The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1859-06-18
Select 12lisreIIollD.
You Can't Pass,

Persons rob one another every day, but he
must have been clever one who robbed the
Prefecture de Police (the head police Office in
Phris.) And this a man did whose name
has become historical-Beaumont lie was
!he Jack Sheppard among thieves
When Beaumont accomplished the immor-
taising feat (among bis 5rethernJ he had Just
returned from the Bagne, (the gallcys,j at
Brest. 1t took place in the days of the cele-
hrated Nidocq. He actually robbed the
strong box n. the head police office, and this
box contained, not only bank notes. but all
the ,jewclry which is found, or in any way
comes into the hands Of the police. After his
return from the ealleys he frequently called
UPON Monsieur Henry principal officer of the
second division Of police, and these visits
were made under pretrnce of making certain
revelations, OF giving usual information, in
hopes of becoming attached to the police
himself. Monsieur Henry's office was that
next to the cashiers. In going and coming
beaumont had taken impressions in wax Of
all the locks and he'd keys made 10 fit them
This was doubtless great point gained, but
II was not all 1t was necessary to watch a
moment when the cashier would be out, not
come, or having left his Office, and when
Monsieur Henry, who never scarcely was
absent. should he away. Everything turns
well for those who choose 70 wait patiently.
Beaumont found the long watched for oppor-
tunty, and as he never did anything hastily,
he did all at his ease this time and as clevelly
as quietly. He put on Il black coat belong
Ing to Monsieur Henry, dress then little
worn, except by those high in office; he
walked down stairs and went to the nearest
guard house, asked for the officer, who took
him for some high official, and two soldiers
were sent with him without the least diff
Guilty.
Beaumont gravelv placed them one at each
end of the corridor with strict orders to let
no one pass until farther directions, II WAS
very daring but equally sure. When he
had made his selection among heaps Of pre-
cious things, and filled his pockets with gold
and jewels, he passed one Of the santinels
and SAID.
That's right, my friend ! am goirg to
the head directors. Everything must remain
as have left it until my return: | shall
soon be back let no one pass"
But the Office hours arrived, and all the
clc!ks too, high and low.
" You cant pass!n' they were told
30 they all went and walked up and down
the yard Some. however went round, al
last, tired of waiting to tie other entrance.
. You cant pass - Saluted their cars again
Then came the heads Of the Office. and
lastly Monsieur Henry himself, who did not
take matters quite so quucly. H"ran to the
guand-house. The officer knew nothing o
the rank or name of the tuncinnary who had
asked for guaid. 70 release the soldiers
rom their duty, the minister Of police had
to be sent for and they got m-to STE hat
If a thundcrbot had fallen among them all
they could not have been more dumhlCuud,d.
The strong box was ,ill,d, and the ground
srewn with rejected valuAblys. Who could
have done it f. 10 whom attribute this
audacioUs act! al the persons employed
were under examination and suspicion, when
Beaumont was betrayed by comrade, aud
condemned Il second time. lie had stolen
seven bundled thousand francs, the greater
part Of which was found upon him.
There was wbercwilhal there to have
become All honest man; should have turned
one, he said. 1T is easily done when you
are rich"
This is all he uttered. lie was sent to
Bfcst, where he died, leaving an Immortal
name among thieves.