The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-05-23
THE CONVICTED ALDERMAN.
Jaehne's Brilliant Prospects in Life
When He First Entered Politics.
He Would Have Been Sent to Congress, but
Has Gone to Sing Sing-Particulars
Of His Remarkable Trial

Henry w. Jaehue, the first of the Board OF Al
dermen convicted of bribery, is instructive. 1t
exhibits the material of when many New vrk
politicians are made. His father was an honest
German gunsmith, who did business in Hudson
street for forty years The old mans children
were ali born in the Eighth ward Henry was
the second son. He received an excellent educa-
ton, and made many friends. Five years ago
he entered the field of politics, with the bright
est of prospects He was elected alderman four
times in succession. and each time by an in
creasing majority. Six months ago he was made
vice president of the board. A shrewd polti-
clan, ever ready to do favors for his constitu-
ents he quickly took the leadership of the Coun-
ty Democracy in the Assembly dis
trict, and stood high in the ccun,
ellis of his party. Next fall they
intended to send him to Congress in Muellers
place. His political sky was unusually bright.
Suddenly cloud arose on its horizon. The
State Senate ordered the Broadway railroad in
vestga tion The selection of Roscoe Conkling
as master of ceremonies indicated that it must
be no child's play. Jake Sharp, Jim Richmond
and other millionaire manipulators were put in
the furnace and came out scorched, but were not
destroyed. One day in the twinkling of an eye,
the young alderman was showed into the fire.
The furnace was heated hotter than usual. An
affidavit from Knickerbocker lady was read.
which plainly accused him of being receiver of
stolen goods. 1t was clear that ne was not only
a professional fence but had been one for
years. He kept crucible in which he melted
down the gold aud silver stolen by
tsAso -
her silver to his crucible, and had received ST. 200
from him to hush the matter up The revela-
ton astonished the community. Respectable
citizens who had known Jaehne from boy
stood aghast. The affidavit. however, was only
the foundation for series of questions pro-
pounded by Roscoe Conkling, that still further
astonish the community. Instead of keeping
silent on the ground that his business transac
tons with Mrs. Schuyler Hamilton mad nothing
to do with the Broadway investigation, the AL.
derman lost his head and tried to explain.
While foundering in the fire of Conkling's per-
mission that Chief Detective Byrnes had done
his best to cover him, and that
the district attorney member of
his oEn political organization had advised
him to pay over the 81. 200 thus compounding a
felony day afterwards the alderman be-
sought his friends to save him from indictment
for receiving stolen goods 1t was while trying
to avoid such an Indictment that he fell into the
snare Of Byrnes, who concealed his indignation
at Jaehn's admission. The men had been close
friends for years. Jaehne was confident that
Byrnes could exert an influence upon the dis
trict attorney that would save him from the
dreaded indictment. ByrneSs actions confirmed
the alderman's confidence No indictment for
receiving stolen goods was found. The confd
ing Jaehne, however, was turned up in way
that he little anticipated. He induced to
make the admissions concerning his part In the
Broadway steal that led both to his Indictment
and conviction for bribery In trying to avoid
the whirlpool of Seylla he had run upon the
rock of Charybds.
Nor was there any escape. Rendered wary by
the work of the professional jury-fxer in the
two Shaler trials, the district attorney Sook no
chances IN the Jaehne case. The jurors were
not only locked up but were not even allowed to
receive sealed letters from their families. Great
was the outcry among the other indicted alder
They accused the Judge and district a t.
torney of favoritsm because Jaehne was not
given the chance of General Smaller. also indicf-
ed for bribery They asserted that one of the
Shaer jury was bought up the first trial, and
that three Hebrew jurors were fixed on the sec
ond trial. They got comfort, for the district
attorney replied that these were the best of
reasons why the jury in the Jaehne case should
not be allowed separate. This has made
Shaers friends tremble. 1t is evident that he
will be tried the third time and by jury that
will be made practically unapproachable.
The other indicted aldermen we're. also cha
grined because Alderman Waite, who has turned
States evidence. not made to unfold his
budget. The district attorney preferred to rely
upon Byrness testimony to conviction
and to hold Waite reserve for future trials.
Waites promised disclosures are intensified by
fear that Billy Maloney, the clerk OF the board of
1884, has been corralled by the authorities, and
that he will be dropped upon some of the boys,
as Andy Carney was dropped upon Oakley Hall
in his trial in 1872
afou IL. 4
political life in New York, Jaehne's trial let in a
little lurld light upon his antececents
While on the witness stand he was closely ques-
toned concerning his associations with we'll
known thieves in diamond roUberies in Europe
eight or nine years ago. He denied n toto all
insinuations of theft cut admitted that he was
IN company with the crooks, and that he came
back with one of them via Canada. The story. as
told by detectives, who claim to have 1t from one
of the crooks themselves, is Interesting. Cur
tin and Stephens we'll known as diamond
thieves, went to Europe business tour.
They visited the best iewelry stores, and priced
unset diamonds With dozen twenty jewels
before them, 1t was an easy matter to substitute
an inferior stone for superior Sometimes
paste stone took the place of genuine soil
talre, and, again, real two karat jewel was sly
ly exchanged for of greater weight. On
leaving the store the stolen diamonds were
passed to Jaehne, who stood the sidewalk,
near the door. He saunters away in drec-
ton, and his pals in another They were ell
dressed in the best of taste, and had the airs
and manners of English gentlemen. They rare
" put up at the same hotel, and never allowed
themselves to be seen together in public. The
trio worked the game in many continental cities
with great profit. Finally. they landed III CO.
logne. Here they made rich strike. and
secured tickets for London While Curtin and
Stephens were eating lunch at hotel they saw
a gathering around the door. Fearing that they
were suspected, and knowing that Jaehne was
in the hotel, they were in quandary to what
to do with the plumber. A minute afterwards
Curtin met Jaehne an upper stairway. Have
you got the boodle9" he asked
"Yes. safe" was the response.
where are the stonesgT Curtin asked.
Here, said Jaehne holding out handful Of
diamonds.
Swallow EN-, DIN you. swallow em quick,
or we are lost"
The jewels were promptly swallowed. It