Evening journal., 1898-05-27
PEOPLE WITH WHEELS"
A Source Of Great Annoyance 70
Prominent Men.
The visits Of the CraniSs Are Kept
from the Newspapers TO Pre-
vent Further VisitatiOns.
-Ridicuious Cases.

A well-dressed woman of imposing
stature and impressive dignity entered
the anteroom of the Office of one of
the most noted men in New York a few
days ago, and demanded that the at
tendant take her card to his chief with
out delay. The card was passed on TO
the private secretary, and, as it bore an
unfamiliar name, he stepped into the
anteroom to see who the caller might
be. Il do not wish to see you," she eX-
claimed, "let me see DIR. --- at once.
This company has possession of 40
trains OF cars that belong to me, and 1
want them. You have had them for 81
years, and that is long enough"
"Wheels!" muttered the private sec
retary. Then aloud he said: Certain
ly, madam, you are entitled TO your
property. The president would be glad
to talk the matter over with you, but
he has an engagement in the western
part of the state to-day, and will not re-
turn here foN some time. Perhaps It
would be better foo You to put your
claim in writing"
every WELL" replied the woman,
calmly. "But could you not personally
give me one or two trains for my imme-
date use?"
at would afford me pleasure to do so,
madam" replied the secretary, "but l
have no authority. The president alone
can act in such matters"
THAT is unfortunate, for really need
a train to-day" said the woman, in a
tone of regret. However, will write
q letter 20 DIR. -. Please see that my
property is well cared for"
The womnn made her exit with grace
full dignity, and left the private secre-
tary and attendants wondering who she
was. Her manner was that of person
Of good social station, and aside from
her extraordinary demand she did not
appear irrational.
"She is the fourth crank that has been
in here this month" said the private
secretary "Somc of the newspapers
published an account of the first vis-
| itation Just after New Years, and since
then the freaks have been coming along
every few days. IL is a singular fact
/ that whenever n story is published
about a crank calling on noted man.
/ that man is sure to be besiegod by
cranks for several days attcrward
/ Such invariably is the case with DIR
. We try to keep all mention OF
these crank visltations out Of the news
papers. but once I'm awhile a story gets
into print, and then we have wheels
| by the dozen-both callers and letters
It seems to inc that all the crazy people
who are at large read the newspapers
] When they learn that ono OF their kline
has been calling on any particular per
son. they all become seized with burn
ing desire to do likewise. Ofcoursc, no
one Of them gets into DIR. --'s room
but those OF us who guard tho up
/ proach have to be on the alert constant
! ly. Twenty cranls, with ridiculous er
rands. have been turned away from her
i'm one months time. Nineteen OF then
/ were tho natural result OF the pubica
ton Of story about the first visit
I While most Of these mentally unbal
anced visitors are harmless. occasional
I ~ one comes along with a homiclda
mania. After a big railway accident, 10
instance. n self-appointed avenger Il
certain to turn up with an inspired mis-
sion 20 remove the president of the roaC
from the earth."-N. Y. Times.