The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1885-05-21
ROBBER RECOGNIZED.
Startling Denouement in the Trial
Of a Suspected Express Robber.
The Wounded Baggageman Identifies Him
as His Assailant-The CuIprit weakens
and Pleads Guilty.

BLooMNGToN, IND, May 15.-To-day at
the trial of Wm.- Wright, who was arrested
on suspicion of committing the daring ex.
press robbery on the night of April % an
unexpected event took place. Since Wright
has been arrested and closely questioned,
there has been strong belief among those
who ought to know that he was not guilty.
Ihough there were suspicious circum-
stances, the fact that he established a
strong alibi, and that his description was
by no means met, led to this belief, so had
nothing new developed it was expected
that his trial would end with Baggageman
Weber's own words that Wright was not the
man. In themeantime another clue, which
thefew hours developed, proved successful
one had been worked by few officers. The
morning after the robbery had been com.
mitted. man in the neighborhood hereto
1ore bearing a good character, went to
work for farmer. On the left side of his
head, few inches from the ear, was bad
brulse and cut, and his hands were both
bruised in the palms, so that they were
bleeding and quite sore. At ten O'Clock
that day he stopped work, seemed greatly
agitated over the news that a train had
been robbed, and came to town at once.
working did not have the heart to suspic-
ion him on all this evidence, until from
time to time he talked of the robbery, Won
dering If they would catch the robber, and
when Wright, was arrested Chambers
seemed confident that the right man
had been caught at last. So much inter.
ested was he in the case that the man for
whom he was working grew suspicious,
recalling the marks on his head and hands,
and became so confidentthat he informed
neighbor of what he knew, leaving such
an impression that the story was at once
repeated to the officers and the matter at
once began to work. The trial of Wright hav-
ing been set for to day, it was decided that
as Chambers knew SO much about the case
he should be subpenaed as witness. This
was done this morning. At first he hesi-
tated, but when the officer insisted he said
he would come. A close eye was kept
noticeable that he was much agitated.
As the noon train arrived, bearing Web
er, the wounded baggageman,a "a description
minute details, all of which answered in
every particular to Chambers. 1t was de-
cided to let the trial of Wright proceed, so
far as the public knew, and in this way
get Chambers where he could be identi-
fed. To carry this out perfectly, Cham
bers was to be taken in the same room with
Weber, ostensibly to be questioned as to
what he knew of Wright's character.
Chambers was told that Colonel Friedley
wished to see him before he testified,
"
Weber, they were soon face to face. When
Chambers saw Weber he turned white as
a sheet, and seemed to lose his voice, never
looking at Weber again. As soon as Cham
bers left the room, as with uncontrolled
emotion, Weber jostled Friedley's arm,
saying, 'sMy God, that's the man that shot
me; am sure of it; know it! For Gods
sake, don't let him get away" This was
enough. With no intimation of the guilt
of this man, Weber had recognized him.
Nothing was done, and Chambers was
allowed to go on up to the Court
house, where he was told he would
be wanted to testify in a few minutes.
At once warrant was sworn out and at
tested by Mayor Mulky, and put in the
hands of the Marshal to execute. In the
meantime Chambers had placed himself in
the farthest corner of the room; but it was
of no avail, and without half dozen per-
sons knowing it Chambers was arrested
and marched to the front, charged with the
crime. 1t would be utterly impossible to
describe the scene. Neighbors who had
known him for a long time said such could
not be the case. The man seemed dumbed
with amazement, and as he answered
"Guilty" to the charge when read by the
Prosecutor, he appeared as if he wished
the earth would swallow him. The excite
ment was intense as the poor fellow took
and identified as committing a heinous
crime. When asked when he would be
ready for trial, he said he could not tell.
The State announced that they were ready,
but Chambers asked time. He was placed
under bail of S., 900, which, up to this writ
ing, he fail to give.
LATER.-Chambers has secured bail, his
uncle, Chesley Woodward, going for the
full amount.