The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-03-30
POsr.OrrICE PROPERTY.
Lock- Box or the National Bank Of Virginia
Sacked-No Loss Sustained from the Use Of
an Accommodating Key.


an Accommodating Key.
Last Saturday evening Mr.. J. W. Lock.
wood, cashier OF the National Bank OF Vir-
ginia, went into the post-oflice, and accord
ing to his custom, deposited such mail rs
had accumulated during the day, and
then proceeded 10 his box, unlocked II,
and took out the mail received during the
afternoon.
He Is very positive that he locked the
box securely, and remembers that he pulled
the key vigorously after the holt had shot
into It, socket, in order TO make sure that
the box was safely locked.
Mr.. Lockwood then went home. He
never visits the post-Offiee on the Sabbath.
and did not do so from the time he left II
Saturday afternoon until o'clock Monday
morning. II is always the case that the
mail received on Monday il heavy. but on
this occasion Mr.. Lockwood found only
three letters in the box. This be thought
very unusual, and his
SUSPICIOUS WERE AROUSED,
and he instituted inquiries at other banks,
thinking that perhaps the excitement at
the great fire Of the day before had caused
the distributing clerks to neglect their
duty. Hc found that other banks had re-
ceived their full complement Of mail, and
then the cashier lodged complaint at the
post-ofice. Here he was informed by n
clerk that two or three hundred letters had
been placed in the hOx OF the National
Bank OF Virginia. II was plain that the
box had been robbed. the clerk being posi-
tive enough in regard to the mail put in it
TO remember having tO press the matter IL
contained down, in order 10 insert addl-
tional mail.
A man was placed In the corridor Mon
day with instructions how 10 act. After
awhile a gentleman entered for the pur-
pose OF taking out his mail. The detec-
tive begged OF the gentleman the loan OF
his key, and with il unlocked with ease the
banks lock-boX. Here was a clue, and
the experiment being repeated,' il was
found out that one key in some instances
would
UNLOCK THIRTEEN BOXES.
Other experiments disclosed the fact that
in divers cases one key would afford ready
access TO numerous boxes. This caused
some talk as 10 the history OF the present
lock-boxes. and the statement was made
ptlblic that during Miss Van Lewis admin
istration these boxes were put up, and that
"A guaranty accompanied the purchase 0i
their use 10 the effect that in no instance
would n duplicate key 10 other boxes he
allowed.
How faithfully this promise OF the Gov
crnment was kept ~ shown in the sequel.
II was further currently reported that the
boxes at one time had done service in the
city OF New York, and had there been con-
deinned and transferred here for duty. The
price charged Tor box OF the dimensions
OF the one used by the bank ~ $40 per an
nun. and only two keys are furnished. III
more keys are needed, they have 10 be sup
piled at the cost Of the renter.
REIICENT.
Both the bank and the post-ofice officials
were very reticcnt about the matter, and
details wers hard 10 reach. The robbery
was done sunday during the great conila-
Grafton. at which time almost everybody
was away from the pOst-oiice and its yicin-
ity. At least this IL the presumabIe theory.
Yesterday morning the appearance OF IN
officer Of TIE police force, attiroi in citizens
parb. and the presence OF two strangers
who closely serutinized every one entering
the poSt-oilice, attracted the
ATTENTION or 4 REPORTER,
aud his investigations were rewarded by
the above statements, which were gathered
from intelligent sources. The strangers, II
Is said. were Government detectives from
Washington, sent hither ut the request %
nost-ofiice men here, perhaps. They kept
close surveillance on the office all day. but
Il was impossible 10 find out the results Of
their watching.
80 LOeg.
The National Bank OF Virginia does not
suffer the slightest loss, the mail stolen
having consisted Only OF notes given by
individuals and checks drawn on banks, all
Of which were made payable 10 the order
OF Mr.. Lockwood, the capable and efficient
cashier oi the National Bank. During the
day Yesterday many people came in and
gave renewed checks, in answer to acircu-
lar sent out by the bank asking parties TO
send in duplicate checks. The only thing
OF disagreeable nature resulting from the
work OF the thief will be additional work
and considerable inconvenience to the bank
men. The fact Of the theft may, however,
result in the removal OF the present boxes
or their locks, and the substitution OF more
secure ones.
TIE POsT-OFFICE
here. however, does not receive proper at
tention in regard 10 regulations governing
that portion set apart for the aecommoda-
ton OF the public. II Is used by the small
boy as general loadng ground, and the
steps leading into the building are fire.
quentIy occupied by Dewsb0ys and street
gamins. To the detriment Of ladies and gem
uemen who are compelled 10 visit the place
and have TO run This blockade in order 10
get their mail.