The Washington times., 1906-08-12
H. P. Totten, Of Blue
fields, w. Va, Victim
of Alcoholism.
FOUND BY POLICEMAN
In STUP0R ON STREET
Taken to Sixth Precinct in
Early Morning, Expires
Without Regaining
Consciousness.

Cold iH death, his body distorted
and showing evidences that he had
suffered terribly before the end, H.
P. Totten, a wealthy contractor
from BluefeId, ". Va, was found
lying face downward on the asphalt
floor of cell No. ? at the Sixth pre-
cinct station yesterday afternoon
shortly after 3 o'clock
Death from acute gastritis sup
erinduced by alcoholism" was the
substance Of the certificate issued
/ by Coroner Nevitt, who viewed the
remains in the dingy cell, stated
that an inquest was not necessary
and ordered the body removed to
the morgue, where IL VIII be held
until relatives are heard from.
Stupefed When Arrested.
Inquiry developed the fact that
the man was stupefed from drink
and unable TO walk or talk when
taken into custody yesterday morn
ing about 9 o'clock by Policeman
Armstrong, Of the Sixth precinct.
It was further learned that al
though frequent groans were heard
from the mans cell during the time
he was incarcerated and sey eral po-
lcemen peered through the iron bars
at him while he was writhing in
agony on the floor he was not given
any medical attention.
Spent His Money Freely.
with party 0f business men OF his
own locality. Totten came 20 Washing
ton several days ago and registered at
The Metropolitan Hotel. After the
transaction of his business during the
dav ne adjourned 20 the buffet and spent
the evening with friends and in a spirit
Of gOOd-fenowship reyeled fin the de-
lights OF his short vacation He
spent his money freely and persons
who were with him say that he went
TO his room Thursday morning much
the worse for his midnight lark.
Retired Early Thursday.
on Thursday he appeared late for
breakfast and complained of feeling
iu. During the day ne regained his
strength and appeared in his usual good
health. He attended 10 his business
in the afteru00n and retired early.
Friday morning. however, he was Un-
able TO see the business parties With
whom he was dealing and started out
/ to see the sights and IL was not long
before he met with some friends. Ihey
adjourned TO a nearby cafe, where they
/ took liquid refreshments Tor several
hours and It Is said the West Virginian
T was left In the resort when his friends
went 70 tha hotel for dinner. Later
/ fbev met him In the hote! buffet ne
/ had had nothing 10 eat at that time and
il is said was stiu drinking
His Whereabouts Unknown.
At the hotel yesterday it was stated
taat his room was unOccupied on FIJI
day night.
His friends were at a loss TO account
for his whereabouts throughout the
early morning hours. From saloon
keepar near the vicinity Of the hosteiry
il is learned that TOtten made his ap-
pparance there shortly after daybreak
and asked for something TO brace him
nm. He took toners and soft drinks. then
left the place.
Policeman Armstrong found the man
living on the pavement at the corner or
Four-and-a-half street and Penpsyl-
vania avenue unable to navigate, having
evidently collapsed on his way 70 lhe
hotel. The patrol wagon was summons 'l.5
and TOtten was Whisked on 10 the sta
tfon house where he was searcheos
carried hack 10 one of the cells. and
placed on the iron bench.
Tried to Talk TO Keeper.
For several hours no sound came rom
the cell but about noon means and
groans were heard as If the man was In
agony.
About 3 O'Clock, when the means ana
groaus were no longer heard Henley
again went to the cell TO see If Totten
was asleep. Calling TO the man as he
was lying on the floor and receiving no
response Henley thought that all was
not right and unlocked the door
Entering the cell he shook the man
violently. but there was no response
Henley summoned physician VINO pro-
nounced life extinct
Coroner Nevitt was informed and ar
rived a short time later. The BODY
when viewed by the Con0rer was IN Ihe
same position as when found by Henley,
and there was every reason 10 believe
that the West Nirginian had done his
best 10 get TO the door and call out 10
persons in the station for ala.
Inspector BOardman VIXEN informed or
the mans death had an Investigation
made and later his identity was estab-
nshed by means OF a mileage book and
the key 20 his room at the hotel.
Inspector BOaFdman telegraphed to rela-
tives in BlueAeid, but st q sats ilOUr last
night no reply had been received