Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1900-01-03
lanes Pierce, Young Hunters
Companion on the River,
Taken Into Custody.
DENIES HE SAW MISSING MAN
BUT THREE WOMEN, WHO SAW
HIM ON THE RIVER, CONTRA
DICT HIS STATEMENT-POLICE
CLAIM TO HAVE FURTHER EVIL
DENCE.


DENCE.
Chester, Jan. 3.-The latest develop
ment in the mysterious Eyre case was
the arrest of James Pierce yesterday,
charged with the larceny of the skiff of
Bonsall G. Ladomus and entering the
boathouse Of the Alpha Boat Club.
The warrant was sworn out by Off
Ger O'Toole, who had been doing spe-
cial work on the Eyre case. He was
accompanied by Sergeant Leary, and
served the warrant at the house OF
Pierces father No. 35 Graham street,
at 1130 o'clock. Pierce was found in
the sitting room, and took the arrest
very quietly. He asked permission to
change his boots and clothes, and was
then taken to the City Hall by the back
streets in order not to attract atten-
tion. He retained Lawyer Joseph II.
Hinkson as his counsel.
In answer to questions from the
mayor, Pierce said he was So years of
age. and was born in Chester, where
he lived all his life. He followed fish
ing and cunning for a livelihood. The
mayor then read the complaint against
him.
INFORMATION IN RESERVE.
Officer O'Toole, the first witness, tes-
titled to swearing out the warrant on
information received. and added: Il
have some valuable information which
l cannot produce here today"
Chief of Police Berry, who was the
next witness, said: 1--WE are unable to-
day to produce witnesses since the ar
Irr fr,f Of NH will
connect this cunning skiff with James
Pierce, and we would ask that the case
be continued until we can subpoena
witnesses and have them before you"
Mr.. Hinkson was perfectly willing to
have the case go over until tomorrow
afternoon, which time was mutually
agreed upon. Bail for the prisoner was
fixed at $500, and James F. Pierce,
father Of the prisoner went his Sc
curity.
PIERCE ADMITS USING THE SKIFF
A number Of witnesses will be pro-
duced tomorrow to testify that Pierce
was seen with the Ladomus skiff on the
Delaware river. Aside from this evil
dence. Pierce has admitted that he had
the skiff in his possession.
1t would appear that the boathouse
was not robbed on the Thursday that
George B. Eyre disappeared, but the
exact date has not been determined. On
Wednesday Of last week the skiff wal
found floating on the river early in the
morning, and the chief has evidence
that it was set adrift not very fal
from the Alpha boathouse.
Pierce has denied absolutely that h'
saw Eyre on the Thursday Of his dis
appearance, or was in his company OF
that day. He also denied being on thl
river at all during the day, but yer,
frankly stated that he had gone duel
shooting in the evening.
WOMEN CONTRADICT PIERCE.
Contradictory evidence has been fur
nished by three women, Mrs. Lytle ant
Sophronia Lytle, who say they say
Pierce in Eyre's company, betweei
1890 and II o'clock, on Thursday morn
ing, walking towards the boathouse
Another witness states he observes
Pierce on the river. He kneY
him well, and is positive it was Pierc
he saw in boat.
ANONYMOUS LETTER CHARGE
JEALOUSY.
Chief Berry does not take muc
stock in anonymous communication
several Of which he has received, bu
he neglects nothing in conducting hi
investigation which may lead to a def
mite clue. Yesterday he received a lei
tr dated Station o, Philadelphia, Jar
uary 1, which stated that Eyre wa
murdered in or near Raccoon creel
The letter went on to say that he wa
not killed for plunder, but for jealous.
and that the clothing would be foun
to contain all that was on him whe
the young clubman disappeared. A d.
scriptiOn is given Of a man in the boz
with Eyre, but this description does NJ
tally with that of any man that II
chief has under suspicion in connectic
with the case. The letter is signed 8
]. r." and an effort has been mad
apparently, in the writing to deceil
the chief as to the intelligence Of Il
writer.
Common Council last night adopt
II. ]. Rileys joint resolution urgil
an appropriation of money to assist &
Police Department in preventing al
detecting crime. This resolution,
connection with the recommendati
Of the mayor, was referred to the T
llCe OOlunlLlet, III ConuttAlou win y
Ways and Means Committee. A met
ing will be held Thursday night to
the sum deemed adequate.
w. c. Sprier, keeper Of the ligl
house at the mouth of the Christia
river, last week found the false bl
tom of a cunning skiif, which may
a part OF the boat used by Eyre.
Sprier discovered the bottom drift
toward the shore and secured it.
thought nothing of the find until
disappearance of Eyre became gener
ly known.
The bottom is made Of pine boar
and was originally painted drab,
traces of this color can be seen on
1t is seven feet six inches long q
two feet wide. Two feet from one
the ends is a foot cleat. The cleat
made from a section of a wooden !
of a carriage wheel, which was ori
nally painted yellow. Il will be h
TO await examination by friends
Eyre.