New-York tribune., 1905-01-17
PISTOL, KNIVES, PEPPER.
WHAT MANIAC CARRIED.
Disormed an Home of Bank Cashier
IN WinSted, Conn.
LBT TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE

Tinsted Conn. jan 16-"Peace or war, ex-
claimed crazy man. as he darted into the dining
room Of the handsome home of Mrs Ellen NJ
Phelps. at No. 55 Park Place about 7 O'Clock to-
night and thrust loaded 32calibre revolver in the
face of her son, William H. Phelps cashier OF the
Hurlbut National Bank. VINO with his mother and
sister. Miss julia Phelps secretary Of Greenwood
Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
was eating supper. Around the wrist Of his left
hand was wound a slungshot in belt around his
waist was knife with 12-inch blade keenly
sharpened I'm his pockets another sharp knife and
straps. and fully pint of red pepper and salt.
At the sight Of the intruder Mrs. Phelps fed from
the door and her daughter went upstairs To her
brothers room. secured his two revolvers and. re-
turning downstairs. waited a few minutes in n
hallway for an opportunity to pass the weapons TO
her brother, who still alone with the crazed
stranger. Failing, she finally followed her mother
the street
The crowd OF several hundred persons outside
could see Phelps and the stranger with revolver in
hand through the dining windows. Before
the arrival of the police. George Taylor. David
King and Fred Wood, citizens entered the house,
and as they passed INTO the dining room the mad
man moved back short distance from Phelps and
kept pointing the revolver at one and then al
the other renarkipg as he did rs IT peace
waT! The three citizens did not vells.n long in
the house. however. passing out one at time.
Where is your sister?" the insane man then
asked young Phelps. He is only thirty-two. and as
the latter replied: II will go and find her and
started 10 leave the room, the visitor commanded
iHh 10 remain and lie again pushed the revolver
in his face
You stay here" Phelps now recognized that
the mans face did not look natural. and tried 10
humor him b. Offering him a cigar and supper. but
he accepted neither.
After being alone with the for fifteen min
utes Phelps remarked that he would 60 outside
and see what was doing. The stranger offered no
objections and the cashier walked out of the
house. The crazy man snapped the lock behind
Phelps and passed from the dining room to the
front hallway. taking up a position in alcoye
so that the crowd outside could not see him.
CHIEF of Police S. c. Wheeler who, in the mean
time had learned that the stranger Frederick
Baker. man about forty years old. stone cutter.
who came here with his wife and three children
Josiah Spear, at the front entrance Of the house.
while he himself went inside through u rear door.
As the chief opened the door leading into the din
ing room, Baker came into the from the hall
way.
Peace war?" he said.
Both men pointing revolvers at each other
Why, peace. of course, Fred" answered the
Chief. and the latter droped his weapon by his
side Baker did the same. Then Wheeler advanced
slowly up 20 the crazy man and one By one took
sons followed the police and captive to the police
station. where the man was further searched. The
pepper and salt. Baker said:
BE careful and not get it in your eyes. 1t will
Asked why he had done it. Baker responded:
i don't know am liable TO do anything
He black slouch hat and sweater under
his coat and was not intoxicated ny Baker had
designs the life OF Miss Phelps is known
unless 1t was because he thought she had some
marble works OF o. Il. Ripley last Friday. A com
mitIee from from me cnaIel OF Whch MISS Phelps was
the graves OF old soldiers and Baker had been
believed for some time that her husband un-
balanced