Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-11-04
ELECTED BY THE ALMIGHTY.
A Maniac with a Pistol Comes TO
See the Executive.


Another crazy individual showed up at
the White House yesterday morning, and
would have caused a tragedy but for the
strength of Sergeant Dinsmore and the
prompt action of the attendants. The
''crank'' called at the main entrance about
ten O'Clock, and inquired If Doctor John
Noetling was In. Mr.. Allen, the usher, in
formed him that he knew of no such per-
son and that the White House was closed
for repairs. The visitor repeated his request
and exhibited letter Of Introduction. 1t
was as follows:
John. Woltng:
You are hereby informed that DR.. John No
citing is lawfully elected President of the
every day ALMIGHTY GoD.
Communicated by the Holy Spirit.
This showed plainly that the fellow was
a genuine crank. He had gotten into the
corridor during the conversation, and there
being no policeman on hand at the time,
Mr.. Allen concluded it was best to keep
him there until Sergeant Dinsmore, who
had Just stepped out, returned. He, there
fore, hnmored his whims, saying that the
President was not in just then, but as soon
ss his Private Secretary came in he would
introduce them. This had the desired
effect and the stranger waited
patiently for almost an hour, during which
time he stated that his name was John
WOling. In the meantime Private Secretary
Brown was notified Of the case and gave di-
rectiOns for the man to be turned over to
the police for safe keeping. Sergeant Dins-
more soon returned and was introduced as
the Presidents Private Secretary. He in
vited the lunatic to the corner OF Pennsyl-
vania avenue and Four and-a-half street,
where he said he had just left the President.
The crank seemed to nave suspicion that
the Sergeant was an officer, and refused
1T Thara lyn
severely and told the fellow that he
must go, whereupon he made
break for the door, but was intercepted by
Allen. The crank finding that he could
not escape, turned upon Sergeant DinsmOre
and attempted to draw revolver, but Allen
was too quick for him and obtained a tight
grip on the pocket; then followed despe-
rate struggle for the weapon. The crank
was accidentally tripped up, and fell on the
floor at full length with Allen on him and
Dinsmore topping the pile with his heavy
weight. While Messrs. Pendle and Crump,
attracted by the noise, came out and Joined
in the melee. Finally Sergeant Dinsmore
secured the revolver, a Smith q Wesson
seven shooter, all the chambers loaded, ar
the nippers were applied to the fellow, who
was led off to police headquarters,
where he will probably remain until
sent to the insane asylum or taken
in charge by the Pennsylvania authorities.
He is a German, as his name implies. He
was locked up few months ago as re-
igious crank. In the early part of last Msy
he was sent from this city to Harrisburg,
his brother agreeing to take charge of him.
1t Is supposed that he was cOnfaed Ia an
asylum for a few months and then released,
for last week he returned to Washington
and registered at the St. Marc, under the
name Of John Woling. His appearance and
actions at that hotel, however, at tracted no
special attention, and he might have re-
mained at liberty for months had he not
gone to the White House with his cranky"
communication.