The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1894-02-17
A BRIGHT ITALIAN BOY.
Saw a Man Robbing Another and
Gave the Alarm-Thief.C Caught.

Saw a Man RObbing Another and
Gave the Alarm-ThfefsCa Caught.
Albert Tracy, Democratic politician of
Newark, doing business at No. 1873 Market
street, in that city, fell into the hands of q
man named Martin Dillon last night, and
had an experience which he will not soon
forget The activity of an Italian boy saved
him the loss of gold watch and chain
valued at $3.50, diamond solitaire valued at
$400 and $50 in money. Yesterday afternoon
Tracy left his place of business in Newark,
and went to New York to pay a brewers
bill of $50. When he left Newark he had in
his possession just enough money to pay the
bill. Arriving in New York, however, he
collected an old claim of $75. He proceeded
to spend part of it with some friends. Wine
was purchased, and Tracy, evidently realiz-
ing that he was getting intoxicated, started
for home. While proceeding down Cortlandt
street he stopped to have drink. While in
the saloon he became engaged in conversa-
tion with man who represented himself to
be liquor dealer in Chicago. Wine was
opened and a pleasant hour was spent
together.
Tracy finally decided to go home, and start
ed down Cortlandt street to the ferry. He
had scarcely boarded the boat and seated
himself when his newly-found friend en-
tered, and, taking seat beside him, re-
newed the acquaintance. Arriving in this
sented, and together they entered saloon
on Exchange place. 1t was half-past ten
O'Clock when they emerged, and Tracy was
then led by his friend up Montgomery
street to Warren, then to Plymouth street,
which is one of the loneliest spots in the
lower section of the city.
Dillon placed Tracy on a 5stoop, entered q
saloon near by, and procured a drink for
him Five minutes after Tracy swall owed
the drink he became dazed and finally insen-
sible
Dillon glanced around to see if anyone
was watching him, and then drew Tracy
into hallway While this was voing on,
Hillio Autefaro, an Italian boy, Tho hap
pened to be standing on the Pennsylvania
Railroad embankment, crawled nearer to
the men to see what was going on. He was
rewarded by seeing Dillon go through
Tracy's pockets, remove roll OF money,
then gold watch and chain, and finally a
ring, which he was compelled to pull off with
his teeth. The Italian waited no longer, but
sought policeman and gave the alarm.
He found Policeman Keefe on Warren
street Keefe was hurrying to the scene
when the Italian saw Dillon stealing up the
opposite side of the street. Keefe overhauled
and arrested him and took him to the First
Precinct police station He was detained
Tracy was dazed and unable to answer. He
was worked with for half hour and finally
began to talk Dillon was then searched and
Tracy's gold watch and chain, his diamond
ring and money were found in his possession.
A further search revealed the fact that Dill
lon had in the lining of his coat three corks
and three vials, which contained s.knock-
out" drops.
The prisoner claimed residence in Chi
cago, but he is believed to be New York
bunco steerer.
The flesh on Tracy's left finger, from
which his ring was stolen, was torn to such.
an extent that the bone was visible.
Dillon, when arraigned before Justice
O'Donnell. this morning, said he took Tracy's
property for safekeeping while he went for
a cab to have him taken home.
Justice O'Donnell committed him without
bail to await the action of the Grand Jury.
Tracy was held as witness.