The evening world. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 1909-01-12
VICTIM Of SHOT
IN CENTRAL PARK
BRITISH OFFICER
Capt. billiard Was Aide-de-
Camp to Lord Miner Dur
ing Boer Campaign.
REVOLVER FOUND NEAR.
Wounded Man Insists Footpad
Fired Bullet and Then
Robbed Him.
REVOLVER FOUND NEAR.

Ropert w. lillilaru, tne Englshmal
who was so strangely shot In Contra
Park last night, is captain In III,
British Army and was aide-de camp t.
Lord Miner during the South African
campaign. He resides In London a.
the Wellington Club, No. Grosvenol
Place, Hyde Park Corner. s. W., on,
OF the most exclusive clubs Of ths
British capital.
This information was made public
this afternoon by the injured mans
counsel, Herbert d. Mason, Of the firm
OF WINS, Mason, Wolft & Houset, OF
No 81 william street
Mr.. Mason issued his statement
shortly after Capt, Hiliard had de-
clared emphatlcally In Roosevelt Hos.
p!tal that he had been shot down by a
footpad while stroling In Central Park
at midnight.
No Reason for Suicide.
The attorney added his emphatic be.
lief that the Englishman had been as
saul,ed by a highwayman, and stated
further that It was ridiculous to init
mate that the distinguished British
Army officer had any motive for sui.
eide, such as financial distress.
Capt. Hiliard." said Mr.. Mason. has
spent large part Of the last several
years in this country, principally In New
York lat the Waldorf-Astoria) Boston
and Denver and is presiden Of large
oil development company In Wyoming.
His friend, Richard 5. Richmond. who
was with Mr., Hill!ard at the Waldorf
until few weeks ago. is also heavily
interested in this company.
MIR. HIlliard is not and never has
been interested In any mining or timber
enterprises In the West, losses In which
are stated to have caused him to at
tempt to take his own life; nor Is there
any other basis for such theory"
Capt. billiard was questioned at
length this morning BY Police Captain
Farrell OF the Arsenal. His condition
is not critical, and he was much
stronger after the surgeons had located
the bullet and prepared to take 1t out.
He said TO the captain:
After dinner at the Waldorf last
night strolled up Fifth avenue to the
Park. then along the Park to the Circle.
/ thought ! would go see the show at
the Circle Theatre. had seen It twice
before, but there was one part liked
especially. so bought ticket.
Before the performance was over
became bored and went out. went to
Pabsts for a drink. bought a cigar
and strolled to the park. walked
along that little pathway until came
to small rustic bridge smoked
there a while, and then went back to
bought another cigar and returned to
the park"
And you went up the same path to
the same little BRIDGE" asked Farrell.
Says Thug Shot at Once.
Yes" replied tie injured man. II,
was resttul and peaceful there. I en-
joyed it--just strollIns along easily
Suddenly there sprang up In the path
beside me the dark figure OF a man.
heard a sharp noise and felt a singing
sensation In my chest. had never seen
the man before and in the darkness did
not get a good look at hun. I could
not describe him."
billiard declared there was no truth
In report that he was In financial
difficulties.
II own extensive oil properties and
real estate In Colorado" he said, land
besides have a compel ence at home. II
Is absurd to try and make It appear
that | sought TO kill myself. was
shot and robbed by thief"
The scene OF the shooting was two
blocks within the Yves. SiIty.second
street entrance to the park.
1t was q peculiar place for q man OF
Mr.. billiards splendid appearance 10
be at midnight. He was clad In even
ing clothes, and, only few minutes
before he vas shot attended a per-
Torrance In the Circle Theatre
When Policemen DAILY and Reeves
were summoned to where Mr. Hlliard
had fallen on the thickly shaded path
they found him stretched on his back,
with enc foot partially upon wire
fence. lie was carried out OF the park
to nearby pharmacy. While being
carried he cried to the policemen.
- bloody ruilian bolted the wall,
prodded me In the stomach and dashed
of with my wallet" Then he mum.
bled somtthIng about having been
British army officer and serving In In.
dian campaigns. He also gave his age
as forty.one years.
Found Revolver Near Spot
That he was prodded in the body with
the weapon that shot him was the
most plausible statement lie made
Where the bullet penetrated his walst.
coat on the left side, the woof Of the
fix was burned In q deep circle and