The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-05-01
TEE GYPSIES DRIVEN OUT
Decisive Action Taken by the Vir-
ginia Authorities.
The AssniInnts of Miss Ferguson Ar
rested ana Heavily Fined - \
SheriH's Posse Escorts the Unwel-
come visitors 10 the Chain Bridge.

Driven to action by the repeated dspre-
dations of the band of gypsies that have
gained considerable notorety by reason
of their supposed connection with the dis
appearance of Willie Mccormick. Consta-
BILE McMarcey. of Alexandria County, yes
terday swore in number Of deputies and
accompanied by Magistrate Donaldson
visited the camp about three-quarters of
n mile from the south end of the Chain
Bridge and drove the intruders out of the
State of Virginia. They crossed the bridge
and passing around to the north and west
of Georgetown encamped for the night in
the vicinity of Bethesda. This morning
they will continue their journey, with
Pittsburg as their objective point.
Miss Ferguson, who was robbed of her
pocketboox by seven of the band while on
her way to school Monday morning, ac-
oompanied the State officials. and after
the gypsies were lined UP she picked out
her assailants. who. after being tried on
the spot. were fined sS7Sl. which was
paid. The offenders gave the names of
Mary Nadia Judice. Anna Michirdona.
Mary Michel, Ferna Chacost, Maryer
Denntro, Ivan Fendrie, and Peter Memi7
tro The action OF the Alexandria County
officials was rather unexpected to the
Washington authorities and was prooa-
bly, hastened by the report of several 9TH
er hfghhanded- acts by the members of
the band.
The first information the county Of
ficials received Of the threatening atti-
tude of the wanderers was contained IN
a telegram from Inspector BOardman
conveying report that was made to
him by b. I. Janney, Chairman OF the
Georgetown Citizens Association. There
was nothing for the sheriff or his assist
ants to do until the return of Miss tergu-
son to her home in Langley. When she
arrived the entire story OF the hold-up
was related to the sheriff, who directed
that the camp should be searched the tol-
lowing morning. In the meantime the
gypsies had been intimidating the un-
protected residents in the vicinity OF the
camp, and one lady reported that she
had been stopped on the road and com
PEELED to give the gypsies three heaNy
gold rings she wore. She was fortunately
able to secrete her wedding ring and was
thus able to save it.
Yesterday morning Constable McMarcey
assembled his deputies at the home of
John CAN'T. Miss Ferguson's uncle, in
Langley, and. after swearing them into
the service of the State, marched TO the
gypsies' camp. He was accompanied by
Miss Ferguson and her uncle. AS they
neared the camp the party spread out
and the gypsies We're surrounded. After
informing them as to the nature of his
business with them the constable quickly
lined up all of the gypsies along the
roadside, and without hesitation Miss
Ferguson identified those who had per-
secuted her and relieved her Of her
pockctbook. Magistrate Donaldson, who
accompanied the party, convened court
upon the spot and, after a short trial.
asse ssed fines and costs which amounted
to S1H. The band was also informed
that they would be compelled to leave
the county at once.
For a time trouble was feared, as the
foreigners appeared to be in an ugly mood.
They were escorted to the Chain Bridge
by the constable and his posse without
accident, where they crossed over into
the District and headed toward this city.
They followed the New Cut Road to Thir-
ty-iifth Street. where they turned north
and took the road for Rockville. They
expected to camp for the night at a point
just beyond the District line. 1t is their
purpose. they say, to push rapidly on to
Pittsburg.
Detective O'Connell. who represents the
New York police department, received in
formation here about the time that the
gypsies were breaking camp in Virginia
that Michel, the father of the girls who
were arrested. charged with being impll-
Gated in the Mccormick kidnapping case,
had returned TO the camp and had with
him little white boy that was thought
might be Willie Mccormick. He hurried
to the old camp. but found IL deserted. 1t
is his purpose to overtake the gypsies and
see II there is any foundation for the re-
port.