Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1903-10-10
Dangerous Lunatie Wanted to See
Mr.. Roosevelt.
TERRIFIC FIGHT WITH OFFICERS.
After a Careful Examination of the
Prisoner the Police Surgeons Certi-
Led That lie IL Insane.

see President Roosevelt occurred in
the vestlbule OF the White House
shortly hefore noon Monday The man
who gave his name as Peter Elliott,
and his home as Minneapolis Mimi.
was overpowered by the officers on
duty at the White House entrance and
carried to police van which had been
summoned. lie was placed in the van
in the custody OF two officers. Seem
ing 20 realize that he was under arrest
Elliott began furious struggle with
his captors for liberty. lie drew q re-
volver from the right side pocket OF
his trousers and attempted 20 shoot
Officer James Cissen. The officer grab
bed his hand and wrenched the pistol
from his grasp Elliott's struggles
were 50 fierce. however. that the two
officers in the cramped quarters o. tho
van were unable 20 overcome him.
officer Cissell then drew his revolver
and fred two shots % attract atten-
ton Chief Usher Thomas Stone and
Officer Parker. OF the White House
force who had assisted I'm carrying FL
| lott % the van. attracted by the shots.
rushed back 90 the vehicle and assisted
/ in ovorpowering him.
/ In tho struggle within the police van
/ Elliott had broken glass panel with
his head. severely cutting his head
and face. officer Cissell sustained a
serious cut on HIS right arm. two in
1 Chcs OF flesh being cut out OF the
feshy part OF the arm. lie suffered
considerably from loss of blood. but
his injury is not serious
The van was hurried to the emer~
Ecncy hospital. whore the injuries OF
both Cissell and Elliott We're dressed.
Several days ago Secretary Loeb re-
coived letter postmarkcd Washing
ton and written on letter paper OF the
Saint James Hotel. this city The let
ter enclosed photograph OF Elliott
and On incoherCnt request for an in
terviow with President Roosevelt Tho
letter was signed Peter Ell and the
statement was made over the sigma
ture that the writer was registered at
the hotel as Peter Elliott. IL was oyi-
dent O. Secretary Loeb that his cor
respondent was insane. and he issued
instructions at once that the officers
on duty al the executive Offices ana
White House should be on their guard
against him. The photograph was
turned over 20 the secret service Of
icers Nothing was seen OF the man
until Sunday. when the President at
tended morning services az Grace Re-
formed Church. Elliott appeared near
the entrance OF thee hurch. and made
Sn effort 90 speak 90 the President. but
d he was foiled I'm his endeavor 10y tho
secret service officers At that time tho
man manifested no symptoms OF in
? sanity. and quietly left the vicinity %
a.. Is~
the officers. About 10 o'clock this
morning he appeared at the executive
Offices Entering the vestihulc he in
Quired for President Roosevelt. One
/ Of the door keepers asked him why he
wanted 20 see the President
"Oh just Cor fun." he responded
r 1.-THE President sent for me. and ! just
r. want 20 see him"
r. Elliott was told 10 return next
month He smiled and walked away,
10 not Offering the slightest objection "a
+. the tohuff which ne had received. His
g appearance attracted very little atten-
/. ton. and ne gave no indication a that
[ time OF insanity. For days both al
% the White House and executive OF
h. fees. however. the officers were warned
( 70 be on the lookout for the man. and
not 10 take any chances with him.
p. Shortly before 10 o'clock Elliott
= walked ND 10 the main door OF the
~ White House. stepped inside. and in
n ouired OF Officer Cissen il he might SEE
the President Chief Usher stone and
b.. Omcer Parker were standing JUS
within the vestibule at the time. Mr.
n Stone told the man that he could no
n see the President just at tina momen
as he was engaged. but that he .Aigh
possibly arrange 10 see him after
while. Instantly. the man having bcel
recognized. a hurry call was sent 70
2 police van. Scarcely had the cal
er been sent in when Elliott became vic
lent The officers and attendants thre'
-, themselves upon him, and after
:. brief but strenuous struggle. Ove-pov
:, cred him. officer CisselI made a ours
~ DRY examination OF his pockets. bu
CT found only a pair OF shears and lars
az pen knife Elliott refused 20 leave tn
White House until he was forced
og 20 The officers conveyed him 70 q
is police van. which by that time va
OF waiting at the southeast gate OF n
81 White House grounds The strugg
- in the van occurred almost immed
- ately after Elliott had been placed
ne the vehicle He drew his revolv'
ny from a pocket which seemed 70 be O
IN enlarged watch fob. AS that Is mo
unusual place in which TO carry pi
ra- toll Officer Cissell in his hurried scare
on had overlooked the weapon. The ri
- toll was an ordinary bulldog nv
"a | shooter OF cheap pattern.
az. az. At the Emergency Hospital. whe
~ his wounds were dressed. Elliott So
Dut that he was a Swede and that
TO home was in Minneapolis.