The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-09-12
CHIEF OF BAGGAGE
THIEVES ARRESTED
Miller Reeaptured In Lon
B don and Held for Rich.
mond Authorities.
.OFFICERs WILL
GO AFTER HIM
Scotland Yard Officials Land
Alleged Crook, Who Made SEN
sational Escape from New
York City Prison
Few Months
Ago.

said to be the head of a notorious
gang of baggage thieves. who es-
capped from the Tombs in New York
City some months ago, has been ar
rested in London, England. and is be-
ing held for the Richmond authori-
ties. Chief of Police Werner received
a telegram yesterday to this effect
from Chief of Detectives McCafferty,
OF New York City who was advised by
cable of the arrest, which had just
been made by the Scotland Yard Off
cials.
Miller or Lewis is alleged to be the
chief of gang whose depredations
throughout the country have brought
them into the greatest prominence,
and for whom the detective forces of
a dozen railroads have been securing
the country. Two members of the
gang. Henry Allen and Lewis Rodgers,
are now in the State Penitentiary
serving five-year terms, having been
convicted in the Hastings Court of the
city of Richmond, and both men are
said to be wapted elsewhere when
their term IN THE Virginia prison eS-
pires.
Sensational Escape.
Special Agent l.. L. Scherer. OF the
Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, work
Ing in conjunction with the Richmond
city detective force made out a case
against the three men, Miller. Allen
and Rodgers. The latter was arrested
in Richmond. Miller. alias Lewis, with
Allen was arrested In New York City
and lodged In the Tombs. The men
gave evidence of having almost un-
limited capital. offering to furnish bail
in practically any amount, and en-
ploying every means known to the law
to escape extradition ITO Virginia.
! lighting their case through every
court, and employing we'll known New
York lawyers.
| Just before they We're to, be finally
turned over to the Virginia authori-9
ties Miller made n most sensational es-
cape from the New York City prison
said TO be the first escape of prisoner
for many years, a>d an escape which
carried with it n suspicion of{bribery
and trickery which has never been
fully explained.
From the storie~ published at the
tinfe 1t seems that when the turnkey
lcame to their door to remove them to
another cell, the two men made mur-
derous attack on the officer and over
powered him long enough for Miller
to make his escape. Allen was recap
ginia authorities, and was shortly af-
tterward brought to the Richmond Jail.
Miller has not since been heard from
until the announcement of his capture
lin London.
Rogers and Allen, made a sensational
attempt to escape from the Richmond
TALL saving their way through the So
called '.tool proof" cells of the new
structure, and all but securing their
q. Al. ~
covered in advance of the attempt
they would probably have been sue
cessful. They We're both soon after
brought to trial In the Hastings Court
of the City of Richmond and given
five years in the penitentiary. The Wife
of Allen, who was in jail in Richmond
for some time. was dismissed by the
police as there was no direct evidence
against her, and as she was in se-
nous state of health.
Miller was known to the Chesapeake
and Ohio detectives and to the Rich
mond police force as Charles Miller;
In New York. when captured. and
among those who offered to go his
bail to any amount, he was known as
Lewis Miller; in London. it is UNDER
stood, he has been known as Albert
Lewis, and was arrested under that
name.
Steps to be Taken.
Chief Werner said last night that he
would at once consult with Common
wealths Attorney Foltes as to the
proper method to pursue In securing
the prisonar who will be- brought to
Richmond for trial as soon as possible.
1t is understood that the Governor
will have to take the matter up with
tho Washington city authorities, who
will handle the negotiations through
the British. Embassy, and when all tho
papers have been signed two or more
officers of the Richmond force will
be assigned by the Governor to go to-
London and bring the prisoner back.
Meanwhile Chief Werner has wiredh his
thanks to the New York Detective
Bureau and to Chief McCafferty for
their assistance in the matter. and
has cabled to the London police atl-
thorities to hold Miller for the Vir-
ginia requisition papers which will
be Issued as promptly as possible,
The case against this notorious
gang whose operations. have extended
In every direction, was worked up by
| Mr.. l.. L. Scherer, special agent ~
tle Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad.
ably assisted by the Riahmond, ]. police
lwho did excellent work Mr. Scherer 4
| travelled all over the United States In
pursuit OF alleged criminals, whom he
| believes to be among the worst now
| operating in tho country. Certainly
| they are we'll fixed financially, and
| in every place have found powerful
| friends, as for instance those who
aided in the escape Of Miller from tfis
/ New York authorities. and the un- AZ
known parties who supplied the tools
| to Rodgers and Allen for cutting their
\ way out OF the Richmond jail.
There was much stlp among tha
4 Richmond police last night over the
| rimor that one or more officers would
be detailed to go to London for tats
distinguished prisoner and arouHi
1.-THE police station there were y num-
ber of ambitious otiieers who were
| willing to undertake the lob of5iansi-s
! ing Miller safely IN the Richm0ntA