Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-08-14

than this morning.
As the result OF fall Of IL feet
= through an open trap door on the
stage of the Illinois theatre last night,
William J. Klinck. 2O16 Third avenue,
manager of the mouse, Is lying in st.
Anthony's hospital with conclusion of
the brain. His chances for recovery
are but slight The injured man was
placed on the operating table at 11:45
last evening, and up until noon today
he had not regained consciousness.
Physicians state that the base Of the
skull is fractured on the left
side. There is also a deep scalp wound
and the unfortunate man is bleeding
internally.
The accident occurred shortly after
IL O'Clock. Carl Spence of Moline
was to be given a try-out as to his
singing abilities, with a view to en-
gaging him as soloist with Otto's
band, which has been under the direc-
ton of Messrs. Kindt and Klinck. Mrs.
Fred Schmidt was asked to play the
TO be present, among them being Har-
~ Powers of Davenport, Carl Kuehl,
Bert Grossbeck, Joe Geiger, Nate
Rice of Chicago, Mrs. AL Schmidt. Mr..
and Mrs. Fred Schmidt, and others.
TRAP UNCOVERED.
Powers had started TO lower a drop
on the stage and Klinck was superin-
wards the flies" he walked backward
and suddenly shot through the open
trap 10 the basement of the stage,
some u feet down, his head striking
on the concrete floor with terrific
force. Several men in the party i'm
mcdiately rushed down stairs, and
found Mr. Hlinck lying in a pool of
blood. which was oozinG from his
mouth, ears, and from an ugly star
shaped wound at the base of the
brain on the left side. He was
delirious and murmured fcebly. Leave
me alone. leave me alone" The bat
tered head was washed off with cold
water and Klinck was carried up
through the orchestra II to the stage.
The ambulance was summoned and
Officers Fitzsimmons and Berry placed
the unconscious man on a stretcher.
Drs. Lachner and Williams, who had
been called. accompanied the ambu-
lance 10 the hospital. the run being
made in record breaking time.
At the hospital the wounds were
given attention. and the doctors work
ed over the man until O'Clock this
moraing DR. Henry Braunlich and
DR.. W f. Specrs, both of Davenport,
were called in for consultation. At
tending physicians state that there is
q very slight chance for recovery, al.
though the odds arc greatly against 1t.
HERE TWO YEARS:
MIR. Klinck came 10 Rock Island two
years ago to assume the management
of the Illinois theatre. For a number
OF years previous he had acted in the
capacity OF treasurer at the Burtis
opera house, Davenport. Since his
arrival here Mr.. Klinck has worked un
.tiringly In an effort to build up the
business Of the house. He was but
yesterday reappointed manager for
the third season. Under his regime. the
Illinois has taken a new lease on life
the patronage has been increased. and
the best of attractions have been Sc
cured. Mr. Klinck has been active in
various lines here. and during his briet
stay on this side Of the river has
cultivated a wide circle OF friends. He
Is one Of the most popular young mel
OF the city. and the news of the un
fortunate accident has been received
with gravest concern and sorrow
throughout the city.