The times., 1901-04-04
CONSPIRACY The CHARGE
Thomas III. PickfOrd Causes the
Arrest of Two Men.
Accuses Ferdinand Hopp and James
Hudson With Trying to Defraud
Him in Connection with the Mary
Iund Arson Case-Police Set Trap

a
Hudson With Trying to Defraud
Him in Connection with the Mary
Iund Arson Case-Police Set Trap
The arrest last night of Ferdinand
Hopp. manager of the Twentieth Century
Iunchroom. CPS Pennsylvania Avenue
northwest. and James Hudson, painter
and frescoer residing at the Colonial Ho-
tel. comes as a sequel 90 charges Of arson
brought last week against prominent bust
ness men Of this city. Thomas II. 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.
-Ns 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 a residence at Four Cor
ners. montgomery County, Md. more
than three years ago This dwelling was
owned by PickforG and John H. Waiter,
a local real estate dealer, it is said. ana
was practically destroyed by hre, sald 10
have been of doubtful origin. Al Cldl
time investigation was made by the Mary
land authorities, to learn the origin ana
circumstances of the ire but Tor some
reason the matter did not fully develop
until last week.
According to the admission of Hudson,
now under arrest. testimony on which
Yeq,lisition was 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 before
the grand jury for Montgomery county
Nd. several weeks ago. An indictment
found against Pickford ct al. led TO the
Teuuisition. which was not honored when
- presented to the local authorities. wal
ter. 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 Pickford, on the other
hand. heard of the charges OF arson set
forth in the requisition, and went to
Rockville voluntarily, where he gave
bond in the sum of $1,000 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 a
friend of Hudson At such times, ac-
cording 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
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 Hclan and McNamee Were
socrcted 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 a conspiracy to
cheat and defraud him.
IT is said that compromising language
Was overheard by the detectives at more
than one meeting between PickfoTd and
liopp. held at the store of the former on
Louisiana Avenue northwest. Yesterday
was fixed 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 o'clock
The detectives being secreted. as before.
Prior 10 the hour named marked bills to
the amount of 500 together with note
Tor s5,eS were examined by the detec-
tiNes, who assisted Pickford I'm marking
The money.
All was in readiness when Hopp arrived
al the store PickfOrd met him. Just
what conversation took place is not
known. but it is alleged that Hopp took
lhe Sz~l IN bllis, together with the note
for 5000, from Pickford. and left the
store. He was followed by the detectives
10 his iunChrOOm on Pennsylvania Ave
uue, where he is said TO have Joined Hud-
son, who was waiting for him Both men
were then arrested and taken to head
quarters. While there they We're searched
ana the police say the marked 500 and
note were found in the possession of
Iiopp Shortly afterward the prisoners
sum of s. 600 each.
Besides the transaction of yesterday
4lchiord claims 70 have previously given
topp a receipt for "a sum 81 money due
iin, because Of consideration OF the un-
deTtaklng which the latter had broached
and which eventually led to the arrests
yesterday Formerly HOpU was q stew
ard employed at the Colonial Hotel
where, according to the police, he met
hudson about two years ago. When the
project OF opening q iunchroOm WAS con-
s!oeFtd t appears that HOpp turned TO
FlcJord for assistance. The latter claims
10 have advanced some money and to
nave gwen HOpp credit at his store 1t
was for this money and goods said 10
have been secured by Hopp at the Pick
lord establishment during several months
past that the police believe Hopp sought
ard obtained the receipt given him by
fickfOrd last Monday afternoon. Pick
ford claims it was a part of the alleged
scheme To defraud him, but says he took
no action until proof against both Hopp
and Hudson could be obtained. The sum
involved in the receipt was $50
Hudson was seen last night at the
station He said his arrest was "A sur
prise 10 him.
ilaNs Hi4oHl T1opp Itlie more than
40 years he said Il have lived i'm
~ 1shingtOn since 1864. and was once be-
fore arrested FOR trivial offence IT is
true HODp has made the suggestion 70
me on several occasions that I leave the
city for q time. to take a rest nd do not
appear IS witness in the case which [
understand is now pending against Pick
ford IIopp. however. has told me that
one Of the family Of Pickford is in, that
u viii add greatly 10 complications aris-
Ing from the matter, should ! press the
case. as witness, and that ample funds