Harbin (Oct. 8)
M. Leonson, Harbin Jewish provision merchant, who was kidnaped by bandits several months ago, is believed to have been killed by his captors, it was revealed here today.
His wife, who has been negotiating for his release, has had no word from the agent of the kidnapers since July 31, when a
ransom of $5,000 was demanded. She agreed to pay this sum but demanded a letter from her husband as proof that he is still alive.
The agent of the kidnaping gang declared that this could not be produced as Leonson had been “bricked into a pit” from which there was no egress. Although food could be thrown in to him, he could not pass anything out, his captors alleged.
