The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1896-04-23
YOUNG MAN WHO WAS RAPID
And Like Most of His Kind He Comes
sudden aud Great Grief.

Chicago, April 22.-While in the act OF
trying TO pass a forged check for $500
William II. Prior, IS years old. was ar
rested in the First National bank at 2:30
o'clock yesterday afternoon by the bank
detective.
Prior walked into the bank about ten
minutes before that time and stood at
one Of the writing desks, watching the
crowds. Awaiting his turn, he present
ed a check purporting to be signed by
James Dalzell of No. 1924 Monroe ave-
nue. and treasurer Of the Wilmington
Coal and Mining company, with an Of
flee in room eco Old Colony building. He
asked that the amount be given him IN
bills of SO, $40 and $50.
The cashier took the check, and not
iced the word treasurer" was missing
from the signature. He signaled TO the
bank detective and. in order TO keep
Prior at the window, asked him where
he got the check. Prior replied that
Dalzell had given it TO him to settle an
account and that. if necessary. he would
have some one come and Identify him
in connection with the check. The cash
Ter replied that was not necessary, but
still delayed payment.
Prior evidently became suspicious,
and started to go away. The bank de-
tective then arrested him. The Central
police station was called up, and De-
tective Sergeants Plunkett and Fay
were sent TO the bank. They took
charge Of the young man, who was
dressed in a light spring suit and IN the
height OF fashion.
He was searched, and only a few dol
lars and large roll Of green paper. done
up TO resemble a package OF greenbacks.
were found in his possession. He was
asked If he he had forged the check. and
Immediately denied that he had done 50.
According TO his story, friend had ask
ed him 10 cash 1t; but, in spite OF all the
questions put 10 him. he refused 10 give
the name OF the man he said mad given
him the paper.
Il am up against IT," he said. "and
I'll take my medicine. but / won't
'squeai on a friend"
He was locked UP in a cell, and a few
minutes later Mr.. Dalzeu called at the
station, IN respone 70 a note from the
bank He denied all knowledge Of Prior.
and was al loss 70 account for his
knowledge Of the signature This he
pronounced 20 bf an extremely good
imitation, and was Of the opinion that.
had the word treasurer" been added.
he would be az loss 70 tell whether IL
was genuine or not.
Prior IS the son Of a once wealthy fur
nishing goods merchant in this city. HIS
father, who is still living had FOR many
years one OF the largest stores OF this
line IN the city. Three years ago -
failed.
About the beginning OF last February
young Prior came into prominence
through an elopement. One afternoon
he met young woman named Belle
Burt, who az that time lived on Thirty
seventh street. al a downtown theatre
by appointment They were going 70
the matinee. but finding TIA. there was
only standing room went 70 TIA Monroe
restaurant instead for q supper. While
eating Prior proposed that they eIope
and get married. Miss Burt aocede and
The two proceeded 20 the Northwestern
depot and went 70 Milwaukee. There
they visited minister and were made
man and wife On returning the cane
evening ne two proceeded 70 TIE Lex
ington hotel. who're they lived f0- some
tine.
Three weeks aEo TIE Central 2olsce
received Information that one % the
Dsn who bad ben concerned II the Col-
orsdo Springs train robbery zas % Be
found around Txenty-second and state
streets and vas Spending meney freely
Detective S@-geaats Pl1nkett and Fay
we're given description o.: the nan and
late one night arrested Pr1or IL Wings
restaurant a. The above corner. He Was
spending money freely, ard WIN
searched a. the Central station vas
fouze % be carrying a 5zrEe revolver
and knife = 4 belt he was hefd lnr
several DAYS. but finally released a. re
~roa< MAJ Since that tine he had nos
been hard from until yesterday.
Jzst -vhere Prior - living no~ is IN
known - Ire p0lice He refused - tel
ne oftscerz azz when Questioned beams
ex-ssd-1z.y angry. l