Evening journal., 1922-02-28
SAYS TAYLOR
Was IN FEAR
OF MURDER
fcontlnuea From FIrst ragel

(continued From First Page)
IN a certain actress who had just
taken the cure" in an Eastern sani-
tarium at his suggestion. He be-
lieved she was freed OF the habit.
He also believed himself victor in
his fued wita the peddlers.
1t was in this frame Of mind that
he went to call on the actress and
Congratulated her on her escape.
He met one Of the biggest mem
bers OF the dope ring face to face in
her house. The peddler had just
handed the actress heroin.
Deputy Sheriff Harvey Bell OBJ
tanned from the prisoner now in the
county jail here details OF what hap
pened. Taylor and the drug seller
cifnched. II was a regular movie
night. with furniture and lamps
crashing. Taylor won and the ped
dler staggered out. mouthing muir
der threats through battered lips.
The war between Taylor and tke
dope ring broke out afresh and
ragged until February 1, when Tay-
lor was shot
Taylor lived in constant fear OF
death by violence. according TO
statements made by W. S. Under
wood. held In the county jail on an
embezzlement charge. Underwood
declares Taylor frequently told him
OF his premonition that he would be
slain. but never divulged the name
Of the person. or persons he feared
and always declined to give the rea-
son for his belief.
Sands. sought for weeks in con-
nection with the Staying. was in Los
Angeles on the day following the
crime preparing for a quick dash "a
Mexico. Underwood said. He added
that he was a personal friend OF
both the missing man and the slain
director. and that he attended a
number Of parties given by the lat
ter.
Underwood was arrested some
DAYS ago at Topeka, Kan, at the
instigation OF persons who believed
he was Sands. He was later held
on a charge OF embezzling funds
from the Pacific Electric Railwa,
Company. He is to be tried here or
that charge.
Underwood declares that he me
Sands at the corner OF Seventh and
Broadway, on February 2. the da,
following the staying After a few
words Of greeting. he asserts, Sand
said:
well. I'm heading South, prob
ably won't see you again"
where are you going?" Under
wood said he asked.
"Elther Mexico or South Amer
ica." Sands is alleged to hav
answered.
Underwood made statemen
which. in substance. is as follows:
Some weeks previous to the mui
der l was sitting alone in dowr
town cafe, when Taylor and a part
Of friends entered and took the tab
next to mine.
"He was in a jovtal mood, an
within the next thirty minutes ,ol
serving that I was alone. invited m
to Join his group. I accepted.
In the party were a number
women I recognized as having see
on the motion-picture screen-wo
men that were known the world owe
as. actresses OF the first degree. wi
not give their names. Because I d
not wish 70 involve any OF them /
this unpleasant affair.
"These same women, however,
saw on numerous occasions when
was a guest at the Taylor bungalo
on Alvarado street ] have my ow
theory regarding the staying and q
connection OF these people with
but as to this angle have nothir
to say"
Underwood said that he met San
as he was coming out OF downtov
theatre. but that the murder OF TIA
lor was not mentioned during the
brief conversation. He also mai
tained that he had no actual know
edge OF the tragedy. and did not
meet 10 be able 10 furnish the poll
with information.
Acting upon information from 81
Francisco that Mrs. Walker
sought by the authorities In come
ton with the Staying OF Taylor,
in Los Aukeletf bNAANt oihNtAo n
deputy sheriffs began today a 81
tematic canvass OF all local hote
While details OF this DEVELOPING
were not revealed. it follows
search for the woman in San Fra
cisco by Detective sergeants Herm
Cline and Jack stelzreide.
Mrs. Walker is the woman
whom a telegram was addressed
picture actress on the night OF
murder The message read; Il
in trouble. / need help"
It was discovered. Il Is assert
that she. too. had sent telegra
seemingly connected with the ca
and this is also to be checked. o
GERS familiar with the new an
declare the woman's testimony Is
the utmost Importance to check
facts in the case which may u
mately lead 10 the solution OF
mystery.
The confession" OF Harry
Fields, now held IN the Wa!
County (Michigan) jail on a forg
charge. is no longer considered
factor in the case.
PEPPER CLUB TO DRESS VI
r.~fFf