Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-11-07
Raymond Hitchcock, Actor,
Surrenders In Court.
Asserts Innocence and Says
He Will Fight the Case.
Looks Pale and naggard and
Shows Signs Of Illness.

New York. Nov. 6.-Raymond Hitch
cock. the actor, who disappeared sew
cray days ago after he had been inlict-
ed on charges preferred by several
young girls, appeared at the criminal
court building today and went to the
Office OF the district attorney.
Since Hitchcock's disappearance the
police If the entire eastern section Of
the United States and Canada have
searched for him but absolutely moth
ing OF his whereabouts was known TO
the public until he appeared at the
criminal court building today. He
went directly to the district attorneys
Office and went into consultation with
Assistant District Attorney Garvin,
who has had charge of the case. Ac-
companied by his wife and counsel.
Hitchcock was taken to the court Of
general sessions where bail was fixed
at s7500.
The charges against Hitchcock and
the subsequent developments which
terminated in his mysterious disap-
cearance after the indictments had
been returned against him. furnished
one of the sensations of the theatrical
world in which he was leading figure.
The first intimation Of trouble came
several months ago when Hitchcock
was appearing in the leading role in
"A Yankee Tourist" a Broadway pro-
duction, through the publication of a
story in a local newspaper. The story
contained practically the same state
ment Of alleged facts that led to the
indictments Il few days ago. No action
was taken at that time. however. and
it was not until the opening of the
present theatrical season. which found
Hitchcock again appearing in "A
Yankee Tourist" that the storm broke.
The first real sensation came when the
actor caused the arrest on a charge OF
b,ackmail of a brother of one Of the
Young girls whose name had been mem
toned in connection with the charges
against him. A few days later Hitchcock
was summoned to the Office of the district
attorney and was placed under arrest as
he entered the building on charge or
criminal assault. Two days later while
he was at liberty on bail the indictments
were returned by the grand jury and al
most Immediately Hitchcock dropped out
of sight.
Hitchcock was arraigned upon only one
of the six Indictments against him. tc
which he pleaded not guilty. Bail was
furnished by Martin Engel.
Hitchcock was paroled in custody of his
counsel upon the other five indictments.
Counsel fer Hitchcock said the actor had
not been outside New York since his dis
appearance was reported. but had been
suffering from nervous prostration as a
result Of the charges made against him
Today. he said. was the first day he had
really beer able to go out of doors.
While Hitchcock was in court mis- wife
remained in the district attorneys office
weeping and in a semi-hy sterical condi-
ton.
Hitchcock looked pale and haggard and
showed signs of illness. To his friends
he said he had decided to face his ac-
cusers and try to win back the confidence
Of his friends ana the public.
II am innocent" he said. land the only
way for me to prove 1t is to stand trial.
I am prepared to fight It out now and
I'll go through with 1t"