Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-08-16

Arthur Harris.
Capt. George W. McClusky of the New
York detective bureau. and its contents
were promptly telephoned to the several
police stations. Arthur Harris We'll
known to the older officers of the fifth pre-
cinct. but they had almost forgotten him,
for he left here seven years ago Before
his departure. it is said he was a quiet
and inoffensive young man. His parents
then lived directly opposite the fifth police
station. As a boy he always played with
white children.
During his younger days he frequently
did odd jobs about the house of Sergeant
Mulhall. 1t the belief of the officers
who knew him that he left here to attend
college in some other city. but this proves
to have been mistaken view. He lived
in Jersey City and other places. and only
few weeks ago he went to the Tender
loin' district in New York city. where he
resided with his common law wife. Be
cause of his Interference with Policeman
Thorpe when the latter was arresting the
woman the culored man was dubbed and
the policeman was stabbed.
His Arrival in Washington.
Harris reached this city yesterday morn
ing about ; o'clock. not knowing. it is said
of the seriousness of the crime charged
against him He went to the house where
his mother lived seven years ago. and
found that she had moved. 1t was neces-
her present address. In this way other
people became aware OF his return. and by
reason of his inquiries Policeman McLucas
learned of his presence in the city.
At o'clock roll call last night Lieut..
McCathran, as well the lieutenants in
other precincts. read to the men going on
duty the descriptive circular that had been
received and reprinted in the local police
bulletin as follows:
trfh IJar y5n,-
skin, twenty-eight years, five feet ten. me-
dunn build. smooth face. large lips. scar on
thigh of right leg from knife wound ire
cent?. not healed: blue serge sauare-cut
coat and pants. blue undertaking no shirt
or collar, derby hat, russell bicycle shoes.
dark stockings with yellow stripes cut on
top of head and other bruises wounds;
his mother is said to live in this CITY:
wanted In New York city for the murder
of police officer. night of Ilth instant"
With the exception of the age. the de-
scription was perfect, every garment being
accurately described. After Policeman Nc
Lucas had received the informa ton con-
corning the mans presence in this city he
saw Sergeant Mulhall and the latter sum-
moned Policemen Dent. Foster. Haycock
Brown and Owens from the adjoining beats.
and about 3 o'clock they wen; TO the house
Of the colored mans mother.
Wnx Found I'm Red.
When the house had been surrounded
Policemen McLucas, Foster and Owens en-
tered through the front door, which was
found to be unlocked. and went upstairs
where they found Harris in bed. The latter
was very much surprised when he saw the
officers and he tried to make them believe
that his name Williams
II work down in the brick yard he said
AT first he was inclined to be ugly. but
seeing there We're too many policemen for
him to handle he submitted to arrest and
put on the clothing mentioned in the de-
fir of g,l,S h.
cut on his head and then they We're certain
that they had the right man. Seeing there
was no escape he soon afterward admitted
his identity and started with his captors
toward the police station.
Confident of AcquittaI
Harris was still. unaware of the nature
of the crime charged against him. He
knew nothing of the riot that occurred
last night nor did he know of the death of
his victim.
TN get out of this scrape all right he
said to Sergeant Mulhall, whom he knew
This is more serious than You think"
the sergeant told him.
Then it amt no laughing matter" added
the prisoner
that occurred when he used his penknife on
the policeman. He was on the street at
41st street and Sth avenue Sunday night
he said, with his common law wife. as he
rant for a cigar. When he returned, he
said. the officer. who was in citizens
clothes, had hold of the woman, and he
(Harris) walked up and asked:
What are you doing with my wife,
Don't NEEDLE with me- is what he says
the policeman told him.
Harris said he took hold of the officer
not knowing of his official character. and
when he did the latter struck him with
his blackjack
Then" he said. Il pulled out my pen
knife and l think | cut him twice.
He thought he cut him in the chest and
stomach. He said he had no idea that he
had killed the officer. and, not wanting 10
here.
Informed of Officers Death.
1t was not until after he had been put in
a cell that he told of the officers death.
and then he anxiousy inquired:
do you think 1t is a case of the char?''
meaning the electric chair.
He added that he would save his life IL
given fair trial The prisoner intimated
that his plea will be self-defense. coupled
with the fact that he did not know Thorpe
was an officer of the law. While Harris
a requisition the officers decided not to sur
render him except upon presentation OF
the proper papers.
Inspector Boardman called up the New
York detective Office this morning on the
telephone and gave Captain McClusky the
Information of Harris arrest. The in
spector WAS told that an officer with a war
rant would leave for this city on the ear