TWO MORE ESCAPED CONVICTS CAUGHT

Oliver Curtis Perry.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, April 15, 1895.

TWO MORE GATHERED IN.

Matteawan's Escaped Convicts Run to Earth.

M'GUIRE AND O'DONNELL THE MEN.

Found in a Box Car at Pine Plains. Perry and Davis Now the Only Ones at Large and Keepers Are Hot on Their Trail.

   MATTEAWAN, N. Y., April 15.—Patrick McGuire and Michael O'Donnell, two of the five convicts who escaped from the Matteawan asylum last Wednesday night, have been captured at Pine Plains by Attendant James Coyle of the asylum. This leaves only Perry (for whose arrest a reward of $2,250 is offered) and Davis, who is said to be even more desperate and daring than the former, still at liberty.

   When Superintendent Allison learned that Perry had broken into a house at Hughsonville on Thursday night and stolen a quantity of wearing apparel, he at once dispatched attendants to all important points north of here, thinking the train robber and perhaps his pals had gone in that direction.

   Attendant James Coyle, who with two other attendants has been at Danbury, was directed to proceed at once to Pine Plains, which is 40 miles northeast of this place, at the junction of the Newburg, Dutchess and Connecticut and the Philadelphia, Reading and New England railroads.

   Coyle arrived at Pine Plains and stopped at the hotel. Having breakfasted, he went to the station and was about to buy a morning paper from a newsboy, when he chanced to look down the track. He saw a man's head protruding from an empty hay car about 50 yards from where he stood. The head disappeared, but not before Coyle recognized the man as O'Donnell.

   Going to the open car door, he fired a shot from his revolver at random into the car. As he did so another man, whom he recognized as McGuire, jumped out through the opposite door.

   Coyle then leaped into the car and arrested O'Donnell, who was crouching in a corner, too broken down to offer resistance. Coyle pulled the convict out of the car and took him into the station, leaving him in the custody of two boys, while he started down the railroad track in pursuit of McGuire, who had by this time got quite a start on him.

   Coyle gained on the tired convict for about half a mile and fired another shot. He would have overtaken him, but for a curve in the track, on account of which McGuire was lost sight of. As soon as he rounded the curve the fugitive took to the woods, which border the track on both sides.

   The pistol shot had attracted a crowd of boys, who joined in the chase, and some of them saw McGuire go into the woods, and told Coyle.

   The keeper scoured the woods before he saw McGuire again. Then the convict was seen standing in an open field on the border of the wood in a defiant attitude. Coyle started after him, firing a third shot.

   "If you take me, you'll have to take me dead!" McGuire yelled defiantly.

   "I'll do that," replied Coyle, coming closer to McGuire who, seeing that capture was inevitable, lay down in the field and said: "Well, you'll have to carry me, anyway."

   Coyle talked to him for a time and finally persuaded him to go peaceably to the station. Coyle then telegraphed to the asylum that he had caught O'Donnell and McGuire. Attendants Thomas MacDonald and Charles Lacey, who had been ordered to follow Coyle from Danbury to Pine Plains, soon arrived and the three attendants with their prisoners took the train on the Newburg, Dutchess and Connecticut arriving at Glenham where two conveyances met the party and conveyed them to the asylum a mile distant.

   The news of the capture had spread through the vicinity and there was an immense crowd of curious country folk to see the now celebrated convicts arrive at the asylum.

   Dr. Allison had McGuire and O'Donnell placed in separate rooms and he examined each at great length, after which he repeated to the reporter what he had been able to learn from them. It appears that as the asylum is a new institution and not occupied throughout a number of patients have been employed from time to time in finishing the various wards.

   Some months ago, Dr. Allison cannot say exactly how many, a number of patients were employed in scraping the floor of the south isolation ward, which was then entirely unoccupied. From McGuire it is learned that the fashioning of the keys which freed the men from their cells was begun at that time by some patient, employed on the improvement. When McGuire was transferred to the south isolation ward, together with other patients, he discovered these keys concealed in the rear of this ward together with a pair of small flat files about four inches long.

   The partially filed keys, which had originally been spoons, as described by Quigley, were taken possession of by McGuire, who has worked for the past six or eight months, having them tried in the locks from time to time by one of the patients who had the run of the ward.

   Some time ago McGuire, who is a jeweler by trade, and who is thoroughly conversant with the manufacture of such articles, broke open the watchman's box, which connects with the clock in the main office, and secured a thin piece of steel two inches long and a quarter of an inch wide. With his file he made teeth in this steel, giving him a fine saw, with which he was enabled to saw out the wire screen over the door when the time for escape came. The keys and tools were secreted behind the sinks when McGuire was not at work on them.

   The rest of McGuire's statement showing how he left his cell agrees exactly with the story told by Quigley after his recapture.

   The file and saw were found on McGuire when arrested.

   McGuire says that he and O'Donnell have been together ever since they left the asylum. They slid down from the south side of the roof, while Perry and the others left the roof from the opposite side.

   McGuire saw nothing more of them after that. He and O'Donnell, he says, went at once to the Newburgh, Dutchess and Connecticut railroad, half a mile away, and walked along the track all night, hiding the next day. They have been walking on the track ever since, some times during the day, but generally at night.

   They have committed no robberies, McGuire says, except to steal one old black coat for himself and a drab ulster for O'Donnell, which they found in a barn beside the track.

   They had on the coats when caught, together with slouch hats and old shoes, which they said they found. They had not discarded the asylum trousers or shirts which they had on when they escaped.

   According to their story, they have had nothing to eat since their flight, except some watercresses. McGuire declared that it was their intention to board a freight train at the first opportunity.

   O'Donnell was very reticent and gave Dr. Allison but little information. He denied all knowledge of the plan to escape.

   The prisoners were in bad condition physically from exposure and hunger and seemed relieved when they were allowed to throw themselves on the cots in their cells and were given nourishment.

Helen Keller (left) with Anne Sullivan vacationing at Cape Cod in 1888.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

How Does She Know?

   Helen Keller is the daughter of an editor in Tuscumbia, Ala. Until the age of 3 she saw and heard like other babies. Then an attack of brain disorder deprived her at one fell swoop of sight and hearing. The poor girl was thus doubly barred off from the world.

   Yet this remarkable child, now 14 years old, can talk, write and do most of the things that other children with perfect senses can. Deaf as a post, if she were taken to an opera she would enjoy the music with delight as keen as that of any one there. She is an intense lover of music. She knows when any of her family are approaching or whether one coming near her is a stranger. She places one finger across the lips of a person speaking to her, another upon his throat, and thus she understands what is said and answers back as intelligently as if she heard every word. If a dozen gloves belonging to as many different persons were handed to her, she could identify the owner of each and return it to him. This she does by the sense of smell.

   The five senses have been resolved by some philosophers into one grand general sense that embraces them all. May it not be that this girl, deprived of the particular powers that would enable her to communicate with the world, has developed the general sense which resolves sight, sound and touch all into one? The theory of vibrations is now put forward to explain many things. Perhaps the vibrations from music touch her brain and body and are thence wafted to the grand inner sense, and then she perceives the music without hearing it. It is the touch of its vibrations that affords her delight. Perhaps, like animals in the natural state, she perceives by the smell those known to her.

◘ On the whole, the government makes a good bargain when it pays an annual mail subsidy to the four American liners on condition that they hold themselves in readiness to be used as naval cruisers if they are needed at any time. In a trial of speed one or more of the four would be faster than the swiftest of our regular government cruisers. The Columbia and Minneapolis, the best cruisers of the navy, each cost over $8,000,000 without the armament. The United States first paid for building them and must pay constantly the expense of running them. The ocean steamers that are liable to be pressed into naval service if war should break out were built by a private corporation and pay their own expenses and make money for their owners besides, the government paying merely the annual subvention, a small sum in comparison with the expenses of operating one of these huge liners. The government would be well off if it had half a dozen more such cruisers.

BAD ACCIDENT.

Two Horses Drowned in Babcock Creek Below Virgil.

   David Nichols, who resides across the Rickard-st. bridge in what is known as "Brooklyn," and Abel Nichols of Hunt Corners went to J. W. Daniels' livery barn Saturday afternoon and rented a horse. They claimed that they were going to Frank Corners to get a load of goods. They furnished a light lumber wagon and another horse belonging to David.

   Instead of stopping at Franks Corners, they drove on until they reached a bridge about three miles below, near Mr. Tillotson's home. The horses went off this bridge head first. The wagon stayed on the bridge, but the men were thrown into Babcock creek. The wagon held the horses down so that their forefeet and their noses were in the water. The animals were unable to extricate themselves and drowned. The men went to a house near by to secure help,

   A bolt was removed so that the horses were freed, but both were dead. David Nichols returned to Cortland wet and nearly frozen. Abel has not yet been heard from.

   Liveryman Daniels went to the scene of the disaster to-day and made arrangements to have his horse buried, but at noon to-day the other horse was lying in the creek.

HOMER DEPARTMENT.

Gleanings of New From Our Twin Village.

   Miss Maria Otis is visiting her brother in Watertown.

   Mr. and Mrs. Zera T. Nye returned from their wedding trip on Saturday evening. They will occupy their new home on Grove-st. in a few days.

   A. J. Foster of Marathon spent Sunday in town.

   Rev. W. H. Hermans, the pastor of the M. E. church, who has been very ill for several weeks, is slowly improving.

   The loss at the fire, which destroyed F. T. Newcomb's barn last Friday night, is now estimated at about $800. The loss is only partially covered by insurance.

   The Washington chapter, R. A. M., No. 29, will meet in Masonic hall this evening at 8 o'clock.

   One of the handsomest Easter window displays exhibited this year is that of D. E. Shepard. A huge horse shoe of magenta artificial roses surrounding an S of yellow flowers of the same kind was the chief feature.

   The Easter services and decorations at the churches in this village yesterday were as elaborate as any for several years. The congregations were unusually large at most of the churches but owing to the threatening weather the number of Easter bonnets was less than last year.

   The decorations at the Baptist church were very pretty. Many of the flowers had to be removed in the evening for the stereopticon sermon. In the morning the pastor, Rev. J. A. Hungate, preached very eloquently on the subject, ''The Significance of the Resurrection." The subject of the evening which was one of a series was "From the Cradle to the Crown." The congregations at both services were large.

   At the Methodist church the decorations were in potted plants and Easter lilies. Contrary to the previous notice there was a service held in the morning by the Epworth league and in the evening the Sunday-school conducted a praise service which was well attended. The music by the children was of an excellent character.

   The sermon by Rev. F. A. Storer, the pastor of the Congregational church, yesterday morning was upon the subject, "The Risen Christ." The Sunday-school service in the evening was very entertaining. Both services were attended by large congregations. The music by the quartet and chorus choirs was excellent. The decorations, which were elaborate, were in potted plants, ferns, callas and Easter lilies.

   The services at Calvary Episcopal yesterday morning were usually attractive. The rector, Rev. Parker Fenno, preached both morning and evening. The decorations which were very artistically arranged were confined exclusively to lilies, palms and roses.

BREVITIES.

   —The Y. M. C. A. reception committee will meet to-night at 8 o'clock.

   —The D., L. & W. pay car will pass through town to-morrow.

   —PROF. T. C. WILBER of Waterloo spent Easter with relatives in Cortland.

   —A new awning was erected in front of Edwin Robbins' cigar store early this morning.

   —The penmanship class in the Y. M. C. A. rooms will meet on Wednesday night this week instead of on Monday night.

   —E. P. Halbert, the Groton-ave. grocer, this morning sold his entire stock of goods to F. H. Cobb & Co. who have taken possession.

   —The regular meeting of the Woman's Auxiliary will be held in the Y. M. C. A. parlor on Thursday afternoon, April 18, at half past 3 o'clock.

   —Chief of Police Linderman blossomed out yesterday in a new uniform of blue with brass buttons which would rival those in the larger cities.

   —While playing ball Friday Charles Coleman was struck in the forehead with a bat. He is now able to be around again apparently none the worse for the accident.

   —The choral union will meet in the Y. M. C. A. rooms to-morrow night at 8. It is very essential that every member be present, as this is the last rehearsal without the orchestra.

   —The meetings of the Protestant Methodist church in the Stevenson block will be continued each evening this week. Interest is growing. Six seekers were at the altar last night.

   —Mrs. W. J. Hollenbeck died at her home 35 Union-st. yesterday after a lingering illness at the age of 41 years. The funeral will be held Wednesday at 10:30 A. M. and will be strictly private.

   —A regular meeting of Co. D., L. T. L., will be held in the Baptist chapel tonight at 7:30 o'clock. All members are requested to be present. Very important business will come before the meeting.

   —Attendant John H. Dalson brought to Cortland Saturday afternoon A. I.. Rose, who has been confined to the State Hospital for the Insane at Binghamton since last February and who is now released.

   —On the day of the publication of the woman's edition of The STANDARD there were left in the editorial office in the Y. M. C. A. rooms two coats belonging to small boys. The owners must need them and can have the same by calling on the general secretary at the rooms and proving property.

   —Campanari, the great baritone, who will sing at the music festival in Cortland in June, was one of the most distinguished members of the Metropolitan opera company in New York the past season. His magnificent voice, handsome person, and charm of manner completely captured his audiences.

   —Founders' day is to be celebrated at Colgate university, Hamilton, N. Y., on Friday, April 19. An oration will be delivered in the morning by President Schurman of Cornell university and an address at the banquet in the afternoon, in behalf of the alumni, by Dr. H. A. Cordo, pastor of the Baptist church of Cortland.

   —Two judgments were this morning filed at the clerk's office against Clarence N. Tyler, who formerly conducted a grocery store on Elm-st. The first was for $245.14 and was in favor of George S. Hanson, surviving partner of the firm of A. S. Coan & Co. of Syracuse. The second was for $201.32 and was in favor of G. N. Crouse & Co. Syracuse.

   —There are expectations of a fine fruit crop this season. Each year generally contains about an equality of good and bad weather. The "severe" dose came in a solid body during the past winter and it is natural to look for its antipode in a chunk, during the coming six months.—Binghamton Republican.

   —The number of young women coming to Cornell has increased with the growth in the student body so that the accommodations in Sage hall, the women's dormitory, have long been insufficient. The trustees, accordingly, decided to enlarge the dormitory at an expense of about $50,000, and work will be begun early this spring.—Elmira Advertiser.

   —Prof. and Mrs. E. C. Cleaves gave a pleasant tea party on Saturday evening for Dr. and Mrs. H. A. Cordo. An elegant repast was served. The evening was enjoyably spent. The professor has a very large collection of fine photographic views, made by himself, of places visited by him both in this country and Europe and it is always his pleasure to show this fine collection to his friends. Those present on Saturday evening enjoyed a rare treat in looking over these beautiful pictures.