The San Francisco call., 1898-02-03
Texas Forger in Jail at Tacoma Resorts to
 Strategy.
Seeks to Dodge a Acquisition Coming From the Lone
 Star State.
Secures His Release, but Is Rearresteo and Will Be Turned Over
 if Possible.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

TACOMA, Feb. Erred Vernon Graham is making the fight of his life to regain his liberty before Sheriff A. E. Hughes of Grayson County, Texas, can reach here and take him into cus- tody. Graham Is wanted at Sherman, Texas, for what are said to be exten- sivs forgeries. He. came here three months ago, giving the name of Yer non, by which he was known until his arrest last night. He rented a house on Yakima avenue, furnished 1t ele- gantly and has spent money lavishly, though having no regular employment. His whereabouts was probably dis closed through letters written by Graham himself, for the Texas author ities notified Sheriff Mills of even his house address here.
 Graham was arrested at home last evening after being completely fdenti- fled by the Texas description. This was easily done by reason of a scar three inches long on his neck, under the right ear. Graham claims 1t is a case of mistaken identity, but the off, cers' certainty that they have the right man is strengthened by Mrs. Graham's remark when he was arrest ed that wen have to go back to Texas now"
 This afternoon Graham secured his release in the Superior Court on a writ of habeas corpus. He was imme- diately rearrested on a warrant sworn out of the Justices Court, on which he can be detained two days. He will fight this warrant, but if necessary still another warrant will be secured. To make certain of keeping him Sheriff Hughes, who left Texas for Tacoma last night, has been requested to wire his warrant here tonight. On request of the Texas authorities Governor Rogers to-day directed Sheriff Mills to hold his prisoner if possible until the requisition from Texas can get here.
 That Graham's criminal opreations in Texas were extensive is indicated by l the fact that the Merchants and Plant CTS Bank and prominent citizens of Sherman are pushing their efforts to capture him. Thomas Randolph, presi- dent of the bank, writes that Graham should have several thousand dollars about him, and that If the officers can recover any of it they will be rewarded
 Graham is 37 years old, of dark com plexion and wears a mustache and whiskers. He formerly lived at Green vile, Texas, going from there to Sher- liIdii, WhCl dC w dS oCpuly COully ClSIh for one year. Letters from Texas state that while holding this position his rep utation for honesty was unblemished Somewhat later came his trouble and nasty departure. He Is an abstractor by profession, but is said to have prac- ticed law in Kansas. He was brought up In Quincy H., and lived subse- Quently Tn Missouri, Kansas and In- dian Territory. Three years ago in h. dian Territory he was married to Miss Lulu Pyeatt, beautiful brunette, and they have a baby sixteen months old.
 Mrs. Graham was greatly discom- f1ted by her husbands arrest, and pleaded with the officers not to put him in jail, but despite her entreaties he was led away. The Texas letters state that Graham gambles, but inqiry dis closes that he spent most of his time here at home. Sheriff Hughes should arrive in San Francisco tomorrow and here Saturday night Every effort will be made to keep Graham in custody till then.