Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-07-07
TIE STEPLEIN MYSTERY.

Agent Dean In Charge Of the Case-Twelve
Young Girls Rxamined-The Proceedings
Kept Quiet.
An examination of II girls was made by
Agent Dean Of the Anti Cruelty Society last
night at Alderman Hartman's Office
concerning what they knew of the Dora
Steplein mystery. The names of the
girls examined are Mary Socker. Minnie
Caylor, Katie Schlie, Tinnie Wentel,
Millie Schlie, Minnie Caylor, Katie Walk
er, Lizzie Caylor, Cora Timothy, Sadie
Wilkensbaugh, Lizzie Schwartzenwhat
and Dora Thompson. Mrs. Barbara Step
lein, mother Of the missing girl, was also
examined. ~
ALI of the girls were talked to, but refused
to make public any part of the examination.
Mrs. Steplein said she would have nothing
further to do with the case, but declined to
give any reason for her decision. As to
Aldermen Hartman, he also refused to talk
on the matter. Although he
claimed the case was now out
of his hands and in those
of the Anti Cruelty Society he advised all
the girls, in the presence of a DISPATCH re-
porter. not to talk to him. He positively re-
fused to answer any question the reporter
asked.
Another person who was present at the
hearing also refused to talk on the subject,
saying 1t would be breach of confidence on
his part should he do so. When asked if
the testimony given by the girls was of
much importance he said it may be and it
may not.
Agent Dean was questioned and at first
refused to answer any questions asked, but
finally said:
1.-The girls were the most careful lot that
it has been my misfortune 10 meet. They
would talk at random, but would not an
swer questions in direct manner. The in
formation we gained from them does not
amount to much"
"Was there no important evidence
brought out?" was asked.
Nothing that would even give us small
clew. tell you they were most exceed
ingly guarded in what they said. 1t was
surprising for girls of their age"
He was asked whether any warrants had
been issued or any new clews obtained. The
former question was not answered, but in
reply to the latter, he said:
1--WE have no new clews, but of course
we have no intention of giving the case up.
On the other hand, it will be probed to the
bottom. The girl shall and must be found.
When she left home she had nothing but 30
that later she had enough money to make a
small fortune. Who but the people who
sre interested in the case was this money
furnished by?",
Mr.. N. E. Dorante, the Secretary of the
Anti-Crueltv Society, refused to make any
statement whatever.
Another man spoken to said he did not
have the least doubt but that the officer who
said he could produce the girl if $25 were
given could do so. He further said
that it was strange Squire Hartman would
not tell what he knows of the case. 1t was
his opinion that a certain person prom
inently connected with the case knows
where the girl is, and is keeping it quiet for
the purpose of making speculation for the
lawyers, who are deeply interested in the
mystery.
Lucy Jarrett, young girl, stated that
Dora Steplein was at her mothers home two
days before her final disappearance, but was
put out. The statement that she was at
HummelPs Grove, on Mt. Washington, on
July Ais denied.