The Savannah morning news., 1901-07-23
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BURGLAR TURNS ARTIST.
"split the Wind" Learned 10 DO Fine
work In Prison.


work In Prison.
From the Philadelphia Record.
Edward j. Dunlap-poet, painter,
burglar-who for more than thirty
years had been classed among the most
adept thieves in this country, walked
out of the Eastern penitentiary yes
terday. after having served a ten years
sentence, to take up the thread of life
anew. Upon his release he went
straight to the Office of Chief OF De-
tectives Miller.
Il shall never go back to the old
life" he said to Chief Miller. Il am
getting old. and these many years in
prison-my crimes, have weighted down
my advancing years tenfold. The re-
mainder of my life shall be spent in
honest, honorable living" The aged
man shook with emotion, and he left
the City Hall weeping.
Caught by His own Device.
Dunlap, who was known as split the
Wind" is one of the most interesting
characters in the annals of crime. He
belonged to a wealthy Southern fam
lily, graduated from Princeton Univer-
sity with high honors, and soon after
ward entered the Union army and
fought through the Civil War.
1t was while he was serving a long
term in Sing Sing that he invented a
burglar-catching device, and this he
sold to a stock company for $4,000.
Strange to say, years afterward he was
caught and held fast in one of these
devices while robbing a house down.
town. This capture, accomplished In
such remarkable manner. put an end
to series of daring robberies that he
had committed in Philadelphia, and in
1894 he began sentence of ten years
in the Eastern peniteptiary. Through
the communication law recently passed
by the Legislature nearly three years
were taken from his sentence.
Learned TO Paint In Prison.
While a celebrated physician was
making a tour of inspection through
the prison several years ago his arten-
ton was attracted to Dunlap by several
original drawings in the prisoners cell.
The work had been finely executed, and
was that of a master hand. The physi-
clans interest in the unfortunate pris-
on artist was keenly aroused. with the
result that Dunlap was furnished with
work from the Jefferson Hospital Coll
lege professors, and also from the Uni
versity of Pennsylvania.
This work which consisted chiefly in
chart and anatomical drawings, was
highly satisfactory and is declared to
be the finest ever executed in this coun-
try. The prisoner was paid generously
for his work, and the money he receiv-
ed will place him beyond all pecuniary
want for the rest of his life. He Will,
however, continue In his drawing and
painting. and has been assured of con-
tinuous employment by his physician
patrons His skill as an artist was de-
veloped in the Eastern penitentiary.
He also spent much time In writing
poetry. and II is said these poems will
be published in the near future. Dunlap
came to Philadelphia about twelve
years ago. after long term of impris-
,onment. He appealed to ex-City Treas
urer W. Redwood Wright, with whom
he had fought shoulder to shoulder in
the Civil War. Mr.. Wright was anx-
ious to assist his old comrade In arms,
aud a well-paying position was given
him. All went well until one day when
Dunlap was captured red-handed in his
own burglar ca tching device.
The released prisoner started last
night for a summer resort, where he
will remain until September, and then
re turn to take up his work as an artist.