Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-16

MESSRS DILLER D. AND SAMUEL
A. CROFT RELEASED.
Each Served Term for Completely IN
Post Once Conspiracy-Lattef
Coming Home.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
WHEELING, W. Va, September 15.-It
was stated at the West Virginia state
prison, at Moundsvilie. tonight. that II they
desired to do so Diller B. Gron and Samuel
A. Groff, two of the Washington men who
were convicted of conspiracy to defraud the
government In connection with the sale OF
mail box fasteners to the postal authorities.
might walk from the prison at midnight
free men. Word was received at the prison
from the Department Of Justice that the
fines Of the men had been paid. and that
they were. therefore. entitled to their re-
lease at II o'clock They were sentenced to
serve two years in the state prison and to
pay q fine OF 10000 each
The fact that the government has not
effected q settlement with the Grons and
that more than $4,000 was due them, 1t
is said, enabled Samuel A. Croft to pay his
fine. It Is said that the GrOffs made ar
rangements to leave the prison upon the
expiration Of their sentences at midnight,
and that at least one Of them-Samuel A.
Grof-wiu be well started homeward be-
fore O'Clock. 1t Is known that he made
arrangements to leave Moundsville on the
train that is scheduled to leave Wheeling
at 12:3e O'Clock.
/ Should he be able to board this train he
wifi reach Washington about noon tomor-
row. a'>3'" "a f-f"'.I' - 20
80 Going to Thousand Islands.
1t is stated that Dilier 81 Croft, who suf-
fered a paralytic stroke while he was in
prison. will take trip to Thousand Islands
for the benefit of his health and that he
will not go home until later in the fall.
During all the time the Groffs have. been
in prison, it is stated. they have never been
inside cell. They have been domiciled In
the hospital and have received the most
considerate treatment. Gus w. Machen,
George w. Beavers and DIR. LorenZ, the
other convicted conspiraters in the post
time. Machen has two years more to serve,
but DIR. Lorenz will be released at the ex-
piration of his term of two fears, which
will expire next spring.
He would be leaving the prison at this
time had he commenced his term at the
time the Groffs accepted sentence.
Probably the worst disappointed man In
the lot is George w. Beavers, who entered
years. when State Senator Green, who was
indicted with him, was tried and ac-
quilted.
Friends of Samuel A. Groff in this city
from the prison at Moundsville last night.
and that he would take the earliest train
coming in this direction 1t was expected
he would leave Moundsvflie in time to reach
home and eat dinner with his family today.
Friends Of Croft will respect his wishes In
the matter OF his homecoming and remain
away from the railroad station.
It Is stated that he will be at home to
his friends and will be glad to see them
after today.
Samuel A.. Croft has a host of friends in
this city. and they have remained faithful
to him during the time of his troubles. Civ
ing him assurances OF their belief In his
Innocence 1t was stated last night that as
soon as he reaches home he will renew his
efforts to secure pardon. in order that his
former good record may be restored.