New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1866-02-24
The Erie Rniirond Robberies - Neat
Detective.PoIice Opernfiop.

ELAIRA, y. y, Fridcy, Feb u, 'cop.
Tie Daily ADVERTISER Of tomorrow Will con-
tain the following
zone Of the neatesi and most successful detective
operations have heard Of IN some lime eliminated
IN our city, today n the arrest Of tie perpetrators Of
the systematic rOnbcics OF the Erie I.aruad COMPANY
Tie freight the road known time ifciglt has
been stolen for some two years 81. Tie rob
berries were conducted all along toe road from
Port Jervis 20 Dnnkirk. and 10 clue o.
10 how whore the freight was taken
could be obtained systematic aud well Planned and
executed were the operations OF the thieves Thor plan
was generally follows They had Keys with which
they opened the doors when the train stopped here
for wood and water. One or two OF the party would
enter the car, shutting the door after them. Con
lederates were stationed along the road. and
after the train left tie city the parties in tie ear
would open the door aud roll out the f,egAi,
which would be gathered up by their friends aod car
ried 20 ihcir hiding place At tDc hIst stopping place
the parties in the would leave and return here.
bout three months ago the freight house IN ils city
WIS robbed Of from 81 coo 10 50 600 WORT Of goods.
road was then sent here 70 watch snd through his
agency one Of the most gigantic robbng schemes has
been exposed and the parties conducting II arrested
For three months Officer Knapp and detective from
Buffalo named John ShOop have been oteadiy engaged
in watching the suspected parties, and gradually draw
ing the rascels INTO their tolls.
The men were corresponding With thief in Scranton.
Penn, whom tey wishsd TO act as Their agent ~ sell.
ing the goods Knapp. having obtained know ledge oi
this, IN conjunction with Postmaster Chickerrg, had
stamp made containing the UDsi-Il1lk 'ScInutOn.'
The letters 7uded 20 Knapp. Answered by him.
stamped with The lie coming nom Scranton and tao
were delivered to the parties. they all the
while suppOsug the Scranton letters rers genuine.
By tins means n great amount o. Attenuation was
obtained 20 the Of conducting their opera
tiOng Detective Shoop represented himself ~ lrother
cracksman was admitted into thor confidence, and
seemingly entered fully INTO their operations Tie plot
for their capture progressed until II brought 10
head on Thursday night.
Yesterday morning the officers proceeded to house
Daldwin-s. Carroll. and arrested one Of the
principal, George Wallace. who was in bed. The
other head man, Alexander Powell was arrested nj
boarding saloon on Wsnerst. The lair Of tie thcy0s
the Louise Of ono Frank Handel On Wisncr.st.. was
be. rchcd. and 900 worth OF goods secured.
Officer Knapp had two cas loaded with freight
switched of the train and placed in convenient situa
ton for them. He then concealed himself where he
could witness their operations They approached
unlocked the car secured their booty, and went of
followed by the officer. BY this means the location Of
their storchOuse obtained.
All day to-day the officers engaged in searching
The city ana securing piles Of goods which these fellows
had disposed Of They were both released from state
Prison about two years ago and have been engaged In
these operations since. They informed ShOOp that they
lad aiken over 500 900 in freight
Wallace and Powell lodged IN the County jail
They viii be examined tomorrow.