The sun., 1908-07-21
A Van RENSSELAER, IN A CELL
JOHN A. THREATENS TO BL0W
HIS MOTHERS HEAD OFF.
Episode OF Colonial Danes BlAclfbalIing
Related-The Son Wanted Money and
Suggested Among Other Things That
He Could Inherit by Killing HIS Mother.

He Could Inherit by Killing His Mother.
John A. Van Rensselaer,, eldest son OF
Mrs. John King Van Rensselaer, Of Newport
and Philadelphia, who has written about
eligible 'daughters' Of various wars and
New York's old families, was arrested
yesterday afternoon and looked up In Police
Headquarters charged with sending his
mother letter In which he threatened 10
do her bodily harm unless she gave him
5000.
Van Rensselaer,, who was arrested by
Detectives Wilbur and Browne In front Of
an apartment house at lie Waverley place.
where he occupies rear apartment with his
second wife, Kathryn Buxton, whom he
married recently, told the detectives that
he wrote the letter. and they say that he
repeated his threat. He said he didn't
mind being arrested and hoped the case
would receive notice in the newspapers.
Mr.. Van Rensselaer's letter, received by
his mother at Newport, was brought to the
attention Of Inspector McCaferty Of the
Detective Bureau on Saturday by Chief Of
Police Crowley Of Newport, who sent with n
the suggestion that perhaps criminal action
should be taken. Chief Crowley wrote
that Mrs. Van Rensselaer, had told him that
her son had recently married an actress,
had spent $50 900 and was demanding moro.
The letter, which bore the date July II.
follows:
have Just seen Lawrence Lee and ars
given to understand that you will pay $50 per
month for my board II i will go 800 miles from
New York and that must have your written
consent to leave the place you select Did IL ever
occur to you that have an absolute remainder
interest in Aunt Franoess estate securities,>
and that by blowing your head OF that my
wife would have an income SUFFICIENT to sup
port herr will take that course II necessary,
and upon my head will rest the consequences.
lThaw is still alive. Maybe will BEL
In any case. my wife. God bless her, yeA
benefit by your demise even II don't.
have seen many disa greements and much
suffering In my life and want to say that most
Of 1t is due to you. q selfish peacock. whose
name in these towns amounts to nothing and
who is almost If not entirely forgotten in
circles once tread.
/ am now in no humor to be triied with and
wish to go on record that will take action
on sight unless something Is done at once.
You gave Harold 90 600 and trip to Europe
What have had for being honest?
], A. VAN RENSSELAER,.
want you to raise on that fancied name OF
yours 81. 900 for me. II you are such a great
lady. make good. II not keep out Of my
sight. / oan raise cash enough yet to 60 to
you wherever you are. and have a good
name.
Inspector McCaferty sent Wilbur and
Browne to find Van Rensselaer,, and they
went to his home at about o'clock in the
afternoon. When they knocked on the door
young Mrs Van Rensselaer, opened it. She
said she didn't know when her husband
would be at home, but he usually came at
$40 o'clock.
The detectives waited across the street
until they saw Mrs. Van Rensselaer, 60 out,
leading collie dog. Browne followed her.
while Wilbur went back to the house to get
a description Of the man. Browne saw
Mrs Van Rensselaer, talk to q man in front
Of a drug store in Sixth avenue. and he 5,
then went and Joined Wilbur opposite the
house. The man. who proved to be Van
walked over to meet the de-
tectives and asked II they wanted to see
him.
1You are accused OF sending threaten
ing letter to your mother Wilbur told
him. did you do SOP
"Yes. sure replied Van Rensselaer,.
did you write it?'
yes
did you threaten to kill her7'
'Yes. she ought to be killed.
The detectives then told Van Rensselaer,,
hey would have to take him to Police Head
quarters. and he said he was perfectly
Wiling.
On the way down Van Rensselaer, told
he detectives that he has recently besn
n the brokerage business at Rector street
md that not long ago when business was
good he lent his mother $1,000 Now he
wants the money back. he said.
The detectives understood Van Rensselaer,
o say that up to q short time ago he had
friend from whom he was accustomed to
,orrow $2Oo. 900 to $500 900 at clip and he
aid that when he went to this friend and
sked for another loan one day the friend
aid:
my mother has just applied for admis-
ion to the Colonial Danes and has been
by your mother. II my mother
snt good enough to associate with your
nother my money isn't good enough for
ou to handle. Get out Of my Office.
The prisoners wife said later that cne
electives had misunderstood this aneodote.
'hioh related to an experience Of her hus-
and's father. John King Van Rensselaer,,
nd not to the son.
Chief Of Police Crowley was notified
nat Van Rensselaer, had been arrested on
he complaint Of Mrs.. Van Rensselaer,.
,ade to him. and was told that the prisoner
vould he held pending action by him.
Mrs John A. Van Rensselaer, went to
oioe Headquarters to see II she could
o anything for her husband. He said hs
idn't want anything but some smoking
'bacoo, which she sent for.
Il am astonished t6 think that nv hus-
and's mother took such action against
Or son. Mrs. Van Rensselaer, said. Il
ont think she meant it to 20 80 far.
ippose when she got the letter she was
ightened and turned II over to the police
Newport because she is alone there and
anted them TO protect her.
My husband has lost about $50 900 In his
rokerage business in the last year, and
n been greatly worried for money. He
lme home on the 14th and we sat nj the