The record-union., 1897-08-26
John D. Talldnt of San Francisco a
RaVing Maniac.
At Present Confined in a Hospital at
Chicago.
Stricken With Insanity While on a
Train En- Route to Europe to
Join His FamiIy-Creates a
Panic in the Car, but Was Over
Powered by Trainmen--His Com
dition Reported Very Serious.

CHICAGO, Aug. 25.-John ID. Tallant,
the President of the Tailant Banking
Company of San Francisco, is confined
in the East Chfca go-aVenue station, a
raving maniac. Locked in a compart-
ment of one of the cars Of the overland
limited train which arrived at the
Northwestern depot at $50 o'clock this
morning, the demented banker paced to
and fro in the greatest excitement, oc-
casionally throwing himself against the
walls of the car and crying out in men
tai agony until the train slowed up,
when he was removed to a waiting
patrol wagon and taken to the station.
During his compulsory ride the bank
President was held struggling on the
floor of the wagon, the strong arms of
two police officers being required to pre-
vent him from escaping. Constantly en-
deavoring to tear himself loose from the
grasp of the officers, ne 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 were Being made to
advertise him as a notorious criminal.
On Saturday evening the California
banker left San Francisco for a vaca-
ton in Europe. He was to meet his
wife in Paris, and the two expected TO
spend the autumn months in a tour of
the continent.
On Sunday morning, after the train
had progressed far on it's journey across
the mountains, Tallant began to act
queerly. He would stare blankly into
space for hours at a time, refusing his
meals when they were offered to him.
Occasionally he would twitch nervously
and start In his seat.
His fellow passengers We're alarmed
by his peculiar actions, and notified the
close watch on the man, but it was not
expected that he would become dan
gerous.
This state of affairs continued for
three days When questioned as to his
health, Tallant would vouchsafe a curt
reply to the effect that he felt we'll He
was very taciturn in his manner, occa-
sionally bordering on incivility, when
some service was offered him.
Yesterday, soon after the train pulled
out of Council Bluffs, Iowa, the passen-
gers in the coach where Tallant was
seated were alarmed by the fact that
he was muttering loudly.
Suddenly he drew $40 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 passengers.
Tallant pulled a revolver and -four
ished it when he was approached by the
train hands. Waving his weapon, the
man started ruI.ping down the aisle OF
the car. Suddenly he drew his watch
from his pocket and threw it at the per-
sons who were crowding each other 70
gain exit through the coach door
The few still in the car expected mo-
mentarily that the maniac would pull
the trigger of the pistol, which was
leveled in their direction. However, he
did not fire his revolver. He would
stoop and pick up his watch and throw
it again and again against the now
closed door which kept him from fol-
lowing the men and women whom he
had chased from the car.
Suddenly, while he was bending to
again pick up his timepiece, his arms
We're seized from behind and he was
thrown struggling to the floor. Con-
ductor F. II. 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 brake
man and two passengers, and the four
succeeded in disarming the unfortunate
man and combining him in an apart
ment.
The trainmen searched Tallant and
found on his person two razors and
1888 in coin. Five $50 gold pieces which
he had cast at the passengers were also
recovered.
Mr.. Tanant is about 45 years old, and
impresses one as being a vigorous. pros
porous man of business. After the
strain of experience through which he
had just passed, he is physically ex-
hausted. Deep, dark rings are about
his eyes. and his face wears a blank,
tired expression. When he has recov-
cred sufficiently to warrant his removal
he viii be taken to the Detention Hos
pital until he RECEIVERS or his friends
advise the authorities. The impression
is that Mr. Tallants attack is only
temporary, and is probably the outcome
of too close application to business.
Tallant's condition grew worse as the
day progressed. He became very vio-
lent, and a constant watch had to be
kept to prevent him from harming him
self. Arrangements have been COM
pleted for his removal to the Detention
Hospital. It is probable the bankers of
this city will have him placed in pri-
vate asylum.
DR.. Frank S. Churchill of $50 Division
street called at the station for a hur-
ried examination of the prisoner He
announced he had been sent by a bank
err, but did not give the name
GRIEF OVER A DEAD SON.
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 2j.-The
officials of the Tallant Banking Com
pany, when shown the Associated Press
dispatch telling of the sad condition Of
J. d. Tallant. said that they had al
ready been informed by friends in Chi
cago. and had telegraphed instructions
that Mr. Tallant be properly taken care
Of. A representative of Mr. Tallant
left this city tonight to take charge Of
the unfortunate banker. and look after
his interests Mr.. Tallant was on his
way to Europe to join his wife at
Dresden. where she now is with her
two children.
About six months ago Mr.. Tallant lost