The New York herald., 1879-03-02
FORTUNES REVERSES.
A ONCE WEALTHY BROKER SENT TO THE ToMBs

A ONCE WEALTHY BROKER SENT TO THE TONES
FOR PETIT LARcENY-Is HE INSANE?
touching illustration of Outrageous fortune"
witnessed at the bar OF the Special Sessions, on
Friday. when Robert NJ. Martin, comfortably
dressed. mild and dgnified man, of middle age.
who had some days previously been found guilty
of petit larceny, called up for sentence The
accused had been charged by Mrs. Parsons OF No. s5
Macdougal street. with stealing u coat and under
clothing from her boarding house. Among the law
yers in court was Mr.. Addison G.. Jerome. who had
known the prisoner when the latter prosper
ous business man. and, sympathzing with his un-
fortunate position he addressed the Court, stating
who his old friend was, recalling his former muni-
cent gifts to churches and charities and the circum
stances of his failure years ago. He besought
judicial clemency for one who had done so much
good for his fellow men,
After a conference with his associates Justice
Wandell said :-"Robert Martin you have had enough
experience to know the disgrace of committing
crime. Mr.. Jerome, however has told us of your
severe misfortune and we are therefore inclined to
deal mercifuly with you The sentence of the Court
is that you be imprisoned in the City Prison for the
term OF five days.
REDUCED TO POVERTY.
Mr.. Jerome said to n HERALp reporter Yesterday
al have known Bob Martin for over twenty wears
and have had great many business transactions
with him. I simply stated to the judges what
knew of his former history. When first met him
he Wall street broker and member of the
stock Exchange. At one time lie was wealthy. but
lost all his money. and for the last few
years has been working clerk and
earning dollar wherever he could get q chance, He
at one time superintendent of . Sunday school
connected with prominent church in this city
Whether his wife is alive not cannot say. |
guess Martin is about of the oldest brokers
In the street He was prominent in the street at the
titpexv hon A Il "a, Dam nreu IncG
wood 4 Co. and several other large firms
at the zenith OF their prosperity. He
arrested ou charge OF having stolen an overcoat
and two shirts When placed on trial last Wedncs-
day he pleaded not guilty. but after hearing the evil
him going down stairs with the overcoat and valise
in his possession, he admitted the charge Ne stood
there perfectly dazed and said, i did it. but don't
know why The judges thought from the mans
manner that his mind was affected, and
manded him for the purpose of being examined
by the Tombs physician, who subsequently
pronounced him sane and responsible Tor his
act l desire state that Notwithstanding the doc
tors certificate of his sanity it is my firm belief that
the mans mind is affected and was at the time he
committed the act. Knowing him as well AZ do,
hts actions and appearance on Friday when saw
him in Court, as well as his demeanor toward me
when met him on the street. few days ago. con-
vince me that he is not in his right mind. He has
never. TO my knowledge, been drinking man. but |
have not seen him very often Of late"
Ills BEHAVIOR IN PRISON.
At the Tombs the reporter asccrtained that much
sympathy was felt by the prison officials for the
fortunate prisoner. Since his Incarceration Mr.
Martin has told one of his custodians that he had
when in good circumstances, given $4,000 to- a
church in this CITY, and that since being reduced 10
poverty he had been refused assistance by members
the church HIS cell is located in the hall OF
the main prison. and there he found by the re-
porter yesterday afternoon. lie seemed 10 he con
fused in mind. and partially indifferent to
the gloomy surroundings. No complaint
capped his lips, nor did lie 10 look
forward with pleasure to the termination
OF his brief Imprisonment. On being asked
whether he wished To mako any explanation in
regard to the charge for which he was sentenced he
'lt was all mistake but had rather not talk about
IT.. The least said, the soonest mcndcd." To tho
question whether he had family he replied in the
Affirmative. and said that they living In Con-
nccticut aud did not know that he was In prison.
THE LARCENY.
Calling AZ the boarding house in Macdougal street
the reporter learned that MIR. Martin had been stay
ing IN the house only about week and that he paid
for his board in advance. lie very quiet and ro
ting. At table, III dish was offered him, he would
invariably decline IL by shake of the
head, and perhaps q moment aftcrward would
leave his seat and walk to the opposite
end OF the table for the purpose OF helping hmsc
to the same dish. Mrs. Parsons said:''I don't be.
those things belonging ~ boarder who in the
country because most of the articles were OF little
use, while In the closet of the occupied
by himself better clothes not locked
up. After coming down stairs ho stood on
the vcrands with the ovorcoat on his arm
and the valisc in his hand for some minutes, as
though he didn't know which way to go. OF course
didn't know what other things he might have con.
ccaed about him. and sent the cook to call police
man, when con brought him into the hall aud
told him that he had clothing belonging To another
man, his only answer was, We'll, you've got them,
haven't YOU? do hope that the poor mans friends
will get HIM out OF prison and SEQ that he is taken
care OF"