The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-05-29
DIED ON THE GRASS.
A Destitute Man Shoots Himself
Through the Heart,
On the Grounds of the United
States Capitol
Had Only One Cent in His
Pocket
WAS HE A WEALER?
He Couldn't Walk On the
Grass,
But Wasn't Denied the Poor
Du1usIo o,.a. Of nuinor 0hoPQ
WAS HE A WEALER?
But Wasn't Denied the Poor
Privilege of Dying There.

WAsHINGTON Nav pa sensation
has been caused among congressman
and capital employees here by the discov-
cry made by a gardener who goes about
the grounds every morning, finding the
IfeIess body of man under a tree near
the grotto, in the northwestern part of
the capitol grounds
The corpse was cold, but its lack of
rigidity showed that death had come but
a few hours previously A nearly new
32-caliber revolver, with one exploded
and four loaded chambers, was lying
upon the grass about five feet behind the
body, which was prone upon its face,
with the right hand tig htly clenched- 1t
was plainly a case of suicide. At first he
thought the man was drunk, and ap-
preaching him, shook his arm and told
him to get up. closer examination
horrified him with the discovery that he
had been addressing corpse. The po-
lice authorities were notified, and the
dead man was removed to the mOrgue at
the sixth precinct police station.
Shot Through the Heart
There it was discovered that death re-
suited from a pistol shot in the left
breast, the ball entering about one aud
half inches below the nipple and little
to. the right. Coroner Woodward, who
subsequently examined the body, stated
that the ball had entered the heart and
that death resulted instantaneOusly. The
dead man was feet inches tall, and
appeared to have been about twenty-five
years of age, and about 140 pounds in
weight His face was smoothly shaven
and full, and marked with pimples. The
half-shut eyelids disclosed hazel eyes,
and thick suit of short sandy hair COW
cred the well formed head. His hands
indicated that they had known labor. 1t
is thought he was a 'weaier. but he has
not been identified.
IL f.Io in,
sack coat, double breasted black vest,
blush grey trousers, with slight black
lines, and pink outing shirt His
derwear was of gauze, and his feet were
clad in pair of long black stockings, of
a cheap texture and apparently designed
for women. Around his neck was
clasped a neat black tie. His hat was a
comparatively new brown derby, size z.
The outer clothing was well worn. and
in the coat right ample tear had seem
ingly been but recently and unskillfully
repaired The dead man also wore a
pair Of almost new rubber boots, which
reached nearly to his waist His trou-
sers were drawn down over them and
around his waist was a new yellow
leather belt. Around his arms was a
pair of metal clamps used by bicycle
riders.
In his pocket was found one cent, a
bunch of thirteen keys, glove buttOner
and shoe hook. Not a card, letter nor
any other scrap of paper was found upon
the body.
The news of the tragedy caused quite
a sensation at the capitol, for it was felt
that the suicide or murder, whichever it
may be, indicates the absolutely unpro-
tected condition of the capitol grounds.
Senator Maadsrson Appalled,.
Senator Henderson. a member of the
committee rules of the senate, was
considerably astounded when a reporter
told him of the discovery of the dead
body on the capitol grounds.
''rhe idea that such a thing could hap
pen practically without discovery" he
said, land under the very dome of the
capitol is somewhat appalling. There is
no doubt in the world that the present
police force on duty at the capitol is
much too small. There are twenty-four
men, divided into three reliefs of eight
men each, working eight hours. At
night there can be only two men spared
from the building for the patrol Of the
entire park.
Il had conversation only this morn
ing with Senator Black burn, chairman of
the committee, in reference to this very
matter, and he agreed with me that
something should be done at once to re-
lieve this condition of things. We are
of the opinion that the appropriations
committee of the senate will consent to
an increase of the force to thirty-six
men, which will give more men for night
service In the grounds.