New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-08-09
". R. LA|DLAW IS DEAD.
Man Who shielded Russell Sage
from Bomb" Expires in Home.
LONG I'LL AND PENNllESS
Sued Financier for $50, 600 Al
ter Explosion, but Case Was
Dropped After Four Trials.

The body of William r. Laidlaw, who al
WAYS contended that he acted as human
shield" for the late Russell Sage when an
insane man hurled a bomb at the aged
financer in his office. i'm 1891. will be bur
led to-day in Woodawn Cemetery. Mr..
Iaidlaw died at tho Home for Incurabies.
at 1S3d street and Third avenue. The Bronx,
on Monday morning at : o'clock. His rela-
tives contend that his death was Que ii
rectlv 10 tine terrible injuries he received
twenty years ago
The funeral services will 10 held this
morning in the little Catholic Church OK
St Martin Or Tours. in East 1920 street.
As q result Of his injuries IN Mr. Sage's
Office Mr. LaidlaW was unable 10 support
himself during the last few Years Of his
lifa and was cared for by his sisters, the
Misses Harriet and Louise I.aidlsW, al their
home. No. 2S0 West s5th street. The brother
had suffered from paralysis for a long time
and in the early part of last June was
taken TO the Bronx home in helpless con-
Gition. lie was stricken with apopieXy a
week ago. which was the immediate cause
or death. lie was ffty-siN years old.
Mr. LaidlaV's mind had been a little
clouded ever since ne came here. in tho
early part of June" said Or Israel o..
Jones. superintendent Of the Home for In
curables, YESTERDAY He was bedrdden
most Of the time. but could SIT ND FOR an
hour some DAYS He seldom talked 10 any
one. though he sometimes spoke Of the in
iuries he received. as he said. I'm the act
of saving the late Russell SaEe's life. He
appeared. however TO be reconciled. and
.s-d
Mr.. Laidlaw brought suit for so"o
damages against Russell Sage. contcnding
that the defendant had seized him and used
him as a shield when the insane man, Nor
cross. dropped the bomb Lsidlaw was
terribly injured he received IA wounds
IN mis- back. Some OF them deep enough 20
sever the large muscles which practically
control Iocomotion. He was rendered help
less FOR months and was a cripple ever az
terward
The damage suit was brought 10 trial four
times Twice the plaintiff obtained YER
dict first for s25CO0 and at the fourth trial
one for $500, but each time the Court Of
Appeals reversed ;he verdict The litigation
extended over a period Of about ten years
Mr.. Sage fought the suit vigorously. Jo-
seph II. Choate appeared as counsel for
I,aidlaw at the last trial Laidaw had i'm
povershed himself and was forced 20 give
up the ighe in the courts. II was said A.
terward he looked 70 Mrs Sage for help,
but such bitterness had been stirred IN by
the suits that she never felt inclined TO as
sst him.
Miss Louise I.aidlaw spoke bitterly yes
terday OF the way Mr. sage had treated
her brother
Had Mr.. Sage done one-half or what
he should nave done, my brothers life
would have been much happier" she said.
"He died practically penuiiess. His death
was directly duo 10 the injuries received
N saving Mr. Sdge's life We managed 20
keep our home together until last June.
but then mad TO give it MP and send our
brother 70 the Home for Iucuraoles."
Laidiaw was employed az a clerk by tho
firm ~ John BlOodgood q Co. and had
gone To- the Office Of MIR Sage, a. Broadway
and Rector street. 10 deliver some papers
when Norcross made the attempt on the
aranciers Hfe The insane man had de-
manded 100000. and Mr.. Sage was argu-
ing with him when Laidlsv entered uneX-
pectedIv. Iaidlav contended afterward that
tho aged hnaucier seized him and drew
him between himself and the crazy man.
Norc-oss dropred Tho bomb, and the o.
ulosion blew him 20 pieces and injured SOY
eral persons IN the office besides Laidlaw
The Only part Of Norcross's body that was
found was his head. which was picked Up
across Rector street on the pavement along
side Trinity Churchvard.