The New York herald., 1879-11-08
IRVING IN STATE PRISON.
THE DARING BURGLAR SENTENCED AFTER AN
OTHER ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE.
puII.ADEI.pHrA Nov 7 1870

THE DARING BURGLAR SENTENCED AFTER AN
OTHER ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE.
PHILADELPHIA Nov. Z, 1870.
John Irving and James Logue. indicted for the
robbery of Portuondos store. were brought before
Judge Ludlow in the Court OF Quarter Sessions this
forenoon for trial. The trial was very brief. for
after statements from tho officers making the arrest
and the proprietor of tho shop robbed. the men
pleaded guilty. found guilty and sentenced to
years and nine months each.
HOPES OF ESCAPE.
That Irving has desperate confederates in this city
Is made evident from tho startling discovery that
made in the cellar of the Court House while his
waiting to bo called III close proximity to
confined during the progress of the trials is
stairway leading to u closet in the cellar OF the
building for tho use OF prisoners. This apartment
is made as secure as possible, enclosed with solid
mason work, except whore two small iron gratings
afford ventilation. Shortly after the arrival of tho
and the conducting OF the prisoners to the dock
this morning Irving called Court Officer Pugh and
requested permission to visit the closet. The officer
complied. allowing Irving. as is the custom. to
descend the stairway alone. He reappeared in q
few minutes. and was placed in the uock again.
About halt past ton O'Clock Irving again called
Offcer Pugh to him and made a roo qrest similar to
the one made half hour previous. The officer,
although having his suspicious aroused that all
not right. again complied. but accompanied Irving
to the apartment. On reaching !the landing OF tho
stairway, Mr. Pugh observed that the gas was rather
Dut ou uttchiptne turn IL up round that tho
burner had been tanpered with. glance toward
of the iron gratings disclosed the fact that tho
brickwork had been dug for nearly two feet,
extending the opening - that man could easily
climb through into the cellar beyond. The hole
was piled full of loose brick. Mr.. Pugh took in tho
situation grasped Irving. and calling another officer
who at the head of tho stairs, conducted the
prisoner back to the dock. He then informed Judge
Ludlow of the facts.
FRIEND OUTSIDE
An examination OF the work by your correspond
ent revealed that 1t had been done by an outside
friend who had sccrced himself in the outer cellar
the previous evening and remained there clearing IN
avenue of escape for Irving during tho night.
close carriage stood opposite tho House where
tho trial was going which 1t is believed was pro-
vided to receive the fugitive his emerging from
the cellar That no did not flee on the occasion Of
his rst visit to the closet duo to the fact that
he discovered that the man who has charge OF the
then in the cellar and would 10 likely to
him. Irving and Logue were lodged In the
Easton Pententary this evening.
CHARGE TKEACHEpy.
There IL o current report here tonight that tho
cutting In the Court House wall was made by o
watchman employed about tho building. for which
service he to receive largo sum OF money. Tho
report is In very unsatisfactory shape, for up to
midnight no arrest had been made, aud the police
absolutely refused TO tell what they knew.