The New York herald., 1879-12-14
THE MANHATTAN BANK ROBBERY.
A KEEPER IN THE ToMBs DETECTED IN CON-
MuSIcArIoN WITH JASrToR sHEvELIN-

KEEPER IN THE ToMBs DETECTED IN CON-
WARDEN FINN RETIcESr.
John Morton until within day or two was en-
ployed as keeper in the City Prison to watch GER
tain number of cells at night Among the prisoners
under his care were Janitor shevelin andwatchman
Kelly, two OF the alleged Manhattan Bank burglars.
On last Monday Warden Finn was informed that
Morton was altogether too friendly with Shevelin
and Kelly. The Warden determined to for him.
self what truth there was In the rumor. He took
Deputy Warden Finley. . thirty years veteran in
prison experience. into his confidence and Tues
day night they agreed on their plans Finn quietly
slipped into Shevelins cell and awaited de-
velopments. While he secreted there
the suspected keeper approached and be.
gan to talk with the prisoner. He
longer doubted his subordinate's untrustworthi-
ness and early next day sent report OF the affair
to the Commissioners OF Charities and Correction.
The last named officials investigated the charge
found Morton guilty and discharged him. The above
is the story SO far as Warden Finn chooses to make
1t public. Outside the prison various rumors were
afoat. One story was to the effect that Keeper
Morton was hberally paid to liberate not only
Dobbs and Roundsman Nugent. On Monday. it is
said, Warden Finn informed of the plot and con-
cox and G'n brennan ana sunerntendeat Wailnr
Having secreted himself in Shevein's cell
he threatened the prisoner with pun
ishment IL he revealed his presence.
At midnight rap on the door was heard. Finn
showed pistol to the prisoner and ordered him to
open the inside door OF the cell Sheveiin did and
Morton passed in a package. which Finn secured and
sent the District Attorney. This story the War
particulars par When asked about the package he said
he knew nothing about 1t, but would not state posi-
lively that it was not attempted to be passed into
Shevelins CELL Again. while he admits that Shevelin
and Morton intimate TERMS he says the for
mer betrayed the keeper by talking with him while
asked what means were used to induce Shevelin
to break faith with Morton Warden Finn had no
satisfactory to make. He denies that he held
any consultation with the authorities about the
matter that any of Pinkertons detectives have been
near tho neighborhood Of the Tombs; that ne took
displayed pistol to Shevelin. He expressed him
self very much annoyed that the matter had been
Shevelin he will not disclose.
WAS IT LETTER?
HERALD reporter, after fruitless EFFORT to get
any connected story from the Warden. went to .
gentleman in authority who said that the true story
OF the whole occurrence was was as ioiiaws;%u mas mas
being made to prevent Janitor Shevelin from tes-
tifying against Kelly. Morton suspected Of act
ing agent between Kelly and Shevelin. and
carrying letters from one to the other Warden
Finn by advice of the District Attorney or his
passed in to Shevelin letter from Kelly 1t was an
entreaty to the jantor not to testify against the
ana n a .IS tor hs
District Attorneys office it was tacitly admitted
that package had been received from the Warden.
A description OF its appearance or contents would
not be given. Johnny Hope. Johnny Dobbs" and
Roundsman Nugent deny that any attempt was
made to rescue them.
Keeper Morton was very indignant at being dis
charged He said that he had "only passed u few
letters some Of those fellows and that Warden
Finn had taken an undue advantage over him. Com
missioner Brennan when asked for particulars about
the matter said, warden Finn will tell you all
about It," Morton has been drinking hard since his
removal. and IL is said has threatened to get even
with Warden Finn. In East Eleventh street yester-
day afternoon he was staggering along when ar
rested by Policeman McSorley. OF the Seventeenth
precinct. In Essex Market Court he was arraigned
for intoxication, and upon his promise to go home
and not drink any more during the day Justice Duffy
discharged him. He gave hts residence Ninth
avenue. He is . short. stou4man. with red smooth
shaven face.