The herald., 1898-08-24
BLACKBURN LOCATED
HE WAS SEENIN SAN FRANCISCO
LAST SUNDAY
The Police Commission Takes Prompt
Action in His Case-Ofhcial
Investigation Ordered


Police Officer ]. W. Blackburn has left
Los Angeles permanently. as was told ex-
clusively in The Herald yesterday, and
has deserted his wife and three children,
who are left practically destitute. 1t is be-
heved that the missing policeman is now
In San Francisco, as he was seen in that
city last Sunday. Whether he will remain
there cannot be determined. 1t will proba-
bly, rest with Mrs. Annie Watts the dark
lnamorata Of his soul, and 1t Is very prob
able that on her course will depend the
mans life. He had been very gloomy for
some weeks previous to his departure and
had talked of taking his life. II the woman
for whom he has sacrificed all-honor,
home and position-deserts him he may put
an end to his existence
The publication of Blackburns depar-
ture caused considerable surprise IN some
quarters, but the majority OF his fellow
officers were not astonished. All expressed
sympathy with the deserted family. but
no one has any kind words for the erring
man beyond the statement that he was q
good officer. and this Recommendation
/
Glass himself. The first positive inrorma-
ton regarding Blackburn's whereabouts
was gained yesterday from Deputy Sheriff
Mcclure. This officer stated that he had
seen Blackburn in San Francisco on Sun
day, but as Mcclure went to the beach
early in the afternoon he could not be
ques toned regarding any conversation he
might have had with the missing police
officer Chief Glass also returned yester-
day from San Francisco, but the chief did
ret see Blackburn during his sojourn in
that city. He said last evening that had
he encountered Blackburn he certainly
would have demanded of him to explain his
mission there and his purposes in leaving
Los Angeles.
Blackburn took but few people into his
confidence, although large majority of the
force were acquainted with his relations
learned, however, that he had been con-
templating leaving the city for several
weeks past. The desire to 90 away was
caused by his wife appearing at the po-
lice station about three weeks ago and
complaining to Chief Glass chat her hus-
band was neglecting her. never coming
home, failing to provide and, moreover.
consorting with a negress When he
learned Of this visit Blackburn became
furious and upbraided his wife with having
deliberately made public their troubles.
This she denied. From the moment Black
burn learned that his secret was known TO
the chief and other persons he began to
worry for fear he might be brought before
the police commission and his shameful
life made public. He threatened to leave
the city Immediately, but was prevailed
upon to remain and try and settle the af-
fair with his wife. The negress evidently
had too strong hold on him, for he would
not break Off his relations with her, and
Instead Of trying to mollify his wife, he
simply widened the breach between her and
himself. Blackburn threatened to kill him
self, but he also decided to postpone this
course until he might reach a better un.
Outstanding at home. Matters probably
became worse for him. and he determined
to strike out and leave the whole bust
ness. He went away several hundred dol
lars in debt to hds grocer, besides with mum.
erous other accounts unpaid.
Mrs. Blackburn could not be interviewed
last evening, as she-was prostrated by the
disgrace brought on her by her husband
nor could any positive trace OF the coloret
woman be secured. 1t Is not thought she
has as yet left the city. II she joins Black.
burn he will probably try and Eve out hi
miserable life, bun If she deserts him he
may carry his threat OF suicide into execu.
tion. The police commission took positive
action regarding his case yesterday. The
Hera1d's account of his departure WAS rea
and resolutions adopted instructing Chic
Glass to investigate the disappearance o.
Blackburn. This win be done and wher
the facts have been further corroboratet
Blackburn's position will be declared
vacant and another man appointed IN hi.
place.