The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1884-01-25
LOOKING FOR RowEN.r
Another Chapter I'm the History of
the Department of Justice.

viz DeDUfNment OF buAthces
Elk. Doc. No. DO is a rich mine OF informa-
ton as TO the workings OF the Department OF
Justice. Among tho items appearing under
various dates in November, 1882, arc charges
for car fare, railroad expenses and kilograms
OF operatives "a. o." ~. L. F." "B. J. W."
"R. A. 81" and "Asst. Supdt. @. d. b." while
Hooking for Bowen" and the voucher OF OK
pensos is approved for payment February 1,
1888, by Merrick and Ker, Special Assistant
Attorneys, allowing all OF the operatives SO por
day for services, besidos numerous miscella-
neous expenses.
The Bowen referred TO is the notorious
agert OF the Department OK Justice, tho conii-
Dental friend and travelling companion OF
brewster Cameron, General Agent, and Wilson
W. Hoover, tho latcly-dismissed associate Jus
tice OF Arizona. This trio wore engaged In Au-
gust 1882, I'm an effort to bride the Star-Route
jury, and their schemes were fully exposed
during the Investigation which followed In
After Bowens lying and perjured statement
was published I'm october, 1882, he was sent
Agent, but later on, and Just before tho COM
mencement OF tho second Star-Route trial, in
December, 1882, tho special attorneys con-
cluded to influence public opinion and In.
against tho foreman OF the first Jury on
false and malicious charges, supported by the
testimony OF Bowen, Cameron and Hoover.
II was therefore necessary to Iook for
Bowen" Tho "Colonel" has been cavortlng
around with variety performers and figured
conspcuouely In the police courts OF Philadel-
phia as n boarding-house boat. A5appears by
examination of Ex. Doc. 40, operative "a. g."
commenced his search for tho "Colonel' on
November 20 among the theatres and side.
shows OF tho Bowery and on Fourteenth street,
New York. ~. l.. F." made repeated trips be.
tween November % and 30 TO Hartford and
New Haven, Conn., examining hotel registers,
watching posto1lces and "seeking informa.
tion" generally, at 80 per day and $35.d1 OK.
penses.
"B. j. W." seems to havo been assigned to
watching the ferries for Bowen, while the
other operatives performed duty around tho
New York hotels. He was found at last, aud
the Governments important witness was
brought to Washington; and II Is we'll
this city and until his testimony was given In
the Police Court, he was an unwilling pris.
oner In tho chargelof a Philadelphia detect.
i've.
Before the close OF the investigation Bowen's
statement was torn TO tatters, and his perjury
for his further appearance as witness, but he
fed and forfeited his bail. Tho grand jury
have since indicted him for attempted bribery
In the Star-Route cases, and bench warrant
was issued by Judge Wyllo for his arrest.
Notwithstanding there are humorous we'll
paid operatives OF the Pinkerton force, special
detectives OF the Department OF Justice and
officers OF tho United States District Marshal's
once, to all OF whom Bowen is known, no owl.
dent effort has ever been made to apprehend
him. On the other hand, the Government of
1cers do not want to interfere with tho
"Colonel." He knows too much.
II would be Interesting to know what Items
OF expense appear upon any OF the records OF
the Marshals ONCE or Department OF Justice
In blocking for Bowen" since the "Coionei" be-
came o fugitive from the process OF our courts.
Mr.. springers committee will md this sub.
1ect worthy OF attention and inquiry.