New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-12-22
JAMES D. TAYLOR A SUICIDE
WAGNER PALACE CAR OFFICIAL KILLS
HIMSELF IN WASHINGTON.
CUT HIS THROAT IN THE GRAFTON HOTEb
WHILE APPARENTLY TEMPORARILY
INSANE FROM ILLNESS

INSANE FROM ILLNESS.
Washington. Dec 21-James Duane Taylor.
secretary and treasurer OF the Wagner Palace
Car Company and son-in-law of the founder
of the company committed suicidV shortly after
noon to-day at the Grafton Hotel. in this city,
by cutting his throat with razor. Mr.. Taylor
was suffering from some nervous affection
caused by illness. and the fatal act was com
mtted apparently on the impulse Of the moment.
Death was almost instantaneous. He was sixty
two years old.
Accompanied by his brother and his son, James
d. and Jay Taylor. and DR. Leo. he came to this
city on December Is. and registered At the
Grafton. He had been suffering from a
nervous affection for some time and was
brought here under charge of a physician. in
the hope that change Of scene would prove
beneficial To him. Some was constantly
with him. but to-day he was left alone in the
room for a moment and in that time he ended
his life The Coroner viewed the body this af-
ternoon and gave a verdict Of death by suicide
The body was put on board Of the midnight
train for the late home OF Mr.. Taylor, in New
York City. being accompanied by the brother
and son and physician.
According TO statements made tonight IL
appears that Mr. Taylor cut his throat with
razor tndt nad Deen just uSeu by MS pIiyH4N'h'i'
Dr. Leo. The latter. after using the razor laid
it a dressing case. and left the room for
moment. During his brief absence Mr.. Taylor
seized the razor and committed the act which
ended his life.
The news of Mr. Taylors death was n severe
shock not only TO the members Of his family,
but to his many friends in this city. According
to a relative Of The dead man. the messages re-
ceived at Mr. Tayors home, at No. 352 Madi-
son-ave. in regard 10 the death of Mr.. Taylor
contained not a word a hint about suicide.
1t not until a reporter called at the house.
It was said. that they heard the report that Mr..
Taylor had committed suicide. When later in
quiries were made at the house as to the cause
Of Mr.. Taylor's death none OF the members Of
the family could be seen. and one of the servants
said he could not say positively that the family
had learned the true cause of Mr.. Tayors death.
An intimate friend Of Mr.. Taylor wac seen
last night by Tribune reporter, and in speak
ing about Mr. Taylor he said: THE arrange
ment for the absorption Of the Wagner Palace
Car Company by the Pullman Palace Car Com
pany undoubtedly aggravated Mr.. TaylorS con-
ditiOn. For more than thirty years he had been
connected with the Wagner Palace Car Com
pany and al the time Of his death he was the
treasurer and secretary Of the company. He
was identified with other business enter
prises his whole time being devoted 10 the Wag-
ner company. He naturally was deeply con
corned in the growth OF his company, and OF
course the plan to absorb his company had
serious effect upon his condition. For about the
last three years he suffered from gastrtiS and
rushes Of blood to the head, which were caused
by stomach troubles.
His sickness made him exceedingly nervous,
and for some time he suffered from nervous
prostraton. As his condition did not improve,
his physician advised him 10 go South. lie left
his home FOR a Southern trip on saturday ac-
companied by his brother, his son and a
physician. He was 10 he under their care
while he was away. His family and MS
friends hoped that a change Of scene
would at least do him good even II a
change Of climate did not benefit him. When he
started South he did not appear to he mentally
unbalanced
When the plan 10 absorb the Wagner com
panv went into effect" continued the speaker.
Mr. Taylor would likely have given up the
office of treasurer and secretary or have retired
from the Board Of Officers Of the company as
it is proposed to move the offices Of the COM
bjned companies to Chicago.
Mr. Taylor was not a member OF any cluo.
When not AT his office he could nearly always
be found either al his city home. at NO. 3o2
Madison-ave. or at his country home. at Pala-
tine Bridge ~ Y. He spent the summer In the
country and in the winter lived in the city. He
leaves widow and four children. The funeral
arrangements have not yet been made
The burial will he at Palatne Bridge Mr.
TAYLOR was not IN any financial difficulties