New-York tribune., 1896-11-16
MILES WILL DEFEND HIMSELF
CHARGES MADE BY p. W. TAYLOR TO BE
ANSWERED.
THE R,cHARpsox-rAyLoR CHECK CASE AT THE

THE R1CHARDSON-TAYLOR CHECK CASE AT Ilfh
BOTTOM OF THE TRoUBlE-IAx
PROSECUTION DENIED.
Assistant Dlstrict-Attorney William o. Miles made
a statement for The Tribune yesterday regarding
a report which had gained circulation on Saturday
charging him with laxness in the prosecution OF a
case OF swlndling 10 which attention had been
called by P. w. Tayiar. Fulton-st Jeweler. MT
Taylor is on record giving the story Of his al
legged wrongs 10 a reporter. and the story was
given in Mr. Taylor's own words In newspaper
one Of whose diversions is 10 attack the District
Attorneys office at frequent Intervals. This morn
ing Mr. Tavlor vii appear before DstrictAttor-
ney Foster /. Backus and Mr.. Miles and VIII De
requested by Mr.. Miles to substantial. in the pres
ence Of Mr. Ba ckus the charges which he gave
the newspaper.
According 10 the reports started by MT Taylor :
interview. a man calling himself Richardson visited
Taylor's store In August and offered a check
signed by J. H. Baker in payment for bill OF
about 500.
Mr. TAYLOR says he was not satisfied as TO the
v,or,h Of the check ari asked Richardson 10 prove
It's value before he accepted it, While Richardson
was doing this Taylor saw Backus. who declared
that he had signed such check. A trap was
laid for Richardson. and when he was caught he
protested that he was entitled TO sign the check,
because he was a member Of Bakers firm Taylor
was determined 70 push the case against Richard
son on the charge OF forgery. IL is now alleged.
however that he allowed the matter TO rest for
over two months. thus proving his true Indifference
10 the prosecution. before making his story public
on Saturday. He believes. 1t is said. that both
Richardson and Baker are guilty OF swinding. and
calls for their trial by the Distrct-Attorney lie
Is quoted making this statement Of his opinion
upon District-Attorney Backus and Assistant Dis
trict-Attorney Miles
..I am free to say that neither detectives
Assistant District-Attorney Miles handled the case
properly. They were slack. II not worse II Baker
had been brought court he would have confessed.
There was no reason why the detectives should
lose him. l don't like to tell all know about this
matter as | am a personal friend OF Mr. Backus.
but ! may have another talk with you and tell you
more"
Mr. Niles was disincNned yesterday to say any
thing about these charges. When seen In the after
noon. however. he consented to make the following
statement for The Tribune:
81 was vacation of two weeks when Rich
ardsO, arrested. came back here 10 prose-
cute Richardson. When the case came up In cour:
Mr. Abbott OF the firm of j. H. Baker Co., came
forward said he had signed this check of 800
80. and that ne had right TO sign the check. az
he "a member Of the hi Upon that state
ment Justice Walsh Immediately discharged Rich
ardson, without giving me an opportunity to put a
question TO him. and the case OF forgery thus fell
Mr. Taylor allowed several months to 20 by
without making any protest. Now he comes out
and makes these ridiculous charges against me
Several reporters came TO me Saturday and
asked for my reply to Taylors accusation. l said
them that l would go with them to Taylor's
house In company with Dlstri,'-Attorney Backus
ana Detective Reynolds. and listen TO what Tay yor
had 10 say. 1t was my intention to do so ! sent
for Mr.. Backus and Mr.. Reynolds but MIR Backus
did not deem II wise for the District-Attorney' 8
office TO do business In that way and so did not
20 But have invited Mr. Taylor to meet me in
Mr. Backus's office tomorrow morning and there
accepted the invitation, and this morning hope
TO hear MIN state his case in person.
ony N Of ns gang g Of mat is
tions are being disclosed in New-York and
Brooklyn Is Charles II. Mclaughlin. He said he
had Mclaughlin about the city for a number Of
years. and had always supposed that ne bore good
reputation. Mr. Miles Valentine when the latter
came TO the Districi-Attorney's office to make his
confession.
Another story has just been brought to light besides
that for which Mr. Taylor Is responsible accusing
Mr.. Miles OF testfyng TO the character OF swndler
whom he knew 20 be a criminal. The alleged swndler
in question is James G.. Wilson, alias Abner W.
Caverly 1t Is charged that Mr.. Niles gave John G.
Crane. of Newark, a recommendation OF Caverly as
q trustworthy person 10 deal with. Accepting Mr.
Mless testimony Crane Is said to have placed 81 900
with Cavery for Investment. and Caverly made way
with the money. Mr.. Miles. when asked yesterday
about the truth Of the story. fatty denied It, He
time. except that II is not 30.