The Saint Paul globe., 1896-12-18
PUT ON THE RACK
Continued From First Page.

in his hip pocket, and the silver in wallet
which he carried in another pocket.
After securing the money he walked to the
union depot, from which place he was to
take a car. Here he met rather nicely
dressed man, who asked him what car he
would have to take to get to the university
He was informed that he should take Uni
versity avenue car, and when one arrived, both
men boarded it.
1t was somewhat crowded. The late pass
engers were compelled to stand up on the
Platform. Bridgeman held his hand over
his hip pocket from the time he got in the
car until the conductor asked him for his
fare when he withdrew his hand from the
roll of $270, and took out his wallet in which
was the silver. handed the conductor nickle,
and put his hand again to the hip pocket to
see that his money was still safe Imme-
diately, however, he put his hand behind him
he gave a start, and grabbed the man who
had boarded the car with him.
You have robbed me Of the money I had
in my hip pocket, and l want it back right
away" he exclaimed in his excitement
He still clung to the man who made every
effort to escape, but could not on account of
the gates being closed and the crowd on the
platform. Finally the conductor stopped the
car and the accused pickpocket jumped from
the car, and in doing SO pulled himself from
the grasp OF his victim. Bridgeman, how
ever, was determined not to let his man
escape, and followed him up at a pretty good
gait. Two policemen were encountered on
the way. and they also set hot pace after
Bridgeman finally tired and allowed the
policeman to continue the chase. Around the
university building the robber and the two
policemen went the latter finally running
| down their man. What they did from the
time they caught him until Bridgeman
reached the scene will probably never be
known. Bridgeman was worn out by his long
chase, but was heartily glad that the man
had been caught, and asked the police for his
money.
Money" said the police "That mans got
no money. We have searched him all over
| and even went SO far as to take off his Shoes
He has only SIS on him and that's his owa.'
This staggered Bridgeman. He was as con-
! hdent as he could be that the man before
him had picked his pocket and was dunn
founded when told by the police that he was
mistaken. He did not believe them, and felt
that the money that had been taken by the
alleged thief was then in the pockets of the
two policemen.
That was on a Saturday, and Bridgeman
called twice on Capt. Bosworth of the South
side station, declaring that he should have
his money back. Capt Bosworth told him
that all the money found the man was
three SIS bills, while he was told by one of
the policemen who assisted in the search that
all that the alleged thief had on him was a
IS bill and a silver dollar.
Finally Bosworth told him that as the next
day was Sunday he could do nothing They
would lock the man up on a charge Of vag-
rancy-although he had SIS his person
and Bridgeman could call around ON Monday
and charge the man with theft. Bosworth
called on the chief OF police on Sunday and
explained the circumstances to him and told
the cnteI IDdL ne was anxious TO bring the
man to trial. He was again put off with the
information that he could do nothing until
Tuesday, as Monday was holiday.
Bridgeman insisted, however that some
thing should be done, and the chief took
him to the lookup to see the man
When they reached there is was found that
the chief had been released on $25 bail.
This added much to Bridgeman's anger and
he charged the police then and there with
having assisted the thief In robbing him
| and with having aided in his escape. He
! p1cn ~
worth with dividing the money with the thief.
Here the matter still rests The accused
made lame attempts to defend themselves
and Bosworth. Bridgeman has never been
able to secure any satisfaction. Bridgeman
will be asked to tell his story to the grand
jury.
While stories of his character, and many
much worse, are coming to light every day
Mayor Pratt and Chief Smith still insist
that the police force is pure. How they can
do so in the face of all that has been pro-
| this city.
One gentleman said yesterday that he
thought Mayor Pratt was making a very
great mistake and standing up for the police
department. He did not insinuate that the
mayor knew of the crookedness that is al
legged to exist in certain quarters, but he
| did insist that the apparent wishes of the
| citizens of Minneapolis should be respected.
The interview with Chief Smith yesterday
was mentioned frequently in circles where
| the scandal is the all-absorbing tonic Ono
| gentleman said that he did not understsn nd
| how 1t was possible for Chief Smith to he
| absolutely ignorant of the Irregularities in
the department Of which he was second In
| charge.
THE claim Chief Smith Makes said he
| that the Minneapolis police force is the
| best in America in any city of its size. is
| simply ridiculous. Why, 1t has come to such
| q pass Of late that man cannot stay out
| after dark. Everywhere one may go even
but block from business street, he is
| liahle etos run into the muzzle of revolver
and bestold TO- throw up his arms.
| pl- simply. cannot be safe any place.
| Over half Of the people of Minneapolis who
are out after dark walk In the middle Of