The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-09-14
Seem to Point to Alexander
Karst, a Mute,
Student of Cornell, Now Under
Arrest
CHARGED WITH THEFT
Suspected of Drowning a Com
paniOn in July
And Starting an Incendiary
Fire Last Month.

Ithaca, Sept. 14-AIexander Karst,
OF New York city. a Cornell student in
the course in electrical engineering in
the class of 1901 was arrested today
on charge of larceny. The charge is
preferred by Henry H. Buckingham, a
fellow student
Buckingham alleges that on August
20 he left $12 and railroad ticket in
his coat pocket in his room and that
Karst was the only person then in the
room. After absenting himself from the
room for a short time buckingham says
he returned and looked for the money
and ticket, but they were gone.
Karst was afterward detected in try
ing to dispose of the ticket, the number
of which had been preserved
karst is about twenty years of age
and is a mute. 1t is feared by his
friends that he is insane. His actions
tend to confirm this view.
karst is remembered by the citizens
of this city as the young man who was
companion of Gustave Mintz. who
was drowned while swimming from
raft at Renwick Beach, in Cayuga
lake on July %. No one else was in
sight at the time.
When Karst reached shore and re-
ported the drowning he wrote out his
Vel SAuA1 u the affair.". ACCORDING to 1t
Mintz had gotten out beyond his depth
and disappeared, and Karst was not
able to save him after strenuous exer-
tons.
Students who had been previously
swimming in his company, said that he
had pushed them from the raft into the
water. At this time the incident passed
for joke, as the men concerned were
good swimmers.
There was an incendiary fire in the
house of Charles B. Vaudeville, in this
city, where Karst occupied a room. At
the time o. me fire-AuguSt mo one
was in the house, but Karst had been
seen to leave a short time before the
IRE was discovered. The flames were
subdued before they had gained much
Roadway.
upon which kerosene oil had been
poured. It was found that a watch and
other articles had been stolen. Mr..
Vaudeville, after the fire, compelled
Karst and another student, who was
living in the house, to seek rooms else
where. Karst was subjected to an ex-
animation, but no direct proof could be
found connecting him with the fire.
= There is no direct proof against hir.l
except in the matter of the larceny. It
is the belief that he is insane. His acts
are certainly not those of a sane man,
as is shown by his lack of caution in
the larceny case.
Karst's father resides at No. 80 East
Tenth street, New York city A teIe-
gram was sent him today informing
him of the unfortunate circumstances,
and much sympathy is felt for him, as
his son is not considered responsible.
The father is said to have stated to
a resident of this city that he had done
all he could for his son, paying his ex-
penses at college, and allowing him
spending money.
The fact that young Karst, although
a mute, has been able to keep up his
college work has been a surprise to
all his friends
He has seemed to be quick to hear,
and Of good intelligence. Though short,
he is of a muscular build
A talk with fellOW-students of Karst
shows that of late they have been
afraid of him.. fearing that he was not
right in his mind. One morning an
acquaintance upon waking found him
in his room looking at him. Karst had
entered silently. His purpose was not
known.
He also bought a revolver and car
tridges, which fact became known and
gave alarm to many who came in con-
tact with him.
The young man was arraigned before
the Recorder today, and charged with
larceny. He pleaded not guilty, and be-
Ing unable to procure bail was remand
ed to the county all.