Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-11-21
FOOLISH FAlLU RE.
Futile Attempt to AsSassinate the Assas'
sin-Arrest of the Idiot.


Futile Attempt to Assassinate the Assa:-
sin-Arrest of the Idiot.
WAsHINGToS, November l9.-Upon
the adjournment 0: court The van
started, as usual, ior the Jail, having one
policeman as a guard, who sat on the
seat with the driver. Before reaching
.he CAPITAL the guard noticed young
man on horseback riding leisurely be-
hind the van. Near the corner OF East
Capital and First streets, the horseman
rode directly up to the rear OF the van
and hastily peered through the small
grating Guiteau was alone in tho van
and seated on the right band side, the
seats running lengthwise OF the van.
After evidently satisfying himself OF the
lonation OF the prisoner, the hOrseman
wheeled suddenly to the left OF the van
and
Fired Directly Through it.
He then dashed t1 the front OF The
van AMI pointed his pistol at the driver,
with the evident intention Of intimi
dating him or stopping the van. The
driver was somewhat excited, and in
response to the inquiry Of the
reporter said: "Perhaps he intended to
stop the van by shooting one OF the
horses" Seeing an armed policeman
by the side of the driver, he spurred
his horse and dashed down East Capital
street, in the direction OF the Congress
sional Cemetery. The policeman fred
one shot at the fast disappearing horse
man, and the driver Of the van whipped
his horses into gallop and kept in
sight OF him for several blocks. The
Would-be Avenger,
was, however, mounted upon blooded
horse. and readily escaped out into the
country. He was described as a smooth
faced man, about 45 years OF age, and
dashiug hOrseman. He had on dark
brown suit. The van then proceeded
to the Jail and Guiteau was taken out
in 2 state of great excitement. He ex
claimed: 81 have been shot. Notify
Major Brock at once. Tell him to al
rest the scoundrel and have him dealt
with as he deserves"
On examination it was found that the
ball had just grazed Guiteau's left wrist,
intiicting
Mere Scratch.
The ball struck the opposite side of the
van and fell upon the floor, where IL
was found, on reaching the Jail.
The announcement OF the attempt
upon Guteau's life created intense ex-
ritement upon the streets and all sorts OF
rumor5 were iD circulation. The would
ba killer was seen about the court house
this afternoon and attempted to gain
admission during the day, but failed.
He was al.O seen 10 mount his horse
soon after the van left, and ride leisurely
after it, 1t was rumored he hailed
from Illinois, but there seems TO be no
foundation for the report. 1t was
whispered in the crowd without the
court house, Just previous to adjourn
ment, that to-day would be
The Last Day
OF the trial. 4 remark was also heard
in the crowd that il any one wanted to
gee Guitesu they had bettor do SO to-
day. This would lead to the belief that
more than one person was aware that
tie attempt would be made.
Arrest Of the Man.
Alter escaping from the officers the
man who fired at Guiteau fed into the
country, anu was captured at the resi-
dance OF Mr.. J. B Lord, and was taken
to the Second Police Station. There he
gave his aye as 20; his occupation
farmer, and the charge preferred was
suspicion. l. was learned that he re-
fused either to deny or affirm the shoot
ing. He was locked up for the night.
Deputy Marshall Williams recognized
Mr. 1pnes "a the man seen around the
court house during the day, ana who
had been eyeing Guiteau very closely
The description given by Officer Edlein,
who fired at him as he fled from the
van, was answered. even to the color Of
! his moustache. The horse, a sorrel,
was covered with foam, and showing
hard riding was found in the yard OF
Lords hous., where Jones was arrested.
lie will be held for trial in the police
court on Monday.