The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-07-24

n. de Comm, who is Charged With Forgery.
Tells Of His Life.


The case Of II. dc Comm. who Is charged
with forgery. came mp before Justice Crutch-
field yesterday morning. and in default OF
bail in the sum of $500 the accused was sent
To jail 10 await thel action OF the grand jury
in September.
TrMEs reporter visited the jail yesterday
afternoon and learned the following story
from Mr.. de Comm.
For the past seven or eight months have
been in Richmond. and have been book
agent. have been in the habit of visiting
the rooms of the Young Mems Christian As
ISOLATION, and have there formed the scquaint-
ance of General Peyton Wise and Mr. W. b.
Robins. with whom have frequently played
chess.
Il had room at Mrs. Wilson's. at No. 1904
Ross street, and took my meals at Miss Sue
Bradleys. No. 1906 Ross street.
"On one Saturday went TO the Turf Ex-
change and was given check for $3.50 by q
man named T. Moore. to whom had sold
and delivered a set of books. At the exchange
i saw Western Union telegraph operator
and asked him # could get the check cashed.
lie informed me that the banks
were closed. it being after 3 O'clock. l then
went home. and as ! owed Miss Bradley o.
gave her the check, after indorsinR il. aud
received from Ter s2.75 in change. | then
left for Norfolk. and after a visit OF one week
/
Tomlinson.
Il have been professor of modern languages
and natural science at Mt. Pleasant Academy
Sing Sing. \. Y: Chester Military Academy,
Chester. Pa: ST James College, Maryland
and the Augusta Military Academy at Staun-
ton. Va.
II was born at Balfour, France. am forty
six years of age, and came to this country IN
1873 | have been "a reporter on the New
New Theory OF the Tides and another on
Aerial NavigatOn.P
In court Yesterday Miss Bradley testified as
10 receiving the check as stated by de Comm.
and also that she had sent it to the City Bank.
and was informed that no such man * It.
Moore" had any account with them.
Sergeant Tomnson testified that he had
been 10 the Turf Exchange and no man named
Moore had ever been there, and that de Comm
had never delivered any books to any one there.
The check was made payable 20 +. de Comm.
and signed by r. Moore. land Endorsed by dc
Comm. The check was presented IN court.
and the handwriting in all three of the names
was very similar
Mr.. de Comm stated that he lived for sew
eral years ut stanton and was engaged in
the fertilizer business but subsequently
failed He was highly excited at the pros
pect Of staying in jail until September. and
swOre that he would kill himself rather than
submit 10 such prOtracted Imprisonment. lie
is confident that lie will obtain bail. and
asked the reporter to tell members Of the
Young Mems Christian Association whore he
was, and that he needed their assistance
and Friendship now.
DO you ever drink anything?'' asked the re-
porter. Yes he replied. Il do sometimes. "
Were you drunk when you gave Miss
Bradley that check" Il cannot remember
wheather WAS or not. q" he replied. Did you
do anything at the Turf Exchange besides. de-
liver books We'll. yes, he said. II some
times bought tickets on the races" How
much have you lost in Richmond that way;
About three hundred dollars. he answered.
The reporter then turned to leave and DO
Comm reminded him to be sure to see his at
torney. Mr. j. Samuel Parrish. and also TO let
the Young Mems Christian Association know
of his trouble They will know no added,
that if 7 had forged check would never
have voluntarily returned 10 Richmond.
He was very nervous and seemed terribly
excited. and as be talked he pulled one cigar
cite after another in rapid succession.