The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-03-27
ALMOST A BANK ROBBERY.

SINGULAR FAILURE OF BOLD ATTEMPT TO
FLIGHT OF THE THIEVES WHEN ALL WAS
READY.
PHILADELPHIA March 20, 1877.
The usual quiet down town to-day was suddenly DIS
turbcd about by the alarming report that bold
aud almost successful attempt had been made to blow
open the safes of the Consolidation National Bank,
comparatively small institution Third street, above
Vine street. A HERALD reporter who hurried to the
Institution found the report true, and that the robbers
had for mysterious reasons, precipitately re-
tired just when they had completed every arrange
men for reaching the containing the money, and
that simple ringing OF bell saved the lite Of the
watchman and the money Of the bank.
THE PLOT
To mako this story ntcllgible it necessary to 60
back the 2sth of February last Upon that date, 1t
appears, the building No 1927 North Third street. adj
joining tho bank on the south-the bank being num-
bered 329 and 33l-was rented by men, who stated
that they intended opening wood and willow
establishment. The old and little out OF
repair, which, together with their assertion that they
were gong some alterations 10 lit the place
for their business. made 1t appear perfectly natural
that noises OF pounding should be heard up STAIRS,
especially tho tenants had had few boards
and some bricks and mortar carried in. These
have continued from time to time until
to-day aud do not appear To have excited the sus-
PIGEONS vi anybody. No attention was paid TO the
matter except that some OF the bank clerks wondered
why the alterations the adjoining place long
In course OF preparation, ana who the men were who
were opening the store
THE DISCOVERY.
The mystery was explained at little after eleven
O'Clock this morning. At that hour ~ tho 0lnk
watchmen CHANGED TO go 10 the directors meeting
ROOM watch the rear oi the third floor. He iUund
that large hole had been made IN the wall
WHY THE THIEVES FLED.
1t Is the theory OF Mr.. James L. atom, the prcsi-
dent of the bank that the thieves Werc prepared
attack Only Waterman. from tho that only
PAIR of nippers handouts found, and that the
preparations were completed ON Sunday, which the
only day when only Waterman is In the building.
1t appears that yesterday, when the night watch
man, who was on duty until ten O'Clock Sunday
morning, was relieved he went out and the dOOl
closed. The thieves must have been IN the d..
recors' room ut that lime, prepared To descend, iol
tie green Daize door had removed aud carried Ia
corner. But just at this time tho watcnman wnu
had been relieved remembered that he had left his
pockeuook IN the bank and returned Tor it, and lind
created panic, and, started, tho frightened
bcrS hurried out leaving everything behind
them. The return OF this man probably saved
the life OF his companion who had just relieved him,
and the valuabcs and money IN the bank The bank
robbers were fully prepared to silence one man. but
not two so, when the gong was sounded, the men
Thought they had either TO proceed with their work
and attack the else retreat aud they chose
to do the latter.
The wall was broken out. Any minute might bring
was sure These thoughts were revolving through
Their min Is upon the Instant OF the gong ringug aad
the biblical trutl-"Thc guilty flee when man pur
sucth''-was again cxempined. Had tncy known the
haps would have waited few minutes unlii his de-
parturc, and then the coast would have been clear
again. II was miraculous escape both Tor the watch
man detailed tor Sunday work an ! Tor the bank.