New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-05-19
LORD ROSEBERY'S EX-VALET.
FAMOUS AS THE KING OF PIcKPocKETs,' BUT
NOW IN JAIL.

FAMOUS AS THE KING OF PICKPoCKETs,' But
NOW IN JAIL.
poM AN occA sloSAy. CORRESPONDENT OF TIE TRIBUNE.
Paris, May 2-The King Of the Pickpockets," as
be was called among his pals has just been sentenced
IN fifteen months in prison with hard labor by the
Paris Tribunal He had been captured, hagrante
decto on the race-course of Vincennes at the very
moment when he was taking 1000 francs from the
rocket Of NJ Leroy, young lieutenant OF the 2oth
Draroons The pseudo Baron de Walters real name
is Frederick Flach. He born In England In 154O
and was sentenced there to ten years penal servtude
for forgery committed while valet to Lord Rosebery
After having served his time he travelled through
Europe and America, where he was we'll known among
the tbieving fraternity. He famed for the re
markable information which he possessed concerning
hefts of an international nature. On many occasions
he offered his services to persons who had been robbed
tor the purpose of recovering the stolen goods
ing OF course the commission he required for his SER
vices in the matter As rule, he was successful In
his researches. Waller or Valera, as no sometimes
called himself frequently passed himself of
souh American cabalero, for his complexion very
dark. His manners highly distinguished that
one day he was able 10 procure the acquittal OF a
British subject Mr.. Norris who had been arrested on
charge of obtaining goods under false preences. The
pseudo Baron dc Waller, on being summoned as a
witness gave his word OF honor" that Mr. Morris
an honest gentleman, on the strength OF which the
latter was acquitted
Flach, alias Baron de Waller alias VALERA. had al
ready enioyed a celebrity Of certain kind here. Al
the time of the murder OF Marie Regnaut the dcm
mondaine of the Avenue Montagne he was suspected
Of being the famous darlS-complexoned man who was
known 10 have been the associate Of Pranzini, Tho
murderer and he detained in prison for wecl
on the suspicion OF having been his accomplicc. BY
q stranre coincidence the person who him in tho
act Of committing the theft for which he has been
sentenced was Nine. Toulouse whose name Is identical
with that of Marie Regnaults cook, who murdered
with her mistress by Pranzlni.
The first of the series OF lawsuits which destined
IN arise from the strange circumstances surronndn.
The discovery the auction sale and the identity Of thC
NAMING known as tho Rembrandt du Pecq7 ha.
st heen begun before the Civil Tribunal AT Versailles
II will he remembered that on January 20 Of this wear
alter the death of Nine. Legrand at the Nesinet he
heirs caused the household furniture and effects 10 b,
sold at auction.
one OF the paintings. inscribed in the catalogue a.
beine from "Rembrandt's school, offered at 3g(
frsnss and was finally sold for 700 francs u J
cshinct maker representing NJ. Bourgeois, a PART
dealer The new purchaser exhibited the paint
Ing and soon Il rumorcd that Rembrandt
had heen discovered. The heirs at law thercupon OBJ
tanned an Injunction 10 prevent NJ. Bourgeois from
selling the painting, and began lawsuit with the
view OF setting aside the auction sale by which
IL had passed out Of their hands. The court has ad
iourned the case 70 fortnight when the AssIstan
Procureur will deliver his address