Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-25

out with his wife. He was graduate of
Heidelberg University In Germany and
few weeks ago received his diploma in the
National University Law School. He had
been employed in the War Department
for several years and was forty-six years
of age.
His wife came to this country but a short
time before their marriage, which occurred
in this city last October. No relatives of
either of them at present in W ash
ington. Mr.. John MetZeroth. a brother of
Mrs Saalbach. is out Of the city with his
family.
Swept Over Dam.
Purcell lost his life after being swept
over the dam opposite High Island. He and
DR.. "Dick" Dear had gone out in the after
noon about a third of mile above High
Island for the purpose of experimenting
with the canoe. Leaving their clothes on
a rock they padded out in midstream
where they upset the boat and attempted
the task Of pushing it ashore. They were
not long, however in discovering that they
were unable to battle successfully with the
current, which was much stronger than
they had anticipated With Purcell at
the bow and Dear at the stern the boat
was rapidly swept toward the dam. Even
then the young men had little thought Of
danger for they were under the impression
that their downward sweep would be ar
rested at the dam. This opinion was based
upon the experiences of former years when
the water was not SO high. But as the
two men and the little craft swept nearer
to the dam both Purcell and Dear saw
that they were in a desperate situation
Though they attempted to catch hold of
something to stay their progress. they were
swept over into a cataract, in which both
Were dashed against jagged rocks and
badly cut and bruised
AS the two swept over the dam they were
separated. Dear managed to regain his
hold on the canoe but Purcell was washed
"a u-l ir, .hn nDt For 20
impossible for them to get together again
but they called to each other as they were
borne along. 1t was about third of
mile below the dam that Dear lost sight of
his companion. At that time the latter
was heading for clump of small bushes
growing out of the water which was also
at that place studded with rocks. Dear
heard Purcell call Dick" but the latter
looking back, was unable to catch another
glimpse of his form.
DIR. Dear's Recital.
Speaking of the tragic affair today Dr.
Dear said: Some time after I lost sight of
Purcell l was compelled to part with the
boat, as I thought saw opportunity of
reaching a high rock and of thereby avoid
Ing what appeared to be certain death II l
was swept down the cataract setting to-
ward the Virginia shore just above the
Chain bridge. / made a superhuman effort
and swan TO the rock, wnere l ciung Tor
nearly lnree-QuarterS OF an nOur, Wnlie MI.
Andrew p. Tallmadge, Mr.. w. Roy Gar
rett and Mr.. Hunter Tenant all of the
Highland Canoe Club, and Mr.. Eugene
Cough procured a skiff, and Tallmadge and
Garrett. yelling to me to hang on, came to
my assistance"
The rescue 1t is said. was a daring and
hazardous undertaking. Messrs. Tallmadge
and Garrett were compelled to row with
all their might and skill in an oblique d.
rection against the current With Dear In
the boat they retracted their course, reach
| ing the island without mishap. Dr. Dear
| was suffering from severe cuts and bruises.
| He was conveyed to the residence of DR..
Joseph Rogers, 721 sth street, where his
| wounds were dressed. He was resting COM
fortably today.
Statement by Eyewitness.
Mr. Gene Cough, who was an eye witness
Of the unfortunate tragedy. said today:
THE two young men, Dear and Purcell.
| came up the feeder In a canoe. passed the
| dam and landed on a little rock near Snake
| Island. where they left their canoe, pre-
paratory to going In swimming. They then
| took the canoe out and upset 1t In the
river, which was more than ordinarily high
| by reason Of recent rains and was very
! Continued on Second Page.l