From The Washington Times
Washington, D. C.
6 September, 1907

Bricks in Valise
Won’t Pay Bill
At Chicago Inn
____________

   CHICAGO,  Sept. 5. -- Bricks in fancy leather suit cases will not pay for accomodations in Chicago hotels. This was learned by Thomas J. Gilliland, son of a wealthy Birmingham, Ala. family.
   Instead of living at ease in a sumptuously furnished apartment at the Lexington, Gilliland is occupying a cell at the Harrison street station while awaiting money from home.
   Young Gilliland, whose father is a Southern manager of a big manufacturing company, came to Chicago a week ago. The contents of his grips are said to have found their way into pawnshops. Gilliland then, it is alleged, filled his satchels with paving blocks, went to the Lexington and engaged rooms.
   The hotel manager became suspicious, found the bricks, and caused Gilliland’s arrest. At the Harrison street station the young man said that he could get the necessary money by writing his father, and was given two days to do so.

-- transcription by Kate Maynard, 2010