The morning times., 1896-10-20
Washington. D. g, October 19, 1886.
DETAINED THE MESSENGER.

As Commodore Melville is not in the
| habit of receiving misspeled, unpunctuated
notes, written on greasy paper, from his
friend, Admiral Kirkl and, he detained
the messenger until he could ascertain
| II the admiral had left the Mare Island
navy yard where he is ut present sta
toned.
Having satisfied himself that the ad-
mirai was still at his station, the com
modore questioned the boy and discovered
that the bogus naval officer was at Will
lard's Hotel.
Well, will go down and see him at
once" said the commodore, and started
for the hotel. The admiral was not to
be found and the commodore informed the
police of the affair and turned the meSscn-
ger overto Policemen Carlson and Mellcn.
AT che Twelfth street station the boy
gave his name as William Lewis and told
Lieut.. AniSS that he had received the
letter from a man at the corner of Tenth
street and Pennsylvania avenue, who had
promised him quarter to deliver il.
Detectives Sutton and Iiartigan were as
signed TO the case and they learned from
David kilgore that the swindler was
known by the name of Fred Smith. They
also discovered that Smith had written
the letter i'll an Avenue cigar store, kept
by man named owen.
SMITH WAS CAPTURED.
smith, however, had evidently become
frightened aad a search of his usual haunts
Jailed 10 find him. Later in the evening
kilgore and party of friends saw Smith
ON the Avenue and pointed him cut 10 De-
tcclive Helm and Sergt. Moore, WHO ar
rested the man and sent him TO the First
precinct station.
When placed under arrest Smith at
tempted 10 destroy letter he had in his
pocket. When searched at the station it
EslG Il
letter was directed TO Mrs. }. j. Alvey, No.
1913 Vermont avenue and reads as fol-
lows:
Ny Dear Friend: We have just
got to the city and We are in
a predicament. Sonie scamp relieved
me of my purse. and We do not wish to
borrow at the hotel and desire TO avoid
publicity III this matter. Please send
SO uen dollarsl. We Will have sle
pleasure TO pay our respects and the abnvc
on Wednesday next. Yours sincerely,
T. Il. PHELPS,
Admiral L. s. Navy
Please ndorse sealed by messenger
ANOTHER VICTIM IN VIEW.
Smith had evidently awaited the re-
suit of his attempt to secure funds from
Commodore Melville before sending the
second note to Mrs. Alvey, who is the
widow OF a Naval officer.
Smith refused to make any statement to
the police except TO say he had been
drinking heavily, and 4hat the notes had
been given TO him by stranger He was
perfectly sober when taken into custody,
but when he reached the station pretended
to he too intoxicated TO talk.
He said, however that he was married
and had a wife and three children living
in the city. The man is tall, smooth
shaven, of portly build, has iron gray
hair and is fairly well dressed. 1t is said
that he has been in the city but a short
time, and the police feel confident that he
is a clever crook
William Lewis, the messenger employed
by Smith to deliver the note to Commo-
uore Melville, was held at the station as
a witness. Smith will be brought into
court this morning and given an oppor-
tunity to explain why lie thought Admiral
Kirkland wanted $40.