Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-02-27
ACCUSED IN DEN|ALS
SUSPECTED MEN PROTEST THEIR
Observation-Disclosures RE-
FUSE TO DivULGE RESULTS OF
IN JAIL.

Just to what extent Peter Sylvester
and Louis Augustine conspired to de-
stroy their stock of goods and collect
Insurance upon the loss, is matter
that is puzzling county, city and state
authorities today. Sylvester and Au.
gustine were taken into custody after
mysterious fire had cleaned out
their store, ruined large quantity of
produce owned by the H. J. Mitchell
Co., in an adjoining room, and jeopar-
dized the lives OF sixteen tenants of
fats above the stores. The building.
WHICH stands at the corner of Mar
quette and La Sale streets, is owned
by Richard Wolfe.
Shortly after the conhagration that
routed two families out of their beds
early Mosrtuy morning. policy in
Quiry was conducted, and the investi-
CATION resulted In the holding of Syl-
vester and Augustine pending a more
thoro search into the charges that a
torch was applied to the grocery stock
by an incendiary.
This morning the two Italians were
taken before Judge George Koenig
and were placed under $S0o bonds
each to appear for trial Friday morn.
ing at O'Clock. They were unable to
furnish bonds in this amount and
were taken back to the county Jail to
await their preliminary hearing
Three Examinations.
Willie officials are confident that
there were enough suspicious irregu-
larities in connection with the fire TO
warrant holding Sylvester and Angus
tine, they were unable today to an
nounce any positive results that
would indicate either one or both of
the two men suspected, were guilty Of
arson.
Both admit having been in their
store at $3.50 on Sunday night and the
officials have learned that they con
templated giving up their establish
ment and moving to Chicago. Either
one of these occurrences Is Ordinary
and fail to point to any guilt on the
part OF the accused proprietors
Neither Sylvester nor Augustine will
do much talking. They are guarding
their actions closely and. refuse to be
ensnared In any "alibi" trap. Ques
tions have netted but little as far as
the quiz has gone. Now and then the
police have caught the men in contra
dictoiy statements, but so far have
not been able to make them incrimia,
ate themselves.
Police Retain Silence.
Neither Chief Zurich nor any OF his
squad, will issue any statements indi
eating just what they have discovered
against Sylvester and Augustine that
could lead to their conviction. Il am
not prepared to make statement just
yet" the chief told Free Trader
JOui udl sCilbC ti.lo iliolHlHS. LNeIy
question was avoided and 1t was ap
parent that the utmost caution would
be used in conducting the inquisition
States Attorney George s. Wiley is
working on the case and he was
equally as reticent In giving out an,
information pertaining to the case.
Fire Chief Boissenin.
Fire Chief Boissenin said: while
We haven't much on the two men
there were features about the fire
that were strong enough to arouse
every suspicion that someone set tht
store on fire. We have been unabl,
to get the goods on either Sylvestel
or Augustine.
The fire examiners board of whicl
Commissioner Palmer Is president, II
conducting an investigation into thu
conflagration and will join their find
ings with those Of the other authori
ties and In this manner the story ma.
be woven into tangible form ant
enough evidence secured to convic
the men.
Operated at Loss.
Il Ia hinted among friends of Sylves
ter and Augustine that their store ha
harn ounrntad nj n loes for saypra