The San Francisco call., 1896-10-04

over the Anglo-Cslifornisn Bank, were
startled by the sharp explosion of pistol.
As one man they rushed to the hallway
and there discovered the body Of Luty.
From the surroundings it was apparent
that he had made careful preparations for
the rash act. Near the wall was perhaps
a score of mail sacks, some partially filled
with letters and papers and awaiting
transportation.
With great care the suicide had removed
some of the sacks, leaving just enough to
form good support for his back. Mr..
Luty then carefully laid his silk hat to one
side and seating himself on the floor with
his back resting comfortably against the
mail sacks fired the fatal bullet into his
head. When the body was found it had
fallen slightly forward, but was otherwise
in q perfectly natural position. The
weapon had been held in the left hand.
Frederick Luty was one of the best
known stock operators in the City. and in
addition to this was largely interested in
mining. He was secretary OF several
mining companies, among which may be
mentioned the following: The Albany
Gold Mining Company. Belmont Mining
Company, Bay State Mining and Develop
ing Company, Bristol Mining Company,
Flat Creek Silver Mining Company, Great
Western Mining Company, Comstock and
the Brodie. So far as known the dead
mans accounts with these companies are
in good condition, though it is understood
that an investigation will be Instituted
Immediately.
1t is known that for several months
past Mr. Luty has been speculating
heavily in wheat and mining stocks.
Whether these ventures have proven sue
cessful can as yet only be guessed at.
Shortly after the body was removed
Thomas 7. Atkinson, grain broker at
337 Pine street, addressed the following
note to the Coroner:
F.E Luty did trade with me some little-not
ali on his own account. he was careful, pru-
dent and conservatives. his account shows a
small profit, and when there was loss it was
not all his own. ATKINSON.
After writing this Mr.. Atkinson disap-
peared from his accustomed haunts.
at the Office of Mr.. Luty, $50 Pine
street, there is not much disposition to
talk about the dead man or his affairs. A.
Gardner, who acted as Luty's secretary,
said: "As far as l know his accounts are
perfectly straight, and l should think he
was worth between $50, 600 and $50, 900. 1t
is true that he did speculate somewhat,
but he was always so careful and con-
servatlve that if he lost it would not af-
feet his general business. Mr.. Luty had
been complaining for some days past OF
severe pains in the head, and | believe
that his rash act was the result of tenn
porary insanity. When he left the office
Yesterday he appeared in good spirits. He
might have been snort, but ] do not be-
iieve it. Nothing can be said definitely on
that point until his affairs are thoroughly
investigated"
J. II. Tibbils, a mining engineer, who
has had desk in the Office of Mr.. Luty
for several years, also expressed the be-
lief that the suicide was the result of tenn
porary insanity. He was equally conf
dent that this arrangement had not been
brought about by any financial embar-
rassment.
Mr.. Luty was member of the Pacific
Stock Board and has had his Office at $50
Pine street for more than fifteen years. 1t
has been his custom to reach his place of
business about g A. NJ, but yesterday
morning he was q few minutes late. The
elevator boy said he appeared very much
worried, failing even to utter his accus-
toned ''Good morning." Mr.. Luty re-
mained in his Office about twenty minutes
and then went directly to the place where
his body was found.
The deceased was born in Tennessee
ffty-one years ago. coming to California
when still q young man. He settled in
Oakland when ne, later, married, six
children-four boys and two girls-result-
ing from the union. About six weeks ago
Nj. Luty, with his family moved to 2295
Sacramento street, this City.
1t was learned last night that in addi-
ton to ais grain and stock speeulations
Mr.. Luty has lately invested heavily in
real estate. 1t is thought that this turned
out badly and that he saw no way out OF
the difficulty except to take his own life.