Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 October 1903 — PRESIDENT ESCAPES ASSASSIN. [ARTICLE]

PRESIDENT ESCAPES ASSASSIN.

Crazy Anarchist Attempts to Force Way Past White House Guards. President Roosevelt Monday narrowly had a narrow escape from death At the bands of a crazy anorchkt who is now locked up in the government insane asylum. Only after a desperate struggle was the man, who gave his name as Peter Elliott and his home as Minneapolis, overpowered by the police and removed from the White House. He had come from Minneapolis to “take control of the government,” and it is believed he had planned to assassinate the President Sunday morning on his way home from church. Elliott occupied a seat in the gallery overlooking the pew in which the President sat and left the building just before the conclusion of the service and took up a position on the sidewalk a few rods away. When the President came out and walked briskly down the street Elliott stepped suddenly forward, held out his hand and said: “Roosevelt, shake hands with Elliott.” Without slackening his pace the President raised bis hat and held out his hand, saying, “I am glad to see you,” and passed on. It is believed the man was disconcerted by the President’s manner and had not the nerve to put his plan of murder into execution. A little before noon Monday Elliott entered the vestibule of the White House and demanded to be admitted to see the President. It was evident that he was crazy and the attendants denied him admission. He attempted to force his way in and it was only after a bard struggle that he was overpowered and carried to a police van that had been summoned. He was placed in the van in the custody of two officers. Seeming to realize then for the first time that he was under arrest, Elliott began the furious struggle with his captors for liberty. He drew a revolver from the right side pocket of his trousers and attempted to shoot Officer James Cissell. The officer grabbed his band and wrenched the weapon from him. In the struggle in the van Elliott had broken a glass panel with his head, severely cutting his head and face. Officer Cissell Mist'aincd a serious cut on bis right arm. The van was burned to the emergency hospital, where the injuries of both Cissell and Elliott were dressed. Elliott Is undoubtedly violently insane.