The herald., 1894-03-27
An ASTONISHER.
Harris and Plat
Arrested.
E. E. Crandall the Complain
ing Witness.
Some Exceedingly Sensational
Statements Made.
The Police Claim to Have Complete
and Conclusive Evidence.
Detectives Secreted Hear the Various
Conversations.
A Check for Seven Hundred Dollars
Given to Harris.
How the Case Developed = The Arrest
Made-Inctdsnts of tho Ahair-soms
Startling Assertions Harris
Released on Bail.
A Check for Seven Hundred Dollars
Given to Harris.

Capt. Emil Harris and y. ID. PlAtt
were arrested last night on q charge OF
conspiring to extort money. The COM
planning witness is Mr.. E. E. Crandall.
The story forms one of the most SEN
sational chapters in the criminal annals
of the city. Captain Harris few years
ago was captain of police. He has in
early days filled the position of city
marshal and under sheriff. For some
time he has been the head of the Califor-
mia state detective agency, and has
always borne high reputation and hes
host OF powerful friends.
Mr.. Platt has long been in the jewelry
business here, his present establishment
being on the corner of First and Main
streets. 1t is alleged by some that he
has acted as Mrs. Crandalps agent in
some financial affairs. which, If brought
out in his trial, will add to its eenss-
tionalism.
Mr.. L. Z. Crandall was until a year
ago q Spring street merchant. He is q
man OF considerable property, and as a
result Of some domestic infelicity he has
been the subject of some comment and
gossip.
The full story OF the affair as given by
Mr.. Crandall, Detective Bosqui and
Captain Harris will be found below. In
brief it 10 as follows as given by Mr..
Crsndall:
About Is months ago he met Mr.. Platt
ct Santa Monica. and was recommended
to at once see Captain Harris, or certain
pictures and reading matter concerning
him and number of prominent ladies
of the city would be published.
Mr.. Crandall saw Harris and told him
he would not put mp dollar. Soon, he
saye, he commenced to receive anony-
nous letters signed "a Lady Friend"
and similar names, all advising him to
SEQ Captain Harris about the pictures
and Htory that were to be published.
These letters. or many ofthem, he thinks
are in Mr.. Platt's handwriting. At last
he consulted his attorney, Judge A. M.
Stephens, who advised him to Law the
whole matter before Chief Glass. He
did so, and was advised to continue ne
gotiatons with Platt and Harris and
keep the police informed.
Yesterday he met Mr.. PlaLt by ap-
pointment at room b, No. 24l South
Main street. Detectives Benson and
Bosqui had meanwhile concealed them
selves where they could sec and hear
everything. At this meeting an en-
gagoment was made for the same place
for last evening, when Mr.. Platt prom
ised to have Capt. Harris present. At
this mesting the detectives were at the
same place taking notes.
Mr.. Crsndall says he dickered awhile
with Capt. Harris about the amount to
be paid for the pictures and printed
matter, and an agreement WAS made for
$500. He sat down, drew up q check
for that amount on the First National
bank and went out. AS Harris
and Platt followed they were put
under arrest by Sergeant Smith. On
being searched at the police station Ser
geant Smith found the check for 500
up Harris cuff. Detective Goodman
was sent into his cell to get memoran-
dun book which Harris was known to
have, and the latter quickly tore out
leaf and chewed it to pulp. 1t is said
by the detectives that ON this leaf was a
memorandum OF the manner in which
Crandsll was to have the pictures and
books delivered to him.
cRANDALL's STORY.
Mr.. Crsndall invited Mr.. Platt to his
room at IL O'Clock yesterday morning,
and at the meeting Mr.. Crandall says
the following conversation took place
between Platt and himself:
~ first asked him if he had seen Emil
Harris. His reply was, Yes, was with
him for some time last night / then
asked him what Harris wanted in that
matter Of mine. His reply was, He
had to reason with Harris for come