The herald., 1896-02-19
larry L. Coyne Arrested for
Assault to Murder
HE KNOWS OF THE MEN
Who Attempted to Blow Up the Stimson
Residence Recently
Coyne Informed Stlmson of consplrscy-Ae.
knowIedges Suspicious Acquaintance
With Movements of Assassins

The attempt to blow up the residence OF
Mr.. t. d. Stimson on Figueroa street has
at last taken fresh development and q
story of crime and intrigue has resulted
more often found in novel than in real
life. 1t will be remembered that couple
of weeks ago the city was startled by the
rumble oil an explosion at IL o'clock at
night, particulars of the affair reaching
town later on. The best evidence was
given by two young men named Sabichi,
who saw man running from the scene of
the attempted outrage, and fired at him
several times with Indifferent results.
Since that time things have been kept
very quiet, but the machinery of the law
was at work, and although little is as yet
known, the first important step in the case
has been made. The man who is said
to know considerable of the job,
has been arrested, and is an eX-detective
named Harry L. Coyne. Coyne has been
acting of late as a private detective and
doing special work, from which he at
times made large sums OF money.
When the facts of the case are stated
the only wonder will be that he was not ar
rested before. Mr.. Stimson engaged Coyne
about three months ago to accompany his
son on tour through Mexico. the son be-
ing a wild youngster whom Mr.. Stimsou
wished to quiet down with little travel
ing. During the trip the ex.detective
wormed out of young Stimson several fam
lily particulars which he afterwards at.
tempted to use for blackmailing purposes.
His office was on Spring street, between
First and Second streets, and on his re.
turn from Mexico he found that a con-
stable had attached the furniture and sew
eral sums of money due him to cover some
of his debts.
Wanting money rather badly, he went to
7. d. Stimson and declared that he, Slim
son. was in danger of his life, but would
give 10 particulars at the time. Stimson
Coyne was merely trying to frighten him
with a view to being appointed private
guardian.
Some time later he again called at the
Stimson residence, and uufolded plot in
which it figured that Stimson was to be
either stabbed to death, his residence
blown up or his lumber yards burned. He
also stated that for sum of money he
would have the men arrested and Illustrate
the plot.
Again Stimson laughed at the idea, and
a few nights later occurred the explosion
OH Figueroa street which shook the whole
neighborhood.
Mr.. Stimson then went to Chief Glass
and told him of the whole affair. including
Coyne's threats.
Detectives Auble and Hawley were placed
OF the trail, and meanwhile Coyne, with a
cool daring that is surprising. called ON the
chief of police and offered to arrest some
other niscreants who were contemplating
numbering Mr. Stimson. All he wanted
was $50, and Chief Glass informed him
that If the object was accomplished he
would pay the sum out OF his own pocket.
| Then Coyne again visited Mr.. Stimson
| and offered to capture the men in the act
e., 1.k L.
to Chief Glass also. He stated that the
men were in his power and would do his
bidding, whichever way he commanded.
1t is believed by the authorities that he in
tended to get some foolhardy men to do
the work, and then, on the pretense of cap.
dead men tell no tales" This cold
blooded murder would undoubtedly have
been carried out, as Coyne's back record is
a very black one.
lie came to this city from Oklahoma,
where it is stated he killed two men in
most callous manner during the boom. His
partner, named Brettner. who was the
cause of the attachment being levied OH
his Office during his absence in Mexico,
was in terror of his life from Coyne.
Shortly after his return from Mexico he
met Brettner in the Wilson block, and,
pulling Colts six-shooter, took deliberate
aim at him. In his rage, however, he had
capped before the hammer was raised.
Coyne followed and beat him about the
head with the butt of the gun, only being
prevented from killing him by the forcible
interference of outside parties. This as.
sault was compromised, it is said.
and Brettner recently left the coun-
try. The madness of Coyne's project
cannot be explained. Some of the
discriminating particulars he gave seem
astounding. He claimed to know every
man implicated in the affair. and even
went SO far as to tell where the dynama-
mite cap and stick of giant powder were
bought, particulars which on investigation
proved to be true.
1t is said that Coyne never went to the
police about the matter until one day, see
ing Captain Roberts in Slimson's office, he
attempted to checkmate any information
by IA bold move, and putting on his profes::
sional manner called on Chief Glass and
gave him full particulars.
Coyne was arrested by Detective Auble
OH Third street. He was standing outside
a saloon at the time lighting cigar, and
never for Il moment lost his nerve. Finish
ing the light, he remarked that he had
nothing to say, and calmly walked to the
police station. He refused to see anybody
after being locked up.
When asked how he knew 50 much
about the dynamite cap, even to the par
ticulars of the fastening, he refused to an
swer. 1t is rumored that young society
man, personal friend OF Mr.. Stimson's,
is concerned in the case, and sensational
events are likely to occur at the trial
Coyne claims that at the time of the eS.
plosion he was playing cards in Insley's
detective Office and can easily prove an
alibi. This, however, would leave him just
as deeply implicated, as his familiarity with
the movements OF the assaSsins has yet 10
be accounted for.