Omaha daily bee., 1919-12-09
A sensation was sprung in police

| A sensation was sprung in police
circles yesterday when it became
known that private detectives had
for nearly 4 week been working in
an effort to connect the sensational
release of the bandit leader. Beryl c.
Kirk, from prison, and the daring
robbery of Hayden Brothers store.
According to the statement Of the
detectives, it is known that two of
Kinks former pals in crime were in
Omaha for two weeks or more be-
fore the big Hayden robbery was
pulled off. Almost Immediately
after this robbery, they point out,
Kirk was released. =
Their story is that Kirk had to
have money in order to get out of
the country and that these pals, one
of whom had been saved from a
prison term because of Kinks testi-
mony at his trial, gave him a part
of the $4,000 they got from the
Hayden safes.
The Furlough Held Up.
The "furlough," which was dated
September 8, was not given to the
warden at the penitentiary until two
days after the yeggmen made their
getaway.
1t is also pointed out that Kinks
two friends have not been seen in
this city since the raid on the Hay
den Brothers store.
Disappointment has been ex-
pressed by many persons interested
in Kinks case that Senator Bushee
did not attempt to explain, in the
statement he issued to the public,
why the "furlouSh" he signed Sep
TENDER 8 was not given to the war
den at the penitentiary until nearly.
three months later. Neither have
Kinks attorneys explained why the
man was kept in prison for months
after the order for his release had
been issued.
Abbott Denies Letter.
Ray ]. Abbott, who represented
the county attorneys Office when
Kirk was tried in district court here
for the murder of Detective Rooney
and the robbery of the Malashock
jewelry store, declared yesterday
that he did not write the letter to
Governor McKelvie recommending
Kinks release from the penitentiary,
which was attributed to him by
Senator B. K. Bushee and published
in Sundays Bee.
Following the statement issued
by Senator Bushee explaining why,
as acting governor, he signed .ur-
Tough for Kirk September 8, basing
his action on Mr.. Abbott's letter
and afidavits executed by Sheriff
Clark and William Musgrave, of the
street railway company, Mr.. Abbott
was asked if the letter published
over his signature and used in Sena-
tor Bushels statement was anthem
tic. l-8
That is not the letter l wrote"
declared the former chief deputy
county attorney. II do not care to
discuss at this time the contents Of
the letter I did write. l understand
the state bar association is going to
liIohC Gil lutCSlS6IiOl VI ILLS oiidi
and until such probe is instituted
desire to remain silent on the sub
ject." s ..t..
Did Sign Affidavit.
Sheriff Clark declared he signed
the affidavit referred to in Senator
Bushels statement at the instance
of Mrs. Kirk. "My affidavit con-
cerned only Kinks character as l
knew him years ago when he worked
under me for the street car COM
pany. made no reference to Kinks
subsequent conduct.
"Mrs. Kirk came to me last sum-
mer and asked me if l would give
her statement saying her husband
enjoyed a good reputation while he
worked for me. | did not know
then for what purpose the affidavit
was obtained. l thought it was to
be used by Kirk to get employ
mcnt after he had served his term
in prison. / did not know my state