New-York tribune., 1874-12-03
TWEED NOT AN ESCAPED CONVICT.

Intense excitement was caused throughout
the business part of the city yesterday afternoon the
rumor that William NJ Tweed had escaped from custody
and had embarked for Europe 1t was said by some OF
the evening newspapers that Tweed made his escape
from his custodiaDs his way from the Court to his
cell 1t was asserted that the Commissioners OF Char
ties aud Correction had acknowledged that be had
escaped. The supposition was that lie had taken
passage by the steamship Parthia. or by the
steamship City Of Montreal 1t was also said
that general alarm had been sounded throughout tho
city from Police Headquarters TO the various precincts
The through the street cars crying their
extras "Ful account OF the escape OF Bill Tweed"
EVerywhere the newspapers were rapidly purchased,
and the eager readers began to peruse the exciting ae
opinion was generally expressed that Tweed's escape
was only what people had oug expected and been look
ing for.
Investigation elected the positive information that
Tweed had not fed to Europe but still
upon Blackwel's Island. Tweed his son, VII
liam NJ Tweed. jr., Mr.. Dewey, and Warden
Llscomo started from Backwell's Island yes
terday. took carriage, and driven to his private
oaice, No SO Duant-si Mr. Dewey and Warden LIS
comb visited the District Attorneys office and had a
long cOnverSaton Daring tpe court proceedings
William NJ Tweed and his remained in the private
Oie. few personal friends, out OF the many callers
received, but Tweed spent the day quietly attend
ing 20 sucn matters OF business as were necessary
In the afternoon when the rumor spread Ike wdfre
that weed had escaped and gone Europe InesseD-
nasJened TO Ponce Headquarters and TO Ae oi1ce
missioner Llmbeer had not been informed OF the fact
of the escape and he at communicated with super
intendent Walng. The superintendent teegraphed to
Warden LscoIno at Blackweils Island. and asked
whether Tweed there. An answer was lmme1atcly
returned saying that Tweed had gone TO the city. but
was eypeced back very soon. This sent to
the Commissioners. ABOUT IS minutes afterward SUPER
intendeut WallIng received dispatch from warden LIS
COMB saying that Tweed had just returned to
BackwelPs Island, and had gone TO his
room. tbs at about p. m dispatch was
soon aferward received from Commissioner Laimbeer
saving that he had just heard from Black Island
and mat Tweed was there. Warden LscOmb told
TRIBUNE reporter that Tweed returned snort time
after the inquiries made about his supposed escape
The Warden had been able TO inform everybody that
Tweed was still in his custody on BlackwelPs Island
The Warden said that he dld not believe mat Tweed had
any desire to escape Every association, as MI Tweed
had often said that made lie worth living
was in and about New-YOrk, and TO 20 away at
his time OF life would really be worse punishment than
TO be in custody BlackwelPs Island. Tweed has
strong hopes that he Will be liberated, and he Is too
shrewd "a 10 lmprrll his chances by an effort TO
escape. Being asked whether Tweed could be seen
Warden iscOmb replied that he lived in strict secusiOn
and even the Commissioners OF Charities and Correction
u allowing friends visit the island did not take
one 10 Mr. Tweed H5 wished to be visited only by his
relatives and most intimate friends, and tue COmnis
ways considered that 50 sIgnt request
ought " be regarded.