The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-10-21
a MANIAC WITH A GUN.
He Amuscs Himself Firing at Pedes-
trians. But Is Finally Overcome.

Chicago, oct. 2O.-Armed with repeating
rifle and double action revolver. Caius
5. Merwin defied the police and every
one else for sixteen hours from II O'Clock
last night until 3 o'clock this afternoon
Mr.. Merwin Is man who grew wealthy
I'm the iron trade and retired some time
ago. Yesterday an innrmity of the mind
which has been threatening for some time
came upon him with renewed force and
he locked himself In one OF the rooms OF
his palace home at 30 Woodland Park,
where the sensational events OF to-day
were enacted.
1t was 80 o'clock last night when the
mans insanity took a really violent form
and he attacked his wife, who is In ex-
tremely delicate health. He elected her
from the rear door. Her neighbors cared
for her and sent word to the nearest police
station.
Lieut.. Bonheld. with four officers, went
at once to the house, they found
that all Of the doors were locked
and the windows fastened. They could
see Merwln in one OF the upper rooms,
marching backward and forward, with
the rifle over his shoulder. They thought
best to leave him until this morning. and
when day dawned, they were astounded
a. nNtiAS MN approach the WINDOW over
looking the street and, after raising the
sash, take aim with his rife and FIRE di-
recty at pedestrian across the street
Before the street could be cleared he had
repeated the dangerous performance sew
eral times, but his aim was bad and no
one was hit
police officer was stationed at each
end OF the block and the way was barred
to all foot passengers. The occupants or
the houses on the opposite side of the
arlstocratic park drew the curtains and
shutters OF their windows and closed their
front doors and used the rear doors the
remainder Of the day. The question as
TO the method to be employed In secur-
ing the man without injuring him or per-
mltting him to hurt any one was a hard
one TO solve. Every few minutes through
out the day the police would hear shot,
but nothing could be done
Several years ago a similar case cost
a policeman his life and Lieut.. Bonfeld
dld not care to risk a sacrifice OF that
kind. 1t was finally decided that an at
sulphur might result successfully. Ac-
cordngly the heat was shut out OF the
rooms Of the house. And sulphur was
burned In the furnace. A small amount
did not have the desired effect and as
they did not care to endanger the mans
life, the plan was abandoned.
Finally II was arranged that an entry
should be made to the room from two
doors simultaneously. Two officers were
to enter at each door. Each man had a
small hair bed mattress for a shield.
The plan worked perfectly, the crazed
man not having an opportunity to fire
before being overcome and manacled. He
was then taken TO the insane hospital.
Mr.. Merwln is IS years old. About a
year ago he was kicked on the head by a
horse, and It e known the injury affect
ed his brain. The suppostion IL that the
attack of yesterday was the result. Az.
ter he was rescued MerWin talked IN.
cohserently about buying wheat at 4
ed he has been either making or losing
money in grain speculation.