The morning news., 1899-02-05
MAYER LEAPED TO HIS DEATH.
JUMPED FROM a THIRD STORY IN
AN ATLANTA HOTEL.

Business Troubles Thought to Have
broken Down His Mind-WHs on
His WAY to AuguSta-FruitIess Eff
forts Made to stop the Suicide.
Robert Lewis Sentenced 10 Death
for the Murder of Joseph Haynes.
NOrthen Accepts.
Atlanta. Feb. "A. Mayer, who told the
hotel clerk when he applied for accommo-
dations that he was a merchant of Cleve-
land. O., jumped from a third-story win
dow this morning and died from his IN
juries a few hours later
The scene of the tragedy, which IS sup
posed to have been brought about by the
mans mental arrangement was the Can
non House, at the corner of South Pryor
street and the railroad, formerly known
as the Metropolitan Hotel. A number Of
persons saw the man take his wild death
leap and every effort was made TO pre-
vent him by John Alverton, clerk of the
hotel, who was apprised of the mans
purpose by shouts from people outside
who saw him perching on the window ledge
before he jumped
The man sat. half dressed in the win
dow, for fully two minutes before he leap
ed. evidently nerving himself for the aw-
ful descent While he was thus consid-
ering, Clerk Alverton was hurrying
through the halls in an effort TO reach
him. His door was locked, however, and
the clerk determined to try 10 save MIN
by climbing out of the window of the ad-
joining room.
As the clerk burst open the blinds of this
room Mayer leaped. He struck the hard
granite pavement below and was horribly
crushed. Both arms and both legs were
broken, but he fingered in agony until
almost noon, when he died at the Grady
hospital.
Business Troubles Caused 1t.
Mayer went to the Cannon House last
night and took a room. An hour or two
after being shown up he rushed down to
the office an a great state of excitement.
He seemed 70 imagine that some one was
after him, though not having the appear
ance Of a drunken man. The clerk quieted
him down and sent him back to his room,
a call for half past six having been left
on the Office book.
Mayer told the clerk that he was from
Cleveland, o.; that he had wife and four
children there, and was on his way 70
Augusta TO see a man who had formerly
been his partner in business, now a mem
Der of the Tenth Ohio Regiment stationed
at Augusta. The man volunteered the in
formation that his business was now in the
hands of a receiver. and while he said
nothing 10 implicate his former partner,
the clerk gathered that he considered him
responsible for the failure which was prey
ing upon his mind A railroad ticket to
Augusta was found in his pocket after his
suicide to-day.
At half past six o'clock this morning the
bell boy of the house called Mayer and he
replied 'all right" Then il was that he got
up and prepared for his leap to death.
There was a crowd passing along the street
al the moment, going to business, when
Mayer was seen 10 raise the sash of his
window and climb out upon the sill Sew
eral called to him, trying TO dissuade him
from his evident intention, but he paid no
heed to anyone.
There as little doubt that the man was
out of his mind on account of business
reverses His body will be sent back 10
Cleveland for burial
Lewis Sentenced to Death.
Robert Lewis, the brick layer. who killed
Joseph Haynes, a foreman of construc-
tlon' last summer, was brought into court
this morning and sentenced to be hanged
by Judge John s. Gambler on Feb. 2s.
The Supreme Court several days ago re-
fused to interfere with the finding of the
lower court in his case
The killing of Haynes was deliberate and
premeditated. He had some words with
Lewis, who was working under him, and
the latter waited for him at the gate of
the building until he came out after work.
and felled him with an iron bar Lewis
took his death sentence without apparent
emotion. His attorney has practically
given up all hopes of saving him.
Ex-GOv. NOrthen VIII Serve.
Former Gov. Northen, who was chosen
chairman of the joint committee to have
fun charge of the state fair, to be held
here this fail, has signified his willingness
10 accept the position. He has had il un-
der consideration for several days, and
at last sees his way clear to undertaking
the work. on Monday he will meet the
joint committee and outline the work.