The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-06-03
SPEAKER REED'SDANGER
ms LIFE THEEArED Bf WRfrEE
or ANONYMOUs LLITERs.
Detcetiyrs Searching for the Mysterious
Writer.-Keed Treats the Mats
ter Lightly.

WASHINGTON. -. c.. June DE
tectiyes are searching for clews which
may lead to the capture of u per
son who sent through the mails letter
threatening the life Of the Speaker OF
the House of Representatives The epis-
tie contained certain emphatic demands
and was Illustrated with numerous grue-
some designs. The authorities are unde-
cided as 10 whether IL is the work OF
Il sensation mOnser or dangerous crank.
and every precaution has been taken TO
protect the Speaker, though somewhat
against his desires, as bee is disposed 10
make light of the threatening missive.
The police are inclined TO attach no i'm
portance TO the threats.
Speaker Reed has received a great many
letters Of threatening nature, but the
last one was the worst OF all. The SIN
gle sheet Of paper upon which IT was
written was prOiusely decorated with a
coffin. skull and cross-honcs. aud other
tracings suggestive OF sudden death.
Among other things the Speaker was in
formed that II he intcriered with lesis-
latiOn he would be killed, and II certain
bills did not pass his death would follow
I'm a certain number of days-only limit
ed time being allowed him. This did not
alarm the Speaker, nor did hc pay much
attention TO il. treating it rather jocular-
IS. lie even tackled it up on his door for
his friends 10 look at
TAKE \ SERIOUS VIEW.
Others learning OF the matter took a
more serious view of the warning letter,
and. believing il 10 have been written boy
a crank. informed the detective office. In
spector HOlliubergcr detailed Detectives
Boyd and Boardman 10 investigate the
matter and ascertain If possible the name
Of the author. 4 fictitious name was at
tached 10 the letter, but the officials did
not disclose what IL was.
The detectives visited the Capitol about
tho time the Speaker was 10 leave for
his hotel. and when he walked down
PENNSYLVANIA avenue they were at re-
spectful distance behind him.
The officers did not accompany Mr..
Heed as a body guard. but hoped 10 set
some clew TO the person WHO mas neeI
writing the threatening letters 10 MN
They carefully scanned the faces OF an
oilers as they passed along inc Avenue
and took note Of all strangers about the
Capitol as we'll When MT Reed went
into the Shorcham the officers returned
20 headquarters.
They saw nothing 10 suggest that the
Smokers life is IN jeopardy. but rather
came 10 the conclusion that the letter
was written more out OF m'schieNols
nature Subsequent events OF which they
would not speak rather confirms them ln
their conclusion that the letter Is a hoax.
intended for other purposes than that or
friehtening the Speaker OF the House.
The detectives declined 20 discuss the
matter last night. further than 10 say
that they believe they have clew -
the author and his arrest may follow in A
few days.
DETECTIVES AT WORK.
Yesterday afternoon prior TO the al
vent Of Detectives Boyd and Bolrdmdn
AZ the Capitol. Detectives Carter and 4
deputy sorgeant-at-arms were seen 10 e,-
ter the office OF Hon. Amos Allen pri-
vate secretary 10 the Speaker They
were Closetcd there FOR quite "A length u
time bur nothing was disclosed as to mo
nature Of the visit OF the officers. and IN
lIeht o. what followed 10 is concluded
that Detectives Carter called in reference
90 fte letter.
Speaker Reed knew nothing Of the
presence OF detectives as be walked along
PENNSYLVANIA avenue Yesterday afternoon
and had not asked for protection. -
stated above. Doe d.i not treat the mattof
seriously. Air Reed said last night that
Doe received % number Of letters. bur W
them little Thought and remarked that
the percentage OF public men killed by
cranks did not worry him in the least