The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1898-10-18
ESCAPED FROM
JAPAN TO LAND
IN JAIL HERE
James Flood Arrested
on Arrival.
ACCUSED OF A GRAVE CRIME
TAKEN FROM THE DoRIC BY
FEDERAL OFFICERS.
Formerly q Resident Of San Fran
cisco and Only Recently Went
to the Orient to Engage
In Business.

James Flood, formerly of San Francisco.
but more recently of Kobe, Japan, spent
last night in the Alameda County Jail,
and the indications are that 1t will be
a long time before he breathes the air of
freedom again.
Flood arrived from the Orient on the
steamer Doric yesterday, and was ar
rested before he could make his escape
from the steamer by United States Mar
shall Shine and United States Secret Ser
vice Agent Browne. upon cablegram
from the United States Consul at Kobe,
stating that Flood was fugitive from
justice and asking that he be apprehend-
ed. Marshal Shine received the cable
gram several days ago and has been en-
the watch for the Doric ever since. When
the steamers arrival was reported by the
Merchants Exchange, the officers stared
out on a tug, hoping to intercept her
before she reached her dock. In this tAey
failed, but they managed to get along
side before the passengers disembarked,
and hunting up the purser they soon had
Flood in custody. He was all ready to
leave the ship, and was exceedingly ner-
vous. He did not manifest any surprise,
evidently anticipating that officers would
be watching for him, but hoping to elude
them before they could Identify him.
When taken into the purser's room
Flood broke down completely. He was
joined by a friend, who informed him
that his sister arrived from New York
few days ago to meet him here. Flood
asked to be allowed to see his sister. but
the officers advised against 1t until to-day,
in order that he might regain his COM
posture.
The prisoner was taken at once to the
Alameda County Jail and Marshal Shine
notified the Attorney General at Wash
ington and the Consul at Kobe of the ar
rest. During the trip across the bay
Flood attempted to tell the officers of his
troubles, but could scarcely utter a dozen
words before his emotions would over
come him and his statement was almost
incoherent.
The officers CLEANED, however, that
Flood went to Japan few months ago
to engage in business with his twin
brother. who was the most extensive deal
er in carpets and mattings in the Orient.
besides being identified with a banking
concern. Upon his arrival in Kobe his
brother turned over the business TO him
and departed hastily for the United
States, going to New York, where he
now is. Flood found that his brother had
the extent of between 100000 and $500 900.
He would not state the nature of the
the best legal talent in Japan and it was
on the advice of his attorneys that he de-
cided to follow his brother to the United
States.
Flood, who is about SO years old, said he
had lived in this city the greater portion
of his life, and that his father died here
several months ago, leaving valuable es-
tate to the three children.
The cablegram received by Marshal
Shine does not state what offense Flood
is accused OF and until the officer hears
from Japan, and from the Attorney Cen
eral he cannot say what will be done with
the prisoner From remarks made by
Flood the impression prevails that he will
have to face charge of embezzlement.
OAKLAND, Oct. H.-James Flood was
evening by Deputy United States Mar
shals Parrish and Harry Moffitt. The
prisoner complained of being very tired
and his pale face and general demeanor
bore this out. The greatest latitude con-
sistent with the rules governing the safe
ty of prisoners was extended to Flood, and
tial supper in the reception room. He re-
ceived a number of visitors who made
calls of coincidence. During the evening
John Livingston was one OF the first call
erS. Later Mr.. Floods mother in law and
her son hold long consultation with the
prisoner
To Jaiier Orrin Page the prisoner gave
strict orders that he did not wish to be
bothered by reporters, as he had no state
ment to make.
II have nothing whatever to say" said
Mr.. Flood to Call reporter. when 1
am ready to make statement will do
so without being pressed. What l was
arrested for l would like to know my
self, for l really do not know. l did
have an idea but l do not care to ex-
L
Francisco, and l do not wish to say who
will be my attorney in this matter.
did not come from Kobe under an as
sumed name, l cont do business that
way. cannot refer you to anybody for
particulars regarding my arrest be-
cause l need no one to advise me and
always attend to my affairs personally"
Flood intimated that the charles were
not of a serious character and made light
of the subject He seemed particularly
hopeful that his sister should not learn
of his arrest tonight. While the prisoner
giving anything. to the press was con-
to him he denied that he knew why he
he was arrested simply commanded the
fraud and in conversing with Page he re-
thing. 1t was evident that Flood did not
| propose to make any definite statement
until he had consulted his attorney. He
| told the taller that he had extensive
| banking interests in Japan. that he was
| also interested in shipping and that five
| of the companys vessels are now en-
| route from Japan to New York, where he
| has an Office. He said, too, that he had
| left here on the Coptic in regard to the
annexation proposition. From the trend
| of his conversation with the jailer 1t ap-
/ pears he became dissatisfied with the
| business at Kobe, for he remarked that
! ''he threw up the business and went
| away" His wife and family, however
| remained in Japan.
|