The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-09
VAIN FIGHT FOR LIFE.
He Is Found in a Closed Room,
With All the Gas Jets
Turned On.
HIS WIFE UNDER SUSPICION.
She Is Brought Back to the City I'm
the Charge of Detec-
tiVeS.

LOS ANGELES, CAL, June Sc. H.
Spencer, one of the oldest and best-known
residents of this city, was found dead in a
little room off the kitchen of his resi-
dence, s45 South Broadway, shortly after
noon to-day.
The strong odor of escaping gas told the
story of how death was caused, but there
was nothing about to tell by whose hand
two burners of gas stove were turned on
full blast, or by whose hand the plug had
been pulled out of a gas-burner in the
kitchen.
Spencer had been sleeping in small
room adjoining the kitchen, on a large
bed-lounge. His wife occupied room in
the front part of the house. About II
O'Clock the attention of Mrs. J. A. Cronk-
hite, who occupies portion of the Spencer
residence, was directed to the old mans
room by the strong odor of escaping gas.
Receiving no reply to repeated knocks the
door was forced open, and Spencer was
found lying dead on the lounge. He was
attired in his night clothes.
1t was found that the kitchen door lead
ing into the dining-room was closed, and
the kitchen window and the window in the
old gentleman's room as well. The two
windows are always kept halfway down.
The two burners of a gas stove had been
turned on and plug removed from
burner of the chandelier.
The Coroner was notified, and after look
ing into the affair was convinced that
there was work for the Police Department,
and detectives were entailed on the case.
The circumstances show conclusively
that the death of Spencer was not the re-
suit of an accident. His position on the
couch on which he slept indicates that he
was awakened by the escaping gas, and
had attempted to arise.
The covers of the bed were thrown back,
as though he had struggled to get up, but
was too weak to do so.
The Examination made by the Coroner
and detectives gave rise to suspicious, and
the result was the officers went imme-
diately in search of Mrs. Spencer and
brought her back to the city.
One peculiar circumstance in connection
with the affair is the finding of letter in
the old mans room. 1t is said to be in
Mrs. Spencer's handwriting, and addressed
to Mr.. Wilmer, who acted as her banker.
The letter states that certain money is
expected soon from the estate of the late
MI. wilson, VINO Is supposed to have been
Mrs. Spencer's first husband, and asks
Wilmer to look out for her interests.
The Coroner will hold an inquest on
Monday.
ENTER INTO Il NOVEL WAGER.
Los angeles Young Couple to Earn
Their Way around the Globe.
LOS ANGELES, CAL, June 8.-As the
result of a wager between w. T. Williams
Jr., son of Deputy District Attorney Will
liams, and his uncle, together with other
parties, curious trip is about to be under
taken. 1t is the circling of the globe,
which must be accomplished within two
years by Williams Jr. and his girl wife.
The young couple are to leave the Russ
House tonight without cent Every bit
of money which is to carry the travellers
over 10000 miles must be earned on the
road. The start will be made for the
north, San Francisco ard Seattle being
visited, and then the road lies straight for
the Orient.
The undertaking is actuated by desire
for sightseeing and adventure, as well as
by the $4,000 purse which is up on the ven-
ture.