The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-09-14
sAM'L OF POSEN IN HIS NEW PART.
He Finds Nothing Pleasing In the
Role Of a Murderer.
Vehement Protestations Of lnno-
q cence from the Comedian.
Particulars .of the Arrest OF NJ. 3.
Curtis In San Francisco.

NEW YoBK, september 12.-Dispatches to
his mornings papers tell the following
story of the scene after NJ. B. Curtis, the
comedian. had been arrested, as already re-
ported, charged with shooting police officer
in San Francisco:
Curtis was seen at the police station. He
told the following story
II was at the Grand Opera House last
night with my wife to see Bernhard In Ca
mille.' left the theatre about 10 o'clock to
go to the Tivoll Theatre with William Krel-
ing. one of the proprietors. We had drink
together, and left him to return to the OPP
era House for my wife. When l reached the
corner of Third and Mission streets l was
suddenly tumbled into the gutter. and after
that remember nothing, only somebody
pulling and jerking me about until 1 found
myself in wagon with handouts on my
wrists"
When Curtis was taken to jail last night
he appeared to be under the influence of
liquor, and incoherently told OF his doings
during the night, protesting that he had no
weapon, and that he was innocent of the
murder. Tne place where the officer arrest
ed Curtis is several blocks from the station
house, but the shooting occurred within a
half block Of the station. and within hearing
OF number of policemen. Grant was
killed immediately, the bullet entering the
middle Of the forehead near the hair and
penetrating the brain. He was 3S years old,
and mad been on the police force about five
years. Curtis has lived for the past two or
three years at Berkeley, California. He had
acquired considerably property and erected
large hotel at Berkeley, which has since
been converted into seminary.
The comedian was pitable object in the
police station, running from one officer to
another to protest his innocence, aud telling
in an incoherent way his doings of the night.
He was intoxicated. and las he staggered up
from his seat some one would push him
back. Again and again he started to his
feet "My God, he cried, "if l could only
recall the last few hours of my life. I'm no
murderer. l had no pistol. l shot nobody.
haven't an enemy in the world" Vainly he
protested his innocence of any offence and
wanted to go home to his wife. In ramb-
ling way he told his story. After leaving
the Tiv0lt Theatre he went TO the Grand
Opera House to meet his wife. While on
Mission street he was caught in a crowd.
Some one struck him In the back of the neck
and he fought his way out to the street.
There he found himself in the hands Of Ofic-
er Grant. Why he was arrested he did net
know. but he protested that he went with
the officer without opposition.
why did you draw your pistol on him?"
was asked.
Il had no pistol" he exclaimed, 'and l
did not shoot any one. am sorry it hap
pened. wanted to have good time and
never harmed man in my life. Pm no
train roboer, gentlemen"
The only witnesses of the shooting we're
two young men. Thomas Muller and Z.
Toomey, who stood directly across tue
street, and heard the policeman say Come
along now." There was no reply, but al
most at the same instant the young men saw
flash. A pistol shot rang out in the quiet
street, followed In quick succession by two
more reports. The officer fell to the side
walk without a groan and Curtis, who a
moment before had been his prisoner, turned
and fled up Folsom street.
William Kreling, proprietor of the Tivoli
Theatre, states that Curtis visited the Tlvoli
shortly after 10 o'clock last night. Curtis
had had several glasses of liquor In Kreling's
company, aud when he left the theatre about
III 80, was showing excitement.