The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-04-04
CONSPIRACY THE CHARGE
Thomas ii. PickfOrd Causes the
Arrest of Two Men.
Accuses Ferdinand Hopp and James
Hudson With Trying to Defrnud
Him in Connection with the Mary
Innd Arson Case-Poiice Set "a Trnp

Hudson With Trying to Defrnud
Him in Connection With the Mary
Innd Arson Cnse-Poiice Set 81 Trap
The arrest last night of Ferdinand
Hopp. manager of the Twentieth Century
Innchroom, 62S Pennsylvania Avenue
northwest, and James Hudson, painter
and frescoer. residing at the Colonial Ho-
tel. comes as a sequel to charges of arson
brought last week against prominent busi-
ness men of this city. Thomas H. Pick
ford. grocer at Ninth Street and Louisi-
ana Avenue northwest. appears as COM
plainant against the men. Conspiracy to
defraud Pickford out of divers sums of
money is the charge against them.
As in the cases last week, the charges
on which Hopp and Hudson are held ap-
pear to have their origin indirectly in
the burning of residence at Four Cor
ners Montgomery County, Md, more
than three years ago. This dwelling was
owned by Pickford and John III. Walter
q local real estate dealer, it is said, ana
was practically destroyed by fire. SAID 10
have been of doubtful origin AT that
time investigation was made by the Mary
land authorities, to learn the origin anu
circumstances of the fire, but for some
reason the matter did not fully develop
until last week.
According to the admission of Hudson,
now under arrest. testimony on which
reouisition wis based by the State OF
Maryland, requesting the custody OF PICK
ford, Walter Aaron Bradshaw and Gran
VILE c. Shaw, all well-kuown residents
OF the District, was given by him betore
the grand jury for Montgomery County
Nd, several weeks ago. An indictment
,l 1ol n
reuuisition. which was not honored when
presented to the local authorities. Wal
teI. Bradshaw, and Shaw went before
Chief Justice Bingham, who directed
their release. because of lack of evidence
on which to surrender them to the Mary
lard Jurisdiction. Piclford, on the other
hand heard of the charges of arson set
forth in the requistion. and went to
Rockville voluntarily. where he gave
bond in the sum of $500 for his appear
ance for trial when wanted.
After returning here, Pickford alleges
that he was approached on several oc-
cssions by Hopp whom he had known
for some time. and who is said to be
friend of Hudson At such times. ac-
cortiing to Pickford, Hopp has suggested
that the charge of arson against him
might be done away with, practically,
should the main witness for the State of
Maryland be persuaded to get out of the
way. 1t was alleged, moreover, that
Hudson was such witness, and Pickford
says the suggestion of undertaking the
delicate matter of having Hudson disap-
pear was made to him by Hopp
At subsequent meetings between Pick
ford and Hopp. held during last week
detectives Heian and McNamee Were
secreted in the room, where they could
hear the drift of the conversation. This
was done by the authorities at the re-
quest Of Pickford, who made complaint
on Friday last to Inspector Boardman
that he was the victim of conspiracy to
cheat and defraud him
1t is said that compromising language
was overheard by the detectives at more
than one meeting between Pickford and
liopp. held at the store of the former. on
LOUISIANA Avenue northwest Yesterday
was liked as the final meeting between
the men, when, IL is said certain money
and papers were to pass hands The
meeting took place shortly after o'clock
the detectives being secreted as before
Prior 10 the hour named marked bills to
the amount of 500. together with a note
Tor S3@a. were examined by the detec-
tiNes, who assisted Pickford in marking
the money.
All was in readiness when Hopp arrived
at the store. Pfckford met him. Just
what conversation took place is not
the 900 in bills, together with the note
for SS,s9. from Pickford. and left the
store. He was followed by the detectives
TO his lunchroom On Pennsylvanfa Ave
me, where he is said to have joiued Hud-
son, VINO was waiting for him Both men
were then arrested and taken to head
quarters. While there they were searched
ana the police say the marked 500 and
Ente were found in the possession of
Hopp. Shortly afterward the prisoners
Nere locked uD in default Of bond in the
Besides the transaction of YESTERDAY
llchiord claims to have previously given
topp receipt for sum OF money due
dertakiug which the latter had broached
ana which eventually led TO the arrests
yesterday. Formerly Hopp was a stew
ara employed at the Colonial Hotel
Where, according to the police, he met
hudson about two years ago When th,
project of opening q lunchroom was con-
sidered 1t appears that Hopp turned to
tlckIord Tor assistance. The latter clHirns
l" have advanced some money and to
have given Hopp credit at his store 1t
WAS Ior this money and goods said TO
nave been secured by Hopp at the Pick
1oru establishment during several months
past that the police believe Hopp sought
ard obtained the receipt given him by
fickford last Monday afternoon. Pick
Iord claims II was part of the alleged
scheme to defraud him. but saws ht. took
no action until proof against both Hopp
and Hudson could be obtained. The sum
involved in the receipt was $3.50
Hudson was seen last night at the
station. He said his arrest was a sur
prise to him.
II have known Hopp little more than
two years, he said. Il have lived i'm
u ashinGton since 1864. and was once be-
fore arrested for trivial offence. II is
true Hopp has made the suggestion II
me on several occasions that / leave the
city for a time. to take a rest, and do not
appear as witness In the case which [
understand is now pending against Pick
has faU1
one Of the family of Pickford is III; that
II will add greatly to complications aris-
Ing from the matter. should | press the
case, as witness, and that ample funds