The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-31
COUGHL AN INDICTED FOR GRAND LARCENY Grand Jury Returns True Bill
 In Cotton Case HAS NOT BEEN ARRESTED It Is Reported That Bond Has Been Fixed at s5ooo, But Friends of
 MT. coughIn Say He Can
 Easily Make 1t.
HAS NOT BEEN ARRESTED

returned an indictment against J. H. Coughlan, formerly at the head of the cotton firm of Smith & Coughlan, charging him with grand larceny. No capias has been issued by the clerk of the court for Mir Coughlan and consequently he has not been arrested. It is understood the papers will be served on him Monday.
 It is unusual for the news of an indict- ment to be given to the public before capias has been issued, but the matter leaked out in some manner and by 6 o'clock last night it was known to scores of business men in town who have been interested in the progress of the case.
 Several months ago it was charged that the firm of Smith & coughlan had shipped short bales'' of cotton to several firms in Savannah, Liverpool and other ports. It was alleged that by this shortage in the weight of bales the sum of something over $200,0OO was due the various concerns which had purchased cotton from the firm of which MT. Coughlan was head. It was further reported that MT. Coughlan had sent out bills of lading for certain amounts of cotton and that the deliveries
  in the bills of ladlng.
 Railroads Involved.
 The various railroad companies were at first held responsible for the short weigh. bales, but they in turn placed the respor- sibility on Smith & Coughlan and an in- vestigation was begun.
 At the time of the investigation it was Cat1 kluk -l.o not discovered until the cotton reached foreign ports as the American firms, in some instances, reshipped the consign- ments without making investigations.
 It is said the matter was placed before the grand jury by some of the represen- tatives of the railroads or of the cotton firms and that the indictment of yester- day is the result
 While the indictment is still a ''court paper' and has not been given to the public it is said that Judge Greene has fixed the bond at 5000. With the excep- ton of the amount of the bond the report of the indictment was authoritatively confirmed last night by one who Is close to MT. Coughlan. He said, however, that MT. Coughlin had nd intention of leaving the city and that when the papers were served he was ready to make bond for any amount required by the judge. He said further that Mir. Coughlan would be able to make a clear defense to the charge and would have little trouble in exonerat- ing himself.
 Other Indictments.
 4..lf I the grand jury yesterday:
 George McMillan and Ed Jackson, charged with grand larceny.
 Frank Wellons. four indictments, charges of embezslement of $3,S3o; grand larceny and embezzlement of 5000 from White Commission company; false pre- tense and embezzlement; false pretense and grand larceny of s7O. The total bond amounts to $6600 He has made bond.
 Hardy Mcvey, charged with grand lar ceny.
 George Mckinney. burglary and grand larceny
 c. J. Brakefield. burglary and grand larceny
 Paul Peterson and George Erwin, bur glary and grand larceny.
 Nathan Johnson, larceny from store. James Haney, larceny from the person. William Harris, burglary and grand lar- ceny.
 Abner zelmer, assault with intent to murder.
 Pat Jones, grand larceny.
 Joe Townley, assault with intent to murder.
 J. T. Byles, assault with intent to murder.
 Willie Prince assault with intent to rape.
 Will Dooley. assault with intent to murder
 Dr. John May embezzlement and false pretense. Embezzlement of $500 from and $500 from Mrs. Annie Johnson, and S250 from Luther L. Pond. pr. May is in jail.
 Willie Tennelle, larceny from a dwell ing.
 George Mckinley, robbery
 Mattie McBray. burglary and grand larceny.
 John Reddin, grand larceny.
 Alex Chambers, grand larceny.
 Will Smith, grand larceny.
 Walter Reed, grand larceny.
 c. Brown, grand larceny. Jim Bonds, larceny from dwelling. Leisle White, burglary and grand larceny.
 W. E. Johnson, false pretense.
 J. F. Miller. grand larceny.
 James Booze. assault with intent to murder.
 Jim Bonds. assault with intent to murder.
 Paul Peterson. burglary and grand larceny.
 William Houghton, assault with intent to murder
 Paul Peterson, arson in the first degree. He is charged with setting fire to the calaboose at Woodlawn.
 Jack Hawkins, robbery.
 Ed Robinson, fraudulently changing his name.