The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-02-25
HOW HE WORRIED FLOOD.
Driven From the City by the Rigid
Police Surve illance.

The history of Rippey. as known to the
police for years past. is very remarkable.
Both Chief Crowley and Captain Lees had
to deal with him in order to save life and
prevent the assassination of prominent
citizens. The man was bright, cunning and
devlishly vicious" to use the words of the
captain of detectives and had to be placed
under constant surveillance for years in
consequence OF his threatening attitude
against j. C. Flood and others. none of
whom, it appears on examination, had any
thing TO do with the stock Of the Utah
Mining Company in which Rippey says he
lost all his money.
On May l. 1884. RipDey appeared at the
house of Mr.. Flood at Menlo Park. After
spending considerable time with the million
aire he informed him that he had lost $4,000
by speculations in Utah mining stock. Mr..
Flood then explained. according To state
ments made to Captain Lees that Utah was
not worth anything, and had not been for
years. He therefore advised his visitor to
sell his stock in that mine as quickly as
possible
The man looked gloomy. hesitated and
acted so strangely that his host became I'M
easy, and finally told him that he would be
late in getting his train for the city If he did
not take his departure.
81 have not money enough to pay my fare
TO the city," replied the unwelcome guest.
Il have just 20 cents"
at is raining and unpleasant; you can
not walk. Take this money if you are in
need" With this he was handed SO
piece, upon which he left, and. as Mr.. Flood
thought, never to return again.
On the following day, however, Mr.. Flood
sent for Captain Lees and told him what
had happened and asked what could be
done in the matter.
The captain informed him that he would
take immediate action and Try to prevent
the man from doing any harm. A watch
was therefore placed upon him.
On Nav IL following Mr.. Flood got let
ter from Rippey containing certificate 1887
for 100 shares of Utah, dated September 10,
1883. for Which he paid 81 20 per share
and upon which he had paid nine assess
ments. he requested the return of bal
ance OF $3.50. The certificate was returned.
Of course.
In another letter dated May y. 1884.
Rippey admitted that he had made mistake
about the loss of $4,000. His only honest
claim was the loss of 100 shares of Utah,
and when he sent the stock back again it
was placed in the hands OF the police.
Captain Lees. in company with Attorney
George r. Wells. returned the stock to the
persistent Rippey and took extensive mental
notes OF his condition and probable inten-
ton. They lett him under the impression
that he was abuDdanty satisfied and so he
remained until the following September.
On the 23d of that month Rippey wrote
lie tier to Mr.. Flood in which he said:
The 100 shares of Urah 1 sold for S37 so.
This. together with the $40 you paid me at your
house at MEMO Park, makes SAT 90 and le YES
Sl1O0 %. l have written a letter since wrote
you 10 Senator j. q. Fair and John Mackay. |
called on Mackay on tile l7th of this month and
stated the conversation about the Utah mine
aud that you wanted TO shut IL down two years
before, but he and }. G.. Fair objected 10 closng
the mine, saying that IL The people wanted the
p0runliy TO talk 10 MIR. Mackay. Perhaps IL
was because his vast wealth placed him above
his vicim Now, Mr.. Flood, THERE are Just two
Things for you 10 do The first Is, that you have
an honorable opportunity to be just 10 me- aud
that you give me chance 10 get even.
This epistle is signed w. c. Rippey, 120
Fourth street.
After personal interview 1t was thought
that the man was dangerous. and Detective
John Meagher was detailed to look after
him.
Rippey paraded mp and down before the
Nevada Bank, and was finally taken into
the presence of Mr.. Flood by Captain Lees.
After making his statement Flood told him
that lie would pay him SO for every ten
cent piece that he could show he owed him.
He told him that he had never dealt in Utah
and did not know ANYTHING about it. If he
had purchased it he had done so in the open
market.
Again the man appeared to be satisfied
and went away and did not show up again
until six months later Then he was pointed
out to Chief Crowley. who went over to him
aud gave him severe talking to. Since
that, which was about two years ago,
RiDpey has not been known to the DO
unexpected tragedy was therefore great
surprise.