Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-04-18
LOUDERBACK DIES
OF APOISON DOSE
Jury Finds Cyanide Killed Form
er Traction Magnate, but
Much Mystery Remains.
SCENE AT THE INQUEST
ALFRED Louderback" Asks of Woman,s
Visits to Home-WeaIth
Shrinks to $4,000.

Chicago, ILL.,, April I'D H. Lou
derback, railroad builder and real es-
tate man, died of cyanide poisoning.
That was the verdict yesterday of the
coroner's jury after a formal investi-
cation of the mystery of the rich mans
house of glass; at 1918 North Ber-
nard street. The inquest was inter
rupted by an unbidden spectator-a
waiter claiming heirship and limiting
at concealment of chapters in the ca
reer of the dead man. He was elected
The inquiry was held in one of the
glass cased compartments of the yer.
anda at the curious residence of Mr.
Louderback. Mrs. Sarah E Ritter, a
stepsister of Mr.. Louderback, was the
only witness. She went before the jury
and told in low, even voice the Incl
dents leading up to the discovery of
Mr. Louderback's condition on the
morning of April and his death short
ly after. The inquiry was proceeding
with formal regularity, subdued by the
setting of magnificence uncommon to
inquest scenes.
Mrs. Ritter rose from the witness
chair at the conclusion of her state
ment. Michael P. Hartney, deputy cor
oner. turned to the little assemblage.
This is public hearing and l want
to ask if there is another present who
wishes to ask Mrs. Ritter any further
questions?" he said.
Enter ALFRED Louderback, Jr."
"Yes.p exclaimed the young man
coming to his feet. II am Alfred Lou
derback, Jr., of 80 East Twenty-sixth
place, and l wish to ask the witness
whether a Mrs. Napkins had visited
the home of Mr.. Louderback within
the last few months.
There was a pause and a gasp.
What connection has this Mrs
Hopkins with the inquest into this
death?' the deputy demanded.
well, am a relative and 1 want to
see fair play the young man an
swered.
81 don't think you have made it
plain why We should summon this wo-
man, whoever she is" the deputy re-
sponded
The intruder was allowed to put the
question, and Mrs. Ritter denied it
L
Anything else?" the deputy asked.
Nothing, except 1 heard that he
used to take this woman to the Grand
Pacific hotel and spend money on her
for dinners" the young man added.
"You are excused, Mrs. Ritter" said
the deputy with an air of finality.
"You Get Quite Gets.
NJ. p. Faherty. friend and business
associate of the late Mr. Louderback.
took the situation in hand
You don't belong here. Get out,
he ordered angrily.
Waiter meekness heard the voice of
Yes. sir"
Young 'Louderback'' reached hur-
riedly for his hat and was rushed
through an outer door opened by Fa-
herty
The jury retired for elaboration af-
ter formal reports from DIR. H G. w.
coroner's physician. and
Or. w. ID. MoNally, coroner's chemist,
were read
Outside the Louderback residence
young "I.ouderback" recovered cour
age and made coIorful statement.
He Promises to Contest VIII.
81 and my brother Isaas. in Los An
geIes. will make fight ON this bush |
ness" he said. MY father. Albert |
Iouderback, Sr.. now dead, was nepn- |
ew OF Mr.. Louderback. From what
hear. we are not mentioned in the will |