The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-06-06
HIS SMOOTH TONGUE.
One Young Mans Way of En-
listing Sympathy.
He Successfully Operates in Several
Places, but Is Exposed by Chief
Glass of Los Angeles.
Special to THE MORNING CALL.

Los ANGELES, June 5.-About two
weeks ago Sigmund Micheld, about IS
years of age, new arrival in the city.
went into a Spring-street drugstore and
called for some poison. He had no hesta-
ton in stating that he wanted it for the
purpose of committing suicide. Micheld
was well dressed and we'll educated. The
druggist took an in terest in the young
man and reported the incident to a promi-
nent member of the Hebrew Benevolent
Society, who sought out Micheid at once.
Micheld stated that he had been in this
country about two years, and that he had
just been discharged from the Stockton In
sane Asylum. where he was sent from San
Francisco. He had his discharge paper to
back up his statement.
Before being sent to the asylum he
claimed he had pawned a trunk in San
Francisco containing all his wardrobe, be-
sides diamond ring and some other
jewelry, for which he had received $50
Since coming out of the asylum he had
been unable to procure employment, and
as the time was nearly out for redeeming
his things, and being without money and
no relatives in this country to assist him,
he had become respondent and determined
to end his troubles.
Money to redeem the young mans
worldly possessions was Forthcoming. In
stead. however, of turning the money over
to Micheld, Chief Glass was notified. He
was given the story and pawn-ticket. The
Chief telegraphed to Chief Crowley of San
Francisco, who redeemed the pledge at
once At the time ex-Detective Bosqui
in ha
quested to take possession of the trunk
and bring the same with him to Los
Angeles upon his return.
When the trunk arrived young Micheld,
who had the keys, was sent for and re-
quested to inspect its contents in the
presence of the Chief Inside the trunk
was not only well stocked with fine cloth
ing, but contained S235 in money, two
diamond rings, two ladies' gold watches,
etc. When questioned as to the money
Micheld' said that it had been given to
him by an uncle before leaving the old
country in trust for a niece, who was
living somewhere in this country, and he
did not consider that he had any right to
use it. When he first gave the story of the
trunk he stated that bis iewelry consisted
of merely one diamond ring and gold
watch and chain, but never mentioned
money nor the extra jewelry. which
amounts to nearly $500.
The Chief continued his investigation
and learned that the young man had Wis
tied Ventura. where he had created SYM
pathy, and was given $40. He attempted
to throw himself in front of moving
train He gave the same story, and, as
stated above, was given $40.
At San Diego he attempted to commit
suicide by throwing himself off the dock,
but. as usual, was prevented in the nick
of time. His story was told and sympa-
thiZing Hebrews raised purse of 500
Micheld speaks several languages and
is OF neat and refined appearance. At
present there is no ground upon which to
prosecute him criminally. He never
asked for a cent. He merely tells his story,
which may be true, but appearances are
against him.