The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-30

Mrs Bette Ann Wren, thirty five years
old, whose home was at 6Si z Street south
west, died at Columbian University Hos
pital at O'Clock yesterday afternoon, sup
posedly from paresis and complications said
TO have resulted from injuries alleged to
have been inflicted by James Lancton a
pensioner, ffty-four years old, on March
u. The body has been viewed by Coroner
Carr. who will hold an inquest at No. 6
station, at II o'clock this morning. The
alleged assailant is now confined at the
District jail, where he was committed
Tuesday by Judge Kimball, to await the
result OF the injuries TO Mrs. Wren. He
denies that he assaulted Mrs. When, and
claims that the injuries she sustained were
due TO fall at her home. while she was in
Ill health.
LapctOn was arrested on March 10. on
information given the police by DR.. G. G.
Morris, of Fourteenth Street northwest. He
had been in attendance On Mrs Wren since
the date she was injured. From DIR. Nor
ris it was learned that the woman had been
assaulted, and it was said that Lancton
was her assailant. 1t appears the assault
was committed at the home of Mrs. Wren
and was actuated by her refusal 10 marry
Lancton. IL was further said that Lancton
was in an intoxicated condition at the time.
According to Mrs. Wren who was en-
ployed at pension agency in f Street.
Lancton was a client of her employer. He
was seeking an increase in pension, and in
his frequent visits to the pension agency
became acquainted with her. She repulsc,
the advances of Lancton. but he frequently
W tod for Ar loo.
spite her protestations, accompanied her
TO her home. Finally he called at the house,
where, it is alleged, he made himself OBJ
noxious because of his inebriety II is
claimed that Lancton was asked to dscon-
tnue his visits, but refused to comply. and
hnaiIy made formal proposal of marriage
10 Mrs. Wren, which was declined.
On the night OF March IL, Lancton called
again on Mrs. Wren and renewed his pro-
posal of marriage. 1t was again repulsed,
and, it is said. then assaulted Mrs. Wren,
beating and bruising her severely. An in
valid sister of the woman, it is claimed.
witnessed the assault. The condition of
Mrs. Wren became such that Dr. Morris
was called in and after giving medical at
tention for several days, advised that the
patient be sent to a hospital. 1t was then
tnat the police were asked TO take action
in the matter, with the result that Lane
ton was arrested
When taken into custody the condition
of Lancton was such that it was necessary
TO send him to the Emergency Hospital
where his trouble was diagnosed as alco-
hclism. He was detained at the hospital
for one week. when he was sufficiently re-
covered 10 be taken into court and CON-
mitted TO jail. 1t was while at the hospital
that Lancton made the statement as to the
manner in which Mrs. Wren was Injured
He informed DR.. Williams, resident physi-
clan at the hospital. that he was in love
with Mrs. Wren and was going to marry
her~in May. Regarding the injury to the
woman. Lancton is said 10 have stated that
she fell from stool and that he picked her
up aud cared for her.
The condition of Mrs Wren became
serious. and DR.. William Ward. resident
physician at the Columbian University
Hospital. diagnosed her troubles as paresis. I
resulting from injuries inflicted The pa
tent rallied slightly at times, but she |
showed no marked improvement over her |
condition. Her death was not unexpe ted |
The police had been informed that her I
-hances OF recovery We're slight.
Immediately after her death yesterday |
afternoon the police were notified and !
Coroner Carr summoned 10 decide upon a /
investigation into the circumstances SIR
the cause of the death. TIE I,
charge Of assault, which had been placed /
against Lancton, was then changed to MUIR I
Ter.