The morning times., 1897-02-23
SHOT HIMSELF IN THE HEAD
1t Is BELIEVED John Scott Tried
to Commit Suicide.
HIS CONDITION, Is SERIOUS
Business Troubles Said to Have
Caused the Act-The Shooting
Denied by His Family He Was
for Many Years Well-knoyn
Hotel Proprietor.

John T. Scott, the wellknown hotel pro-
prietor, and for many wears a prominent
business man of Washington, lies at his
home, No. 943 o street northwest, in
serious condition, suffering from pistol
wound in the head, inflicted by his own
hand, 1T is alleged, with suicidal intent.
All the members of he man. family refuse
10 nave anything whatever to say regard
Ing the matter. Friends OF Mr.. Scott
admit the fact OF the shooting, but assert
that the bullet was fired accidentally.
The shooting took place about ) q clock
Sunday afternoon, ana it is not yet GER
tain whether the would-be suicide win
survive, Mr.. Scott was alone in his room
on the second floor OF his home and sew
eral members of the family were about
on the floor below. The report OF pistol
was heard, coming from the room occu-
pied by Mr.. Scott, and his son, upon rush
ing upstairs, found his father stretched
upon the bed with the smoking weapon in
his hand The remainder OF the family
were at once summoned to the bedside and
Dir. Connor, of No 324 Thirteenth street,
the family physician, was sent for.
An examination of Mr.. Scott S injuries
showed that he had evidently aimed the
pistol ut his right temple ,but the ball had
gone aniss and entered the skull about
an inch above the right ear
MIR. Scott was in a Senl-conscious con-
dition and blood was streaming from the
wound. Everything possible was done
for the man and yesterday morning Dr.
j. Ford Thompson was called into consul
tation. 1t was decided to perform u
trephning operation. Owing to the fact
that the family desired to keep the matter
quiet, the operation was done al his home.
When Times reporter called at Mr..
SCOTS house last night it was stated that
Mr.. Scott was indisposed, and had, in fact,
not been feeling well for some time, but
the statement that he had shot himself was
| denied, and surprise was expressed that
such rumor was current. Any further
| information was refused
Recent heavy financial losses, 1t is be
lieved, led to despondAncy, and caused Mr..
Scott to seek To end his life
Mg Scott has been engaged in the hotel
business in Washington for a number OF
| years, and at one time was the proprietor
| Of the American House, at Seventh street
and Pennsylvania avenue. Afterward he
Howard House, in which hostelry it is
said he now has an interest. though the
hotel is at present under the management
| OF Mr.. John G. Maynard, a nephew OF
Mr.. Scott. Some time later he entered
into a partnership with Crosby and Burton
| in the manae cement of the National Hotel.
| In this venture, 1t is said, Mr. Scott was
unsuccessful and ost considerable money so
that the firm was forced TO make an as
signment last fall. Shortly after, Mr. f.
| o. staples assumed the management OF
| the house, and since that time MIR. Scott
| has not been actively engaged in busi-
| ness
The fact of his financial embarrassment
| has, of late, it is said, proved upon his
mind and caused hin TO attempt suicide.
| Late last night it was learned that his
| condition was serious.