Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-02-02
Both Sent Down.

DOtn sent DOwns
THE MAN AND WOMAN WHO WERE ARRESTED FOR
GIVING BOGUS CHECKs--THE MANS HISTORY.
The man and his female companion who were
arrested Thursday afternoon by Detective Mat
tingly, as published in yesterdays STAR, were
detained at the first precinct yesterday. The
officer received considerable information yes
terday concerning the mysterious couple.
which. if true. shows that the man has had a
varied career for some years, and his history is
probably as varied as that of Marion d. Newman.
who did not marry Mrs. Kate Smith in this city
some weeks ago.
The prisoners father, the officer learned, is a
wealthy resident of Keene, N. II. His unfor-
tunate son, the prisoner, is said to be named
Walter Whltcomb, who started life early in
Maine as an Episcopal clergyman. This he
does not deny, but says ''it's no disgrace to be
a preacher" He was afterward dismissed from
the church, so the detectives informant says,
and since then has been continuously in trouble.
He married when quite young, and has son
living with his father in Keene. His wife left
him, and a divorce was subsequently granted.
Among the papers found on him were several
checks which had been filed out. They were
drawn on the Madison Square bank Of New
York, and made payable to Walter Powers.
which is supposed to be one Of Whitcomb's
numerous aliases. The names of Simon Wolf
and John Brosnan appeared on the checks.
IN THE POLlCE COUNT.
This morning the prisoners were taken to
the Police Court and charged under the names
Of Walter Whitcomb and Kate Mason with
being suspicious persons. Detective Mattingly
detailed the story Of the arrest, telling how
they were compelled to leave the American
house, and how the arrest was made after they
left Soaris hotel Witness produced vest
pocket revolver which he took from Whitcomb.
The defendant explained that he was igno-
rant OF Washington laws and asked for instruc-
lions. The judge explained his rights and told
him that he was entitled to be represented by
counsel. The prisoner decided not to be sworn
in his own behalf because he would subject
himself to an examination of his conduct dur
ing his entire life. The woman with him, he
said, was his wife and that her home was in
New York. He declined to give the name of
her parents because he said he did not care to
involve her family in any such affair as this.
He declined simply because their names would
appear in the papers. Whitcomb assumed all
responsibility for his actions and said that his
wife was ignorant of anything he had done.
The judge sentenced him to give bonds or go
person and imposed fine Of $40 or 80 days for
carrying the pistol. In the case of the woman
the court suspended action.
That's not weapon" remarked Whitcomb;
sits nothing but a toy"
Il wouldn't like you to snap it at me, -
The clerk at Solari's hotel testified that the
defendants stopped at the hotel. They paid
for one day in advance. and the next day he
presented a check for S25 on the Madison
Square bank for collection. On the strength
of the check Mr.. Solari loaned him SO.
MIR. Darlington was subsequently employed
as counsel and will look after the interests of
the couple. To reporter Whitcomb said that
he had written for all the prominent newspapers
in the country. He did not care for himself,
but his only thought was for his aged mother.
The judge subsequently required the woman
to give bonds or go down for 60 days. Judge
Miner intends to make arrangements for send
ing the woman home.
After the trial was over. Camil Solari swore
out a warrant.against Whitcomb, charging him
with obtaining SIS by means of false pretenses,
and the warrant was served on him by Marshal
Wheatley. Whitcomb was committed to Jail
and his female companion was sent to the
wOrkhouse. He was sent down in the prison
van. while she was taken in a street car. accom-
panied by Bailiff Kendig.