The New York herald., 1922-05-10
LADY ASTOR FREES
He Shot Chicago Eddie
Gucrin in London Fiji
teen Years Ago.
SENTENCED FOR LIFE
Victim. Only Slightly Hurt,
Had Just Fled From
Devils Island.
OUARRELED OVER A GIRL
OUARRELED OVER A GIRL
Freedman Always Has Pro-
tected Name of His Family
in Virginia.

SpeciaI Gable to THE NEW YORK HERALD.
Copyright, fc2e, by TIE New YORK HERALD
SOUTHAMPTON. May 9.-Among pas
sengers who depart on the Majestic
for America tomorrow is member
of a prominent Virginia family Who
after fifteen years in British prisons
as Charles Smith, for shooting Eddie
Guerin, notorious American crook, has
been released, largely through the eff
forts Of viscountess Astor. and who
now is keyed up to high pitch of ex-
pectation over the prospect Of again
seeing his native shores.
He came here when he was young;
he is going back an old man, though
he Is only Al. Because he wishes to
conceal his identity while making a
fresh start in America he is growing
a beard.
When seen by a New York HERALD
correspondent to-day just after he had
been released from Dartmoor Jail and
turned over to John M. Savage, Amer
lean Consul, in Southampton, under
deportation order issued by the Home
along, refused to reveal his true iden-
tity
The story of this man is called by
Lady Astor one Of the saddest chapters
in British law. 1t was Mr. Savage who
interested Mrs Astor in the case and
together they obtained his release.
Smith was sentenced to penal servitude
for life in July, 1907. for shooting
Guerin through the foot, as the result
Of which Guerin was In a hospital only
eight days.
His Family a Mystery.
There always has been great air
Of mystery about the trouble because
Smith was anxious to protect the names
Of his relatives in Virginia and kept
silent.
Smith and Guerin quarreled over
woman namsd May Churchill, known as
Chicago May" who was sent to prison
for fifteen years at the time Smith was
sentenced. Chicago May joined Cue
rim here in 1900. They went to France.
where they robbed the American Ex-
press Company office in Paris. They
were arrested. Guerin was sentenced to
life imprisonment at Devils Island and
Chicago May" was given three years
in a French penitentiary. After the ex-
piration of her sentence she returned to
London. After four years. Guerin es-
capped from the island and also returned
to London. He was arrested and his
extrodition demanded by the French.
but he claimed British citizenship an1
after being detained eighteen months
the authoriti as here ruled he was Brit
ish and refused to allow his extradition.
About the time Guerin left for Eng
land. Smith left America with q circus
and went TO South Africa, where he
remained seven years. Then he went
to London, where he met Chicago May"
and they became friends. Guerin in
prison heard OF the friendship of the
two and made threats against Smith.
When Guerin was released the two men
met and quarreled over the woman.
Smith drew his revolver and fred. Smith
refused to reveal who he was and as
Chicago Mays record was against her
they we're both given heavy sentences.
Guerin stnI in London.
Guerin still resides in London and
several times has come into the hands
of the police Mr.. Savage became inter-
ested in the case In 1920, when the Rev.
c. f. Braithwaite. chaplain of Parkhurst
prison. visited him and spoke in the
highest terms Of the prisoner known as
Smith. who, he said. had won the sym
pathy and respect. OF all ofiioials of the
prison and once had saved the life of a
keeper who was attacked by a convict
Mr.. Savage went to Parkhurst prison
and spoke with Smith, He was greatly
impressed and began working for his
release. A petition was drawn UP and
signed by many Virginians, but the re-
quest for his release was refused by the
Home Secretary in July of last year
Mr.. Savage then interested Lady Astor
In the case and she personally visited
Smith. who was then in Dartmoor jail
Her sympathy was aroused and she en-
ployed counsel. After tireless efforts