Vet Sought by Cops; Found by Wilkie

Camden Courier-Post - February 17, 1936

Ex-Marine Was in City Hall Basement Aiding Pals on Bonus Data

A former U. S. marine who spent a week in the basement of city hall helping veterans make out their bonus applications while police searched throughout the city for him, was arrested by Acting Detective John V. Wilkie Saturday night.

Edwin W. Eddington, 26, who said he has no home, was held without bail for the grand jury by Police Judge Lewis Liberman on two charges of larceny. A warrant for his arrest was issued on complaint of Joseph Cohen, of 1406 Broadway, three weeks ago, after Cohen told police he stole electric wire and tools valued at $54.75.

The warrant was given to Wilkie and he immediately began a search for Eddington. He visited several former homes and a number of tap-rooms where Eddington was known to spend some of his time, but he evaded arrest each time.

On Saturday night Wilkie was approached by Harry Taylor, of 567 Mickle Street, a retired U. S. Navy machinist, who told the officer that a man named Eddington had stolen a suit of clothes and some other wearing apparel from his room. He said Eddington occupied an adjoining room.

“Why, I’ve been looking for that fellow for nearly two weeks,” Wilkie said. “Where is he now?”

“I don’t know where he is now, but all last week he was in the basement of city hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. helping veterans make out their bonus applications,” Taylor said. “You might try the Naval Veterans’ clubrooms at 304 State Street.” Wilkie explained he works from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Wilkie immediately went to the State Street address, and while he stayed in the car, Taylor went inside.

While he was in the place, Eddington came along accompanied by a woman and went in. Taylor brought him out under the pretext of taking him to a tap-room. When he reached the pavement he shouted to Wilkie, “Here’s your man.”

Wilkie then took Eddington to city hall and in the basement where the applications were made out he found Eddington’s personal belongings. Several of the articles of clothing were identified by Taylor. In court he pleaded guilty to both charges and said he sold the suit in Philadelphia.