Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-02
TOOK HIS OWN LIFE,
,. T. Franciscus Commits Suicide in the
Hotel S0hnson.


| Two weeks ago a nicely-dressed man about
thirty-fve years old engaged board at the
Hotel johnson, corner Of 18th and E streets,
and registered as J. T. Franciscus and gave
Philadelphia as mis- place of residence. He
was applicant for Office. and was backed by
some of Pennsyivania's influential citizens.
The guest seemed to have money while in the
hotel although he was not man to do any
Boosting. He was quiet. easy-going man,
and scarcely had q word to say to any one.
Night after night he went to his room and re-
tired at an searly hour. Friday night he re-
turned to the hotel early as usual and about 10
O'Clock he went TO his room making the re-
marx: II don't feel very we'll" Before leav-
ms the hotel Office. however, he told the clerk
to make out his bill, as he desired
to settle in the morning. The bill was made
out, but when morning came no one appeared
10 settle IT. but no attention was paid to that
because the clerk had no doubt whatever about
its being paid. All day long Mr.. Francisoas
did not appear in the Office to leave his door
Key with the clerk, no. could the chambermaid
open the door to put the room in order. When
evening came she notified the clerk that she
had been unable to get into the room. The
latter went to the room and knocked on the
door, but hot the slightest noise could be heard
IN the ROOM Failing TO receive any response.
the clerk looked over the .raIsom and disccy-
the floor. Fearing something wrong, the clerk
went down stairs and sent word to the police.
Lieut. Amiss and Officer Golway responded and
opened the door.
FOUND DEAD CPoS THE FLOOR.
The first thing that met the gaze of the Off
GERS was a revolver on tine floor near the body,
and they were satisfied that the boarder had
taken his own life. An examination OF the body
showed that life was extinct. and from its con-
cltion death mus: have taken place many hours
before. Tranciscus aim had been perfect. the
bullet having no doubt passed through the heart
and caused instant death. He WAS lying on n
blanket which he had spread on the floor ont of
cor sideration for the proprietors carpet, and
the new Merwin & Hurlbut revolver had been
placed so close to his breast that his undershirt
had been scorched. A chair placed at the foot
OF the bed and near the blanket. made it appear
rs though he sat on il when he fired the shot
and thai he then fell forward on the blanket. On
the bureau we're three letters which ne had
written. One of them was addressed to James
i. Franciscus. Lcwistown. Miin county, Pa.
and the other to MIR. George Z. Harris. vice
president Chicago, Burlington and Quincy rail-
road. Chicago"
HIS LETTER TO TIE HOTEL PROPRIETOR.
The third letter was addressed to the hotel
proprietor, and it read as follows:
Dear Sir: Will you kindly take possession OF tie let
dressed 70 my brother and send the same to him Ii
does not concern the VIIuiic.
Ior4lve me for nay n committed this rash act in
your house You Will md sufficient bout my person
20 fay bills OUTSIDE what annayances any death
i'll your hotel may cost you. Yours sincerely,
j. 7. FIiANifSCUS.
Mr.. johnson telegraphed the sad news to the
brother OF the deceased and also mailed the two
letters. Coroner Patterson viewed the body
and gave a certificate of death. Undertaken
Speare removed the remains to his establish
ment on street. The cause of the suicidc is
not known. From his appearance before death
II was supposed that he had the consumption.
and the rash act was probably the result Of de-
spondeney from sickness or failure to secure an
Office. reply was received TO the dertaker's
telegram yesterday from the brothe OF the de-
ceased and last night the body was sent to Phil
adeiphia.