The Washington times., 1902-10-12
DRANK LAUDANUE
TO END HIS LIFE
Man in Critical Condition in
Alexandra Hospital.
SUPPOSED TO BE J. S. HARLAN
Found in a Stupor and Medical Aid
Summoned, But He Is Still
Unconscious.

ALEXANDRIA, Va, Oct. 11.-A ma
supposed to be J. S. Harlan. of 3Sl
Eighth Street. Brookland, D. c.. at ,
late hour tonight lies at the Alexandra;
Hospital lowering between life an,
death from the effects of dose of laud
anum. supposed to have been taken witt
suicidal intent.
He is unconscious, and DR.. W. R. Pur.
Wis. the attending physician, expresse.
but faint hope of his recovery.
Harlan came to Alexandria some tim,
today. About o'clock this afternoon he
applied at the Hotel Ramer, northwest
corner of King and Fayette Streets, 70,
room. He said he was suffering from
neuralgia The proprietor informed hin
of his inability to furnish him room
as all we're taken. The man then left
but shortly afterward returned and took
seat in the bar of the hotel. where
he engaged In conversation with a mum.
ber of people.
Says He Was a Soldier.
He seemed to be very affable, and soon
had the attention of the entire gather
ing. He told his hearers that he was a
colonel in the Federal army at the out
break of hostilties, but afterward joinsi
general under Lee in the Confederate
army. He also told of the battles that
he was engaged in while in Virginia
His audience dwindled, many leaving
for supper and elsewhere. About 6:30
o'clock customer came into the bar
and called the attention of Mr.. Ramer
10 the mans condition. He was in a
stupor. and efforts to arouse him were
futile. Police headquarters was at once
rotified, and shortly afterward Police
inen Lyles and Garvey arrived on the
scene They at once saw the man was
IN a precarious condition and needed
medical attention. A cab was sum
moned, which conveyed him to the Alex
andria Hospital
Upon arriving at that institution Mrs.
Adamson, the matron, and Policeman
Garvey worked hard on the stranger to
keep him awake until the arrival of the
physician. Electric batteries were
pressed into service. Shortly afterward
Dr. Purvis came. administered emetics.
and did everything possible to revive the
sufferer.
Took a Big Dose.
Il is understood that the stranger pur-
downtown drug store. and it is supposed
that he took the entire dose. as the bot
tie could not be found on him when his
effects were searched. 1t is presumed
that he took the drug after he made ap-
plication for the room at the hotel, as he
went out then and upon returning took
drink and afterward became unconscious
Harlan, If that is his name, is about
siXty-fye years OF age and well dressed.
He wore gold trimmed eye glasses, and
height. In his pockets were found
number of notes bearing many addresses.
On one was the following: ~. s. Harlan,
1910 Eighth Street. Brookland, d. c."
And on another note was written the
If anything happens to me.
notify Mrs. Margaret II. Ferris. 1912
Providence Street, Brookland. d. c."
Another bore the following address:
j. H. Harlan. room G. the Randolph
Lincoln Avenue northeast" A key bear
ng the number indicated on the latter
address was also found in his pocket.
md it is presumed that he at one time
1r another occupied room at this
lotel
On another slip was written the fol-
owing address: Mrs. w VI. Reed. Long
ilade Postolfice. Augusta county, Va"
Numerous ether papers. mostly of a
business character, were found in his |
pockets. They, however, could throw no
urther light on his identity.
At g:30 o'clock tonight the Washing
on Police Department was notified of
he affair in order that they might COM
nunicate with the addresses given.
Talked in Pleasant Strain.
Those TO whom the man was talking
ay that he seemed to be in a pleasant
mood. and no cne thought he had any
Intention OF trying to end his life.
At . O'Clock this morning the doctor
,as still working over the would be
uicide The patient was unconscious
nd has shown no signs OF life since his
emoval from the restaurant.
The authorities located j. S. Harlan,
brother-in law. in this city las.
light He resides at the Randolph
'lats. lexington. When informed of
Iarans act he expressed great sur
rise, but stated that he would go IN
lexandria on the first train this morn
lg.