The Washington herald., 1907-09-01
LEAPS TO HIS DEATH
Raymond Norris Loses Life
in Potomac River.
LAD WANTS TO GO SWIMMING
10 Go Into Water
Proves FafaI-Nephew Laughs at
Struggles OF Drowning BOy-Uni-
dentifed Man Makes Futile At
tempt 10 Rescue the Lad.

Within sight Of his two-year-old nephew,
Russell Norris, who, seated In small
wagon but a few feet away. was enjoying
the antics OF several boys playing about
the water Raymond Norris, ten years Of
age, diyed into the river from the sea
wall at the foot OF Fourth street south
east yesterday afternoon. and after floun-
dering about in the water for a few min
utes sank beneath the surface.
The several boy companions. seeing the
lads perilous position, screamed for help.
and some unknown white man who re-
sponded to their calls for assistance
sprang into the river with all his clothes
on and tried 10 rescue the drowning boy.
All efforts proved useless, however, and
it was not until the police from the har-
Dor precinct had dragged the river bottom
that the body Of the unfortunate lad was
recovered
A few minutes before O'Clock yester-
day afternoon, Raymond Norris. whose
father and mother are both dead. and
who had been living with his brother,
Howard Norris. for about five years, left
east. with his little nephew. intending to
return within a few minutes. In the
course Of the boys stroll about the neigh
borhOod he walked down Fourth street
to the river front, where William Mills,
of 1903 Fourth street, and William New
man. Of 5l4 K street. were playing about
the sea wall
Wants to Go Swimming.
The Norris boy knew neither Of the
boys having moved to that section Of
the city only few days ago, but within
a few minutes he made himself acquaint-
ed. and had Joined them at their play.
Leaving his little nephew seated in the
toy wagon, the boy hurriedly removed
his clothes, and, according to the stories
tad b. his new acquaintance, said that
he was going in swimming
Where Is the deepest water? I'm going
in swimming, said the boy, as he ran
along the wall in search for a suitable
diving place. When questioned by the
other boys whether he could swim. and
on being told Of the danger Of venturing
in deep water. the Norris boy replied.
oh. I know how TO swiml / don't care
If do drown!' and as he said this he
sprang from the wall 10 the water be-
low
He had hardly hit the water when the
boys on the bank saw that he knew
nothing OF swimming. and Immediately
they called 20 a negro. who was fishing
from a rowboat In midstream, 10 90 10
his rescue. Either the man did not
hear their calls or did not wish to bother
himself with the undertaking for he
made 10 attempt to alter his position, and
the unfortunate Raymond sank beneath
the surface FOR the last time
Child Thinks IL Great Fun.
Unaware of the fate of his boy uncle.
little Russell Norris continued his chuck
ling in the wagon. and on hearing the
screams and calls Of the Mills and New
man boys, seemed TO enjoy the situation
al the more The little fellow was car
ried 70 the residence Of Mrs. VI. A. Rob
inson. at 1872 Fourth street southeast,
where he remained until his Identity
was learned, and he was returned home
TO his mother.
Mrs. Howard Norris. sister-in-law Of
the boy who was drowned. said last night
that Raymond only few days ago had
visited an uncle living at Benning, D. C.,
and while there had been allowed TO play
IN a small pond IN the vicinity On re-
turning to the city he told OF the great
fun he had in the water ard since that
time had daily expressed a desire 10 get
into the water again, although 1t was
known that he was unable 10 swim.
F.@H H..~l TrT4~ L
RS. who lived at 1917 Thomas avenue
Baltimore. died about five years ago.
and within several weeks after his 1eatn
his wife suddenly died, leaving the boy
an orphan. Since that time he had lived
with his married hrnt hnr in this city