Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1874-11-04
No. ]
A Clerical Book Thief.

And now the church has another
burden to bear. We trust it will re-
lieve itself of it quickly, thus doing
much to prevent a recurrence. A
crime, committed by minister of the
Gospel, seems peculiarly criminal, and
indeed it is-as it not only contains
its own wrong, but has the effect to
bring the profession Of religion into i'll
repute. The particular case under COR
sideration is the following:
For the past several years there has
been stationed at Evansville, in this
State, Methodist minister named J.
M. Craig. A few months ago he was
transferred to Ripon, to take charge Of
the church at that place. During
these years he has been in the habit of
visiting Milwaukee frequently, and in-
variably paid calls upon booksellers.
1t was observed by the booksellers
that certain of their most scientific
works disappeared occasionally, and al
ways at the time the Rev. Mr.. Craig
was around. Naturally they susp cted
HIM, but were 10th to openly accuse
him of the theft.
Yesterday morning the reverend
dropped into Des FORCES & Lawrences
book store, on Wisconsin street. The
proprietors detailed clerk to "keep
an eye on him" After gazing at the
various books, the minister. of the Cos
pei sauntered out of the store. The
clerk counted certain books informed
the proprietor that two were missing
and Des Forges went out after the maa
OF prayers, and captured him on Broad
way. He found the books, and then
sent for detectives. Officers Smith and
Casey took the case in hand, and be-
tore they were through with the d.
vine secured seven books (sl5 worth)
which he had stolen yesterday fron
Des Forges 4 Lawrence, West & Co,
Strickland Il Co. >, aad Ellis. Then the
thieving priest was taken to the Police
Station, where, after an examination BY
Lieutenant Kendrick, he was locked
up. 1t was learned that he has a large
number Of books at home, in his libra
ry, which were stolen from our leading
booksellers.
Mr.. Craig--the Rev. Mr.. Craig
showed little sign Of emotion, except
when Detective Smith said to the sta
tion-keeper, "Lock him up!" "Ob,
no, brother!" exclaimed the person.
And the boys of the force think that
the best joke of the season. The idea
of calling the " "Amirkin" Peter Smith
" brother!" Peter asks, " Didn't I
always tell you [ was studying for the
ministry 2"
Craig gives no reason for his crime.
He only asks that it be kept out of the
newspapers, and that he may be allowed
to settle. Gle had $50 with him.o
The newspapers, however. have duty
to perform in publishing the facts and
that is, to call for this imposter's im-
mediate dismissal from the church. He
admits his guilt. That's enough.
Craig is fair-looking, mddle-aged
man, and unfortunately has wife and
one chlld. These scamps always have
a family to disgrace.
This afternoon George Des FORCES
procured an order from Craig to bring
bis library from Ripon to this city to ex-
anime it, and select the stolen books if
any are found. He left at 3 o'clock.
This morning West 4 Go. swore out a
warrant against the chap, SO he will
come before the court.
1t IS thought that he is the same fel-
low who stole 81 100 worth of books
IN Fond du Lac several years ago,
when he was a school teacher.-MI-
rGukee Wisconsin, Oct 29M.