The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1894-05-08
SAVED BY A SILVER COIN.
J. B. Eliot's Narrow Escape
From Death.
A Dollar in His Pocket Saved
His Life.
Boss Buckley's Body Guard Cunning
for Mike De Young.
Jake Rudolph Shoots tho Business
Manager OF tho ChrOnicle-Phe
Would-Bs Murderer Now
in Custody.
By the Associated Press.

SAN Francisco, May 7.-Joseph 3.
Eliot, business manager OF the Chroni-
Gle, narrowly escaped death from a pis-
tol shot fired by Jake Rudolph, well
known local politician, in the Chronicle
business efics about noon today. Ru-
dolph entered the Office and was making
a noisy denomination, when Mr.. Eliot
interfered. Rudolph drew pistol, and
the business manger closed with him.
An exciting etruggle ensued and Ru-
dolph managed to fire at Eliot. The
ball ranged downward and struck q
quantity of loose coin in Eiot's trousers
pocket, saving MIN from serious injury.
Rudolph entered the Office in an ex-
cited frame OF mind, and at once began
to make inquiries for M. II. de Young.
81 want to see him." he said. 81 should
like to have shotgun to draw on him."
Rudolph made as much noise and dis
turbance as though he were drunk, al
though no seemed perfectly sober. He
swore and used most violent language.
At last Mr.. Eliot, business manager,
went from behind the counter and or
dered Rudolph to leave. The latter re-
fused to do go, and Eliot attempted to
put him out. There was a scuffie. and
then Rudolph drew a huge navy re-
volver and fred.
The bullet struck silver dollar in
Eliot's pocket, bending it out of shape,
but saving him from wound which
would undoubtedly have caused his
death. Eliot received q severe shock,
and will be lame for some little time,
but his injuries are not serious.
Rudolph was at once arrested and
taken to the new city prison. He was
then questioned. but reiuaed to talk
about the matter. He said, however,
that if he had ever done any thing right
in his life, it was his attempt to kill
Eliot.
No one seems to know why Rudolph
wanted to shoot Mr.. de Young. There
have been some references to Buckley
in the papers recently, but none In the
Chronicle. as far as known, that would
give an excuse for an attempt of this
kind.
The cause OF the shooting seems to be
nothing more Sensational than that of O
protracted spree. Jake Rudolph is one
of the so-called bad men of the town.
He is ugly in appearance and ugly in
temper. AS he sat in the prison at the
new city hall. with black scowl around
his unintellectual face, he looked what
he is-the ex-convict. Whenever Ru-
dolph gets drunk he wants to shoot
somebody.
Time was when Rudolph used to
carry gun that was always clean and
polished, and it was frequent fancy of
his to pull it out and make the maga-
zine revolve many times with little
shove OF his finger. The gun he used
today, however, shows neglect. 1t is a
little rusty, but in good condition to kill.
1t is 44-caliber navy Colt.
From ell accounts Rudolph has been
drinking heavily the last few days. He
refused to talk about his attack on Eliot
at first but finally made ram bling state.
ments sbout owing De Young $17 and
wanting to pay it bad.
THE papers have always given me
the worst end of it," he cried, land l
amt talking for the newspapers"
He then threw bucket of water at
bystander who got too close to him. One
or two political friends OF the smaller fry
called to see Rudolph, but were refused
admission.
& Whenever he gets druK, Rudolph has
very little choice as to whom he shall
attack. His favorite quarrel at one
time was with Austin Fitzgerald, but
every time he got after Fitzgerald the
latter would tsks the gun away from
him.
Rudelph's record is bad cne. On
August 5, 1873, then only about l5 years
of age, he was charged with robbery in
connection with Robert Samson. The
case was dropped in the county court.
and on October 10th Rudolph was
shipped in lhe United States navy. He
bobbed up again on the prison register
on August 6, 1875, when he was arrest
cd for shooting at Police Officers AVIAN
Eaton and Harry Fossett, on Grsen and
Stockton streets. On September 11th,
following, he was sentenced to
four years in San Quentin, hav-
ing been convicted on q charge
OF assault to murder. Since he served
his time Rudolph has come into pub
lie notice in various ways. Chief of
these was as the body guard of Chris
Buckley. When Buckley went to Cam
ada, be took his hehchman with him,
and during the chiefs absence in Eu-
rope and the east, Rudolph has been in
charge of Buckley's ranch at Livermore.
Since Buckley's return he has been very
often in the company OF his distin-
guished chief. Rudolph was divorced
from his wife about year ago, and the
effect of this has had something to do
with making his temper still worse.
When sober he is looked upon as
"pretty decent fellow" but anyone
whom he dislikes he invariably talks
abopt ehOotipp when he gets drunk