The Washington times., 1906-01-28
BEEF TRUSTS PART
IN BAILEY SUICIDE
Joe Wheeler's Friend Had
HallucinatiOn About 1t.
INVENTOR OF ARMY BISCUIT
Belief This Had Been Stolen and Finan-
cIal Losses Made Former Wash
ingtOn Woman Gloomy.

CHICAGO. Jan. 27.-The Beef trust
and financial difficulties arising from the
loss of her position were some of the
causes Of the suicide OF Mrs Margaret
Bailey, who killed herself at the Sher-
man House Thursday night, when she
heard Gen. Joseph Wheeler eYas dy-
ing
She ended her life with strychnine.
which she took after removing her
clothing and going 10 bed She was
found dying by Mrs. Catherine swart-
out. who shared her room and who
had left her only a few minutes be-
fore the poison was taken. Both women
had been employed for years by the
same hrm as travelling demonstrators. -
Recently, Mrs. Bailey was released by
this company and had been despondent
since because OF financial troubles
Says Trust Prosecuted Her.
In addition 10 this. II was asserted by
persons who have known her for years.
she had acted strangely for some time,
having the hallucination that she was
being made the victim OF persecution
Dy the Beef trust" She had devised.
she claimed. an army or meat biscuit
and asserted that her attempts to place
TINS on the market had led TO her per-
secution.
In addition. to her other troubles real
S HI iahcled, Mrs. Bailey had gTieved of
IaIe over the condition Of General
heeler. lifelong friend OF her family
ana OF her husband during his life.
In Washington Society.
Twelve years ago Mrs. Bailey was
prominent in Washington society. es-
pecially In army circles. She was tai
ented. cultured, and great social fav-
ot'te. Her husband died and she found
reversal Of fortune. being left with
little means and only the resources Of
her Own mind 10 fan back on.
She invented a process OF making bis
cuts which Was given her name and
ihe product met commercial success.
although, her friends say. she herself
realized little from this source. she
came 10 Chicago az the invitation OF
the late Col George r. Davis who
gave her employment.
Airs. Bailey took apartments at 57i5
kosahe court where she lived a Dor
uon OF the time. although she also oc-
cepled rooms az the Sherman House as
pelhS more convenient 10 business. For
some tIIne she was employed by a firm
% gI.Y NYhoIeSaIe grocers. as demonstration OF
1000 products. and few days ago ac-
eepied an oner TO 90 to ST. Louis in a
similar capacity with another mouse.
Telegram From Wheelers.
She had intended TO go TO St. Louis
Thursday night but gave up the trip.
She Was given a telegram concerning
General Wheeler's condition that after
noon. and broke down and cr.ed. She
asked Mrs. Swartout 10 go 10 the rail-
road office and have her ticket ex-
tended
Il can't so. I am so tired" Mrs Bal
ley said. Go for me and III go TO
Mrs. SWaTtOUt left the room about
5,i5 o'clock. and soon after O. o'clock
she returned. Mrs. Bailey was in con-
vulsions. but still conscious.
ha' IS the matter?' Mrs. Swartout
exclaimed.
Il have Just emptied that bottle" Mrs.
Bailey replied. pointing 10 the bottle Ia,
beled strychnine on table near the bed,
Mrs. Swartout summoned aid huT-
riedly. but there was no physician an
the hotel DR.. Jay 5. Pitt, dentist. was
called and word WAS sent 10 Dr.. d. r.
MacMartin. Mr. Pitt arrived as the
woman was dying, but the physician did
not reach the hotel until a few minutes
after her death. which was at GEO
o. clock.
Mrs. Swartout was hystericaI. and for
hours had 10 be given atteution.
Coroner Hoffman was no. ied and two
hours later the police began their in
Vestigation-
Wrote Last Letters.
The police learned that while Mrs.
Swartout was away from the room. Mrs.
Bailey wrote three letters She sum
moned bellboy and gave him the let
ters- She was not seen again until Mrs.
Swartout found her diving