The Washington herald., 1907-03-25
POLICE GUARDA WIFE
Young Bride, Fears Husband,
Seeks Fathers Home.
GETS DEATH THREAT MESSAGE
Mrs. Matilda stumpner Tells of
Cruel Treatment-Relatives Well
Armed, Join Hands With the Au-
thOritIes in Keeping Lookout for
Mans Promised Visit.

Surrounded by three determined male
members Of her family. each of whom
carried q loaded revolver. with formida-
ble looking shotguns near at hand and
with Ninth precinct men patrolling in
front of the house, Matilda Stumpner
spent last night at the home OF her
father John Eitz. 1898 c street northeast
fearing an attack by her husband.
The interior OF the house presented
much the appearance Of an arsenal in d
state OF siege. with every possible en-
trance covered and with bars on the doors
and barricades at the windows. Outside
the bIuecoat. Private Bardiman, on guard
duty fanked by Lieut. Fslvey and Pri-
vate Siles. made the scene so unusual
that the passers-by were forced TO stop
and inquire its cause.
The following message from the Balti-
more police 10 Lieut.. Peck was the reason
for the excitement;
Look out for J. II. Stumpner, white,
twenty-three, who left here for Wash
ington on o'clock train. He has a re-
volver and a bottle of laudanum. and
threatens TO kill his wife. who lives at
1888 c street with her parents.
Message Is Delayed.
The message was delayed in transmits
sion, and when it reached here the train
was already in. Word was Immediately
sent to the Ninth precinct. and Lieut.. Fall
vey and Officer Bardiman set out for the
house. No sooner had they told the
message than the young girl. who Is but
nineteen years Of age. began crying. The
work of mobllizing the protecting forces
then began, and in a few moments the
house was inapproachable from every
side When a reporter arrived on the
scene he was shadowed for a block by a
bicycle policeman. who thought he an
swered the description Of the husband.
Explanations were necessary before he
was allowed 10 proceed. Going up the
steps OF the house. he was accosted BY
two more bluecoats. while from the open
doorway several grim faces could be seen.
The girl was plainly in fear and could
hardly tell her story Encouraged by
members Of her family, she said:
I had known him only three weeks
when we were married. He is good look
ing and 1 liked him. although both my
parents objected to the match He was
q painter and worked in Baltimore, where
we went after the wedding. seven months
ago. On the second day after We arrived
there he told me TO 90 and help our land
lady wash the dishes. I volunteered TO
help, but she did not wish It: so I re-
turned TO my room. Ny husband insisted
that I wash the dishes. and when 1 re-
fused we had d quarrel A week or two
later he said: What do you think I mar
ried you for If it wasn't to work for me-
The next morning he told me a position
was open for me in store, and I took it
and have worked there for some months.
Claims He Beat Her.
Then he commenced beating me. and
his blows became so frequent that I he
gan TO fear he would seriously injure me.
Friday I wrote a letter to my father,
complaining OF my husbands treatment,
and Saturday both father and mother
came to Baltimore after me and brought
me home. i am afraid Of him, and ]
believe that he viii wait until he is not
being watched and will attack me"
When asked why her husband prose
cuted her, she could not explain, and said
that it was as much of a mystery to her
as to her parents.
The police will keep a sharp lookout
during the night for the husband. who
is thought TO be in the city.