The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1894-10-04
AFTER THIRTEEN YEARS.
Captain Howgate, the Former weather
bureau Chief, Run Down.

Captain Howgate, the Former Weather
Bureau Chief, Run Down.
New YORK, September 30.-Captain
Henry Howgate, formerly chief of the
weather bureau of Washington, was ar
rested in this city to-day on the charges
of forgery and embezzlement OF $751;
600. committed in 1878 and 1879. The
arrest is the result of a search which
has occupied the attention of the United
States secret service for over thirteen
wears. The story of Howgate's exposure
and of his relations with Nettie Burrill,
a notorious woman, caused a great SEN
sation at the time. For several years
he had led a double domestic life in
Washington. Only few blocks from
the home that contained his devoted
wife and the daughter who was to cling
to him SO determinedly in the dark hours
to come he supported woman In luxu-
rious stvIe. At the Jail he was treated
with more consideration than ordinary
malefactors. He was so utterly opposed
to using the common bath tubs In the
Jail that his kind-hearted guardians re-
Taxed the rules and allowed the Captain
to visit his residence on K and Four
teenth streets in April, 1882, In order to
indulge in lavatory luxuriance.
The officers remained in the sitting
room while Howgate went upstairs TOR
his bath. 1t is said Miss Howgate, who
| possesses an exquisite voice, sang to the
guardians of her father and made time
pass SO pleasantly that an hour elapsed
| before they awakened to proper reall-
cation of what they were there for. They
asked Miss Howgate to call her father.
| She was gone long time, and then
came back pale and excited. She could
| find her father nowhere. she said. They
searched the house, and then rushed out
and gave the alarm. Captain Howgate
| by this time had two hours the start of
| his pursuers. 1t is thought he was
steaming down the river below Alexan-
dria before his daughter had finished
singing. He escaped by going out of the
rear of the house when he was supposed
to 90 to the bathroom. Going out into
the blind alley in the rear, he turned
| into the exit running out into the street,
where carriage containing Nettie Bur-
rill was awaiting him.
He went to New Orleans, and remained
there until he believed the secret service
detectives were after him, Accordingly
he took his departure westward, and was
seen at one or two places on the Pacific
Coast. For two years past he had made
his home in New York city.
After having searched nearly the whole
country for Howgate, ex-Sheriff Drum
mond received information that the fugi-
tive was a dealer in old books and PAM
phlets in this city. Every book store was
visited in this city without success.
Finally an officer was detailed to watch
the auction sales for Howgate. About
two weeks ago it was suspected that the
fugitive was keeping an old book store at
81 Fourth avenue under the name OF
Harvey Williams. Not being sure of the
mans identity the authorities in Wash
ington were asked to send man to the
city who was acquainted with Howgate
A clerk in the War Department, who had
been formerly associated with Howgate
in the weather bureau, was sent here.
He met Howgate, but at first was I'M
certain of his identity, for the latter had
changed considerably in thirteen years
After engaging him in conversation the
clerk at length became convinced that the
man was Howgate, and a warrant for
his arrest was procured from Commits
sioner Alexander. Mr.. Drummond served
the warrant to-day in person. He met
Howgate coming out of store at Fourth
avenue and Tenth street, and said:
"How are you, Captain Howgate?"
The latter started, but quickly re-
gained his composure, and asked Mr..
Drummond what he wanted. The de-
tective told him. He answered:
"All right; the jig is up; 1 am Captain
Howgate."
On being arraigned before Commits
sioner Alexander Howgate said he would
waive examination and 60 to Washing
ton. He was not in position, he said,
to furnish bail, which was fixed by the
commissioner at 10000. There are seven
indictments pending against Howgate.