The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-14
BETRAYED BY A WOMAN.
Gang of Hotel Thieves Arrested-The Ro-
mantle Story Told by Female InfOrmer.


CHICAGO. March 13-A few days ago notice
was given at the West North side police station
that detective was wanted immediately at No.
72 Rosebud street. Officers Kelly and Spring
were summoned, and after some search they
found the right number in the little back alley
which is named so inappropriately. The num-
Der was one of long and cheerless brick tene-
menf. In bare room on the second floor they
found strange woman. She was seated in a
broken rocking chair, with scantily-clothed
baby in her arms and little boy, about four
years old, with a very ragged jacket
on. standing by her side. The woman
very good looking and chose hor
words carefully as college professor. In
q few words she explained that there existed
in Chicago organized band of male and fe-
male thieves which confined its operations to
the large hot els. Her husband, she had discov-
cred months before, was member OF such
gang. and she then determined to take the first
opportunity to notify the police. The officers
listened in astonishment while she told the de-
tails of her story. She then uncovered pile Of
goods in corner. There were fine camel-har
blankets. empty purses. sealskin cap, heavy
overcoats, bed spreads, fine soaps. valises, etc.,
etc. The officers wsre convinced, and on Mon
day night arrested Frank Emmett, the trusted
wetchman at the Sherman House, together with
James Boylan, Patrick Needha1n and several
other of the men and women who are supposed :
to be implicated. Several of the other big
down town hotels have been systematically
robbed by certain of their employees, and the
police have secured several wagon loads of
goods taken from hotels. The woman who gave
the frat information to the police was asked
why she gave her name as Mrs. James Murray,
and told the following story OF her life, which
there is every reason to believe is true:
my maiden name Lizzie Josephine
Kerns. My father was John kerns, who many
years before my birth, was Lord Mayor OF
Dublin city. was born in Dublin and lived
there until was sent away to 60 with my
educssion. Father wealthy and we
a happy family. There were six sisters of Us,
and l was the beauty. ard was spoiled In the
Ursuiine convent of Thurles l received my in
strncsions in the higher branches. in music and
painting. Then was sent to Boulogne, France,
whore finished my sducatioa. Shortly after
my return Dublin. when I going out in
society, my father died. While We
were still in mourning my mother fall
heir to another large fortune by the
death of relative in Birmingham. England.
Part of the property villa and grounds at
Aston Park, Birmingham. We moved there the
next year. It WAS q delightful place. and my
mother still lives there, with my sister Beatrice
In that villa Was introduced to James Murray,
who was then a wealthy shoe manufacturer y
Limerick We were married In 1869, by the
Rev. O'Sullivau, in the Birmingham Chapel.
We were not very happy together. Two years
after our marriage we moved to Philadelphia
My husband is still in that city, a member of the
shoe manufacturing firm of Hayes, Murray 8
Go. We quarreled great deal about trivial
matters. Finally he sent me back to Ireland
for some of his poor relatives, and they
to live with him. I left the
house aud went to New York.
In New York was without a friend, was soon
out of money. and was forced to go to cheap
hotel went to the St. Omar. Frank Emmett
porter in the hotel, and when was taken
sick he befriended me. When I recovered my
health commenced living with him. That was
four years ago. Until we moved to Chicago
believed him to be strictly honest. We would
have been married. but that was Catholic. I
the wife of James Murray, the millionaire
to this day. in spite of the decree.
The officers who have investigated the case
have found many corroborat;ug circumstances
which convince them of the truth of Mrs. Muir
rays story.