The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-09-09
MAJOR HASTINGS ARRESTED
THE BROTHER or EL-GOT. HASTINGS
CHARGBD WITH FORGERK

He Had Besn a Fugitive for Five Years
| Sent Threats and scurrtious Letters ia
His Brother - Taken Into Custody on
His Arrival Home Mt Boilofonte, Pn.
BELLEFoETE. Pa. Sept. S.-Major William II
H. Hastings. brother OF Ext Gov. Hastings. was
arrested here to- day on the charge OF forgery
and obtaining money under false pre-
tence. The warrant was sworn out in
Philadelphia yesterday by Gen. Louis
Wagner formerly Director Of Public Works
and President of the Third National Bank
In that city. 1t was brought here this morn
ing and tho arrest made at IL O'Clock by
Detectives Thomas H. Beckett and William
Stutz. The detectives left on the early after
noon train with thor prisoner for Philadelphia.
Tho alleged offence for which Major Hast
ings was arrested dates back five years.
At that time he was the manager OF the
Garcia Truss Company OF Philadelphia.
concern in which Gov. Hastings and
Gen. Louis Wagner were both lnan-
cally Interested. The charge Is made
that Major Hastings shipped large number
OF boxes. which he said contained II big con-
siRnmsnt OF trusscs. to South America On
this representation and presentation Of
the bills OF lading. through tho influence
OF Gen. Wagner. Hastings secured $4,000
from the Third National Bank With this
money in his possession. it is alleged. he left
the country in February. 1895 Hardly had he
gone when it was learned that the represented
shipments to South America consisted OF
boxes filed with refuse OF no value what
ever
From that time until recently Major Hastings
has been a wanderer on the Continent, spend-
ing his time in france. Germany. Italy and
Spain. During his absence abroad he wrote
to Gov. Hastings demanding the pay
mont OF sum OF money he said
was due him. His demand not being com piled
with. Major Hastings. then resorted to pub
fishing and circulating here and elsewhere in
the state scurrilous and denunciatory letters.
not only about Gov. Hastings and family.
but many other OF Belleionte's citizens.
The tone Of the circulars showed evidences OF
diseased mind. The last letter came about
two months ago and In it Major Hastings
threatened that II Gov. Hastings did not at
once send him large sum OF money he would
come here and blow his house to atoms Hence
his sudden appearance in Bellefonte Yesterday.
when everybody supposed him across the
ocean. caused great surprise.
Major Hastings was considerably changed
and thought he could come here and pass un-
recognized. But he was known asi soon as
seen. Gov. Hastings was in Philadelphia. and
Mrs. Hastings and family were alarmed.
The town authorities interviewed and
guard was placed over the Hastings House
and watch kept on the Major. He kept close
to his room in the Brock croft House. receiving
few visitors. until this morning he took u
short walk around the town only to be ar
rested on his return to the hotel.
In ali interview with the Sun correspondent.
Major Hastings admitted that he had hoped
to como here unknown: that he came to
some private business with the
Governor whom he intended again leav-
ing the country. He reached New York on
Wednesday, Major Hastings is we'll edu-
Gated. He is a celebrated lnRuist. speaking
luentIy nine languages.