The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-01-27
FIRED AT A BISHOP.
A Crazy Man Tries to Shoot q Prelate
in His Pulpit.


PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 26.-During con-
firmation services at ST. Johns Episcopal
church, at the corner of St. John and Brown
streets, in this city this evening, the congre-
cation was startled by the actions of an
apparently demented young man, who arose
from his seat in the church, and, pointing a
revolver at Bishop Whitaker, who was
taking part in the service, fired a shot at
him.
NO HARM DONE.
Immediately there was great confusion,
but it was quickly seen that no harm had
resulted from the shot An officer was
hastily summoned and the Sould-be mur-
derer was taken into custody. At the
station house he gave his name as David
Alexander. and his residence as No. 1880
Parrish street. Philadelphia. He told a
rambling story about a letter he had
received which induced him to make the
attempt upon the venerable bishops life.
Alexander was locked up pending an
investigation of the matter.
CRACKED ON PROHIBITION.
At the station house Alexander, who is a
well-dressed young man about 30 years old,
and apparently of good education, stated
that until week ago he was employed in
the mailing department of Straworidge
81 Clothier's dry goods house. He is an
ardent prohlbitionist, and Bishop Whita-
ker's attitude on the liquor question having
displeased him, he resolved to kill him.
He resigned his position in order that his
act might not bring disgrace upon the store.
CALLS THE BISHOP A HYPoCRITE.
He says that Bishop Whitaker is a vile
hypocrite, and favorer of the rum sellers,
and after hearing him preach a sermon last
April, before the prohibition campaign iu
%l,,-c kaka s,,r NH ,foIN NY
man must vote according to his own con-
science, he entered into correspondence with
the bishop, the result of which was to con-
vince him that the reverend gentleman was
an enemy of the cause of prohibition, and
should be removed. He has been waiting
for a chance to get at the bishop, and learn
ing that he was to take part in the services
at st. Johns church tonight he went there
determined to kill him.
PICKING OUT HIS SEAT.
He requested an usher to seat him in the
| gallery, but the gallery being closed, he
asked to be seated near the chancel, which
| stated that he had determined to also re-
| move Rev S. D. Mcconnell, pastor Of st.
| Stephens Episcopal church on Tenth street,
| above Chestnut, whose attitude on the
| liquor question was distasteful to him. Ii
| is evident that Alexander's reason has be-
| come unsettled on account Of excitement
| produced by his religious and political be-
| liefs.
WILLING TO HANG.
While being questioned at the station
| house the prisoners responses were given in
| straightforward manner, and he ex'
pressed disappointment that his shot had
| failed to strike the bishop. When asked if
he realized what the consequences would
| have been to him had he killed the bishop
| he replied, eyes. l would be hanged; but
would go to the gallows gladly
for the sake of my church." The
revolver used was Of twenty-five caliber,
one chamber of which was found to be
| empty. A watch was found on the person
of the prisoner on the cap of which was
engraved a statement to the effect that il
was the first prize presented in 1882 tc
| David Alexander, a boy chorister Of the
| Episcopal church in this city.