The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-01-14
A GREAT NEWSPAPER DUPED.
The London ''Times" Spends Money Freely in
Search for Evidence Against Parnell.

BUFFALO, N. Y, Jan. 13.-The Buffalo
Courier created a profound sensation, this
morning, by publishing thirteen letters and
number of kilograms written by special
detective from Scotland Yard, sent out in
the interest of the London Times to pro-
cure evidence that would impIcate Charles
Stewart Parnell in the Phoenix Park muir
ders. 1t appears that in August last a
Black Rock mechanic, just naturalized,
being out of work and in need of money,
conceived the scheme of making something
out of the London Times. He wrote letter
to the publishers of that paper to the effect
that while working as a mason on the New
York aqueduct he came across two Irish
men who were in possession of document
ary evidence that would prove the letters
on which the Times relies in the present
investigation to be perfectly genuine. His
language was: "There is two Irishmen
here that was indirectly in the combine to
murder Cavendish and Burke. where can
get all the proof you want for very little"
This person received cablegram from the
London Times, telling him 'to hold on to
the man at all hazards" and that an En-
glsh detective would soon be on American
SOC of j. L. Kirby, or "Cris Thomas" and
was said to be accompanied by female
agent as sharp as himself.
Kirby's first letter to the Buffalo man was
written from New York, and directed re-
ply to be sent to C. Thomas, care Major Rice,
1897 Broadway. Ii, is said that the writer
was authorized to see him and others well
compensated who were willing to give un-
doubted proofs. and also. if necessary, go to
England ,and give, link by hnk, testimony,
that would be accepted By the courts of
Great Britain, and also by the royal com
mission. He guaranteed that not only
would the rewards be liberal TO adj who
would serve in procuring proof, but the
protection would be ample. He requested
the Buffalo man to proceed to New York
with his documents, to avoid mixing with
any one in the city, and to keep a closed
mouth. This was written on August
2. The Buffalo man did not go to New
York, and his replies to Kirby were opened
at Major Rice's by some third party. There
upon Kirby changed his name to Girls
Thomas" and shifted his address to Room
81, Gedney House, Fourth street and Broad
way. This solitude was making things
warm for the Buffalo man, especially when
he proposed meeting at the Tiff House
here. He was equal to the OCCASION and
game had been discovered, advising him to
leave the city. Kirby and his fair compan-
ion thereupOn crossed over to Toronto. From
Toronto he went to Montreal, and thence
with Geo. Harvey 81 Co., 179 Lasalle street,
all the time imploring the Buffalo man to
hasten to procure his proofs. and paying
out money in sums of S25 to S75 at a time.
aggregating in all about $780, In his last
letter from the Gedney House he said that
he was authorized to assure both of the
suppositious Irlshmen comfortable farms
| of their own and secure them in competence
$500 apiece in cash if they would give up
| the papers. Writing from Room 572, Pal
| mer House, on Nov. %, he began to show
| petulance, suspecting that he was being
out another dollar until he could see the
sides, he had got SO much
| of this evidence, such as. it was,
that he ne could ,f afford to do without tho them
| way, would not want either OF them to
| come here; all / want is the paper and let
! ters.. After | see them with my own eyes
| if, after get them and he has the money,
for further sum, well and good. but you
| can tell H what l say, and nothing will
induce me to pay out another dollar until
| get the papers. This is final. The papers
| once in my hands I'll do as have said
| previous letter for yourself, and more, too;
but only when getting the papers"
The CORRESPONDENCE ceased with the thlr-
teenth letter, written on Dec. 81. from the
| Palmer House, Chicago, announcing his in
tentiOn of proceeding to Niagara Falls. In
the course of his wanderings after proof,
| the Scotland Yard man went to Ravens
wood, ILL.,. where he said his son lived, and
thence he wrote, Offering to give the Buffalo
| man $500 if he would make success certain,
and the same to each of the other men,.
| There was, of course, no evidence what
ever of the nature sought by the agent of
the Times and the British government.
| At the meeting of the Irish National
League in ST. Stephens Hall, this after
noon, the exposure made by the Courier
was discussed, and the course of the Times
in endeavOring TO otrumpupevide against
| Parnell was emphaticaily denounced in
| speeches and resolutions