National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-04-10
WANTS TO HE A DETECTIVE.
4 Nan Just Born for the Bushes

Yesterday morning, about $50 O'Clock, while
Detective George MeElfresh was Comfortably
seated in the detective once, perusing the
columns Of The NATIONAL REPUBLICAN,, and
William Donovan, the efficient desk and tele-
graph operator, was engaged at his books, man
suddenly popped through the front door. He
seemed somewhat bewildered by the sudden
bringing up the iron railing gave him, as It was
evidently his intention to reach the centre OF the
room and take general survey Of the surrou1d-
ing scenes. Being checked in his progress, ne
stood locking at the two gentlemen, trresolute
whether to remain or depart. Mr.. Donovan
ms55eI kbat cSn Ws da FIX youg" TO which the
visitor replied be was IN search Of the chief de-
tective, or some one in authority, as he desired %
secure position on the force He had heard
CHANGES CONTEMPLATED,
and thought it an opportune moment to make his
application. Finding that the mans business
peTtained to the detective corps, Mr.. NC Eliresn
took the individual in charge, and inquired u ne
could do anything for him. He was informed by
the mar, who gave his name as Freeman Allen,
that he wanted TO be detective. He believed
and, with little insight and Instruction from
those older in the business, he would make first
HeTas requested to await the coming of Chief
Clarvoe, who, on his arrival, held brief inter
view with him and then sent him to see MAJOR
Richards. To the superintendent he related
most wonderful story to show his fitness for the
position and how he was the pOssessOr OF means
to detect crime and recover stolen property such
as no other detective in the world could possess.
He explained this strange process by saying that
his
WIFE WAS A CLAIRvoYANT.
If articles were stolen and hid she could go into
a trance, discover their hiding place and on re-
turning to consciousness impart the facts to him,
and he would then visit the place and recover the
goods.
This was IN excellent plan, if It would only
work well, upon which the Major expressed some
doubts, but as the man seemed to persist In his
desire to become initiated in the mysteries OF the
detective work, he was again sent back to Chief
ClaTVOe, who placed the pupil under the able tu-
torship Of Detective COOmes, who viii probably
conduct him within the next tWeuty-iour hours
through more highways and byWays, alleys,
pawn-ShOps, fences, thieves dens and haunts of
The evil-disposed than he will become acquainted
with during the remainder of his life.
Whilst a representative of THE REPUBLICAN,
was seated at police headquarters yesterday az
ternOOn the party above referred to came in.
Being cogniZant Of what had transpiTed during
the morning the reporter determined to hold q
conversation with him, and, if possible, obtain
something of
HIS HISTORY.
He was found to be quite talkative, ready and
willing 10 furnish any information he cOald im-
part He said that he was twenty-six years Of
age, born in the State of New York, near the city
Of Buffalo, and had a wife living whom he ex-
pected TO arrive last night, and who would aid
him materially in his new duties. He came here
some three years ago, rented part Of the store
known as St. Clairs confectionery, where Charlie
repairing and JeWelry establishment. The bust
ness did not pay, and his wife being In poor
health they broke up, and went to her relatives
In Michigan, where they remained for some time
afterwards returning to Buffalo. He now owned
a farm at Bailey's Gross Roads, in Virginia, but
having placed that in competent hands, and un-
derstanding there was 10 be a reorganization Of
the detective corps, and feeling satisfied Of his
fitness for such a position, he had come tmme-
Giately to the city to secure one Of the expected
vacancies. He said that naturally be possessed
the requirements most needed In 4 man holding
such an office
HE HAD TRAVELLED
considerably; could not be imposed upon; scented
would recognize stolen property at sight, and do
much more than detectives of the present day
were capable Of performing. All that he desired
by seeking instructions was to learn the haunts
ofthieVes and where they most frequently eongre-
gated. He was somewhat acquainted with the
city, but not sufficiently to perform work TO his
own satisfaction or his superiors expectation. He
was told that to prove proficient he would encOun-
ter many dtstasteful experiences. He would have
to deceive; probably Dlay the thief; lie when
necessary; be blackguarded by those he supposed
were his friends; reported incompetent negligent,
purchasable: blGckmailer, and everything that
Is bad to his superiors cOnde in those he thought
trustworthy, to discover later that his intorma-
tion was retold and more deeply cOlOred to his
enemies all for his injury. But this did not drive
him from his purpose, He had come to be de-
tectiVe, believing that was his calling, and one he
intended to become. To-day Detective Coomes
will probably conduct him through Louise, Fight
ing, WilOW-tree, or some other alleys, where gen.
tie spirits seldom rest in peace, and initiate him
among the faithful OF the hardened Wretches.