Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 January 1912 — Finds Poison in a Cigar [ARTICLE]

Finds Poison in a Cigar

Jury Finds Man Guilty of Putting Strychnine In Weed That He Prosented to Johannes de Beer. Ladybrand, Africa. —Sentence of a year’s imprisonment and a fine of £260 has been inflicted at the criminal Sessions here on Charles Maher, who Was found guilty of attempting to murder Johannes de Beer by means of a poisoned cigar. The prosecutor, in his evidence, stab ed that he was sitting in the yard of his house with members of his family and Was about to amoke a cigar when the prisoner entered and said: “Johnnie, try this cigar and I will try one of yours." He accepted the offer, but found that the. cigar tasted very bitter. He cut off half ah Inch, but again found it bitter, and did not smoke it any more. --- After having tea with the accused he returned to his own house, and

there noticed something white mid glittering in the remainder of the cigar, and showed it to his wife and friends. On analysis it was found to be strychnine. The prisoner admitted buying dtrych nine to use for vermin, but could not explain how It got into the cigar. There was no why he should wish to get rid .of Mr. de Beer. The jury returned a verdict of guilty, with a strong recommendation to mercy.