Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1873-03-20
Kleptomania.


-Uaaecssssabie Parsics siars-Many Respect.
able Ladies Cssshs Daily d. Pslfsrs.s Frs.
the Open Stores.
A kleptomanical epidemic seems TO
have prevailed in Chicago for the past
few weeks. While it might be consid-
cred harsh to produce the names of
those who have been detected, it is en-
tirely proper that the facts should be
made public in such way as to expose
the deeds and at the same time screen
the authors from the modification of
disgrace for which they are not respon-
sibic, and should not be called to pub.
lie account. A merchants wife. a lady
who resides on the avenue, is such
confirmed shoplifter that her husband
never permits her to go upon the street
without an escort is employed to watch
her movements, and prevent her from
indulging in the qualification of an un-
natural desire to steal. In def ance of
this watchfulness, the lady occasionally
eludes the vigilance of sharp ewes, and
RUINS. About two weeks ago she visited
one of our largest dry goods stores,
made a few triiling purchases and at an
opportunc moment folded up aud secret
ed under her CLOAK a valuable camers
hair shawl. The article was soon miss
ed but 40 one knew the culprit, altho ugh
the clerk gave all accurate description
to the detective who was employed to
work up the matter.
About week alter the larceny was
com .nitted, the officer attended McVick-
er's Theatre aud saw the identical shawl,
worn by lady corresponding exactly
TO the one described. She wos accom-
| panied by her husband. The detective
was confident that he had discovered
the timer, but not caring tn create a
.'sccnc." he determined to delay action
| miil the performance was over, and the
woman and her escort were on their
homeward way. To his great surprise,
an elegant private carriage awaited them
at the door, and the liveried coachman
drove them To u marble-tront residence
III one of the most aristocratic neigh
borhoods OH the South Side The officer
slept over it, and finally determined to
make an investigation, let the conse-
quences be what they might. Early in
the morning he repaired to the house OF
the rich merchant, aud informed the
servant who attended the door that he
desired to see the lady of the house.
The gentleman had just descended the
richly carpcted stairway, and was natu-
rally curious TO know what good-look-
ing, dashing young fellow wanted ut
that early hour with his wife. When,
therefore, the lady appeared, she was
accompanied by her myslitied husband.
Politely, doubtingly, the messenger OF
justice said: Il shall have to ask your
Kind iorbearance, for the business that
brought Inc here is of very delicate
nature. May ask, madame, where YOU
obtained the shawl you wore at the
theatre last evening" The woman said
not single word, but sank upon sofa
and burst into tears, accompanied by
hysterical sobs.
knowing her propensity, her husband
at once comprehcnded the situation of
affairs. Conducting the officer to
another room, he related many instances
oi similar nature; stated that his wife
never knew what it was to want Tor
anything that money could purchase,
but that she never let an opportunity to
steal, passun improved. Tell Mess RS.
-(naming the firm) to send the bill to
me, together with expenses, and it snail
he paid" AS a matter of course, the
unfortunate lady's misdemeanor was
looked upon as misfortune rather than
q fault, and she is now watched with
greater precantion Than before. In one
of the largest dry-goods houses in the
city, within few days, sad instance
Of this phase Of insanity was brought to
light. A clergymsn's wiie-a lady Of
refinement, culture, and undoubted
purity Of character-is the victim. She
entered the store. was greeted with
friendly welcome by those who knew
her, and passed from one counter to
another, making complete circuit of
the establishment. An employe saw
her, soon after she came in, slip pack
age of lace inside her muff. Following
her, and watching with sharp eyes, be
saw the lady conceal many other articles
in the same hiding-place, and dexter.
ously transfer them to capacious pock-
ct inside her cloak. As she was about
to take her leave, the young man tap
ped her ON the shoulder. "Madame,"
said he, cit is with great pain that am
compelled to detain you." "Sis," said
the lady indignantly, "what do you
meant" "Only this" was the reply;
"you have taken . large number Of
articles, have concealed them about
your person, aud have not paid for
them. Tho lady protested that it was
false. "Will you permit me to examine
the pocke: in your cloakr' Overwhelm-
ed with modification and shame, the
woman dropped her head, aud the tell
tale hlnsh upon her cheeks gave indubi-
table evidence Of guilt. The man quiet
ly took her arm, and, without attracting
the attention ofthe large and fashionable
gathering In the store, proceeded to the
private ohlce Of ths proprietor. There,
with choking uttsrance, shs could only