The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-05-11
REMARKABLE DIAMOND ROBBERY.
An Affair That Involves Considerable Trouble
to Politicians and Others.

Epecia! TO the Indianapolis Journal.
CINcINNATI, May l0--About six weeks ago
ladies' hand satchel containing diamond cross
and ear pendants, was stolen from the carriage
Of Briggs Swift, a prominent and wealthy cltl
zen. It was done while Mrs. Swift was gone
few moments from the carriage on shopping
trip She did not discover her loss until near
home, and though the matter was reported at
once to the police nothing came from their ef-
forts until few days ago. wnen, by accident,
the attention of two detectives was attracted to
one J. f. Watson driving down Fourth street
Watson sought to elude the officers by fast driv-
ing, but after a hot chase they arrested him on
general purposes, as suspicion" opposite the
prisoners name on the station house slate
indicated This arrest was followed by
tho discovery that John j. Kelly,
we'll known ward politician, had deposited with
Henry Varwig, business man and active iii
politics. certain diamonds to secure Varwig in
going bail for Kelly. held to answer the charge
of shooting with intent to kill at James Toal,
ward worker at the polls of a primary election
two years ago. Kelly was tried, found guilty,
and in addition to being fined, received sem
tence of imprisonment. The latter was supended
on condition that he pay the fine and costs.
Under the care of deputy sheriff. Kelly made
visits to his friends but failed to secure the
money. He was sent to Jail, and is there now
II is alleged that Watson presented an order
TO Varwig from Kelly requesting him to give the
diamonds to Watson in order that money might
be procured on them. The diamonds were turned
over 10 Watson. Kelly claimed that they be-
longed to his wife, but it was ascertained that he
got them from woman of i'll repute, named
Daxy ho coli dsh acn1 fbnpn goo
a young man whose description she could not
clearly give. A number OF persons who have
had, no doubt innocently something to do
with the sparklers, have been arrested
who are yet in jail Among these persons are
DR.. S. W. Craig, Jail physician, and young
Varwig, son of Henry, pending an investigation.
DR., Craig has been deprived of his Office.
The woman Davis was arrested and had some
difficulty in securing bail until one Leonard
who does such favors for her class, came forward
and secured her release. In this latter trans
action another sensation has been developed in
the arrest Of Ben Shott ward politician and
formerly coroners clerk baseball manager
and ticket scalper. Shott's brother, jeweler,
has large business with women of the Davis
sort, and she sent to him for assistance. He
turned the matter over to Ben, who, visiting
her in jail. said she must deposit So, 500
she had in a cupboard in her house. and gave
him authority to go there aud get it for her.
Ben and an employe of his brother got the money,
but Miss Davis says they gave her only So, 100,
iayine that that was all they found She said there
was So GOO there when she left the house Shott
has been arrested on Miss Dayiss statement.
He is charged with grand larceny All of the
men mentioned have been prominent in politics,
heir work always being in behalf of their friends,
but principally supporting the Kid Democracy,
except Craig, who is noted as Republican, find
ing favor with the Kid element. The woman
Davis is said to be the mistress Of Democratic
member of the Hamilton county Board of Control
There is no telling what further developments
are in the future. In the meantime the police
kFe looking for those who stole the diamonds
rom the Swift carriage.