fl . tempted to draw revolvers. .tr'ators of crime cannot resist.- ' c ' L 13' ’ If you want the best ' . goods for the least money _ read the advertisements ‘ in the Gazette. Q" Recogniie‘dl ,asegtha I’ . family paper the GazettePs-L' advertising columns will prove ite value to you. . - VOL. 1111. N O. 1729. v NORWALK, CONN. WEDNESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 27.1897. PRICE ONE. oEN'r. r RUN‘TOEARTH AT LAST. 1101111 1110 wants 111111531511 1111th none Ill nunnucron. THE EOLVICE. SUCCESSFULAT LAST. A REPORT SAYS THE TWO MEN HAVE BEEN HIDING NEAR THE SCENE OF THE CRIME 1‘ SINCE THE MURDER. After a period of waiting, extending ovei nearly three months, the B1 idge- port police last night succeeded in lo- eating and capturing Charles A. Bonai and David Weeks, the two men wanted for the alleged mur de1 of Fai mer George Marcus Nichols at his home at Daniels Farms in the little town of Trumbull. The captuie was effected by Supt. Birmingham of Bridgeport, and Detectives Arnold and Cronan and Officei Keenan of the police of that city. The two men we1e sui prised at the house of Mrs. Bassett, the mother of Weeks, located in that pertion of _ Huntington known as the Isinglass dis- trict. The house had been constantly watched for some weeks and yesterday the much wanted pair arrived there. Word was immediately sent to the Bridgeport police and the officers named above came to the scene. The house was quietly surrounded, every 'avenueof ‘escap‘ewas cut off and "a de- scent was made upon the place. Bonai and Weeks were taken completely by surprise, and, always desperate, at- They were speedily overpowered and in a short time 'Were made powerless. The offi- cers then prepared. to take their pris- oners to the county jail in Bridgeport. Clues have been followed in all di- rections. The two men have been fol- lowed through MasSachusetts and New York and through the country in Ohio. At one time all trace of them appeared to havebeen lostvand it was believed that they ’had crossed the ocean and were in some foreign country where there would be no probability of their capture. But the unexpected \often happens and the old saying that mur- derers will often return to the scene of their crime has proven true in this case. There seems to be a sort of fas- cination about the scene of the crime, gruesome as it may be, which perpe- In this case there were relatives living near, Weeks’ mother and daughter, to whom Bonai had been married. They came back and the result may be fatal to one or both of them. If they are guilty no one who is a lover of justice should object 10 the extreme penalty 'of the law, for the murder was one of the most- atrocious and brutal known in the annals of crime in this state. It is firmly believed that Huntington has ‘furnished a rendezvous for the men almost from the very date of the tragedy. Residents of that village have recently begun to tell stories which warranted the belief that the 1 two men have been in hiding in the neighboring woods, armed to the teeth and determined to the last degree. It is stated that the men have been fed by their friends; they have been supplied with the daily papers and have frequent- % on a sofa in the parlor. 1y met their friends and relatives. , The alleged rendezvous of Bonai and Weeks is located in a patch of woods 1 a in what'is known as the Booth Hill dis- 1 trict. This section is about three miles from Huntington Center and possibly a > mile from Isinglass where is located .the home 'of Bonai’s wife. In these woods is tohe found a wood chopper’s . shanty and the proprietor of the place is Alfred Perry, 9. wood chopper about ears of age, who lives there with his wife. This shanty is only reached after traveling over a cart path used ifor hauling out wood. Perry’s wife is his only companion and while she smokes a pipe fiercely while talking, she is not altogether uncomely. For some time it is stated the two much wanted men have been in the habit of visiting the Perry shanty. Frequently Mrs. Bonai has been seen walking down the road in the evening carrying bas— She has been seen to return empty handed. It is said that the day after the crime was committed, Charles Bonai entered the Perry shanty. kets' evidently well laden. He informed Mrs. Perry to whom he was well known and who was exceedingly fond of him, that he wished to bring in his pal. He was given permission and some time later on the same day he returned, bringing with him David Weeks. The latter was intoxicated and ugly. He carried a rifle, two revolvers and a knife, all of which he hurled on the table with an oath, adding, “I would like to see those things dripping with blood.” . He so impressed Mrs. Perry that her charact-. erization of him makes him extremely bloodthirsty. The two men were fed and the next day they received newspapers contain- ing accounts of the tragedy and the do- ings of the officers who were seeking for them. For three or four days they remained in the woods, coming to the hut for their food. They then left to 11et1111n at intervals, and since then the Perry hut has been their rendezvous. A reporter saw Detective Cronan im- mediately after the placing of the pris- The “We have been watch- ing the Bonai house for the past five weeks and felt confident that we should find our men sooner or later at that place. . Yesterday morning at 4 o’clock the two men walked into‘ the house. We held them there all day knowing that Supt. Birmingham would be up last evening, oners in the cells at Bridgeport. detective said: As;- soon as he came, we placed Ourselves around the house. Keenan was posted at the back door, the superinten dent stood on the side of thehouseand Arnold and I stood at the front door. While we were watching for a good chance to enter, some one came to the door and looked out, going back they left it ajar. Immediately he came round to the front and our plan of entrance was carried out to the letter. We knew Bonai was up stairs low. It was decided that the superin- tendent shouldtake care of the down- stairs rooms while Arnold and I were to go up stairs to the room which had a light in, just. previous to our entrance. We rushed in and saw Weeks lying Arnold and I pushed right along up stairs as fast as we could go. I carried a dark lantern which I' flashed on the bed as soon as . I entered. Before Bonai had a chance to realize the situation Arnold had him cornered with a revolver. Bonai started to grasp a revolver which lay on a table by the bed Side, but we were too quick for him and grabbed him. He saw we 'had him cornered and threw up his hands with the same mo- ( we signaled the superintendent and and presumed we would find Weeks be: tion in which he reached for his gun. The superintendent secured Weeks without trouble. Bonai and Weeks were interviewed in their cells in the police station early this morning. Weeks was first ap- proached by the reporter. He was asked if he was taken by surprise when the officers entered and -he re- plied that he was some. He was then asked what he would plead in the court to-day, and he answered “Ask me no questions and I will tell you no lies.” He appeared rather cranky and refused to answer any more questions. Bonai was then approached and he was very talkative. He was after eating a meal and was puffing a cigar. Every question propounded to him was quickly answered and ‘during the conversation he ,made many startling disclosures. He said that he had only arrived at his home in Huntington last Tuesday from Fishkill. From the lat- ter place he drove in a team and he walked from Danbury. I have passed through Bridgeport twice since the crime was committed. One day about 10 weeks ago I came in from Fairfield on a trolley car, from which I alighted at the corner of Main street and Fairfield avenue. There I passed a policeman to whom I spoke. He answered me and I walked down to the railroad station, where I boarded a train for New York. On that same train was a detective whom I thought was looking for me, and when I' made the discovery I went into the smoker. ' After staying in New York fora time I came back to Bridgeport and went to Stratford, where I ate a lunch with the sheriff who lives on the road to Wash- ington bridge. He was then asked if the sheriff’s name was Stagg, and he answered in ”We had... soda and mince pie' together, he said. How I came to get into She1 iff Stagg 5 house was not very strange. I got hun- gryand asked for a bit to eat, and the sheriff kindly gave me something good. the affirmative. - ~~ I was never acquainted with the Nich- ols, and in the court to-day I shall most certainly plead not guilty. '~ In my esti- mation the police are looking for the reward and they are not very particu- lar on whom they fasten the guilt. I once led a crooked life and while in PoughkeepSie I came Very near being captured for being implicated in a num- ber of burglaries. Andy McCabe, one of my pals, there gave me away and I had to leave. ‘ <vr ——Photog1aphic supplies at Riggs D1 ug st01 e. O 14 tf ON A BENCH WARRANT. Vitriol Thrower Murphy May be Tried Nexl Week. It is possible that OwenMurphy, who is held’for the Supreme court on the charge of throwing vitriol at Jennie Kinsella, last week, may be tried on a bench warrant at the next term of the Superior court. It is stated that the man’s defence will be temporary insan- ity. In a talk with a reporter at the county jail yesterday, Murphy said he did not know where he got the vitriol, and remembered nothing of the affair pntil his arrest. life and wishes he had blown his brains out. ‘He claims that he had no serious trouble with the McCryne girl whom, it is alleged, he intended to burn with the vit1iol. Dr. S. H. Huntington reports Miss Kinsella as slowly gaining with the chances in favor of her recovery. As regards h’er eyesight nothing def- inite can yet be said. She is reported .as being more comertable to-day than at any time since she suffered her ter- rible injuries. Sympathizing friends sent her a mag- nificent bouquet of flowers this morn- ing. Death of George 8. Mitchell. Assistant Postmaster Harry , C. Mitchell received a telegram" this morning, announcing the death at the National Soldiers’ Home at Hampton, Va., of his father, George B. Mitchell, in the 54th year of his age. The deceased was a brother of Wil- liam Mitchell of this city, and at one .time was engaged in the butcher ~ busi- ness here. He was a war veteran. and was familiarly known as “Lengthy” Mitchell. He had scores of friends who will regret to learn of his death. Two sons survive him. - A Very Small City Meeting, and Project He said he is tired of whereupon ' Mr. 011111113 1113 POINT. City Attorney Light Flushes Through the Municipal Light Plan. Opposed by Large Taxpayers, At a special city meeting, last night, South Norwalk by 62 to 20 voted to es- tablish a‘ miinicipal electric lighting plant, and issue $20,000 worth of bonds for constructmg the same. It was the smallest city meeting in years and the opposition to the project came from the largest tax-payers in the city, but City Attorney John H. Light carried it through although he was obliged to give several amazingsnap shot opinions and evade a most impor- tant question from the keen ex-repre- sentative Rowan. Owing to the death of Mayor Bohan- nan s father the Mayor was absent and Councilman s. s. Hatch presided. City clerk Joseph R. Taylor read the call and Mr. Light at once moved its adop~ tion. I Mr. E. A. Woodward was recognized and said, that up to that morning he thought he was in favor of municipal lighting, but he happened to see a copy of the new city charter and was of the opinion that in order to go into it the city would virtually have to purchase the entire plant of the Norwalk and South Norwalk Electric Light com- pany. I He could not see where the city was to stop- as it might cost $50.000., He then asked Mr. Light to explain. Prior to Mr. Light’s reply, Col: Cun- ningham moved to disapprove of the 1esolu‘tion. , . .-.* . In 1eply to Mr. Woodward, M11. Light said that, “the section of the charter was very plain. The Norwalk company may offer to sell their property owned and used within the city line and we- must pay for that property. The N or- walk company may also claim damages. The court will appoint three good men to assess damages same as in property He did not know as the Norwalk company would sell out as they might want to compete with the assessment.” \ city. Mr. Woodward remarked, “Suppose, the electric company appeal from their decision and fight us to the end, what will it cost-the city ? ” Mr. Light gave no estimate of cost, but answered that the fight had com- menced already as seen by the op- position in'the local press, and the General Electric company, would pre- vent municipal lighting if possible. R. H. Golden excitedly interrupted to infer that certain stockholders were present to oppose the project, which caused Mr. Woodward to say that he had advocated street lighting but did not own stock in any company. ' Mr. the charter, and in reply to a question from Mr. -Woodward, said the Norwalk company had offered to sell for a lump sum. He also said that it was a simple matter to determine damages, Woodward replied, “Lawyers and judges often disagree, and the Norwalk company might say that this was the best part Of their property.” To which M1. _ Light re. plied, “We have the right to bring ex- perts here to appraise.” ' Mr. Woodward also wanted to know if it would cost the city 320.000 or $30.- 000 to go into municipal lighting, and Mr. Light answered the question by saying that he would vote for it if it cost the city $50.000. Mr. Woodward then said that the city of Philadelphia had tried munici- pal lighting and was anxious-to sell. To this Mr. Light replied. “The Gen- eral Electric company send abroad just such false statements as that.” “I saw it in the Herald,” quickly 11e- torted Mr. Woodward. ' Mr. Light then went on and made the following false statement. “Why Light then read the clause in the GAZETTE to-night has two columns in the interest of this company and the General Electric which has been re- futed months ago.” Mr. Woodward in reply said he fully understood what Mr. Light had said, but he would like to have an opinion on the question from Mr. Fessenden or some other attorney. “On what point, ”inquired Mr. Light. “Lawyers can determine the law The section is plain.. The plant won’t ex- ceed $20,000 and the city will have to pay damages in addition.” “We won’t get through with it in five years,” retorted Mr. Woodward. Here Mr. Light swelling with indig- nation drew himself to his fullest height and fairly hissed, “The time is past when corporations may run rough shod over the people. ” “Not 1 out of 500 will use commercial light,” remarked Mr. Woodward. “It will pay for itself,” replied Mr. Light. “How do you know that ? ” quietly put in R. H. Rowan. remained unanswered. This was a teaser and Mr. Rowan, probably having in mind the pending injunction suit restraining the city from going into municipal lighting, and the clause in the new city charter which says said charter shall not affect pending suits, soon after in- quired of Mr. Light if there was not a suit pending between the Norwalk company and the city. M11. Light ne- glected to answer, and although Mr. Woodward "Mr. Rowan asked yOu a question Mr. Light,” the astute lawyer ad roitly dodged the ques- tion andtalked about something else. After further remarks by W. H. Smith, Col. Cunningham, Joseph Tam- many, Frank .A. Ferris, D11. Kendall, remarked, A. S. Winchester and S. C.Palmer, the ; latter of whom thought the matter should be postponed Owing to the small attendance and until better understood, the motion of Col. Cunningham to dis- approve was, taken on his resolution, as follows: Whole number votes cast, 82. - Yes 62 N o 20 The meeting then adjourned. ON TO NEW EANAAN. That Town Soon to be Joined lo Norwalk by Electric Light Wires. The Norwalk and South N orwalk Electric Light company has a gang of twelve men at work setting poles and stringing wires from the local electric plant to New Canaan, which place is soon to enjoy the distinction of being lighted by electricity. ' The route will be from the station to Belden avenue, up Riverside avenue to junction of street near the Kellogg res- idence, thence north to Silver Mine, then westerly to the Hoyt nurseries and thence through Carter street to the village. This route will permit of the furnish ing of power at several of the larger residences in that burg. The work will be pushed ahead as rapidly as possible. Thought He Was Crazy. A man rushed into the Dorlon House at Gregory’s Point last night, and im- parted the information to Landlord O’Sullivan that a crazy man was out on the road throwing flipfiops and doing all kinds of ground and lofty tumbling. “He will certainly kill himself if you don’t catch him,” said the informer. Landlord O’Sullivan hastily secured a lantern and calling several of his help went out to investigate. He first came across a bicycle and then a. mas- sive form was discovered sitting on the grass beside the roadpanting for breath. Thrusting his lantern in the man’s face he was horrified to discover Attorney John J. Walsh. “What, you learning to ride a wheel?” he shouted. “Yes.” replied Jack,“ and if you won’t give me away I will treat the whole crowd. ” The crowd lined up and took their bribe but one free silverite could not keep the secret and gave the lawyer away." ' Song Recital. A song recital will be given by the pupils of William Stanley Peek, at Lockwood’s Hall, Monday evening, November 1st, at 8 o’clock. They will be assisted by George E. Clauder, vio- lincellist, and Messrs. W. H. Humiston and E. J. Sims, pianists. Lewis Olmstead the carriage painter isat work on one ‘of Butcher Smith’s delivery wagons. ' DRBOHANNANBEAD. The- Father of mayors of South ' Norwalk and «Stamford , Passes Away. Spent the Years of His Oldegc With Hrs Son Charles. J. G. Bohannan, M. D., the venerable father of the Drs. Bohannan of South N orwalk and Stamfordand‘ the Mayors of South Norwalk and Stamford, died yesterday morning at 11 a. m., at the home of his son, Dr. Charles G. Bohan- nan, in South Norwalk. The state of his health has been very unsatisfactory for some time, and for the last two weeks has been recognized as critical and almost hopeless. - The deceased was a physician and a son of a physician, .who in his time en- joyed a large practice ' in his native Virginia. At the opening of.the war he was prominent in the social and po- litical affairs; as well as the profession» a1 life, in Mathews County, almost within sight of historic Yorktown. He was opposed to secession, but when that measure was adopted by the Vir- ginia Legislature, he joined the mili- tary service of the Confederacy, but in a very short time responded to the re- quest of the State authorities by devot- ing his services to the medical depart- ment of the a1 my. In this position he played a useful and honorable part throughout the war in the ameliora- tion of human suffering. He spent the years of his old age in retirement from active work, lately in the home of his son Charles in South Norwalk, where he was held in high regard and respect- ed for the many generous and gentle- manly qualities of his nature. The sympathies of all who have the priv- ilege of personal acquaintance with the several bereaved families will go -out to them sincerely in this painful affliction, the loss of an honored and worthy parent. - j' , CLAIMS DISPUTE). Officers Refuse to Accept Fees, Unsatisfactory to Them. Attorney John J. Walsh’s Services Elicitell with Good Effect. There was, it seems, more or less trouble over the settlement of the bills presented to the city by those who' were engaged as watchmen over. the four Italians, who some weeks since at- tempted to butcher each other, and re- ceived wounds that necessitated treat- ment at the hospital. The city claimed that the bills were chargeable to the Town court, and 1 re- fused to pay them. The bills were then presented to the Town Court, which promptly cut down the figures one-third. The men refused to accept the reduc- tion, and placed their claims in the hands of Attorney Walsh for collection. The claimants were John Valiant $72; Thomas Hunt $69; John Smith 818; Charles Lane $19. Mr. Valiant it is stated cut his claim » in half, but the others insisted upon. and received the full amount of their claims. The settlement as made throv'vs the cost of two-thirds of the\amount on the town court and the balance on the city. The Weather. Fair to-night, Thursday fair but with increasing cloudiness; warmer in in-» terior to-night. BIRTHS. MEHAFF—In Nor walk, October 27th a daughter to Mr. and M.rs George Mehaff. » MARRIAGES. MCILHoNEY— BARRETT. —In N orwalk Oct. 26th, by Rev. J. J. Furlong, John cIlhoney and Miss Maggie Barrett. HOPE— JENNINGS. —- In South Nor- walk, Oct. 17th, by Rev. A. S. Kavan- agh, Thomas H. Hope and Mrs. Carrie Jennings. DEATHS. BOHANNAN. —In South Norwalk, Oct. 26, Dr. John/G. Bohannan, aged ,70 years. CRAW.—In Rowayton, Oct. 26th,Wil- liam J. Craw, aged 67 years- “MITCHELL —At National Soldiers’ home, Hampton, Va., Oct. 27th, George B. Mitchell, aged 53 years. PAUL. —-In Bridgeport, Oct. 25th, I’saac Paul, aged 78 years, 1 month. . WASHBURN. —In Danbm y, Oct. 25, Susan Jane, wife of William Washbuin aged 26 years.
Norwalk Chronicler