The Philadelphia Times from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Page 2

THE PHILADELPHIA TIMES, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1902. It was so vague as to seem like a dream. SCHOOLS IN THE PHILIPPINES "than one 'hundred miles away. It's a lead pipe elneh that we would have escaped, but perfect. Over the latter Ed wrote, "The one God shines on;" over the other, "The one the prison shlues on me." variably during this time Mrs.

Soffel would sit at an upper window In the residence portion of the jail and watch them. RAYMOND WHITCOMB'S TOURS ALL TRAVELING EXPENSES INCLUDED misery or suffering than she deserves, I hope the law. will deal with her regardless of her sex. She should receive every day In State prison that the statutes provide for her offense." Soffel has resigned his wardenship and Dietrich, Mrs. Soffel's father, has been ilis-udssed.

CAREER OF MRS. SOFFEL, A VICTIM OF INFATUATION Strange Metamorphosis of Character Under Ed Biddle's Spell. Special to The Philadelphia Times. PITTSBURG, February 1. The long series of tragedies with which the Biddle brothers have been connected neara its end.

Their lives have been eventful, and through association with them and through their efforts to further their own bad enterprises many Innocent persoiiB have come to grief. Of all the sufferers who have been dragged down or bereaved by them the case of Mrs. Kate Soffel, the wife of the Allegheny county jail warden, is probably the saddest and the most Interesting and remarkable. Through her infatuation for Ed Biddle, a woman whose, life from childhood had been placid and devoted to the arts of home-making and domesticity was Induced to coin, mlt a serious crime and to aspire to deeds that would chill the blood of reckless men. Some accounts credit her Infatuation to hypnotic Influence exerted by Ed Biddle and others to an overwhelming belief in the Innocence of the two murderers, created by their constant protestations.

Some, moved by kindness of heart, declare the woman was mentally unbalanced, and cite as evidence a long and painful Illness. That her life, prior to the confinement of the Biddies under her eye. was of such a character as was of being held up in someone's arms and having them point to a motionless form and say: That Is your mother, and she Is At that time he was abont 3 years old, and be said that incident was the only tender ana innocent recollection or an nis cnec ered life. Sbortlr after Lis mother's death, he said, his father took a housekeeper. He did not know whether he married her, hut ne tnougnt be did.

DREARY. HOPELESS LIFE. "From that time, be said, all he knew was one dreary, black, hopeless stretch of aouse, ni-treatment ana starvation, wouia get so he said, that I would go to some or tne spring-houses on tne iarins in the neighborhood and steal anything to eat on which I could lay my hands. I would get Into a shed or outhouse and eoree mv self with bread and milk, or whatever I hud been able to steal. I would then be chased by the farmer and invariably caught and Deaten until was bruised ana sore an over.

In a day or two, however, my hunger would mane me lorget the mows, ana tne same ex perience would be repeated. I was always caught and beaten, and my recollection or these years Is a succession of periods of In. tense hunger, gorging myself with the fruits of my thefts and being caught and He laughed as he recalled these memories of his youth. "He told me that after hi had grown to be a good-sized boy he decided to strike out for himself, and, leaving the little village of Amnerstourg, uanana, wnere ne was uorn, made his way to Chicago. Here, he said, he found that no honorable occupation, was open to him.

Decent people did not want a boy whose only training had been that of a thief, and he naturally and willingly took bis place with the criminal class of that city. He said he went through ail the grades of theft and learned the business rapidly. He began by picking pockets, and he used to tell me that he did not think there was a more expert pickpocket In the country man nimseir. ROSE IN SCALE OF CRIME. "He said he gradually rose In the scale of crime until he became a professional burglar, and since then he had made that his regular proteBsion, although he had committed minor thefts occasionally when driven to it by want of money.

He said that he had never earned an honest nenny in bis life, and bad never felt anv desire to turn to an hunest occupation. ae saiu tnat ne was not Indebted to any man. woman or child for leamincr one letter of the alphabet. He had learned the letters during the time between his robberleB, aud had afterward learned to construct sentences and write without a word of assistance from anyone. "He said that on several occasions when he had been thrown with honest people of means thev had offered tn nrovlriA him with the money to go through college and receive a legal education, and that he had been told mat ne wouia make a nne lawyer, hut that he had been too thoroughly tralued In dishonest ways to ever change his mode of life.

"He said he had no desire to reform. He seemed very proud of his educational attainments and of the fact that he was Indebted to no one for them. He did not seem to care for himself and would say: 'I don't care for myself; lama tblef and am willing to be hung. But there's John In there. He is no thief; he will do whatever I tell hlin, but he's no LOVED JESSIE BODINE.

"He told me how he came to be In company with Jessie Bodlne. He said he went Into a restaurant In Milwaukee one dav to get dinner, and a modest-looking young woman came to take bis order. In less than an hour he had told her that he was leading a crooked life and she had agreed to go with him, although he told her be could never marry her. "He declared that the woman had not led a bad life previous to that time, but had married early a man who mistreated 1-er until she left him, and was then earning her living by wailing in a restaurant. He Bald he did not love the woman at that time, but merely felt an interest In her.

At Cincinnati she was taken sick, and be nursed her and cared for her until she recovered. "After she got well he told her one night that he had fallen In love with her, and that if she was willing ho would arrange for them to go to some minister's house aud lie quietly married. While on this errand he met a pal of his, who told hlra the police of me nau spoueu mm ann mat ne nau better get out at once. He returned to their room, told Jessie, and they packed their clothes aud came to Pittsburg that night. DENIED MURDER.

"In speaking ofh is arrest Biddle said: 'I am a burglar, but I am not a murderer. I have never pulled a trigger on a mau In my life. We made it a rule never to do so. We knew that as long as we only committed burglary we could only be sent to the ponl-teutlary for it and would have a chance to escape, but If we killed anyone It would mean the gallows, aud we would never pull a "Biddle never spoke harshly to me of Dorman. He said he thought Dorman had not acted square with him.

But sbout a week before the day originally set for bis execution he told me he nad forgiven Dorman. He said that a man's life was dear to him, uud be supposed Dorman had told what he did to save his neck. 'To show that I bad forgiven be said, 'I sent him a good cigar on Christmas Day and told hlui to smoke It, to show that I bad no bard feliugs toward him for what he had done. If I bad been In the same position I might have done the same KNOWN AS A "LADY-KILLER." Ed Biddle Is known far and wide among the crooks and police of the country as a "lady killer." He has boasted to Milwaukee officers that no woman could resist his smile. His plan to have a priest introduce the wife of the warden of the Jail to him Is regarded as a shrewd trick on bis part, for he depended upon the weakness of woman under bis spell to help him escape the gallows.

He Is by no means a good-looking man; nevertheless, It is said, be was a great fuvorlte among the women. It Is said that at one time a woman in whose house Ed Biddle was found in the act of committing burglary fell In love with him, and finally obtained his acquittal when he was brought Into court. The Biddle hrothers were born In Am-herstbnrg, Province of Ontario, Canada. Their parents died many years ago. There were six boys and one girl.

The whole family had a very nnenvlable reputation. Jack was last arrested there about a year before he came to Pittsburg. His sister.jMrjaret, now Mrs. Myers, of Detroit, was, when very young, married to a machinist named S. II.

White, an estimable man, but she was not satisfied, and disappeared. She left one boy, Joseph, l'i yeara of age. A year ago she returned to Aniherstburg and took the hoy to Detroit. There is a warrant still out for her at her home town, on a charge of kidnapping her son, and she dares not return to Canada. In Detroit she met and married and now lives with a man named George W.

Myers, an architect, but If she has ever secured a divorce from her first husband be does not know It, ED WROTE POETRY FOR A LITTLE GIRL FRIEND Rev. F. N. Foster, pastor of the Knoxvllle Methodist Protestant Church, for more than six months was the spiritual adviser of the Biddle brothers. Rev.

Mr. Foster visited the Biddies Immediately after their convlc-v tlon, and until last November remained their spiritual counselor. Finally the condemned men professed preference for a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, and for that reason Rev. Mr. Foster's visits ceased.

He said that Ed Biddle showed great love for poetry, and was always reading literature of good quality. Rev. Mr. Foster's 13-year-old daughter Julia took quite an Interest In sending books to Ed Biddle, and the latter Inscribed a small poem on the fly-leaf of a copy of Longfellow; lent to him by the child, dedicating It "With greeting from Ed to my good little friend." The verses are such as would hardly have been expected from the pen ot a condemned murderer. They are as follows: ED BIDDLE'S POEM.

Jiint a little violet, From scrota tb way Came to cheer a prisoner -In bit cell od day. Jiint a little flower, Sent by liiTlDf band; Un a kindly meaning. That true hearts understand. Just a little violet. Plucked with tender care; God baa amiled upon it, And tb tender fair.

So now that little tokfa, trapped tight In paper nest, Rests qnletly within a grave, 0r which a heart inn best. In addition tp his poetical tendencies Ed Biddle was somewhat of an artist, and on the same leaf with the verses there are drawn two well-executed violets. One Is withered and dying, the other la fresh aud we coma not let tnat poor herself. She did all she could with us rayed her husband, deserted ber family, all to help us out, and we would have been a great deal worse than we are thought to be if we had thrown her down. "When we saw the officers coming toward ita tha rnml vostenlnv evening we kuew it was all up.

We did not fire a shot at the officers, but agreed to kill ourselves, snot myself In the mouth, 'Ed' shot himself over the heart and the woman shot herself in the breast. We kuew we tad no chance to get awav. and we knew we would swing if taken back, and that Is why we wanted to kill ourselves." SUICIDE STOKY CONFIRMED. Drs. Greer and Brlcker.

who attended the Biddies, made a report this morning that up narentlv confirms Jack Biddle's story that the fugitives had tried to kill themselves. They came to this conclusion after a complete examination and a partial probing of the wounds of both men. Ed Biddle, who was supposed to be the worst Injured, has several nowder marks on nifl leit urcasr would go to show that he attempted to kill himself. In Jack's mouth are three bullet wounds, evidence that he wanted to die. One of the bullets, which evidently came from a revolver, carried away a por tion of his tonsil, which, the doctors say could only have happened by the holding of a revolver to his own mouth.

i ihe Biddies, when captured, hud on the Kiinie clothes they wore when tney escapeu; Jack hnd in addition a light Melton over rent. Mrs. Snffe a so had on tne ciotnes in which Klin left her home. Through Ed's coat there is one bullet hole, but through the dark blue velvet vest he wore arc two holes made by the bullets that are loagea near his heart. JACK'S CLOTHES B.IDDLED.

Jack's coat and vest are literally riddled. There are 4 holes in the side of the coat and 10 In the right sleeve. The latter appear to have been made by small bullets. Jack's pistol was a cheap 32-calibre affair. Three of the six chambers of the gun hold empty cartridges.

Both of the Biddies were talkative this morning, but both disclaimed ever having killed any one. The Kahuey murder, Ed said, was committed by Walter Dorman, assisted by a man who had that day come from Chicago, and the Seebers woman, who put on a man's suit. This, Ed said, she had often done before when she had assisted them in their robberies. He admitted having committed a great many robberies, but stoutly maintained that he had never killed any one. Jack again reiterated that he never killed any one and that he never put a bullet Into one except Keeper Reynolds.

He said the first crime he ever committed was assisting to rob a liquor store at Carnegie, but admitted that he had participated In a number of robberies after that. There was much discussion to-day as to whether the captured murderers would be removed to Pittsburg In the event of their recovery. The local "officers claim half of the' $5,000 reward and wanted the men held till it was paid. This was arranged upon the arrival of District Attorney Haymaker from Pittsburg, and the prisoners were to have been taken back. Their deRth relieves the question of holding their bodies, but does not end the contest for the reward.

After a consultation at the hospital In the case of Mrs. Soffel this evening, District Attorney Haymaker decided to allow the woman to remain here, for her condition Is such that the trip to Pittsburg to-night might be attended with fatal results. Mrs. Soffel Is suffering from her wound, and the attending physicians fear that her removal now would cause gangrene to set In. WOMEN WERE CURIOUS.

A dense crowd hung about the Jail doors all day trying to get in to see the two criminals. The most persistent were women, many of whom expressed the deepest concern and sympathy for Ed. Biddle and declared their belief in his lnnocenoe. This belief seemed, to deepen when It became known that E(T. Biddle made a deathbed confession to Rev.

Father Walsh Jjast night, declaring his Innocence of the crime shooting Grocerynian Kahney and Detective Fitzgerald. One of the developments of the day which the authorities have tried to keep secret was the finding on the person of Mrs. Soffel, when searched at the hospital, of ft long letter from Ed.r Biddle, setting forth in detail the plan for the escape of the brothers from jail, naming their destination afterwards, etc. MRS. SOFFEL'S HUSBAND WILL SUE FOR DIVORCE Former Warden Declares He Never Wants to See Wife Again.

PITTSBURG. February Warden Soffel has made the startling revelation that he had been under the influence of chloroform during the night when the Biddies broke jail. Mr. Soffel believes the anaesthetic was administered by bis wife. "I am through with her forever," he said to-day.

"I would to God," he exclaimed, bitterly, "that I had never 6een her." Then the broken man sobbed and his frame shook. "She has wrecked not alone her own life," he finally continued, "but mine and ber whole family, too. I never want to see her face again. "I have taken steps for an absolute divorce. It would be better If she would die.

What Is there In life for her' Surely she cannot be so brazen that she would ever again want to face the world. "I am sorry to say I have sufficient evidence for a divorce. One letter lti my possession, written to her by 'Ed' Biddle, Is enough. A servant in our employ tells me some things, too, that astound me. I never suspected.

She always appeared a true, loving wife. "I learn she has been carrying on a correspondence with this murderer, Biddle. They wrote the most endearing words to each other. How the letters were passed I don't' know, but I suspect that her father, Dietrich, who was a guard lu the Jail, acted as the go-between. "There was nothing In her manner when In the Jail in my presence that led me to suspect that she was Infatuated with these bad men.

She had a sympathetic word, now and then, for them, but I considered that only a woman's sympathy. "From my Investigation I believe they corresponded with each other In cipher, although the letter In my possession Is In plain enough English. But I have found other evidences of the cipher love-making. These letters were carried to aud from the cell in religious books. "It Is true that my wife's departure was not long contemplated.

It Is evident tbut she made up ber mind In a hurry, for she did not even stop to take with her sufficient clothing to keep her warm. Then she left many things behind which It might have been to ber advantage to destroy had she had more time. "Well, she has taken the step and In doing It has cast herself out from me and her family forever. She has caused me more sorrow and remorse than I thought It was man's lot to suffer. "I am glad the authorities have caught her.

While I don't wish her auy more A GARGLE of salt and water strengthens the throat, takes away the scrappy feeling at the beginning of a does the rest. WOOLEN" worn next the skin "keeps in" the heat; "77" strengthens and revives low vitality and prevents Colds. DRY FEET are essential to good health. Keep the feet warm and dry, and "77" will keep you well. BATHE frequently; be sure to rub dry and get up the circulation after the bath; a dose of "77" will assist nature.

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Plea That Natives Should Be Taught the English Language. From the Manila Times. The question of education in these Islands Is one that has been extensively discussed of late, and yet there is at least one Important nhase of the educational question that has Sever been mentioned. True, there are at present about 1.000 teachers of the English language in this archipelago, with an average of 100 scholars to every teacher, besides "re uumoer of night schools in operation. The results thus far accomplished have been, In the fullest sense of the word, satisfactory.

The education of the rising generations Is admitted by all to be the only hope and salvation of the lnhubitauts of the Philippines. The agitators and leaders of the lnsurrec. tlon may never become thoroughly tran-qulllzed, because they will never become fully acquainted with American ideas and customs. Once the Inhabitants of this archipelago become thoroughly Imbued with the customs and ideas of Americans and the American people, then, and It Is safe to assert not till will uprisings and insurrections become a thing of the past. AN IMPORTANT PHASE.

The Department o'f Education has accomplished Wonders already, anil whllo this or. tide Is not Intended to cast the slightest renection on any part of the work of that department, we wish to call attention to an Important phase of the work that is not unworthy of serious consideration. While more than 1,000 free public schools have been established for the promulgation of ttbe English lnnfrunnrn. v-nt In w.inv faeaa the children of the wealthy and influential cmsses uo not attena those schools. Those who are the leaders in these Islands and who possess Influence and wealth do noi anow meir sons ana daughters to mingle with the children of their countrymen In the common schools, but are educating them In the parochial schools, where no English teachers have as yet been admittedat least In the majority of where the language taught is Castlllan.

There are hundreds of young men and women In these Islands, children of wealthy and Influential families, who in the years to come will be the leaders of tbelr countrymen and are beyond a doubt the best element of the rising generation, who are Inmates of parochial schools, where the English language and English teachers are conspicuous by their absence. SHOULD LEARN ENGLISH. How are these youth, the superior class of the future citizens of these shores, to become acquainted with American customs aud ideas if not Instructed iu the language of that country? What excuse. If any, can be offered for not Introducing the English language into the parochial schools? And would It not bq a step In the right direction to Introduce a course in English In the various colleges In these Islands. We do not hold to the narrow belief that there is no such a thlug as a thorough education tn Spanish or any other language, but since the English language is destined to become the future language of this archipelago the hundreds of young men aud women now In the parochial schools should be taught so that they may become better acquainted with American customs and Ideas.

A MINING WOMAN Mrs. Atwood's Success in Various Practical Undertakings. From the Era. Mrs. E.

C. Atwood, of Denver, In a paper read before the International Mining Congress, held at Milwaukee In June, 1000, declared that mining is a business that can be made to pay by auy energetic woman who will pursue It In an Intelligent way. Admitting that this Is true, It must be added that the intelligent way does not lead through the mazes of stock speculation. This is amusement, not mining. Mrs.

Atwood might have Illustrated her argument out rif her own experiences, from which she can tell a most entertaining story. With a keen sense of humor, she delights in recalling the day of sanguine Inexperience, when she was beguiled Into paying $10,000 for a mine of mica schist, Its dazzling appearance so amply corroborating every statement of the wily agent, aB It seemed, that she bad no thought of consulting a mining expert or going to tho trouble and expense of assays on her own account. The money was lost, but so far from being cast down by this circumstance, the energetic little woman was but fired with determination to study the cause of failure that It might be made eventually the stepplng-stone to success. To this end she studied geology and mineralogy, looking into mining conditions from the t'oeur d'Aleue to Cripple Creek. Incidentally Mrs.

Atwood will tell you that she has always had a great love for outdoor life, with a passion for experimenting with various crafts, having at different periods of her career served an apprenticeship at blacksmlthlng, foundry work, carpentering and carriage painting, photography and printing; at one time, for rather more than a year, earning wages as "printer's devil" In the office of the Saturday Reporter at Fond du Lac, and she holds that the mechanical knowledge gained from certain of these trades hns proved of Incalculable benefit to ber In the extensive mining operations In which of late years she has been engaged. Mrs. Atwood Is now vice president and general manager of the Bonaccord Gold Mining and Milling Company, with properties at Empire, while she also owns valuable Interests at Cripple Creek and In California, In the latter field now vigorously pushing forward a work from which she expects great results. In her operations at Empire Mm. Atwood dispenses with the services of a superintendent, personally directing the work of both mine and mill.

For ber labors below ground she clothes herself In a neat and serviceable suit made with box coat, short skirt and knickerbockers, which, with a soft cap and high Russia leather boots, finds her comfortably equipped for the traversing of muddy drifts and levels, and for the necessary trips in bucket or cage, while at the same time the costume happens to be both picturesque and becoming. SPOILED BY KINDNESS English Servants Grow Impudent When Politely Treated. From the Chicago Inter-Ocean. Some Americans who recently set up housekeeping In London were at first delighted with their domestic corps. A more respectful set of servants had never come within the ken of folk In the t'nltcd States, used as they were to the free-and-easy I'ni- ns-gnod-as-yon-are attitude of retainers In the land of the free.

But, alas, the respect aud civility lasted all too short a time. In a few days these model English domestics were acting with a superciliousness, a perl-ness to match the haughtiest cook-lady in all Greater New York. Iu valu the Americans sought by every means to bring things back to the old agreeable status. Always considerate of their servants under nil circumstances, they now redoubled their civility, fearful that in some way they might have transgressed the English code. In despair the mistress of the house finally flew to her English friend, who hnd already been so ktud about estahiisliing tne Americans lu their home, and asked advice.

"How do yon treat the servants?" at once asked the English friend, and without waiting for the American to reply, he went on: "I know you treat them politely, with courtesy and consideration, as though they were human beings like yourselves. All Americana treat their servants so. But It won't do over here. English servants can't stand It. Yon go straight home and you treat those servants rudely.

Order them around as If they were so many dogs. Art as If they were dirt beneath your feet. It's the only way. Mlud, no 'pleases' nor 'thank youa' nor "may I trouble 'They won respect yon If you do. The worse yon treat English servants the better they'll treat you, aud.

unless yon want out-and-out Impertlneuce, yon Just remember It. The American returned home, did as she waa bid, aud before tweuiy-four hours of ordering her servants "roniiil like dogs" had passed, every mau and niiild of them bad been cowed Into their former respectful submission. "Still," salu one of the family In relating the experience, "If wes too subservient to suit me. There were times after we began being rude to tht-ui when I positively longed for the splendid independence of our New York cook, (ihe mi English servant a kick In the stomach aud he'll say, 'Oh, thauk Some two or three weeks ago the' fact that Mrs. Soffel was visiting the Biddies and showing them attention was made pub lic through a newspaper article, ibis story stated that Mrs.

Soffel was In (be habit of visiting the condemned men, and at one time, in fact the day before the story ap peared, had taken them a basket of fruit. The story was rather Insinuating and angered Warden Soffel very much. He held some of bis employes responsible for making it public, and reprimanded them. He explained that be bad the most Implicit confidence In his wife, and wanted It distinctly understood about the jail that she was privileged to go to any place at auy time. FURNISHED SAWS AND ARMS.

Even at that time Mrs. Soffel must have been planning to help the Biddies escape. That she furnished them with the saws and revolvers which assisted them to obtain their freedom there la no doubt. Warden Soffel said since the escape, that he had found concealed In the top drawer of his wife's dresser five small saws. The saws showed unmistakable signs of use, and It Is supposed that they are fthe ones which sawed through the bars.

This fact gives color to the theory that the prisoners worked during the time Mrs. Soffel was talking with them, and also to the theory that the final work was done Wednesday afternoon while she was talking with "Ed." Biddle. Mrs. Soffel is described In the police cir cular sent out Thursday, as 34 years old, weight 135 pounds, height 5 feet 5 Inches, fair completion, heavy black hair, large teeth, thick lips, teeth protruding slightly through Hps, middle front tooth in upper jaw filled with gold, large features, slightly sunken cheeks, blue eyes, prominent nose, red birth mark behind the left ear. ORIGIN OP WOMAN'S INTEREST.

As to the origin of Mrs. Soffel's interest In the Biddies, Rev. Miles Sweeney, of St. Paul's Cathedral, who was spiritual adviser to the pt-lsoners, says her first -visits were Inspired by him. He said: "I had always been of the opinion that the influence of a good mother would have some effect on them and mnke them realize their position.

They were not received into the communion of the Catholic Church, but I hoped they might possibly be won to a sense of their duty to God." ONE THOUSANDROBBERIES CREDITED TO THE BIDDLES The end of a long series of robberies about Pittsburg was reached on the morning of Friday, April 13, 1901, when Thomas D. Kahney was murdered as he arose from his bed lu his home, 13 Albert street, Mt. Washington. Three men had Invaded that home. One had placed his hand over the mouth of Mrs.Kahney.

She called to her husband In another room. As he appeared in the doorway he as shot down. For weeks and weekB the police had been puzzled. Night after night, in all sections, stores and residences had been robbed. Clues pointed toward three youug men.

Detective Patrick E. Fitzgerald was assigned to go to the house of Mrs. Mary Boyd, 1714 Bedford street, where a young couple known as Robert Wilcox and his wife, Jennie, had a room. On the way he was joined by Inspector Robert 8. Gray and County Detective Robert G.

Robluson. They caught Wilcox in bed, with three revolvers under his pillow. A search of the room revealed burglar's tools and a large amount of stolen goods. The officers then went to the bouse of Mrs. May Smith, 32 Fulton street, where It had been ascertained that Edward D.

Wright and Jessie, his wife, and John D. Wright, friends of Wilcox, were boarding. As soon as they entered the door John D. Wright was placed under arrest and left In charge of Detective Robinson on the lower floor. A negro officer named W.

H. Wess, lu citizen's clothes, was placed at the front of the house. A DETECTIVE MURDERED. Detective Fltgernld and Inspector Gray went up the stairs. A door opened slightly at their knock, and they saw a man about to- get out the window, revolver In hand-As the door opened be turned and tired Just as Detective Fitzgerald tackled him.

The detective dropped dead. There were many shots fired and when the smoke lifted the man was supposed to be dead. Inspector Gray, leaving the negro officer in charge of what he supposed were two corpses, started to search the house, as It was thought there might be others of the gang. Detective Robinson by this time was having trouble with his man. The man shot down by Inspector Gray attempted to kill the negro officer, but was again shot.

The body of the dead detective was taken to an undertaker, the wounded and supposed to be dying outlaw to Mercy Hospital and the man and woman prisoner to headquar ters. A large amount of plunder was found In this house. Dynamite and burglar's tools were hidden away In several places. That night the man known as Wilcox was by Detective O'Mara, and he told enough for the Identity of all concerned to be fully ascertained. The man arrested as Wilcox was Walter Dorman, of Cleveland.

The woman known as bis wife, Jennie Seeber, of Milwaukee, Wis. The man who killed Detective Fitzgerald was Edward Biddle, of Amhcrstburg, Canada. The woman, Jessie Bodiue, of Pueblo, Cal. The other man, John Biddle, was the brother of Edward. Edward Biddle In the course of time recovered from his wounds and was placed In jail.

WAGON LOADS OF PLUNDER. The developments during the next few days were startling. Fully a thousand persons called at police headquarters to Inspect the wagon loads of goods that bad been found, and hundreds of robberies were reported. The histories of the men and women were developed, and their actions for several months ascertained. The women had Jolued the men In Milwaukee.

Jessie Bodlne had been an actress In the low variety dives of the Iron regions about Hurley, and when she went to Milwaukee, met Jennie Seeber, who had deserted a husband and ran away from ber mother. The Investigations of the detectives and Donnan's confession established the fact that Ed Biddle had a long record of crime before he came here, and served a term In Ohio and Indiana Penitentiaries. On June 10 the three men were called to trial for Kabney's murder. Dorman astonished all by pleading guilty. He gave a detailed statement of the movements of the gang the night of the murder, having been put on the stand as a witness against his companions, and they were found guilty and sentenced to die.

DORMAN NEVER SENTENCED. The signing of the death warrants and the granting of reprieves followed In due time, Ihe men have never been tried for the murder of Detective Fitzgerald, neither has Dorman ever been before the bar of Justice. It has been understood that to reward him for turning State's evidence and for the aid he has given the officers of the law that be will never be sentenced, but If be Is It will be for a short term, and then he will be pardoned. Soon after the trial of the Biddle brothers the women were discharged. The mother of the Seeber woman came from Milwaukee and took her home.

She has slncedleappeared with another man. Jessie Bodlne was taken In charge by the Rev. H. C. Dancaster, rector ot St, Mark's Episcopal Church, and taken to a retreat for wayward women at Tarrytown, Y.

She has no parents, and none ot ber sisters Is so situated that they can care for her. She has consumption and cannot live long. ED BIDDLE'S STORY OF A LONG CAREER OF CRIME It was to Rev. E. R.

Donehoo, of the Eighth Presbyterian Church, that Edward Biddle revealed more of his Innermost thoughts than to any other person. Mr. Donehoo said that Ed Biddle was one of the most fascinating men he bad ever met, and that his power of charmlug his hearer almost amounted to hypnotism. Biddle talked frankly and openly to him on all occaalouB. and he regarded Ed as oue of the smartest and shrewdest criminals he had ever met.

In speaking of Biddle's past life Mr. Donehoo said: "Ed told me that his first recollection, and MARYLANDSTANDS BY SCHLEY Determined to. Defend Him Against Every Attack, Special to The Philadelphia Times. BALTIMORE, February action of the Maryland State Senate a short while ago in "ordering stricken from the public libraries of this State the Infamous volume that attempts to traduce the honored name of Rear Admiral Winfleld Scott Schley, one of the world's greatest naval Is having a large measure of Indorsement and approval In other sections. A conspicuous Instance of this Is shown by the action of the Colorado State Senate In a resolution passed by It, sending greetings and congratulations to the Senate of Maryland for Its putrlotlc action, and that a copy of the resolution be sent to Rear Admiral Schley.

President Hubuer, on Thursday, wired reply to President Taylor, of the Colorado body. In which he "The Senate Is especially gratified at the manifestation. of the spirit of American fair piny and patriotism and your warm commendation of Maryland's hero, Admiral Winfleld Scott Schley, Maryland sends greeting to Colorado." The third volume of Maclay's history Is now locked up In the Maryland State Library awaiting official action as to its disposition. One thing that is quite certain, that Maryland is determined to defend Schley to the utmost against every attack made upon him, come from whence they may. The election contests in the Legislature are about as good as squelched.

The House committee on elections took action Wednesday and unanimously dismissed the contests In Carroll, Prince George's, Charles and Anne Arnndel counties, and this will be followed lu any other cases that may come along. In the contest against Dr. Herlng for State Comptroller, that wbb likewise knocked on the head. In this rapid and judicious disposal of these contests much ill feeling disappears aud much time Is saved to be given to much valuable work. As matters stand a month of the session Is already gone, and nothing of any special Interest has been accomplished excepting the election of a United States Senator.

The Legislative committee came to Balti more last Monday and formally notified Mr. A. P. Gorman that he had been elected a United States Senator from Maryland for six years. The meeting took place at the Rennert House and many of the leading Democrats of the State were present, sev eral making complimentary speeches.

Mr. Gorman's reply was brief. It was almost entirely expressive of his gratitude for the honor again conferred upon him and his unwavering confidence In Democratic prin ciples. A number of prominent Republicans were also present. It Is somewhat difficult at this time to comprehend the Intentions of the Democratic mauagers as to their purposes for the ensuing two months in legislative work.

Several changes will be made, It Is known. In the election law to correct certain Inconsistencies and to facilitate the rapidity of the election work. As the law stands 1u regard to literates voting and disability from physical causes In choosing candidates, it is equally disastrous to both parties. That the machine system of voting here will be adopted as in New York, is not likely. It has been found that the process Is too costly and there is no desire to add expense to the present system of registration and voting.

When the question of a new primary election law comes before the Legislative body there will be some pretty hot work. There are a number of leading Demo crats who will fight for new and more Just methods, and there Is no method so agreeable to the masses of the party as the one presented by the Crescent Club. MITCHELL IN WORD DUEL WITH MINE OWNERS Insists That Coal Markets Have Been Better Than Ever. INDIANAPOLIS, February on the miners' scale was resumed at. the conference of miners and operators to-day.

President Mitchell replied to the operators. lie replied nrst to Walter S. Boyle, who said that the business of the operators bad not been as good during the last year and that prices had not heeu as high. Mitchell produced some figures to disprove Boyle's statements. He offered statistics showing the prices of coal and the production for the last year.

In both his annual addresses to the min ers and his opening remarks before the Joint conference President Mitchell (bad stated that the coal markets have been better thau ever, aud In his replies he maintained his assertions were correct. After further arguments by miners and operators It was announced that the scale committee would meet lu the hall Immediately after the adjournment to organize. The conference was then adjourned. The scale committee organized by electing W. D.

Ryan, miner, of Illinois, chairman: F. S. Brooks, operator, of Ohio, secretary; O. S. Scroggs, operator, of Illinois, assistant secretary.

The committee theu adjourned till Monday. MINERS FAIL TO St'ITORT MITCHELL Phil Penna. commissioner for the Indiana operators, moved to refer the scale to the Scale committee, aud this motion was carried. In voting to refer to the scale committee the miners went back on a plan made Friday to continue the debate In open convention. The miners' scale committee voted as a unit to stand by President Mitchell in keeping the matter before the convention.

Neither the Illinois miners nor operators had stated their position In the debate, and the miners were anxious to (lad out what Btaud the Illinois operators Intended to take. Their purpose In keeping the question before the conveutlon was to force the Illinois operators to. show their hands. The scale committee will meet Monday morning, and It Is not probable any more open meetings will be held until the committee shall be ready to report. The operators say they have no scale to offer, so that the scale committee will have to formulate aud present their demands.

Bond for $1,500,000 In Mine Suit. HELENA, February Supreme Court has made an order returning to the Deleware Surety Company the cash bond put up by the company for the Montana Ore Purchasing Company In the Pennsylvania Mine suit. The clerk of the court has approved a new surety bond given by the mining company In Hen of cash bond. This bond Is for $1,500,000, and on It are Charles W. Clark, sou of Senator Clark, and H.

L. Frank. Chicago Plans Entertainment. CHICAGO, February 1. Mayor Harrison to-day appointed a committee of iwo hundred to look after the welfare and entertainment of Prince Henry during the letter's visit to Chicago.

Arthur J. Eddy was appointed chairman. National Lumber Dealers to Meet. CHICAGO. February National Wholesale Lumber Dealers' Association will meet at the Auditorium Hotel on March 5 and 6.

Heretofore the meetings of the association have been held lu Eastern cities. FIRE RECORD The chopping mill of Alvln Bltaey, at New Britain station, nenr Doylestown, was burned Friday night, causing a loa of about $3,000. The large crate and berry haakrt plant of the South Side Manufacturing Company, at Petersburg. with all the slock, Including fruit baskets, wts destroyed by fire. Loss between $00,000 and partially lusured.

The six-story building on Mississippi street, Buffalo, N. owned by Hctanelkopf A- who used part of It as a tannery, was badly damaged. The other occupants of the building were the Oueep City Engineering Company and the Niagara Screw Company. Loss, A five-story loick block In Atlantic avenue, Boston, owned-by the Atlantic TniHt Company, was damaged. The occupants were ('barb's P.

Hidden, machinist; Chanc Slinwmut Company, manufacturing chemists; Nngle, Wilson A cigar dealer snd the Abbot, lowing Wagon Company. Loss, LIFOFilA Parties will leave Philadelphia, Baltimore, Wash ington and the East Februurr 61b. lxtli, 27tli. llih a il April 2nd in magnificent Spwial Vewibuled Pullman Trains witu Pullman Dining Cars, for a complete round of ihe Parian 4 of. Ileum routes via Mult Lake t'lly and Itrnrrr.the Yvllawslanr.

JfBtloual Park, Canadian Paclltc alalia ar, with side-trip to Alaaka. Florida Tours. Feb. 5, and Match 8. I'ouri lo Mexico, Feb.

Sand 27. Tour to Kurope, March 2'J, and during the Summer months. Tom? to Cuba, Feb. Sand March 8. Tour to Porto Rlro.

March 1. Independent Knllroad aud Steamship Tlrkels lo nil poinla. Mr Send for descriptive book mentioning the particular trip desired. RAYMOND WHITCOMB CO 1005 CheitnutMlreet, Philadelphia WHAT A MUMMY? Suit Brought by a Railway Company to Determine the Question. From the Hartford Times.

The answer to the question what is a mummy is not so perfectly easy as it may seem at first sight. It is defined in the dictionaries, of course, but there are other questions thau what constitutes a mummy, and one of them Is what mummy constitutes, or what It is In the eye of the law, more particularly when it Is sent by common carrier and the responsibility of this carrier has to be ascertained If anything goes wrong. This was substantially the form the question assumed in a fecent case In England. The niuinmy was ''Peruvian aud had been shipped to a Helgian museum by way of England. In England It was shipped on a railway as "goods" and the Invoice read; "One case mummy." The invoice was lost, and when- the mummy reucbed Loudon the railway company charged for its transportation, not as goods, but as a corpse.

In support of its claim the company set up that it had transported a corpse and asked for a Coroner's Inquest. This was actually held, and a verdict rendered In these terms: That the woman was found dead at the railway goods station, Sun street, on April 15, and did die on some date unknown in some foreign country, probably South America, from some cause unknown. No proofs of a violent death are found, and the body has been dried and burled in some foreign manner, probably sun-dried and cave-buried. and the jurors are satisfied that this body does not show any recent crime In this coun try, aud that the deceased was unknown aud about 25 years of age. If "crowner's quest made law It would at present be law In England that a mummy Is a corpse, at least when It Is to be transported by rail.

There Is, however, another chapter to the story. The mummy was sun-dried and not embalmed, and exposure to the moist climate of England damaged It so that when at last It reached Belgium It was no longer well enough preserved to be placed In the museum. It was burled, and the owners sued for damages on the ground that their goods had been ruined In transit. They won their case, that Is, the court gave them substantial damages, but It avoided passing specifically on the question whether the mummy In this Instance was goods or a corpse. NECESSITY FOR SMILES A Discourse on the Desirability of a Happy Countenance.

From ihe Tribune. Certain kindly disposed persons afe In the habit of advising mankind, In a phrase pe culiar to photographers, to "look pleasant whatever be their state and condition, ana to insist that even aching hearts should be carried beneath smiling countenances, let Just as there are people who object to those regions where perpetual sunshine prevails and where clouds and storms are unknown, so there are those who would find monotonous an ever cloudless countenance. As an antidote to lnelancioly Keats suggested that when one's beloved exhibited some "rich anger" to Imprlwm ber soft band and let ber rave. And feed deep, deep upon her peerleas eyes. Of course there are smiles more heartrending than tears and tears more cheering than smiles, while the Cheslre cat variety of expression Is pleasant to the point of exasperation.

The smile upon the face of Leonardo da Vinci's celebrated Monna Lisa Is unendurable to some people, while over others it casts a spell not to be resisted. It Is said that the American feminine countenance Is one that leans towards smiles, and If foreign testimony Is to be trusted-there Is cause for a smiling complacency in the recently demonstrated facts that American women are the best dressed as well as the most Independent and problem free of all women. To have the right thing on one's body and the wrong things off one's mind Is certainly to be as happy as It Is possible for womankind to be. But as for the necessity for smiling In all situations and nnder all circumstances that must rest with the Individual, who will probably decide that he will look as he feels aud smile when he pleases. PATHETIC EXPERIENCE Where Wireless Telegraphy Was Anything but a Blessing.

From the Koeheater Democrat and Chronicle. A pathetic experience lias leen that of Captain Jorgcusen, of the lightship on Nantucket shoals. That lightship is anchored out in the Atlantic some distance from Nantucket- Communication with the Island of Nantucket is kept np by wireless telegraphy. The other day the mysterious electric Impulses from the land Informed Captain Jor-gensen that his beloved lD-year-old daughter at Bralutree was dangerously 111. At the time and since the wild Atlantic was sending Its mighty rollers against the llghftshlp, and It was Impossible for the father to get away from It.

Every day the wireless messages came freighted with gloomier tidings, until the announcement of the young girl's death was made. And still the cap-tntu could not be taken from his floating but anchored niison. The winds and the waves raged about the llghtshlpi and no vessel could get near enough to take him off. This Is one of the cases In which wireless telegraphy was not a blessing. Many hours of mental anguish wonld have been averted bad Captain Jorgensen not had intelligence dally from his daughter's deathbed.

Only Two Held In From the Washington Star. A town' In Central Illinois boasted for many of molt ornameutal figure which adorned the town square seven days In the week. His name was Price Toor, and In splendor of attire he rivaled the Bean Hickman of the capital. He had a numerous family, which he kept well In the background during the few hours fas spent at home, in the course of political events In Illinois Price Poor was elected a Justice of the Peace. Ue was prouder of the office than a bird of paradise.

The neighbors shared his glory by reflection. One of them was seated In Justice Poor's sitting room one day soon after the election and heard the Justice talking with his eldest son. "la wo all Jestlces, paw?" the boy asked wistfully. The old mau had something of an Impediment In his "Kh no. ny son," he answered.

"Only eh me and eb-your maw." THC CHASE BAKCt BELLAK 1129 Chestnut St. Har the Perfect Piano Playar to make her rash acts foreign to any thoughts she tnlgbt be expected to harbor, no one can doubt. A COMMONPLACE CAREER. Mrs. Soffel will be 35 years old on June 26.

She was born In Pittsburg, of Ger man parents In moderate circumstances, her father being Conrad H. Dietrich, for many years a leather merchant. The In timacy that was destined to result In happy marriage and ultimately In the wrecking of model home and the plunging of a hus band and four children into anguish and disgrace, began in early childhood. She and her husband, Peter K. Soffel, who la thre years her senior, were schoolmates and child sweethearts.

When Kate Dietrich completed her education Peter Soffel had entered into the battle of life and was win nlng moderate success. Their childish inti macy had ripened Into mature love and they were married. That was nearly flfteeo years ago. A scant year after the ceremony the first child was born. Since then three others have come to brighten their home, The children seemed to make the home brighter and the wife and husband more de voted.

They seemed supremely happy In a common-sense, work-a-day way and gave up their lives to each other and their chil dren. Mrs. Soffel was regarded as a model housekeeper and homemaker. She and her busband were possessed of mutual tastes and ambitions and each consulted the other fully in all matters. Soffel was affectionate and generous.

Nothing within his means was ever denied, and when his wife became 111 a few months ago she was placed under the best care and was given every comfort and attention. A little more than two years ago. when Peter Soffel was elected to the wardenship. the family took up its residence in that part or the jail which is built and furnished as the warden's residence. Mrs.

Soffel seemed to take little interest in the prisoners under her husband's charge. sne was seiaom in the jail or office, and even more seldom Inside the barred gates of the cell department. Occasionally but very seldom she would be interested in some special case, and maybe would visit the particular prisoner in his cell, but these occasions were few. Much of the time the Biddle bovs were Imprisoned in' the jail Mrs. Soffel expressed almost no interest In them other than that natural In a pair of desperadoes and condemned murderers.

After the, death warrants were read to the Biddies Mrs. Soffel began to visit them. Then came the first re prieve of Governor Stone. REPRIEVE PLEASED MRS. SOFISL.

Mrs. Soffel's visits up to this time had not amounted to half a dozen. She expressed Joy at the reprieve and seemed disappointed when the court failed to grant the Biddies a new trial. It Is thought that Mrs. Soffel did not show the depth of her Interest at that time.

However, it is known that she enlisted the help of Sister Inei, attached to one of the South Side Roman Cathollo churches, In raising money to be paid to the attorneys who were endeavoring to secure a new trial or commutation of sentence. This money was collected 6olely through the efforts of Mrs. Soffel, who, hlle she did not solicit it herself, persuaded Sister Inez to take up the work. During the latter part of December, after the Biddies had been sentenced a second time to be hanged, Mrs. Soffel's visits began to increase In frequency.

Her disposition seemed to change. Formerly she had been rather quiet, not much given to discussing affairs and generally of a reserved disposition. After ber visits to the Biddies began to Increase employes about the Jail remarked about it. She seemed more impressionable and was not so reserved. Her speech at times seemed almost flighty, and she talked about Ed Biddle a great deal.

"A HANDSOME FELLOW." For a few days before Governor Stone reprieved the Biddies a second time, Mrs. Soffel paid daily visits to the cell of "Ed." Biddle. She seemed very much Interested In the prisoners, but when speaking of them always referred to "Ed." She thought he was "such a handsome fellow," and that he had "such a lovely disposition," and that It was "a great pity that he should be hanged," and many more such sentiments, showing plainly her Interest In the big, good-looking prisoner. The women employed about the jali were much surprised to hear Mrs. Soffel speak of a murderer In the terms she used when talking of "Ed." Biddle.

One day when her conversation had been more pronounced than usual, one of them remonstrated, and remarked that she was "surprised to hear Mrs. Soffel talk In that way." Mrs. Soffel became Indignant and repeated ber observations about how good-looking "Ed." Biddle was, and what a Jovely disposition he had. These women, talking over the matter among themselves, arrived at the conclusion that Mrs. Soffel was more deeply Interested In "Ed." Biddle than was altogether wise.

In fact, they concluded that Mrs. Soffel had been fascinated by him, and they were fearful that something would happed. Mrs. Soffel's visits to the cells of the Biddies were generally of long duration. She would sometimes sit with them as long as four hours at a time.

Inside guards say that when Mrs. Soffe was visiting the prisoners she always devoted her time to "Ed." Biddle. She seldom bad anything to do with John, and never said anything about him to her friends, other than in speaking In a general way bewailing that "the boys" must bang. Sometime! she would stand In front of "Ed." Biddle's cell as close to the bars as she could get, apparently In earnest conversation with him. During these conversations the Inside guards generally kept a respectful distance, except when miking tbelr rounds.

SHIELDED PRISONERS AT WORK. When Mrs. Soffel was standing before the cell she frequently clasped the bars above her head with ber bands. This attitude, la the ordinary condition of light In the jail, made It difficult for "Ed." Biddle to be seen Inside his cell. On Wednesday afternoon, for two hours between 3 and 5 o'clock, he occupied this position.

The guards siy It was absolutely Impossible to see "Ed." Biddle when Mrs. Soffel was seated before his cell. Their theory Is that It was during tlieie times, behind the protecting screen of Mrs. Soffel's person and with her. to warn them In case any person was approaching, that a great part of the sawing of cell bars was accomplished, They feel sure that on Wednesday afternoon the final sawing on the bars of "Ed.

Biddle's cell was accomplished. The murderers were allowed two hours exercise in the Jail ard dally, snd In.