Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-22
TAKES HIS OWN LIFE
Suicide of Howard NJ. De Alley, a
Saloon Keeper.
FEAR OF FINANCIAL RUIN TEE CAUSE
Brooded Over Troubles and Drank
Liquor to Excess.
THE DEED PREMEDI1'ATED

Howard NJ. De Alley. who kept a saloon
at No. SOP Sth street southwest, committed
suicide about 8 o'clock last night by shoot
ing himself through the head. The re-
port Of the pistol shot was heard about
the hour mentioned, but his body was not
found until about $50 o'clock this morning
Fear of financial ruin and over-indulgence
in liquor are the causes assigned for the
deed.
According to the statements of friends
Of the unfortunate man. he was in the
liquor business only because he had large
family and had failed of success in the
grocery business. His wife was anxious
for him to give it Up, and he had concluded
to sell out in the event of his license be-
ing renewed this year.
During recent months, it is said, De At
ley has been a steady drinker, and it was
believed by the police that he had fire.
quently violated the Sunday law, although
tey had been unable to get the evidence
against him. When the time came for
him to renew his application for a license
he did not have the funds necessary and
one of the brewing companies had to put
up the money for him. This allowed him
to continue in business until the excise
board passed upon his application. He had
heard that the police had reported against
him. which proved to be true. He realized
IL.
he would probably be refused a renewal
of his license. He discussed his business
affairs with his wife, and only a few days
ago he remarked:
IF my license is turned down I'll kill
myself"
Mrs. De Alley reasoned with him. To kill
himself, she told him, would only make
matters worse. There We're seven small
duty. The wife advised him to go in the
grocery business again or any other BUSH
ness in which she could help him.
Became Dependent.
De Alley became respondent Yesterday
he was about his home on H street, Just
around the corner from the saloon, until
about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. when he
went out for stroll. Mrs. De Alley says
he was sober VIXEN he left her. He was
later seen hanging about the door of his
saloon, and it is stated that he was also
observed to enter the place. Notice of this
violation of law was made to the police
by several men employed at the stables
near the river front. and Policemen Yer
million and Smith went to make an inves-
tigation.
There had been crowd of men on the
that De Alley had furnished them the
liquor. About 7 o'clock the officers went
in yard opposite his place and remained
on watch. 1t was but a few minutes un-
Then the policemen moved across the street
and met him as he came out the door, He
had pint bottle of whisky in his pocket
and was placed under arrest.
On the way to the station De Alley con-
versed with the officers about his license
saying his arrest WIS made for the pur-
pose of influencing the excise board against
his application. When the station was
reached a charge of violating the Sunday
law was preferred against him, and he
was tcld that he would have to leave $50
collateral for hts appearance in court.
Released ON His Promise.
IT haven't got but five or eight dollars to
my name" he said to Sergt. Daley, who
was in charge Of the station.
Then I suppose I'll have to let you go
upon your promise to appear" said the
sergeant.
Lieut.. Hollinberger entered the station
just about that time. and, as De Atley was
q business man, he directed his release
upon his pledge to appear in court this
morning.
De Alleys only conversation in the sta
ton was about his license and his poverty.
Upon the lieutenant assuring him he would
not lock him up. the accused man was ex-
tremely grateful, and when he left he start
ed in the direction Of his home. Instead OF
stopping to see his wife and children, how
ever. he went to the saloon and entered by
way OF the south door. Persons standing
on the street saw him enter, but no light
was seen afterward. and the incident was