Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-19
ALEXANDRIA AFFAIRS
TWO MEN ALLEGED TO HAVE
BEEN STEALING COAL.
Adjudged to Be Guilty of Trespass and
Fined SIS Each-General
Matters.
Evening Star Bureau,
Tn1 Kin~ ctroak

Evening Star Bureau,
1O1 King street,
Bell Phone 1OS,
ALEXANDRIA, Va, January 10, 1903.
A somewhat unusual method for obtain
ing a coal supply was brought to light
by an investigation in the police court this
morning. 1t was stated that many white
residents of the section of the city where
several coal yards are located depend for
their fuel upon gleanfngs from emptied
railroad coal cars. This informa ton was
brought out in the examination of Howard
Davis and Robert Robey, residents of South
Lee street, who were charged by Officer
Nicholson with tampering with some coal
cars consigned to Mr.. D. w. Aitcheson
The policeman informed the mayor that he
had captured the two men last night in the
act of climbing into the cars Robey was
secured first and Davis was taken into Gus
mand to halt by discharging his pistol.
Later bag Of coal was found at the place,
but its possession was disclaimed by both
Of the accused. Nicholson said he had
watched the cars for considerable time
last night at the request of Mr.. Aitcheson
who informed him that the theft of fuel
from cars at that place had been occurring
| recently about every night The officer
stationed himself In secluded spot and his
vigil was rewarded in less than an hour by
the appearance of Davis and Robey.
Mr.. Aitcheson told the court that he had
been greatly annoyed Of late by inroads
made in the night upon his coal consign-
ments. In their own behalf the accused men
stated that they had been accustomed to
visiting empty coal cars for the purpose of
gathering the Jumps Of the fuel left In them
after they had been unloaded. He said it
was a practice followed daily by several
people. They declared they did not know
that the cars were loaded when they board
ed them and said they were only seeking the
usual gleanings. After hearing the evidence
Mayor Simpson said 1t was difficult to think
that men of the age and standing of the ac-
cused would be guilty Of stealing coal, but
he remarked it was evident that they had
been guilty of trespassing, for which he i'm
posed a fine of s. in each case.
Leona Roberts Dismissed.
Leona Roberts. who was arrested here
Saturday on the charge Of stealing silver
watch from the daughter of Mr. J. H.
Brown Of Hunters station. Fairfax county,
was allowed to leave Alexandria this morn
ing by Mayor Simpson, the complainant not
wishing to prosecute the case after the
property had been recovered. When ex-
amined before the mayor this morning the
woman admitted that she had been guilty Of
a larceny from the late DR.. ,Bechtel in this
city few years ago. She also admitted
having served several months in the Balti-
more city Jail on the charge of larceny, but
said that she was not guilty In that case.
would try to make her way to Atlantic
City. where she said she had relatives.
General Matters.
The anniversary Of the birth Of Gen. r. e.
Lee. which is state holiday. has been OBJ
served here today by the closing Of the
banks and public schools. This evening the
members of Lee Camp. Confederate Vet
Grams. will hold a banquet in Odd Fellows
Hall on North Columbus street. at which
speeches will be made by Senators Daniel
and Berry.
Funeral services over the remains of
Isaac w. Rudd, whose death occurred FRI
day night were held this afternoon at
his late home. 125 South Fairfax street. A
large number OF friends and relatives at
tended and the remains were followed to
the cemetery by the members OF R. E. Lee
Camp, Confederate Veterans, to which Or
ganization Mr.. Rudd belonged. Rev. DR..
Frank J. Brooke OF the Second Presbyte-
rian Church of1ciated. The pailbearers se-