The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-08-29
-FOUR AGAINST ONE
REPELLANT INCIDENT YESTER-
DAY AT SANTA MONICA
Eckert q Hopf's Resort the Scene Of a
Disgraceful Assault on Visitor.
Details Of the Affair

The hundreds who passed the entrance to
Eckert & Hopfs saloon at Santa Monica
on Sunday afternoon witnessed a scene
that made the blood of many person boil
| with indignation, as well as causing the
deepest regret on the part Of the better
class Of the residents of the seaside city.
About o'clock the attention of passers was
| arrested by the sight ot,a man being as
saulted and beaten by four persons, and
the attacking parties were none other titan
one of the propretors, Mr.. Hopf, his son,
Victor. and two barkeepers employed IN
the saloon.
From interviews had with a number of
respectable citizens, the following appear to
be the facts in the case: A Mr.. seekatz, a
resident of Los Angeles, was in the saloon
portion OF the establishment Of Eckert g.
Hopf's, playing a nickel-in-the-slot ma
chine. After playing for some time, the
machine failed to pay the amount the color
called for. A dispute arose Between See
KATE and the elder Hopf over the amount,
and. after much talk, Seekatz was told to
go, which he did. AS he was leaving the
place some further words were used, when
Seekatz remarked that he would get his
money, at the same time using language
that young Hopf resented. Young Hopf,
followed by his father and the two bar
keepers. made for Seekatz. Young Hopf
hit Seekatz in the face, knocking him down
Seekatz gained his feet, but was again
knocked down by one of the barkeepers.
Seekatz, attempting to get to his feet again.
was knocked down the third time by the
elder Hopf, and as he fell the four persons
mentioned beat him and kicked him. A
policeman. who, 1t is said, witnessed por-
ton Of the row, did nothing but say:
do not hit him!"
Seekatz. after lying on the walk for
moment, was raised to his feet and taken
short distance from the place. Shortly
afterward Marshal Baretto took him to jail
where Seekatz' friends sought to take him
away. but, although no warrant for his ar
rest had been issued, he not being arrested
by the policeman who was present at
portion of the row, the marshal refused to
release him until he telephoned to Hopf to
know If he would swear to a complaint
charging Seekatz with something"
The marshal, getting an answer from
Hopf that he would not sign any complaint
charge, and later he came home.
Mr.. Hopf, on being asked for statement,
refused to say anything, and on being re-
quested to give his side of the story, told
the Herald reporter to 90 to -, as he
would not give The Herald or any other
paper any statement A little later Hopf
was heard to tell the marshal that Seekatz
was drunk and he had dispute with him
ever what the slot machine should pay. He
said that Seekatz got more money than he
was entitled to. and, not being able to make
him see it, he ordered him out, and In front
of his place Seekatz used word which he
and all his help resented. He said that no
words were used by Seekatz In his house,
but that all took place outside. Some of the
people at the place were seen. and all their
statements varied greatly and seemed to be
favored with only a view to protect the
Responsibility" Of the house.
Those interviewed not connected with
the Eckert & Hopf establishment are bitter
in their denunciation Of the action of the
asssilants of Seekatz. 1t is likely Mr. See
KATE will bring charges against all who at
tackled him. and many of Santa Monicas
citizens who heard of the assault are hope
full that yesterdays disgracefu scene will
be Investigated. and that the investigation
will result In the closing up of the place, or
that it will be so conducted that repetition
Of yesterdays scene will never occur