Los Angeles herald., 1892-01-07
A QUEER CASE.
The Police Guarding a Man
From Suicide.
he Has Purchased His Gene
terry Lot,
And Selected a Monument and Epi-
taph.
A Stranger and His Strange Actions.
The Police Suspect a Case of
Tendency to Felo
De Sc.

A case worthy of the attention of q
writer like Robert Louis Stevenson is
now interesting the local police depart
ment. The affair is unprecedented, and
the plan OF action to be adopted in the
premises is in the nature of an intricate
puzzle. There have been innumerable
instances in which the police were
called upon to protect individuals
against the murderous attacks of other
persons, but this is the first case in the
local criminal history in which the de-
partment has been called upon to defend
man against himself, and that
against his own will and without his
knowledge.
OF late Los Angeles seems to have de-
veloped peculiar attractions for eastern
people who have become tired of life.
They seem to have adopted tacitly va
ration of well-known Italian proverb,
and to have concluded that an ideal
conclusion to this life's troubles would
be to ''see Los Angeles and de-"
Only few weeks ago fne-looking
old man from Pueblo was found dying
from strychnine poisoning on the side
walk before the Lanfranco block. The
prosaic people OF this city could not un-
derstand the motive of his suicide, es-
pecially when it turned out that the
self-murderer was possessed at the
time of his death of well-flled
wallet, gold watch and lot of
other valuables. The only explanation
possible is that he came here to gaze on
this lovely city and die while still in the
ecstacy.
Another monomaniac of the same
caliber, it appears, is here nova man
OF fine appearance, man in the age of
wisdom, and man apparently in good
circumstances. This individual, how
ever, seems to have made up his mind
to finish his existence in the most
methodical manner imaginable. For
cold blooded deliberation his example
beats the record.
1t is now week since this peculiar
person made his appearance at we'll
known monument factory near the corner
of Los Angeles and First streets. He
explained that he wanted frst-class
grave stone picked out design and the
material of which he desired it to be
made. and himself furnished the epitaph
to be thereupon engraved. At the same
time he declared, brusquely, that he did
not want "Tom, Dick and Harry to see
the stone" When he was asked where
he desired to have the stone delivered,
he replied that there was no immediate
hurry, but that he would leave an order
at the proper time. He then paid for
the stone, as well as a neat little block
Of granite for his feet, and departed.
The mysterious strangers next ap-
pearance was at Evergreen cemetery,
where be saw Capt. l.. G. Loomis, the
superintendent, and explained that he
wished to buy lot. The genial captain
accompanied the queer customer in a
walk through the cemetery and pointed
out a number of choice locations.
Eventually cosy little nook was Sc
lected, and the gloomy man from the
east paid $17 for the spot. He then left,
saying that he would call for the deed,
and he came back next day to fulfill his
promise. fs
do you want the grave opened right
away? ?" asked Captain Loomis.
''No, SIR" replied the stranger.
MAY inquire when you will want
it?''
Never mind about that" was the re-
ply, Il have not made up my mind yet,
but I'll let you know day or SO in ad-
vance, SO as 20 give you plenty of time"
That conversation occurred couple
of days ago, and nothing has since been
seen of the peculiar man at the ceme-
terry. The police are watching him,
however, and will try to protect him
against himself.