The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-08-25
HANDY WITH THE PEN
How Miller and lyman Made
and Passed Forged Checks.
THEY ARE HELD TO ANSWER.
Oscar Springer Arrested for StabbIng
Bebeau Early Last Month-Bad
Boys Sent to Reformatory.

J. Z. Miller and Thomas lyman, who were ar.
rested Friday upon charge OF forgery, were
bound over to the superior court for trial yesrer
Qay after a hearing before Justice Won 1obe.
Ihey are charged with forging the name of E.
A swift to two cheeks-one for 500 and one for
S31-and with cashing the same at Dexter Hor-
ton d Co.'S bank. Il is alleged that the first
forgery was committed August 16 AID the sec-
ond one August II. They were given a hearing
yesterday upon the frs; charge and next Mon
day they will be arraigned upon the second
charge. 1t is the intention of the prosecuting
attorney to have the young men tried upon two
charges Of forgery.
Miller has been employed as purser on the
steamer Mabel, owned and operated by Captain
Z. A. Swift. He has also teen employed as a
bookkeeper by Captain j. A. Hatfield. and Tor
time worked for the Press Times lyman had
also been employed by Captain swift as purser
on his steamer, but like Miller had been dis
charged.
When the case was called before Justice Won
Tohei yesterday afternoon the first witness
examined was Captain Swift. He was shown
two checks which bore his signature, and which
had been cashed by Dexter Horton d Co. He
pronounced them orgeries.
Isaac !. Walker travelling salesman, was
next called, and he testified that on Friday he
arrived from lowell Wash, on the steamer
Mabel, and that ne hal made the acquaintance
of Captain Swift 81 left the steamer and
walked up town." Walker testified, "and when
/ arrived near the Yesler avenue cable line turn
table on South Second street, was hailed by J.
Z. Miller, whom ! had met In Tacoma some
time ago. He was accompanied by the other de-
PENDANT, whom he introduced as my friend,
Tom Upon invitation l went down to Slorah's
saloon and took glass of beer with them, and
when we came out on the sidewalk Miller said
We've got scheme TO make some money
"'How? asked.
"'Why, you write check out on somebody
you know who has money in the bank and well
cash it,
al said was not in that kind of business.
awe are all right said Miller. we wrote
out two checks on Captain Swift and Ii worked
smooth. We got a hobo to cash them for US
one for Sos and the other Tor s45
81 left the men, and then went down to the
Mabel and told Captain Swift what had &C.
CURED. and afterward, meeting Officer Cave, |
told him what Miller and his friend Tom had
told me. The arrest OF the men followed aud
was locked up as a witness"
Officer Cave testified as to manner of the ar
rest, and J. A. Park, paying teller at Dexter,
Horton & Co.'s bank. swore to cashing the two
bogus checks. 'It l am not mistaken, and do
not think am" he said, 'the man who pre-
sented these checks for payment was J. E. Mil
Ter, one OF the defendants in this ease"
The defendants were not put on the stand at
all. They passed the time whispering to their
attorneys and did not APPEAR at all deeply con-
cerned. The justice fixed their bonds at $500
each and their faces fell. They asked that their
bonds be reduced to $3.50 cash in order that they
| might not go tn jail. The request was granted
and the defendants promised to raise the money
this morning.
An effort was made to prove that Walker, the
prosecuting witness, was a fugitive from justice
from Texas, but he denied that he had ever been
arrested during his soiourn in Texas, except for
fighting and once or twice for being drunk.