Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 142, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 July 1917 — TOO YOUNGLADS IN JAIL HERE [ARTICLE]

TOO YOUNGLADS IN JAIL HERE

TAKEN INTO CUSTODY BY SHERIFF AFTER ROBBING PLEASANT UIDGE STORE. Two dirty, rough looking urchins were picked up at the Monon station Sunday evening shortly before the northbound train left for Chicago, by Sheriff McColly, and placed in the county jail. The lads were arrested on a charge preferred by Clifford Parkinson, of Pleasant Ridge, whose store was robbed some time Sunday afternoon of about twelve dollars. Mr. Parkinson telephoned to this city after discovering his Joss, asking that the authorities be on the lookout for the pair, who were reported as having been seen walking down the railroad track toward Rensselaer. The lads gave their names as Pitzer, claiming to be brothers, and stated they were from Chicago. The officers did not place much credence in their story that they were brothers, as one of the lads was a Polish boy, while the other apparently had no foreign blood in him at all. Both declined to talk about themselves and the sheriff had a hard time getting them to tell thier names. On being invited to get into an automobile by the sheriff and accompany him to the jail, the boys gave no signs of fear and seemed glad to get the chance to ride in the auto. Mr. Parkinson, upon discovering his loss, telephoned to McCoysburg, where he learned that two boys had passed through that place earlier in the afternoon, walking west down the railroad track, so he immediately gave up the search in that direction and turned his attention to Rensselaer. The pair arrived here on foot about 5 o’clock and went to the Gaffield restaurant, where they purchased several articles. The freedom with which they spent their money at once aroused suspicion. After leaving the restaurant they went to the Monon station, where they purchased two half fare tickets to Chicago, and then went on down the track to await the arrival of the train. George Mustard was at the depot at the time word was received from Mr. Parkinson and he went in search of the boys. On finding them Mr. Mustard accused them of having robbed the store and told them to turn over the money they had. The youngsters confessed immediately and handed over what money they had left and also their tickets. Their cases probably will not come up until the September term of court, so they will be required to spend the intervening time in their present quarters. Owing to their extreme youth, if convicted, they will be sent to the reform school at Plainfield, Ind. Apparently the boys are pretty well versed in their trade and have been plying it for some time, for the trouble they are now in ; does not seem to disconcert them in the least. LATER —The young lads were taken before Judge Hanley this afternoon and were sentenced to the reformatory at Plainfield until they are twenty-one years of age.