The San Francisco call., 1898-04-24
TAYLOR SAVED
 FROM PRISON An Unfortunate Young Man Arrested on a Trunped
 Up Charge.
Justice c. w. F. Cook Scores the Head of a Collection
 Company

Justice of the Peace G. W. F. Cook on Friday frustrated what appeared to him to be little less than an attempt at ex- tortion, and saved Wallace s. Taylor from being sent to prison for debt. From the proceedings before the Justice 1t ap- peared that Taylor, who is the son of a wealthy resident of Brooklyn, had become indebted to the proprietress of a lodging house at the corner of Stockton and Bush streets to the amount of $95. The bill was given to the Interstate Collection and Law Company, of which Albert Arm strong is the head and front.
 Armstrong proteSsed great sympathy for Taylor, and told him that if he would give a note for the amount it would be satisfactory. Taylor gave the nOte but the landlady would not accept 1t unless it was indorsed, so Armstrong sent it to Taylor father in Brooklyn for his in- dorsement He wrote a letter to the elder Taylor, saying 1t was necessary in order to save the young man from serious trouble. The father replied that if it was really necessary he would indorse the note.
 Upon receipt of this answer Armstrong filed an affidavit with Judge Cook, setting forth that Taylor was about to depart from the State with intent to defraud his creditors and asking that he be arrested. Judge Cook issued the order early Thurs day morning. and Taylor was held in the custody of the Sheriff until nearly 4 O clock that afternoon, when the matter CdIHS up lOT nearing DeIOTe JuQge COOK. Just before the case was called William Tomsky was appointed to defend Taylor S interests, to the evident annoyance of Armstrong.
 TayIor admitted owing the bill. but denied that he had any intention of leav- ing the State. or that he could do so Ii he wished. as he was penniless. He then told story of misfortune that heard 1t. Taylor said he had been in re- ceipt of handsome salary, but had lost his position and was entirely dependent upon his fathers bounty His wife had separated from him, taking their two children. When they separated Taylor verbally agreed to make her handsome allowance, but it was soon after that he lost his position. Since then his father has sent him small sums sufficient to keep him. but his wife has managed to ascertain whenever a remittance has ar rived and has invariably taken every cent leaving him absolutely nothing to live on
 Notwithstanding this. she has begun suit against him in Oakland to recover to his promise to provide for her. In this suit she has failed to account for any of the money he has given her.
 Upon Taylor's showing, Judge Cook continued the case until yesterday mean while releasing him from the custody of the Sheriff When the case came up yes terday Armstrong failed to appear to prosecute, and Judge Cook quietly dis the prosecution for its conduct
 Attorney Tomsky Is highly indignant at the treatment his client has received. and threatens to prosecute Armstrong for false imprisonment. He said esterday and Judge Cook undoubtedly took the same view of the case, that Armstrong; S motive was to have Taylor imprisoned in order to induce the cider Taylor to in dorse the note; then after that had been done. to mulct the old gentleman on the wifes suit for $500. Disbarment pro- ceedings against Armstrong are also hinted at.