Omaha daily bee., 1909-03-23
WHITLA BOY IS FOUND
Continued from First Page.)

absolutely are no new developments in the
case. lie wants, he says, to get into com
munication with the abductors and has
discharged all the police and the detectives
in his employ. Mr.. whitla also conveys
the information that he has offered no re-
ward, nor does he intend to do so. All
that he wants, he says, is the boy and he
is willing to deal with the kidnapers and
pay the $4,000 ransom at any time. In
conclusion the statement is to the effect
that Mr.. and Mrs. whitla are holding up
as we'll under the circumstances as could
be expected.
Up to 1 o'clock this afternoon nothing
has been heard from the three squads of
state constabulary who are engaged in
running down promising clues in this city
and vicinity.
New Hope Held Out.
1t was reported here shortly be-
fore II o'clock that the Whitla family
have assurances that Willie Whitla will
be returned within forty-eight hours.
1t is said another letter has been
received directing in what manner the
money shall be paid. All details of the
negotiations are being carefully guarded.
however.
F.. H. Bull. millionaire uncle of the boy,
and several detectives attended the con-
ference this morning in Mr.. Whitla's office.
Mr.. Bull left the office several times and
q half dozen kilograms were sent. What
plan is on foot could not be learned. How
ever, II is said important developments
are expected within a short time. Mr..
Whitla admitted today the Ashtabula co.
story is correct. He said he had the ran
som Of 10000 with him in that city for the
kidnapers. 1t was also learned that the
abductors, In their letter, had instructed
him to have the money in the denomina-
lions of fives, tens and twenties. Mr..
Whitla is near collapse now. His wife Is
bearing up we'll under the belief that the
boy will soon be returned. 1t is believed,
however, that another disappointment, such
as the Ashtabula one, will cause serious
consequences as far as the boys mother
Is concerned.
Letter Believed TO BE Test.
1t is admitted today that the abductors
have taken preliminary steps to give the
boy back for the ransom OF $4,000. The
affair at Ashtabula, o., Saturday night
and early Sunday morning is believed to
have been directed by the kidnapers only
for the reason of discovering whether Mr..
Whatla ia sincere in his intention to pay
the money. 1t Is the general opinion now
that the abductors had no thought of
surrendering the lad at Ashtabula, but
were endeavoring to satisfy themselves
that Mr.. Whitla will secretly pay the
money for the return of his boy.
1t is also believed the kldnapers will
communicate with Mr.. Whitla in the near
future for the purpose of getting the
$4,000. The attitude of Mr.. Whitla in Sc
cretly depositing the ransom at Ashtabula
Is an evidence that all he wants is the
child and that the abductors need not fear
prosecution from him.
II is said that owing to orders received
from Harrisburg, Pa, the state police who
have started into the northeast territory
are believed to be investigating a story
made known here today. According to this
story. an old man who has lived alone
two and a half moiles from Sharon disap-
peared Thursday and has not been seen
since. 1t is said that on Thursday, the
day Willie Wtitla was kidnapped, a man
in a rig drove to the house of the old
man and then both drove away.
Stranger 'Phoned Smith House.
ASHTABULA, o., March ga. A. Whit
aker informed the police today that he
overheard a stranger telephone to the Smith
house Saturday night about 9 p. l.. from
the store of his brother, F. w. Whitaker.
The stranger asked IL a letter had been
left for c. A. White and then said this
letter would be called for by a man arriv-
ing on a Lake Shore train. Shortly after
J. d. Whitls arrived from Sharon, went to
the Smith house and inquired for this let
ter. The stranger tsllies with a descrip-
ton OF the man who sent the boys into the
hotel with the letter. He was five feet
seven inches in height, weighed about $50
pounds and was between IS and 70 years
old. He wore a dark gray suit and black
derby hat, The store from which the mes
sage was telephoned is near Flat Iron
park. where the $4,000 was deposited.
TO CURE 4 GOLD IN ON DAY