Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1890-03-11
HE WENT ASTRAY.
A South Dakota Scion in a Bad
State of Mind.
HIS FUTILE ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE.

infatuated with u Cyprian He Neglects
Business, INDUCES in the Flowing Bowl
and Generally Travels the Road to Ruin
by Express-The Country Member"
Takes in the sights-A Frank Confess
sion by the Unfortunate Statesman
His Political Career Blasted.
PIERRE, 8. D., March Representative
Samuel L. Hess, of Moody county, a member
of the present South Dakota legislature,
wound up disgraceful debauch Saturday
night by taking poison In a notorious house,
with one of whose inmates he had become
infatuated. Soon after his arrival in Pierre
he strayed into den of iniquity and be-
came acquainted with a woman known as
"Frankie.' She is described as being far
from beautiful, but Mr.. Hess became an ar
dent admirer, and paid more attention to the
woman than to his legislative duties Often
during a call of the house when the sergeant
at arms went out to bring in recreant MEM
bers he was informed that Mr. Hess was
with the woman.
Went from Bad to Worse.
The infatuated legislator rapidly went
from bad to worse Though not ordinarily
an Incorporate man, he soon drank heavily
and is said to have invested a considerable
sum of money in wine at high prices for the
woman and her companions, and remem-
bered himself so well that the change in his
appearance excited remarks among his fell
low statesmen. His clear eyes became
cloudei and bloodshot The natty clothes,
which gave him rather a giddy appearance
when he arrived at the capital, went UNI
brushed, and he wore the general aspect of a
man whose sentiments regarding public
opinion resemble those alleged of the late
Mr. Vanderbilt
A High Old wind-Up.
The night before the legislature al journed
. tho members of that body received invita-
tions to attend party at the house where
"Frankie" resided Mr. Hess and a number
| of country members were on hand, and the
| night was passed in wild revelry Mr. Hess
| INDUCED freely in intoxicants, and toward
| morning he was unable to take the special
train that bore his fellow members to their
homes.
Very Far Gone Was Hess.
The next night he kept the girls com
pany, and made her a proposition to leave
| with him and become his wife. She refused,
whereupon he again quenched his sorrow in
| the flowing bowl In the frenzy of his dis
appointment, Saturday night, when sober
| Ing up, he purchased a quantity of strych-
nine and swallowed large dose. An init
| mate friend discovered him in a dying con-
| dition, and summoned a doctor, who was
sworn to eternal secrecy. The friend and
| physician stood over the sufferer all that
| night and Sunday, and finally saved his life,
| though deaths call was close
He Acknowledge the Corn
Representative Hess was able to take a
| ride yesterday, though sick and feeble. When
| approached by correspondent and asked if
\ he wished to say anything regarding the
| story concerning him, Mr. Hess replied: "Yes,
| | will say this much: | have disgraced and
| dishonored myself and the constituents
| represent. l only have this excuse to offer,
and it is a poor one. l bought the poison
and took it in an effort to end my life 1t
was taken in the midst of drunken frenzy,
| when no man is responsible for what he does.
| l would give the greater part of my natural
| life had this never happened. But now il
has happened, and it will be my part TO bear
the disgrace that will always follow"
Killed Promising Career.
Mr. Hess has proved himself ready de
batter and was always faithful to the inter
ests of his constituents He is probably the
most popular politician in Moody county.
| At Flandreau, his home, he has beautiful
and charming young wife and three small
children and good business. His escapade
has Disguised the state officials and legisla-
tors, who can see no excuse for his disgrace
full infatuation. Politically he is dead. He
has heretofore affiliated with the faction in
his county dominated by Senator Pettigrew,
with whom he had considerable prestige.
The resort where disgrace and death, almost,
came upon him has filched from many a
plethoric purse and blasted the lives of many
| decent men