The morning call., 1894-02-26
RAN A BLOCKADE.
Heinrich Albert Escapes
Angry Watchers.
WORKMEN WERE UNPAID.
They Stand Sentry About His
House All Night.
A PRIVATE DETECTIVES PART.
Exciting Scene at the Home of the
Heidelberg SchIoss Conces-
sionaire.
A PRIVATE DETECTIVES PART.

The splendid enterprise started by Helm
rich Albert at the Midwnter Fair has
ended so far as be is concerned in a COM
plication that few expected. Mr.. Albert
came from Chicago full of bright hopes.
bis scheme to reproduce the celebrated
Heidelberg Castle, pretentious as it las.
had numerous admirers. and he went into
the huge undertaking with the belief that
it would be the leading feature among
concessions Since then, however. he has
met with many disapp0intments, and yes
terday morning at sunrise found an angry
group of workmen around his residence al
507 Broderick ciamoring for their money
and greatly excited over a rumor that he
was preparing to depart for Germany.
The Heidelberg Schloss manager proved
a match for the dunning creditors. for he
was up as early as they who stood guard
all night long outside. When the way
was clear about break of day he huIriedly
boarded a. car passing downtown and
escaped in company with stranger. In
Quiry at his house last night showed he
bad not returned and left doubts as to the
pToba bility Of his return-until affairs are
settled somehow.
While the buildings were still half fin
ished. Mr.. Albart's funds gave out. Little
difficulty was found in securing capital
and backing for his enterprise. But even
then he wanted more money TO complete
the big castle and its garden buildings and
village. Things went from bad TO worse
until about ten days ago. when a meeting
Of creditors was held at Alb Bush street 10
take action upon his indebtedness.
The meeting was said TO be a family
affair. The creditors saw that no good
could come of forcing Albert to the wall,
as in that case nothing would be realized
on th6 pile of buildings and the coDces-
sion. After long celebration it was
agreed to let Albert continue, as some
thing might come Of the venture later on,
aud then half loaf was better than no
bread.
Even the half loaf was not in sight, so
Albert transferred the schlosS last Satur-
day Gt orge Brugger for S10,0 1t was
announced that the liabilities amounted
TO S16,0 900, none Of which included build
ing debts. This transaction practically
ended Albert's connection with the con-
cession and nothing was left for him but
to pack up and go home, either to Chicago
or Germany, whence he came originally.
So far as known he has no responsibilities
here. But there are many anxious work
men to be paid, who. upon hearing of the
sale. became panic-strlcken through fear
Of losing what was due them.
Absolutely nothing was known of their
movements until Saturday night, when
about twenty men went to AlbeTt's resi-
dence and asked to see him. They were
Informed he was not at home. Then they
withdrew and held a consultation on the
sidewalk, the result of which was decidedly
novel. A guard was organized and during
the night the men. going in couples. kept
watch on the house so closely that no body
could pass in or out without being seen.
They relieved each other at regular inter-
walls, while the headquarters we're estab-
lished in a neighborng saloon and gro cry
xsf.1 as,d
came same doubts came also about the
whereabouts of Mr.. Albert. One of the
creditors entered saloon al the corner
and asked a bystander TO write note to
Albert asking for an interview and also
about the money due for labor.
"TheTe is a warrant for him." explained
he, land we want TO know.
An answer was quickly sent back that
Albert was not at home. but hardly had
the first cars passed along Broderick stree I
toward Ellis when tie watches were re-
warded by seeing him run down the stairs
from his house and jump upon the car
which did not stop. A strange man was
with him. and so well was the plan carried
out that the watches were taken lnawares
There were sentInels inside the house as
well as outside
Two of the waiting creditors ran after
the car and caught it after long run.
They got close to Albert and rode with
him as far as Joues street, where he gol
off with his companion. Presently they
jumped upon the platform Of a cable Car
on the cr0ss-town line.
Ppm detective" said the stranger INC
accompanied Albert. land this man is un-
der my protection. If either Of you men
attempt 10 lay your hands upon him will
Kill you. Ion have no right to arrest him,
so leave right here or there will be trou-
ble."
The men had made an attempt to hold
Albert until a policeman arrived, on what
grounds could not be learned, but they de.
sisted. After this Albert went his way.
He had Dot returned last night and was
not expected back at least until to-day Oh
tomorrow.
Mrs. Albert stated that the trouble was
''makiDg a mountain out of a molehill, u
and denied that her husband was going to
leave for Germany. The workmen and
other creditors who spent Saturday nighl
watching his dwelling say otherwise, and
claim that a OBTAINING warrant has been
procured, but could not be served as he
was nowhere to be found.
The anxious creditors are numerous, as
they include umbermen. merchants and
workmen.