The New York herald., 1878-11-19
Gagged AT LAST.

James Roberts, alias Curtin, alias Cunningham,
ngcd twcnty-eight, who gave his residence No. 80
East l01st street. and his occupation that of wood
carver was called to the bar yesterday in Part of
the Court of General Sessions by Assistant District
Attorney Russell for sentence, the accused having
previously pleaded guilty to the charge Of grand
cany. Roberts. who is thick set. well dressed man.
II said to be well known to the police authorities as
notorious and accomplished shopfter, his profess
sion being piled chiefly in jewclry establishments He
formerly arrested in New York and escaped About
Avc years ago he was overhauled in Philadelphia on
the charge of shoptfting and while he was on trial
at the Quarter Sessions In that city managed to slip
sway from the officers. Ho ded to California where
he again foil into the clutches Of the law for stealing
and during his trial contrived to make good
his exit from the court room unobserved. He
Philadelphia the old charge. He was tried there
and convicted and sentenced to term Of three years
and six months in Mcyamensing Prison. At the end
Of his imprisonment he returned to New York, and
the 1th OF September last proceeded to the jewcry
store Of Messrs. Taylor Brothers, on Broadway. He
said no wished to purchase gold chain. Several
patterns shown him, none of which, however,
suited his fancy He then told that If he called
again at three clock some other chains would be on
hand which might please him. At the hour Inen-
Sioned he put in an appearance, when tho salesman
informed him that the chains had not arrived, but
that II he would wait few minutes they would be
hand. He was seemingly content with this propo-
sition and the salesman started of to neighboring
met Roberts coming out Of the hallway, who, on
being questioned as to his departure. said that
he had an engagement which would occupy only
short time. and that he would come back presently
He had scarcely disappeared when several packages Of
3ewclry and one dozen razors which had been done
up tObe sent to Boston. and which were valued ut
nearly $500. were missing. On the same day. 1t is
alleged Marcus store, of Seventeenth street
formed a somewhat similar feat in that establish
ment. Roberts was soon afterward arrested by De-
Tha dat had fha ~tt,ro q,
pocket and at once colared him. The Chicago
thorities notified. and Roberts about to be
in tho store Of Taylor Brothers, identified him
e the man who had carried of their property.
a. days ago. 'sn'd aoro that Kns sa'ss
~ private counsel for tho. compainants.
the charge against him here or 60 to Chicago, to be
tried there, he concluded to adopt the former course
and acknowledged his guilt. When called W ycster
day. knowing that the Chicago detective hid gone,
Roberts, with unblushing mpudcnce, said he wanted
TO withdraw his plea Of guilty stating that he had
been induced to give that plea because he had been
told that he were placed on trial he would get the
full term The Assistant District Attorney. astounded
1t tho audacity of the prisoner. said that he had
pleaded guilty In order TO save himself from the
chicago officer. who was in court ready 70 take him
back to prison in that city. from which he had cs-
caped. Judge Gildersleeve sent him 10 the State
Prison for four years and six months.
GOOD WORD FOR THE POLICE
Part Of tho Court Of General Sessions Judge Gil
dcrslceve presiding. mostly occupied yesterday
with the trial Of william Carney. who was charged
with fclonous assault with intent to kill Ocer Artc-
Noble. of the Eleventh precinct. In opening tho
for the prosecution Assistant District Attorney
Russell paid high tribute to the police force OF this
city. lie said:-"I not Of those who uni
formly condemn the police force Of this city know
u IL the fashion TO repeat the opinion ex-
pressed of the police force few years ago by one of
the COMPREHENSIVE have the finest police forcc
In the world Yet / honestly believe that
we really have the best police force in
the world Much that is utterly unreasonable is
pccted Of our police officers Becausc they wear the
police uniform miracles required of them. II
crime is committed at the dead Of night the police
expected to lay their hands on the criminals
"a the day dawns. Though there may not have boon
witness, the police supposed to know at all
about tho Of the commission of the crime.
the method OF flight Of the criminals and their hiding
place. 1t s to say tho least unfair to assume that
mon puts supernatural powers with the police
uniform, and the strength Of this assumption to
pour out harsh criticisms on the police force"
The testimony Of Officer Noble to the effect that
his attention directed to q rap from Officer Ba-
kers club on the night of the 9th Of June last at
Ninth street and q, and that when he went TO
Officer Bakers assistance he found the prisoner. HIS
brother and father holding him against tho side Of
house and when hc took William away the latter shot
him. small pistol and bullet produced, and
witness testified that the bullet through his gar
mcnts but did not enter his person. Officer Baker
testified That Carney had put the pistol TO his head
and threatened to make him take water" On cross
examination by MIR. A. H. Huminel, who defended the
accused. both officers admitted having clubhed the
Carneys. ia,her aud sons For the defence Mr.. Hum
mel called the father and brother the decndent and
Mrs Mct'ovcrn. all OF whom testified that the Car
ncys wero all assaulted by the police and that william
did not use pistol A number of witnesscs also tea-
titled to the excellent character OF the accuscI ana
the then given to the jury by Judge Glider
sleeve who very carefully reviewed all the evidence
An hour and returned with verdict of mot guilty.