Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-02-01
An Interesting Interview With the Ab

An Interesting Interview With the Alb
sconder.
New YORK, January 31st.-A Herald
special correspondent from Terrebonne,
Que, telegraphs:
After search lasting almost two months
have at last seen and spoken to Craven
Edward Silcott, Cashier of the Sergeant-at-
Arms office of the United States House of
Representatives who absconded from
Washington on November 30th, with
about S96 060, the proceeds of forgeries of
the names of members OF the House who
were accustomed to draw their pay through
him.
I have also spoken to Louise Thebault,
the frail beauty for whom it is said he
went wrong, in the residence of her aged
parents, who are typical samples of the
Canadian rural gentry.
At late hour last night received infor-
nation that the absconder was living
quietly in the little village which is some
twenty-six miles from Montreal, on the
line Of the Canadian Pacific Railroad
So here l came, and with considerable
difficulty found Mr.. Thebault's house.
After repeated rappings at the door, The
bault came out and asked what l could
want at what he called that unseemly
hour"
l asked for Mrs Thebault and saw her,
but she declined TO say anything further
than that she did not know where Silcott
was.
As I passed through the gate I almost
ran into the arms of middle aged, stout
man. Il beg your pardon, sir" said l, as
recognized the absconding treasurer of the
Sergeant at Arms. How are you, Sill
colt p said l, taking the bull by the horns
at once.
At the mention of his name silcott
started backward. What do you want p
he asked l told him was sent to ask him
few questions. We'll, you must be brief,'
said he.
u came to ask you if you cared to say
anything about your alleged defalcation."
Now listen TO me" said he, "this is
neither the time nor place to speak of this
defalcation, but the time will come when
those who are now hardest on me will
know | was not much 10 blame. AS to the
charge of forgery, that is all bosh. There
is scarcely member OF the House TO whom
did not advance his pay every month and
receive notes as receipts.
When l LETT Washington for New York
! had not the remotest idea of leaving the
United States. As proof of this fact l have
only to point to the fact that on Wednesday
before last Thanksgiving l drew $36 900
from the Treasury, and with $14, 900 of this
amount took up the notes of some thirty
members which had been discounted on
the National Metropolitan Bank.
''As TO the other money am accused of
decamping with, had but very little when
/ left New York. 1t was to keep up and be
hail fellow well met with these members
of Congress who are now running me down
that l first went to the races. l wish to
God l had never gone near them.
There is another thing l want stated,
and that is tha Miss Thebault, of whom
such hideous falsehoods are told, had
nothing to do with my fall. Had l always
taken her advice l would be II different
position to-day
And your plans for the tuture?"
II have none. Had you come twenty
four hours later you would not have found
me, for leave here to morrow"
You Will not tell your destination ?"
Il will not; but this ! will say; do not
care cent for all the detectives in the
United States and Canada I would face
arrest tomorrow, and that is all they could
do, for they would be as far from that
S. 600 reward as ever"
How SOP"
II have obtained the best legal advice in
Canada and feel assured that have COM
nitted no offense for which could be ex-
tradited."
The day will come when will not APP
pear as black as l am now painted. Good
night"
And thus the interview was brought to
close.