A Model Young Man, Wanted for Robbery
A California arrest reveals the bandit who robbed a station agent of $7,250 to be Charles Clayton Bump — a Spokane high-school graduate, former deputy city clerk, and 'one of the best known young men of this city.'
Spokane, April 11.—The mystery surrounding the identity of the young bandit arrested in California for the robbery of the station agent at Arroyo Grande, when $7,250 in money was taken, was solved in part by the arrival here today of California papers. A picture of the unknown youth, letters found in his possession and other circumstances show that he is Charles Clayton Bump, of Spokane, one of the best known young men of this city, a youth against whom a breath of suspicion was never uttered. The discovery has created an intense sensation here and his mother is prostrated. Bump is a graduate of the high school; served for a time as deputy city clerk; was a member of the Baptist church, an ardent sportsman and a swift bicycle rider. He belongs to one of the leading families of Spokane, his father having built the Bump block.
Mattie, the name signed to the letters found by the California officers, is Miss Mattie Bishop, Bump's sweetheart. He gave the name of Harry Bishop to the California authorities. Friends and relatives here believe there is some mistake, and do not believe he is guilty. They think that he fell among evil companions and in a moment of weakness accepted of the spoils of robbery.
“A youth against whom a breath of suspicion was never uttered... They think that he fell among evil companions and in a moment of weakness accepted of the spoils of robbery.”
A 'good family' and a clean record become the story's real subject, as a town wrestles with the idea that one of its own could be the bandit. The instinct to explain away a hometown suspect — 'he fell among evil companions' — is a familiar reflex in the court of public opinion that still precedes the actual trial.
From readers
No comments yet. If you know something about this story — a correction, a family memory, a source — it belongs here.