MAGUIRE'S SHARP TRICK

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, April 13, 1895.

MAGUIRE'S SHARP TRICK.

Escape of Matteawan Convicts Made Clear.

RECAPTURE OF JOHN QUIGLEY.

Maguire Held Out Two Spoons of Which He Manufactured Key—Lax Method of Keepers Revealed—Reward For Perry's Capture.

   POUGHKEEPSIE, April 13.—The capture of Convict Quigley and his return to the Matteawan state criminal asylum, from which he escaped with Perry, the train-robber, and three other dangerous convicts on Wednesday night, has solved the mystery of how the five men got out of their rooms in the isolated ward without breaking the locks.

   When Quigley arrived at the asylum in company with the attendants who had been sent to New Hamburg to bring him back, he was taken directly into Superintendent Allison's private office and there examined behind closed doors by Dr. Allison and State Prison Superintendent Austin Lathrop, who has been at the institution personally investigating the escape.

   Afterwards he was sent back to the cell in the isolated building, and Allison repeated to the reporters Quigley's story, which shows the escape was due to the violation on the part of the attendants of the rules of the institution and also to carelessness in the manner of locking up.

   Perry and Quigley, being considered bad men, were kept confined in their rooms where they were given their meals. Some days ago Maguire managed to retain two metal spoons, though it was the duty of the attendants to count in and count out the utensils at every meal. Out of these spoons Maguire fashioned two keys, one for each lock, securing patterns of the locks from a source which Quigley does not know, though it is believed that one of the patients, who had the run of the ward, secured an impression for him. Maguire gave the key which he made for the lower lock to Davis, who was not kept in close confinement and who in going to supper on Wednesday evening unlocked the lower lock of Maguire's door, returning the key to Maguire through the observation hole in the latter's door.

   The attendants in locking up did not try Maguire's door, presuming that it had been locked all day. After it was quiet that night Maguire slipped his arm through the observation hole and with his other false key unlocked the upper bolt with his two keys. Maguire could have opened all of the 16 cells in the ward, but he did not. He unlocked the rooms of Quigley and Perry and the three men secreted themselves in the train robber's room. It is certain that Watchman Carmody did not try the door of Perry's cell, for after he had passed it the three men rushed out and overpowered him. After having secured Carmody's keys it was an easy matter for them to liberate Davis and O'Donnell, and then the five men left the building through the chapel and attic as has been described.

   When found asleep in a freight car at New Hamburg, Quigley was completely prostrated. He had got lost in the woods, and had wondered about aimlessly until he stumbled into New Hamburg, footsore and weary and famished for food. He had been in the car only a short time when he was captured by Peter Leroy and William E. Traver, two persons living in the village. He said that after leaving the asylum, he and his fellow convicts separated, and he did not know, he said, which way the others went. Traver and Leroy took him back to the asylum and received the reward of $50.

   When captured Quigley had on a pair of overalls, which, he said, he picked up in a brickyard and put on in place of his asylum trousers, which he got wet by falling into a ditch. He said he slept in a doghouse on a neighboring farm.

   The asylum authorities have no definite clues to any of the other fugitives. Fully 30 attendants are out following up various rumors of the men's flight. The asylum authorities will spare no effort to secure them.

   Superintendent Lathrop returned to Albany, fully satisfied with all that Dr. Allison had done.

   Attendant William Norris of the Hudson River state hospital said that he had been in Hughsonville, a short distance from the Matteawan asylum, and had learned that Thursday night at 10:30 three men approached the house of Lewis Adams and attempted to open a window. Miss Adams heard them and raised a window. One of the men whispered: "These people are not in bed," and they ran across the field.

   During the night they broke into the cellar of Adam Shohnfield near by and stole all the large cakes and sweetmeats they could find, doing no other damage.

   There seems to be little doubt, from these circumstances, that those were the fugitives, and it indicates that they are somewhere in Duchess county.

Oliver Curtis Perry.

Reward For Perry's Capture.

   ALBANY, April 13.—Governor Morton today issued a proclamation offering a reward of $1,000 for the capture of Oliver C. Perry.

FOUR STILL FREE.

Quigley Was Glad to Get Back to His Cell.

   NEWBURG, N. Y., April 13.—When John Quigley was returned to the Matteawan asylum yesterday afternoon, no person was more happy over his capture than was Quigley at the privilege of getting back into a cell, a much more comfortable place than a box car. At first Quigley refused to make a statement concerning the manner in which the famous five made their escape last Wednesday night. But later in the afternoon he consented to tell Dr. Allison how he and his comrades gained their freedom through keys made from two spoons by Perry through the use of a wire taken from his shoe.

   An interesting tale is told by the attendants concerning the conduct of Perry during the day preceding the escape. It seems that at noon on Wednesday, Perry boastingly declared that before midnight he would be a free man. No attention was given this talk, as Perry has frequently asserted that he would escape. In fact, during the whole of the two years he has spent at the asylum, he has made this assertion the text of his conversations with the attendants. It was the old story of the bear. Perry talked so much about the escape, that no credence was given him. But there came a time when he fully meant what he said.

   A feature of this search for the fugitives is the fear expressed by some of the searchers that they may meet Perry single handed. There are certain attendants who have incurred Perry's wrath and against whom this criminal has uttered threats. These men openly vow that they believe their lives would not be worth much if Perry should get at them. An amusing fact is that the men who have come in contact with Quigley refer in all soberness and sincerity to a belief that "he is a little off his balance… and the other fellows probably gave him the shake." Obviously, there is not a widespread confidence in any opinion that Perry and his associates are insane, except as all criminals are insane.

   A rumor yesterday that gained circulation is to the affect that four of the escaping inmates found a rowboat at Fishkill Landing and rowed to the Newburg side, separating there and boarding West Shore and Erie railroad freight trains, going north, south and west. Up to 11 o'clock this morning nothing had been heard at the asylum of the fugitives.

Ignorant Criticism.

   When a person not acquainted with the facts in reference to any public matter attempts criticising public officials connected therewith, he usually makes a mess of it, and when the facts come out they are very apt to make the critic appear to very poor advantage. The Cortland correspondent of the Syracuse Herald, in the issue of that paper of April 11, reflects on the failure of the last grand jury in this county to present an indictment in the case of Nelson Burgess and says:

   "Mrs. Nelson Burgess and Mrs. Sackett Hart were the only witnesses sworn, and many are at a loss to know why Gracie Amerman, the adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Burgess, who has lived with Burgess during the alleged attempt at poisoning, was not called, as her evidence, it is said, would have been of much value to the prosecution.

   "Many rumors are afloat concerning the action of the jury. It is said that powerful influences have been at work to prevent the finding of an indictment and the district attorney is freely criticized for alleged lack of interest in prosecuting."

   The newspaper man who depends on "rumors" for his news and takes "it is said" instead of hunting up the truth, is in great danger of some day getting both himself and his paper into serious trouble. The Herald's correspondent does not seem aware of this, and in his communication of April 12 he returns to the charge, drawing on his imagination and "it is thought" for further information as follows:

   "District Attorney Burlingame is being severely criticised not only for his alleged lack of neglect (?) in persecuting (?) the Nelson Burgess poisoning case, but also for not calling the Quinlan murder case to the attention of the grand jury which has just adjourned. The officers in this vicinity had put forth every effort to unravel the mystery of the murder. They met with some success and were prepared to furnish the names of witnesses who, it is thought, could throw some light on the murder, but none were asked for by the district attorney."

   To take a public officer, or any one else, to task for "alleged lack of neglect" is rather a strange criticism. The more one "lacks neglect" the more faithful he ought to be, but the Herald correspondent's philosophy of criticism, like his news, is peculiar. Why the district attorney should be called on to ''persecute'' the Nelson Burgess case might also be a question, but we waive discussion of it. The intention of the correspondent is plain, even through his bad English, and that is to cast discredit on the grand jury and especially on the district attorney.

   Now as to the facts, as we have found them to be after careful investigation. In the Burgess case two important witnesses were called, and District Attorney Burlingame had left the jury room for a few moments to see the very Gracie Amerman, the failure to call whom is commented on unfavorably by the Herald's correspondent, when the jury by a large majority voted to hear no more witnesses in that case. To this decision the district attorney, on his return, objected and urged the hearing of additional testimony, but the jury were firm, and after asking him to retire voted almost unanimously to find no indictment. From our own knowledge of the facts of the case we can easily see how the jury might reach the conclusion that it was best to drop the entire matter just where it was. There is another view, to be sure, in which the case would seem to call for action on their part, but there is nothing to show that their final decision was not conscientiously reached and that they did not act for what they thought to be the public interest. So far from being remiss in his duty, the district attorney went even beyond the strict limits of his authority in urging the hearing of further testimony. Every juror will testify to this—and yet, on the strength of "rumor" and "thought" and imagination Mr. Burlingame is assailed.

   As to the Quinlan case, the insinuations against the district attorney are even more groundless—if that were possible—than in the Burgess case. The Quinlan case he was never requested to present. The coroner's inquest failed to develop any clue to the probable murderer. No clue has been found since. If any officer or citizen "in this vicinity" has had any "success in unraveling the mystery," or could "furnish the names of witnesses who, it is thought, could throw some light on the murder," it was his duty to lay the facts before the district attorney, or go himself before the grand jury and give his testimony. It was not the duty of the district attorney to go running around asking for "unravelings," or witnesses, or light. Five of the grand jury were reputable citizens of Homer. It was their sworn duty if they knew of any cases calling for action by the jury to so state. Is it likely that if evidence on the Quinlan murder were lying around loose, and the names of witnesses were known, these jurors would have remained silent? And if District Attorney Burlingame had shown "lack of interest in prosecuting," or failed in his duty in any way, would the jury have unanimously tendered him a vote of thanks for his services, as they did?

   Such "news" as the Herald's correspondent furnishes not only does injustice to the parties reflected on but tends to bring the entire community into disrepute.

One Drunk—Two Tramps.

   In police court this morning M. Dugan and John Miller, who were arrested on the charge of vagrancy, said they were on their way from Philadelphia, where they had been at work, to their home at Oswego, They were discharged with the admonition to get out of town immediately.

   John Cummings, a cigar maker, was arrested last night near the D., L. & W. station by Officer Monroe. John was so drunk that the officer had to take him to the cooler on a dray. He said that his home was in Binghamton and that he had been out with the Cortland boys. Justice Bull sentenced him to three days or three dollars.

TRUXTON.

   TRUXTON, April 11.—-Mud, mud, mud.

   Everybody is busy engaged in sugaring. It looks as though but very little will be made. The price is much higher than in previous years owing to the scarcity. Syrup is selling from 75 cents to $1 per gallon. Sugar brings from 7 to 10 cents per pound.

   Nearly all the schools in town have begun.

   Mr. Fred Woodward teaches in the Pelham district, Miss Kittie Herliby in the Kenney district, Miss Applegate in the Wicks district, Mr. Wm. Shattuck in the Crains Mills district and Mr. A. L. Lansing in the North Road district.

   Dr. and Mrs. Parke W. Wicks and daughter Rena of Syracuse returned to their home Tuesday evening, after a short visit with Mr. and Mrs. John O. Wicks.

   Mrs. Arthur Gray and children of Binghamton have been the pleasant guests of Mr. H. C. Wicks and family the past week. They went to Homer Wednesday where they will be the guests of Mr. and Mrs. William Blaney.

   Messrs. William Youngs and Burdett Pierce are attending court at Cortland this week as jurors.

   Easter services will be held in the Methodist church Sunday evening and in the Baptist church Sunday morning.

   Mr. Giles Beard has purchased a new separator and horse-power and intends to make a first-class grade of butter.

   Misses Ruth and Louise Connic left Tuesday morning for their new home in Penn Yan.

   Mr. James Sherwood of Cortland is in town to-day.

   Mr. and Mrs. Peck of Oswego, who have been visiting at Dr H. T. Van Hoesen's, returned to their home Wednesday morning.

   Master Willie Muller has a new bicycle which he has very quickly learned to ride.

   CRAZY PAT.

BREVITIES.

   —The Presbyterian church at Ithaca is to have a sew bell.

   —The Cortland commandry conferred the Knight Templar order last evening

   —The woman's edition of the Elmira Advertiser is published to-day. Beaudry will sell it.

   —The Cresent club will give the last of its series of parties in Empire hall next Friday evening.

   —The Cosmopolitan Building & Loan association will organize a local branch in Empire hall this evening.

   —The annual session of the Binghamton Presbytery will be held in Binghamton on Monday and Tuesday next.

   —The school in District 14, west of the village, began its spring term April 8 with Miss Ida Ellsworth as teacher.

   —An Easter song service will be held in the Y. M. C. A. rooms on Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock. All men are invited.

   —Mrs. J. D. Hull will lead the prayermeeting at Good Templars' hall Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock. All are invited to attend.

   —"Old Probabilities" says we shall have a fair Easter day with stationary temperature. Look out for the new spring costumes,

   —The Y. M. C. A. is in need of a good atlas. It is a book more called for than the village directory. A donation will be thankfully received.

   —Extra copies of the STANDARD of April 11 containing the complete timetable of the cars upon the electric road are for sale at this office.

   —The hour of evening service at all the churches will in accordance with the usual custom to-morrow night be changed from 7 to 7:30 o'clock.

   —The Woman's edition of the Elmira Advertiser is out to day. It consists of twenty-eight pages and it is full of good things. Like other woman's papers it has many departments and many editors. It is bright, newsy and readable.

   —An Easter sunrise prayer meeting will be held in the Presbyterian chapel to-morrow morning at 6:30 o'clock. This is held under the auspices of the Young People's societies of the several churches. All are cordially invited.

   —Mrs. Caroline H. Fairchild died at 6 o'clock last evening aged 73 years. She leaves two children, Mr. Irving Fairchild and Miss Nettie Fairchild. She was a valued member of the Congregational church. The funeral will be held from her late home at 20 North Church-st. at 2 P. M. Monday.

   —There will be appropriate Easter services at the Baptist church consisting of a sermon by the pastor and Easter music by the church choir. In the evening there will be an Easter concert conducted by Mr. Bentley. At Memorial chapel there will be Easter services at 4 o'clock by the Sunday-school with an address by the pastor.

"She Couldn't Marry Three."

   Miss Lillian Kennedy in her delightful, whimsical and natural play, "She Couldn't Marry Three" will be at the Opera House on Tuesday evening, April 16, and the following evening will appear in "A Midnight Frolic." Few artists connected with the stage to-day have made such rapid strides as this talented and bright little soubrette. From her very first entrance on the stage the audience is caught and from that time to the end, her tears, her sympathy and her laughters are theirs, and her merry rippling of fun becomes infectious. Whether you want to or not you become almost unconsciously interested in Miss Kennedy's portrayal of "Bess." She flits through each act of the play, now a tender sympathetic maiden, again singing and dancing with the grace of a gazelle; never for a moment breaking the magnetic current that exists between her and her auditors.

   In these days when good plays are so far apart no one should miss the coming soubrette of the American stage in her new play "She Couldn't Marry Three."