The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-12-10

at q number of saloons to purchase drinks.
When on Market square about midnight
he was espied by John MacNamara, alias
"Bappy Jack, - John Hopkins and Moses
Prottett, who knew Mr.. Earle and were
known TO him. As he was in happy
mood he asked the three young men INTO
the "Bristol, where he purchased drinks.
The men were aware of the fact that Mr..
Earle was in the habit of carrying a large
sum of money with him, 50 Hopkins and
MacNamara left Mr.. Earle and Proffett
at the bar, wiIfts they went into the tesf
of the saloon 10 put up job on the old
man. When this was arranged they
went 10 Mr.. Earle and suggested that
they all visit the American House, now
known as the Victor House, on North
Main street. where they could he enter
tained by young ladies'. The old gentle
man seemed pleased with the idea, and
soon the quartet was in the bar room OF
the Victor. They made known their
wishes, but were informed that there
were no young ladies in the house. They
had a drink and went out to the side
walk.
Proifott then made the remark that he
had n friend near nt hand who would be
glad TO entertain them. Again the old
man was pleased, and wended his way
with his three companions to the house
OF Mrs. Eli Williams, on Eliza beth street.
Here the fun began, the old man taking
q drink or two, but the gang was very
careful not to over-indulge in the fire
water that was dealt out 10y the coored
woman.
After being in the house perhaps an
hour, the old man told Mrs. Williams he
was getting suspicious of the young men,
and wanted to get rid OF them, as he had
considerable money with him.
Mrs. Williams to0K Mr. Earle INTO her
room, and told him that she would do
"a hest sl a CnnlA
the three young men into lack room,
aud let Mr.. Earle out of the front door.
which was located at the head OF a mar
row and crooked fight of rickety stairs
The gang was not TO be fooled in this
way. They kept their eyes on Mr.. Earle
and as soon as ne went through the door
made a break from the kitchen, and
through the sitting room, and before
Mr.. Earle had got OF of the landing they
were upon him. One of them struck
him powerful blow over the right eye,
and at the same time reached down into
his inside vest pocket and pulled out a
long wallet containing 5000
Ihe villains continued TO beat and kick
the old man about the head and BODY,
and while in the entry at the foot of the
stairs, took from another pocket check
for S1i, besides Si4 10 in change.
AT this time Mr.. Earle struggled TO his
feet, oniy to be knocked down again,
| they had landed their aged and crippled
! victim across the street, distance OF
some % feet. Here no was found by
officer Herbert Willard a few minutes
| later.
dr. Earle told his story TO the police
| man, who at once telephoned for the
| patrol wagon and Mr.. Earle was taken to
| the Central police station, where he gave
a description OF the men who assaulted
/ end rob bed him.
Sergeant Frank A. Mathews notified
detective Merrill, who with the assistance
| of os:cer Willard began search FOR the
| old mans assainntg. They first visited
! Mrs. Williams home, but found little
that would he OF any use TO them.
| Before they left the house, however, Hop
| kins re.entered and was at once placed
I under arrest. lie had little TO say about
| his companions IN crime.
a OHiccr willard knew that Hopslns was
= in the habit OF associating with MacNa-
mara and Prodett. so II was thought best
I TO CaII upon theNs IHrIVTrUTtTs "
was found ~ the home ct his father IN
| the rear OF 81 Benefit street. lie was
/ marched TO the Central station.
From thc description given the police
men they were quite positive that the
/ third man wanted was none other Than
"Iiappy Jack" Project had told them
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