The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-03-24

IE LIZA DA44A - II "A i p
evidence against man who was
known to have been poor a few months
before, and a more significant discov-
cry was mace little later, when Proc
tor went on trip to Canada evident
y on important business The detec-
tive who followed him found that the
men with whom he had dealings and
with whom he passed nearly the whole
time of his visit, we're professional
thieves, well known to the police.
In view Of all that had come to light,
it was decided to effect PrOctor's ar
rest This was made easy by his habit
Of coming to Susquelanna every few
weeks to see his wife and three chill
dren, who had remained there. Dur
ing these visits it had been remarked
that he was especially intimate with
employees Of the railroad and express
companies who were connected with
the ticket Office.
All unsuspicious Of the danger that
threatened him, Proctor took the train
from Buffalo on the night Of Satur-
day, November 16, with a ticket for
Susquehanna. Word was at once tele-
graphed to Robert PInkertons who, in
tendent of the United States Express
company started for Susouehanna,
reaching there Monday morning. They
learned that Proctor was still in town,
but keeping very closely to his house.
It was not until ten o'clock in the
evening that he appeared on the street,
his purpose in going out being to pur-
chase some groceries. AS he came
from the store, Robert Pinkerton
stepped forth from his place Of walt
ing and took him into custody. He
was taken to a private house. where
Mr.. Pinkerton passed nearly the whole
night in conversation with him. Be
fore daylight Proctor had made what
purported to be full confession.
Proctor stated that he had moved to
Susquehanna in 1880, having resided
IN Buffalo previous to that time. While
in Buffalo he had occasionally of a
Sunday visited Fort Erie, Canada, and
there had made the acquaintance of
know that Donahue was anything more
than the keeper of a. hotel He found
him an entertaining companion, a good
stOryteller and singer Of comic songs,
and very generous with his money.
They came to see much of each other,
and after Proctor's removal to Sus-
quehanna they kept up an occasional
correspondence. Proctor, having
monthly pass over the Erie railroad.
and being able to procure passes on
Erie, always stopping at Donahues
hotel. On one of these visits he
CHANGED to read aloud to his friend
the newspaper account of clever rob
IL
sneak thieves had robbed a paymaster
of q sum of money he had in a bag to
pay of employees. This turned to con-
YersatiOn to criminal exploits, and
Proctor related the circumstances OF
the express robbery at SusQuehanna
some years before. Donahue showed
great interest. and inquired how it hap
pened that the express company had
so large a sum OF money at Susque-
hanna. Proctor explained about the
extensive railroad fhRra n
cidentally remarked that the same sys-
TEN of paying the hands was still in
practice. Donahue then requested
Proctor to ascertain for him how much
money was being shipped each month
at that time, the day of shipment, the
train, the kind of safe used on that
train, and full details about the lock-
whether opened by a combination or q
key Donahue professed that his only
motive IN seeking this Information was
curiosity, and Proctor promised to
learn what he could.
1t was about a fortnight after this
that the two men met again. Proctor
having secured all the facts about the
7 Ork to Susquehanna. These ne con
fded to Donahue, who seemed greatly
pleased at the report. He showed
Proctor the greatest attention, spend
ing money freely. Then he pressed
Proctor with further questions, asking
how the money was wrapped up, what
kind OF pouch 1t was carried in, and
so on Finally he came out bluntly
with the opinion that Proctor was a
fool to waste his time working in a
dirty shop when he might be living in
luxury. Then, seeing that the foreman
took no great umbrage at this sugges-
ton, he asked him If he could get an
impression of the safe key, and also
one of the key to the door of the ticket
Office. After some show of reluctance,
Proctor finally consented to try.
Returning to Susouehanna, Proctor
/ took advantage of his friendship with
employees about the ticket Office to get
/ possession Of the keys long enough to
take the desired impressions, and these
he mailed TO Donahue, in whose serv-
/ ice he was now fully enlisted Dona-
hue wrote back, expressing satisfac-
ton, and saying that he and another
man, named Collins, had paid a secret
visit to Susquehanna, and had found
everything as Proctor had represented.
4 A little later Proctor went to Canada
/ again, and was introduced to Collins.
/ At this meeting 1t was arranged that
! Donahue should procure a canvas bag
i like the one used by the express COM
I pany. and that a dummy money pack
/ age should be placed inside, so that
( a substitution might be effected on the
/ arrival Of the next shipment. Proctor
was to take no active part IN the rob