Evening journal., 1898-07-08
GENII TORTURED HIM.
Demons Caused Harry Bridge
man to Attempt Suicide.
BROKEN GLASS WAS HIS WEAPON

BROKEN GLASS WAS HIS WEAPON
BATTLE BETWEEN THE
MANIAC AND CAPTAIN OF PO-
LICE ElANE-HAD TO BE KNOCK
ED SENSELEss WITH A CHAIR.
HE MAY DIE.
The dreaded hallucination that genii
and invisible spirits were eling out
his life caused Harry Bridgeman, a car
penter, % years old, living at Jere-
miah Sullvan's, No. 403 Lancaster ave
nue., to attempt suicide this morning
in cell at the City Hail. Bridgeman
last evening, while in a despondent
mood, or an insane fit, from which he
suffered, clambered up to the roof OF
the burned stable of G. B. Dougherty,
at Front and Orange streets. When he
reached the gables he took up a posi-
tion thereon, and, picking up bricks
which lay scattered there threw them
at what he supposed were the demons
which pursued him. They were tortur-
ing him, ne said, and as he threw the
bricks to the street he clapped his
hands in glee, crying that the spirits
had all returned to Hades. And dur
ing the bombardment of bricks Bridge
man nearly precipitated himself to the
street.
The strange sight of a man on the
roof hurting bricks at invisible objects
created a great deal OF merriment TO
the passersby, who stopped to see
where the enemy was. The rain Of
the missiles was terrific at times, and
more than one person scampered out
Of harms way. The collected crowd
attracted the attention of Special Off,
Ger Frank Kane, and he ascended a
ladder and brought the mad man tc
the ground. The patrol wagon was sent
for, and Bridgeman was taken to the
City Hall and locked in a cell.
HIS FIGHT FOR DEATH.
The cell in which Bridgeman wa.
confined is the last one to the right o
the corridor. With him were severa
other prisoners. In the wall in the cor
ridor is a half window, which let's IL
the light fom the alley, separating tn
hall from James 4. Mullins. 1t is
small aperture, but sufficient to furnisi
light for its inmates. The sash of tn
window was opened and rested agains
the iron door of Bridgeman's cell. Jus
previous to the session Of the Cit
Court, when the prisoners we're abou
to be called up for trial, a smash {
window pane was heard. 1t cam
from the cell occupied by BridgemaI
Captain Of Police Kane, who was stand
ing near the steps leading to the couI
room, with Turnkey Curzzo, rushed {
the cell and saw Bridgeman standin
with his head back, stabbing his throa
with a piece OF glass, which he brOk
from the pane. Captain Kane quick
opened the door and pounced upon IL
would-be suicide. Bridgeman, who Is
u big fellow and very strong, rushed
the captain and a terrific fight toe
place. Captain Kane, who is a powe
. ful man, grappled with Bridegma
who displayed the strength of an Il
furiated beast. Both men fought har
and the captain struck Bridgeman
g terrific blow on the head, but this on
. enraged him more. Again did he ruI
" at the captain, face covered with bloc
which rushed out of the ugly ga
II which he made in his throat. CAPITA
- Kane, covered with blood, renewed c
. fight and knocked the mad man dow
He rushed out Of the cell and return
with a chair. BY this time Bridgem
was on his feet again, dashed at I
captain, who stepped aside, and stru
e him on the head, knocking the suici
X down and out. Handouts were tn
brought and placed on him. The I
~ troll wagon was summoned and he "
no taken to the Delaware Hospital. 7
,n patrol wagon made quick time, but 81
&c eral bystanders saw fit to pass cri
or cism on taking the man over the rou
10 stones on Market street. Captain Ka
e. said that Market street is the only
M way to convey prisoner hospital
tients, as the railway tracks afford e;
Of transportation. 1t was just three m
be utes after Bridgeman was put in
.at patrol wagon when he was lying OF
,ea cot in the hospital. Drs. Draper, Jost
- Wales and Williamson attended h
ds His condition is critical.
ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT SUICIl
Benjamin Hopkins, who was held
n