Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1897-06-07
FROri WARRINGTON.
Correspondence OF the Alexandra Gazette.
WASHINGTON, June Z.

WASHINGTON, June I.
The throng of government clerks and
others hurrylng up Pennsylvania ave-
nue. near /! street about ten minutes 10
9 o'clock this morning were startled by
the attempted murder of Miss Dorothy
l.. Squires and the suicide Of Charles
Barber, d patent attorney, who had
gained much notoriety of late by his
eccentric actions Barber shot Miss
Squires and then turning the revolver
on himself put pistol ball through his
brain, causing almost instantaneous
death. The shooting took place on the
sidewalk near the corner of AZ and &.
streets. Barber had considerable OF a
patent practice, but had been growing
more and more eccentric for several
years, and of late many of his friends
thought him mentally unbalanced.
Miss Squires formerly worked for him
as atenographer and upon leaving his
employ he annoyed her with his atten-
tons, threatening to injure her if she
would not permit him TO call. Finally
the matter became SO serious that she
had to appeal to the courts Tor
protection and ne was placed
under bonds to keep the peace
He seems not to have desisted, how
ever, for since then the girl had re-
ceived several threatening letters from
him, in the last of which he announced
that he would do something which they
both would regret. Barber also came
before the Washington public in anoih
er but similar role few days ago, being
brought into the police court for an 81
sault case with some sensational fec
lures, arising out of a struggle for a fine
dog be possessed. He came TO Wash
ington from Plattsburg, \. y, and was
associated in few cases with the la,e
Benjamin Butler, OF Massachusetts, the
one time presidential candidate. Miss
Squires Was shot in the back OF the head
but at the Emergency Hospital, with
er she was taken, it is said that the
wound probably will not result seri
ously. The tragedy occurred at the
intersection of an alley with Four-an1-
a.half street just above Pennsylvania
avenue. Miss Squires was on her way
to the office where she is employed as
SL6uOPTdpueI dHu ISPOWiitC'. '@HS
turned down Four-and-a-half street
and when near the alley met Barber
who apparently was waiting for her.
She attempted to pass him but he ac-
costed her and they stood for few mo
ments in conversation. His manner
was so excited as TO attract the atten-
ton of passer5by and in few minutes
the young woman turned away and
hurried towards car. She apparent
ly was frightened for she increased her
speed as she crossed the alley. Barber
took few steps after her and then halt
ing drew revolver and fired twice al
ihe girl. She screamed and pitched
forward to the pavement. A sec
oud later another shot rang out and
Barber dropped with the smoking
We apon grasped in his hand. Beiev
ing his victim dead the man bad sent
bullet crashing through his brain,
dying almost Instantly. The street
was crowded with government clerks
and other persons on their way to bus.
mess and soon an immense crowd gath
cred. Miss Squires was helped 10 u
physicians Office nearby where her ia
juries were examined and dressed. Ii
was found thai one bullet had eu.ered
the back Of her neck inllicting d palu
full but not serious would, while the
second shot had struck her hand,
merely breaking the skin. An ambu-
lance WAS summoned and she was sent
to the Emergency Hospital. 3 trber's
persistent attentions to the young We
man have caused several scenes. A
few weeks ago her brother at.
tackled him on the street and acmin
istered sound thrashing. This,
however, seemed to have no more ef-
feet upon him than letters sent
aim by Miss Squires appealing
TO be left alone. In her final re-
sort to the courts to have the perse
cutioD ceased she filed q petition ask
ny for an injunction restraining Barber
from annoying her further, recitiug
hat his attentions were q great annoy
,nce, that he refused to heed her APP
peals to be let alone, and that he
threatened to ruin her character unless
she allowed him to see her. Last week
Barber went to New York and from
Baltimore mailed her letter in which
he threatened her life. In the commu
nication he also said that ne Intended
to commit suicide. She turned the
letter over to her attorney, but it is
understood that no further steps were
taken in the matter.
The effect of the recent ruling of the
Postoffice Department to consider as
vacant all Officaa which ara dine RI ay
pire between now and July Is was ap.
parent to-day when 1873 fourth-class
postmasters were appointed. This is
the record for one day in this admins
tration. Seventy-two of the vacancies
were created by removals. The follow
ing Virginia fourth. class postmasters
were appointed to-day: Basic City,
w. S. Hunter; Brucetown, w. w.
Gleisner; Elliston, r. N. Bennett;
Glenfall, ]. w. Harvey; Lewiston, S.
A. Orr; New Market, G. w. Wicks.
Congressman Hay and Mr.. Brown
ing, one of the officers of the House,
who attended the Confederate memo
rial ceremonies at Winchester last Sa.-
urday, have returned. They say that
among the large crowd presen: they saw
Mr.. Alexander, who says his chances
for the nomination for Attorney Gener-
al of Virginia are very promising. 1t
is said among Virginians here that Mr..
Alexander's pronounced opposition to
Gov. O'Ferrall will help his chances
greatly in the convention.
Senator Quay gave notice TODAY of
an amendment to the tariff hill r,royid