BUTLER IN AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10425, 24 April 1897, Page 5

BUTLER IN AUCKLAND.

REMARKABLE DEMEANOUR.

JOCULAR AND SULLEN BY TURNS.

CONFESSES TO KILLING BURGESS.

SAYS HE IS MAD. INNOCENT MEN MAY BE CLEARED. Yesterday morning, shortly before eleven o'olock, the R.M.s. Mariposa, from San Francisco, arrived in Auckland, having on board the suspect Butler, alias Richard Ashe, alias Harwoed, now on his way to Sydney to meet at least three charges of wilful murder. The story of the case is well known; it is almost unique. Sydney's chief detective, when he reaches Sydney with the accused, will have circled the world to bring to the bar of the colony in which the alleged crimes are said to have been committed, the accused man. After his arrest at San Francisco Butler attempted to commit suicide, and during the passage from the Golden Gate to Australasia had to be leg-ironed to the deck of his cabin, and closely watched by Chiefdetective Roche, of Sydney, by Detective McHattie, of Newcastle, who first traced him from the colony, and Constable Couroy, who was nearly going with Butler on one of his prospecting expeditions. When seen on his arrival, the man in custody was, as lie is reported to have been all the way across the Pacific, jocular and moody by turns, lie, however, at intervals chatted freely, and then morosely, if not savagely, closed the conversation.

THE WHARF BARRICADED. , Prior to the arrival of the mail boat, and in anticipation of the gathering of a morbid crowd, the berth usually occupied by the 'Frisco steamers had been barricaded by the Harbour Board officials, the only approach to the boat being through the main entrance to the large shed. Admission to the Mariposa was only granted to holders of special permits, a guard being maintained by a strung detachment of police, under Sergeant Clarke, Chief-detective Grace and Acting-detective Bailey were in attendance to render any assistance to the Svdney men; the former being also the bearer of a bulky cablegram from the Chief-of-Police of New South Wales, and presumed to contain final instructions for Butler's landing. THIS PLACE OF CUSTODY. The place of custody, on boarding the Mariposa, was found to be a cabin from which all fittings had been stripped, even to the water basin. On one side was Butler's berth, and on the other a settee, on which two of the watching officers were always on guard, working in relief?. The next cabin and opening oil to it, was occupied by the detectives. Into the deck of the cabin of custody a heavy eyebolt was screwed, and manacled to this, in leg-Tons, Butler spent the greater part of the time of passage, refusing to leave except upon necessity when it became known to him that lie would have to take exercise, handcuffed on either hand to a deteotive, and also wear th- iron manacles for the leg. This, however he objected to do on tlio score that lie would be stared at; in this position, however, lie left the cabin, whenever he did omerage, so careful were the officers not to give Butler a single chance of baulking them in taking him back alive. INTERVIEW WITH BUTLER. HE DENIES CONFESSIONS. Upon his arrival Butler was interviewed by a New Zealand Heiiali) representative. Tile acou9ed man, who lias caused such a great sensation, was dressed in a suit of light pyjamas, and was manacled to the deck in the manner before stated. Greatly changed is lie in appearance from his published portraits, having giown a board, euro being taken that no razors should go near him. He seemed in the best of spirits, and laughed and chatted freely, except when any of the accusations made against him were touched upon. Then he lapsed into the fierce and sullen mood. Speaking at limes with a strong American accent, he said, lie wished distinctly to contradict the assertions made in the American papers that, lie had confessed to the murder of Preston, alleged against him. "Not a single statement," lie said ''was authorised by me— writing. They wore made by reporters, ami they are responsible for them—they are false. The reporters in America are simply thieves and liars, and the only way to get rid of them is to tell them something. I made no confession, ami what the 'Frisco papers published is a lot of rot."

The name of one of the persons whose body has been found was m«niini«il, bat Butler at once became wary and reticent. " Did you," he was .i-Ud, go into partnership with anyone in Sydney ?" "Yes," came the reply, but he declined to say with whom, neither would he say whether he had left Sydney with anyone. "Did you know a man named Preston?" was asked. He did, but when the query "whereabouts" was propounded, he declined to say. " Never mind," was his response; that is evidence. I want you to leave this case alone altogether. "You are pretty cute," said the interviewer, whereat Butler looked pleased and laughed outright. Evidently to turn the conversation, however, he harked backto his Sail Francisco experiences. He had there been very well treated on the whole, especially by the ladies. Why, on the last day," said lie with a smile, " they brought me fruit aud cigars."

" Were you ever married ?" was an interpolated question to which came a sharp "Yes.'' Then in an instant the voice changed to a strident tone, and he said. 11 1 should not tell you that; it can be left alone well enough : it's too far to go hack to now." Again came a laugh. Just at this moment one of the men working on a coal hulk lying alongside attempted to close the open porthole in order to keep the coal-dust out. Immediately the laugh stopped, and with a sharp snap of the jaw, "Get out, you — son of a — (not a sea cook),' For a few minutes after he would not speak. "Have you any family?" asked the reporter. No gleam indicating a past came into the eyes, as in the same voice us before lie replied, "Don't trouble about that; it's too far back now."

He declined to say where ho got Lee Weller's discharge, ana when asked why he was so anxious about a portmanteau ho had dropped into the water when bonding the Swanhilda, said ho wanted it for his sea boots, which the portmanteau contained. He was so disgusted that lie was half inclined to turn back. As to the speaking of the Swanhilda by the Taupn, ho declared he had no idea of .lie nature of tile com. munication made by Captain Macbeth. "It I bud bad any," lie added significantly, " there would have lie ii no Swanhilda."

" Did you not suspect anything?" " No. Nothing; and my arrest was a complete surprise. I never dreamt of it." " What if you had ?" " Then," in a voice that might mean much or little, " there would have been some shooting about—that is all. The police were on me before I knew they were on hoard. I was below at the time. AH hands were ordered on deck, as I thought-, for inedijal inspection. I was taken completely by surprise, and did not bring my revolver up with me."

" What about his attempted suicide?" was asked. This he laughed away, declaring it was an " accident." He could, lie declared, get a lot of money if he cared to tell whore lie had lived; and lie admitted that lie had been in Western Australia, but would not say where*

"Have you any friends in Sydney you would like to see?" "No." " Would you like to communicate with a solicitor?" "No. I do not want to have anything to do with any of those blackguard fellows like—" mentioning a certain name. " I WILL RETURN TO NEW ZEALAND IN TWO MONTHS." Later in the day a number of the " gentler sex" called 011 Butler, anil this put him iu a good humour, he being affable and talkative. He reclined 011 his bunk, smoking a cigar, and as ho conversed lie flicked the ash off with his little finger in the most nonchalant manner possible. " Well, sir, what can I do for you tonight?" was his (jHery as he looked up and nodded; then continuing he said, "You might say in the Herald that I am very contented and satisfied wjtli my lot, although"— lie shrugged his shoulders and smiled us he looked down on his manacled feet—" perhaps ' some of you would not believe it. 1 have been very well treated 011 board—l could not have been treated better—and I waut you' to say that I appreciate the attention paid to me, from the captain right down to the smallest boy on the ship." "And you feel all right?" "Perfectly, although 1 have been kept a" ' close. We are going over to New Wales, but I won't lie there long, I can assure you. I am not going to tell you anything about the murders, but I will saythat everything will come out right when 1 get a fair chance after we arrive in Sydney. Of course" (this with a covert glance at Detective Roche, who sat looking at the speaker, while a quiet smile appeared on his face) I " there are some who think' that' it' is all 1 plain tailing, and that they have very little

more to do. But 1 am goiug to get the belt of them you will see. I am going to beat them this time, I am sure of that." "And when you do beat them J" interpoied our reporter. " When I do beat them I am coming to New Zealand, I will be back in two months, and then I shall turn my attention to mining. You know lam a miner, and I want to come to New Zealand and do a little prospecting and find gold. Isn't that good enough J" Our reporter nodded. " Well, if you know of any good places you might allow me to use your card, which you handed to Detective Roche, and I wilt communicate with you or with the office. Anyhow, 1 am confident that I will beat them, and that you will see me iu New Zealand about July." " What about the American lady who claimed you as her husband?" " Now, she was a daisy," was the response, "She was eighteen carat, and no mi-take. But she wouldn't have me for her husband after all. She had two days to investigate, and at the end ot that time she discovered that I was not her husband— I was not tall enough. I was very sorry, because she was a real pretty woman—one who, if you met her on the street would make you turn round and have another look. Look here, I had no less than 24 offers of marriage from American women. Now, don't think that this is one of my tales. Ask Detective Roche. But they were from women with a morbid oraviug for sensation, and," deprecatingly, '' 1 don't think any of them meant it. You know they had a craze for a time and that was tile."

At this stage a pressman from Western Australia, who was acquainted with Butler and who had worked with him, asked if the prisoner would allow the newcomer to see him. "Come right in and let me havoa look at you,' cried Butler. The pressman entered the cell, and mentioned his name, but Butler said he could not remember him. A conversation on Western Australia, where Butler said he lmd been employed, then ensued. Butler said he was well acquainted with Southern and Western Australia, where he was manager of the Opal mine. '• You may not know it," he said, " but I was one of the original discoverers of the Mount Morgan mine. I have done a lot of prospecting, especially in Western Australia, ami I know the country well." He mentioned the names ol several residents of Western Australia and New South Wales, whom lie claimed to be well acquainted with. He said he knew the murderer Deeming, and had often called at his house. " I know — of the —, and he will do me a good turn if he can." He was asked whether he wished to have any letters forwarded to Sydney. " No, there is nothing I can send," he replied. " Besides, my name is not Butler; that is an assumed name. But here I am. You see me, and you see how I look. 1 The visitor then left the cell.

" Well, Butler, have you anything more to say?" resumed our reporter. " I think I have told you all I can. You can't say 1 haven't, treated you press fellows well. I had a civil word to say to all of you, and 1 might now give you a message to the Auckland people. But I hope yon won't be pleasant to my face, and then after I am gone turn round and abuse me and call me all the scoundrels and murderers you can think of. I tell you it will be all right in two mouths. 1 intend getting two or three witnesses, and they wiil do all that is wanted to free mo lrom this charge. I want to find Harwood (one of Butler's aliases, and the name of a man from whom the formor is said to have stolen a miner's right, and who is supposed to be in New South Wales). I want to find him, and I also want to find two others to give evidence for me." " Yes, and 1 also want to find Harwood," remarked Detective Roche drily. "But Harwood is dead, isn't he!" said Butler sneeringly. " 1 want to find him, anyway," retorted the detective. " I want to find him badly," as Butler dropped his eyes and puffed away at his cigar.

" And what of the message to the Auckland people V asked our reporter. Well, you may tell the people of Auckland that they are a nice lot, and chat I liaro been pleased to meet thein. I recognise their kiudnosi and I trust that they will not think 1110 ungrateful for—for— you know how to put it better than I do. But they have been kind to me, and it all the ladies ami gentlemen of Auckland had eallod on me I believe I would have seen them all. Goodbye until we meet again," THE ARREST AND VOYAGE. SAYS HE KILLED BURGESS.

After leaving Butler (who, bv the way, gained a stone in weight after leaving Sail Francisco), some particulars of the arrest an 1 voyage weiv ascertainable from the detectives, The main facts as cabled it turned out were o;i the whole trim, though American accounts had been highly coloured. In the L'aol lie was visited In- as many as thirty "Indies" a day, but at times was very savage and sullen. In fact ho lightened the two American constabulary, so that three special men had to be engaged to watch him at live dollars a day, and on the night before being handed over to the Sydney men attempted to commit suicide. Of this Detective Roche says he has no doubt. " Butler li is," s-dd the officer named to a New Zealand Hkkalu reporter, "a very deep wound in the arm and two in the temple, which he averred he did with his finger nail. He must have done it, however, with a wire nail; in fact he has admitted as much. He lost about a pint of blood and was very weak aud sick when handed over toils. \Ve brought wit'i uh a strait jacket and gloves, the former we had to bring out once, and the latter we used the first night on board the Mariposa for fear he would attempt further harm to himself. lie, however, promised to come quietly and not to attempt anything of the sort. But we have to watch him every move in fact, lie watches us as closely as we watch him. At night when he is asleep we can see hint slowly half unclose his eyes and look at us. Then when lie finds we are still watching him he will pretend to go to sleep again. He refused food for the first two days, but I gave him some whisky and honey. That seemed to give him an appetite, for the next morning he took some toast, and afterwards ate well. I assure you we have hud to be careful. The only tilings allowed him are a tin plate and a tin cup—no knife. His food is all cut up to 'he finest degree and examined by myself. Even his pipe is filled and examined by myself." " Has he made any oonfessions?"

"He says lie shot Burgess. The reason lie gives is that ho sold a waggon and horse to Burgess, but on getting to Sydney, he found tho cheque was a bud one, and weut back, quarrelled with him, and shot him; he does not know that Burgess' boilv has bean found. But he has made a lot of statements, and you can't trust one. He says lie shot some people iii West Australia, but you don't know whether to believe him or not. He has promised too to make a confession before reaching Sydney about motives and money matters." " Have you had much trouble with him on the trip?" "Only two or three limes. He gives one an impression of being absolutely without conscience. You should see him in a bad temper; I never saw anyone look worse." " You will be pleased to get to Sydney J" "I shall, lean assuro you." BUTLER SAYS HE IS MAD. HINTS AT CLEARING INNOCENT MEN. In coming through the tropics Butler was very sullen and angry, partly, without doubt, through his taking so little exercise, He said if something were not done for him he would go mad, addiug "as my father did before me, and (to the watching detectives) if I kill you I won't be responsible." He was then medically treated and became calmer. He afterwards referred to his father's alleged insanity, saying he died in an asylum, and that the same cause had been the downfall of himself. His father's name, he said, would go to the grave with him. He knew Western Australia well from end to end, and hinted if the worst came to the worst he would make a clean breast of his doings there, and clear some innocent men, leaving the presumption that he would implicate others. There wore men in Western Australia he wanted to clear of certain things, and that was his object more than anything else in allowing himself to be brought hack, Having let drop a word or two in the Lancashire dialect, Detective MisHattie. who has served five years in tile Lancashire police force, asked him if he did not come from that county. On finding that Mo flattie knew the country, Butler then said that ho was born at the Old Bridge Inn at Wigan, but his name he would not divulge, He had left home '20 years ago, had been in the police in Shropshire, England, had then gone to Canada, had seen military service (and he certainly appeared to have been a soldier), had then gone to Capetown, spending four years of bis life in Western Australia—as several bodies have been found in parts there, the detectives were anxious to draw him. but he would go mi further; he did not like to talk of that colouy. On the voyage he had to be humoured in every possible way. He has promised not to attempt suicide, but says lip' could do it in half a dozen different ways, by falling out of his bunk and breaking bis neck for instance,; but he does not intend doing that. This only, however, makes the watch on him if anything the, keener, There is a strong conviction on the part of some of the Auckland force that Butler will attempt suicide before reaching Sydney.

STRANGE COINCIDENCES. Novelists are sometimes fond of imagining a train of circumstances which lead up to the finding of clues, But few huve imagined such a nicely-fitting set us appertains to the pursuit and arrest ol Butler. Detective McHattie, of Newcastle, was well acquainted with Coptaln L-.e Weller and his wife, who were natives of Devonshire. Iu the absence of the Captain, Mrs. Welter was taken suddenly ill, dying in two hours. An inquest was held, a post-mortem made, and death was found to have arisen from heart disease. The death, however, brought Lee Weller back to Newcastle where Butler had also made his way. In this way he became known to McHattie, and when the portrait was received from Sydney, he was able to identify the man at once, and so trace him out of Australia. But the coincidence did not end here. Amongst Butler's luggage, found on the Swanhilda, McHattie was able to idendity the portrait of, and the jewellery he had seen worn by the woman he had been acquainted with, both alive and dead.

ENTERTAINMENTS PROVIDED. Duriug the trip across, Butler was frequently entertained by members of the theatrical profession, travelling by the Mariposa. He proved a roost attentive listeuer, and himself frequently contributed a " ditty," and at all times looked forward to the entertainments.

DEPARTURE OP THE MARIPOSA. During the course of the evening Butler related many little experience* of his military career to Detective Bailey and ActingDeteotive Hollis (who, with Chief Deteotive Graoe were assisting the Sydney men), and from what can be gathered it would appear that he is thoroughly conversant with military matters at Home, and with the Egeptian Campaign, in which he claims to hare taken part. To Acting-Detective Hollis he said he had a " thing or two up his sleeve," and when the time for his trial came round he would bring forward Harwood, one of the men whom he is supposed to have murdered, as a witness for the defence; claiming that he can at any moment lay his hand on his man in Western Australia— about Coolgardie way. He most cordially farewelled the whole of tho Auckland force, and said he considered thqm " a very decent lot." INCIDENTS AND IMPRESSIONS. On the voyage Butler took great pleasure in reading slowly the startling articles frequently appearing in the papers. On one occasion, after reading aloud a statement said to have been made in the presence of a newspaper representative, to the effect that he had murdered a soldier in America, and that properly speaking lie should be in charge of the American police, he laughed aloud, and exclaimed, "Well, the Americans are curious people. They wanted a sensation at any price." Just before New Zealand was sighted he remarked to Detective Roche, " Well we are getting nearer home. This is getting a bit slow. I only wish I li.id a couple of hours to myself, and I think things would he a bit livelier." Detective Roche remarked. " Yes, 1 suppose there would be a lively time," to which Butler responded, "You can make a safe bet on that."

While the Mariposa was passing through the tropics Butler said to the quartermaster, " It's pretty hot here; but 1 suppose they want to mako it warmer for me, if they can. I don't think they'll do it. Do yon ?" Butler frequently testified to the careful attention paid to him by the detectives and the officials on the steamer, and said that he recognised he was '' the most precious bit of cargo on the bo it." During the voyage Butler did not indulge in a large amouut of reading, and the only literature he seemed to enjoy was an article dealing with Ills past career and supposed oi'imes.

Iu San Francisco Butler informed Detective Bailey that he was given 50 dollars by a phrenologist for a reading of his head, and says the operator gave him to understand that lie was not quite right in the head. Mr, Kennedy, one of the saloon passengers, frequently had a chat with Butler. The passengers would call in and say, " Good morning" or" Good evening and lie would generally answer quite cheerfully; but was sometimes gloomy and disagreeable. " Would he go into particulars regarding the crimes with which he is charged ?" asked our reporter. "Oh no; I don't think any of the passengers ventured on such delicate ground." A Herald representative had a conversation with one of the passengers who took an interest in the Butler case, tie said, on the first day out Butler cut up rough and lie was put in irons for 10 hours, and threatened with the strait-jacket. It was pointed out to him that sort of conduct would make matters unpleasant for himself, and that it would be iar better for him if he gave no trouble. He gave in, promised to behave himself, and from thence nut gave no trouble to Ids guards, and was woll cured for. During the passage he made threats that they would not be able to t ike him over the line, but he was so closely watched by the throe detectives in charge that he had no opportunity of fulfilling his threats. Tliey cut his meat up for him, and did uot allow him knife or fork to eat with, and took every precaution to secure their prisoner and land him safely in Sydney. Butler read to while away the time, principally fiction. At Honolulu he asked one of the ship's staff to procure for him a copy of the burlesque of " Trilby." It appears that lie saw it played in Australia the night before he sailed in the Swanhilda. Butler received such exercise as he needed by being walked about in the alley of the ship with log-irons on, with a detective on either side of him. As ho endeavoured in San Francisco to cut an artery with his nails, the detectives pared his nails, and compelled him to keep his hand continually in sight, The prisoner i* apparently in good condition. Butler had hinted that lie would never be taken to Australia alive, consequently extra procautions have been taken, and the guard was to be doubled after leaving Auckland, and will be so maintained till lie is handed over to the authorities in Sydney. A THREAT. In conversation with detective .Bailey, last night, Butler said lie had been watching the detectives all the voyage, and if there had been the slightest chance he world have committed suicide.

HISTORY OP THE CRIMES. It it doubtful whether the list of Butler's crimes is yet complete. So much has been traced to this man, and he hat apparently baeu connected with so many disappearances beyond those which have been traced, that it is a matter of conjecture how many his victims really are, ami how great are the crimes that must be hid to his charge. The first disappearance reported to the polioo was that of Captain Lee Weller, On the 21st November, 1896, information was received that three weeks prior to that date Lee Weller had answered an advertisement re' quiring a mate to go prospecting, that he had gone away with the wan who had inserted the advertisement, and that, although he had promised to. write, nothing had been heard of him. Enquiries at Glenbrook, where it had been ascertained it was the Mention of the pseudo-prospectors to commence operations, showed that on the 29th October, two men, one answering the description of Lee Weller and the other that of his mate, had arrived by the morning train from Sydney, and that tney had proceeded as far as the lagoon, where they camped for a couple of days. During those days they were seen by several people, and on the 31at of the same month (a Saturday) the mate was seen on the Emu Plain station, and later on the same day he returned to Sydney by train. Searoh at the camp at the lagoou resulted in several articles of Lee Welter's being found. Near the camp there was also found a legging, made in Brisbane, and this ultimately led to the discovery, indirectly, of another disappearance, that of Preston. Meanwhile active search was made in all the gullies round Glenlirook, but without any result. Up to the 30th November the search was confined to Ulenbrook, but on the 28th of that month news came from ■ Brisbane that Mr. A. 0. T. Preston, a young mining student, had gone away on a prospecting expedition with a man from Sydney, and had not since been heard of. The date of their departure from Sydney was given as the 19c|i October, 10 days before Lee eller left._ The legging foil nd at Glenbrook by its descripoion had evidently bolouj»ed to Preston, aim the probltm was how it had got to be mixed up with Lee Welter's effects. The only solution to the question was that the man who had gone away with Lee Weller was the man who had previously gone away with Preston, from whom he had by some means got the legging. Then the question arose, where had Preston disappeared! On the night of Wednesday, Decemoer 2, Detective McLean was enabled to trace Butler and Preston from Emu Plains to a camp outside Springwood to a township, and thence on to Linden October 20. On October 21 Butler was seen alone making towards his camp in Springwood. Later on the lame day he was seen at Faulconbridge by a man who had earlier in the day seen him at Linden, and it ii presumed that he reached Sydney, the same day. Confident that Preston's body was between Springwood and Linden, the police officers redoubled their efforts, and late on the afternoon of Thursday, 3rd ! December, discovered in a gully a short, narrow grave under the ledge of a rook, forming almost a cave, about two milea from the railway line. Next day the. body was removed.'* It had been buried in a grave not more than three feet six inches long and three feet deep, with

' a proportionate width, and in order to get it into trie space it had been doubled. The remains having been identified as those iof Preston, were removed to Penrith. A lew (lays afterwards, the searchers came upon another grave. Digging revealed the body of ft man, and when in the after--110011 the body was qxhuined it was apparent that Lee Weller-as it was identified—nad been buried in much the same maimer m Preston, thmjeb, if gobble, in a moreerauiped position, owing to his greater size. Ihis body was also removed' to Penrith. In each case the inquest resulted _ in a verdict of wilful murder against lK'"j? r beii|g returned. On Thursday, January '1, the interest 111 the case was revived and iilu'nsiiied by news that on the previous day a body', supposed to be that of the missing man LesagO- ' la( ' been unearthed at the foot of the Black .«?. n P es 0,1 the 1 Burrawong station. The polk'. we re communicated with and a detachment went out to the scene of the discovery. The bpdy was exhumed and taken to Parked, and an inquest opened there on Friday January 22. Evidonce was tendered oil that occasion to show that the body was not that of Lesagh, but of a man named Burgess, who, it was ascertained, had left Sydney with Butler to go prospecting. Very little was known of the dead man's antecedents, and it was, no doubt, owing to this fact, that his disappearance was not sooner reported. Butler, as is now well-known, left Newcattle as a sailor on board the Swanrdlda, and o.n the arrival of that vessel at Sail Francisco, was arrested. After considerable delay, his extradition was obtained, and in a few days, he will make his appearance before the New South Wales courts.