The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-10-25

Did H. K. Clark meet with foul play
or are his injuries the result of an ac-
cident? If the work of an assassin,
what was the object, for robbery it
could not have been, as the mans
valuables were in his pockets when he
was brought to the Ryan hotel, semi
conscious, on the morning of Oct. 15.
If an accident why is the case wrapped
in mystery and why did not Clark's
companion inform the police how and
where the injuries were received?
These are some Of the questions
which are perplexing the friends and
relatives of H. K. Clark, formerly the
largest wholesale and retail jeweler in
st. Joseph, Mo-, and at one time the
foremost business man Of that city. His
wife is with him at st. Joseph's hos
pital, where Clark's life hangs in the
balance. So serious was his condition
recovery is entertained.
The injuries, however inflicted, re-
suited in the fracture Of the frontal
bone of his skull and confusion Of
the brain Clark has not been con-
scious since he was received at the
hospital. so nothing of the accident or
dttOIlpIGu Qcl, IL lldy DC, hclS
been learned from him.
Mystery Is Complete.
All that has been learned of the case
was told by Mrs. o. C. Rice, of 147 East
Sixth street. Clark accompanied by a
travelling man named George Gersen,
visited at her home shortly before
o'clock on the morning of Oct. Is. He
had been at the house Saturday night
and at that time said he was not
drinking.
When he returned early the following
Wednesday morning he had all the ap-
pearances of a man intoxicated, accord
ing to Mrs. Rices statement. On his
forehead, above the right eye, was q
large bruise which was swollen con-
siderably.
when Clark removed his hat no.
ticed the bruise," said Mrs. Rice last
night. IT asked him how he was in
jured, but he replied that he did not
care to discuss the matter. Clark ap-
peared dazed, or, as thought, drunk.
He had been in my house Saturday
night and at that time was sober.
Clark Fell, Collapsed.
Il advised the mans companion to
take him to his room in the Ryan
hotel. They were in my house only
short time, not more than thirty min
utes. I accompanied both men to the
door, and as they were leaving again
told the younger man to take Clark to
the hotel
"Just as Clark reached the foot of
the stairs he collapsed completely. He
did not fall forward, nor did he strike
his head. / ran down stairs quickly
and found the man breathing heavily.
Ills companion called a carriage and
had him taken to the Ryan hotel.
This is all I know about the mat
ter. 1 can say positively that Clark
did not receive his injuries while in my
house or while leaving the place. He
had the bruise on his forehead when
he came here Wednesday morning. I
knew nothing of the seriousness of the
injury until / read an account Of it in
today's G o b e."
When Clark reached the Ryan he
was assisted to his room by Sergeant
Twohey and George Gersen, the man
with whom he spent the evening. Ger
sen is said to have told DR.. J. M. ARM
strong that the man fell on the side
walk.
Little importance was attached to
the bruise on the mans head, as DIR.
Armstrong, the house physician,
thought that Clark was suffering from
drink. The fracture was not located
until several hours later.
Clark was brought to the Ryan hotel
shortly after 1 o'clock on the morning
Of Oct. Is, and the same evening was
taken to the hospital.
Mrs. Clark, the injured mans wife,
said last night:
1--WE are in a quandary to know how
the accident occurred. Mr.. Clark was
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