The record-union., 1894-08-15
..PLUNGER,, pARDRIDGE.
The Chicago Millionaire In the Home
for Inebriates.

'.PLUNGER'' PARTRIDGE.
The Chicago millionaire In the Home
for Inebriates.
CHICAGO. Aug. 14.-Strapped down to
his bed and imprisoned by barred win
dows, in a barren room on the fourth floor
of the Washingtonian Home. "Plunger"
Ed Pardridge, who yesterday threw the
Board of Trade into a turmoil by fight
ing with doorkeeper. is undergoing a
most rigorous treatment for alcoholism.
He was brought to the home by his son,
who was assisted by several friends. The
nervy Speculator had to be conveyed 10
the home IL a closed carriage, and was
placed in charge OF the doctor only by
main force lie became violent when he
was being searched, preparatory to pro-
tracted stay, and It req nired four attend
ants TO carry him up stairs and install
him in one Of the cell rooms.
Partridge is one Of the most prominent
men in the Chicago Board of Trade. Ac-
counted a multi Millionaire, the pro-
prietor of one of the largest dry goods
stores in the city, and an operator of
great nerve, he is unique figure on the
floor OF the board. For months he has
been on the bear side of the wheat
market, and his winnings on change last
Pardridge has of late worshipped freely
at the shrine Of Baechus, and has created
several scenes on Change. A few days
since he appeared on the floor in an un-
steady condition, and threw money
broadcast about it, raising such al up
roar that he was suspended tor thirty
days. Yesterday he attempted to return,
and after a fierce fight with the door
keeper was carried away bodily.
low at No ha Ga2 in
creating as much disturbance as he did
on Change a few days ago. He was
placed in small room with three blank
walls and grated door 10 look through.
When the guard left him he managed TO
squirm around enough to get possession
OF small knife which he carried and
severed the handouts. Pardridge then
went TO MS window and yelled down at
the crowd: Pm Ed. Partridge, that
you all know. They are trying to rob or
kill me. rll give 500 to the man who
will get my lawyer. For Gods sake,
help me-"
AS he continued his entreaties he got
moro and more excited, and said: IF
none OF you will get my lawyer for 5000,
Pill give you $500. 500, $500, $500, 81 600 !
Hurry up, for the love Of heaven! They
are going to kill mel Pll give anyone
half my fortune If he'll get my lawyerw
The attention Of the guards was at
tracted by the fearful yelling, and two of
them went to the "plunger's" room to
subdue him. The latter, when he heard
steps in the hall, made ready to brain
some Of his captorS. He stood with a
heavy wooden chair uplifted in his
hands. as the door opened and the head
of the first guard appeared he brought
his weapon down with crash. The
guard lodged just in time and escaped
the blow. He came very near being
Drained, and he pOunced upon Pardridge,
and with the aid OF his comrades threw
the ''plUnger' on his bed and bound him.
The attendants say that Partridge is
the worst case that they have ever ham
died and were much relieved when he
had finally been strapped. The guards
were afraid to get near the ''plunger"
during the night. but during the strug-
gle he was weakened and collapsed early
in the morning. Before noon the only
demonstrations were few yells and a
series of war whoops, which could be
heard distinctly ali over the mouse. This
stopped and he then mum bled and talked
to himself and then fell into sort OF
Sullen stupOr and went to sleep.
Superintendent Summertield was not
inclined to be reticent about his patient
to-day. ''Yes,' said be, Mr.. Partridge
is confined here now, and will probably
be forced to remain with US for some
time. He Is suffering from Il severe cas- g
of alcoholism, and will require long
course of treatment before he. will be
cured. 1t is our belief that we will effect
an ultimate and permanent cure, but
now he is not in very encouraging con-
dition. He cannot be seen at all, not
even by his relatives. Neither his wife
nor his son is permitted to go near him.
He Is by no means rational, and that is
the reason itself for isolating him. 1t
would make him worse to see his rela-
tives."
"Does his mind seem at all affectedp"
"Yes. in fact, his trouble now seems
to be due more to a temporary derange-
ment than to anything else"
This afternoon j. b. Deakin appeared
before Judge Dunn with petition for a
writ of habeas corpus to compel Manager
Summerfield of the Washingtonian Home
to produce Partridge in court. The pe-
tition recited that the noted Board Of
Trade ''plunger" was being held pris-
oner in the Washing gtonian Home against
his will.
Judge Dunn granted the writ, and
made it returnable at 9:3O o'clock to-mor-
row morning.
Partridge left the Washingtonian
Home tonight in charge of friends. Mr..
Summerfeld says his treatment was that
usually accorded patients.