The Washington herald., 1915-07-01
THINKS FORNEY
HEADED A GANG
So Says Sleuth, Who Takes
Bowers to Pittsburgh
for Hearing.
LAD DENIES HE HELPED
States Forney Wanted His Aid in
Killing Schneider and Put Name
to Note Under Protest.

Robert f. Bevard. detective from
Pittsburgh sent here to take the thirt
| alleged member Of Thomas G. Forney'.
gang" William Bowers. 1s. back to tn,
Pennsylvania city, arrived at polic'
headquarters late last evening. startint
back with the young man at midnight
Bowers waived eXtradition proceedings.
When asked II his work on the cass
lead him to believe there was such q
gang. Detective Bevard said:
Yes, We are certain there was such g
clique. Their object was nothing less
than murder as We learn several SINH
lar cases had been attempted.
The date OF maturity Of insurance
policies seemed to be the chosen field fol
robbery and assault
Denies Being Accomplish.
Before he left Bowers acknowledged he
was BILL" payee with George" (Mc-
Henry, in the 81 ,009 note signed by For
uey for the Staying OF Schneider. but
declared he refused to be an accomplice
in the plot and that his name was put
in the note without his consent He had
conferred with Forney three times in the
latter's Office Bowers said. the last two
conversations dealing entirely with the
doing away" of Schneider The third
conference was but a week before the
assault upon Mr.. Schneider in Pitts
burgh.
On his second visit to Forneys offices
in the Union Trust Building Bowers met
McHenry, he says. but did not talk with
him. He later recognized him on the
streets several times. but they did not
speak.
Bowers declares emphatic he does
not know Carlisle. another Washington
man arrested at the request of Pitts
bursh police.
Believes Forney Led Gang.
do you believe there Is a gang such
as Forney mentions in his confession 80
Bowers was asked.
''Yes, think there is a gang and A big
one" he replied. II do not think.
though. that they had any control over
Forney l believe he was the leader. l
have no idea what their work was. how
ever"
Bowers impressed police by his
frankness. He apparently is conceal
ing nothing. answering readily all
questions. Police believe he was duped
by Forney. and place some faith in his
story of refusing to be party to the
murder plan. principally because he
made no attempt to steal away from
the city.
Declined Forney's Offer.
Bowers was arrested yesterday
morning at the home of his parents.
927 Ingraham place northwest. by De-
tectives O'Brien and Armstrong. He
says he first met Forney three months
ago Bowers was working for o. r.
Evans & Brother. an electrical firm at
100 Thirteenth street northwest. as an
apprentice electrician. His wages was
Sc a week.
While on an errand for his employers
the young man witnessed the killing
of a dog by truck. The owner OF
the dog threatened damage suit
and Bowers was called as a witness.
He came in touch with Forney. coun-
sci for a party to the suit.
During the conversation, Bowers says
Forney told him to return a week later.
that he would have job for him. Bowers
quit his work at the Evans shop and kept
the appointment with Forney. At their
second meeting, in the presence of Nc
Henry, Forney preached his proposal
He was offered 5000 by Forncy, Bowers
says. but he stoutly refused.
Would Not Erase Name.
Forney asked him to come back again,
Bowers making a third visit about
week before Schneider went to Pitts
burgh.
Are you ready to go to Pittsburgh
with McHenry;" Forney asked him.
Bowers again told him he would have
nothing to do with the plot. Forney
then informed him he had made him a
payee to a nate Of $1,000. to be divided be-
tween him and McHenry If the assault
upon Schneider was successful. Bowers
protested. he declares, but Forney re-
fused to erase his name.
Il really didn't think they ever meant
business Bowers said, although l was
tempted several times to warn Schneider.