The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-01-04
ne WANTED An HE|RESS.
/" Prince Won Michaels Proposes to
Elope With Jay Gould's
Daughter
He Is Anxious to Be SON n-Law to
a Very Rich Faith
er-in-Law.
Besides This He Has Been Annoying tho
Millionaire with Threatening Let
Iers About "Islowing Up"

with Helen Gould. We will 20 west and
travel Tor some time. Jay Gould may miss
his daughter, bnt he'll gain 4 good son-in-
law. and be needs one. What do you sup
pose hs'iLgive US for starter?' This and
some statements of the same sort made up
letter received by John Il. Bassford the
day after Henry Il. Norcross demanded
S1,2O0000 Of Russell Sage and threw the
bomb that brought death and destruction
to the millionaire's office. The letter was
signed prince Won Michaels," and Bass
ford recognized in the writer man whom
he had once befriended through pity. In
effect the writer asked Bassford to aid him
in attempting to kidnap the eldest daugh-
ter of Jay Gould. Won Michaes entered
into details. and asked Bassford for his ad-
vice and assistance.
Bassford, who is agent of a big insurance
company. set about the discovery of Won
Michael's Whereabouts While deliber at
ing as to what was best to do he received a
postal card from Won Michaels. II have
sent letter to Helen through Rosa, the
cook the postal card read. ''Sha knows
about the elopement plan. want you to
go to Mr.. Gould's house, get acquainted
With soine of the servants, and find ont
obout Miss Gould's hours for walking and
visiting Help me out of this and there is
a million in it for both of u.s. Bassford
laid the matter before the police. He first
met Won Michaels, he said. ten months ago,
when the latter had an Office and
flat on Third avenue, near Eighty
first street. Ills sign read "Palmist and
Phrenologist," aud Bassford found
him glib talker, full of chemes
and with wonderful knowledge of the do
mestie affairs Of aristocratic households,
The alleged prince admitted that he was
''on his uppers'' in this cou ntry and made a
living by peddling trashy novels. II 90 to
the Hetvants' door," he said, "and show the
books. When I've gained admittance use
ny gifts. in palmistry and phrenology. and
then learn from maids and buffers all
about their masters and miStresses.''
BY appointment Bassford met George
Gould il the police captains office. Bass
ford proa Eced the letter ana postal card.
"syN w by lsilis fellow has sent letsers to my
sister Helen" said Gould. They came
but / didn't know that the cook
had ANYTHING to do with them"
Tho police captain wanted to know if
the Gould family would like to have Won
Michaels arrested. Gould said no, as at
rest would bring publicity, and the idea of
kidnapping some member of the family
Gould took possession of tho letters, say
ing he would have extra precautions taken
about the house. He thanked Bassford,
and the interview terminated.
A day or two after tho interview in the
station house Bassford was greatly per-
turbed by receiving visit from Won Mi
ohaels. The insurance man berated his
guest roundly, and wound up by telling of
his meeting with George Gould. Won
Michaels took things very coolly; he in
sisted that Helen Gould would make no re-
sistance it he could once induce her to en-
ter carriage with him, and began long
arguments showing how both he and Bass
ford could gain riches and Jay Gould a
SOM n-law, if only his scheme was success
full.
Bassford instructed his wife to refuse
Won Michaels admission to the house if he
called again, but the very next night he
came. Bassford was out and Won Michaels
night and he sat there chatting with Mrs.
Bassford. Suddenly he blurted out, "This
would be beautiful night to skip out with
Helen Gould.'' Mrs. Bassford jumped to
the door and locked herself in her bed
room. Won Michaels left soon after. The
which the writer asked that George Gould
be induced to take q trip with Won
Michaes. Bassford took the card to the
police captain, but the latter said he could
do nothing in the matter, and at this stage
the matter rests.
Prince Won Miohaels, the crank who
has been bothering the family of Jay Gould
and prosecuting the latter's daughter, was
arraigned in court to-day and committed
for examination as to his mental condition,
the Goulds having at last determined to
stop his antics.
In addition to his scheme for marrying
the. daughter Won Michaels has been writ
ing letters to the Gould family, which
shows that he was evidently we'll ao-
quainted with millionaire's career. They
relate to incidents connected with the part
nership between Gould and Jim Fisk and
their government of the Erie railway.
They spoke of an accident on the road in
which the writer's father and mother were
injured, for which he demands $4,000.
The writer states that if the $4,000 was not
given up forthwith, Gould was liable to. be
blown up in his office or while walking on
the street or riding in his carriage. The
request was made that the money be for
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