The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1895-06-22

Henry johnson, proprietor of the
Palace candy and book store on Hotel
street, was arrested shortly after l
o'clock yesterday by Captain Scott,
Marshal Hitchcock and Captain Ka-
nae being present. The crime charged
against Johnson is that of having
committed forgery at Muscatine,
Iowa.
Sheriff WyIlie of that place arrived
by the Australia with extradition
papers for the arrest of Johnson on
the charge named, which was exc
cuted without delay.
1t was believed the accused would
make strenuous resistance against
arrest, owing to the supposed magni-
tude of the crime, but such was not
the case.
When questioned at police head
quarters Johnson admitted he was the
party wanted, and would return to
the States without cOntesting the
case.
From a reliable source it was
learned that Johnson was for several
wears, and up to about a year and
half ago, treasurer of Muscatine
County, Iowa, being held in high
esteem as a public servant. In his
official position Johnson was the Gus
todian of immense sums of money.
At one time he saw an opportunity to
make fortune by investment of con-
siderable funds. With the supposed
consent of one of his bondsmen the
treasurer used some $4,000 OF money
belonging to the county, hoping, as
many good men had before and since,
to realize profitably thereby and
make full restitution. The venture
failed and with it was lost the good
name of both official and bondsman.
Seeing no other alternative, Johnson
fled west into Kansas, thence to Cali
fornia and Hawaii. He is said to have
carried away none of the money taken
from Muscatine County, and landed
at San Francisco with but fifty cents
in his pocket. Through the sale of
his household effects by Mrs. Johnson,
500 being realized, the supposed de-
faulter was able to reach Honolulu on
$500 forwarded by his faithful wife.
The remainder is easily told. After
being in the islands but short time,
johnson secured a position on an
afternoon paper as collector and So
licitor. Strict attention to business
soon brought its reward, and the more
lucrative work of bookkeeping in the
newspaper office was secured. In the
meantime Johnson had associated
himself in the stationery business as
partner of blind man named Scharf,
afterward succeeding to the sole own
ership and purchasing later the Palace
candy store, both being now conduct
ed by him.
Mrs. Johnson arrived here few
months ago and, from the exemplary
manner in which her husband had
conducted himself since coming to
Honolulu, was we'll received III social
and religious circles.
The supposed defaulter was known |
here as Henry johnson, having |
dropped William from the name he |
bore while residing in Iowa. He rem |
dered active support to the Govern
ment during the late Instruction as a |
member of the Citizens Guard, be-
sides taking a prominent part IN re
ligious work.
Johnson is said to have embezzled |
over $4,000. He claims the amount
to be much less, and that his bonds
men have liquidated the shortage.
Political reasons are assigned as the |
cause for his arrest. A party from
Iowa was recently in Honolulu and
conversed with Johnson, who, he
claims, betrayed his Whereabouts for
a slight reward.
Sheriff Wyllie and his prisoner will
leave by the Australia Monday. Mrs.
Johnson and son will remain and,
assisted by G.. II. Ramsey, carry on
the business acquired by the husband
and father.
The arrest was the talk of the town
yesterday and created more comment
than has been heard in Honolulu for
some time.