Evening star., 1937-07-12
MONTAGUE TALKS
Of REMOVAL FIGHT.
New York Ready for Deter
mined Steps if He 0p-
bOses Extradition.
By the Associated Press.

LOS ANGELES, July l2.-1n the
seclusion won by $4,000 bail.
mysterious John Montague Of golf
discussed today fighting extradition
10 New York on 4 seven-year-old
sobbery charge.
His attorney, Jerry Giesler, said,
however, that there might possibly
be a change later in our plans, de-
pending on future developments"
From Essex County, N: Y, came
edvices that determined steps would
be taken by authorities if Montague
raised legal obstacles to his removal.
As La Verne Moore, former Syracuse
caddy, he was indicted in 1880 in con-
nection with the $700 hold-up Of
New York road house.
Detectives of the police robbery de-
tail dropped their investigation OF
Montague'S past after determining no
one of his description was wanted for
questioning in cases here.
Swinging the heaviest and biggest
golf clubs in America-at least three
ounces more than standards-the
New Yorker became near-leg-
endary figure here. Stories of his
long distance hitting and deadly put
ting finally gained nationwide cir
culation and thus, New York State
police said, resulted in disclosure Of
his real identity.
Had Agreed to Police ShOw-up.
Sheriff Eugene Biscailuz said yes
terday Montague had agreed to ap-
pear voluntarily Tuesday night at
police show-up, to be Scrutlnlzed by
victims of recent jewel robberies
Bing Crosby, screen singer, beaten
IN a golf match by Montague, who
used a base ball bat, shovel and rake,
declared his movie colony friends were
"all back of him 100 per cent
IF, as he said" continued Crosby,
'-his trouble is the result of some
prank or mistake when he was kid,
! think he's entitled to some con-
sideration. He is a grand fellow, al
ways a gentleman, great guy on the
golf links and the kind of chap you
just naturally enjoy being with"
Oliver Hardy. film comedian, at
whose home Montague stayed for a
time, said: Hes one of the finest
fellows that ever lived. What more
can I say?'
We all wondered what was back
of Monty's mask" said Sid Sutherland,
Hollywood writer, whose house guest
Montague had been a few days ago,
but he never asked any questions of
us and We treated him the same way"
Montague's ability to keep pace with
the hlgh-salaried film stars interested
law officers. He has shown evidence
of affluence without any apparent
source of revenue" Deputy District
Attorney Howard Hinshaw told the
court when Montague was arraigned.
His eXtradition hearing was set for
July 26.
Il can account for every day of my
time for the past seven years." Mon
tague declared
Reporters Rebuffed.
Reporters who sought to find
whether he was married, had gold
or silver mine, or really could absorb
great quantities of liquor without eff
feet, were rebufted by: Getting per-
sonal. huh?"
I'll tell you one thing" he said
The way to get along with guys in
Hollywood is to keep from trying to
steal their girls"
Since you are so good, why don't
you ever play in golf tournaments?
asked a questioner.
I'm modest, I tell you"
Did you ever have any lessons?"
mo. I'm just a natural born
golfer.'
Have you plenty of money!"
Getting personal, huh?"
1he arrest OF the 34-year-old
"phantom" as La Verne Moore, former
Syracuse youth famed for his athletic
proWeSs. climaxed seven-year
scrutiny of "crack' golfers all over the
country, New York State police said.
Scores of letters have been written
by Inspector Joseph B. Lynch of
Malone and Inspector John Cosart of
Oneida, in their search for MONTAGUE
AFTER his indictment on q first degree
robbery charge in the hold-up of the
Jay Road House.
Lynch said that both he and In
spector Cosart believed that Montague
would some day reveal himself bv his
outstanding abilities as an athlete, but
that we never got trace of Mon
tague until about month ago"
Lynch said that he and Cosart "xaw
some news articles about this remark
able John Montague out on the Coast
We felt pretty sure he was Moore We
sent his picture, his fingerprints and
samples Of his handwriting to the
sheriffs Office in Los Angeles on
June IL.
They gave the case their immediate
attention and wrote back they were
positive Montague was the man we
wanted and asked us to send a warrant
Which they promised to serve on him
at once"