The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-03-27
Tacoma Bureau OF the Post-Intelligencer.
ll23 Pacific Avenue


TACOMA March 2s.-Shortly after Z
o'clock tonight some pedestrians on East
Twenty-sixth street found Peter Olsen. an
East Side cattle and stock buyer. lying
face downward on a vacant lot. near the
sidewalk. with horrible cash in the back
OF his head near the base of the brain.
The man was unconscious and breathing
heavily. Blood trickled from his mouth
and nose. and II was evident that he was
in a bad way. The police were notified
and soon the injured man was taken TO
the central station. where City Physician
Quevll dressed his wounds.
Near the body Detective Thompson. who
was placed on the case. found a steel
chiseI. on the pointed end OF which there
was fresh blood From the shape OF the
wound on Oisens head IL was determined
that he had been struck a heavy blow
from behind with the chiSel. His assail-
ants evidently came upon Olsen unawares.
for. from the brief replies which the off,
GERS got from Olsen In response TO ques-
lions. IL was learned that he had been I'M
accompanied and did not know who struck
him.
Olsen IS Dane and Is about 81 years
cid. During the last three years he has
lived over a saloon on Puysllup avenue
within a few blocks OF where he was found
tonight He has been engaged in buying
and selling live stock. and is reputed TO
be tolerabiy we'll of. Olsen carried great
part OF his capital around with him. and
often carelessiy showed his wad OF money
TO strangers and 10 those with whom he
was associated. He was suspicious OF
banks. and often drew out large portion
Of his account and carried II around with
him.
Olsen's habits were known 10 a number
of people, and IL Is thought that deliber-
ate attempt 10 murder and rob him was
made, From the scant evidence gathered
hy the police II appears that Olsen was
attacked from behind as he was returning
10 his room from his stables FIVE blocks
in an eaSterly direction. IL was about
dusk and his walk led him through a
thinly-settled part OF town. Vacant lots
are on both sides OF Twenty-sixth street
The surroundings are all favorable for the
commission OF such crime as that Of
which Olsen was made the victim.
Al the Central station Olsen wa search
ed A $40 bill was found in an outside vest
pocket. but in the other pockets nothing
but his PAPERS were discovered. On the
sidewalk near the body were found his KEYS
and a small piece o. silver. The body u
self was lying on the ground near the
edge o, the sidewalk The police are in
cIinef 20 believe that foo.padx knowing
that Olsen was in the habit OF returning
from his stables in the evenings after do
ing his chores. laid in ambush for him.
and determined to rob him even IL they
had 70 commit murder. rae chiSel bears
the initials M W" AMI was probably
e.olen from a blacksmith shop in the
neigh horhood Robbery wss the motive
FOR the crime. for although Olsen IL tight
tn money matters he Was not quarre lso1ne.
ard as Tar az ran Re learned from his
reighbors and associates. ala not have any
enemies in TIE city.
Il Is understood that s7Hne months ago
ne GOT into a difficulty with two farmers
n Chehalls but nothing definite Is known
20 lead 20 the theory that an enemy CO o.
stn's had tried 70 murder him. His init
mates say he frequently carried as high
a. $40 On his person although cautioned
- PUT MS money away IN a safe Mace.
About three weeks ago ne brought a car
load ~ cattle 20 the city. and within the
last fsw days sold OF re last OF them.
Cousesa uently he must Aavs had or hand
a neat sun % money.
Detectives Thompson. Sullivan and Ash
BY have beer detailed CT ire c4se. Dr.
ousvM said tonight that Olsen vas badly
hurt but that there was 4 slight Show for
rs recovery. He = ssiIl unconscious