Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1909-03-23

iBy Morning journal SDecibi Lehsca "h~i
Cleveland, March 22.-Little Willie
Whitla. who has caused the police OF
the entire country unending worry
since he was kidnapped from school in
sharon. Pa. last Tuesday was re-
turned to his father at the Hollenden
hotel here at $3.50 this evening.
In compliance OF an agreement en-
tered into with the kidnapped boys
father and an agent Of the kidnapers
here today. the boy was placed on a
street ear on the outskirts Of the city
and started to the hotel shortly af-
ter s o'clock. Two boys, q. w Ram
sey, and Edward MahCney recognized
the lad on the car and taking him in
charge. conducted him TO his father
who was in waiting, according To a
prearranged plan which he had fol
lowed at the dictation of the kldnap-
crs. The boy wandered about the
hotel lobby fHn0tiCcd for several MIN
utes asking 0ellboys for his ihther be-
fore the latter knew his IN was In
the big foyer The moment the anx-
ious parent heard that Il strange boy
was in the hotel sauntering about IN
aimless fashion he rushed across the
lobby, graspcd him in his arms ana
smothered his face with kisses.
An attempt has been made TO dis
guise the lad He wore a pair OF
smoked glasses and large tan cap
which was pulled down over his eyes
and the father said it would have been
difficult for him to recognize the boy
In such a garb had ne happened 10
meet him on the street
willie rs in perfect health. He says
he has been well treated and ever
since his capture has been constantly
indoors He believes he was taken
from Sharon to Warren and thence
to New Castle, Pa. It Is his opinion,
expressed in u happy school boy way
that he was in Ashtabula on saturday
night. at the time his father was to
leave his $4,000 in Flatiron park.
Whitla, Sr., refused TO state whether
he had paid the ransom or not. He
said that he received a letter today
from the kidnapers at his home IN
sharon saying that if he called at
confectionery store I'm the east end
OF Cleveland he would be told how TO
secure his boy unharmed and wen
fed"
Shortly after noon he left for Glove
land lie was unaccompanied.
His Immediate family and tie pri-
yato detectives he apprised OF the
proposed secret meeting nut insisted
that he make the trip alone. Every
ono of them was warned that he must
be allowed TO go unhccdcd ana no at
tempt at the capture OF the kidnep-
ora be made.
Whitla was certain that II he spoil
ed the plans Of his sons captors to-
night he would never see the boy
again. His experience at AShtabuia
served as a warning.
About o'clock this afternoon ne
went TO "A candy store IN the east
end oa
with him he carried the $4,000 ex.
meeting that ii would be demanded
Of him there. He was met by a wo-
man who detailed him 10 the terms
~ the kidnapers. With all the eager
ness of a distracted parent Whitii
agreed 10 them Immediately. petec-
tives in his employ say that he paid
the money but on this point the talh-
er declines 10 commit himselt. Hali
an hour later ho returned 10 inc non
lenden hotel and awaited develop
ments.
his entrance to the hotel was
shrouded in secrecy. By previous
made with the hotel
nanapemeut he did not register. De
,ectivc q v. Dcrkins. who has super
Intended the search for the hoy in be
half Of tho father. was I'm the lobby OF
tho hotel calmly smoking and pre-
tendiua to be- unconccrncd. But the
hearts of both parent aud detective
we're beating anxlously. The agent or
~ l,ldnapcrs promised that the boy
wouid he started tc-are The hotel
shortly after nirhtfall. As the hour
for me appearance of the child an
proachcd. Whitla became nervous. Hs
disreqardcd the advice OF the detective
who had told him To keep out Of sight
OF the newspaper men and the crowds
OF curious people who had learned
that ne was In the CITY and crowded
around him Emerg-
ing from his room ne walked up and
down the hall on the second floor VIII
hands elapsed across his breast Their
unable to stand the suspense longcI
he went into the lobby and seated
himself
A few newspaper men "ail4eo over
To talk to him out Inc lefused 70 con
Ners-.
For more than an hoar Whitis
waited In the lobby smoking cigars
and muttering TO himself
In the meantime little Willie. the
kldnaped boy. feeling comparatively
safe In the hands Of his kidnapers
was being prepared for his return Z
h sifather The woman at the cands
store had done her duty. She com
municated with the captors of the boy