New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-10
ARRESTED, LEAPS
TO DEATH AT CLUB
Christopher Wagner, Ex-
porter, Accused of Sl5,-
900 Default in Books

Christopher Wagner. president Of
the Wagner Trading Company, leaped
from a fourth floor window Of the
Sontsuk Club in Brooklyn and killed
himself at o'clock last night, when
an attempt was made to arrest him on
a charge Of missppropristion Of the
company's funds. It is said that the
shortage will amount 70 ut least
$4,000.
Mr.. Wagner had been living at the
Montauk Club, which is at % Eighth
Avenue, within few doors Of the late
Mayor Gaynor's home, since June. His
home had been at $50 Fiftieth Street,
Brooklyn. In June Mrs. Wagner and
their FIVE children went TO Portland,
Ore. and Mr.. Wagner took rooms in
the club.
Henry MeYcnberg. vice-president OF
the Wagner Trading Company, called
At the club last night with Detective
Vaughan, who was 10 mako the arrest.
The sum specified in the warrant was
81. .0a4, a check for which amount, pay
able TO the firm. Wagner is alleged TO
have deposited TO his own account on
August in the Battery Park National
Bank.
Suspicion of the shortage was
aroused recently, and Meyenberg yes
terday lodged a complaint at Head
quarters.
At the entrance to the Montauk Club,
at 25 Eighth Avenue, he and Vaughan
we're stopped BY steward, who ek'
plained that Wagner had been i'll since
Tuesday, when a gas jet had been
turned on accidentally in his room.
The two callers gave start at this IN
formation.
The callers found Wagner clad in
paiamas and bathrobe.
~ can see you're ill.," said Vaughan,
"and ] will take you TO whatever hos
p'tal you may select"
Wagner stood silent and another
member Of the club who was passing
paused 10 inquire how he felt.
Wagner Makes Excuse
"A little better. thank you" he said
with white lips, and then turned TO his
two callers.
II think If you will permit me TO so
TO the lavatory on the next floor, a
dash Of cold water may brace me up
he said.
Meyenberg nodded and Vaughan ac-
oompanied Wagner TO door on the
fourth floor. which, he said, was the
entrance TO A bathroom. Wagner en-
tered and shut the door behind him.
The dete we, after a moment OF abso-
lutte si' ice. became suspicious and
flung door open. The room, which
was bathroom, was empty. A
stews was passing, and Vaughan IN
ouired where Wagner could have gone.
"Why, there he is" replied the ser
want, pointing to a door in the far side
of the room, which gave access to an
ether room. Through it could be seen
the iror railing of a balcony on the
Eighth Avenue side of the building.
Wagner. tho rain and wind beating
upon his fimsv attire, was standing
peering into the street.
The detective leaped for his man,
but he was too late. Without so much
as glance toward the suddenly
opened door, Wagner jumped from the
balcony, landing in the street.
Victim Instantly Killed
The fall had killed Wagner outright.
His hurtling body barely missed
Henry Henderson. of 22l6 Eighty
eighth Street, Brooklyn. In moment
it was surrounded by a dense crowd.
After brief inspection by an ambu-
lance surgeon. the body was removed
to an undertaker's.
Coroner Wagner had a brief talk
with Mr.. Meyenberg last night, and
reported that accountants who had
been over the books of the concern
thought the shortage would equal sl5,-
600. The Wagner Trading Company
handles an importing business. IL IS
capitalized at $4,000, and the only Of
fcials connected with it were Wagner,
its president; Meyenberg, the vice
president; William II. Leggett, jr., the
secretary, and Charles Sloane, the
treasurer. The Offices were a. "a
whitehall Street, Manhattan.