New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-10-28
HOW BECKER ACCOUNTS FOR
HIS LARGE BANK DEPOSITS

In an interview that lasted almost
two hours, Lieutenant Charles Becker,
who will be sentenced TO die on
Wednesday for the murder OF Herman
Rosenthal, told the story he would have
related had he been permitted TO take
the stand by his counsel at his trial.
II was Becker's own story Of the
events that led up TO the murder, never
before whispered TO any one but his
counsel.
while Becker was telling his story to
Tribune reporter through the steel
bars Of his cell the four gunmen. "Gyp''
the Blood, Lefty" Louie, 'Dago" Frank
and Whitley" Lewis. were quaking with
terror In their cells. Since Becker's
conviction they have lost hope, and like
rats In sinking ship, are wondering
how they can escape with their own
miserable skins.
Though their counsel cX-Judgc
Charles G. f. Wahle, insists that the
men will go 20 trial, the Tombs officials
believe no human power can prevent
the guniren from breaking down and
coufessing, although District Attorney
Whitman says he does not want their
confessions.
Beckcr's nerve is still with him.
though his voice has taken on "A note Of
sadness Just before he consented TO
talk for publication he spent two hours
with his WIFE, chatting with her and
trying TO console her.
Tender Meeting with Wife.
And when she departed Becker en-
braced her kissed her several times,
and just before they parted buried his
head on her shoulder. Then he stood
i'm the corridor outside the counsel
room, where they had been together,
and watched her until the big iron
door changed behind her. He then
turned and went back to his cell.
y "Why should | talk for publication"
was his reply to II request for an in
terview. IF | did say anything II
would be twisted and garbled and my
meaning distorted, The newspapers
have been unfair 10 me. You'd think
I'm the worst Of men from the news
paper stories. | stand here convicted
of murder, the highest crime In the
calendar, practically beyond all hope,
but If had been permitted TO take the
stand the public would have had II diff
ferent opinion of me now"
There was a little resentment in his
voice, "A little sadness. II little regret.
The regret was that he had not been
permitted TO take the stand IN his own
behalf. But there was no fear In the
voice, nor was any shown In anything
he said.
What would you have testified to
had you taken the stand?" he was
asked.
Becker hesltated, but assured that
what he said would not be distorted,
he told his story In detail.
Rose His Stool Pigeon.
He told of his relations with Rose
which he still insists were purely those
Of policeman and stool pigeon; de-
MED he did murder or counselled IL;
insisted that Rose was the real muir
derer, and related incidents purporting
TO show hatred between Rose and
Rosenthal, and explained how he came
by some SO 800 in a few months.
Before answering the reporters ques-
ton Becker gripped the bars OF his cell
as though to brace himself, drew
long breath and began:
~ could have explained away my ap-
narent close relationship with Rose.
ANY man In my line Of work would
have TO have dealings with such a
mana stool pigeon-in order to be In
troduced 10 steerers Of gambling houses
and TO get evidence against theni'
Stool pigeons have always been used
a aIu.an