Jasper County Democrat, Volume 9, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 April 1906 — COMES NEAR WANTON MURDER [ARTICLE]

COMES NEAR WANTON MURDER

Killing of MaJ. Tilden by ”Vigllantes” —Soldiers Too Fresh. One of the most unfortunate affairs which has happened here since the city has hren under the joint police supervision of the government, tlie municipality and tiie state militia was the killing of Major H. C. Tilden, a prominent member ot the Citizens’ general committee, and a well-known merchant, In the extreme southwestern part of the city. The killing was done by three members of a self-constituted vigilance committee, who fired upon an automobile carrying Major Tilden, a friend and the chauffeur, returning from Menlo park, whence Tilden had gone with his family. The three men, displaying no badge of authority, ordered the party in the automobile to Ini it. following the demand nlpiost Immediately with a volley of pistol shots. Tilden was shot through the back and instantly Willed, and the two other occupants of the machine wounded. Regular Police Officer .1. J. Dow was held up by a soldier while on his way to report at police headquarters. The regular made an attempt to force thepolleemau to labor iu the street, hut was turned over to a lieutenant, who relieved him of <iiis gun and sent him to the guard house. Policeman A. C\ Williams reported a like experience. He managed to persuade tin- soldier that lie was exceeding iiis authority and after a brief argumetit was allowed to go on ids way. Metcalf Kepresont« Presided!. Sacramento. Cal., April 28.—Secretary Metcalf. of thedepartment of commerce and htltor,passed through on Ids way to San Francisco to take charge of United States properties and buildings. as special commissioner from the president and representing the president in this matter. He was accompanied by Congressman McKinley, who announced that he would at once proceed to Knnta Rosa, where he had heard that great havoc had been produced by the earthquake. On arrival in Banta Rosa he will devote himself to the fullest extent to the alleviation of suffering, both in his private and official capacity.