Omaha daily bee., 1902-12-30
.HUMBERTS SAFE IN PRISON
Noted Persons Arrive in Paris at an
Early Hour,
FRENCH SOCIAL CIRCLES DISTURBED
Many Important People Are Likely
TO BE implicated During the
Trial of Accused
Family.

PARIS. Dec. 29.-The members Of the
Humbert family, recently arrested in
Madrid in connection with the great safe
frauds in this city, arrived at Orleans rail-
road station here at 7:40 O'Clock this morn
ing. There was no demonstration. The
prisoners we're conducted to the prison.
The arrival Of the Humberts was devoid
Of sensational Incidents, as the French po-
lice had chosen an hour for their return
here when Paris vas only half awake. The
crowd at the railroad station was compare
lively small. But a large force OF police
and soldiers, mounted and on foot, was
drawn up in front OF the station and
guarded all the street approaches in order
to prevent the possibility Of a popular lem
onstration.
A number Of chief functionaries OF the
prefecture were on hand to personally SUI
perintend the prisoners arrival. The men
and women of the Humbert party we're
kept separated during the trip from Madrid
to Paris and they were brought from the
train in two separate parties.
The women came first, leaning on the
arms of the officers. Madam Humbert was
dressed in black and was yelled. but was
readily recognized by her stout figure. Her
young daughter, Eva, was the most pathetic
looking Of the women. Madam Humbert
was followed by her daughter, who did not
show the bravado she exhibited at Madrid,
but was pale and appeared disconsolate.
Frederick Humbert. Madam Humbert's
husband, looked broken down. D. T. Ro-
main d'Aurignac and his wife, Emile, main
tanned the calm. defiant attitude they had
shown throughout. NJ. Aurignac still wore
a spanish beard, which had served him as a
disguise.
The party passed through double lines Of
police to the carriages in waiting. Detach-
ments OF mounted police officers surrounded
the vehicles. which were driven at a rafting
pace through the gathering crowds to the
concergerie, where minute preparations had
been made to receive the prisoners.
The return Of the Fumberts to Paris is the
absorbing topic for discussion throughout
the city, indeed throughout France, as no
event since the return of Dreyfus has
aroused such intense interest. All classes
OF society are equally interested, as the
Humberts' frauds we're so colossal and so
interviewer with some OF the foremost per-
sonages in France that their return was
viewed with apprehension.
Crowds from all parts OF the city we're
ready to assemble at the station and give
the prisoners a disorderly reception, but
the secrecy Of the police bafied the plans Of
the mobs and permitted the Humberts to
be landed silently and swiftly inside the
gray walls Of the prison.
The public had doubted the sincerity of
the government in ever attempting to bring
back the fugitives, owing 10 the political
and social shock which was sure to follow,
but the arrival Of the prisoners is now gen.
orally accepted as showing the purpose Of
the authorities to spare no means for the
prosecution and punishment of the accused.
The plans for the prosecution Of the Hum
berts have not yet been announced.
Owing to the belief OF the authorities that
Eva Humbert was the innocent victim OF
her mothers operations they proposed to
intrust her to the custody OF her grand
mother. Nine. Gustave Humbert, widow Of
the former minister of justice in the De
Precinct cabinet, but Mile. Eva positively
declined the proposal, declaring her purpose
to remain with her mother in prison.
TIL attitude OF the girl excites universal
sympathy.
Later in the day, Eva Humbert was given
into charge OF her grandmother, who pre-
vailed upon the child to accompany her
home. The judges during the day ~interro-
gated members Of the family. This was
confined to questions Of identity.
The judges did not enter upon the merits
OF the case, as Nine, Humbert and the other
chief figures were too overcome with ex-
element and fatigue. Nine. Humbert COM
planned Of feeling sick and a doctor was
hastily summoned, but he said there was
nothing serious in her condition.
The police continue their strict precau-
tions against the possibilities Of suicide.
Everything which could be used in self
destruction was taken from the nrIsnnArs