The Washington herald., 1908-01-11

James Arthur Kemp. former chief and
property clerk Of the police department,
who disappeared from the city last July.
leaving his accounts short by nearly
$500, was arrested yesterday in New or
leans, La.
This information reached the police au-
thorities last night in a telegram from E.
L. Whitaker, inspector of police of that
city.
While at the race track in NeV Orleans
yesterday afternoon. L. J. Brennan,
formerly a member of the local police
force. recognized the man and pointed
him out to Detective Henry Schsrinr, Who
placed him under arrest. Kemp admitted
his identity and said he was willing TO
return 10 Washington without requisiuon
papers if Capt J. c. DAILY, of the Ninth
precinct, was sent after him.
Maj. Sylvester, superintendent Of police,
on being informed of the arrest, ordered
capt. DAILY and Detective Sergeant Charles
Evans 10 prepare to start for New Or
leans With a copy of the indictment
and a bench warrant. they VIII take the
first train leaving Washington for New
Orleans this morning.
Denies Playing the Horses.
Contrary to the opinion of the police
la haf
we're the cause Of his defalCatiOn. In an
interview in New Orleans yesterday. he
said:
Although 7 have played the horses OC-
rasionally. they are not responsible for
ny downfall. I had been in the employ
of the police department of washington
for about twenty years. I had always
.}orne a good reputation, and was never
accused of any wrongdoing. There is
nothing for me to hide or deny. / am
going back TO face the music, and will
take what is meted out TO me I am
troubled about my family only, for they
viii keenly feel the disgrace.
II left Washington last July. and
though I could have stayed away for
good, an Italian detective who came
near me one day out West frightened
me. and I came here. I have been here
since Christmas I could have squared
up matters before leaving, for all the
money I got was invested in property. I
was ashamed, and ran away instead. I
was so much ashamed that I would never
buy any OF the Washington papers for
long time after my flight
The funds which Kemp is alleged TO
have embezzled are those of an organi-
Zation formed by the members of the po-
lice department for the protection Of
their families in case of death. The or
ganizati0n is known as the Policemen's
Protective Association. and is supported
by a fee Of 81 a months from every mem
Der Of the force.
Amount OF EmbezzIement.
Although the exact amount has not
been definitely ascertained. the total sum
alleged to have been embezzled by the
former chief clerk is between 5000 and
5000. Because Of the condition OF the
accounts and books left by the clerk, the
police authorities have been unable to
learn the exact sum of money taken from
the association. When the warrant was
sworn out by direction Of Acting Com
missioner Kelly on July 3, the day follow
ing Kemp's disappearance. the specific
charge was the embezzlement of SIP from
the clothing and helmet fund. which sum
was also found to be missing
The first intimation received by the pO-
lice authorities that there was anything
wrong was oecasioned by the visit Of Mrs
Flynn, widow Of Policeman B. Flynn,
who on Wednesday, July g. 1897. called
upon Mai. Sylvester with the statement
that Kemp had arranged upon that day
TO pay her the money due on the death OF
her husband, amounting 10 $500. Kemp
however, failed to keep the engagement
having arrived at police headquarters be
tween I and o'clock and leaving shortly
after 3 o'clock, saying nothing to his asso-
ciates as to where he was going.
The police have since learned that
Kemp visited the establishments Of sew
eral business acquaintance in quest Of
loans of money, but was unable to obtain
funds. When Kemp left police head
quarters that morning several of the de-
tectives who we're in the lower rooms Of
the building noticed that he seemed TO
be in a great hurry, and did not stop to
chat, as was his usual custom. As the
chief and property clerk frequently had
occasion TO hasten from the building, in
order to keep engagements at the Police
Court and District Building, no one paid
any special attention to his actions that
morning.
Began an Investigation.
When Kemp failed TO return that fore
noon. Mai. sylvester became uneasy. and
began the investigation which led to th'
discovery Of the shortage in the accounts
Kemp had not been seen at his home