Evening star., 1902-02-17
ALEXANDRIA AFFAIRS
JAS. J. HEPBURN, A PLAsTERER,
COMMITS SUICIDE.
Drank Laudanum and Expired in Few
Hours-William Johnson's Volun-
tary Admission Of Crime.
Evening Star Bureau,
No. 7O1 King Street,
Dali DNclnahnnn NYn 10A

OCA 4pbCPuuHS, 4<O. 4Oo,
ALEXANDRIA, Va, February II, 1902.
Becoming wearied with the burden of life
James J. Hepburn. plasterer. thirty-two
years of age, ended his existence early
Sunday morning by means Of large dose
Of laudanum. Hours before the fatal
draught was taken he told his friends,
who sought a reason for his melancholy
frame Of mind that he had troubles Of his
own. Just what 1t was that induced the
rash act Is unknown to the friends Of the
deceased.
Mr.. Hepburn drank the poison about II
O clock Saturday night and expired at 3
O. clock yesterday morning. His mental
condition Saturday had led some Of his
associates to suspect that he intended harm
to himself, and watch was kept over his
movements but he eluded his friends long
enough to secure and drink the poison. 1t
become manifest that his friends were
aware Of his suicidal act. Efforts were
then made to revive him by the usual
method Of walking the patient about but it
was seen that he was sinking and DR.. e. A.
German was summoned The unfortunate
man expired while he was being supported
on the street by his brother and the ply
sician.
AS q member Of the Alexandria Light In
fantry he became a volunteer during the
Spanlsh-American war. He was a corpo-
raj of that company. He was also a mem
ber Of the Columbia Fire Engine Company.
Both Of those organizations will attend the
funeral which will take place tomorrow.
Mr. Hepburn lived at No. 314 North Royal
street.
Wanted to Be Locked Up.
William johnson, colored. has been lock-
ed up at the police station since last night
on the charge of breaking the lock OF
30 Dat, =
Union streets with the intention of commit
ting robbery. He was held this morning
for the post office authorities. johnson
called at the station house about o. clock
last evening and asked officer Ticer, then
on duty, II there was a warrant for his ar
rest The officer knew OF no such warrant
and the man left. returning a short time
! later and stating to Officer Sherwood, who
was then on duty. that he had broken open
a mail box with the intention Of robbing
it. He said he found nothing that he want
ed in the box. The story was repeated in
the hearing Of Chief Webster, who ordered
the man locked up. Officer Sherwood then
| went to the box as indicated by Johnson
and found that his story was correct
The purpose Johnson had in view was
evidently that Of securing lodging and food
at the expense OF the commonwealth dur
ing the winter months. .H He had recently
short term He told the officers at the sta
ton house that he had nothing to do and
therefore decided upon smashing the mail
box. It is not believed that the culprit
knew that his act made him amenable to
the United States courts instead of the
police or corporation courts. The proba-
bility of spending a term in the peniten-
| tdary probably did not enter into his calcu-
lationS.
General Matters.
The annual session Of the presbytery Of
the Chesapeake will be held in Warrenton
next April. The session promises to be an
interesting one and indications are that It
will be largely attended. It has been sug.
| eested that questions concerning the West
| minister confession may be brought UP for
discussion. The Second Presbyterian
| Church of this city Is included within the
| Jurisdiction Of the Chesapeake presbytery.
| A meeting of OKane Council. Catholic
| Benevolent Legion, was held yesterday aft
| ernoon In st. Mary's Hall, when the follow
ing officers were installed: James Roach,