Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-12-20
A DANGEROUS CRIMINAL.


"Csxiy" Harris Operations n TAis City end
His Capture By Detective Block.
William Hague, alias ''Curly" Harris, whose
reported escape from Sing Sing Vas mentioned
recently in TIE 9rAn, il considered by the 20
Hoe one Of the most dangerous criminals in
America he came here . few months ago,
when several crooks from Philadelphis were
here and about the time that Mortimer West
colt, another Philadelphia crook, operated here.
Harris operated at the circus grounds and
picked the pocket of Mr.. w. ]. Collamer. an
examiner in the patent Office; securing . gold
watch that Mr.. Collamer valued highly on &C
count Of its having been made present 10 him
by his wife, who has since died.
Detective Block, who had seen Harris in New
York some months before that time, had also
seen him in this city, and when the robbery
was reported he Immediately suspected Harris
OF the crime. Several days elapsed before
Harris could be found, and one day as the de-
saw his man, who, with satchel in his hand,
was going in the direction Of the depot The
officer started after him.
CURLEY NABBED BY BLOCK.
Harris did not see the detective, but a third
party was on the street who did and he gave
the thief the "ofice," who hastened his foot
steps in the direction of the depot. The officer
dId likewise and he placed his hand on the
shoulder Of the noted crook and said: II want
you to 60 to the Office"
Pardon me, sir" said the thief, ''but guess
you must be mistaken"
II don't think I am" said the officer; land
yon will have to 60 with me.'
But you are Mistaken" persisted Harris.
Il want to take the next train and if 60 with
you I'll lose it,
Then you certainly will lose it. If you are
al right you can catch the next train" said
the officer. .and if not you will be heidi
just at this time the other man stepped MP
and Harris wanted to speak to him. TIE officer
had no objection, but when the thief started to
pass the watch to his companion the officer
grabbed him and took the watch.
Harris was held to bail which he Jumped, and
failed to appear for trial.
He next fell into the hands of the law when
one OF the Pinkerton detectives arrested him
In Long Island city for picking pocket That
was on decoration day, and although he was
one OF the most noted crooks in the country
the officers failed to identify him, and sent here
Tor an officer to come and look at him.
IDENTIFIED BY DETECTIVE MAHoN.
Detective Mahon, who is familiar with the
faces of many Of the ight-fngered gentry,
went to the Kings county penitentiary and
there identified Harris
The prisoner Ind hoped for q light sentence,
because the officers did not know who he was,
but after Detective Mahon identified him he
wrote to friend
Its all up with me. Mahon came up and
gave me the knock" He then plead guilty and
was given four years About the time that the
Philadelphia mob worked this city several of
them were driven away, but Westcott and
Happy jack were the unfortunate ones. The
former was arrested as the result of Detective
Blocks investigation and the case of the latter
was worked up by Detectives Carter and Block.
The former recovered a watch which. it was
charged, was stolen by the accused. The jury
in his case disagreed and he was discharged on
his personal bonds. WestcOtt is now serving
a years sentence in the District iail