Evening journal., 1899-04-03
WEST SIDE WOMEN INSULIED
INDIGNANT AT THE ACTIONS OF
AN UNKNOWN MAN ON THE
STR lIETS.

STREETS,
Residents on the West Side. especl-
any the female sex. are at present
highly indignant at the action OF an
unknown man upon the public Sta PEE.
For some mpnihs past women sG-
ing in that vicinity who have been
compelled to be upon the streets after
dark, have been subjected to mmlts,
and indecent propositions from man
whose identity. though net ras.Gve.y
known, is strongly suspected TO lie a
weii- known resident OF the western
section. This party just made his ap-
pearance about two years ago, when
he approached a lady, who was sitting
upon her porch on Gilpin avenue, and
deliberately grasped her by the ankle
and endeavored to drag her from the
steps at the same time making inde-
cent proposals. The woman S screams
scared the intruder away however. be-
Tore he could be recognized. Similar
actions occurred at intervals. until The
past two months, when they became
more frequent. About two months
ago, as the wife OF a prominent ex-
county Official, residing Cn Shallcross
avenue, was walking up that thor
oughtare, shortly after dark. she was
guosuly insu.ted by an unknown rian.
The lady had been suffering from
rheumatism for scme time past and
vas oomrtAed to walk with a cane.
As She reached a vacant lot a short
distance from her residence. she was
accosted by man starding upcn the
lde, who by his actions and language
iOu..y insulted the woman She d,d
not lose her head, however. but raising
her walking stick. dealt the man a re-
sounding blow over the head. which
-aused him to take to his heels.
A few days later as well-lonown
mamted woman was about to ascend
the steps leading to her residence on
West Ninth street. about 10 O'Clock at
l.ght, a man stepped out of the shad-
Nv OF a nearby tree and. mounting the
adjoining steps addressed her.
The stranger wore the nroverbial
aouch hat and long overcoat. and
ave the name Of a we-l-kucwm West
s-de resident. Pardon me-" said the
Intruder Il am afraid I've frightened
you. I'm Mr.. -" "Oh NOT AZ
tA,' replied the woman addressed.
Tut / want you to leave this SPOT al
once, or I'll call my husband" This
answer seemed to scare the ruffian. for
ne at once took his departure without
any further remarks
Some two weeks ago, as a young
lng-e woman was going along
Broome street between Sixth and
Seventh streets, ahout $50 O'Clock. a
nan. evidently the same party, darted
out from the shadow Of a doorway and
grasped her around the waist. at the
same time making a vile proposition
10 her. The young woman's screams
caused the rascal to let her go. and
Thinning up the street. he escaped
The above cited instances are only
few Of many that have happened re.
Gently, and women on the West Side
are becoming afraid to leave theil
homes after dark without a male es.
oort. The reason the matter has no
been called to the attention of the DO
lice department is due 10 the fact tha
the women assaulted want to avoid tn,
notOriety Of a public trial.
The fact that the man does not pay
tioularly try 10 avoid his identity an,
gives his name, lead many to believ,
that he is either partially demented o.
Is utterly disregardless OF the ocnse
quences Of his actions If caught.
The husbands and brothers OF a mum
her Of the women who have been in
suited, are keeping a sharp look lou
for the sooundrel who, If caught, vii
be roughly handled.