Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-10-08
Called at the White House and
Attempted to See the
President.
ARMED WITH REVOLVER


-to-hand encounter with an armed
insane man, who WIS determined TO SEQ
President Roosevelt, occurred in the ves-
tibule of the White House shortly befors
noon to-day. A man who gave his name
as Peter Elliott and his home as Mime.
apois was overpoweTed by officers on
duty at the White House entrance and
carried to police van which had been
/ summoned. He was placed III u van i'll
custody of two officers
Seeming to realize for the first tirne
| that he was under arrest Elliott began
a furious struggle with his captors for
liberty. He drew a revolver from the
right side pocket of his trousers and at
tempted to shoot Officer James Cisseu.
The officer grabbed his hand and wrench
cd the weapon from his grasp, Euiotts
struggles were so fierce. however. that
the two officers in cramped quarters wero
unable to overcome him. officer Cissell
then drew his revolver and fired two shots
10 attract attention Chief Usher Thomas
Stone and Officer Parker Of the White
House force who had assisted in carry
ing Elliott to the van attracted by tho
shots rushed back to the vehicle and as
sisted in overpowcring HIM.
In the struggle within the van Elliott
had broken the glass panel with his head.
severely cutting his head and face. Officer
Cissell sustained d serious cut on his right
arm, two inches of flesh being cut out of
the feshy part Of the arm. He suffered
considerably from the loss Of blood but
his injury is not serious. The van was
hurried to the Emergency hospital, where
the injuries OF both Cissell and Elliott
were dressed.
Elliott is undoubtedly violently insane.
Several days ago Secretary Loeb received
a letter postmarked Washington and
written on letter OF St James Hotel.
this city. The letter enclosed a photo
graph of Elliott and an incoherent request
for an interview with President Roose-
welt. The letter was signed Peter ELL
the statement being made Immediately
under the signature. The writer was
registered at the hotel as Peter Elliott.
1t was evident to Secretary Loeb that
his correspondent was insane and he is
sued directions at once that the officers
on duty both at the White House and
at the executive offices should be on their
guard against him The photograph was
| turned over to the secret service officers
Elliot went to the church early and
during the first part Of the services oc-
cuped a scat in the gallery overlooking
the pew in which the President sat. He
left the church at the beginning of the
communion service and leaned against
| the fence railing Of house just below
the church. There ne awaited the exit
of the President When the President
emerged from the church he walked
/ quickly down the street toward Elliot.
! Elliot stepped up to the President and
put out his hand saying Roosevelt! Shake
hands with Elliot"
Without slackenng his rapid walk.
President Roosevelt removed his hat and
held out his hand saying Il am glad to
meet you" and passed on.
| About ten O'Clock this morning he ap-
peared at the executive Offices. Entering
the vestibule he inquired for President
| Roosevelt. One door keeper asked him
why he war4ed to see the President. oh
Just for fun" he respond ID. The Presi-
dent sent for mo and | just want to SEQ
him" Elliott was told to return next
month. He smiled and walked away not
offering the slightest objection to the re-
! bun which he had received. His appear
ance attracted very little attention and
he gave no indication at that time OF
! insanity.
All the officers both at the White
| House and at the executive ofhces, how
ever. were warned again to be on tho
| lookout for the man and not to take any
| chances with him.
Shortly before L Elliott walked up to
| the main door Of the White House, step
ped inside and inquired OF Ofcer Cissoll
! If he might see the President. Chief
| / sher Stone and OFFICER Parker were
| standing just within the vestibuie at the
| time Stone told the man he could no1
| soc the President just At that moment,
as he was engaged but tnat he might pos
| sibly arrange to see him after awhile. In.
| stautly the man having been recognized
| a hurry call was sent for a police van,
| scarcely had the call been sent ir whcp
! Elliott became violent The officers and
attendants threw themselves upon him
| and after a brief but strenuous struggle
| oVerpoWered him,
! When locked up at the police station
| Elliott made long, rambling statement
as to the reasons for his action.
REMOVED TO AN ASYLUM,