Evening star., 1898-10-13
POWELL QUICKLY CAUGHT.
Suspected Murderer Enjoys but q
Brief Hreath of Freedom.

James Powell. colored the alleged muir
derer of Patrick Lee, also colored, who, as
stated in yesterdays Star, escaped from
the sixth precinct station yesterday after
noon. was recaptured last night about 10:30
o'clock by officer Ward of the fifth pre-
cinct near the home of one of Powell's
relatives in Southeast Washington.
The capture was the outcome of prompt
action upon the part of Major Sylvester
superintendent of police, who Immediately
after Powells escape was reported at head
quarters ordered the officers of the eighth
ninth, fifth and sixth precincts to keep a
sharp lookout for Powell and to arrest him
at all hazards.
Information was received by Major Syl-
vester that the fugitive, if he got the OPP
portunity to do 50, would probably visit his
aunt, Mrs. Grace Clark, No. 81 South Car
olina avenue, who ii is said, had promised
to assist him in leaving the city. Mrs.
Clark's house was accordingly closely
watched by Officer Ward, and at 1910
O'Clock Ward was rewarded by seeing Pow
ell come up the street.
Tie escaped suspect had secured other
clothing from that which he at the
inquest and this made the Identification
more difficult, but Ward became convinced
that the right man was before him, and
took him into custody. Powell at first de-
MED all knowledge of the crime but in a
little while admitted his name was Powell.
He was then taken to the fifth precinct
station and locked up
This morning the prisoner was taken to
police headquarters where he was meas
ured according to the Bertillon system by
Detective German and subsequently photo
graphed for the rogues' gallery.
After being locked up at the fifth pre-
clnct station Powell was asked how he
managed to escape from the cell in the
sixth station. In reply he said he just put
out his hand and pushed on the lock and
1t came off. After this happened he felt
hn tod
after going back to the rear tart of the
yard of the station, where he found no
avenue OF escape, he returned to the main
building, from which he went into the
street and was at large until recaptured.
As to the route taken by him after getting
out Of the police station Powell would say
nothing.
1t is understood, however, that after get
ting out of the station Powell made his
way to the home of his uncle, James Stew
art, on X street southeast, near the Balti-
more and Potomac railroad tunnel and
after remaining there a short time went to
the house of his aunt Mrs. Clark. The lat
| ter agreed to help him get out of the city
and promised to raise him some money.
| Powell then left intending to return later.
| The detectives, however, learned these facts
| so quickly that it was impossible for Mrs.
| Clark TO put her plans in execution before
| Powell was again in the hands of the au-
| thOrities.
! An examination of the lock of the cell
| occupied by Powell before his escape de-
| veloped that it was very easy to open. De-
; spite this fact it is the best form of lock
| the police authorities have yet been able to
secure. There is, however at No. ! station
| an arrangement, devised by Maj Sylvester,
| which consists of a grating SO placed that
| it is impossible for any person to reach the
| lCck from the inside of the cell. 1t is in
| tended TO eventually equip all the stations
| in this manner.
Maj. Sylvester today started an investiga-
| ZION of the escape, and so far the mat
| ter pros: :essed he is convinced there is
no one BLAIR able.