Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1910-04-29
MARTINsBuRG VIVA. FRIDAY APRIL 20, 1910,
Drunken Confederate.

- AAAAkNkA
New that the shifting drama Of the
pcstoffice robbery has reached Its cli-
max and the esdesperate crscksmen
have begun ten-yssr sentence in the
Federal prison at Atlanta, Ga, comes
to light kemi-confsssion made by
"Little Dickn Harris to Deputy NJ. s.
Angle at Henrico Jail, telling to some
extent how the well.laid plane Of the
outlaws were baffled by a drunken
confederate, and Low too much greed
for gain on the part Of Fay led to the
speedy andoing Of himself and "Little
Dick
II was on the night following the
day of final trial that "Little Dick"
loosened up with bunch Of talk.
Time was wearing on the eracksmens'
nerves and he yearned to communi-
cate some part of his disappointmeDts,
If even into the ears OF his jailors. This
is the story told by "iittle Dick, /"
which was corroborated In large
measure by Eddie Fay.
HARRIS PULLED OFF JOB.
"Iittie Dick" Harris was the man
who pulled of the big job at the local
postoiIice. Fay had been to Rich
mend, outlined the plans ofthe cam
paign, seen that all was in readiness
for business and had pulled out, going
directly to New York. While In Rich
msnd Fay had put up at the Jefferson
hotel. On reaching New York he
awaited the arrival of his confedsrates
at the Hotel Avon.
"Little Dick said that he, with the
three well.knewn trunks, left Rich
mond ier Washington ON the carly
morning train Monday, March %. He
was followed out Of Richmond. by two
confedei ates, who reached Washing
ton some few moments later. Al
Washington each OF the three men
took trunk, leaving the national
capital over separate lines working
their way North.
One trunk went to Baltimore, ard
on ts sewark, N. j; second
trunk was sent to Philadeiphia via
the Pennsylvania railroad; the third
trunk, containing $4,000 in loot,
wendell its way by devious routes on
to New York. This trunk proved the
undoing OF the crowd. All three
trunks were to converge at New York.
TRUNKS REACH THE METROPOLIS.
Early Tuesday morniug which was
the day Of the double arrest at the
Grand Central station, the baggage
had all reached the metropolis. Fay was
in possession Of one trunk at h otel Avon
a second piece Of baggage had arrived
at Twenty-third street, at the Penn
5ylvania Ferry station, the third trunk
had arrived at the Grand Central sta
tien, but the man III charge of this
trunk has become intoxicated.
Here was great and grievous prob
lem which had arisen. 1t was learned
by Fay and "Little Dick" that their
drunken confederate was in the COM
PAL y OF an unknown woman. They
despa.red of his further assistance, and
wished to eliminate him utterly from
the delicate proceedings.
Little Dick and Fay, towards
evening, visited the Grand Central
station. Here they recognized several
Federal inspectors and realized that
their baggage was under suspicion and
being Swallowed. Fay flew into fury.
ave must have that trunk" he said
to Little Dick.n
"Not on your life," replied Harris.
"Bdt l tell you we mnst," stermed
Fay; "the trunk contains $27, 900 in
stamps"
81 don't give -" said "Little
Dick, "the thing il not TO be thought
off,
Little DIckn ceuldn't keep Fay
from the Grand Central. The two men
visited it together several times. Al
way the Federal inspectors were on
thejos Fay became iafuriated and
lost his temper.
On the last and fatal visit Of the
cracksmen to the station no inspectors
were to be located. Fay summoned up
resolution and boldly walked in TO lay
claim to the baggage. "Little Dick"
refused to desert his pal. The story
VI the arrest IL well known.
"As for Fay,n said Little Dick"
The Is no stranger in Richmond. He
has visited this city on several ocea-
sions aud knows every street by name.
L have never seen your city before, al
trough | have been A great traveller in
nv time. In fact I have yisitad avarv