New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-12-20
CUDAHY'S SON KIDNAPPED
son OF WEALTHY OMAHA PACKER
MISSING-LETTER OFFERING HIS
SAFE Return FOR SO. 600.


Omaha, Neb. Dec 19-Edward A Cudahy ir
fifteen years old. son OF Edward A. Cudahy
millionaire packer and head Of the Cudahy Pack
ing Company in Omaha. is missing from his
home in this city. and his parents believe he has
been kidnapped. The entire police force and de-
tective force of the city and half hundred men
employed by Mr.. Cudahy have been securing
the city and country throughout the day in the
hope of locating the young man or securing
clew which would lead 10 q knowledge of where
he is. but without success. Business at Mr.
Cudahy's packing plant in South Omaha was
practically suspended to-day nearly the entire
force there joining in the search. The boys
parents are distracted at his disappearance. and
the father has offered TO pay a substantial re-
ward and no questions asked. if his son shall
be returned to his home. An anonymous letter
has been received at the Cudahy home, sub
stantiating the fears of the family that he has
been kidnapped
Young Cudahy left home at s o'clock last
night to take some books to the house of Cap
tain Rustin, about two blocks distant. and
that was the last seen of him. AS midnight
arrived and he did not return the police were
informed, and two detectives were detailed to
work on the case. II not until nearly
o'clock this morning, however. that the matter
began TO assume a really serious aspect. AT
that hour a man on horseback rode rapidly by
the Cudahy mansion, and as he passed the front
gate he threw letter into the yard. servant
took the letter into the house. where it was read
1t was in substance:
Mr.. E. A Cudahy:
Your son is zafe. We have him and will take
good care Of him, and will return him TO you IN
business JACK.
The remainder of the note the police refuse
at present 10 disclose, they say it relates TO
the place where the money is to be left and
where the kidnappers are 20 leave the boy in
case Mr.. Cudahy complies with their terms.
The servant who saw the man on horseback was
able TO give a good description of him. and this
is the clew on which the police are working at
present.
OF studious turn of mind. the young man
was much devoted 70 his home, and was idolzed
by his parents, being the only boy in a family
of five children. Mr. Cudahy says he is willing
10 pay liberal reward for the return of his son.
As TO the anonymous letter, however, be is un-
decided as to whether il enanates from the kid
nappers or from some crank who threw II in
the yard with no purpose other than creating
furOr.
AS TO the methods employed in the kidnap-
ping little is known at present but II is believed
by some that young Edward was decoyed away
through the instrUpentality Of a boy about his
own age, two youths. one Of whom answered
the description OF young Cudahy, were seen on a
Leavenworth-st. car, west bound, shortly before
midnight. II appears that Charles W. Martln
an insurance agent, living near Mr.. Cudahy S
home while passing along the block in the rear
Of the house last evening saw a covered wagon
standing in the shadow of a clump Of trees
One man sat in the wagon and was talking 10
another man who stood on the ground. When
Mr.. Martin was passing they dropped their
voices 10 an inaudibe pitch He did not attach
much Importance 10 il until he heard OF the dis
appearance of young Cudahy. companion or
Cudahy also recollects seeing vehicle standing
for two or three nights near the Cudahy home.
young lad known Alvin" who recently
broke an arm and who lives few blocks from
the Cudahy mansion, was seen leaving car IN
the western part Of the city about midnight,
being assisted by a companion near his own
age. The police believe the injured boy was a
friend Of young Cudahy, -and-ere now looking
for young Alvin.
Haunts Of mysterious strangers and KNOWN
outlaws are being vigorously searched or kept
under surveillance. Three OF four OF these
places were -ansacked by the police In course
Of the CAV. but without result
Tonight fresh squad Of police and detec-
.ives. and several special men, were added TO
the force now searching for some cleW 10 the
sudden disappearance. Mr.. Cudahy Is spar1ng
no expense in the search for his missing SON
Melville Sears attorney for IT. Cudahy, is IN
charge of the men. and nothing is being LETT
undone TO throw light on the mystery.
In course Of the day Mr. Cudahy sent tele-
grams TO cities Throughout the country far ana
near. each Of which gave description or the
boy The young man is described as hftee1
years old, weight 12O pounds; height IeeL .
inches; complexion, light; nose retrousse. he
wore a gray suit Of clothes and a black over
coat with black velvet collar