Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-07-25
BANK wRECKER WARNER TALKS
FREELY TO A REPORTER.
OFFERED $4,000 FOR RELEASE
SAID HE HAD NOT THE MONEY, But
COULD GET 1T.
Says All His Property Would Cover
Not More Than . Fifth of His
ShOrtage-Refuses to Say
What He Did With
His Stealinys.

LOUISVILLE. KY, July 2i-Lewis War
ner. the Massachusetts bank wrecksr. who
was captured here yesterday. talked free
ly at the city Jail with an Associated
Press representative to-day regarding his
case. Warner spent restless night in his
cell at the Jail. He arose several times
during the night and walked to and fro
across the floor, running his hands ner-
vously through his hair. He was up bright
and early this morning and asked the
turnkeys il they could not allow him to
sit in the parlor awhile before breakfast.
The privilege was granted him and he
seated himself comfortably in an easy
chair. He bought all the morning papers
and read carefully every line that had been
written about him.
Il guess 1 am the worst man in the
United States" said he. laughingIy.
Detective Tom Maher, to whom Warner
first confessed his identity, SAYS the en-
bezzler offered him $4,000 in cash to re-
lease him. Maher says he and Warner
were sitting in Captain Sullivan's private
office. Warner drew his chair close to
Maher and. placing his hand on the off,
GERS shoulder, said: III you viii let me
90. III give you $lo,0cO in cash. 1 have
not the money now. but will get it in
short order.'
Maher says Warner had a fixed express
sion on his face which told him that he
meant exactly what he said.
When seen at the Jail this afternoon.
Warner was in good spirits. He shock
hands heartily with the Associated Press
representative.
Il suppose you want me to tell you all
l know" said he laughingly. Il will not
do that. for then you would know as much
as l. But will talk to you- do not intend
to touch on nv relations with the two
Northampton banks except to say that
am Lewis Warner and am wanted for en-
bezzling large amount Of money. / do
not know the exact amount. From all ac-
counts. however. the shortage must be
over $4,000. Furthermore. do not intend
to say how ! lost the money and became
so entangled- 1t is sufficient to say that
l am charged with embexzling the funds
OF the two banks. I see by the papers
that the banks are In the hands of re-
ceivers and all my property has been sold
to pay of part of the shortage My resi-
dence was one Of the finest In Northamp-
ton. 1 hate to think that my old home
place Is gone for good. but that is only
one Of the things which trouble me. My
manufactures cannot bring more than one
fifth OF the total Indebtedness of the
bank"
Have you any money now?' was asked.
Il haven't a dollar" replied Warner IT
am penniless, and 1t hurts me very much
to deny myself the many luxuries which
l formerly enjoyed
Warner strongly denied that he had Of
fered any officer $4,000 to be released
DO you want to be taken to Northamp-
ton." asked .the reporter.
well. I cannot say that do," replied
Warner
Il hate to face those who were depos-
itors in the bank. 1t will be dificuit for
me to go among the people who so often
honored me and elected me to positions
OF trust. I should much rather be taken
to Boston. am in serious position No
one realizes that fact more than do. In
fact. prison stares me in the face. I re-
gret my downfall all the more on account
years ago. do not expect to find any
friends in Massachusetts,. Those who once
courted my favor and sought my indorse-
ment will turn their backs on me.
Yes, 1 was once one OF the most prom
inent men in Massachusetts. and now am
a prisoner in the HANDS OF detectives. I
Northampton. I did not even tell my SON
where l was going. / went from Northamp-
ton to Albany, n Y. and took train for
cinnati and from the latter place to Louis
willie. / thought that this place was as
good a one as 1 could find in which to hide
myself. l spent most Of my time walking In
the PARKS. / also spent \ great deal of time
at the Gait house and at the Louisville
hotel. could have been found almost any
day at either Of these hotels. / would sit
in the lobbies and read the papers. I usual
ly visited some saloon in the afternoon.
where I could see the results Of the ball
games"
Charles Porter, the Northampton gentle
man who recognized him on the street
here and informed the police. He claimed
that In the years gone by he had befriend-
ed Porter and his relatives. Il would not"
he said do what Porter did for sos. .0O0.
The arrest is conceded to be one of the
best, If not the best, ever made by the
Louisville police.
Chief Of Police Maynard. Of Northamp-
ton. and Sheriff Clark, who will take
charge of Warner, are expected here hour