Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-07-30
GOES INSANE YEARLY,
John Kane Applies to St. Francis
Hospital officials When He
FELT AN ATTACK COMING ON HIM.
He Makes q Desperate Attack Upon One
of the Nurses and


John Kane, formerly a special officer on
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Nc
Keesport, is at present locked up in the
Seventeenth ward police station. He is
closely watched by an officer who has been
detailed by Captain Dick Brophy for that
purpose. Last week Kane obtained leave
OF absence from the head of his department
on the railroad to visit his friends some
where in Maryland. Instead of going there,
last Monday morning he applied for admis-
sion into the St. Francis Hospital. He told
the Superintendent that he was subject to
fits OF insanity and that he was afraid that
during one of the spells he might injure
someone, consequently he wanted to be
locked up. His request was granted so far
as his being admitted, but he was allowed
free access to all parts of the hospital.
After being in the hospital three days the
man began to show signs of insanity. It
was deemed prudent by the officials to con-
fine him to a ward and he was accordingly
he became very violent and caused a great
deal of trouble to the attendants.
Violent Attack Upon a Nurse.
About o'clock, when one of the nurses
went into the cell to give Kane his break
fast, without any warning he sprang
upon him and bore him to the
floor. The nurse fought despe-
rately to release himself : but he was
as mere child in the strong grasp of the
maniac. After hard fight he released his
hold on the frightened keeper and made
do fo~ Of @ho
fully recover his wits Kane had him Sc
curely locked in the cell which he himself
had occupied few minutes before. The
struggle which he had with the keeper
seemed to inturiate him all the more. He
bounded into the main ward and began to
tear up the bed clothing and to smash
things generally. All of the attendants
became thoroughly frightened at the pow
erful man and took refuge wherever they
could find it.
Telephoncd for Police Assistance.
The Superintendent telephoned to the
Seventeenth ward sration for assistance,
and soon the patrol wagon was on its way to
the hospital. When the officers arrived the
man was completely exhausted and was
easily taken in charge. He seemed greatly
pleased when the officers said that they
would take him to the station and care for
him. On the way to the station house he
amused himself by sounding the gong
which is attached to the wagon. He
was thoroughly searched before being
placed in cell, but nothing
except few papers were found.
Among his effects was q bank book on the
McKeesport National Bank. showing $23
credited to him. He is also a member of
the Baltimore and Ohio Relief Department
and carries an insurance of s., 900. When
visited in his cell by DISPATCH reporter
he appeared to be perfectly composed and
talked as nationally as anyone.
Annual Attacks of Insanity.
Said he: 'I have been employed on the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the trans
portation department for number of years
About 10 years ago was in wreck and
lost my leg, as you see. Every year since I
have been attacked with spells of insanity.
They have grown worse each year, and
this, I think, will be the last
L know that I cannot live through this at
tack, and while know that have to go, 1
do not want it said that ever harmed any
one else"
Captain Dick Brophy thought it prudent
to place a watch over him until arrange
ments can be made for him at the Poor
Farm.
1t was reported later at the station that
one of the attendants at the hospital had
been kicked and severely injured by Kane
while he was at large.
The man is single. and his home is
thought to be in Cumberland, Md.