ORPET CASE IS VERY PERPLEXING Mark of Suicide and Murder Become Substantially as One Waukegan. 111., July 28. The case of Marlon Lambert arid William H. Orpet In the course of its develop ment became one of the most perplex ing in the annals of criminal history, ■yotlve paralleled motive, action action, opportunity parallel ed opportunity until the marks of murder and suicide become substan tially as one. 1 In the end the guilt or innocence of the defendant, so far as the adduc tion of actual fact was concerned went to the Jury on the mystifying niceties of chemical analysis and Orpet's own compromising conduct. The mystery attracted unusual interest in all parts of the United States and Canada. Trial of the case including selection .-f a jury occupied the better part of twe months. There appeared in evi dence forty-four letters written oy Oipet to Marion over a period of a year; bottles and boxes containing samples of cyanide from the McCor mlck estate, from the Deerfield high school laboratory, from Kraft's drug store at Lake Forest and white powder scraped from Marion's hand and from spots on her cloak; the girl's gar nunts; a magazine article dealing with the use of cyanide as a fumigator in greenhouses; the chemistry text books used respectively by the high school girl and the college student, a copy of the Wisconsin statute dealing with the sale of poisons, and a bottle of molasses and water. Long Array of Witnesses Five chemists, all of whom were specialists in texicology, one alienist, two surveyors, druggists, street car men. an undertaker, school teachers, police officers, reporters and friends of the Orpets and Lamberts were among the long array or witnesses who testified. Ralph W. Dadv. State's attorney of Lake county; David R. Joslyn, State's attorney of McHenry county and Eugene M. Runyard appeared as coun sel for the prosecution, and James H. Wilkerson, former United States dis trict attorney at Chicago, Ralph F. Potter, his law partner, and Leslie P. Hanna. of Waukegan, for the defense. More than a thousand veniremen were examined before a jury, said by coun sel upon its selection to be above the average in intelligence and character, was chosen. Judge Charles H. Don nelly, presided. The series of parallels started at Lake Forest, one of a series of aristo cratic suburbs dotting the heavily wooded bluffs along the west shore of Lake Michigan from Chicago to Waukegan, for Frank Lambert, father of Marion, was superintendent of the Kuppenheimer estate, and Edward O. Orpet, father of the defendant, super intendent of the estate of Cyrus Mc- Cormick, both at Lake Forest. Last summer, young Orpet. then a pallid, slender youth of nineteen, of sharply regular features, somewhat vj;in of his college opportunities and undisciplined as to character, returned from the University of Wisconsin at Madison for a vacatiqn at home. He fell madly in love with Marion, ac cording to his letters. She had com pleted her junior year at the Deerfield High school and was then seventeen anci known for her gaiety and laugh ter—"the life of the party," as one witness put it. She Saved His Letters When Orpet returned to college in the Fall of 1915 frequent letters were exchanged. Orpet destroyed hers; she saved his and they remained alter her death to speak of the great fear of exposure that came upon her. Orpet, in testifying, said that he was certain that these fears were ground less. Once he mailed her a bottle of molasses and water "to ease her ir.lnd" and he brought a similar com pound with him for the same purpose when he entered Helm's woods, near Lake Forest, with her on the morning of Wednesday, February 9, last. Orpet testified that 'he made the trip to allay her fears and to explain a story which had reached Marion that he was engaged to one Celestia Youker, but the elaborate efforts which he made to keep the trip secret and his subsequent conflicting state ments of it to officers of the law de veloped into the most damaging evi dence against him. It led to the menacing question of Mr. Joslyn. reiterated again and again: "Why? Why? Why? Why did you come? You brought no relief; you brought no medicine: you brought r.o tenderness —no words of love! Why did you come?" On February 8, Orpet at Madison left three letters, post-dated February 9 with his friend Otto Peterson to be mailed on the latter date, one was to his mother, one to Marion, and the third to Marion's friend Josephine Davis. They were worded to make it appear that the writer was in. Madi son on February 9. the day Tie kept his tryst in the woods with Marion, and sha came to her death. Writes Alibi Letters Orpet explained on the stand that the alibi letters, as they came to be known, were written so that if by ac cident he were seen at Lake Forest find word of the fact reached Marion's parents, who objected to him, or his own parents, who expected him to re main faithful to college duties at Madison, they would accept the let ters as conclusive evidence to the con trary The letter to Josephine was to corroborate that to Marion. Josephine testified that she never received it. On the afternoon of the eighth, in a dark overcoat which he said he had borrowed to wear with a dress suit to a party which he expected to attend on the twelfth, carrying the bottle of molasses and water in his pocket, and Having behind him the alibi letters and a bed rumpled to deceive his landlady, the student proceeded by way of Milwaukee, where he spent a half hour or so between trains, to Lake Forest. Arriving there he arranged by telephone to meet Marlon on her way to school the next morning, walked about for a while to make cer tain that his parents had retired, and entered the McCormick garage where he spent the night on a cot. In the morning he and Marlon met and walked through the snow into the v. oods. Orpet testified that there was little conversation, and he could recol lect only the purport of it. He offered her the "medicine" and she refused it. He started to leave but she called him back and asked if he was going to write to her any more. He said there seemed to be no use of it, and started awav again. "Something made me look around I don't know what—and I saw Marion lying in the snow," related the de fendant on the stand. "I returned, kneeled over her for maybe a minute. [ noticed the moist powder in the lines of her hand. Her eyes were glazed. Then a kind of fog came on my brain ane; I don't remember much after that except that on reaching the road T threw away the 'medicine' and made my way on foot to Highland Park, caught a train, and that evening ar rived back at Madison." Marion was missed that night and her body found, the next morning. Orpet was arrested and told numerous conflicting stories prior to the trial, these being used against him at the trial. During his cross-examination which lasted for three days he re pratedly to"k refuge in "1 den't re jnember." He spoke In a low voic^ FRIDAY EVENING, 4 JSjoamanX 4 1 * 1 . ■ nIO9I—UNITED s HAKRISHIftG. FRIDAY, JULY 2R. 11)10. FOUNDED ISTI —~— Dress Fabrics " Telephone } our tf ants Four days of the greatest value giving in Harrisburg this season. Genuine, undis to This Store For Prompt At Loic Prices Have a Wide puted savings on good, desirable merchandise. Attention. a l Moving Pictures of the Cream Corduroy, mixed suitings, Summer House Cleaning Sale. Every last dollar's worth would pass out right now for a Bowman Store Picnic will cloths! 8 ! sTc. p ° plar dollar. No better could we illustrate the fine character of the merchandise. be shown again to-night at Satta Foulards, in strip,, ana «t True, many are broken in size range or color or whatever the case may be which the Victoria Theater. figures; also plain messalines; 20 . _ , .1 . /~v i ,/• inches wide. Sale price, yd., 25*. justihes a reduction ot One-fourth to One-half. ——————————i——— Satin finish Striped Wash Silks, Ti . . 1 1 j • 1 r . . „ 32 inches wide- Sale price, yd., 59c. 1 " e most to be emphasized is the importance of a visit to-morrow open until 9 kJCTLs Lisl tvv UZ7Is Wash Silks, 33 inches wide. Sale Sale Prices on Batiste price, yd Flouncing, of Quality JS? These Sale 9/7 27 inches wide, will go out at the and lilac; 36 and 40 inches wide. /iTC first price, and naturally the latter Sale price, yd., o9*. ITGTTTS V(5 O „ 1 1 A 1 price must buy a much wider pat- Sport Stripe Beach Cloths, stripes IRQ (Jfl A WOLfCI tern; these being 40 inches. Excel- in all shades; 36 inches wide. Sale A J.J. J- * lent patterns price, yd , 19c. AItTCLCWIg Women's Coats BOWMAN'S—Main Floor BOWMAN' S—Main Floor TT U CII ° OUala O '/ 'L _ Coats in the season's best styles, and some fine, exclusive models Women's Sample Hosiery Fourth Floor *"wSTwir A Sale Feature at —Coats for Motoring. ? Q/> f Bozart Rugs — Coats for Sports W ear. 6VL Pr . -have no equal for the porch or —Coats for Dress. summer floor coverings. ; , ' A manufacturer's sample lot of various styles; good qualities in A pleasing collection of those fabrics most popular this season. TWO COLORS r, j rai —Lisle and silk lisle 6x9 ft Sale price $3 95i Crepe de Chine Blouses —Fibre silk 8.3x10.6 ft. Sale price, $6.95. A clearance of colored blouses in this summer's styles and —Thread silk boot * 9x12 * t- ale P" ce > #8.50. shades; to go at these loiv prices: In the assortment are black, white and colors. THREE COLORS $1.79, $2.59 Women's plain black hose, silk lisle, double soles; wide garter tops; o^ 9 cvi"' 0 - Durable qualities; everyone having sold for considerable more, seconds. Sale price, pr., 21<». ® , f Included is a small lot of pussy willow blouses. BOWMAN'S— Main Floor. it. &aie price, sp .«> . Flesh color; light shades; and some desirable deep shades. — _ Fibre Carpet, 29c yd. House Dresses, 49c « • yt 1 ■» tit With borders; patterns on both Small lot, but contains a sufficient number for good selection; ging- Hnrcrnins HfIVP rxPnrhPn hlnnn Sides; color and water proof; 27 hams in medium and light patterns. LJLU 11U,W IVGUsUILCU I LUUU inches wide. Qther lots of the better grade house dresses in pereale and lawn; Stage in the Basement V- " d m R» • / J • rrti T 7• . t fast; 27x54 inches. A collection of smart little summery frocks made of good wash The Basement is a sea of bargains. The merchandise is of a materials, to go out at splendid character placed ivithin the reach of economical buyers , ammoc 8 > * • $1.98 and $2.98 r ' J i With box spring mattress; heavy T££ i. 15 «■ * by the low Pre-Inventory prices. khaki duck ends and wind shield. 1 afteta Petticoats American Fibre Water Pails, for Pie Casserole, 10-inch fire proof Lace Curtains R.OiUUC6cf general utility; very serviceable. baking dish in extra quality nickel One and two pair of a kind, white Unusual values in taffeta in view of the qualities at the sale prices; Sale price, 23c. N plated brass receptacle. Sale price or ecr u; at one-half former prices. plain shades and changeable effects. Clearing at German China Sugar Baskets, 59<>. ' Sale price, to $3.50. $1.98, $2.98, $3.98 marmalade jars, spoon trays, chop O-So-Ezy Oil and Dust Mops— Curtain Comers 29c plates, cake plates, nut bowls, and 2 mops in one. A very special bar- Untrimmed hats, including every kind of shape; our en salad bowls. Sale price, t>9C. „ a ; n gale once In Nottingham, marquisette, lace, . , ~ . , , 0 T . The Household Food Chopper, & Wearever Aluminum Sauce Pans. \ scrim an< i net in whit« and ecru. tire Stock of highest grades. Sale price, 7DC. complete with five steel cutters. Sale 2 -qt. capacity. Sale price, Brass Curtain RnrJs Trimmed hats, including all our summer straws and best price, 590. American Cut Glass Assortment, TeWone- inrh« i«n». .lirtf models. Sale price, SI.OO and $2.00. Flow Blue Decorated Souvenir consisting of 12-inch vases, 12-inch Telescope, 50 inches long, slight- Plates, made of English porcelain. celery trays, 14-inch bread trays, t?rni shed. Sale price, 3 for 10?. Saturday and Monday Are Inspection Days Sale price, 10c. fancy bowls, 14-inch carnation vases, BOWMAN S— Fourth Floor ______ Aluminum Coffee Percolator, oc- sugar and cream sets, 8-inch bowls, U ' ic4 " r~7777 Plain R f,r'^ anCy Muelinwear Reduced 48 Auto Caps Will rviooons Women's Fine Gowns, of sheer naln r + n • r\ n \r J Jr- f-» o iai.t* Moires, taffetas, plaids and stripes; 6 sook and line batiste, in flesh and white; Lowest rrices Un Domestics deeded Every Day opeed About lown Inches wide. Excellent quality. prettily trimmed with line lace, insertion, embroidery, heading and medallion; low Embroidered Scalloped Pillow Unbleached Muslin, 39 inches The very cap you may have 19c yd. Price S, '° rt Blccves; sUehtly o .^ Cases, made of Pequot tubing; 45 wide; remnant lengths; even, round admired; now reduced to BOWMAN'S— Main Floor Camisoles, of *loU silk, crepe de chine x 36 inches. Sale price, pr., 59c. thread. Sale price, yd., 5%5. an<l uashub,e satin: lace and insettion Bolsters to match, 42x72 inches, at Cretonnes, in mostly light pat- OUC Little ThinffS at handling: Sai^Pru" 1 *. 5 .. ."."ff??.. 75c. terns; 26 inches wide. Sale price, _ , , . , i «..i r* • BOWMAN'S— Third Floor Unbleached Pillow Cases, made yd., 6'4*. Take y° UT cholce of 48 at " Little Prices of good quality muslin; 45x36 Unbleached Sheeting, 81 inches tractive styles. Machine oil, bottle 2e - inches; 3-inch hem. Sale price. 10? »Ide; will bleach easily; even, round BOWMAN'S Main P,.„r odd h-rptoj Substantial each. thread. Sale price, yd., 20$. 1- Xarro-ne<-k hair box 5c Ventilating hair wavers, card, .. 15c BOWMAN'S—Certain of Women's tt. : I So A J, ffJJ (J / BOWMAN'S —Main Floor AM. PvO p Gloves Are Going Pre-Inventory Shoes \o^?am P tow a Furniture Sale Are Lower In Price Than at Any Time T , , , ® * Wc have a number of Baby Walkers Kayser S 2-clasp Silk Gloves, in to he disposed of during: tlic .sale at $1.19 Women's high grade Pumps, Women's Pumps, with turn plain white and contrasting; all S i Z c° y s^" Ut ric l e a s'7» ,mki Tcnts; KO<xl August Ist to 31 st with hand turned soles. A re- soles and Louis heels; black and sizes. Sale price, pr., S 'Hammock chairs.'* sale prices, sl.lO markable bargain. Sale price, black with gray kid tops. Sale Kayser's 8, 12 and 16-button an<l vs_s - exposition of the most worthy $3.75. price, $1.98. length Silk Gloves. Sale price, pr., '' e '°" ° r furniture from world-famed furni- Women's White Shoes, higji Whittemore's Bostonian Cream SI.OO and $1.25. _ . ture mar kets. and low; sizes 2 y 2 to 5%. Sale for cleansing all kinds and colors Kayser's Chamoisette Gloves, 2- Dave on Kelts price, 75C. of shoes. Sale price, 19e. clasp, in plain white and contrasting Small lot of Women's Belts, various r A Savins on Practically emhroirierv ■ all sizes Sale nrtre nr styles, some slightly soiled, on sale at 15c. v j BOWMAN'S—Main Floor. emDroiaery, ail sizes, aaie price, pr., Fwicy Leather Belts, in good styles. 4 saic price, 35c. , Every Line I BuWMAN'S —Main Floor BOWMAN'S—Main Floor with apparently studied effort, but nevertheless became involved at times and extricated himself by "correcting my previous testimony." His manner was nervous, and he rarely looked at his inquisitor. Attorney Joslyn. Obtained I'otasßlum Early in the case the State developed the theory that Orpet purchased a two-ounce bottle from Charles Hass inger, a friend employed in a drug store at Madison, obtained cyanide of potassium from an alleged supply in the greenhouse on the McCormlck Fftate, and made a solution of it be fore retiring to bed in the garage. It war. charged that he either forced Marion to take it, or deceived heri with the explanation that it was medi- j cine. The State was unable to persuade any witness to come from Wisconsin, and repeatedly hinted that a sinister influence of the defense was at the bottom of it. Hassinger, wanted with reference to the bottle, was among those- who declined to testify, and no bottle or other container for the poison was ever found. Otto Peterson likewise becalne a persistent absentee, ! despite the need for his testimony re- 1 nasdiag the alibi letters and as hav-1 HARRISBURG TELEGRAPH iiiK seen Orpet, according to the latter, concoct the molasses and water. Dr. Ralph W. Webster and Dr. W. J. McNally, chemists, testified for the State that Marion died of liquid cyanide of potassium, and that the spots on her coat were left by drops of the solution. Three defense chemists testified that the poison was taken in powder form and that the Important and accusatory cyanide in the green house was not cyanide of potassium at all, but cyanide of sodium, with only a faint trace of potassium. Dr. McNally, having made further ex periments, voluntarily appeared for 1 the defense and corrected his previous testimony to agree with tlfat of the ! defense, and Dr. Webster, recalled by the State, did so In reply to a hypo thetical question on cross-examination. It was shown further without con i tiadictlon by every chemist who had I a hand in the examination of Marion's stomach content that cyanide ol potassium caused her death. Only an inconsequent trace of sodium ap peared. When It was shown In ad- I dition that to have taken in the amount of cyanide of potassium found iln her stomach, Marlon would have to JULY 28, 1916. eaten two pounds of the substance in the greenhouse, or to have drunk two quarts of a solution made rrom it, it was admitted generally that this sub stance as the instrument of death had disappeared from the case. The fact that young urpet might have obtained the greenhouse cyanide had its parallel in the laboratory of the Deerfield High School attended by Marion. The instrument of muraer and the instrument of suicide were , equally available. The laboratory I substance was 97 per cent, pure I cyanide of potassium. Marlon, on tbe day before her death, was alone in the laboratory out of hours In violation of I a school rule. BELL-ANS Absolutely Removes Indigestion. One package j proves it. 25c at all druggists. 3
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers