The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-08-26
BANKER G0ESCRAZY
WHILE ENROUTE FROM SAN FRAN
CISCO TO THE EAST.


Twenty-DoIIar Gold Pieces and His
Watch, Also Fiourishing q Gun-Dis-
armed After Clearing the Coach, and
Locked Up for the Rest of the Trip.
Now In Custody In Chicago.
Chicago, Aug. 25.-John D. Tollant,
the president OF the Tollant Banking
company, OF San Francisco, is confined
IN theEast Chicago avenue station, a
Taving maniac.
Locked in a compartment OF the cars
Of theOverland limited train which ar
rived at the Northwestern depot at $50
O'Clock this morning the demented bank
er paced to and fro in the greatest ex-
walls Of the car and crying out in mental
agony. During his compulsory ride
through the north side streets the bank
president was held struggling on the
floor Of the wagon, the strong arms Of
two policemen being required ID prevent
him from escaping. Constantly endeav-
oring TO tear himself loose from the
grasp of the officers, he was carried to
a cell in the station house, where, ex-
hausted from his efforts, he lay on the
floor, mumbling incoherently about the
efforts he imagined We're being made to
advertise him as a notorious criminal.
Saturday evening the California bank
er left for a vacation in Europe. He
was to meet his wife in Paris and the
frr-l a1+a I'd
months in a tour Of the continent. On
Sunday morning, after the train had
progressed far on its journey across the
mountains, Toilant began 10 act queer
~. He would stare blankly into space
for hours at a time, refusing his meals
when offered. Occasionally he would
twitch nervously and stare at his seat.
His feiloY-passengers were alarmed by
his peculiar actions and notified the con-
ductor Of the train. 1t was decided to
keep close watch on the man, but it
was not expected that he would become
dangerous This state OF affairs con-
tinued for three days.
When questioned as to his health.
Tollant would vouchsafe short remark
that he felt well. He was very taciturn
in his manner, occasionally bordering on
incivility. Yesterday, soon after the
limited train pulled out Of Council
Biuifs, Iowa, the passengers in the
coach where Tollant was seated. were
alarmed by the fact thar ne was mutter-
ing loudly. Suddenly he drew a $50 gold
piece from his pocket and threw it with
great force at his nearest neighbor. This
was followed by a volley Of gold coin.
which was hurled at the fleeing passen-
gers. Tolant pulled revolver out Of
his pocket and flourished Il when he
was approached by the train hands.
waving his weapon the man started
running down the isle of the car.
Suddenly he drew his watch from his
pocket and threw it at the persons who
were crowding each other 10 gain exit
through the coach door. Closer he an
preached the few who were still in the
car and VINO We're expecting momentar-
lily that the maniac would pull the trjg
ger OF the pistol which was levelIed in
their direction. However. the man did
not fire his gun. He would stoop and
pick up his watch and throw il again
ana again against the now closed door.
which prevented from following the men
ana women whom he had chased from
the car. Suddenly, while he was bend
ing to again pick up his timepiece, his
arms were seized from behind and he
WAS thrown struggling to the floor. Con-
ductor K. C. Clark had silently stepped
down the aisle from the other end Of
the coach and leaped on the maniac. the
conductor was followed by a brakeman
and two passengers, and the four sue
ceeded in disarming the unfortunate
man and combining him in a compart-
ment.
Wnen in the compartment, the train
men searched him and found on his per-
son three razors and 1888 in gold pieces.
He appears TO be about 40 yearA old
and impresses one as being a vigorous.
prosperous man of business. After the
strain of the experience through which
he has passed he is physically exhaust
ed Deep. dark rings are about his ewes
and his face wears blank tired ex-
preston. When he has recovered SUI
hciently 10 warrant his removal he
VIII be taken to the detention hosDit4l
until he RECEIVERS or his friends advise
the authorities. The impression is that
Toilant's insanity is temporary and is
the outcome OF too close attention TO
business.
Tollant's condition grew worse as the
DAY progressed. He became very vio-
lent and constant watch had 10 he
kept 70 prevent him from harming HIM
sell ARRANGEMENTS are completed for
MS removal TO the hospital. DR.. Frank
5. Churchill called at the station for a
hurried examination Of she prisoner.
He announced that had been sent bv
banker but did not have the name.
San Francisco, Aug 25.-The officials
OF the Tollant Banking company. when
shown the Associated Press disnatch
telling Of the sad condition Of Mr.. ]. d.
Toilant said that they had already been
informed by friends in Chicago and had
telesraphed Instructions 10 have Mr..
Iollant properly taken care Of. \ rem
resentatve az the firm left tonight %
take charge Of the unfortunate banker
ana look after his interests. Mr.. Toll
ant was on his way IL Europe 10 ioia
MS wife at Dresden, where she is now
with her two children. About six
months ago Mr.. Tollant lost his eldest
son. boy Of about II years who died
OF diphtheria- Mr.. Tollant was 5eeDlv
attached 20 the boy and ever since he