New-York tribune., 1906-12-26
MRS. TRAUTMAN HELD.
THE QUESTION OF 4LIBI.
Told Police She Vas at Turkish
BGth-1t Home, She SAYS IN Court.

BGth-dt Home, She Says IN Court.
Mrs. Alexander Trautman wife Of Dr. Alex
ander Trautman. a well known physician, of No
seS Lexington avenue, who was arrested on
Monday might on allegations by Peter J. Hogan
Of No. 102 East 10th street, that she had robbed
him OF s1S on Saturday night. had her case post
poned yesterday in the Jefferson Market court
until tomorrow. The delay was to allow Mrs
Trautman 10 get legal advice. Mrs. Trautrnan
had gone 10 court without counsel. ready TO
state her case. and relying on the dismissal of
the charge. A case OF mistaken identity she
said, was the cause for Hogans charges
Hogan. who is freight clerk employed by
the Erie Railroad, was positive on Monday night
that Mrs. Trautman the woman who on
last Saturday night. had robbed him of $1S. He
was equally positive in court yesterday morn
ing but his Identification. If 1t was such failed
utterly when he tried TO describe the appearance
Of the woman who robbed him before Mrs
Trautman appeared. He could not furnish an
accurate or complete description, and was un-
able TO say whether the wcman was a blonde or
brunette. Mrs. Trautman is Of the latter type.
Hogan explained in failing to- give good de-
scription that he wore glasses on Saturday
night, and. as II was very dark. there being few
lights the part OF Fifth avenue where he was
robbed, he could not tell minutely how the
woman looked.
Mrs Trautman was equally positive that it
was all a case OF mistaken identity It had
been reported that on Saturday night Mrs.
Trautrnan had been at the opera It was also
said that she was ilI on that evening. When
arraigned at the police station Sergeant Nc
Carthy, in the presence OF three witnesses.
questioned her TO see whether Hogan had
caused the arrest Of an innocent woman
"Can YOU prove this man IS mistaken the
sergeant asked her.
How can prove It. sergeant" she replied.
"I am willing TO furnish any proof possible. but
don't know any way TO disprove it
We'll. tell us what you were doing Saturday
evening"" the sergeant asked.
Mrs. Trautman hesitated and replied:
Let me see. On Friday night at the
opera with my husband"-
'T didn't ask you about Friday night" the
sergeant interrupted to say. Il asked you about
Saturday night"
Mrs. Trautman thought again, looking to the
ceiling, as il 10 refresh her memory. She then
said:
Wei. wasn't anywhere on Saturday night
except in my home"
This man. insisted the sergeant, pointing to
Hogan, claims the robbery happened about II
O'Clock Were you home then?"
''No. ! was at a Turkish bath at that time
Mrs. Trautnnan answered.
ing 10 find where Mrs. Trautman was on Satur-
day night. Later Sergeant Mccarthy asked:
Are you living with your husband?"
'of course am" was the quick response.
when did you see him last?"
AT o'clock this afternoon
There was no further conversation, and the
sergeant decided 20 hold Mrs. Trautman, and
she was locked up pending the arrival OF bail
Mrs Edward T. scofeld, of No 131 West Dist
street who gave bail for Mrs Trautman later,
advanced theory for the possible mistake Of
Hogan. She said that Mrs. TTautman had only
recently returned from Paris. and brought
sral Partisan gowns with her Some of these,
she said. were Of bright patterns. and it
possible that Hogan might have mistaken the
gown Mrs Trautman wore for one tnat the
woman on Saturday night had worn.
With Mrs. Trautman, when she went to the
Jefferson Market Court yesterday. was Edward
T scofeld. who had gone 70 her aid on Monday
night.
Have YOU an atto-ney?" Magistrate Finn
asked
NO. your honor" she replied. 7 don't think
that one is necessary. have come here simply
10 tell the truth / cannot see that ] need
lawyer. Besides, my attorney is out Of town"
Magistrate Finn advised her 10 secure counsel,
saying that II might he necessary to cross-exam
Inc the complainant Mrs Trautman finally
agreed, and adjournment was taken Enth To-
morrow morning.
Mrs Trautman was asked where she vas on
Saturday night. and replied;
This is a case Of mistaken identify. ! vas
al home and in bed III on Saturday night. The
reports published to-day declaring me to have
been al the opera Saturday night are mis-
taken ! went 10 the opera on Friday night and
Saturday night, as l said, WAS at home and in
bed"
Magistrate Finn accepted the continuance Of
bail ~ $1,000 as given AT The station house on
Monday night.
Neither DR.. nor Mrs. Trautman could be found
last night The home, q brownstone house in
Lexington avenue was closed and The ringing
u the bell failed TO bring any reply. Christmas
wreaths in tho windows showed that the family
had evidently been at home within day two.