Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-10-18
The Mortified Burglary.

Sheriff Howe has arrested two men calling them
selves Bates and Clifford, on suspicion that they
are the persons who attempted to break into the
safe of the Mortified savings bank on the night of
the 9th inst. The two men were taken to North
field last week Tuesday, and were examined before
Justice Holton, Wednesday, States Attorney Pit
and Willard Harrington OF St. Adams for the re-
spondents. The examination opened at ten
o'clock A. M, and was finished at six o'clock p.
NJ, developing the following facts: The man
calling himself Bates came to Mortified the I'd
inst, and had steel bar made, which is pro-
nounced a burglars tool. The work was done by
Al o. Smith and A. +, Spaulding, both Of whom
recognize the man Bates. While at Mortified,
Bates boarded with Mrs Joseph Bayer. remain
ing from Monday till Thursday, and Clifford
stayed there with him Wednesday night Mrs.
Bayer positively identifies both men. Bates also
bought drill, 9-32 in diamater, OF A. t. Denny
and this is exactly the size OF the hole drilled
in the safe door. Last Monday morning A. o.
Smith received a letter from Milton signed
George Smith, asking him to send pistol left by
Clifford some time before in James P. Johnstons
saloon, and a coat left by himself at the same
place last week. Smith, on receiving the letter,
showed 1t to Johnston and then destroyed 1t, but
the articles were not sent ard are now in the Of
hcers' hands II was proved that Bates had been
In Milton passing by the name of George Smith.
Clifford was arrested at St. Adams, and soon after
he was placed in Jail two letters were given to
the officer In charge to be delivered to Clifford.
They were opened by the officer and one was
found to be from Gifford's wife and the other
was signed George Smith" The latter was
full OF burglars technical slang and contains al
lusions to past and proposed acts OF a similar
criminal nature. 1t also alludes to sending to
All for the property" After the close OF
the arguments by the attorneys, the court took a
recess, and, at the reassembling, 1t was an
nounced a. the decision that both men be held
for trial at the next county court Bates bail
was fixed at 81, 600 and Gifford's at $500 1t is
not known whether they can procure bail. 1t is
considered moral certainty that the men are
guilty of the crime with which they are charged,
and Il seems probable that by the time the county
court sits in March, the evidence will be made
strong enough TO convict them
Since the above was in type we learn that Gif-
ford, the Mortified bank robber, while under the
care Of c. r. Russell as keeper, at Mortified,
made bold and desperate attempt TO escape
about three o clock Friday morning lie slipped
his handouts off saw Russell who fired at him Wih
a revolver. The ball grazed his forehead and he
fell partially stunned. Recovering, he ran to the
river and jumped in, closely followed by Russell,
who presented his revolver and commanded him
to surrender. Under the persuading influence OF
the revolver combined with the cooling effect of
the water, his courage vanished and he surren-
dered himself 10 the officer lie was brought to
Montpelier Friday morning and lodged in jail He
had been kept at Mortified. under keepers, be-
cause he expected to be able TO furnish bail He
became aware Thursday night that the bail would
not be furnished, and made the attempt above
described