St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1889-08-11
BOOKS STEALING.
A Temptation to Which Even
Clergymen Sometimes Sue

A Temptation to Which Even
Clergymen Sometimes Sue.
cumb.
The stealing of plates from books is
not by any means new offense, says
F. Fl. Thomas in the st. Louis Globe
Democrat. While | was engaged in the
book business in Boston many years
ago, L became very familiar with the
methods of this class of thieves. Some
of-them had simply mania for stealing
books. while others stole that they
might realize on their plumber. One
case in particular which | remember
web is of some interest, because of the
personnel of the thief. and has been
recalled to my mind through see
ing the thief and hear
ing him preach here in st.
Louis. My experience with book-buy-
ers and book-stealers and my intimate
acquaintance with the freQenterS of
book stores in Boston were well, known
by the trade, and when several books
and plates were stolen at different times
from well-kn0wn store ON Washing
ton street, near School,. L was asked to
come down there and see if | could
recognize any one who would be likely
to be the offender. L went down and
stayed around for awhile one day, and
had not been there long before a we'll
known clergyman, who lived in sub
urban town, came inlo the store. | had
suspected this man for some time, and
had been watching him. After
looking at several books he went
up stairs and [ followed him,
standing behind a pillar so he would
not see me. He was looking at
copy of HALLS History of American
Indians" which contained numerous
plates. He turned the leaves over cas-
ually, looking around stealthily while
he was doing so. Not seeing any one
looking at him. he quickly got out his.
plates from the book. Taking off his
high hat. he folded up the plates and
placed them under the inside band,
After glancing at several other books
he walked down stairs.
[ quickly followed him and told the
proprietor the facts. A detective was.
sent for and the clergyman detained by
being shown rare works. On the arrival
of the detective the clergyman was
pointe out to him. He went up to the
reverend gentleman and told him he was
his prisoner. The Clergyman was very
indignant and wanted to know on what
charge. On being told, he denied it most
empathically, and said he was willing
to be searceed. l stepped up behind
him, and, gently taking off his hat,
pulled out the plates and asked him
where he got them. This was sufficient.
With The detective visited mis- house.
We found piles of books, plates
cut from books, stationery un-
opened, and various pamphlets,
engravings and other things
stolen from stores. Two dry-goods
boxes would not hold half the plumber
he had in his house. Sixty-four vol
umes of Swigard' s. History of England"
were found, which he had stolen from
one store. Clerical influence was brought
to bear and prosecution dropped. | was
very much surprised several years after
| came to ST. Louis to see an announce
ment that the reverend gentlem an
would preach here. Out of curiosity [
went to hear him., 1t was the same
man. The methods that some of these
book thieves adopt are very cunning. i
l knew of another clergyman who was
a notorious book-thief, who carried a
fiat box wrapped up in a newspaper
with one side open. He would |
select the book he wanted |
to steal, and with studied
carelessness lay the box open sidedown
on the book. In a few moments he
would pick up his box, which looked |
like an ordinary parcel, taking care to
place his hand beneath the push and
hold the book in the box. He would !
then transfer it to large pocket in the
inside of his coat. / could fill column |
with stories of this kidd. for very many
came under my observation.