The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-03-18
WORK OF FOOTPADS
!. H. Burns Assaulted and
Robbed Last Night.
TOOK WATCH AND MONEY
FusiIade of Bullets Follow
Without Effect.

One Of the most daring hold-ups that
ever occurred in this city took place last
hight On North Topeka avenue, between
Second and Third, nearly in front Of Col
Jocelyn's home. The victim Of the two
accomplished footpads was Mr.. J. H.
Burns, the well known member Of the
firm OF Stewart & Burns. who was relieved
Of his fine gold watch and chain and all
the cash he happened to have in his
pocket al the time, amounting TO some
thing more than s.. Mr.. Burns was Ieis-
ureIy walking to his home, at about s
O'clock, when he was quietly approached
By two men and asked if ne mad anything
70 hand over 70 which he answered in the
negative and attempted 70 continue his
Journey. Suddenly Mr.. Burns was con-
fronted with q tougher proposition than he
had anticipated. One Of the men showed
a revolver in his face and told him he
guessed he would hand over something,
and al the same time made a threatening
move with the gun. Mr.. Burns caught
the weapon and attempted 10 wrench il
from the footpad's hand but the ac-
complete joined in and got the better Of
Mr.. Burns. Then they dealt him 4 vicious
blow in the face with the revolver, knock
ing him to the ground. They proceeded to
relieve him OF his valuabIes, including the
watch and what money he had in his
pocket. Mr. Burns, after regaining his
composure, tried 10 reason with the two
men, telling them they could have the
money cheerfuliy If they would leave him
the watch. The footpads could not see It
in that light. Then telling him II he would
keep quiet they would not harm him fur
Their, they turned and walked hurriedly
away.
After this Mr.. Burns started down town
and met Attorney Ewing, to whom he told
his experience. Mr.. Ewing had a revolver
and he and Mr.. Burns followed the foot
pads. When within half a block, Nh.
Ewing opened fire or the footpads They
turned and returned the fire, and for a
moment there was an exciting battle be
tween Mr.. Ewing and the desperadoeS, in
which Ewing was said to have been equal
to a Custer in his bravery. He stood out
in the open and fired regularly until he
emptied his revolver and the thieves are
broke and ran across by the Episcopal
church and one Of the men fell. They
were not pursued further, but continued
their gate, going across the street and
through Father Tihen's yard. Some one
saw one Of them fan again. But he soon
regained his feet and continued running
It is believed he was wounded by one of
Mr.. Ewing's shots. The police were imrne-
diately notified and began a diligent
search for the men.
Mr.. Burns was taken to Dr.. Caves office
where his face was dressed and he told
the particulars Of the hold-up 70 a reporter
for the Eagle. The wound made by the
butt of the revolver was quite severe. he
ing on the cheek bone His collar was torn
off and he otherwise presented a bedrag-
EIed appearance. bur seemed glad to get
out Of the hands Of the rufians as well as
he did as he had no show whatever 70
cope with them. He says they were des-
perate characters who would not have
stopped at anything 10 gain their ends. He
describes them as being dressed commonly
wei, each with a light colored overcoat
on. He says he can identify the men read
fly. and it IS thought they win be in the
fact that they would attempt such a bold
robbery almost directly in front Of a
boarding house and in the glare Of the
electric arc light proves that they are des-
perate and dangerous men. It IS thought
they are acquainted with PEOPLE and the
surroundings here and were lying in wait
for Mr.. Burns behind a large tree. as he
and some Of the wealthy persons who live
or Topeka avenue pass along that way.
some Of whom board with Colonel and
Mrs. Jocelvn.
Mr.. Hockadav. 81 the Hockaday Hard
ware company. who boards at Col Joce-
lyn's. had Just left the house to 60 down
town. when he got in range Of the bullets
and was forced 70 retreat 10 the house in
exceedingly quick order Several of the
bullets whizzed close by his head. and Il is
very lucky that he was not struck by a
bullet
Mrs. JoceIyn saw the entire shooting af-
fray from her window. She said: Z was
attracted 70 the window by the shots fred
and saw two gentlemen near the big tree
close by our front safe and the other two
AZ the north. near the corner. The shots
were fying rapidly and I looked for one
minute. soon I saw the two desperadoes
break and Pun. one falling near the cor
aer Of the church. mink they separated.
but am not sure about that"
Colonel Joce'yn thinks there were seven
Or eight shots fired. and most If the other
residents in thar locality verify his story.
Fred Bu~net was an eve witness 70 the
hold-u0. bu- was too FAR away 70 render
any assistance n NJ. Burns. HIS evil
dence in i5eirfyiag the footpads vii be
valuable.
There IS some speculation as 70 whether
The footpads are local t0Uchs who are ac-
cuaiD-ed with the people and surround
l-gS Of the city. or whether they belong n
che gang Of tramps thar has recently drift
e into the city. The hoodlum wagon was
sent 70 the vicinity Of the packing house
last rica- after load OF tramps. Police
Haen say that many have drifteE in within
the last few DAYS. but they are watched