The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-12-06
A BOY BURGLAR.
Sensational Criminal Case in
San Jose.
Harry Hlbbard'S Daring Attempt to Chic.
reform and Rob His Father.
BE Escaped by Jumping Through a Win
dow, and no Trace Of Him Can Be
FOund-kissins jewels.
Special to THE MoRNINe CALI.

SAN JOSE, Dec. "a sensational burg
larry was committed on South First street, in
this city, early this morning. when an at
tempt was made to chloroform NJ. II. Hib-
bard. Mr.. Hubbard awoke and caught the
hand of the burglar, Tightening him
away. The burglar escaped by jump
ing through a small window into
the hallway. jumping then to the
wood-shed and rolling to the ground. A bot
tie of. chloroform, with Santa Clara drug
gist's label. was found on the floor. and a
gentleman's linen handkerchief. Officers
took the bottle to the druggist, Oberdeener
of Santa Clara, and asked who bought
the drug. Mr.. Oberdeencr, after inspecting
the bottle, and consulting his register, said
the sale was made "Wednesday afternoon by
his clerk, but that he was standing by and
clearly remembered the incident. The pur-
chaser was a boy about II years old, who
gave the name OF 7. a. Hubbard, and said
he desired to use the drug for neuralgia.
Mr.. Oberdeener described the boy as being
of fair complexion, with light HAIR and
rather short in stature. He had seen him
before. but had no acquaintance with him.
Officer Monahan recognized in the de-
scription the counterpart Of Harry.
the eighteen-year-old Son of NJ. II.
Hubbard. the gentleman subjected to
the drug, and the identity of the
burglar was conceded as settled. Another
investigation fully confirmed this opinion.
1t was learned that the young man, though
his father is a mechanic and obliged
to toll for his bread, will neither work
nor attend school, it being his custom
to leave home at an early hour
in the morning and to spend his time in
roaming the streets, only returning in the
evaning WHEN driven by hunger. The boy
occupied room on the same floor as his
father and mother.
After full inquiry had been made NJ. H.
Hubbard was informed that the officers had
reason to believe they were on the track of
the right party, and that if he would swear
ont John Doe" warrant they would pro-
coed with the. work, it not being deemed
prudent TO inform him at the time
as to the identity Of the criminal. MI Hib-
bard readily complied with their request.
and still hunt was then made for the boy.
The officers had not anticipated that Q
would attempt fight. and they were much
chagrined when, after hours of dilgent seek
ing, they failed TO reveal any trace of him
after he left the breakfast table about
o'clock yesterday morning.
This morning Mrs. Hibbard the boys
mother, discovered that her gold watch and
chain, aud two rings, one of them being her
wedding-riDg, had been stolen from between
tie mattresses of her bed. The chain is
valued especially rs memento, it
being the gift of her deceased mother. 1t it
thought these articles Of jewelry were not
taken at the time Of the chloroform episode,
but that 1t was an after consideration.
The Hibbards last evening had reluctantly
come to share in the convictions of the off,
GERS, L. A. Hubbard, an uncle of the boy,
having visited Santa Clara during the after
noon and ascertained for himself the pur-
chase of the chloroform. The boy has dis
appeared, though it is thought he is con-
cealed in the city.