The St. Louis Republic., 1902-05-11
Mr.. FOLK MORE CONFIDENT.
Thinks the kratz Case Has Taken
on Hopeful Phase.
The Republic Bureau.
i4th st. and Pennsylvania Ave

/
| 18th st. and Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington. May 10.-Joseph w. Folk,
| Circuit Attorney for st. Louis, reached
| Washington this morning to follow up his
| efforts for the extradition Of Charles Kratz.
the fugitive from justice. AS a result of
! his work Mr.. Folk feels confident that
| and i seems that this outcome is more
| promising than It has been heretofore. The
case has taken on somewhat more hope
| ful phase as a result of Mr. Folks visit to
| the capital.
This morning Mr.. Folk had a conference
Win senators Cockrel and Cullom at the
Capitol. The details of the case were dis
cussed and the Missouri Senator will make
renewed EFFORTS to secure extradition. Mr..
and was cordially received by Secretary ]
Hay. who has watched this case closely and
| is interested in having justice done. The
also consulted and the authorities on extra
dition were examined closely. Mr.. Folk
called attention to decisions that treaties
dition. g standard authority with the State
Department.: also the decision to the
by the United States Court in the case Of
Gincomi in Blatchfords reports. This fact
Is important and would seem to open the
event of a supplemental treaty being made
by this Government and Mexico for the ex-
tradition Of persons charged with bribery.
The officials Of the department and Mr..
Folk decline to explain just what steps will
be taken. but It is learned that the plan Is
p9GTs or treaty. which
der the decisions quoted this would prob
ably effect the return of Kratz unless the
treaty should expressly state that It Is not
retroactive. As an exception of this kind
Is not often noted in treaties. 1t would seem
that the prospects for the return of Kratz
improved in consequence of Mr. Folks work
to-day. Before going to the department,
MI. Folk had talk with Senator Cul.om Of
eIsn Relations. The Senator was respon-
sive to the suggestion that bribery should
doubt that it will be added in due time to
all existing treaties and be made a part Of
new ones.
The officials Of the department say that
the reason bribery has not been included
heretofore Is that. while bribery is a COM
men offense, legal prooL of 1t is rere-in
first to be brought to the attention of the
department with a request for extradition.
The officials have felt much interest in the
case. and especially in the alp3sure of mu-
nicipal corruption in st. Louis, and they
will do all in their power to aid in bringing
the booders to trial
II Is understood that there are now two
fugitives-John X. Murrell and Charles
Kratz-harbored in Mexico. Mr. Folk hopes
authorities have held that fugitives of this
character have no vested rights. and that
the rule of en post facto does not apply in
their case, and unless the Mexican Govern
ment declines to negotiate a new treaty or
the courts there intervene to prevent the
return of Kratz and Murrell. 1t seems prob
able that these fugitives may be brought
back to st. Louis.
Mr.. Folk departed for home at 7:15 this
evening. Before taking the train he said to
The Republic correspondent:
IT feel entirely satisfied with the result
of my visit to Washington. 1 believe that
the officials of the State Department will
do all in thei- power to aid us in giving
Kratz and other fugitives their just deserts.
l feel that the question of extradltng per-
sons charged with bribery Is most serious
one and 1t has been my aim to use every
legitimate effort to get them back. wanted
to leave nothing undone. and 50 came in
person to see the officials of the Govern
ment.
''While do not desire to be understood as
being optimistic as to Kratz's return IL he
is not eventually sent to the Missouri PEN
ftentiary II will be because the United States
Government is powerless to nring him within
the Jurisdiction Of the court in which he Is
charged"
The State Department officials declined to
discuss the matter to-day for publication.
They would only say that Mr.. Folk had been
there in person, but that there was nothing
to be given out concerning his visit.