The age-herald., 1898-08-17
CORBETT'S FATHER
 KILLS HIS WIFE
Then Turned the Pistol Upon
 Himself and Shielded.
WAS TEMPORARILY INSANE
At the Time of Her Murder Mrs. Cor bett Was Lying Asleep in Bed Jims Fight May Be
 Postponed.

San Francisco, Aug. 16.-Patrick J. Cor bett, father of James J. Corbett, the pu- gilist, shot and killed his wife at an early hour this morning. He then turned the revolver upon himself and committed sui eide. The apotheosis suggested by the family and the intimate acquaintances and friends of the household is that MT. Corbett bett was laboring under the effects of tenn porary insanity.
 The terrible tragedy occurred at the Cor bett home, 520 Hayes street, over the liv- cry stable owned by the older Corbett. As near as the time can be fixed the shots rang out at 4:50 o'clock a. m., Mrs. Corbett being killed as she was lying asleep in her bed. So far can be ascertained, there was not the slightest reason why the hus- band should have sought to wreak such aw- full vengeance upon his wife, as for nearly half a century the couple have lived hap oily and in perfect contentment together. Indeed, during last evening they had chat ted pleasantly together about their fireside with two of their daughters at an early hour had retired without the slightest indication having been given of what was to follow within the next few hours
 MT. and Mrs. Corbett resided with their two unmarried daughters, Catharina and Esther, and a married daughter, Mrs. Charles A. King, with her husband.
 When MT. Corbett purchased the pistol no one seems to know apparently, as he was never known to keep weapon in the house before. He had purchased this one with an object. Whether during his tenn porary spells of insanity he had contem- plated the deed no one can tell.
 There is little doubte but that MT. Cor bett as temporarily insane when he commit ted his horrible deed and inherited the ma mia from his ancestors. His sister, Marga- ret Griffin, is now an inmate of the Napa insane asylum, having been confined there six years. Like her brother, her insanity was periodical.
 Both the old people were natives of Ire- land Mr. Corbett being 66 years of age and his wife years younger
 The funeral ceremonies will not be de- layed until Jim arrives from the east, but the bodies will be placed in vaults.
 New York Aug. 16-James J. Corbett was much shocked when he learned of the death of his parents At first he refused to believe 1t, but when the news was con- firmed, he broke down and wept ike child. His trainers, McVey and White, tried to console him, but to no purpose.
 Corbett said that his father must have become insane or he would not have com mitted such A terrible .deed.-@He could not account for it in any other way. Both his father and mother. he said, took a deep interest in his affairs and keenly felt his defeat by Fitzsimmons at Carson City. They both wanted him to retire from the ring after that.
 Corbett said that until he had received more definite information from California he could not say what his future plans would be. . f
 Corbett said further that his parents were each about 53 years of age and that the family relations were always pleasant. He received letters on Saturday informing him that his fathers mind had become un- balanced and he therefore thinks that while suffering mentally his father committed the double crime. Corbett said he had tele- graphed to San Francisco and that he would leave for the coast this evening If the bodies are held until he can arrive. He says he will send his brother Joseph home any way. At present he could not say what will be done about his fight with Mccoy. He declared that if 1t was neces- sary he would forfeit the $2,500 he had up. He would not fight again he declared had it not been for the fact that he was the chief support of the family He says that what he makes hereafter will go to help support his brothers and sisters, just as he gave funds heretofore. He therefore says that it might be necessary for him to fight Mccoy in order to obtain money to support the family.
 He will stop training for the present, and his fight with Mccoy at Buffalo Sep tember 16 may be postponed.