The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-12-07

1Ta o testify against George O'Brien. the
alleged murderer of Linn Relfe.
Ia Fred Clayson and Lineman Olson
on the Yukon trail last winter, George
A. West, alias 'frhe Clear Kid n des-
perate criminal convicted and under SEN
tence Of Ave years for burglary committed
in this city last March. is now on his
wav from Seattle to Dawson.
In order to assist the Canadian au-
thnrit.es IN the conviction Of man who
IL guilty as charged Is fiend incarnate.
Prosecuting Attorney McElroy, of this
county, has. with the consent of the three
Judges of the superior court and Gov
Rogers. done something with few. II any
preceden.s. in the criminal annals of the
United States.
The statutes were vainly searched for
some provision that would allow West to
be taken out of the United States and
into foreign country for the purpose
OF testifying against OBrien. and finally
after six months of persistent effort on
the part of a Canadian secret service
agent sent here for the purpose. Prosecut-
ing Attorney McElroy cut the Gordian
knot aud virtually loaned West to the
Canadian authorities.
From the county jail. where for nine
months he had been a prisoner. a part
of ethe time awaiting trial and the re-
mainder under sentence, West was secret
IN remover iaSf MONDAY ana SninRsfed
aboard the steamer Topeka. which the
next morning sailed for skagway. The
officials Of King county had no desire
to conceal the fact OF Vests departure
hut kert the matter secre. at the re-
quest of the Canadian officer, Detective
Seeiey, who feared that II the news OF
tbs start of West to Dawson became pub
lic at once the friends of O'Brien on
the outside would be able to take steps
to at
cost.
The fact of Vests departure soon Leak
ed out. however. through statements made
by hts late companions In the county
iail, and Yesterday the matter was the
chief topic Of discussion In the under
world " Seattle. in which 1.-THE Clear
KID" is a wen known character.
There Is a difference OF opinion as TO
county, officials. Many members Of the
Seattle notice force, and practically all
Of Vests former associates in the dis
O'Brien's confidence before the terrible
trirle tragedy OF the Yukon trail and
murder and rob ged-laden KIondikers
bound out from Dawson over the ice Of the
Upper river. Is a fabrica lion pure and
simple. and that West, by the aid Of his
vivid Imagination has carried out sue
cessfuliy the first part of a carefully
laid plan To escape the Waila Walla peni-
Tertiary, behind the walls Of which he is
doomed TO five years AZ hard labor
These people argue that the Canadian
authorities are ignorant OF the fact that
KID" West Is desperate criminal, and
are likely TO allow him hts coveted oppof-
tunity OF escaping during the long Journey
over the snow and ice from Skagway 60
Dawson, whore O'Brien's trial is now W
progress Only eternal vigilance they
say. win prevent Vests escape from his
guards
on ne other hand, the county officers
who know the facts. and many OF he
Seattle police believe that IN view ~
thu fact that two % the victims Of the
Yukon trail tragedy, Relfe and Clayson.
were wei known and highly respected
Seattle men. the authorities here have
done cn'y their duty IN sending West
North Ia testify against o Rrien
They argue that Nesg Is telling the
truth In regard 20 o. Brien. and his former
friendship turned % loathing BY the Hat
isrs old-pieaded proposal gf murder and
robbery. win tell on the witness stand al
ne knows and supply the missing INK
30 the evidence against the alleged hofni-
eide West. they say, has all 10 gain
and nothing To lose hy such a course and
viii undoubtedly be well rewarded BY the