Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-05-11

governor next fall the man must be good one,
no other need apply; but it Is not the man We
elect it is the republican party which proposes to
show to the world that it has not forgotten its
principles .Ndchias RePubiican.
now TIE MILFORD BANK BoNDS
WE'RE DISCOTERED.
On the 10Th of October last the Souhcgan Ma
toral Bank in Milford, y. H. was robbed by six
masked men, who entered the house of the
Cashier, Mr.. Frederick L. Sawyer, gagged that
gentleman, and after closeting his family and put
ting strong guard over 1t, led him to the bank
by the aid of rope about the neck, and compelled
him to open the safes. Recently the most Of the
stolen property has been returned by the thieves
for a consideration, incorrect accounts OF which
transactions have been printed in some of the pa
pers. From Mr.. William b, Towne, the President
of the bank, who was the person actively engaged
on behalf OF the institution, the Nashua y. H.
Telegraph has obtained the true story Of the nego-
tiations, and we reproduce it below:
One day, about two months after the robbery,
Mr.. Towne received dispatch from an lndepend-
ent detective in Baltimore. in which the sender
said he had information concernidg the stolen
property, and requested an interview 10 TINS he
paid no attention. A little later he received
second dispatch, in which the detective expressed
so much confidence that Mr.. Towne thought there
might be something in it, and consequently he re-
piled that he would be at a well-known hotel In
that city at a stated time He accordingly went
to Baltimore, and shortly after he had registered
he was cordially greeted by the detective After
a few commonplace remarks the detective referred
to the nature Of the business upon which confer
ence desired, stated that it would be better to
seek place where they would not be interrupted,
and invited him to his office. lie was conducted to
place not far away ushercd through reception
room on the first floor of the building to an office
about IA by feet in dimensions, where he found
desk in one end of the room, table IN the other,
and no other furniture. This was in the evening.
Mr.. Towne presumes that the detective, il such
was his real avocation, eyed him sharply with
view of determining his character and the amount
of nerve he possessed, and he is certain he re-
turned the compliment for the same purpose. The
two men sat down in easy and unconcerned chat.
There was no bombastlc bantering as has been
reported and no inciviities in word or accent.
After some preliminary conversation, IN which Mr..
Towne was informed that the speaker obtained his
information concerning the bonds from an attor-
new who was negotiating for client, he was asked
if the bank would pay $4,000 or $4,000 to re-
cover the property that had been stolen. Mr..
Towne replied in guarded statement that "the
contents of the vault" SWhere are the bonds :"
asked Mr.. Towne. 81 don't KNOW was the re-
ply. The interview lasted about an hour and
half, and in it was accomplished the sounding OF
each other very thoroughly. As they were about
to separ ate the detective said "In the course of
the night think can get schedule of the prop
erty. Will you meet me at this office at III clock
tomorrow morning! :" 81 will" replied Mr..
Towne. The two men then separated.
AT 10 O'Clock the next morning Mr. Towne was
prompt to meet his engagement. He found his
man waiting to receive him. Aschedule had been
prepared and he was invited to examine 1t al his
leisure He did so, thoroughly, and after satisfy
ing himself that the property did not belong to the
bank said ''lf this is correct schedule the bonds
are not ours" There was short pause. Then
there is nothing more to be said added Mr..
Towne. The detective acknowledged as much,
expressed his disappointment and limited that
he would try again. The two men parted, and
Mr.. Townc came home and reported to the Di-
rectors of the bank, and after conference it was
agreed that in all probability something more
would be heard from the Ostensible detective. 1t
appeared like matter OF dollars and cents; as
though no positive information was to be obtained
whereby the law could reach the villains and that
the interview had simply served both sides with
knowledge of whom they were dealing. 1t was
agreed TO keep quiet and wait for further develop
ments.
About a week after Mr.. Towncs return he re-
ceived letter in which nothing definite OF GRIM
mating was stated, and which contained the inter-
rogation, "Do you mean business" Shortly after
a telegram was received requesting another inter-
view. A consultation was had, he became salts
fed that he was the right track, and arranging
as matter of prudence with his family as to what
place it could track him should it happen that he
was missing again went to Baltimore. lie ar
rived in the morning, and was met at the hotels as
before. He again went to the detective office, and
was in consultation without being interrupted or
annoyed, until IL o'clock This interview was UNI
like the first in many respects. "Have you the
money :" was the detectives first inquiry. mo"
was the answer, 81 have only enough for my
travelling expenses" The detective then showed
some shrewd diplomatic department, and. while he
was not particularly uncivil, he accused Mr.. TOwne
of double dealing, and an endeavor to trap him
while he was making an honest effort to render
him service. For the first time the latter was
nervous, and anxious to return to the hotel! He
saw that the stratagem was to learn whether OF
not he had given information TO the Police the
public, or individuals, whereby detection might
follow. Satisfying himself on this point, he pro-
ceeded to An inquiry concerning how large snm
of money would be paid for the bonds. Mr.
Towne evaded the question. lie thought the sum
demanded-Si0, 600 or $50, 000-too great a sacri-
fee, and, moreover, his confidence had become so
shaken in the detective that he augured that he
was an impostor. lie closed the interview abrupt
", returned to his hotel, determined to abandon
the search for the property in this direction and
return home.
At O'Clock that evening the detective called
upon him at the hotel and solicited another inter-
view. Mr.. Towne told him nothing would prob
ably come OF it, but as he urged the matter he
complied. slow much will you give :" was the
first question upon reaching the office where the
previous interview took place. The President de-
cllned TO make an offer. but would entertain
proposition. This interview was more satisfactory
than either Of the previous ones. He nearly salts
fled Mr.. Towne that he could obtain the bonds,
and made some propositions he agreed TO submit
and consider with the Directors of the bank. The
interview lasted several hours, and at ii o'clock
that night MIR. Towne took the train north.
Upon arriving at home ne laid the matter before
the Directors and those interests were identical.
Al the conclusion of careful canvass of the mat