Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-04-05
A PHILOSOPHICAL THIEF.
After Conviction Argues the Justice of His
Sentence.

81 have something to say to you
also" remarked Recorder Golf. "You
were convicted on an indictment
charging you with grand lanceny.
You told me few days ago when you
were arraigned in this court you had
never been arrested before and re-
manded you to the Tomhs for the pur-
pose of finding out whether this was
so. I have here upon my desk oficial
records to show that you have served
time in the prisons of various states.
l am told that you are known under
the names of Frank Valdes. Mexican
Pete and Mexican Frank. / am told
that you are the most expert pickpock-
et known to the police"
"Well," said the prisoner, ''if what
you say is true, I'm not proud of such
u reputation"
ais it true that you are known as
Mexican Frank ?" asked the recorder.
"Yes, sir. 1 have heard people refer
to me as Mexican Frank" said the
prisoner.
"Is it true that you served term of
imprison nent in Ohio ?"
II believe it is."
Q.-And you are known as Mexican
Pete? Alive heard some people
pie say was known as the man from
Mexico.
GA few days ago you told me you
were from Cuba? A.-Well, deny
that now for the simple reason that
yoh have proof that am not Cuban.
Q.-Is it true that you served term
of Imprisonment in Indiana? Alt
is; it's no good of denying it because
YOU have record of it there on your
desk.
Q.-You have served terms in seven
different states, haven't you? Al
am not compelled to answer that ques-
tion, but I'll answer it just the same
by saying l have. The law does not
compel man to answer such questions
as these if they tend to incriminate
him. I certainly would not be here
now, arraigned for sentence if my
counsel had taken my advice.
Q.-What was the advice you gave
him? A.-Not to put me on the wit
ness stand to testify in my own behalf.
But he did it, with the result of a con-
viction. I should never have been
convicted with the evidence such as
the prosecution produced. Everything
was in my favor except having law
yer who did not know how to defend u
case. That is one Of the things that
you, as Judge on the bench, have
probably learned sometime ago. Many
men are convicted by their own law
yers.
Q.-But in this case you stole dia-
mond pin from man riding on Third
avenue car; you were certainly guilty
of that crime? A.-Under the law, |
guess was. But that man showed he
was very ignorant by wearing a big
bulky stone in his tie that day. He
was one of those ignorant Jews who
know nothing whatever about etiquette
or style. A man of wealth and intel
ligence who had been accustomed To
luxuries would never have worn such
snowy stone as that man had III his
lie. 1t was the essence of ignorance.
| know what I'm talking about, for |
moved in good society in my time.
Q-You seem to possess intelligence,
aud it seems a pity that man with
such intelligence as you possess should
become a common thief. Al was
not always thief. simply went into
the business for the purpose of gaining
an easy living. The first crooked
work l did was in the city of Chicago.
| made considerable money at the
business and always managed to dress
neatly, and for that reason it was an
easy matter for me to carry on my
profession.
Q.-Do you consider it profession.
A.-Why, certainly.
Q.-Do you mind telling me how
you work when you're in crowd !?
A.-For instance, 1 have this silk-lined
overcoat on my arm, and it is very
easy matter to shove my overcoat up
close to person so that my right hand
can work in the PERSONS pocket while
the overcoat shuts off his view.
"Well," said the recorder, "you are
certainly most peculiar fellow.
However, 1 think it would be a good
thing for the community to get rid of
you, so I will sentence"-
"One minute" exclaimed the pris-
oner, raising his right hand, and inter-
rupting the recorder, 'just a minute.
1 have something wish to say before
you pass sentence"
"Well, suppose you wish to'-
"Just wait minute" said the pris-
oner, again interrupting the recorder,
"I'm not going to appeal to you for
mercy. I've never done that yet and
I've been in a good many of them.
When I'm convicted 1 generally take
what's coming to me without MUIR
mur. I've served good many terms
in prison and nobody ever heard me
make any kind of an appeal for lenity.
If man adopts thieving as profess
sion, he must expect to accept trouble
that he may get after he goes into the