The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-10-06
CAME FROM MINI EAPOLlS
The Officers Could Not Overpower the
Luuatic in Police Van So Fired
Pistol Signal to Call Assistance
Several Badly Cut.
(Byt the Associated Press.)

~SNJ
(By' the Associated Press)
Washington, Oct. 5-A desperate hand
encounter with an armed insane man, who
was determined to see President Roose-
welt, occurred in the vestibule of the
White House shortly before noon today.
The man who gave his name as Peter
Elliott and his home as Minneapolis,
Mimi, was overpowered by the officers
in duty at the White House entrance and
summoned. He was placed in the van
in the custody of two officers. Seeming
TO realize then for the first time that he
was under arrest, Elliott began furious
struggle with his captors for liberty. He
drew revolver from the right side pock-
ct of his trousers and attempted to Shoot
officer James Gssell. The officer grabbed
his hand and wrenched the weapon from
his grasp. Elliotts struggles were so
fierce. however, that the two officers in
the cramped quarters of the van were
unable to overcome him. Officer Cissell
then drew his revolver and fired two shots
70 attract attention.
Chief Usher Thomas Stone, and Officer
Parker, of the White House force. who
had assisted in carrying Elliott to the
van. attracted by the Shots rushed back
to the vehicle and assisted in overpower-
ing him.
In tie 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 inches of flesh being
cut out of the fieshy part of the arm.
He suffered considerably from loss of
| blood, but his injury is not serious
The van was hurried to the Emergency
Hospital, whore the injuries of sboth Cis-
sell and Elliott were dressed.
Several days ago, Secretary Loeb re-
ceived letter, post marked Washington
and written or letter paper of the st.
James Hotel, this city The letter en-
closed a photograph of Elliott and an in
coherent request for an interview with
President Roosevelt. The letter was sign
ed Peter Ell, the statement being made
Immediately under the signature that the
writer was registered at the hotel as Peter
Elliott. 1t was evident to Secretary Loeb
that this correspondent was insane and
he issued directions at once that the off
GERS on duty at the White House and
at the Executive offices should be on
their guard against him. The photograph
was turned over to the sevret service
officers.
Nothing was seen of the man until yes
terday, when the President attended
morning services at Grace Reformed
church. Elliott appeared near the entrance
to the church, and made an effort to speak
to the President, but he was foiled in his
endeavor by the Secret Service officers.
At that time the man manifested no
symptoms of insanity and quietly left the
vicinity of the church when ordered to do
so by the officers.
At about ten o'clock this morning he
appeared at the Executive offices. Enter
ing the vestibule he inquired for Presi-
dent Roosevelt One of the door-keepers
asked him why he wanted to see the Pres
dent.
"Oh, just for fun" He responded. "The
President sent for me and / just want
to see him."
Elliott was to-. to return next month.
He smiled and walked away, not offering
the slightest objection to the rebuff,
which he had received His appearance
attracted very little attention and he gave
no indication at that time of insanity
All of the officers, both at the White
House and at the Executive offices, how
ever were warned to be on the lookout
for the man and not to take any chances
with him.
Shortly before II o'clock, Elliott walk
ed up to the main door of the White
House, stepped inside, and inquired of
officer Cissell if he might see the Presi
dent. Chief Usher Stone and Officer Par
ker were standing just within the vesti-
bule at the time. Mr. Stone told the man
that he could not see the President just
at that moment, as he was engaged, but
that he might possibly arrange to see him
after awhile. Instantly the man having
been recognized, a hurry call was sent
for a police van. Scarcely had the call
been sent in when Elliott became violent.
The officers and attendants threw them
selves upon him and after brief but
strenuous struggle overpowered him. Off
Ger Cissell made eursory examination OF
his pockets, but found only a pair of
shaers and large pen knife The man
became quiet, but refused to leave the
(Continuad on Pare Six