Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1894-06-08
PARKER'S WHISPERS
Bv them Parker was Identified as James
Coyle, a Spokane Thief.
T Lyncaed Nan Had Most Unsav-
Dry Reputation in the State.


J-~~a Coyle, hardened criminal well
kuovn lo the police of Spok-ne and
o.a.f ries. Hm ids tity as Coyle, the
su.sa juteG safe burglar and vagrant,
VII, uyt discovered until his worthless
life had been taken by the mob. DIP
uty Sheriff C. T. Cole, who viewed his
body at CoIfax Saturday, made the dis
coverv, ana tue poiic of this city had
no trouble in recalling him to mind from
the description furnished by the deputy.
Before the fire Coyle served several
terms for vagrnn7y, Drunkenness and
petty larceny. \ month before the fire
he accomplished the daring feat of steal
ing carload of flour in broad daylight.
It WAS part OF a c assignment to local
wholesale house. Coyle bargained with
a Sprague avenue resiauranter for its
delivery equal to bali the market value.
Ho took off his coat and boldly crrried
sack after sack ON the car to the res
taurant, successfully transferring the
entire carload, and receiving his money.
The police investigated subsequently
aud fixed tue guilt on Coyle. The res
tauraut man took fright and ran away,
Thea Coyle set mp as a defense that the
oJh,r .nan had euploved him to unload
the car, and in the absence OF other tes-
timony esca ed with a light Jail SEN
teuce, although the jury was morally
cerHiu of his guilt of the more serious
ois4use
During the fire Coyle was one of the
most persistent sneak thieves that in
fe ted the burnt district. On one &C
cdsion Mayor Fred Furth detected him
differing from the ruins. Police Ser
geant McKernan was standing near.
"Eun this mrn out of town." the
mayor said to McKernan. of he turns
back beat him within an inch of his life.
Jais are too much of a luxury to him.
McKernan obeyed orders. Escorting
Coyle to the Monroe street crossing he
tn ned his face westward and said:
"Good-bye, Coyle, and remember that |
am going to obey orders Now git"
Coy started west at dog trot. Nc
Herman followed through the lumber
yards, keeping him in sight all the time
Coyle went around the curve, and at the
Maple street crossing turned into the
yard, intent N reaching town again.
McKernan waited for him with a heavy
horsewbip. As he left the railroad he
received a good thrashing. Coyle was
the most surprised man in the city that
evening.
"Now, go west, young man, go west
McKernan continued, land when you
stop will be right behind you" Coyle
ran, and McKernan followed. Coyle
stopped to look back and received an
other searching cut over the shoulders.
He ran on again, with the officer close
after him, cutting him whenever he came
within reach. A mile west of town Nc
Kernan's arm gave out and he stopped,
but Coyle d1d not miss him, and his foot
steps died out in the distance.
A year later Coyle returned and stole
a sealskin coat. He was arrested by
Chef Harbord and served two years in
Walla Walla for that, Again he came
back In January, 1898, he was ar
rested at the American Resort by Officer
Nelson for vagrancy and sentenced to 10
DAYS in the city Jail. He was made
trusty and had access to all parts of the
office
One night the combination of the
water Office safe was tempered with and
Register Baldwin reported the occur
renee. The guilt was pretty certainly
fixed on Coyle, who was the only trusty
then at large. and he was locked up.
You do me a great injustice, Mr.
Cough" Re SAID as the doors closed on
him. 1T is 10 use for me to try to hive a
bette, life when am treated this way"
and he wept coplously
A week later he was released, He
babe the department fearful farewell
and said that he could no longer live in
place where every mans hand was
turned against him. Coyle was handy
with his lachryma glands. True to his