The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-12-19
FUGITIVE BANKER
TRIES TO END LIFE
WHEN CAP TURED
New Britain Defaulter
Caught in Wilds
of Mexico.

Los ANGELES, Dec. 19.-After two
attempts at suicide, and one at, escape.
William T. Walker, absconding treas
urer Of the Savings Bank Of New
Britain. Conn, who was captured in
Mexico. seems resigned to his fate. He
denies his guilt. but admits his identity
and is now on his way with Detective
superintendent Bailey from Pasadena to
Los Angeles. Arrangements had been
made before mis- capture for his sur
render by the Mexican to the California
authorities.
Details OF the capture have already
been forwarded by Detective Bailey 10
Los Angeles. Walker was taken in a
mountain mining camp. 100 miles from
Pasadena Walker had been there for
some time. Accustomed as he was to the
luxury and society of the East the
rough little camp was hard on him. Be
sides himself there was but one white
man there, the superintendent Of the
mines.
Almost Penniless When Taken.
So far as can be discovered he was
almost penniless when caught. OF the
money and securities which disappeared
from the New Britain bank with him
nothing can De found.
Bailey made the capture two days ago
The chief OF police of Pasadena &C
companied him with native posse, in
to the mountains. Walker heard the
clatter Of the horses hOOfs as they rode
into the mining camp Of Balare. He
greeted them at the door Of his cabin
with a heavy revolver in his hand.
Before he had time TO raise the weap-
on the detective and the police chief
had him covered. Walkers nerve was
completely gone. He did not try TO fight
but turned and ran. Bailey quickly
rode him down.
Tries 20 Kill Himself.
Seeing arrest inevitable the fugitive
turned his revolver on himself, but the
detective wrested it from his hand be-
fore he could pull the trigger. 4 few
moments later the officer knocked a
bottle from his clutch as he was about
to drink the poison il contained.
The prisoners hut was thoroughly
searched, but nothing could be found Of
the missing securities from the Easttrn
bank Walker had destroyed. too, every
thing which might have given even z
suggestion rs to his identity. No one -
Balare knew who he was.
Protests His Innocence.
Il am William Walker" the former
hd4lheE hulLlLLtNs OUT L never look
those securities. I Will not admit a
crime Of which 7 am not guilty"
He gave a rambling account OF his
ten months wandeTIuES since he left
the East and of his travels in China.
where he first sought refuge, but seems
too much broken 20 talk coherentIy and
at length.
Walker was lodged in the little Next
can jail until detective Bailey could
complete mis- arrangements for their de-
parture for the North.
The constant fear OF capture. lonelj-
ness and the hardsnips he has under
gone have turned walker into the
wreck OF a man. He shutters when he
Z speaks. starts when addressed and has
. degenerated from the spick and span
banker into the toughest looking OF
tramps-
A reward Of 5000 was offered Tor
Walker alive. and 8, 600 for him dead.
When the search for him was begun IL
was learned that he had come 10 New
York from New Britain. where he fe1l
into the hands Of wire tappers. who got
, about $4,000 Of his stolen money.