Page
F
ASTOR HOUSE HOTEL
TRAGEDY.
TO THE CORONER'S JURY
FULL STORY, TOLD
"MRS. CAPDUILA'S MENTAL CONDITION.
After a lapse of several weeks. the Coroner's inquiry into the Astor House Hotel tragedy took place at the Magis- tracy, yesterday afternoon. In the inter. val Mrs. Capeluils, the wife of the deceased, has been under medical obser- vation at the mental hospital and is „heen certified insane. Much correspond. ance has also taken place with the nathorities at the Philippine Islands with regard to the matter.
'Mr. G. N. Orme was the Coroner and the
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1FT, 100.
THE DAY OF THE TRAGEDY. The witness continued: At five min-1 utes past, eleven on the 13th I heard cries of Help coming from the second toor. I rushel upstairs just in tima see Mr. Capdaila holding Mrs. Capanila.. He had a grip on her wrists and in her left hand was a razor. He was bleeding from a wound or wounds.
to
in the throat.
SAIWAN GAP MOTOR CAR
ACCIDENT.
THE
SPORT.
YACHTING · SEASON,
ROYAL HONGKONG YACHT CLUB'S OPENING CRUISE.
The members were
"At Home" to
their friends during the afternoon and the Hongkong Hotel band was "in atten- dance.
THE DRIVER'S ALLEGATIONS. Fürther details are now available as to the notor car accident, on Sunday aftor-
The Royal Hongkong Yacht Club hold toon, at Saiwan Gap. The three Ameri
their opening cruiser on Saturday. can sailors from the L.S. Flagship, Huron, hired a car, No. 257, from the Favoured by a good breeze some good Wantsai Garago for a trip round the racing was witnessed. I asked him what was the matter and island. The driver has made a statement I rushed in which he alleges that the sailors urged answer, "Police, polien!" down and phoned to Dr. Souza, who him near Saiwan Gap to drive faster.
The acting Commodore (the Hon. Mr. arrived in about five minutes. When If He tried to make them understand that returned from the phone a-guest in the fit would be dangerous, at that part of
the rond, to comply, but one of them seized Claud Severn, C.M,G.) made a 'neat hotel Farrar), and two boys, werel holding the woman and helping to take the wheel, interfering with his control of speech thanking all those who had helped the car and in a poment the car swerved towards the success of the fixtures, and to the right, ploughed through the low Mrs. Severn distributed the prizes, After Bark and crashed into a ravine-not wards the acting Commodore called for apparently so deep as the first reports Mr. L. F. Macdougall, who has just re- asserted. The driver states that he was tired from the club secretaryship, and unconscious for some time and, as he fell presented him with a
He said that they all regretted, into some undergrowth, he was not found salver. by those who came to the resene and re Mr. Macdougall's resignation very much moved the damaged car,
and wished to recognise his valuable ser vices to the Club.
the razor from her.
The witness also told of the arrival of jury was composed of Messrs. H. W. Ray Inspector Watt, for whom he acted as (fożeman) E. H. Raymond and F. A.interpreter. Inspector Watt told him to Mr. Le d'Almada represented tell Mrs. Capdaila that she was arrested Mrs. Capduila and Inspector Watt was under suspicion, and to caution her not
to say anything. the detective. officer in charge.
Wells.
in opening the proceedings, the Cornfier said: It was thought best that an inquiry should be held into the cir cumstances attending the death of the Spanish-American subject of the Philip pine Islands-Luis Coma Capduile-who met his death in the Astor House Hotel two months ago, and whose widow is now The detained in the Lusatie Asylum. two parties are subjects of the Philippine Islands and there is a question whether the widow should be sent back, there. That would depend upon negotiations with the Philippine Government, but, in the meantime, in order that the im- pression should not be given that the matter is being hushed up, it was felt that it should be properly investigated
ti by a jury. You are asked, first, to de-
In spite of this she müde a statement as follows: He forced me to sign a paper. which I did not want to, and 1 stabbed him. She also said: "The doctor gave me an injection which made me lose my head."
The Coroner: Have you anything to add from your own observation!
The witness. I noticed that she made strange faces at times; she gave me the impression that she was of unsound mind.
The Foreman asked if any document had been found; it seemed material. If there-ware-no-document-it would seem that Mrs. Capdaila, was suffering from elusions; if there were, it might show that she was not so mad na she was thought.
Inspector Wat: snid a document was found; it was the usual questionaire re- eide as to the cause of death. An addiquired before a passport to Manila was tional question arises which is not direct. ly for you to decide-the sanity of the woman now in the asylum. You may add a rider on that subject if you desire.
"MEDICAL EVIDENCE.
visa-ed.
MRS. CAPDUILA LEAVES THE HOSPITAL
One of the sailors jumped from the car and received no injuries to speak of; one was slightly injured and the third, whose spine was damaged, is in a serious con- dition. We learned on enquiry at the French Convent Hospital last night, however, that he was certainly better than he had been earlier in the day.
ST. JOHN AMBULANCE. INSPECTION BY DR, SIR ERIC
STUART TAYLOR.
The results were :-
hand-one silver
English Big-1. Feathers (Mr. W. Logan); 9, Azuma (Mr. P. M. Hodgsor.)
Chinese Rig (Class Letter (0),-1, Niobe (Mr. T. A. Martin): 2, Helen (Mr. and Mrs. Cornell and Mr. Rocker.)
Handicap Class (Class Letter HL), Sonia (MF F. Clarke), sailed by Mrs. Greig, Colleen (Mr. S. Columbine), sailed by Mr. Elliott."
*ነ
One Design Class (Chss Letter I)-1, Aila (Mr. J. Grist), niled by Mrs. Harston; 2 Daphne Mr. V. G. Smyth). sailed by Mrs. Hollander, "
The Suiyingpan School Old Boys'-II-Heyward Hays Class (Class Letter-Y) Kom Tong-Ambulance Division was ins--1, Ursula (Mr. H, S. Rouse), sailed by hected by Dr. Sir Eric Stuart Taylor Mrs. Rouse. on Sunday morning on the University Football ground which was kindly loaned for the occasion.
Amongst these present were Lady Taylor, Mr. Ho Kem Tong (Patron of the Division) Mr. E. E. Ralphs (St. John Ambulance Commissioner Overseas) Mr. Morris (Superintendent of the Divi sion), and others interested in Ambulance
Work.
Police-Sergeant Carpenter, A80, said that at about 9.45 am., od August 19th was proceeded with:-- be was at the tramway shelter at Cause-
Gael Class (Class Letter G.)-1, Viking (Mr. N. Pullen), sailed by Miss Sorby; Joan (Messrs. I Bentley and D. Blake), sailed by Miss Coppinget.
Race for Naval Cutters-The Colombo's sutter did not compete, owing to a man having died on board and the funeral being that day. Only the Curlew's cutter
sailed.
.*
Four Oars (Scratch_Crews).--1, J. 8. McCann, Capt. C. S. Dodwell. D. Logan, A. T. Lamplugh and Lieut, R. W. Cobb In Open (cox.).
After the Inspection the following work (1.)-Squad Drill. (2.)-Stretcher Drill-(a) Order (8)-In Close Order."
(3)Collection of wounded by methods other than stretchers(4) Fireman's Lift; (b) One Puttee; (c) Two Puttees; (d) Shoulder Lift; (e) Two Handed Seat, (4)-Collection of wounded with im provised Stretchers: (a) Coats and poles; (8) Rifes and puttees
Naval Whalers (six men),-1, H. M.S. Dr. H. H. Scott, medica oficer of as Bay when he saw Mrs. Capdaila in a ricksha and several Chinese standing
Ambróas; 2, H.M.S. Curiew. Victoria Mortuary, said that on August around her. She was offering a 850 note
The oficials for the day were:--Sailing to anyone who would change it. He 14th, nt 9.50 a.m., he made a post mortem learned from the coolie that he had
judge. Mr. H. S. Rousa, Sailing starter, van Andel; Time-keeper oxamination. The deceased was a well taken her to Quarry Bay and back; the
Mr. A. W. "built maa, about 45 years of age. There witness paid off the coolie and as the
Yeoman of Signals Franklin; Rowing judges, Mr. E. W. Carpenter and Mr. W was dried blood on the front of the body only thing Mrs. Capduile could say was
27 Aster House - and Post Office" be (5.)-First Aid work with Stretchers, Logan; Rowing starter. Lient. Conway and the left hand and right upper arm. took her to the bated by trawa. Horto(m) Bullet wourd in bradh Cam Hake R.N.R. Clerk of the Course, Mr. An incised wound. 6 ins. in length, ex-hair was down and her dress was in dis-pound fracture of right thigh; (c) Abdom. G. Braynerd.
inal injury; (d) Compound fracture of tended from near the lobe on the left order.
upper left arm. -ear, forward and slightly downward, to The Coroner: And the $50 note 1
The Sergeant: i did not take it away; just beyond the middle line. The right she held it in her hand all the way to extremity was undercut, This wound the hotel. was nowhere deep; it partially severed a facial vein which was gaping in the wound. There was a second wound on
In reply to Mr. d'Almada the witness said Mrs. Capduila was strange in her manner but very quiet.
(6) First Aid work with splints im provised from: (a) poles; (b) rifles; (e) bayonets.
(7)Restoration of the apparently. drowned."
The Inspecting Officer in his address. to the area congratulated them on their appearance and expressed his satisfaction and appreciation of the work he had scin. He advised the men to continue with the division, not to let their interest
LAWN BOWLS.
CHAMPIONSHIP WON BY MR. J. CLARK.
The Coroner mentioned to the jury that he had not called for evidence from the Sister at the French Convent. They did not like to appear in Courts if they could help it; it was contrary to their vows.bate, but to make the most of the oppor of the Kowloon Bowling Green Club, the Capdaila, was in hospital. Nothing material occurred, while Mrs.tunities offered by Mr. Ho Kom Tong
HER MEDICAL ADVISER GIVES EVIDENCE.
through the Instructor. Staff-Sergt. Janc. R.A.M.C., and to enrry into their every day life the practical lessons and know leage they had acquired.
The final match for the Lawn Bowls Open Championship of the Colony, which tock place on the Craigengower Cricket Club's green on Saturday, resulted in a win for Mr. J. Clark, of the Police Re creation Club, over Mr. G. R. Edwards
score being 21 to 11. At the conclusion of the game the prizes were presented by Mr. R. M. Dyer, President of the Hong- kong Lawn Bowls Association, as follows: 1. J. Clark; 2. G. R. Edwards; 3," J. Fergusch; 4, W. Hedley.
OLD-ENGLISH FOOTBALL.
A Home paper says:-
the right side of the neck; this, fins. in length, was quite superficial and tapered at each end. The blood vessels of the brain and body, generally, con tained numerous air bubbles. Death was due partly to haemorrhage but more to
Dr. Souza, of Wyndham Street, said entrance of air into the circulation. The
he attended Mrs... Capduila on August It is noteworthy that this Division was of partially severed vein in the wound firat 12th at the Astor House Hotel. That started in 1915 through the generosity described had allowed the air to enter. The wounds were such as might have the first time he saw her. Mr. Mr. Ho Kem Tong who has maintained been made with a razor,
While the Capdaila told him he was nervous and it to the present time, and that the second wound was quite superficial the suffering from sleeplessness. He prescrib-majority of the men on parade have been members since, the inception of the ed bromides. She had a peculiar expres.
division. first did not go very deep; it did not sion; he soon boncluded that she was open the windpipo at all. Not very suffering from more than hysterin; that much force would be required to inflict her mental condition was serious. The either wound; provided the instrument next day, as he was told that she had was sharp, and the edges of the wounds hardly had two hours' sleep, he gave an sitting at a table and Mr. Farrar watched. But it has mellowed. We no longer
Dr. W. B. A. Moore, medical officer injection of a quarter of a grain of in charge of the lunatic asylum, said he orphit. On that occasion he was more examined Mrs. Capdaila as her admis or less confirmed in his opinion that the sion to the Asylum on August 14th. She case was a serious one. He advised that was in a very depressed and apathetic the hotel was not the proper place for her. The husband insisted that Ee state; she would not reply to any ques-wished to take her away to Manila tions but kept continually moaning. He The Coroner: Is your opinion de saw her daily and, though her condition finitely that her mind was unsound? improved, he certified her, og August Dr. Souza: Yes, unsound. 23rd, is suffering from insanity, She was still a patient in the Asylum..
The Coroner: I think we have evi dence of fits or attacks, have you noticed
indicated that it was.
any?
"Did she say anything to you?-No, she did not speak a word.
In Room 25 he found Mrs. Capdaila, ing her,
Since the men of Chester in 082 cap- tured an invading Dane, beheaded him, and kicked his skill through the streets. the popularity of football has never ebb-
try to murder each other on the field.
writes:-
century
author
#
The Inspector gave a detailed account At first it was difficult to resist the of what took place and what was found in the deceased's room. He produced the primeval instincts of Chester, as we know
indignant sixteenth declaration already referred to, the razor, from the Anatomie of Amuses," whose combs which had fallen from the woman's hair in the course of the struggle, and so on. He mentioned that the front of de ceased's singlet and the back of frs. Capduila's kimono were saturated with blood. He took charge of all the personal effects; they were evidently people with plenty of money.
From inquiries the Inspector ascertain.
As concerning foote-balle, I protest anto you it may rather be called n friendlie kind of fight than & play or recreation, a bloody and murthering practice than a felowy sport or pas time."
It seems that in Shakespeare's time Dr. Moore: No; her condition has morning. He found the deceased lving ed that the deceased first booked a single the players lay in wait for each other to i
passage for himself to Manila; then when throw-as-throw-can
even on the hard improved steadily, since admission, it is right side of the neck. He was still. Canduila came out of hospital be
cancelled that, and, half-an-hour before stones, "so that necks and backs were
broken:-- be died, he had been to a shipping office to book twe passages to Manila, so it was evidently his intention to take his wife
normal that it should improve.
ARRIVAL AT THE HOTEL.
back there.
The Foreman Is there anx reason for supposing that she was afraid to go back to Manila?
Inspector Watt: No reason whatever that we know of. She has relatives there and a sister has been over to see her.
Mr. D'Almac intimated that he wish- ed to put in documents just received from Manila, if the evidence as to Mrs. Canduila's insanity was not considered sufficient,
|
for they have the sleights to mix one between two to dash him against the
heart with their elbows, to butt him under the short ribs with their griped fists, and with their knees to catch him on the hip and kicka bim on the neck, with a hundred such murthering de- +vices."
THE LATEST GOLF STORY.
The witness added that he was called in again urgently, at 11 o'clock that on the stairs with a deep cut on the breathing but a few moments later res piration ceased,
A few minutes later, he saw Mrs. Mr. Marcal A. Vaz, assistant in the Clapduila. She then made the remark, Astor House Hotel, said that the deceas already quoted, about the injection but ed, whom he had known for ten years. Dr. Souza mentioned that she was Arrived on August 6th, from Manila talking of something else just before and He was allotted Room No. 21, on the he thought his appearances before her sug second floor. From the 5th to the 8th, Mrs. Capdaila kept to the bedroom and gested the remark and that she would not have made it if he had not been the deceased remained with her a great there. deal. On the afternoon--of-the-8th, the Chung Chun, a room boy at the hotel, deceased took her to the French Convent said he heard a cry and saw the deceased Hospital in a motor car and afterwards grasping his wife's arms. In one hand
A Fleet Street: colleague of mine remained on at the hotel, alone. In con- she had a razor. Witness ran up and versation with the witness, Mr. Capduila saized her wrist; she bit his hand but he The Caroner said it did not come within (writes Mr. O. B. Macfarlane) is up at said he came to Hongkong expressly on kept hold and, with the help of Mr. the purview of the jury to give a verdict St. Andrew's this week for his annual account of his wife's health and to put Farrar, the razor was taken from her as to mental condition, in a caed like this, golf holiday. He is a humorist himself het in hospital; she was suffering, he He had noticed that, wherever she went, but only to find as to the cause of death and generally picks up one or two good Baid, from insomnia and unsound mind. i. Ber husband followed her. --
and then add any rider they desired as stories. Here is one I have just received to mental condition. The mental condi- from him by this morning's post- By Mr. d'Almade. The literai trans- lation of the expression he used, would | ...
tion of an assailant was to be left to any Auld Chisholm caddies a bit when he be a little-mad
Inspector JJ Watt said that on later inquiry. In summing up to the is not fishing. A few days ago he was Continuing, the witness' said that after August 13th, at 11 o'clock, he was in the Jury, the Coroner added that the case did associated at St. Andrew's ond over this the deceased indicated his inten corridor of the Hotel when he was noti- not seem to admit of any reasonable hires a caddy; the latter, graciously tion of returning to Manila but, on the lied that someone had had his throat cut doubt: there was no question but they consents to become associated with 12th, about 11 o'clock, Police-Bergeant on the second floor. He found the de- must find that the deceased's death was you-with a left handed golfer who was Ourpenter brought Mrs. Capdaila incepand lying on his back on the landing, carsed by the act of his wife and they shockingly off his guid from the street. She was holding u: 880 breathing through a wound in his neck could add any rider as to her mental tocath tes he duffed his fourteenth drive. bill in ber hand and waving it about. He was unconscious and appeared to have condition,
After a short retirement, the Jury re- Turning to Chisholm he said in grief- Her conduct was strange and the deccas lost so much blood that no mort was
stricken accents. What the devil am 1 Quick as a ed told him, later, that he could not coming from him. Dr. Souzn then arriv. turned the following verdict return to Manija as his wife had got outed examined him and pronounced the We find that the deceased dind as the doing wrong, Chisholm?
result of wounds inficted by his wife, ash came the reply, Weel, air, I'll tell of, or escaped from hospital, or words cabe hopeless."
and are of opinion that she was of je in once you're stannin' at the wrang to that effect
unsound mind at the time of her action. "side o yer ben
INSPECTOR WATT'S EVIDENCE
(Continued at foot of next column.)
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