New-York tribune., 1905-07-17
WEALTHY MEN IN FIGHT.
T1oo, SAID To Be Ne1o- Y Orkers, 4c-
cuSed of assault.

Three members OF the SiwanOy Country Club,
one OF the best-known golf clubs around New
York. it is alleged severely assaulted H. K.
Keller. a wealthy monument dealer in Mount
Vernon Saturday night. Mr.. Keller was on
his way home with his wife. The men knocked
him down and beat him almost insensb1e. Nj.
Keller. although almost blinded from the at
tack, followed his assailants until he met Patrol
man Conklin.
Two of the assailants, said to be wealthy
New Workers, escaped from Mount Vernon, but
the third was arrested. He was identified as
w. H. Irwin, who is a salesman for carriage
establishment in this city and lives at No. 2S3
Summit-ave., Mount Vernon. Irwin was ar
rested on two charges, one of assault and the
other Of drunk and disorderly conduct. Irwin
declares he is innocent and blames his two
companions. but refuses to give their names, as
he says they prominent New York business
men.
Mrs. Keller, in aiding her husband, got the
hat of one of the men who escaped It contained
the initials "r. W. S. P" 1t is believed that the
hat may lead to the Identification of one of Mr..
Keller's assailants.
Irwin was arraigned Yesterday before Judge
Simpson, who is also member of the Siwanoy
Club, and pleaded not guilty. His trial was set
down for Tuesday. Sydney A. Wood, of the
same club appeared as Irwin's counsel
When seen at his home last night, Mr.. Keller
said that he was returning with his wife from
trolley ride, and when near his home in Park
ave. he saw three men staggering down the
street, and he and his wife made room on the
sidewalk for them to pass. AS the men reached
Mr. and Mrs Keller. he alleged, they pushed
them into hedge fence. When Mr.. Keller
demonstrated. one of them exclaimed: "Get out
Of our way. or we Will put your eye out"
-
three sprang upon him and knocked him down.
While Keller was on the ground he says, the
men struck him several times in the face and
kicked him. When he regained hts feet, he said
this is no way to use a gentleman returning
home with his Wife"
With this he says Irwin apologized The
others staggered down the street.
Mr.. and Mrs, Keller followed the men, ex-
pecting to meet a policeman, and have them
arrested. When they reached the City Club.
the two strangers again attacked Keller
knocked him down and administered another
| beating. The monument dealer cried for the
! police and the two strangers ran into a saloon
! and escaped in the darkness Irwin went to tba
! New-Haven station where he was arrested while
/ waiting for his friends.
! Mr. Irwin has wife and two children who
/ are well known in Mount Vernon. His friends
/ are making every effort to AVE Mr. Keller ac-
! cept his apology and withdraw the charge
/ against him. Mr.. Keller last night said:
No apology can fix up my face Look at If
/ IL II is sight. II these men think they can at
tack a peaceful citizen without punishment
lhey nave met the wrong man. l intend to
press the charge against Irwin, and will try NV
best TO learn the names of his friends and
| punish them. / blame them more than Irwin.
Mr. Irwin said
| am innocent OF this charge. l was walking
ahead of two other young men, when Mr. Keller
| made a remark which sounded 10 me like
! drunks" The two men behind me then ran
/ back at him l went up and parted them
committed no assault. would not be gentle
| man II gave the names of the other two gentle
! men,