New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-20
HOW The HAND DIAMONDS WERE STOLEN.

HISTORY OF THE C0SsPIRACY-PROBABLE ARREST OF
THE THIEVES TO-DAY.
Can't. Murray of the Fourth Police Precinct
yesterday received information which will lead to the
recovery OF diamonds valued at $4,000, which were
tolen from Mr Hand at Fulton and Nassausts, on Jan
~ and also the speedy arrest of the two principals in
the affair. The captain has been necessarily at work
upon the case and discovered the whole conspiracy
The person known McCann the son OF respectable
parents living in Newark N j. In his bOyhoOd he lost
one Of his legs, and thereafter was known
In that city Lame Billy" His correct
name is George Irving Mccain. When Sunday
school scholar in the Protestant Episcopal
Church In Hilst Newark he robbed the collection box
and then began OF crime He was quicli-witted
sharp fluent IN speech handsome in face plausible ana
winning address, and his confidence operations were
numerous and successful Finally he was arrested and
sent to the Trenton Pentenay but he made so good an
impression on the officials that he pardoned after six
months. He then became very intimate with "Oiiy'
Hastead a son of Pet" Halstead, who was murdered
by George Bolts some years ago. McCann formed the
acquaintance OF an old who, by dnt OF hard labor
had saved considerable money. Mccain and his friend
Hatead represented to this man that they had Valu
able patent which, II money were advanced to push IT,
would make them all rich The victim was swindled out
OF all his money by the two became insane over HIS oss
and died maniac.
Mccain then went out West and for some Of his many
crimes lodged in State Prison, from which be
emerged only short time before the famous diamond
robbery He Immediately came to this city and renewed
his old acquaintance with oily" astead and then the
two began to look about them for fresh victim They
learned that Mr. Hand had large quantity OF diamonsS
upon which desired raise loan. They also found
out that the diamonds were not the property OF MI
Hand but held by him In trust and that he desired 10
have the negotiation conducted quietly. Inc TWO
swipders took into Their confidence W. C. McCarty, who
under the name OF Col Vim. Ftz Charles McCary, was
Of no p1
Galveston, Texas, and cheated many people out OF
Thousands of dollars McCarty had represented minister
In 81 Ious at being the agent OF the Erie
Railway Company. and At another time ne passed III
paris as wealthy American banker In all his roles he
had succeeded in fleeing people. ,
- The consplrators arranged that McCarty, who had
already formed an acquaintance with Mr. Hand at the
mustang races which the latter had conducted last Sum
meI should propose IN we re he SamaT
aud that Hand should raise $4,000 his share OF the
capital upon the diamonds The copartnershiP papers
were ORA gn up at No So Walst and on Jan McCarty
said he knew person who would loan the sum required
on the diamonds IL then agreed between me tnree
EIwood Thompson the lawyer for the person who was
% lend the money Halstcad was to represent that ~,
wife would furnish the sum desired and he was 10 pe put
An possession Of the diamonds giving III exchange
worthless or forged cheek inc u wou Sh"r not
discover until the eonspirat9rs had escap Mc
Hand Elwood Ihomgson the hwSer aa s m aT
rangcneu was made 20 meet on the iOllowibG Gay at
lawyers Office in the Bennett Bniding M nee
Mr. Hand agreed and the lother went ,o @ thst
indicated aud then came immediately OUT SAYING ana'
Halstead not there Al the dooI thcy met
ID hen ,bey ali went into "A neghbOTiDg saloon, where
Uals.,d promised join them Elmer De nad peen ue
tanned Internationally or lad become unorous az u .ne
Crty then determined 10 get possession OF Tue
Themselves, leaving oni iaIsesd & ynp" The neney
and ordered hack. Then they got q, li"p o.,
dianonds aud started out, intending sc,
into the carriage aud drive away W, A.
they reached he Sidewalk they met Hasteal no.
;y ensncd He ged them with trying TO swndie
MIN ont OF his share The others accused him on e,nuy
md eogar ,iiee While they stood wraugllng hana pe
On IN aToW uneasy about their prolonged absence Anu
sne oui RIO te street Then the mo jumped INTO INC
Esr,ta,, aud told lie driver 10 dash ahead bo" the