The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-09-29
MAYOR Assault TED
IN ALEXANDRIA
Struck from Behind by
Son of Captain of Police
YOUNG MAN ARRESTED
Outcome of a Card Published by
Mayor Simpson.
THE CITIZENS ARE INDIGNANT
The Whole Question Originated With
The Mayors Fight Against the
Gambling Elemcnt-Web-
ber, His Assailant,
10 be Tried
To-Day.
Outcome Of a Card Published by
Mayor Simpson.
THE CITIZENS ARE INDIGNANT
Special Dispatch to The Times.)

Especial Dispatch TO The Times.)
ALEXANDRIA. VA, September 2S-
Mayor George L. Simpson was this morn
ing assaulted by William T.. Webster, son
Of Chief-of-Poiice, Captain James F. Web
stcr. The Mayor was en- route to Police
Court. When he arrived at The intersec-
ton of Cameron and ST. Asaph Streets,
one of Alexandria's most prominent thor
oughfarces, he was intercepted by Web
ster, who demanded of him in gruff
tone Of voice why he had wrongfully
treated his OWebster's) father The
Mayor, in a very serene and unimpas-
stoned manner, stated that Capt. Webster
had, at a recent meeting of the Board of
Police Commissioners, made statements
to that body, which were afterward print
ed in the local papers, to the effect that
he (the Mayor had disrespectfully treated
the Captain, which necessarily justified
him in having statements published, in or
der that he might set himself right before
the citizens.
FELLED BY A BLOW.
After making this statement the Mayor
turned and was about to proceed down
Cameron Street, when, in an instant, he
HdS itlieI 10 lle SIbuIli bN q tltipCS
blow from Webster. The Mayor arose,
and in half dazed condition, he called
to Mr.. Richard Windsor, who was stand
ing near by, for q pistol. Mr.. Windsor
replied that he had none. In the mean
time Webster ran like deer out St
ST. Asaph Street. presumably in the di
recton of Washington. The Mayor states
that he thinks he was struck a second
time in rising, but Of this he is not posi-
tive.
The Mayor. accompanied by Mr. Wind
sor, proceeded to the Police Station, where
he found Captain Webster seated at his
desk, and The other officers VINO were on
duty. The Mayor at once, in q very calm
manner, related the details of the assault
10 those present. Capt. Webster, prior to
that time, knew nothing of the affair.
He then ordered Capt. Webster to at
once draw up a State warrant for his
sons arrest on the charge OF murderous
assault The warrant was drawn up as
directed The Mayor notified the Captain
that when his son is arrested to lock him
up, and under no consideration to let him
out on cola terai.
THE MAYOR HOLDS COURT.
After telling his story the Mayor al once
heard several cases in court, and then DR..
VIM. Smith was summoned and made an
examination OF the Mayors injuries, and
it was found that he had large bruise
on the head and another slight one neither
of a serious nature. The Doctor, as was
the Mayor, was of the opinion that the
wound was made with some blunt instru-
ment, presumably a pair OF brass knucls.
When the citizens learned that the Chief
Executive Of the city had been the victim
OF an assault there were dire threats made
against his assailant. The matter caused
widespread indignation among the majori-
ty Of the citizens, and the affair has been
the chief topic of conversation on the
streets to-day.
The Mayor stated that had he been
armed he would have shot Webster.
Shortly after the occurrence the Mayor
secured a revolver, and now is prepared
for any attack that may be made by his
enemies, which are reported to be the
gambling element of the city.
Many citizens rallied to his support when
il was learned that he had been the victim
of an assault.
MAYORS CARD.
The outcome of the whole affair is that
a card was published last evening in a
local paper, under the Mayors signature
in which he made statements that showed
that the statements made by Capt. Web
ster at a recent meeting OF the Board Of
Police Commissioners, were false; which,
in substance. We're that the Mayor had al
all times shown preference to Sergeant
James Smith, concerning the workings OF
the department. This the Mayor, in his
card denied as being false. Furthermore,
he stated that the Captain had on many
occasions treated him with disrespect.
The card was the occasion OF much
gossip the better element siding with the
Mayor Capt. Webster's son was very
much aggravated on seeing the card in
print as were the Mayors enemies, and
this morning he attempted to chastise him
for it. Mayor Simpson is a gray-headed
man, and about fifty years of age, while
on the other hand. Webster is compara-
lively young and of athletic build. This
is the Mayors second term, and during
his reign he has been a terror to the gam
bic element, and at the last election money
was spent copiously to secure his defeat,
but their efforts proved futile.
MAYOR is POPULAR.
Mayor Simpson is considered one of the
brightest men in the city. He was at one
time a member OF the Legislature, and
has held other political offices. 1t is IN
derstood that the spring election will be
fought between the gambling and the an
t;-gambling elements. and it is understood
that Mayor Simpson will be candidate
for reelection.
Webster was arrested near his home this
afternoon bv Lieut.. Smith. Webster was
accompanied by his father. He is locked
up at the police station. Webster VIII oe
given preliminary hearing tomorrow
before Magistrate Joseph Beach.
Indicted for Criminal Assault.