix- i.oy>, (.luy fcciiuOit, naving
iiiUiliiXlg Ui. UiiS VVBCi-
i»u.j^ccvD tti'v. j.'jL' ihe OvaC ytur m
iuoLoiy v/i wiw ociiouiS. xi ^arge num-
were prcoeilL iex
Uie iellniiuj. .jyciulig, aiiU eXprcb&cO
uei.criuill«Li.eu bO cw-opciai/e Wj-vii.
uiie supcXMiibciiucni. anu bcuriicrb iir
Vucir eitoxv Lu iuaK.e Uias a great- year
An uxc cuub,ai,AOuai ixxe ui Vn-- lowu. Ax*
Lcr a suoxa religious service oy Itev.
Aia x:.rwiii, bue xieW aupeiiiitc^nueXit,
j>ir. x>. r. xxasseii, luaue c biioi'i, taix,
Hi wiiicxi lie euuiiiica lIic wotk loi" tno
yeai‘, aiiu acn.eu lox' tiie neip of txio
veu'iiBpcopie ill carrying uuu ius plans,
iie Vnhb xuiiowcu Dy Uic pnncipai, rar.
V. 1. McjaeiUien, wiio xuaoe a sliorl
taiK. 'rxic pupiiB were men assignee
to tneir xocms. iieguiar tvox'K Degan
Wednesday morning.
I'ne town is very xortunate in havii^
Uie scnooi in cnarge oi suen an aoiv
faculty us tne present. Wmie most of
me Leaci^ex-s
Here lor iiieii’ nrst
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE TO THE NATIONAL ARMY
DEATH OF MRS. KING
AT CONCORD MYSTERIOUS
New Evidence Brought to Light Deep
ens the Mystery of Death of Itos.
Maud King—Authorities May Make
Another Inquiry.
The mystery deepns in regard to the
death of Mrs. Maud King, which, it
will bo remembered, occurred at the
Blackwelder Spring, near Concord,
about 8 o’clock in the evening, August
29. As will be recalled, on that day,
Mrs. King, who was visiting the
year, ail {come well recommenaed and
nave proved tneir auiuc^ cisewnere.
mere is no need to speaa oi tne 4.011-
ity of inose wno nave oeen in me
sciiooi before. The senool is pai'ticu-
lariy fortunate in naving at lus head
Ki'. 15. r . riasseii, 01 xvaeioru, wno
comes here with several years of suc
cessful experience, naving oeen at
itaeford for tne last four years. There
IS little uoubt but tnat nis coming will
niarx a new era in me history of the
scnools. rle is instituting new meth
ods vvnieh will without doubt raise tne
emciency of me school.
Following are the teachers:
i-'irst Grad®—Miss Maude Fox, Ran-
dleman.
First Grade—Miss Louella Lowe,
Asheboro.
Second Grade—Miss Hattie Asa-
burn, Liberty.
Third Grade—Miss Euna Wallace,
Star. .
h'ourth Gradei—Miss Elbie Miller,
Asheboro.
h'ourth Grade—Miss Lucille Wat
kins, Blanche.
Fifth Grade—Miss Enolia Presnell,
Asheboro.
Sixth Grade Miss Margaret
Speight, Windsor.
Seventh Grade—Miss Allie Pierce,
Colerain.
Eighth Grade—Miss Lou Ola Tat
tle, Burlington.
Ninth Grade — Miss Katherine
Whitener, Stanley.
Principal—Mr. D. I. McKeithan,
Aberdeen.
Superintendent—Mr. B. F. Hassell,
Raeford.
Music Teacher—Miss Nannie Bulla,
Asheboro. ^ . ,
Music Teacher—Miss Lillie Parrish,
Asheboro.
1543, John Walter Craven, Cedar
Falls.
704, Jefferson Albeson Dorsett, Trin
ity.
72, Gustavus Wade Hayworth, Ashe-
boro. ^ ^ '
1896, Lawrence Elwood Farlpw, bo-
phia. / _
1709, Roscoe Pearce Bro-yrer, Ram
seur. i ^ ^
866, Allen Jay Blair, Trnhty, Route
128, Asa Maness, Asheboro.
679, Carl Eddie Kennedy, Thomas-
ville. . , , ,
11, Percy Lazeil Bostick, Asheboro.
900, Claude Ronth, Randleman.
1617, Lawrence Gamer, Cedar Falls.
368, Rufus Casper, Trinity, Rt. 1.
93, Millard R. Jordan, Randleman.
1448, Leo Gray Bames, Asheboro.
1112, Kemp L. Smith, Asheboro, Et.
* 846, 1. Thamer Armfteld, Trinity.
1585, Jefferson Prevo. Franklinville.
122, John Mavin Yates, Caraway,
Route 2. T-,
1565, William Lacy Kinney, Frank-
linville. ^ ^ . ..
1281, Jamea Arthur Gam, Coleridge.
199, Penn Vestal, Asheboro.
1428, Corday Lee Surratt, Complex.
519, Virgil Hill, Caraway, Rt. 2.
1730, Alfred Condary Chandtec,
PramldmTiila , , ,
25, Robert Grover Boggs, Asheboro.
■ 392, Ben Harrison Hill, Progress,
1712, John Milton Brady, Ramseur.
944, Malfheua V. Hinshaw, Randle*
*rrW, William G. Poe, Ramseur.
642, Reed Framklm Summy, Fulim-S;
Et. 1.
1715, Jease Burgess, Ramseur.
821, Melvin Brastw* Frazier, MiU-
boro. „
7S6, Beverly Franklin Varner, Se»-
srove.
1028, Jeffrey Percy Barker, Clinrnx,
1426, Henry Alexander Thombwrg,
Pipe.
926, Cecil Cline Low, Randleman.
656, Jeffereon Harrison Rush, Trin-
^*^537*, Henry Paul Black, Franklin-
^85*6, Joseph Edgar Wood, Randle-
m<m. , „ , ,
1346, Geo. W. Matthews, col., Cole s
Store.
2051, Gurney Lee Ward, Millboro,
1866, Arthur ©’Keely Staley, coL,
Ramseur.
1806, Bermiee Emery Smith, Eam-
seur
1677, #iirK*y ISrastus Trogdon, Mill-
horo.
939, Emery Baeford Jarrett, Randle-
raan.
1689, Carl Talmage Field, Climax.
1337, Raymond Richard Craven,
Following is President Wilson’s message to the soldiers
of the National Army:
‘‘God Keep and Guide You, Soldier* of the National Army”
To the Soldiers of the National Army:
You are undertaking a great duty. The heart of the
whole country is with you. Everything that you do will
be watched with the deepest interest and with the deepest
solicitude not only by those who are near and dear to you,
but by tbe whole Ns.tion besides. For this greut wsr draws Gaston B. Means, his brother, Afton
■’ n Means, and W. S. Bingham, of Con
cord.
According to the story told by Gaston
Means at the coroner’s mq.uest, when
the party was near the spring, he and
Mrs. King went to get a drink of wa
ter, while the other two men remained
some distance away, and behind some
underbrush, which prevented their see
ing what happened at the spring. He
saye that he placed the. loaded pistol
in the fork of a tree and stooped down
over the spring, and soon hearing a
shot, turned in time to see Mrs, King
falling, the pistol in her hand. He then
called the other members of the party,
who came at once. They then drove
to Concord as quickly as possible tak
ing the body to ‘the hospital there.
From this story, the coroner decided
that the woman had come to her death
from a pistol in her own hands. With
this verdict the case was closed so far
as Concord was concerned, but it is In
dicated now that outside influence may
cause it to be reopened.
A post-mortem examination of the
body at Chicago indicated, it is claim
ed, that Mrs. King was murdered, in
the opinion of Coroner Hoffman, of
Chicago. The alleged verdict of the ex
amining physician concluded: “The en
trance of the wound was about 2 inches
forward of the center of the skull, be
hind the left ear. It showed no signs
of bums nor powder marks, indicating
that the revolver was a considerable
distance from the head when discharg
ed.
“The left ankle showed a dark dis
coloration. The examination revealed
that it was broken before death. All
other organs were negative, in healthy,
normal condition^’
Attorney General J. S. Manning, on
receipt of a telegram from Assistant
State’s Attorney Sullivan, of Illinois,
stating that th« coroner of Cook coun
ty believed, after investigation, that
Mw. Kirg had been murdered, repeat
ed to Solicitor Hayden Qement the
contents of the telegram, and asked
him to take charge of the matter. Mr.
Clement saya that if a motive is found
for hCT murder, he will re-open the
ease.
Three witnesses have been found, it
is claimed, who give evidence contra
dicting the story told by Ga^on
Means. How much truth there is in it
is not known. One of these, whose
name is withheld says that immediate
ly after the body-was taken into the
us all together, makes us all comrades and brothers, as all
true Americans felt themselves to be when we first made
good our national independence. The eyes of the world
will be upon you, because you are in some special sense the
soldiers of freedom.
Let it be yonr pride, therefore, to show to all men every
where not only what good soldiers you are, but also what
good men you are, keeping, your selves fit and straighf in
everything, and pure and clean through and through. Let
us set for ourselves a standard so high that it will be a glo
ry to live up to it, and then let us live up to it and add a new
laurel to the crown of America. My affectionate confii-
dence goes with you in every battle and every test. May
God keep and guide you!
WOODROW WILSON.
The White House,
Washington. - ••• ■
RANDOLPH MEN CERTIFIED
BY THE DISTRICT BOARD
From- Randolph’s first call the Dis
trict Board has certified the following
for service in the National Anny:
1^51—Femado A. Hinshaw, Julian.
797—Lona C. Boon, Seagrove.
1509—Rufus M. Williams, Seagrove.
1288—L. Benjamin Gardner, Ram
seur.
1814—Hurley C. Parks, Coleridge.
1647—Joseph S. Garner, Climax.
1723—Vernon E. Curtis, Ramfieur.
509—John W. Farlow, Randleman.
1848—Rowe Brower, Ramseur.
56—Charlie Foster, Asheboro.
1636—Os^ Evans, Millboro.
117—Lester Lee MofBtt, Ashdioro.
2047—James H. Vickory, Liberty^
1613—Parris C. York, Franklinville.
513— Lewis B. Hoover, Asheboro.
1676—^Ivsn L. Siler, Millboro.
1^1—James C. Davis, Edgar.
1114—Dennis H. Smith, Asheboro.
2036—John H. Staley, Liberty.
514— Will Hughes, Randleman.
1847—Floyd Bell, Ramseur.
1779—Wm. L. McBride, Ramseur.
757—Thomas F. Macon, Seagrove.
1266— Floyd Bruce Cox, Ramseur.
739—Vander C. Sanders, Seagrove.
1141—John Devon Cranford, Salem
Church.
1267— Bascom Glenn Cox, Ramseur.
645—Lola C. Snider, Fullers.
1178—Calier Elbert Kearns, Farm
er.
1032—Guy L. Aiken, Randleman.
1906—Martin L. Hohn, High Point.
204—Jacob C. Bro\vn, Asheboro.
77—J. Edgar Connor, Asheboro.
1324—Wilbur W. Scotten, Coleridge.
1706—W. Alfred Brown, Ramseur.
1236—Martin R. Bean, Kemps Mill.
2022—Otho F. Offman, Liberty^
350—James H. Arthur, Trinity.
462—John C. White, Archdale.
The following were exempted by the
District Boards
1922—Wesley B^by Ridge, Edgar.
574—Rodolphus Strider, Pisgah.
426—^^bert Reid Mendehall, High
Point.
The following are exempted
D«c«^^ 1,1917'>
1433—Caller A<ierao*, Strieby.
1455—Ailatt J. Cooper, Ashehorn.
15 Penn Houston Brown, Asheboro
untst
imKS Off PEACE EXPECTM)
Ixk^orms the Reichstag TliBt
Oenaany Is Aboat Ready With Her
Terms ef
^l^oz»any will shortly be aWe to pub-
lihk h«r peace terms, according to Dr.
LLEWXAM’S LETTER FROM
THE STATE CAPITAL
{By Maxwell Gorman.)
Raleigh, September 11.—The women
of North Carolina will play a larger
and more important part in the next
State Fair than ever before—and that
is going some, for no fair could be a
success without the active and hearty
co-operation of the ladies.
The new Woman’s Building at the
State Fairground has just been com
pleted, will be inspected today and the
elaborate equipment will be installed
at once. The formal dedication of the
building will take place on Wedhesday
of fair week, October 17, when the
“only woman Oongressman”, Miss'
Jrajieti j RanJdn, of Montana, (a na
tive of North Carolina) is expected to
make the principal address. These ex
ercises and the Better Babies Show
and Contest in the new building will
attract thouesands of women, for Uiey
are taking an active interest in it all
in the state, especially the varioue otr-
ganizations of women.
Secretary Pogue and Treasurer
Dei^n say twice as many exhibits
have been entered this year so far aa
are usual at this time and that the ex
hibits, especially the agricultural and
poult^ and food conservation exhibits.
QUALIFIES AS ADMINISTRATOR
OF THE BINGHAM ESTATE
Fidelity and Columbia Trust Company
Gives $5,000,000 Bond.—Louisville
Trust Company To Act As Joint Ad
ministrator.
The Fidelity and Columbia Trust
Company and the Louisville Trust Co.,
both of Louisville, have qualifi^ as
joint administrators of the estate of
Mrs. Ma^ Lily Flagler Bingh^.
Beneficiaries of Ihe estate made no se
rious objection to the appointment of
these two firms as administrators. The
Fidelity and Columbia Trust Company
executed a surety bond of $2,200,000,
which added to its capital stock of
$2,000,000 and surplus of $800,000,
brings _ the total to $5,000,000. Ihe
^uisville Trust Company, with a cap
ital stock of $800,000, and surplus of
$261,000, executed a surety bond of
$8,939,000.-
will surpass all previous State Fairs,
and the crowd is coming too. piirty | JfospS Alton “mmm SJ^rted'to the
counties will have official county ex- j^ow houses to find Mrs. Melt
hibits.
The State Board of Education is ex
tending the scope of its school book
investigation to ascertain if^. there is
ground for complaint of other books
that the readers, alleged to be opered
in inferior quality of material. They
will submit their report in a few days,
it is understood.
The formal announcement of the ap
pointment of Chairman E.. L. Travis
of the North Carolina Corporation
CoBiBaiffsion, to a place on the branch
of the National Interstate Commerce
Commission ia expected to be made
this wa^. He was virtually decided
upon several months ago, and he is de
cidedly the best equipp^ man in the
Soat^s^ for the place. North Caro
lina owes him much for the fine work
he haa done as head of the State Com-
migaioa and we are distinctly losers by
hibi transfer to the larger and more im
.portent fi:^d of labor.
Alteough the legal distillation of
spiritnons liqnora for beverage pur-
te the United States was stopped
by the aeiw federal law last Saturday
the revenuere report increased
a<^v7tleB in moonshine ‘Ticker” circles,
thkaty ones will probably drink
new 00m whiskey hereafter than
Geom9 Ifii^eUe, the German chmoel- , - - i.v
ia an iatarriaw mit f tja iiSculty
aaeBBh fcekaaga ^ from other .tote. wher.
I it asm still be sold though not maau-
^ sakl Dr. There is enough liquor ia
rMsMtaato McaKBag pixaa ooaffitieaa j ^ * * tJM^-
Md th. qaertioB of Alwee-Loriaiafi, .
but mo decision has yet been token. Th. Report, indisito a maltSphcitiy of
quertton. howorer. wa. eagerly die- riiild labor xiit. like unto that from
cussed and Germany will soon b« abl» Meeklenbnrg decided by Judgs Boyd.
to publish her peace terms.”
Auto Accident on Badin Road
(Continued o^i fourth page.)
the object being to continue the state
law limitations aa to age and hours of
work in factories and mills, until the
United States Supreme Court passes
As a result of an automobile acci- on Judge Boyd’s decision. If t^at is
dent 14 miles from Salisbury, on the ■ true this line of procedure will be
Badin road Sunday afternoon, J. W. ■ charged to the muzzle with trouble for
Zeigler, aged 22, of Winston-Salem, is ‘ all concerned, especially for the manu-
dead, and his father, George L. Zeig- j facturers that have goods to ship cut
ler, is in the hospital at Salisbury, side the state,
suffering with bruises. The car left
the road at a curve and took to the
woods, the young man being crushed
between the car and a tree.
Mrs. Elliott Dead
Mrs. Sarah Elliott, wife of the late
T. B. Elliott, died at -her home near
Bombay, New Hope township, Septem
ber 2, and was buried at Salem church
the following day. She is survived by ^
one child, Mrs. B. F. Wooley. Mrs. • ocracy.
Elliott was one of the most highly es- j the American Federation
teemed wpmen of her community. j was elected as its leader.
Gompers Head of New Labor Body
The American Alliance for Labor
.and Democracy, organized three weeks
ago with President Wilson's stamp of
approval, concluded its big loyalty con
ference at Minneapolis last week. The
alliance, composed of the nation’s la
bor leaders, has as its double purpose
the crushing of disloyalty and the sol
idifying of labor in the war for dem-
Samuel Gompers, president of
— ■ - • of ' '
vin, sister of Mrs. King. While wait
ing in front of one of the theaters, Mr.
Means, according to the witness, re
plied, in answer to a question in re
gard to the death of Mrs. King: “She
was whirling the pistol around her
finger like a fool woman would do and
the pistol went off • accidentally.” The
other two witnesses are Charles S.
Dry and his wife, who live on the pub
lic highway, near the scene of the
shooting. In an interview with an at
torney they are alleged to have signed
statements of what they saw and
heard that evening.
Mr. Dry says that he had come in
from work about dark and he and Mrs.
Dry were sitting on the front steps of
his house facing Abe Blackwelder
spring. Their attention was attracted
by the report of a pistol, after which
they heard a man c^l, “Captain Bing
ham, C^tain Bingham, come here.'
The voice was not raised to a shout,
but was only a little more than that
used in a conversation. Mr. Dry says
that on a still evening he can hear or
dinary conversation at the spring from
where he was sitting. After baling
called Captain Bingham to come the
voice of the speaker was lowered to an
und«tone, Mr. Dry says-, and he conld
not hear what was being said. How
ever, k« conld hear this subdued talk
ing and haekr persems moving about
near tka spring as if they were going
throufA aonca of the undergrowth.
A&at 16 minuiea, Mr. Dry says,
he saw ui automobile coming at a rap
id gait down the hi^^way and turn in
the branch road that leads to t^
spring. He saw the automobile dnvw
up almost to the spring and turn
round. After a few minutes he heard
the door of the machine close.
At about this time Mr. and Mrs. Dry
state that they saw a flash and heard
the report Of another .pistol or rifle
shot. I'he flash was up towaH the au
tomobile, the top of which was up. The
machine then left the spot, traveling
toward Concord at a rapid rate of
speed.
At the time of the shooting Mr. Dry
says that the moon was rather low in
the east and that the shadows of the
trees round the spring cast a dense
darkness where the people were stand
ing so that it was impossible for him
to see the parties there or to see therr
movements.
The road that passes near the spring
is a disused portion of the old road and
the new highway has been built be
tween the home where Mr. Diy lives
, and the old road. The distance from
Labor, j his house across to the spring is sever
al hundred yards and all that Mr, Dry
Special Assistant to Attorney Gene^I
Mr. Cameron F. McReie has been &■-
pointed special assistant to the Atto’^
ney General of the United States e’
fective September 1, with his offieia.
residence at Asheboro. Mr, McRae is
a lawyer of recognized ability, a son of
the late Supreme Court Judge James
C. McRae. He has for years been con
nected with the United States Agricul
tural Department at Washington, as
title attorney in North Carolina and
Georgia. He comes to A^eboro from
Asheville where he has recently been,
engaged on the Vanderbilt tilte to
Pisgah Forest.
Mr. McRae’s chief duties will be to
look after that part of the work on
titles relative to the Weeks Forestry
Act heretofore looked after by the de
partment of justice in Washington.
says he saw end heard was also sub
scribed to by his wife.
At the time of the coroner’s inquest
Mr. Dry knew nothing of the occur
rence. It was not until the afternoon of
Thursday, the day of the inquest, that
a neighbor, in returning home from
Concord apprised Mr. Dry that there
had been a tragedy at the spring.
Solicitor Hayden Clement, who has
been to the scene of the shooting, says
that he is unable to reconcile the state
ments that were made at the coroner’s
inquest. He says that he considers
this secluded spring a poor place to go
target shooting so late in the evening.
Another thing which he said he could
not und^rstend was the atatemert of
Means, in which he said that when he
turned saw Mrs. King, with the pis
tol in lier hand, considering that the
•pring was 30 feet from the tree in
which he had placed the pistol, that the
pistol was .small enough to 1^ placed
in a vest pocket, and that, as Mr*
Means said, it was so dark at the
spring that he had to strike a match to
see if th^ were any bugs in the
spring.
Afton Means has been summoned to
New York by District Attorney Swann
to see what were the financial relations
between Gaston B. Means and the dead
woman.
Gaston B. Means threatens whoesale
libel indictments as a result of news
paper articles.
Means is'charged with being a Ger
man spy, but if this is true, the Feder
al authorities are not talking. But they
do not talk, anyhow, so this is no evi
dence either way.
The case is attracting nation-wide
attention, owing to the fact that Mrs.
King was a very wealthy and well-
known woman of Chicago and New
York. She was formerly very poor,
but had attracted the attention of Mr.
J. C. King, one of Chicago’s wealthy
business men, but who died soon after,
leaving her one of the richest women
; of the city. «
Gaston B. Means ic a son of W.
Means and a brother of Miss Belle
Means, who at one time taught in the
Asheboro schools. Several years ago
he went to New York, being employed:
with the Cannon Cotton Mill*. While
living there he fell out of an upper
berth on a Pullman and sued the com
pany, receiving considerable damage*.
At one time he jfa* .connected witn
the W. J. Bum* Detective Agency, but
more recently has been the private
scereta^ and confidential adviser of
Mrs. King.
Newspaper report* say that for sev
eral years, until a year or two ago,
Mrs. King was weak-Stinded, and is
said to have been duped by a gang of
exploiters. It ia reported that at one
time detectiTe* employed by members
of her family had sought the aseiet-
ance of the department of jnstlee, ask
ing action under the Mann White
Slave Act, as to her relations with cer
tain crooks im high life.
The district attorney’s office of New
York has begun an oflkisd investiga
tion of the shooting. “We have begun
an investigation of this case,” said As
sistant Attorney Dooling, “because it
is possible that a crime may have been
committed here. There may have been
larceny committed here in connection
with the estate of Mrs. King, or evi
dence may be discovered to show that
a conspiracy to murder the woman or
iginated in New York county. If, as a
result of the district attorney’s inves
tigation, evidence of a crime is found,
the case will be laid before a grand
jury.”
From one witness it is said Mr. Doo
ling has received information to show
that Mrs. King made a will about a
year and a half ago; that Gaston B.
Means had been cognizant of the prep
aration of this will and knew its con
tents. The witness is alleged to have
said he read the will and that in it
Means is named as executor.
V.