A FATAL WEDDING FEAST.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2178, 17 February 1881, Page 3

A FATAL WEDDING FEAST.

Particulars bays very recently been received of a terrible poisoning case in Tennessee. The marriage of Mr Joel Hembree and Miss Jane Dale, of Boano County, drew together a large oompany of their friends and relative;, who belong to the prominent families in the vicinity. The wedding bad long been talked of, and waa the oocial event of the year. After the ceremony the company was invited to the hospitable board of Colonel Dale, the bride and bridegroom in the meantime withdrawing. The table was bountifully supplied, and all ate heartily. The evening was spent in festivities. Another supper was served. After the second meal, several guests began complaining of illness, but it was laughed off and the gaiety continued. About eleven o'clock a sudden lethargy seemed to overtake the whole company, and in a few minutes twenty- seven were unconscious. The few who retained consciousness set themselves at work to resuscitate their companions, but without avail. Twelve were removed to other houses in the neighborhood, and, as the news spread, the whole country around was aroused with excitement, as nearly every prominent family bad members present at the fatal feast. Such medical aid as could be summoned could give little relief, and two days after the occurrence six of the wedding guests were dead. Robert Dale, the bride's brother, died next day. Mike May, a relative of the groom, died in a few hours. Albert Gallagher and Miss Mat tie Lovelace, well-known young people, died next day. Two young girls, Emma Peters and Kate Lowey, died within twenty-four hours. Col. Dale and his wife were very low, and their death was momentarily expected. The cause of the tragedy was the use of arsenio instead of salt in seasoning the chickens. Colonel Dale purchased a quantity of arsenio a day or two before to kill crows, and oarele3ely left it in the kitohon. A blundering servant mistook it for salt, and hence the fatal results. Only those who partook of the chicken were poisoned.