A Grim Discovery in the Woods

In a deep and wooded ravine, near Smith's Cove, yesterday morning two hunters came across the remains of an old man, whose throat was cut from ear to ear. In the right hand, tightly grasped in the half-decomposed fingers, was a blood-stained razor; in the hip pocket was an almost empty whisky flask. This, together with his worn and faded clothing, induced the coroner to believe that the old man, whoever he might have been, tiring of a life full of hardships, had sought this unfrequented spot and had there taken himself out of this world by violent means. The hunters, who were employees of the West Street and North End railroad, found the body about 11 o'clock in the morning. Coroner Horton arrived at Smith's cove and was led to the spot where the body lay, a ravine about 500 yards east of the county road. Though the cold weather had kept the body from wholly decomposing, it was evident the man had been dead about a month. One side of the face and the eyes were completely gone, probably having been devoured by birds or beasts. There was not a scrap of paper or a mark on the clothing whereby his identity could be learned. Besides a Chinese laundry check in one of the pockets, there was a small piece of pasteboard on which was written the address: 'Mr. Preston, Superintendent of Water Works, Seattle, Butler Block.' The remains were transferred to Bonney & Stewart's undertaking rooms.