Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-24
HE ADORED BABIES.
An East Ender, Only Two Weeks in
Town, Seeks Housekeeper
WHOM HE COULD HIRE ON SALARY,
But He Addresses the Wrong Woman, and
Is Now in Durance Vile.
HE HAS A WIFE ANB CHILD IN TYRONE

c. D. Collins, alias "Mr. Waters" alias
"W. S." is lonely gentleman with an
inordinate love for babies, an attachment
to a married lady and in want of house
housekeeper
In consequence of these peculiarities in a
man who is already blessed with wife and
family, Mr.. Collins is now "chewing the
cud of sweet and bitter fancy" in. Central
station.
Mr.. c. D. Collins, alias, etc., is gentle
man of 200 pounds avoirdupois, who left his
wife and child and the sweet simplicity and
rustic encourage of Tyrone, Pa, couple Of
| weeks ago and came on to Pittsburg. 1t
had not transpired why he should have de-
| sired to come here, but, any rate, he opened
butcher shop at 800 Collins street, East
End, and proceeded 10 weigh out pounds of
| beefsteak, in the usual manner, to such
customers as sought him.
But the monotony of handling beef so
constantly, and doing very little in mutton,
became so insupportable that Mr.. Collins
| cast about for some solace in his solitude.
| The proper solace for a man of ample means
and fine appearance, argued Mr.. Collins,
was housekeeper, and such the butcher set
| about securing.
They Met by Chance, the Usual Way.
Mrs. O'Brien is lady who is residing
with friends at 1876 Third avenue. She has
been but few weeks in the city, and having
had disagreement with her husband, who
is not in the city, concluded to live here for
H.
with another lady, and it CHANGED that on
last Sunday Mr.. Collins visited the latter
| lady. Mrs. O'Brien was present during the
call, and, as she related last night did not
pay any particular attention to Mr.. Collins,
nor did he, seemingly, to her. A day or
two later he called again. and this time
made some complimentary illusions to Mrs
O'Brien's baby, which formed one of the
| company.
The following day Mrs. O'Brieu was
| handed note by bootblack. It was
written in pencil, and displayed rather a
lack of photographed knowledge. But it
fully made up in sentiment for any such
immaterial shortcomings The writer pro-
ceeded to relate little family history, and
took occasion to remark that he was 80 years
old, highly respectable, kind, affectionate,
and dearly loved babies.
The note concluded: "P. S.-Answer per
bearer; excuse haste; entire stranger in
city,"
This communication was followed by
another, in which "W. S." stated that he
wanted a lady to do light housekeeping ON
salary; that he was no dude; that he
would treat her as husband should treat
a wife," and that he "wouldn't do anything
that would interfere with you- husband"
Persistent Search for Housekeeper.
"W. S." remarked at the end, that ''if you
will sign your first aud last name 1 will do
the same" But still no answer was re-
ceived by "W. ST." and on Thursday Mrs.
Collins received another note signed "Mr.
WATERS" referring to the housekeeping
matter again, incidentally mentioning a
handsome suite of apartments which he had
engaged in Allegheny, and dilating on his
tondness for babies.
This was followed by another, received
yesterday, through the hands of some ragged
littlssboy as Mercury to Cupid, in which;
WALTERS" again commented on the Joys
found in infantile pleadIngs, and emphasiz-
ing his oit-reiterated remark that he DOS
itively adored babies. "W alters" wrote
this letter also in q hurry.
On receipt of this last note, Mrs O'Brien
decided shecould stand the ANNOYANCE no
longer, and consulted Inspector McAleese.
| That astute officer at once understood the
matter, and directed the lady to write to
"Watters," or "W. S." or Collins, as his
| name was found to be, TO the effect that she
| would meet him at the corner of Third ave-
nue. and Grant street, Yesterday afternoon.
| She did so, mentioning in what manner she
should be dressed, so that he might recog-
nize her.
Mrs. O'Brien repaired to the tryst at the
hour mentioned. and any citizen
of Pittsburg familiar with her
special officers might have observed De-
tectives Fitzgerald and BendIe casually
walking in the same direction.
,, The Lover True to His Tryst.
After very short wait, the imposing 200
pounds of manhood which owned to the
name of Collins loomed up on the horizon
and bore down Oh the corner. The gay
Lothario had on his most impressive man
ner and a pink shirt. aud, raising his hat,
| began the .'mashing" act. after the code of
such would-be lady-killers. Mrs. O'Brien
! was rather frightened at first, but becoming
| reassured from a quiet wink bestowed on
! her by Detective Fitzgerald, from behind
| the masher's b. OK, and seeing Mr.. Bendle
estimating the number of wires ON pole
yard or So away. she opened broadside on
| the enemy and raked him fore and aft in
scorching attack.
Ihe enemy IalLereQ ana was ABOUT TO haul
| down its flag and run for shelter before the
wind, when Messrs. Fitzgerald and Bendle
| cut off the chase.
"We'll take charge of you for bit," said
| Fitz, and without the least resistance, the
| 200 0-pounder was towed into dock, and placed
| inside the bar, on charge of disorderly con-
| duct.
On being searched, letter was found in
| Collins pocket, from his wife in lynne, who
| stated she would arrive here to-day. Col
| Inns said that he had sent his wife s. on
| Thursday, to enable her to come on here.
| He claims he was "onty joking" in writing
as he did. He boards at 1125 Liberty street.
Mrs. Annie O'Brien repeated to DIS
PATCH reporter last night the foregoing ac-
| count OF her acquaintance with Collins.
| He was perfect stranger to her until he
| called to visit the lady who roomed with
her. He had made no advances to her, ex-
cept through the letters
81 regard his conduct as most offensive"
said she, "and as an insult, and 1 hope he
will be prevented from annoving respectable
people in such a way again"
Mrs. O'Brien said that she was a native
of Elizabeth, Pa. Her husband was bar
tender, but he was not living with her at
present, owing to little difficulty. She
had concluded to come to Pittsburg with
her child and live here for the present.
ARE you reading the witch of PragueT'
It's a charming Hypnotic Romance, and is
running exclusively in THE DISPATCH.
See to-morrow's issue.