The morning call., 1892-08-18
SHOT WITHOUT WARNING.
The Frightful Deed Of an Unknown
German Carpenter.
CONTRACTOR DOWNIE WAS SLOW PAY.
His Money Was Sure to Come, but the Demon
Could Not Wait and So Killed His
Employer and Himself.
Special to THE MORNING CALL

MISSION SAN JOSE, Aug. 17.-The old
town of Mission San Jose was tonight
thrown into the widest excitement by a
tragedy such as has not for long years
disturbed the peaceful quiet of its sleepi-
ness.
About two weeks ago German carpen-
ter about whom so little is known that eyen
his name cannot now be learned came to
the Mission, from where no one has the
slightest idea. Ii was noted, as such mat
ters will be noted in small towns. that he
was morose, self-contained sort of a
fellow. but the inhabitants of Mission
San Jose are not particularly concerned
about the distaste Of their neighbors for the
social amenities. and when the German had
shown that he did not particularly care
about fraternizing with the idlers of the
place. and when 1t was shown. moreover,
that his knowledge of the language, or at
any rate his desire to employ it, was slight,
he was left pretty much 10 his own devices,
and the quiet life of the place rippled on in
the DID, serene fashion.
But If the German WAS not given to inter-
course with his fellows of the country viii
lage sort, he at least let the fact become
known that he was a good carpenter and
that he desired work, and good carpenters
were scarce and in demand just then at
Mission San Jose and in the country around
there.
1t was about 10 days ago that Contractor
Thomas h. Downie. having several houses
on his hands, and being on the lookout for
good workmeD, heard that the German car
penter was seeking work. He had not far
to seek after that. Mr.. Downie saw the
man and an arrangement was effected easily
enough.
Within a few hours tha unknown Ger
man had opened his kit of tools, and until
yesterday be had been kept busily en-
ployed upon the work in which MS en-
ployer was engaged. Master and man got
on we'll enough together though the Sullen
German was inclined to be little exigent
about the matter of receiving his pay ex-
actly on time.
1t seems that when Contractor Downe
settled up on Saturday night with his m en-
there was yet small balance due the Ger
man, and this sum, 1t was promised,
day of the latter part of the
present week. Mr. Downie had often made
arrangements of that sort with his men,
always meeting his engagements promptly,
and in this case no more was thought OF the
matter than usual, the more especially as
the German kept working righ, along.
The sullen carpenter had. it would
appear. conceived the notion that his
money would not be Forthcoming on the
day promised, and breeding over 1t finally
armed himself, and last night proceeded to
the office of his employer to enforce a de-
nand for what was due him.
1t was precisely o'clock, aud Mr.
Downie was sitting in chair in front of his
cffice conversing with friends and enjoying
the coolneSs of the evening following the
heat of the day. The German came up in
front of his employer, being pleasantly
greeted, and in a rough tone in broken
English demanded that he lie paid forthwith
the amount due him.
Mr.. Downie replied that the sum would be
paid upon the day agreed upon.
Then, without one more word, the Ger
man stepped back about 10 feet drew n
murderOus-lookiug revolver and taking
deliberate aim fired at Downie, the ball en-
terlDg the stomach and coming out at
the back. The contractor fell forward
from his chair, and seeing him
writing upon the ground the German
turned the revolver upon himself and liter
ally blew off the top of his own head, scat
terng his brains upon tile ground Mr.
DOwnie was picked up at once, in frightfnl
agony, and carried to his home, where medt-
cal aid was summoned. His wound is fatal.
and it is doubtful whether he lives until
morning.
The Coroner was notified of the affair
and Will hold an inquest upon the body of
the German tomorrow.