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Show SUICIDE OF A TllNlSTER. MtSAPFRORIiVriOX OP A CSIUOCII FUND AND FEAR OP XPOSUttE THE AP-rAKENT AP-rAKENT CAUSE. Baltimore, April 24. Suspicious circumstances, developed to-day, go to show that Kev. Joseph Jones, of the Independent Methodist Protestant church, who died Buddeuly here on Monday, really committed suicide, in fear of eipoaura of bis poouaiary transactions. He eame here from Michigan fear years ajo, and took charge of St, John's Methodist Pro-testrmt Pro-testrmt church, which is independent and does not recognize any conference con-ference authority. He was an able and eloquent preacher and attracted largo congregations, and was particularly strong in revivals. Tho churcb. has a fund of over $50,000, the bequest of a deceased de-ceased millionaire. Jones persuaded the trustees to let him have control of a large share f the money, representing repre-senting that he bad opportunities of investment that would realize a heavy income. It was discovered Bix months ago that he had used the funds for his own benefit, and he was requested by the congregation to resign. He did bo, and ever Bince then he has been endeavoring to square his accounts with the trustees. Their investigation, however, only showed hia aflairs to be hopelessly in- volved, and that he was atanding on the verge of exposure. . On Monday morning he was found dead. It was represented that erysipelas ery-sipelas carried him off, but facts have to-day eome to light making it certain that be poisoned himself, after retiring retir-ing on Sunday night, probably will: prusBio acid. At his funeral to-daj ' it was well understood that it was fl case of suicide, and the manner 0 the services and the remarks of the minister officiating bear out this theory. As there were insurance policies to the amount of 810,000 on bis life in tbe New York Mutual, the matter will probably go into the courts through the company resisting claimB I for payment. |