Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-02-17
CIV. MORSE RETURNS.
PROMPTLY ARRESTED,
Arraigned on Two Charges Of Grand
Larceny, Aggregating 100000,
and Released on $4,000 Bail.

Me-. York, Feb 16-CharleS w.
Morse, hnancier and promoter Of many
large combinations. including the So
nearly ALI of the coastwise steamship
lines. returned today from his brief
tip to Europe, WAS arrested in his
stateroom when the steamer Etruria
reached quarantine in the lower bay.
held in custody until the ship was
(lockcd, and was then Whirlcd away in
an automobile to the home of Justice
Victor Bowling of the supreme court.
where ne gave bonds in the sum of
so, COG II answer to two indictments
charging him with grand larceny and
Involving the sum Of SlGn, 00U. Mr..
Morse was released and went immedi-
atcly to his Fifth avenue home. where
n issued Il statement tonight assert
ing his innocence and asking the pub
liz t. suspend judgment until be has
had the opportunity Of facing lis ac-
cusCrs III court. Tomorrow Mr.. Morse
will appear before Justice bowling in
open court AMI plead not guilty I" tn,
indictments. He denied that his trp
to Europe was Il 'ilGht." He said that
he vent abroad to soil stock i'll a large
interest and t. set a furtni2ht's rest.
Both purposes We're spoiled by the
publication OF reports that he was a
fugitive from justice, he declared
= Mr. Morse had received word by
wireless tel"eraphy that two ndict-
mentS lad been found against him.
but he did not know he was to under
g arrest. The appearance Of three de-
t2ctiveS from District Attorney Jer-
ones Cflice 1T his staternOm door took
him completely by surprise. The Off
GERS. armed with 4 warrant, had gone
down the bay on Il revenue cutter.
They were accompanied by Albert f.
I3oarGman and Philip J. Britt attor-
Ieys, and by Benjamin W. Morse, Il
son oi ire llnanCier. Mrs. Morse met
her husband at the pier and it was III
iirr automobile that the journey with
one Of the detectives was made q,
Justic" DowlinS's house in West sd
street. just off Central park.
Justice Bowling held an informal
court session in his library, Assistant
District Attorney Kressel representing
the prt sccution The bonds. which
were signed by surety company. had
been prepared yesterday. Mr.~-MOrs
was requested to sign two obligations
VI $lO,0o0 each and along with the
rtpr, SeTtativcS OF the bonding COM
pan! was put under oath to appear 1T
NY time his presence may be required.
Ny. Britt explained that he had re-
, qli"s t-d MIR Jcrnn" to allow The at
torncyS t. produce Mr. Morse in court
tomorrow as was done in the case of
| other we'll known men under indiCt-
mont. tut lie had been told that the
public interest demanded that the eX-
/ banker be placed under arrest as soon
/ as the ship reached New York waters.
! The charge against Mr.. Morse grows
| out q note given to him by ex-
! fnicf Justice Morgan J. O'Brien Of the
| appellate division Of the supreme
4 court. Mr. OBrien is said
to have deposited three notes for
! 100000 each with Mr.. Morse in pay
| ment for 4 block Of 1000 shares of
! stock in the National Bank of North
! America. The notes were to be held
thrch years ana not discounted. ac-
/ cordine to Mr.. O'Brien ard at the end
! have tile privilege 81 conSumating the
harG2in for tn" purchase of stock OF
/ withdra wing from it.
1t is charged that Mr.. Morse dis
. counted ono Of these notes at the M1r-
! cantil, National Bank. which he for
! merry was Il director and that hc rep
resented to the bank that he WAS au-
4 thoriZru to receive its check for the
amolnt "f the loan. 1t is further al
legged thdt the check given to Mr.