The New York herald., 1873-08-05
AN HAVANA BANK ROBBERY.

The Commercial Bank Mulcted to the
Tune of $s7, ,OOO-The Suspected Parties
Arrested On Board an American Vessel
in the Bay OF New YOrk-Suspicious
Findings in Their Trunks-The Case
Still Mysterious.
In the early part OF last week the Commercial
Bank In Havana was robbed of about sixty-seven
thousand dollars in bills of exchange on DreXel,
Morgan l. Co., and of about twenty thousand dol
lars In gold. 1t was for some time doubtful
whether the robberies had been recent or of old
date, but a thorough examination disclosed the
fact that the robbery must have been of very recent
date by facts only known to the officers OF the
bank. This led OF course, severe investigation,
when 1t was found that one OF the most responsible
clerks Of the bank had disappeared the very day
that the robbery was supposed to have taken
place. His name was A. Antonio s. AlfOnz. Search
was made for HIM and he could not be found at his
lodgings in Havana II was found, however, that
he had been seen in the company of a person
named Enriques CacarOs. When search was made
for this latter, who was well known in commercial
circles, he could not be found either and this
naturally brought suspicion upon the pair. Still
inquiries continued TO be made in Havana and in
other cities OF the Island OF Cuba. But nothing
could be ascertained OF their whereabouts, until at
length it was discovered that two men answer
City OF Mexico steamship, bound for New York, and
that at the last moment they had taken passage
upon her for this city,
On Friday the Captain General of Cuba tele-
graphed to Mr.. Uriarte, the Spanish Consul here,
the facts OF the case with description Of the two
men. Mr.. Uriarte communicated with General
James B. Availy lawyer of this city, who placed
the matter in the hands Of private detective
agency. There was nothing then lett 10 do but to
sci. She arrived here on Sunday, and Immediately
on her being signalled from the lower bay Mr.
Riggs, detective from the Brooklyn Police
Mss nUt aat or them to pck
from among the passengers those mentioned in
the telegram of the Captain General. ana when
gracefully yielded assent to the arrest which took
place. In the company OF the two men were two
whose name has not been ascertained. The lug
gage Of the four was also seized. 1t consisted OF
eleven trunks and some other packages, which
were Immediately transferred to the Brooklyn
Ponce Headquarters in company with the prison
ers. The warrant upon which the arrest was made
had been granted by Judge McCue OF the Brooklyn
CITY Court. On Sunday night the four prisoners
were locked up in the Police Headquarters, and
were allowed no communication one with the
other.
Uriarte, accompanied by General Craig went over
Campbell, searched the trunks Of the prisoners. In
one it is alleged, was found about forty thousand
dollars worth OF the bills Of exchange OF DreXel,
Morgan Il Co.. and in some of the others various
amounts OF gold, which, it is presumed is that
stolen. During the whole day this examination
proceeded and 1t is stated by those who conducted
II that plenty OF evidence has been found upon the
parties to impcate them fully in the robbery OF the
Havana Commercial Bank.
During the day the prisoners were examined
separately. This examination was entirely secret,
but 1t is understood that each strenuOusly de-
MED any guilty participation in the robbery, and
stated that they could easily account Tor the pos
session OF the bills as well as the gold. The women
particularly are stated to bear themselves with an
appearance OF Injured innocence. All the persons
cognzant OF the facts of the seem to be very
reticent and evidently think that publicity will
destroy their Vaccinations to discover the cul-
prits 1t was indeed expected that the prisoners
would have preliminary examination IN Court
yesterday, but itwas probably thought best to hold
the secret examination referred to first. IL Is
probable that today some public examination may
be held. The Spanish Consul was delvng into the
until very late hour yesterday afternoon. 1t
is hoped that further developments may take
place to-day.