Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-07-03
JUTrRrsrfvc CASE.
Aseu.s,.os ssr Ya.s,esssIs soe'su In PITTS
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A seu..,,os ssr PashissssIs see'sts In Pitts
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A Pittsburgh Ps.) special says Dr.
James p. Buck. who year ago was tue
lion Of fashionable society, was to-day
placed on trial in the Criminal Court Tor
highway robbery. For years gang
had infested the county, and the most
daring robberies were committed. The
police were baiIled. When DR.. Buck
finally was accused Of being the leader OF
the gang Of foot-pads hardly any one be-
,lieyedi it. The police had received infor-
nation several times which cast suspi-
cion on DIR. Buck, but they believed the
stories to be base fabrications TO injure
the Doctor. His standing in society
placed him above suspicion. He was
considered wealthy, as he kept fast
horses and spent money layishly Tor
rare pictures and curiosities. His villa
at Braddock, suburb, where heresided,
contained valuable collection Of the
works Of the old masters, and the
grounds were the handsomest in
the State. His practice was extensive
among the best people, and it created
the most profound sensation when he
was arrested, together with a notorious
gang, charged with completely in nu-
merous highway robberies. His ac-
cuser was Frederick Alpert, an in
surance agent. He related his story on
the stand to-day. DR.. Buck sat oppe-
site to him. He was faultlessly dressed
in a suit of the latest cut. He looked
unconcerned, and his fine black eyes
were constantly riveted on the witness.
Alpert swore that last July he went
to McKeesport on business and stopped
at Braddock on his way home. lie ar
rived at the latter place about A O'Clock
and went directly to the Office Of DR..
Buck, with whom he had been on very
friendly terms. Mr.. Alpert says he
had made several collections Of pre-
miums, &C., during the day, and had in
his pocket large sum Of money, which
fact was known to DR.. Buck. After
doing some business in Braddock, he,
by previous arrangement with DR.. Buck,
took supper and started about dusk
for the house Of Mr.. Kinney, who
lived across the river, and from whom
DR.. Buck had said sl0, 900 Of insurance
could easily be obtained. The two
crossed the river in boat and went to
the house of Mr.. Kinney, who, Mr..
Alpert states, promptly informed them
he had insurance already. They start
ed to return through a lonely piece of
woods. DR.. Buck started on a run for
the ferry, and Alpert called to him to
wait for him, but the Doctor kept
on. A minute later two men
stepped II front Of Alpert and one
knockd him Gown, while the other re-
moved 900 from his inside pocket and
snatched off his gold watch. Alpert
started toward the ferry and came
across DR.. Buck lying on the ground
and groaning. He asked him if he had
also been robbed. Buck said " Yes"
They had taken two large pocket-books
from him, one containing 1910 and the
other some small change, although he
had told Alpert at his Office just
before he started for the river that he
hadn't forty cents to make up the bal
ance of a note which he paid Alpert in
full. Alpert remarked. " Why, Doc
tor, they have not taken your gold
watch and diamond stud?" to which
the Doctor made no reply. They then
went to the ferry, and after crossing
over the boy suggested that they run
up the river to the other ferry and see
if the robbers didn't croos tloro DR..
Buck interposed objections, however,
and told Alpert not to say anything
about the affair, as he was ashamed be-
cause he had lost so little, while Alpert
had lost so much.
One Of the detectives employed by
Alpert secured the information which
led to Bucks arrest. 1t was found
that for years he was connected with
the "Gordon gang" which infested
this neighborhood, and acted as trooper
in " for them, as in the case Of Alpert.
From the proceeds of the robberies he
was enabled to live high aud let the
impression 90 out that he was rich.
Gordon, Gcary, and Crusan, who were
members of the gang, pleaded guilty
and having been convicted upon other
charges of robbery, were sentenced to
the penitentiary, Gordon for fifty
years, Geary for twenty years, and
Crusan for twenty years. DR.. Bucks
trial will last several days.