Morning journal and courier., 1885-07-10
Gagged and Robbed in Her own House in Broad Daylight.

House in Broad Daylight.
 CHICAGO, July 9.-The most daring and adroitly executed robbery that has taken place in Chicago for good many years was committed yesterday afternoon at No. 50 Eidridge Court, the residence of Thomas Smith, head draughtsman-in the employ of the Dearborn Foundry. MT. Smith is in re- ceipt of good salary, and, although a lessee of 8 box in the vaults of the Union Safety and Deposit company, it has been his prac- tice for some time past to trust large DOT ton of his earnings with his wife. Mrs. Smith is a stout lady, about twenty-six years old. When her husband went to work after dinner she was left alone in their rooms, which include all the apartments on the first floor. A ring at the bell called Mrs Smith to the front door. Two men dressed mechanics were standing there. They introduced themselves as ! plumbers sent by the landlord Mrs. Smith led the way to the kitchen. She stood by the door as the first one entered and after waiting moment turned to let the second man pass. As she turned he struck her a terrible blow with his fist, which caused her to fall on her knees. Before she had time to cry out her assail- ants fingers were fastened in her neck. Then the other man drew 8 long rope from sack he carried and proceeded to bind her feet and hands. A towel WAS drawn tightly across her mouth and both ends tied together at the back of her head. The robbers then tore open the bosom of Mrs. Smiths dress and got hold of wallet containing $1 ,O30. Suddenly the door-bell rang. One of the fellows coolly answered the summons Mr. Timothy and wife, friends of the Smiths, had stopped to make a friendly call While II l. 1a1l floor with his hand pressed over her mouth l to prevent her uttering sound the other in- | formed the callers that Mrs Smith was i'll and unable to see any visitors. Then he closed and locked the door.
 | ''What shall we do with her?' said he. "KiIl
 her, that's the only thing to do,'' said the 1 other; ''then she'll never squeal.''
 q don't want to kill a woman in cold 1 blood, {" rejoined the first speaker.
 "You needn't do it in cold blood," an | swered the other; "just set fire to the house | and let her burn up."
 1 Then Mrs. Smith saw the man who spoke l last seize kerosene can as if to execute his 1 dreadful threat. The can proved to be l empty. He cast it from him with oath, l and said: ''Let's dump her into the bath | tub and turn the water. She will drown l like rat"
 | A moments consultation followed, and | the would-be murderers quietly went out the front door, closing II after them, ana leaving
 Mrs. Smith upon the floor bound hand and
 foot, and almost dead from fright. Half an | hour elapsed before she regained strength | enough to attempt loosening the bonds about
 her wrists This task took another halt
 hour. Dragging herself on her knees, she
 l finally reached the front door. A passer- by
 was informed of what had taken place, and
 l the police were notified. Up to this morn l ing they have obtained no clue and been able
 | to accomplish nothing except caution MT,
 Smith not to say anything about the affail | to reporters. Mrs. Smith has been pros
 trated by the shock. She is now seriously