The Bryan daily eagle. (Bryan, Tex.) 1895-1898, 1898-03-09

fadueah. Ky. few mornings ago. The
Immediate cause OF his death was a
badly crushed ankle, superinduced by
lie OF debauchery seldom II ever be-
lore equaled. and further aggravated
oy the fact that be absolutely refused
proper surgical or medical treatment
james Berry arrived in Paducah short
~ before New Years day lie gained
great noioriety by his layish scattering
OF money TO the deckhands on the boat
when he arrived at the wharf. The
people OF the city had heard Of the
millionaire tramp" AaA Nhen Af
registered AZ The hotel many curious
aye. EAiehed 10 see what new freak Of
generosity or rncklessneas he would
display. The man carefully avoided
such people. He commenced drinking
heavily. and only those Of the poorer
class with whom he came in contact re-
ceived the benefit Of his pronigaey. He
was supplied with huge roll OF money;
handsome diamonds adorned his shirt
front and hands He threw money over
bars OF the various saloons In town
with an fxtravaganee which astounded
the benehciaries. Everybody within
call was welcome 10 step up 10 the bar
and drink with him. During his first
night there he went out on the street
and rounded up passers-by as cowboys
round up cattle on the prairie. These
he drove into the nearest saloon. and
throwing a handful OF money on the
bar insisted all should stay and drink
II up"
The next morning he discovered
number OF tramps near the city. lie
brought them all into town, where be
led them with n champagne dinner.
Then he drove them out again TO con-
tinue their wanderings. but not until
he had supplied each with a substantial
sum OF money. His career Of dissipa-
tion was cut short on the following day.
Early on the morning Of Dec 81 be was
found lying on the frozen ground along
side small bridge His left leg. near
the ankle. was terribly crushed and he
was almost frozen. lie was taken 20
the hospital, but he refused 10 allow the
surgeons 10 remove his clothing 10
properly diagnose his injuries. With
his trousers rolled up TO the knee he
submitted to a palnful operation. re-
fusing any other opiate than copious
draughts Of whisky. He had a revolver
In his pocket and threatened 10 kin
anyone who should attempt to remove
bis clothing None dared 10 oppose
him until two OF his friends-w William
Laichinger OF Centralla and l.. !. Frantz
Of Onarga. lll.-came TO see him.
LAichinger persuaded him to undress.
and those who expected 10 fnd untold
wealth In his pockets-Yest dlsappoint-
ed. lie bad less man $500 with him.
The manner In which Berry received
his Injuries has never been learned The
police hint at foul play and have been
working along on that line TO discover
~ possible who his assallants were.
Berry would not talk Of his wander
ings on that night. and little Roadway
could be made by the police.
A few days before his death Berry
became impressed with the idea that he
was soon 10 die. lie ceased his almost
continual calls for whisky. a serious
ness oyercame him. which seemed TO
change his entire nature. lie became
repentant. He sent for two ministers
Of the gospel and told them he had not
long to live. lie asked them TO pray for
him. which they did. lie was conscious
when he died. and spoke quietly to Mr.
Frantz. who was the only friend OF the
many who professed great friendship
for him to be at his bedside when the
summons came.
Telegraph messages were received
from Mount Vernon. H.. from Berry
widow. who asked that his effects be
held. saying she would arrive at the
earliest possible moment to take pos
session Of them and the body. Dis
patches were also received from attor-
neys representing the widow TO the Of
feet that they. too. would come on TO
render her any legal assistance requlr-
ed.
From all accounts the life o. this
strange man. his pronigacy and ex-
travagance. Is almost without COMPARE
son. Not since the day OF Coal OIL
Johnny" has money been made the In
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