New-York tribune., 1882-03-10
THE NEWS AT CoRNwELDs HOME.

reporter or lIIE TRIBUNE went 10 Plalnfield, N.
j., last night to learn something about CornwelPs
standing there. On the train few prominent resi-
dents were talked with concerning his character,
and from all the same report was heard-that he
was a man of the very highest integrity and spot
less Christian gentleman. When they were told
that he was defauter to very large amount
all said the same thing: 81 do not believe it," AT
Painfeld the public knew nothing about the en-
bezzlemcIt, and among the men called upon the
unbelief was found to exist as TO the truth of
the story. Those who told about it were so
startled that it was time before they could be
induced to say anything and what was said was
highly commendatory of Conwels integrity.
The house occupied by Mr.. Cornwell in Plainfeld
is comfortable, uDpretcntious one, standing back
from the street, and Is surrounded by a neatly
kept lawn. 1t is furnished with tasto
and comfort but not extravagantly. The
door was opened by Mr. CornwelPs
son Richard p, a man about thrty-fve years Of
age. He said that his father was sick, and that he
did not dare let anyone see him for fear that it
would endanger his life. Mr.. COrnwel said:
"Yes, know what you have come for because a
messenger just left here moment ago, and he told
me that my father is charged with being defaulter
in the sum of $4,000"
"Can you tell me what your father has to say
about the chargei"
He does not know 1t. HIS family have just been
told it, and he is so i'll that dare not say any
thing to him. We all of us entirely ignorant Of
the whole affair, and only wish we knew some
thing"
father since he was taken i'll ~
mot one of them. The first we learned that such
q terrible thing had happened was this morning"
Did you know whether detectives have come to
Plainfel ~
Dr. South, Mr.. COrnwelPs family physician, was
next seen, and, in reply TO an inquiry, he said Il
have been attending Mr.. Cornwell for several days.
as he has severe attack OF inlammatlon Of the bow
his family not to let him see any visitors, and in
my opinion, il he were spoken to tonight upon an
waited and his life would be in danger"
The Rev. Mr.. Stockton, TIE pastor Of the Meth
school teacher. was also visited. He said 81 have
known Mr. COnwell for over two years and | con-
slider him gentleman of lrreproachable character,
and Christian without a spot or blemish"
Have you noticed whether Mr. Cornweu has
been depressed in in spirits latey poeor ond
ever since have known him, lie has been genial,
pleasant lght-hearted man, a favorite with every
one and person who had the confidence, and re-
spect of ali who came in contact with him."
One OF the most prominent men in the place, when
told by the reporter Of the particulars OF the cmbez
clement was thunderstrpck, and for time could
Richard COrnwel for twenty years or more, and he
is the last that should have picked out as one
likely to fall. Before he moved 10 Plainfeld some
four years ago, he lived in Brooklyn and knew
him well there He was Il broker in good standing
in New York, and the superintendent of the Wash
odist Churches, in Brooklyn, at differ
cnt times. Since he has lived here he
has taught class in the Sunday-school. But 1t is
awful. | cannot believe that he is defaulter.
What object can he have had None in tn world.
A man of his age, siXty-tve years, in good
position and with sons who would only, be too glad
to take care Of him for the rest of his life, even If
lie had no business He has always lived quiet,
unOstentatious life, and why he should want to re-
cuperate his fortune, which he lost few years ago.
is beyond my comprehension OF course there can
be only one explanaion-Wall Street. But | can
not believe it. and won't believe it,