The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-06-29
WAS 1T JAMES LUCAS
who Took His Life by Jumping OF
Steel Arch Bridge.

James Lucas, residing at 6S6 Seventh ave-
nue. north. is without doubt the man that
jumped to his death from the steel arch
bridge Sunday evening. The recent troubles
and actions of Mr. Lucas throw circum-
stantial evidences about the case. the doubt
of which could only be removed from the
minds of his wife and friends by the river
giving up some other person.
Mr. Lucas was during the last two weeks
engaecc in the saloon business, in partner
ship with Mr. Messenger, at Washington ave-
nue. south, between Fifth and Sixth avenues
me business was opened through the pecu-
mary assistance of friends. but not a
success. The firm received a proposition to
dispose OF its stock and fixtures last week
and one which Mr.. Lucas considered favora-
by. He was also anxious to withdraw from
the business. as the location not by him
considered highly reputable. He left his
home Saturday morning in the expectation of
completing the conveyance. but on arriving
at his pace of business found that his part,
ner was not willing
Mr.. Lucas returned home in the afternoon
decidedly respondent. The love between him
she tried to buoy him up 1t was then he
uttered the words that now so plainly show
that he was contemplating committing sui
eide.
Maggie" he said. eff it wasn't because
you always cheer me up. instead of dragging
me Gown, as many woman might do, I
would go and throw myself in the river"
Sunday morning another spell of despond-
ency oyercame him. and his wife requested
him TO pick up their little child and play
with it. She reminded him that this had re-
moved trouble from his mind In the past
and that it would also do it now. ssNo," he
said; nothing can bury my trouble but the
grave" She pleaded with him. however, and
appeared to cheer him up somewhat.
He remained home until late in the after
noon. leaving the house at 4:45, stating that
he was only going out for little walk and
would return in short time.
There is further evidence than this how
ever to show that Mr.. Lucas was the unfor-
tunate man. A barber in the employ of Sam
hotter ', stated last evening that he met Mr..
Lucas on the bridge about $50 The two
were wei acquainted. The barber friend
greeted him. but as he was looking down and
answered only with a hello" he did NOT
stop and talk with him. Mr. Lucas was at
the time walking towards the Island The
friend had no sooner reached the ED Of the
Drldge than he saw people rushing towards
the other side. He followed He states that
ne knew the hat floating down. and recog-
nlzed the black Fedora Lucas wore He saw
the body as it reached the surface but as
u was on one side. was unable to see the
features. An Odd Fellow friend also stated
Ias-t evening that he met Lucas on the bridse
a's 1T the same time.
Mr. Lucas lad considerable trouble to con-
tend with outside of his business transac
ton. which appears to only have been the
last straw. His vocation was that of bar
tender. but during the thirteen years of mar
ried life he had only had enough to get
along with During the last month death
removed both his father and mother-in-law
and the attending expenses of the funerals
had paced him somewhat in debt This was
something that he could not bear II was a
pride with him to be financially indeDendent
as dreaced being branded as dead beat"
he often said to his wife that he could NOT
look his creditors in the face. and that thew
now would point their fingers at hin, ~
scorn. i :"