The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
Arraigned at Redwood City on
Charges Preferred by Her
MotheI-in-Law.
RELEASED ON CASH BAIL.
The Young Woman's Parents Say
She Was an Involuntary
Offender.

REDWOOD CITY, CAL. July 25.-An
alleged small transaction in this county
led to the arrest of Mrs. Alice Burns at the
home of her father in Woodland and her
appearance to-day before Justice Harmon
upon charge OF forgery. The complain
ant against Mrs. Burns is Jan old lady who
lives on Ellis street in San Francisco, Mrs
Cornelta Burns, widow. She is Mrs.
Alice Burns mother-in-law. She alleges
in her complaint that her daughter -in-law
forged her signature to a deed 10 property
in San Mateo, in what is known as the
Western Addition. This con- plaints which
was issued in San Francisco, was signed
by her mother-in.law with a trembling
hand. The handwriting indicates that
clearly.
The next step was to arrest Mrs. Alice
Burns at Woodland. Sheriff McEvoy
went up to Yolo County for this purpose
and retur ned this morning with Mrs.
Burns in his custody. The affair created a
sensation in two counties. The father of
Mrs. Alice Burns is well-known citizen
of Woodland-J. H. Hollingsworth, who
owns considerable property. His daugh-
ter is also we'll known in Yolo County,
being young, vivacious and good looking.
The advent of Sheriff McEvoy with his
fair prisoner caused sensation here when
the nature of the charge became known.
Mrs. Alice Burns does not appear to be
over 30 years old. She was handsomely
dressed.
The lady was accompanied by her
father and husband to Redwood City. Her
father was much astonished and shocked
at the nature of the charge and made
preparations to provide cash bail. Imme medi-
ately upon the arrival of the party the
services of local attorney were engaged
thar Mrs, Burns might not be sent to jail
An appearance was then made before
Justice Harmon, Mrs. Burns remaining in
the custody of the Sheriff for the time.
There were only two, or three persons III
court. District Attorney Walker was
there, but took no part in the proceedings.
George G. Ross, acting as Mrs. Burns at
torney, asked that the bail should be fixed
as low as possible and intimated that cash
bail would be furnished. Justice Ham on
liked the amount at $500 cash and this
was Immediately given by Mr.. Hollings-
worth, who put up his check at the Bank
of San Mafeo County for that sum.
Mrs Bprns was then released from the
custody of the Sheriff. Some kilograms
were sent, and this afternoon long con-
ference took place in Lawyer Ross office.
Mrs. Burns, acting under her attorney
advice, declined to be interviewed
The complaint sets forth that Alice
Burns forged the signature OF Mrs. Cor
nelia Burns to a deed granting 10 Christ
Copp lot in block Is, in the Western
Addition to San Mateo, with intent to
defraud Christ Kopp. According to par
ties here. the transaction has previous
history. Tne same property was first
mortgaged, so San Mateo County officials
assert and at that time $500 was raised
which went TO the winds at the racetrack
Then the property was conveyed. as is
alleged, by Mrs. Alice Burns to Kopp
The small bail in the case covers probably
more than the full value of the property
in question.
Mrs. Cornelia Burns has two sons both
married. In conversation with the officers
here Mrs. Alice Burns conveyed the i'm.
preston that family disensions had some
thing to do with the matter. Mrs. Alice
Burns and her father departed this even
ing for Woodland.
The hearing of evidence before Justice
Harmon will take place on August 10.