Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
18 November 1890
DR. TUMBLETY IN TOWN
Immediately Placed Under Arrest as a Suspicious Character.
LOADED DOWN WITH VALUABLES.
Letter in His Possession Testify to His High Moral Character, and a
Pamphlet Recites a Complete Vindication of the London Charges Against
Him.
Dr. Francis Tumblety, who is known to the police of all the large cities
of America and Europe, and who was under the surveillance of the Scotland
Yard force when the Jack the Ripper excitement was at its height, was
arrested in this city last night. Detective Ned Horne saw the notorious
doctor standing in a shadow near Ninth street and Pennsylvania avenue. His
actions were so suspicious that the detective at once placed him under
arrest. He showed a disposition to resist, but Horne convinced him that he
had better go with him.
At the station the doctor was searched, and an unexpectedly large number
of valuables were secured from him, amounting in worth to several thousand
dollars. There were $250 in greenbacks, a check for $160, and two
magnificent diamond rings, each worth, he claims, about $2,500. The
brilliant glitter of the diamonds dazzled the eyes of the officers. The
doctor also had a gold watch and a ring of rubies, set with small
diamonds, worth about $200.
The prisoner was placed in a cell, but soon afterward the detective
concluded to take collateral for his appearance at court this morning and
his valuables were returned to him. A boy who had been held as a witness
was ordered to appear in court also.
Dr. Tumblety is an enormous man, over six feet in height, with broad
shoulders. His hair is black, tinged with gray, and his skin is red and
coarse. His moustache is a rather large affair, evidently dyed black, and
extends around the corners of his mouth. His eyes are steely blue, and he
gazed steadily at nothing, as he spoke in a weak, effeminate voice. He was
dressed in a big black overcoat and wore a German cap, and had on rubber
boots.
In his pocket was a pamphlet containing the names of a number of prominent
men, both of this city and elsewhere, and he also carried a letter from a
well-known Congressman. The testimonials were chiefly devoted to elaborate
praise of the doctor.s character.
In the pamphlet the doctor had an article replying to the charge advanced
against him by the London authorities, and spoke of his escape unscathed
from the vilifying statements of the newspapers. Dr. Tumblety very gladly
deposited the collateral demanded and walked away. He had a key in his
pocket for a room in Myer.s Hotel.
The doctor was well known to the officers in the station, and Detective
Horne told a POST reporter of the man.s character. He had lived here in
former years, and sold herb medicines. If he appears in court to-day,
interesting developments are expected.
"Jack the Ripper" at Madrid
MADRID, Nov. 17.--A woman's body cut into pieces was found in the Rua
Ferrocarril to-day. The woman is supposed to have been murdered. The
case has caused a great sensation.
