New-York tribune., 1891-12-25
HE MAY SUE RUSSELL SAGE.
W. R. IAIDLAw's PRoRABLE ACTION
IT WILL BE BASED ON THE CHARGE THAT THE
MILLIONAIRE USED HuM FOR . sErrrn

IT WILL BE BASED ON THE CHARGE THAT THE
MILLIONAIRE USED IuM FOR A SHIELD.
Russell Sage may be sued for damages. and heavy
damages result of the recent dynamite explosion
M his Office. II Is possible that w. r. laidaw clerk
Of the brokers, John BloodgOod Co.. of No Is Broad
ST. will sue Mr. sage. not the simple ground that he
sustained the Injuries in Russell Sarc's Office but on
the ground that the millionaire is directly responsible
for his injuries. as he dragged Lsidaw between the
eynauliter and himself as a shelter Mr.. Ladlaw was
sesn last night by reporter at St. VnCent's
Hospital He Is still weak his eyebrows and lashes
ere missing. and Cie hair is only just beginning TO
grow again on hrs scalp, which burned by the
explosion One OF his legs is tlickly bandaged ard
q severe wound in ms back prevents his walking He
said that while he had not yet begun q suit he had
thoaght Of H. and that lie had been strongly urged
by msny influential persons. whose names he wou,d
not mention, to begin proceedings against the million
ARE. Tne amount Of damages had not been decided
on, but he had been advised 10 place Il at 100000
His story OF Russell Sage's action in using aim as A
shield from the dynamite thrower has been published
b.fOre. He said that when he entered Russell sage's
Office Mr.. sage was speaking TO the crank. Iaidlaw
Of course, did not suspect any danger and therefore
has perfectly cool aud clear recollection of what hap
pened He saws that Mr. sage started forward
efusively and caught him by the hand much to his
surprise, Hr. Sages manner toward clerks was not
usually remarkable for it's cordiality He then laid
in front of the crank This little maDoeuvre ne says
rro5aby saved Mr. Sage's nfe for when the explosion
occurred piece of timber hurled violently at
LaIdaw, and struck him in the lower part Of his back,
making deep and dangerous wound.
II is an interesting thing to note that DR.. D. l..
Shea hoase surgeon of ST. Vnocnts Hospital. after
careful examination Of the wound, said that had
IAidlaw not been in the way the missile
would have struck Mr.. Sage In the stomach. and
that Il was hurled with such force that II would
have disembowelled Mr.. Sage completely and billed him
on the spot Mr.. Laidlaw is sure that Russell Sage
drew him toward him purposely, to himself from
danger. lie says that, Mr. sage caught hold Of
him described mat he had his back to the crank,
he heard sage say, II trust you, you surely
trust me- this being the only part OF the conversation
which he remembers. Since the accident Laidlaw has
been looked after carefully by the members Of the firm
0; John Bloodgood & Co., who think great deal Of
hin, and who doing all they to make his days
In the hospital as comfortable possible.
II said that lawyers had already been retained
to bring the suit, and the names Of Foster Thomson
Of No A. Walst, mentioned being the counsel
who employed. They do all the law business for
John BsoodgOod & Co.. MIR. Thomson however, said
last night that he had not been retained and that he
not connected with the in any way though he
would be glad 70 do anything he could for Mr.. Ladlaw
John Bloodgood expressed surprise when lie was told
Ty Tribune reporter that Mr. Thomson had made such
renar8. He said then, however, that he did not
20 say anything about the affair, way another.
tie legal question involved delicate one.
II said In Wall Street yesterday ii wasn't Laid
law alone who wanted to Mr.. Sage but that some
well known and strong men were behind him, In order
. stl'e blow at Mr.. Sages most sensitive part his
pocket
Reporters who went to Mr.. sage's house last night
found II in condition Of siege. When the bell was
rung frightened servant girl opened the door about
hsd an inch and asked what was wanted Then from
behind the heavy door; which was carefully secured by
strong chain bolt the message came that Mr.. Sage
was not at home.