The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1901-08-25
TWICE OVERCOME BY GAS.
Strange Experiences of Mrs. CoInan
in Her Home.

Mrs. H. +. CoIman of 1926 o Street
northwest, was twice overcome by inhal-
ing Illuminating gas in the bathroom of
her home, yesterday afternoon. She was
under the care Of a physician last night,
ana her condition is reported somewhat
improved.
An emphatic denial was all that could
be obtained at the Colman home WHEN
a reporter called to enquire as to reports
that Mrs. Colman had attempted to end
her life. Nevertheless, circumstances are
not wanting for the belief that Mrs. Col
man may have sought relief from her ner-
vous condition, even in death. Neighbors
say the condition of the woman may have
led to such an attempt. although others
claim she may have been overcome as
the result of an accident.
1t Is said that Mrs. Colman has been
quite nervous for some time. ever since
the death OF her infant girl, about two
months ago. Not long after the death of
the child, and while Mrs. Colman was
still Il sufferer, an infant was picked up
by the police from doorstep near Fiji
teenth Street and Rhode Island Avenue
northwest. This fact seems to have ex-
cited the pity of Mrs. Colman, for the in
FAINT, girl of several months. was taken
into the Colrnan home. The little one was
tenderiy care for by the stricken mother,
and still forms a part of the household.
1t is not quite clear what MIR. Colman
could not be seen last night, yet 1t Is
ported that he may not have shared the
views of his wife respecting the strange
child. However this may be, Mrs. Colnlan
appears TO have kept the child, about
which she is said 10 have had some little
trouble
Nothing more is positively known Of the
origin of trouble yesterday. ii Mrs. Col
man suffered at all from any mental dis
order. II is fact, however. that she
went TO bathroom on the third floor of
her home yesterday afternoon and while
there was overcome by escaping gas
This is explained by Mrs. Colnlan herself
who claims to have been overcome while
trying 10 adjust tubing 10 the gas jet
in the room. On a second occasion, an
heur later. and while Mr.. CoIman was at
home. having just returned from his place
of business. near Eleventh and q Streets
northwest. Mrs. Colnlan again went into
the bathroom. There she was found
shortly afterward by her husband. ap-
parently suffering much from the Effects
of inhaling gas. Il has even been said
that Mr.. Coiman on the second occasion
had to force the door of the bathroom
that he might rescue his wife from dan
ger of asphyXiation. This also is denied
by Mrs. Colman, who says. nevertheless
that she was twice in the bathroom was
twice overcome by gas. and both times
the result Of an accident Mrs Col
man says, also, that she went into the
bathroom second time 20 battle her
feet. and WAS overcome while 50 doing
However this may be. it Is known that
a colored girl named Mary. employed at
the Colman home, was sent IN haste last
night to summon DR.. Luckett, of 1913
Rhode Island Avenue, who attended Mrs
Colman- 1t is said that Mrs. Colman had
her first trying experience with gas about
3 o'clock in the afternoon. DIR. Luck EFT
was summoned to the house shortly af-
terward by the servant and worked over
the patient some time before she revived
Not long afterward Mr.. Colman discov-
cred his wife suffering from gas. also
escaping in the bathroom. He removed
her to bedroom and sent for the physi-
clan. A prescription was given by the
doctor and WAS filed last night at
neighboring drug store. After Mrs. Col
man had revived from her second eXpe-
rience she was cared for. and last night
a neighbOr. whose name is unknown, re-
manned at the house.
Mrs. Colman told reporter last night
that she had not really adopted the
strange child found on the doorstep
Fifteenth Street. She said she might send
the child away. especially il her husband
al any time wished her to do so.
Mr. Colman is a dealer in stamps. He
was not at home yesterday afternoon. but
reached the house In time to save his
wife from death. as above stated.