Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-07-03

William Helmus, seventy-five years old,
in the wholesale liquor business at 1918
14th street northwest, was murderously
assaulted shortly before midnight and
robbed of more than SO in cash
His gold watch, empty posketbook.
eyeglasses and pocket handkerchief were
found on the lot on the rear of his place
of business. where he was SO roughly
handled. Helmus was left by his as
sailants in an unconscious condition.
Cries Bring Neighbors.
When he partly regained consciousness
he managed to return to the yard and
was found seated upon the rear step. His
outcries called neighbors to his aid.
Policeman George Kelly and Crossing
Policeman j. H. Davis found Helmus
seated upon the step. He had not fully
regained his senses. He could not then
give the police graphic story Of what
had happened.
Detective Barbee saw him at the Emer-
gency Hospital later. The surgeons had
dressed his wounds, and he was feeling
somewhat better. His mind was clearer,
and ne was able to make a statement to
the detective.
He recalled that his last customer was
tall negro, who was laxative. After
he left the store the proprietor started to
close his store preparatory to going to
his home at 1855 Harvard street.
Story Told by Helmus.
1T was just 1:3o O'Clock when look
ed at my watch" said Helmus, Il went
to the rear to empty a jar. AS soon as
got in the yard 1 saw the gate was open.
L intended to close it before 1 returned
to the store"
Mr.. Helmus says he does not know
much about what happened after he
started out to the gate. He was able
to recall that he was seized by the throat
and choked, and that the blows on his
head followed. His next recollection
was after the arrival of the police.
Police Investigate.
The two policemen made a light in the
yard, but were unable to find any evil
dences of scuffie. When they reached
the lot they discovered large pool Of
blood and the personal effects OF the
victim, with the exception of the money.
Just what amount of money was taken
Mr.. Helmus does not know. He knows he
had s25 in his hip pocket, and he may
have had as much as $50.
NeiShbors of the liquor dealer became
somewhat excited when they learned of
what had happened. MI Helmus was
unable to give the police any description
Or to say whether there was one or more
assailants. 1t is believed that there were
two men implicated in the affair, and
that blackjack was the weapon used.
Helmus' Scalp Cut.
Surgeons at the hospital found two
ugly cuts in Helmus' scalp and a large
bump made by third blow or was re-
ceived by his being thrown to the ground.
Mrs. Helmus visited her husband at the
hospital shortly after 1 o'clock. She had
become alarmed over his failure to reach
home at the accustomed time and had
started inquiries to locate him.
When Mrs. Helmus entered tho op-
Grating room she become almost hys-
terical. She jumped at the conclusion
that her husband was dead, although he
was standing at the stationary basin
washing his hands.
Mrs. Helmus was soon assured that her
husband was not in dangerous condi-
ton, and returned home. Helmus decided
to remain in the hospital over night.
Police Sent to Scene.
Lieut.. Judge Of the eighth precinct hur-
ried to the scene of the assault, and had
all men available in his precinct partici-
pate in the investigation.
Lieut.. Hartley, in charge OF the de-
tective Office, assigned Detective Barbee
to work with the precinct police.
Helmus is prominent German resident
of Washington. For number of years
he was in business in 18th street north
west between D and E streets
Arrest on Suspicion.
Clarence Douglass. colored, giving his
address as 17J9 street, was arrested In
the immediate vicinity of the wholesale
liquor store at an early hour this morn
ing by Policeman FFord OF the eighth
precinct and sent to the station to be held
ON suspicion. Douglass had only 80 cents
in his pockets and there was nothing
about his appearance to indicate that he
had been engaged in row. He denied
any knowledge of the affair and said he
was in a neighboring saloon last night
until II :55 o'clock.
BRYAN HOME AGAIN.