The record-union., 1895-10-21
ACTS OF a CRAzED MAN.

Defes Police and Every One Passing
His House for Many Hours.
CHICAGO, Oct 20.-Armed with a re-
peating rifle and double-action revolver
Guais s. Merwin defied the police and
every one for sixteen hours, from IL
O'Clock last light until this afternoon.
AIR. Merwin is a man who grew wealthy
In the iron trade and retired some time
ago. Yesterday an infirmity OF the mind
which has been threatening him for some
time came upon him with renewed force,
and be locked himself IN one of the
rooms of his palatial home, at 50 Wood
land Park, where the sensational events
OF to-day were enacted.
1t was 1850 o'clock last night when the
mans insanity took a really violent
form, and he attacked his wife. who is in
extremely delicate health. He forced her
to leave the house, aud In fact elected her
from the rear door. her neighDors cared
for her and sent word TO the police sta
ton, at ThIrty-flith street and Rhodes
avenue.
Lieutenant Bonfield, who is in COM
mand OF that district, with four officers,
went at once to the house. They found
all OF the doors locked aud the windows
fastened. They could see Merwin 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 asIouuded at seeing him approach
the window overlooking the street, and
after raising the sash. take aim with his
rifle and nre directly at d pedestrian
across the street. Before the street could
be cleared he had repeated the dangerous
performance several times. but his aim
was bad and no one was hit. y police
-
block, and the way was barred 10 all foot
passengers.
Then The occupants of houses opposite
the aristOcratlc park drew the curtains at
their windows, closed their front doors
and used the rear exits the remainder OF
the day.
The question az to the method to be en-
ployed in securing the man without in-
jurlng him or permitting him 10 hurt
anyone was q hard one TO solve. Every
few minutes during the day the police
would hear shot from one of the
weapons in the hands Of the craZed man,
but nothing could be done.
Several years ago a similar case cost
the lie OF one OF the best policemen on
the force, and Lieutenant Bonfield did
not care TO risk a sacrifice of that kind.
Ii was finally decided that al attempt
to overcome him with fumes OF sulphur
might result successfully. Accordingly,
the heat was shut ont OF the other rooms,
and sulphur YVES burned la the furnace.
a small amount did not have the effect.
and as they did not care 10 endanger the
mans life the plan was abandoned. FL
nally it was arranged that entry should
be made at the room at TWO doors stimuli
taneousiy. Two officers were to enter al
each door. Zach man had small hair
bed mattress Tor a shield. line plan
worked perfectly, the craZed man not
having an opportunity to tire before be-
ing overcome and manacled. He was
then taken to the insane asylum.
Mr.. Merwin is - years OF age. 4 bout
q year ago he was kicked on the head by
horse, and il Is known the Injury az
fected his brain. The superstition Is that
the attack of yesterday was the result.
After he was rescued Merwin talked in
coherently about buying wheat at IS
cents per bushel. From this it is be-
lieved he has been either making or los
ing money in grain speculallons.