Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-01-02
Dress Cutting Episode in New York
of local Interest.
MAN CHARGED Was NAMED MAX KREBS
Description Corresponds With That
Of Alleged Offender Here
OPINION OF TIE CASE

dress-cutting episode of comparative
recent occurrence in New York is being in
Vestigated by the local police and court au-
thorities in the belief that some light may
De thrown upon the same vandalism which
has been rampant in Washington during
the past few months. The police are espe-
| ciaily interested in the New York case
lEasmuch as the name and description of
the party arrested there and charged with
the crime. it is alleged, corresponds largely
with the young German arrested last week
III this city for a ike offense. Whether or
not there is any connection between the two
cccurrenceS-Whether or not both offenses
were committed by the same person-is the
object of the investigation that has been
set foot.
Assistant District Attorney Pugh, who
mas charge of the prosecutions in the Po-
That he was convinced the crime in New
York and the recent skirt slashings in
Washington are the work of the same in
dlVldual, who is evidently affected with
mania for destroying womens outer gar
mentS.
Max krebS. German bartender, employ
ed at present by the Washington Saenger-
bund. is under charges of destroying pri-
Vate property in cutting the dress skirt of
d lady last week, and is out on bail. At
the time of his preliminary hearing he de-
IhhIutu JURY lTldl, ana retained Z.
Maurice Smith counsel. The date of his
trial has not been fixed.
His Arrival Here.
krebs, according to all accounts obtain
able, came to Washington about six
months ago and first found employment at
restaurant. Later he met some of the
Well-to-do German residents of Washing
ten, and a place was found for him at
the Saengerbund hall. OF innocent and
youthful face and bearing, he has not the
appearance of a man inclined to malice,
and those with whom he has been thrown
In contact since his arrival here all testify
that he is an honest, Woodworking Ger
man boy, who speaks but little English.
krebs has stated, it is said, that he came
to Washington directly after his arrival
in this country.
Information has come to the police, how
ever, that young German named krebs
was arrested in New York city December
y, 1898. charged with skirt cutting. His
arrest followed series of deSpolia tons of
womens garments in the metropolis that
had set the women in that city in fright.
When arrested the man gave his name to
the New York authorities as Herman Max
krebs. He said he was a German, nine
teen years of age and could speak but
few words of English. Upon being searched
krebs was found to have a new penknife
in his overcoat pocket. In his possession
was also found pass signed by the project
of police of Dresden, bearing date of Sep
TENDER p, 1897. Later among his effects
man represented playing the violin.
Several pawn tickets were also upon his
person.
The New York Case.
The complainant against this Herman
Max Krebs was Mrs. Catherine Nelson of
80 East 129th street, New York. She had
noticed a tall young man, fairly well
hind her while she was in a store engaged
in Christmas shopping. She turned to ask
him what he meant, when she discovered
her silk skirt was cut in several places
The young man started to leave the store,
but was caught by two floor walkers, who
held him until the police arrived. The
young man gave his residence as the lodg-
ing house at the southeast corner of Hous-
ton street and the Bowery.
krebs was identified at police headquar-
tiers in New York the young man who
had been arrested there December ), 1897
on charge of picking pockets at the Eden
Musee. He admitted he was the original of
a photograph in the rogues' gallery, and
claimed to be civil engineer by profess
sion. He was held in $1,000 bail to await
trial
Just what The final disposition of the case
was the w ashington police have not deii-
mtely ascertained as yet. They have COM
municated with the New York authorities
on the subject and will probably be fully
informed.
The similarity of name and offense'
said Prosecuting Attorney Pugh this after
noon. gives rise to the belief that there
may be some connection between the WASH
ington krebs and the New York German
boy of the same lame. There is not one
link in the chain, far as we are at pres
ent informed. that does not draw one to
the same conclusion 1t would seem to he
convincing, and | believe something inter-
esting will develop from this inquiry"