The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-07-06
MRS. PATTON SHIELD
ED MEN TO AVOID
SENSATIONS
By MRS. MARGARET W. PATTON

MmRS. DE LA MONTANYA shot herself by accident
IVE with revolver belonging R. G. Hanford, and
Hanford and Charles o. Whittemore were in the
apartment the time of the tragedy AT first said that
the there thought tha t there would be
less sensation if that not known. But that
made mistake in the matter and l glad tell the
whole truth Anyway would have told the truth the
coroners inquest. did go prison for
II years for perjury.
My first story true in far that the shooting
was an accident don't think any one saw the shot
fired
Saw Mrs. de la Montanya Sink to the Floor
Whittemore and | sitting on lounge by the
window, looking the bay and Hanford was
in the dining room, which is separated simply by an
alcove He standing by the table, believe as he
was about Irish sour Gas he called IT'D
When the report sounded thought that recracker had
exploded in the | turned suddenly and saw Mrs.
de la Montanya sinking the floor l thought what
graceful woman she is Then saw blood coming from
the wound in her head and Hanford standing her
with his hands upraised in horror My Godr he said;
what has that girl doneay
Later he said that he had taken the revolver of
his pocket but moment before and had told her
touch it. But think she almost instinctively picked
up the moment he laid it down Whenever she saw
revolver she had irresistible impulse put her
head and jokingly threaten suicide The trigger of this
weapon very light the touch and it of. But
am she had intention of taking her life 1t was
most gnastly accident.
Mrs. Patton Suggested Secrecy
Why the men left after the shooting say.
see now that they have placed me in terrible position;
but it who suggested that they leave the house and
say nothing about it. thought that would be the easiest
way In time of excitement it takes hero do the
right thing. invented the story that Mrs de la Mon
had had the revolver for time and had warned
the maid handle it There had to be explana
ton given for the weapon being there.
most pathetic feature of this terrible thing is that
Mrs de la Montanya had only met Hanford that day
(Friday) had known Hanford for time and he
had invited me to have lunch with him Friday at the
ST Francis l asked Bird (the pet for Mrs de la
Monanya) if she would be there, and she said that
she might as she was to meet Whtemore, who was
confer with her on legal business.
went to the hotel and there met Hanford White
more came into the par1or, where | waiting and
asked me if | knew Mrs. de la Montanya was coming
down / replied that expected Bird shortly. l intro
duced Hanford to Whittemore but found that they had
met some time before Soon Mrs. de la Montanya came
in and it was then that she Hanford for the first
time 1t is terrible that it to be due that
introduction might say that Mrs. de Ia Montanya,
through no fault of Hanford, death.
As the four of dividing for luncheon, Han
ford asked Mrs de la Montanya Wittemore and me to
have dinner with him the St Francis that evening
A Pleasant Apartment and Competent Cook
@Why not all come out and have dinner with me?'
responded Mrs. de la Montanya Il have pleasant little
Eov~ ftolr