The Tragedy of a 'Box Rustler' at the Standard Theater

Lillian Stewart, a girl about 18 years of age, committed suicide yesterday morning in the Orth house, corner of South Sixth and Main streets, by taking a spoonful of 'Rough on Rats' in a fit of despondency caused by her desertion by her lover. Lillian Stewart and a man named 'Billy' McGall took rooms at the Orth house one month ago as man and wife, the girl giving her name as Lillie Burns. She went to work in the Standard theater as a 'box rustler,' and it was then discovered that her name was Lillian Stewart. Sunday night they had a quarrel, and from her words just prior to death it appears that he struck her and made known his intention of going to Tacoma. About 7 o'clock Tuesday night, Billy McGall left the hotel. Lillian Stewart requested the clerk to call the proprietor, who found her upon the bed, weeping. She asked him to fetch Billy from the train, but he could not be found. Later, Dr. W. M. Patterson was called and discovered a box labeled 'Rough on Rats.' He administered antidotes, and by 2 o'clock she appeared to be recovering. However, at 6 o'clock the next morning, the chambermaid found the girl lifeless. Two notes were found; one read, 'I have taken poison. Tell Billie to come before I die,' and another, 'Billie McGall, I am dying for you only.' Lillian Stewart was originally from Victoria, B. C. She had worked at a boarding house on Second street, but after the death of her employer, she suffered a series of personal tragedies, including the drowning of her fiancé, Abner Abbott, in the bay at the foot of King street. McGall, described by witnesses as a plumber with superficially pleasing manners, exhibited no interest in her fate, claiming he had 'gotten through with the girl.'