The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-08
HIT WITH a BEER GLASS
BAKNEEPER WILLIAM THOMAS AS
SIsTs HIS EMPLOYERS SON.
Bloody Fight I'm n Fountain-Square
SalOOn-Tony Zieverinl< the IN
jured Man.

In a fight in Chris Roepke's saloon, at
No. 1868 Virginia avenue, yesterday evening
shortly before o'clock, Tony Zieverink
whose home is at No. 945 West Nineteenth
street, Chicago, but who is well known
here. was struck on the back of the head
with a beer mug hurled by William
Thomas, the bartender. Two deep gashes
were cut, severing one large artery and
causing a great loss of blood. 1t was at
first believed the wounds would result ia
tally, though later it was said at the hos
pital that the man would recover.
Zieyerink has been a frequent visitor at
the saloon, which is located at the Foun-
tain square. and it is claimed has not been
a very desirable customer. He has been in
Chicago for some time and returned yes
terday with a pocketful of money, part of
which he spent at the saloon in the morn
ing. How he passed the day is not known,
but about half-past o'clock he returned
to the saloon in an intoxicated condition,
and after informing Chris Roepke jr.,
who helps his father in the place. that he
had no money, asked credit for a glass of
beer The beer was handed him with the
statement that it was ION the house and
would cost him (Zieverink) nothing. After
drinking the beverage Zieverink asked for
a package which he had left at the saloon
in the morning. Young Roepke threw the
bundle on the bar rather abruptly. The
act angered Zieverink and he proceeded to
abuse the boy, who he said had thrown the
bundle at him. Words followed and lie
verink threatened trouble more serious, it
Is said. II has been rule with Roepke to
keep an orderly place and to keep disor-
derby people out of doors. Seeing that
frofr Ia - ID
stepped from behind the bar to quiet the
man, or, If this was impossible, to put him
out. Some witnesses say that after a little
parley Roepke knocked zieverink down
with his fist, and that when the latter rose
he picked up a chair, with which he at
tempted to strike Roepke. Thomas, the
bartender, seeing the intention of the in
toxicated man, picked up stein and
hurled it, Striking Zeverink on the back of
the head and again flooring him. The
blood spurted from the wound and he Was
helped out of doors and his bundle and hat
were laid beside him. Naturally a crowd
gathered about the injured man and he
was started toward a Doctors office when
Detective Asche happened by on a car and.
seeing the crowd, stopped to investigate.
He Immediately called the ambulance and
Zieverink was removed to the Dispensary
where DR.. Martin attended him.
THOMAS DISAPPEARED.
The detective went at once to the saloon
where the fight occurred but Thomas had
left, it being said that his days work was
done and that he had gone home. The peo-
pie at the saloon did not know where he
lived, though he had been employed there
for over two months. A directory gave his
address at Wabash street, and there it was
learned he had moved to 1927 Columbia ave-
nue., where the detective found his wife
waiting for him. Thomas was then two
hours late in getting home, and it is sup
posed had learned how seriously Zieverink
was injured and left the city. Bicycle Pa
trolmen Schroeder and Hauser with Patrol
men Smith and Scott, had by this time ar
rived at Roepke's place and placed young
Roepke under arrest for assault and bat
terry, and c. C. Wolverton, who is supposed
to know something about the affair, for be-
ing drunk. Roepke was at once released on
bond given by his father.
AT the dispensary Zievernk's condition
was believed to be serious, and the efforts
to properly dress the wounds were not sue
cessful. A fracture was discovered in the
large artery was severed, causing a great
loss of blood, which weakened the man and
made him unable to stand the pain which
accompanied the tying up of the end Of the
arteries. They were caught and the instru-
ments arranged so as to stop the flow of
blood, and the man was removed to the City
Hospital where it is said the fracture is
but slight and that Zieverink will recover
unless the unexpected happens. The fact
that Zieverink was intoxicated, it is thought,
helped him to stand the loss of blood and
weakness which followed. On the operating
table he cursed the physicians who were try
ing to help him and everything in general.
Though his home is in Chicago he has spent
much of his time in this city, where he has
been employed as an upholSterer.