Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1903-07-08
Jay Parker Attacked at Ring.
Iings' Circus Last Eve
ming.
KICKED IN FACE BY SNOWMAN
Gus Schroeder, a Butcher, Gives
DaVenpOrter Rough Treat
ment.

part OF Il CLOWN lndI TeSulIcu III Sc
we're injury to Jay Parker, the 17-year
old son of Mr.. and Mrs. j. w. Parker,
426 Eleventh street.
1t was near the close of the per-
Torrance and the clown was in
charge of a small dog that was bounc-
ing an inflated ball several feet in
diameter about the track just in front
of the crowd on the north side of the
tent near the performers entrance.
The ball bounced into the crowd sew
eral times and passed from hand to
hand each time returning to the
ground, where the dog followed it.
1t finally bounded over the head of
Jay Parker, who was in the front
row, and as he struck it, it collapsed.
In an instant the clown struck the
lad, knocking him down. and then adj
ministered half Il dozen vicious kicks
upon his unconscious form. The
spectators for a bref time Thought
the fellow was merely toying with
the lad. and by the time the men sit
ting about came to their senses and
made a move to interfere he seized
the exploded ball and ran for the
dressing room.
police force were in the tent and they
were soon upon the scene. The clown
was followed and placed under ar
rest. while the ambulance was sum
moned to take young Parker home.
Claims to be Wrong Man.
At the station the clown gave his
name as William Nesta and protested
that he was the wrong party. The
circus people also made the statement
that a mistake had been made, but
the officers notified them that they
would hold Nesta until they produced
the right man. As they did not do so
it is safe to surmise that the guilty
one was arrested. \ medical eNamin-
alton showed that the boy. was not
seriously hurt. bruises about his head
and body being the extent of his in
juries. He was unconscious for Isl
minutes.
Ncsta was given hearing today hy
Police Magistrate Johnson and was
fined 50 and costs for assault and
battery. He promptly paid the
amount levied against him and was
allowed to leave. He made immediate
arrangements to Join the circus at
Galesburg, in which city today's per
formances are being given.
Another Instance.
Gus Lerch, of Davenport, was rath-
er seriously injured late yesterday
afternoon in an assault at the hands
of Gus Schroeder, employed in the
Schroeder butcher shop on Twenti
eth street. Lerch, who is EN-
ployed by a Davenport photographer,
was in Rock Island yesterday collect
ing for and disposing of photographs
which he has been taking of Rock
Island business houses. When he
called at Schroeders some dispute
arose between the two men over
picture taken of the shop, the latter
refusing to take a picture which
Lerch claimed he had ordered.
Schroeder suddenly made a rush for
Lcrch and in moment had knocked
him into the street and according to
eye witnesses beat the pros
trate man in a shocking manner.
Officer Brinn quickly arrived and with
Officer ThOde made the arrest of
Schroeder.
At first Lerch did not seem serious
Iy injured. Officer Brinn accompani-
ed him to Tricks livery, as he said
he wanted to use the telephone
While standing before the instrument
he collapsed and sank to the floor,
those present thinking that he was
dying. Unconscious, he was removed
to DR.. Halls office on Twentieth
street and there it was found that he
was badly bruised about the chest
and throat, as he coughed up blood
and was unable to move his head. He
was taken in the ambulance
to Davenport and Mercy hos
pital. where he will be confined
for several days. His physician, DR..
Bowman, stated this morning that the
injuries were not likely to result ser
iously.
The affair created great excitement
during the evening, as report gain
ed currency that Lerch had died.
Schroeder was given preliminary
hearing last night and was liberated
on bonds of $500, the charge being
assault and battery. The case will be
continued until the end of the week,
when Lerch can probably testify.
Other Offenders.
An attempted burglary was report
ed early this morning at the home of
George 4. Mcdonald on Fourth ave
nue.. The would-be invader was
frightened away without securing an
entrance, though one of the blinds
had been removed.
The circus day drunk list included
Pat Ryan, NJ. Magnusson and Axel
johnson. 1t cost them each $3 and
costs to settle with the city.
NJ. NJ Chenoweth, the man who took
the money off bar at Fifth avenue
saloon yesterday morning, was fined
So and costs this morning on a charge
of disorderly conduct.
Diphtheria relieved in twenty min
l1tes. Almost miraculous. DR. Thomas