The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-05-26
THE AmEnrcUs CLUBS SECRETARY.
The Unexpected Ples that Gcu. Desium min r.
Halter Put In for Ba wrence.

Charles l.. Lawrence, tho wealthy SNUG
gler, and secretary OF the Americas Club while
Tweed was its President, pleaded guilty before
Judge Benedict yesterday, OF forging fictitious
names OF bondsmen and importers to Custom
House papers. His plea was a surprise to al
most every one, as was his subsequent discharge
under bail to await sentence. When the case
was called, Gen. d. +. Butler, who appeared for
hin, Withdrew Lawrences plea OF not guilty,
and pleaded guilty. Judge Benedict asked the
District Attorney whether he would move for
sentence, and Col. Bliss replied that he would
not at present. and that he would consent to
Lawrence's release on bail to enable him to ar
range his private Affairs previous to his pros
pective i'm prisonment. Ball was fixed at $1,000,
and this was given by Mrs. Zoparah Lawrencs,
the wife of the prisoner, and John p. Norris
Brooklyn lawyer, reputed to bc worth 100000
A week from tomorrow was nxed ~ the day OF
sentence. The maximum punishment for his
offence Is ten years imprisonment and line.
District Attorney Bliss, IN explaining his ac-
ceptance OF Lawrence's plea says that he con-
sidered II the ensest and quickest way Of dis
posing Of the case. Lawrence had for some
time been ready to plead guiltvas means Of
mitigating his punishment. Inc IDENTIFICATION
the Court on the day named for sentence. The
prisoner is not to be used as an informer. There
are thirty-seven indictments against him for
smueelnv, besides the one for forgery TO which
he pleaded.
LdWronce was appointed an inspector IN the
Custom House In 1851 on the recommendation
OF United States Senator Cole OF California. In
1870 lie was removed by Surveyor Cornell for
completely Ia frauds on the Government. He
became Custom House lawyer and broker, and
entered into the great smuggling conspiracy,
which he has confessed, soon after his dismissal
from once. His fellow consprators were mer-
chants and capitalists in this city, England, and
Canada. He operated for Owe years without dis
covery, and 10 believed to have defrauded
the revenue Of over two million dollars. He
escaped to Canada In February, 1875, aud there
met John Il. Morris, his bondsman. He sailed
to England, and was captured there In May last
and brought BACK to this city. He has been In
Ludlow street jail ever since.
Lawrence was abetted In his smuggling by
several high Custom House Officers, one OF
whom, Deputy Collector Des Anges, is serving
term In the Albany Psnitentiary.
The name Of Lawrence was originally Lazarus.
He petitioned the Legislature to have IL
changed. He belonged to the Blossom, jockey,
and AuIericus Clubs. He was intimate with
Tweed, and occupied rooms with the latter In
Ludlow street jail. Lawrence married the
daughter of the late Major Noah, the founder
of the sunday Times and Messenger. lie 10 sup
posed to he worth tpO.O00. When he was
extradited he offered Judge Pierrepont twenty
thousand dollars to defend him, but tue latter
declined the fec on his nomination to be Attor-
ney General.
The recent complications with Great Britain
concerning the Interpretation OF the eItradition
treaty are said To have grown out of Lawrence's
case. He was extradited for forgery. but after
he was.aot here he was indicted for Sun juggling.