The Washington herald., 1907-08-23
ARREST OF POTTS
EXPECTED AT ONCE
coNrINrEn FRoM PAeE %.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE
President Harper's friendly interest in
the young man and his family, he gave
him position in the American National
Bank here. His rise was rapid, and with
in a short time he was employed IN
numerous confidential capacities, among
them being made the bearer Of large sums
Of currency between this city and Balti-
more, in the course Of business
Has Handled Immense Sums.
AT different times he was intrusted
with $4,000 to S50,o00 which he carried be-
tween the two cities He was accorded
the greatest confidence. had access to
nearly every department Of the bank, and
his opportunities TO steal large sums, had
he been so disposed. have been frequent,
and that he should finally have taken the
sum ne did in stock certificates, difficult
to dispose OF without peIng caught Is,
President Harper expressed it Yesterday
one OF the surprising Things about the
whole matter
Potts resigned his position IN the Amer
lean Bank last spring, claiming that he
would take q long rest and then engage
In business Being short in the
month OF July, because Of the absence Of
some of the clerks on their vacations,
Potts. at President Harpers request.
came 10 the bank to ell in two weeks of
work on the temporary schedule. II was
then that the trusted employe is sup
posed TO have taken the securities, with
the result described.
Potts Is described as a prepossessing
man, bright intellectually, and winning
In manner He smoked moderately, but
was not known to indulge In drink or
other bad habits.
Was Not ExtFnyagant.
He was known among bis fellow-clerks
as a liberal spender but with no ten
dency to extravaganza. Whether he Was
a speculator is not certainly known,
though it was supposed that he would en-
gage some time in the brokerage busi-
ness
President Harper stated yesterday that
the bank would lose nothing by the theft
The loss IS more than covered by Potts
bond, and II is expected that II ne is ap-
pretended the stocks not pledged will be
found In his possession With reference
to this. President Harper said yesterday.
we are doubly protected from any
loss AS soon as we learned OF the theft
we stopped the transfer OF the collateral
and gave notice TO that effect to all banks
and financial institutions in the country.
This made the paper absolutely worthless
and amply insured uE against any loss
In addition 20 this, Potts was bonded for
SO coo. the value Of the collateral
We had every reason, We supposed. for
placing the utmost confidence in Potts
He was personally known TO both Mr.
Lynn and myself when he was working
in Leesburg and We had known his fam
ily for many years.
Habits Supposed TO Be Good.
so far IS I know. he did not drink or
play the races. He lived well-better. in
fact. than his salary warranted-but as
he was receiving financial assistance from
his father. that did not matter. he was
not extravagant, however. and the only
reason I can assign for his act is the
possible one that he speculated in stocks
and was caught short. Like many others.
he doubtless took the collateral in the be
lief that he might be able to make the
loss good 10 the bank before anything
was found out
The police department is deserving Of
! the highest commentator for the prompt
and efficient manner in which they han
died the case. Their work is highly graf
flying to Us"
While in this city Potts lived a por-
ton Of the time at the Y. NJ c A. Build
ing He had rooms there from Decem-
Der Is last until June J. when ne left
without settling his board Bill. and leav-
ing a trunk and two dress suit cases. He
returned August 3. ana asked the desk
clerk 10 allow him 10 go 10 his trunk and
take out some necessary apparel The
clerk. who was getting ready for lunch.
left instructions. with another clerk not
to permit Potts TO leave the building.
Got the suit Cases.
Not only did he leave, but he managed
to take the two suit cases with him.
I There are still some things at the y. N.
C. a, the property Of Potts, which Will
be handed over TO him upon payment Of
| his account
4 have as yet received no response from
the authorities Of Tucson in answer 10
my telegram asking that Potts be ar
rested" said Mai. Sylvester, last night.
The delay IS no doubt due to the tele-
graph strike"