New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-06-15
WEBER HIDES NAMES OF
MEN BACK OF ATTACK
reveals to Wife Identity OF
PIotterS, but He and She Are
Silent to the Police.
LONG FEARED ASSASSIN
Usually Went About with Guard
Stab Wound Not NeceSsar-
lily Fatal-Knife May Have
Been Poisoned.

Bridge" has revealed to his wife the
names Of the persons responsible for the
attack on him early yesterday while
walking in Sth street. near Third avenue.
While ignorant as TO who actually plunged
the kitchen knife into his back, just be-
low the left shoulder blade. Weber has
furnished her with the names Of the per-
sons who he is positive we're involved in
the plot to Kill him.
Efforts by the police 10 learn from Mrs.
Weber what her husband told her have
been as unsuccessful as the endeaVor Of
District Attorney J. Robert Rubin and
the police TO get a reliable statement
from the injured man
Weber has stuck To his original story
that his assassin was some kid who did
II simply to become known on the East
Side as a bad man. Weber is of the
belief. according to the police, that the
East Side gangmcn 90 not hold the least
grudge against him for having testified
for the state in the cases Of former Lieu
tenant Becker and the four gunner who
are in the death house at Sing Sing. he
has told the police and the District At
torney's representatives that the East
Side gangsters are glad the gunner are
safe in prison.
Despite his story. however, II IS known
that Weber has feared for his life since
he testified This is borne out by the fact
that he has kept to himself, and has been
out only on rare occasions. When HI did
appear in his usual hauEts he has been
guarded by a paid attendant.
Weber and his wife sought safety in
cuba for a time. sailing under assumed
names. but their identity became known
and after a short stay they returned. Not
long after they moved TO the country, but
this likewise became known. Upon their
return they made their home in the vicin-
itv of Manhattan avenue and 109th street
but after q few months they took an
apartment at No 619 West FIFTH street
II was WeberS third visit 10 the lower
East side since he got in disfavor with his
onetime friends He had gone there on
T Friday night to pay his respects 70 sam
Paul an oldtimc gambling friend, who
was to open a cafe known as the Cont
mental at No. los Second avenue.
Weber had scarcely entered the place
! when his presence became known.
! Threats were made against him, and
Paul. realizing that trouble in his place
, on the opening night was thing to
avoid. urged his friends TO prevent any
outbreak Weber overheard the threats
and departed voluntarily, accompanied by
Dollar" John LANCER, who was reported
10 be interested with Weber In business
ventures" Webers bodyguard was 10
I have accompanied him home. but Weber
decided TO go under the escort Of LANCER.
LANCER is popular among East Side
gamblers. and there was no fear that any
one would attack Weber while I'm his com
pany.
The two walked west to Third avenue
from the Continental. which is on Second
avenue and 9th street Near the corner
of sth street and Third avenue man
lurched suddenly from hiding place and
plunged the knife into Weber's back.
II was some minutes before LANCER
vealized that an attack had been MADE
on Weber, and by that time his assailant
was we'll across Aston Place, and no
attempt was made TO follow the man.
LANCER pulled the knife from Weber
back-it had been driven in almost its en-
tire length-and Weber was removed TO St
Vincent's Hospital by DR.. Mcclure. The
stab wound IS not considered necessarily
fatal, and unless complications ensue he
will be out within five days.
Fearing he was going to die, Weber
sent for his physician. DR.. John a. b.
dine Of No. 15l West 72d street. DR..
Bodine,is out of town. and was not ex-
pected back until tonight, but Weber
sent a dispatch TO him 10 return at once
In the meantime he was removed TO the
Polyclinic Hospital, of which DIR. Bodine
is visiting surgeon.
Assistant District Attorney Frank Moss.
IN charge Of the Prosecutors office in the
absence Of Mr.. Whitman. said thor
ough investigation would be made IL
Il we're found that the attempt was re-
suit OF his appearing as the states wit
ness. he said, developments might be ex-
\ pected. In the event Of Weber's dying,
Mr. Moss explained, his death would not
materially affect a new trial for Becker,
for Weber's testimony OF the first trial
could be read to the jury.
! II was deemed inadvisable 10 question
/ Weber He was in a weakened condition
from loss of blood and was also suffer
ing from shock II was explained at the
| hospital that Weber is not overstrong
due to the mental strain he has been
under.
Despite the reinsurance Of the doctors
that there is no immediate danger Weber
repeatedly expressed fear that the blade
| was poisoned. The knife was apparently
/ new and was supposed TO have been pur-
chased for the express purpose for which
! .xvao need