New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-10-11
THE CONFIDENCE MAN CAUGHT.

From The Philadelphia Brlletfa. Oct 10 .
notorious scoundrel, named Edward Stevens, had
he airing to-day before Mayor Conrad on charge Of
swpdlipg. The prisoner is well known in New
York as the Confidence Man, and is famous tor
various feais Of rascay performed with the ald oil
rather genteel appearance and an exceedingly piaus
BILE manner. He il also no stranger TO the Police OF
our own city and has figured here in various swlnd
ling TRANSACTIONS The defendant is the brother Of the
notorious Jack Stevens the bank robber aad breaker
of the Prison at Portsmouth, Va. The evidence elc-
tied to-day in the hearing before the Mayor tells the
story of the operation for which the scamp has
been arrested. On being questioned by the Mayor as
rs TO his name he replied that il was Samuel Willis
Specisl officer Richard Ellis sworn and testified
that be Informed last evening that Mr. Oliver y
Hempbil, jeweler, No. 40 North Eighthst., hd
been swndled out Of a lot Of jewelry. The witness
Immediately proceeded 10 the New York Depot at
Kensngtop where he arrested the defendant from the
was checked for New. York and he was accompanied
by a lady and little girl The defendant admitted
having the articles but said he intended paying tor
them. The goods were recovered
Mr. o. S. Hemphl was sworn and testified that the
prisoner first came to bis store on Friday evening in
company with lady, with whom he looked at set
of diamond jewery, saying he wished TO purchase
set for her The prisoner said he would call again on
Monday Yesterday which he did. On this second
visit be asked me if had confidence in him, aud if
he wished the loan Of $50 if would lend it TO him.
said | would and cid lend him the money.
He then ssked me if had confidence enough in
said that if he was true to his word he might take it.
He then asked me if | would let him have gold
lever watch until he returned; ! told HIN would;
He then asked me if ] would bid him good.b and
not 90 TO the door and look after him replied that
would He said to me IL have got a set ofdiamonds
"bere equal to years rent for your store, now
know your heart is in your mouth. told MN
was not afraid to trust him.
The set Of diamonds were worth 300, and the watch
sl25. making with the money loaned him, So Is.
At the expiration of the hour finding that the de-
fendant did return, became uneasy aud sent for
Mr. Ellis and stated the circumstances TO him. The
defendant pretended TO be connected with number
of respectable families in this city, aud said he was
A nepbew of Nicholas Biddle. did not ask ham tss
name or residence, nor dii he gre Il TO me-
The Mayor asked the witness what could induce HIM
IN trust a perfect stranger. Mr.. Hemphill replied
that the conversation Of the defendant had completely
wrapped him up, and he did not know what be was
doing. =.
during the time that Mr.. ii. was giving his evil
deDce the Mayor, the prisoner and in fact all present
il Guiding the witness himself found il difficult TO sup
rress smile at such story OF Consurnmate creduy
Mayor Conrad asked the prisoner if be had any
thing 10 say be replied that he had not; be did feel
that he had violated the law, but that was for the
MAYOR 10 decide. The May or said he would have no
difficulty 10 deciding. Stevens then said in an nso-
lent tone that be bad no friends political influence
and ntimsted that IL he had the result would be di
fersnt The Mayor very promptly checked him and
ordered him to be silent telling him that if he dared
ipsult him be would commit him.
II expect to be.commiited, that Is Just what ex-
"pect rejoined the defendant in as impudent man.
uer as be could assume.
The Mayor then ordered him 10 find bail IN 81, 800
TO answer the charge Of cheating and defranding.
Stevens endeayored 10 obtain private interview
with the Mayor prior TO the examination, PROBABLY
with view TO exercising his powers OF fascin1fing
over him but Msyor Conrad refused 10 have Any con-
yersation with him except in the presence OF third
party. The fellow then pretended 10 have important
disclosures TO make, but the trick failed signsly