The Washington times., 1895-03-21

Almost in an instant, and before the
eyes of his parents, the life of little Louis
Rackschmid. the six-year-old sen of Paul
Backschmid. of No. 724 Thirteenth street
northwest, was crushed out yesterday
afternoon by one of the heavy wagons of
NJ. W. Beveridge, of No. 1914 G street
Louis leftthe house about 2: SO o'clock and
was playing across the street in front of
the Builders Exchange building His
father and mother were at the second
story window playing with their youngest
child, baby, and watching Louis. The
little fellow started across the street, and
the next instant the distracted father saw
his boy under the wagon wheels.
He started to rush out, but already gentle
hands had picked the injured lad up and
were bringing him into the house. He was
laid on the floor of the front room down
stairs, which is used as a workshop, but
whenhis father entered he got up and started
toward him. His father caught him up
IN his arms and carried him to bed
Physicians had been sent for at once, and
Drs. Stoutenberg and SellhauSen reached
the house few minutes after the acci-
dent and made an examination of the in
JuAtCS- 1Ilttc htlC hO lliSilhS Ou illc ubuN,
but the physicians decided that he was in
jured internally.
HE KNEW HIS FATHER
He was conscious up TO the last moment
and knew every one of the family in the
room. Just before he breathed his last his
father approached the bed and, leaning over.
said:
Louis, darling, do you know papa?'
''Yes, sir; know you, ~ replied the feeble
little voice, and the tiny flame of life went
out.
The little fellow was six years and five
months and was phenomenal for his
brightness. He was the pet of the entire
family, and none OF them can approach the
little body lying so white ana peaceful on
its bier without brea king down. His
mother has been unconscious since the ac-
cident and grave fears are entertained for
her life. The father is almost distracted
Miss Christine Poggensee, an aunt of the
dead boy, said last night that the family
thought the affair an accident and rather
sympathized with the colored driver than
felt bitter against him. They did not think
he could have prevented it in any way.
Mr.. NJ. w. Beveridge, the owner of the
team, came around yesterday afternoon TO
inquire into the circumstances of the affair."
She said that Mr.. Backschnid had gone to
have him released if possible.
George l.. G. Brooks is the name OF the
driver OF the team He has an excellent
reputation, and has been in the employ of
Mr.. Beveridge for several years. He has
three brothers employed by the same firm.
DRIVER GAVE EHIAISELFU UP.
When the accident occurred he stopped
his wagon and went after physician, and
brought one back to the house with him
He then told the boys father that he
would stop by and see how the boy was
after he had finished his delivery
Before he gotthrough, however, belearned
that the boy had died, so he went 10 No. L
police station-house and delivered himself
up to Lieut. Amss He was locked up to
await the result of the coroner's investiga-
ton, which viii take place tot day.
Brooks said last night that the boy was
about three feet from the wagon when he
first saw him He called to him, but he
ran right in front of the horses, and they
knocked him down and the wheels passed
over his body
Those who witnessed the affair are Mr.
F. j. King, Builders Exchange; j. B.
Seclirest. Baltimore and Ohio ticket office
at Fifteenth and New York avenue, and H
Oppenheimer, Builders Exchange The
coroner has ordered them to appear at No.
station house at O'Clock, and it is thought
that Brooks will then be released.