Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1907-10-16

ATTORNEY FOR MRS. EVELYN
RoMApkE CALLS ATTENTION
TO HER QUEER ACTIONS.
POLICE HUNT FOR
HER ACCOMPLlCE
Colored Ex-Convict, Who Aided Rich
Milwaukee Woman in Her Darino
Thefts, Tells Of Supposed "Ralph
Smith" and Gives His Address.


Chicago, Aug. 11.-1nsanity will be
the defense named by the friends of
Mrs. Charles J. Romadke, wife of the
Milwaukee trunk manufacturer, who
confessed to the police that with her
negro accomplish she had stolen
thousands of dollars worth of gems
from the homes of wealthy people in
Chicago and Milwaukee. A state
ment to this effect was made by John
F. Donovan of Milwaukee, attorney for
Mrs. Romadke. A writ of habeas cor
pus, incidentally, probably will be
sought
Meanwhile Mrs Momadke's broth
er-in-laW, Clement Romadke, went to
the Offices of the Fidelity and Cas-
ualty company to interview the COM
pany's special agent, Francis Reno,
who obtained Mrs. Romadke's prelim-
mary confession. A bundle of letters
was to have been gone over in the
discussion between the two men.
After the conference it was asserted
that the only object of the visit was to
learn the attitude of the companys
clients in the matter.
Insane, Says Donovan.
providing the confession is true"
said Attorney Donovan, the woman
is evidently insane This is the only
sensible way to look at the matter
If she had not been insane she would
not have worn the jewelry to the Bal
timore inn, knowing that the gems be-
longed to the proprietor's wife,"
This is the only tenable theory of
the case, provided, of course, that the
confession is VERIFIED concluded Mr..
Donovan. AT present do not know
whether or not it is true.''
Attorney Horgen to Help.
Attorney Charles Horgen, with Of
fees in the Ashland block, visited At
torney Donovan, according to the lat
ter's statement, and offered his as
sistance in the case. Attorney Dono-
van then interviewed Mrs. Romadke
''Mr. Horgen offered his services as
counsel to me upon learning of my ar
rest said Mrs. Romadke, according
to Mr.. Donovan.
Attorney Donovan announced that
bail in any amount would be supplied
by Clement Romadke
II do not know where we shall take
Mrs. Romadke-probably to the hotel
where am stopping when she is re-
leased on ball." said Mr.. Donovan.
Have you any doubt that the bail
will be provided" he was asked.
The attorney refused to discuss the
matter further.
Identity Missing Jewelry.
Three of Mrs Romadkes alleged
victims went to police headquarters
early Thursday and identified articles
of jewelry stolen from them at their
homes. Walter Guhl, 1927 Windsor
avenue, picked out two diamond rings,
a jewel case, a bracelet and two watch
chains. Also taken at the same time
was purse containing $13. Mrs
Isabel Thornton identified a pearl
sunburst, bracelet and a ring which
she said were stolen from her home
at 5S5 Lawndale avenue. David Pfael~
ger, 4514 Forrestville avenue, claim
ed bracelet worth $3.50 and some sill
yer trays.
Police Seek Accomplish.
Mrs. Romadke confessed to the DO.
lice to startling series of burglaries,
but the truth is not all told yet, &C.
cording to Capt P. D. O'Brien. He
received positive information, he said.
from Albert Jones, the colored ex-con-
vict arrested in connection with the
case, that she was only an accom-
plice. Detectives were given loca-
lions where the mysterious third
party could be found, and huge hunt
for him was begun by men from the
detective bureau at $3.50 a. m.
The man Mrs Romadke Is shielding
is the mysterious Ralph Smith," of
whom the woman has spoken on vari-
Gus occasions. She steadfastly re.
fused to reveal his name, and finally
in desperation, according to the the
DRY of Capt. O'Brien, admitted to a de.
tective connected with an insurance
company that she was the perpetrator
of the Beck robbery and other bur-
glaries. The police official admitted
that the mans name is really Smith,
and that he had his address. His ar.
rest is thought to be matter of only
few hours and the police declare
they will clear the whole puzzling
affair when he is brought into Gus.
tody.