The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-06-14
WANTED MONEY.
Lillian Walsh Says That is What
She Was After Watson For.
The Central Figure of the mankato.Ka.
sofa Case Is in Trouble ia
Mime apolis.

Minneapolis Tribune:
Lillian Walsh, 81 years old, was
guest at police headquarters Friday.
Her visit was an enforced one.
Escorted by Detective Fairburn she
called upon Capt. King, at the latter's
request. At the close of somewhat
sensational conversation in the Office
of the chief of detective she was placed
in the custody of Detective Fairburn
and taken to the Office of the county
attorney.
The police maintain they will pre-
fer charge of blackmail against the
woman, who they state has assumed
the name of Edith Watson during her
residence in Minneapolis.
Capt. King resorted to a clever
|scheme--in order to obtain the evidence
with which to substantiate the charge
in question.
Some days ago his advice was sought
by William NJ. Watson, foreman of the
Cedar Lake Ice company, who resides
at 2SO7 Garfield avenue. He represent
ed that he was being annoyed by the
actions of woman known to him as
Edith Watson, and who insisted that
unless she was paid a certain sum of
money would seek his wife and maIign
his character to her.
The woman in question was living
at 1905 Hennepin avenue, and the
police claimed that they ascertained
her name was Lillian Walsh, who had
had somewhat unfortunate career in
Mankato and other cities in the state.
She was summoned to police head
quarters Thursday morning and asked
by Capt. King as to the meaning of
her actions in annoying Mr.. Watson
She replied that she wanted money.
She was then advised to reflect on her
conduct in the matter and also to seek
the counsel of an attorney or friend in
order that she might have a proper
conception of her position in attempt
ing to do what she admitted she tried
to effect
Her answer was to be given yester-
day. When she appeared at police
headquarters she contented herself
with simply stating that her intentions
were still the same. Capt. King then
asked her how much money she desir-
ed, and when told by her that the sum
of $50 would be sufficient, asked her if
she would sign receipt for the
amount, also STIMULATING that Mr..
Watson would not be called upon again
by her for any additional sum. She
agreed and the following receipt was
written and signed by her in the pres
ence of Mr.. Watson and the chief of
detectives: ''This is to certify that
for the sum of $50 promise to release
| Mr.. Watson from all claims 1 now
have or may have against him, and
that l also promise not to bother his
family again"
Previous to this arrangement being
made, Capt. King had stationed two
detectives in such position outside
his office so that thy could see and hear
what was transporting. AS soon as the
woman had signed the agreement in
question he called them in.
The woman still maintained perfect
| composure and asserted that she still
intended to obtain money from Mr..
Watson. She was then placed in the
, custody Of Detective Fairburn, and
accompanied by Mr.. Watson, the ad-
vice of the county attorney was
sought. Her only comment about the
matter was that she wished the police
would have some one take charge of
her bicycle.