Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-06
STOPPED A RUNAWAY
DARING ACT OF LIEUT.. g. L
roRrrsacuE.
q IT'S
Cavalry Officer Probably Saved the
Lives Of Two Occupants
nc ds
Of the Cab.


The New York World Of today says: The
Rev. DR.. George Clark Houghton. pastor Of
the Church of The TRANSPORTATION, the
Little Church Around the Corner" had a
thrilling ride down 5tIf avenue last night
behind a runaway horse that escaped con-
troll Of its driver and dashed down the
crowded thoroughfare, trailing the careen-
ing cab. grazing lampposts and sending
pedestrians scurrying to the curb.
After running unchecked for ten blocks
the horse was stopped by Lieut.. G. I. For
tescue Of the 4th United States Cavalry.
DIR. Houghton described his rescue by
Lieut. Fortescue as a performance of I'M
equaled daring, and said the act undoubt-
eddy averted catastrophe that would have
caused injuries and possible loss of life to
the cabman and his charge as well as to
the large crowds Of persons In the vicinity
Of Madison Square.
DR.. Houghton ordered Calumet Club
private cab at 10th street and 9th avenue,
and the driver, John McMarrow had hardly
given rein to the horse when the breast
strap broke At this the animal started
into a fast gallop. It's flight was height
ened by the putting of q big red automobile
going rapidly up the avenue
The occupant of the cab noticed the high
speed and called several times to the driver
to slow down. His cries were unheeded,
however. and when DR.. Houghton got to
Ills Ie6t dIlU lOOkSu OUT lie saw I1ldS NACl0dA =
row had lost control Of the horse.
At 35th street the clergyman grasped the
reins and tried to assist in stopping the
runaway. which flew past large crowd
gathered in front Of the Waldorf-Astor1a.
Swerving toward the sidewalk. the cab
crashed into a lamppost at 82d street,
bending It and nearly tearing wheel from
the vehicle.
DR.. Houghton. PALE but apparently calm.
stood in the cab. and pedestrians. thinking
he intended to leap out, cried. Keep your
seatr'
The rushing cab had reached point
midway between 29th and 10Th streets,
when Lieut. Fortescue saw it and dashed
from the side Of friend directly into the
path of the runaway. Running swiftly
alongside the horse, he grasped the bride,
but the speed was great and the officer
found difficulty in checking it. Finally he
succeeded in turning the head of the ami
NAL toward the southwest corner Of 2Sth
street and 9th avenue, and there brought
1t to a halt.
DR.. Houghton leaped from the cab
grasped the hand of the officer and asked
his name. Fortescue tried to get away
without disclosing his identity.
mo, no." said DR.. l4oughton. "such an
act deserves something more than mere
thanks. I must know you"
The lieutenant then gave his name. say
Ing he was on leave Of absence from duty
with the 4th Cavalry, which is stationed at
Fort Leavenworth, Kan. He is registered
at the Army and Navy Club, No. 18 West
81st street. IS
Lieut.. Fortescue must have a wrist Of
STEEL said DR.. Houghton, after he had
reached his home, No. Il East 10Th street
He guided the horse with his arm out
stretched and never let his body come near
the animal. When 1t was all over he tried
to slip into the crowd but would not let
him go until we, had exchanged cards.
Then he set his silk hat more firmly on his
head, fiicked the dust from his gloves and
walked away" 81"