The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-11-23
BETRAYED BY WICHMAN.
Accused of Being Chief Owner
of the Emerald.
OTHER ARRESTS MAY FOLLOW.
Svenson, Voss and Mclean Paid by
the Ring to Leave the
United States.

George PattisoD, ex-inspector of GUS
toms. was arrested at his home in Oakland
Wednesday evening on a warrant charg-
ing him with smuggling opium and Chinese
into the United States. The arrest created
a sensation in Federal circles, where Pat
tson is well known, yet it was not wholly
unexpected. THE CALL had informed the
public that Wichman, one of tae Emerald
ring. who is serving term OF six years in
San Quentin, had made a confession and
given the Government information that
enabled it to proceed against members OF
the ring who were still at liberty. Among
those against whom the evidence was given
was Pattison, who is now at the head OF
private detective bureau. 1t is probable
that other arrests will follow. Wichman's
revelations involve Pattison particularly,
but other mem hers Of the ring who are IN
prison or exied in Canada are anxious to
I'LL burden their consciences in exchange
for milder treatment or immunity from
arrest.
The warrant for Pattison's arrest was
signed by }. G. Benton, acting agent of
the treasury. 1t charged him with assist
ing in the landing of 1000 pounds OF con-
traband opium at this port on August z,
1883. This opium had been brought from
Victoria on the Emerald. Pattison, ac-
cording to the affidavit upon which the
warrant was issued. was associated with
f. w. Mclean. George Wichman, George
n. Thomas, Louis Greenewad. John II.
V0sS, Fred Millereapd A. Svenson. Wien
man, Thomas and Greenewald ara In
prison. Miller gave evidence for the Gov
eminent and is living with his mother In
Fruityale. and Voss. Syenson and Mclean
are in Victoria. Voss keeps restaurant.
which is their headquarters, and they are
still supposed to be doing something in the
smuggling line. Voss and Mclean have
offered to give the Government all he
proof ii requires to convict their associates
who have escaped punishment. provided
they are guaranteed immunity from pun
ishmsnt If they return to this city. Their
offer is under consideration by the Treas
ury Department.
The warrant for Pattison's arrest was
given to Deputy United States Marshal
Gallagher for service. He found the de-
tectve and ex-inspector at his handsome
residence near the corner of Thirty-ninth
and Telegraph avenues, Oakland.
Patlison's face flushed when he learned
the purpose of Gallagher's visit, but he
quickly regained his lost composure.
Somebody gave me an idea of this" he
remarked. "It was not unexpected. You
might have saved yourself the trouble of
coming here for me. If you had teIe-
phoned / would have gone to you."
Pattison sent word to his neighbors
that he had been arrested and several of
them FASTENED to the house and offered to
give bail for his release. Among them
was a wealthy lady who has known the
| accused foryears. Her property was. bow
ever, entaied and Com missioner Heacocb,
before whom the prisoner was taken, de-
cided that she was Ineligible. He finally
accepted bonds for $500 each given by
Mrs. Denny, large property-owner. and
j. Muller. prominen merchant
Pattson appeared at his accustomed
haunts in this city yesterday. He de-
clared that he was innocent of the charge
and would be acquit ed. His friends are
not sanguine, and Federal officials think
his career is about to pass into a dark
shadow.
Wichman. the convict. as has been said.
gave the Government Important evidence
aga nst Pattison. and this evidence was
corroborated by affidavits made by Wich-
mans brother. Joseph, who keeps con-
fectiouery-st re On Polk street, between
Pacific and Jackson, and Miller, who tes-
titled against the members of the ring who
were convicted.
''Pattison may say that he is innocent"
said COnfectioner Wichman last night.
''but have given the Government proof
tina he is not. | know all about the ring,
and for my brothers sake have endan-
gered myself. | wanted 10 get my bro Their
out of prison, and when | heard that
Greenewald and bis wife were in communi-
cation with Special Agent Phenix, | deter
mined 10 tell all l knew. and obtain better
treatment for my brother. ! cannot tell
all that [ have told the Governments
agent, but | can say that | have given
him proof that Pattison was one of the
chief owners of the Emerald, and one of
the largest contributors to the fund for
q nm Of the Vaeaal and tho
chase of opium.
There are others 10 the ring. but l do
q OF think the Government can obtain much
evidence against them. They have money.
and know how to use il"
why was not this evidence against
Pattison and the others given at the trial ?''
Because the accused thought they
would be acquitted, and were true one to
another"
"Wirl not Voss, Svenson and Mclean,
who are anxious to return 10 California,
give this evidenceW
Il don't think So They were given $500
each TO get out of the country at the time
Of the Emerald trial, aud their mouths
will be closed with money now"
When Pattison was In the Custom house
he was charged with smuggling, and De-
tective Stilwel accused him of promising
to land Chinese for consideration. He
was tried upon this charge, but managed
W pIufO du iluls w lcu buo ObfeIUIuSuL
received information Of the movements of
smugglers. Paltison. it ia said, gave them
Information that enabled them to escape
detection. He was permitted TO resign
from the service few years ago, and
thereupoD, it is charged, became an active
member of the Haicyon smuggling ring,
and later of the Emerald combine. He
has amassed considerable wealth and has
host of friends. His preliminary exami-
nation will be held in Commissioner Hea-
cocks court tomorrow morning.