Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-03-02
UNDER THEIR BEDS
Vas Where the Oflcers Found
the Plunder.
The Rascals Connected NlIh The Cooke
Burglary In Jail.
A B.ddsford Document to be Ac-
dFssssc to the York Delegation.

special to the KEsxEBIc JoursAL.I
GARDINER, Feb. 2s.-This morning at
0 30 o'clock Deputy Sheriff Connor Of
Randolph, assisted by Constable James Of
the same place, and City Marshal Norton,
Deputy Sheriff S.ioson and sp p.ciai Ofacer
Andrews of Gardiner arrested q gang of
four men on the charge of burglary from
the residence Of Mrs. L. D. Cooke, Gard
iner on the morning Of the 24lh inst and
eonc'aiing stolen property. The detection
and arrest OF the parties 10 due in great
measure - the shrewness and pefsistency
Of Deputy Sheriff Connof who has been
st work on the case since the robtery was
committed Tuesday morning. The
men aroused suspicion through their
great desire to secure the papers and
thus learn what wss said about
toe case. Not contenied with this they
closely interoyAted the newsboys sbcus
the case. un,l one of them, . young boy
named Coston, with I shrewdaess far be-
yond bis years. spoke to the officers abcu.
it and a. they had been fhaiowing the
same parties, warrant was Immediately
secured O! Judge Larraoee to allow them
to search for the stolen property. The
men were found in a sbanty built on the
back end Of q blacksmith shop, in Ran
dolph, run by Norris L. Bickfo,d. The
s.srch brought to light q bag concealed
unter the bed and coutsining q large part
Of the silver plate taken from the Cooke
house and the men were promptly arrested.
They gave the names Of Norris L. Bicx.
fnpA re- nalx
mond, Edmund Smith Of Prince Edward
ISLAND, ard William Smith, formerly Of the
National Home. They were at once taken
10 the police station il this city and Placed
Ia cells =, 3, and 4. A later sesrcb made
by Constable James ciscosed the hiding
place of the two rings, the solid si,-
yer ard the remaining articles stolen
from The Cooke residence. Arrangements
Tor the hearing were made and st 2 O'Clock
ii was held before Judge Larrabee Mrs.
Cooke identified the silverware a. belons sing
ID her. Bickfo,d was arrsignsd on the
charge of burglary rs both Mrs. Cooke An 4
l. C Giddings identified him as the man
who entered the Cooke residence and was
goiog through ihs house when detected
The identifcststion was so positive that
Judge Larrbee found sufficient evidence tl
bind him over in the sum of $500 to ap-
pc ar for trial at the April term of the
superior cours. Smith, Cochran and Smith
were held on the charge of concesling
stolen property and placed under $1,000
D, nts TO appea: in April for lrial They were
not able to SECURE bonds and were taken to
the Augusta jail At 3 O'clock tonight, an im-
ms nse crowd Of people foliosing the
prisoners to the train. Bickford has
retained +. + Beane, Esq as his
and will fgbt the case. although
he admits he is in bard boz. 1; will be
by the JOURNAL readers that
At the time when the freight depot was
Drok ken into, the tools with which the safe
vas forced open came from Bickfords
blacksmith shop and that at the same time
he burRlaries at 'be Gardner mansion and
It VIM. Rings residence were made. Mr..
2ing vss present when the men were
'earched To-Day aud thinks be identified
ome tools found in their possession as
lDiEg rom bis house. Some Of the eff
,ers Including Detective True OF Hallowell
Ire Of the opinion Sat the men captured
ave some connection with the gang which |
'urglaiized the other places 10 This vicinity
sst fall They are MS hard looki1g
lusri.t Of men ~ were ever buDchsd to.
,ether. Much credit is due Deputy Sheriff
,nnor for hia excellent detective work in |
'erreiirg out he gang. The case has ex-
med general Interest today snd everybody /
las relieved look snd ate glad the men |
lave been detected.