New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-05-15
PRICE THREE CENTS.
SUICIDE OF A RUNAWAY BOY.
ARTHUR S. BAKER. OF BROOKLYN. SHOoTS
HIMSELF AT wILKESBARRE. PENN.

ASSUMED NAME. AND FEARED ARREST FOB
PASSING WORTHLESS cHEcKs-HIs MIND
BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED.
lBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUSEJ
Wilkesbarre. Penn. May 14.-Arthur st. Cdan
Baker, of No. 314 Jefrerson-ave., Brooklyn, COM
mitted suicide here this evening at o'clock, N
the courthouse yard, by shooting himself Ihe
bullets entered the left breast Immediately above the
heart. and he died five minutes afterward. Bakees
who was apparently about twenty years old. came
to this city on Friday, May 5, and registered s$
the Luzerne House as Clarence Coleman, of Mon.
treal. lie seemed TO have plenty of funds, and
spent money freely. When his supply Of cash
gave out he sold quantity Of woman's jewelry
TO the young men around town, at any price he
could get. Last Thursday he gave the proprietor
of the Luzerne House a check for $40 on
the Anthracite Savings Bank Of this city, upon
which check payment was refused. Since then
lie had given various persons checks on the same
bank, all Of which proved worthless. Upon he.
ing confronted with the protested checks, Baker
showed bank-book the Anthracite Bank,
crcditng him with 81 60. 1t was learned that
upon his arrival here he had deposited check
on the Union Trust Company, of New-York City,
for that amount. which was found later to he .
forgery. 1t seems he took his life on learning
sent by the Chief of Police 10 the young mans
address in Brooklyn and answer received 40
follows:
Arthur s. Baker left home May 5, probably temporarily
insane. Please forward body 10 address. Answer az
once. CHARLES BAKER No. 81 Jererson.ayc.
Young Baker had been representing himself 40
a travelling salesman for the drygoods house OK
Dunham, Buckley & Co., of New-York City.
Fifteen minutes prior to the shooting he wac seen
in the company Of several young men who were
teasing him about being arrested. This seemed
to jar his feelings, in a measure, and he walked
away. Upon entering the courthouse yard he
turned around and. seeing an officer behind him,
ended his life. Among his elects were found
several worthless checks and telegram from his
home informing him of his mothers death, and
asking him to come home Immediately. There
was also found cadet uniform with the initials
A B. on the cap Young Baker was wei
dressed, and made favorable impression on all
with whom he came in contact. His body will
be forwarded to Brooklyn tomorrow.
Charles Baker, the father OF Arthur s. Baker, vao
seen by Tribune reporter last night, at his home No.
3l4 Jenersonave Brooklyn, and said My son left
home on May ), without leaving word TO where he
going, aud have heard nothing about him since
until this evening, when received a telegram from
the Wlksbarre police saying that he had committed
suicide. lie Is fifteen years and one month old TO.
day and for some time his actions have been strange
DR.. sanford, the family physician, said to the re-
porter: have attended Arthur Baker since he was
lit le boy. The iroub- Win his mind was that his
lOdy had grown TOO fast. Although ony niieen years
old. he five let eIoven incl.,s high and remark
iy won developed. III, companions have noiiced
a member Of the Marcy Avenue Baptist Church
Mr.. Baker is engaged in business in this city.