National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-11-26
YOUNG BURGLARS.
FIVE BOYS COMMIT A SERIES OF Rul
nERIEyC

Berries.
For some time past there has taken place in
this city Q series Of small robberies, consisting
Of tiIl.tapplng, cleaning hall-raeks and stealing
articles OF small value from different business
houses. First it W1s q cigar store that was en-
tered, then that Of dwelling house would soen
follow. This sort Of business became so frequent
as to cause complaints Of this nature to multiply
at police headquarters, and developed the fact
that the perpetrators were working with eonsId-
cradle success, and becoming holder In their
operations, evidently thinking that they would
so well cover their tracks as 70 avoid suspicion,
much less arrest. The affair finally eliminated
into active work by the detective corps on the
robbery Of the gunshop Of Mr.. Henry Gasch, q
few days ago, when the cases were cleaned of
pistol, o. various PSttens gSniOeEs nigPers And
Elfresh and Sargent Immediately toek hold Of
the matter, and were not long in ferreting out
surprise, It was discovered to be ave boys, rang
ing between the ages Of ten and fourteen years,
who had banded together and were doing heavy
business in the burglar line.
1t was found that they showed considerable
smartness and cunning In plying their nefarious
calling, and were rapldly Progressing ID path
tiaTy, Hnot on the scafold. The officers succeed
cd in securing four Of the boys bat as all Of them
are respectfully connected, and their conduct was
unknown TO their parents who feel deeply humII-
iated and mortified at the discovery That has
been made, their names are withheld from pub
LludNlon' ING S'uok "a VIC party was the mrs
ter mind, and gave directions with q Judgment
and astUteness that would have done credit to
an old and professional hand. His manner Of
surveying the places TO be entered, how they
were conducted, the werk to be done and the dis
pOsal OF the stolen goods, showed a planning
brain that would bring homer 20 its Bossessor
If used for q respectable and legitimate pur-
pose. Still, although turned to bad account, it
gave evidence that the young thief with few
years Of knowledge gained in that pursuit would
become dangerous man to any community.
The other lads appeared pliable as putty in his
hands, could be pressed into service At q mo-
ments notice, and would carry out his instrue
tons 10 the minutest particular. In this manner
they made Well-Organized band Of young plum
derers, working with . system, becoming holder
as success attended their attempts, and finally
left on light offering, and picked out moro val
Uable fields Of operation.
The leader acknowledged that they had robbed,
in different ways, about dozen places. Their
delicious. Their funds abundant, for many OF
the tills visited were we'll filed, and as all we're
taken their eXckequer was seldom at low ebb.
They commanded many friends among the youth
Of their age, gaining their friendship by the dis
play Of money and spending generally. On them
were found several keys, which had been removed
from different doors, and used to 1T locks where
they wished to enter. Some Of their schemes have
been exceedingly bold, and many an experienced
rObber would have Eesitated TO undertake carry
ing them out, but it was owing to this bOldness
that success was achieved.
Nearly all OF the property stolen has been Ee-
cured, and the money taken viii, in all probable
ity, be made good by the boys parents. 1t is
thought that they will be sent TO the Reform
school for better Instructions, and be deprived Of
the evil associates they have had around them.