The Convention was in an uproar! The Drys were making a determined stand and showing some unexpected last-minute strength.
The Wets were shouting, clamoring, and stamping. The Chairman was vainly trying to restore order amid a scene of wild confusion.
As the excitement reached its pitch, Hurlenson, a powerful leader of the Wets, told a companion seated next to him that he felt a heart attack coming on and was going back to the hotel.
An hour later, the Convention was stunned to learn he had committed suicide in his room.
Professor Fordney, a guest at the Convention, went immediately to the hotel.
In Hurlenson’s room he found the police, the doctor, and Pollert, an influential delegate, who had discovered him.
‘The last time I saw Hurlenson was at the party last night, and he seemed in excellent spirits,’ said Pollert. ‘I arose late this morning—my room’s down at the other end of the corridor—and I was just leaving for the Convention hall when I heard a shot. I dashed directly here, but it was too late. He must have died immediately.’
‘He did,’ said the doctor. ‘He apparently stood in front of the mirror, took aim, and blew out his brains. There are powder-burns all around the wound.’
Learning that none of the maids or any of the other guests were on the floor at the time, Fordney advised the police to hold Pollert on suspicion of murder.
