Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-10-18
FELL AMONG THIEVES,
The Plight of Wealthy Irixhmnn
Who Came to Washington.

A wealthy Irish land owner bearing the
distinction of police magistrate slept at the
Harrison street police station In Chicago
last night. Since his arrival in America he
has been duped right and left, and he finds
himself in Chicago penniless, without a
place to eat or sleep. The individual in
question is Capt. William Edward Head OF
Tipperary. county Tipperary. Ireland. Capt
Head arrived in Boston September q.
He carried letters Of Introduction to the
British ambassador in Washington, and he
was soon ir this city. He registered at a
hotel. and 1t was here that he met his frs,
introduction to American confidence men
Before he knew where he was his pocket
book containing $3.50 was stolen. His watch
and chain were also plucked from him, and
he was penniless.
The detectives were put on the track OF
tne thieves, and Capt. Head was delayed
mere Tor three weeks, the host of the hote
providing him with food and shelter.
In the meantime the cases had been taken
70 the ambassador, who greatly sympa-
tnized with his visitor, and gave him So
ana purchased through ticket to Tacoma
w ash After receiving his credentials from
the British ambassador me started on his
Z,oOo-mile trip. His money soon dwindled
away, and yesterday morning he landed in
chicago penniiesS. His ticket, however,
was good. AT the 18th street depot he met
some OF the hangers-On, and showing them
MS ticket inquired where to start from to
complete his journey.
Attached to his ticket was a return sin
from Tacoma to Washington, D. G. He
was offered 81 for this being told that he
would not want it so long as he was not
coming back via Chicago. accepted the
"a and tore off the return slip. He then
went to present his ticket to the Wisconsin
central, over which road he would travel,
put seeing the returning half detached the
ticket was refused. and IS was demanded
before he proceeded any further.
The lrishman did not know which way to
turn AS last resort ne went to the Har-
rison street station and told his tale of
woe. he said that he had had $500 for
warded on to Tacoma. All his valuables
ana guns were there, and all he had with
MN was trunk at the 18th street depot
Inc u ne received for the return slip ne
spent Tor a room, and he wanted some as
ISSUANCE from the police He said that If
ne could get 40 cents to telegraph to Wash
ington he could get some money. ."rhe
poor wealthy man looked an object of
pity as he related his story. Capt Hartnett
gave MIN the money to telegraph the Brit
lsn ambassador. and also provided him
with good meal and a bed. Capt Head
stated that he HAD any amount of property
IN l1pperary, and year ago he was elect
ed police magistrate
To prove his story he had q dozep ha1-
gage checks and receipts and showed his
credentials to Capt Hartnett He will be
Kept at the armory until financial assist
ance reaches him from this city. He is
described as being about tbirtv-thres &C.,,
OF age. having a full Irish brogue. and is a
decidedly handsome man.
When in this city the man made COM
Pialnt TO the police of having been robbed
OF ABOUT $50. HIS story was that three
men went with him to his room and wanted
MN 10 engage In a game Of poker with them.
he played scent game, but did not put
s sp any cash saving all his funds. about
lch y;
set up the drinks. but they were charged.
as ne did not want his callers to think he
nao any money. When the game was over
ne put on his coat and went out and n
was not until some time afterward that he
discovered his loss. He was left without
FUNDS and the authorities fed him for three
weeks; hoping to capture the alleged rob
Head left the CITY, MICH