The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-12-30
A DARING ROBBERY.
= A Chicago Bank Robbed in Broad Day
light-An Exciting Chase.


exploits at frontier settlements were out
done in Chicago today by three stock
wards toughs. The bandits are doubtless
the same who a few nights ago, coolly
robbed the office of the Allerton packing
house within few hundred feet of Aller-
toms butchers. The feat today WAS des-
perate bank robbery, followed by break
neck race and running revolver fight with
the police for number OF miles on the
boulevard.
A few minutes after noon, three men
entered the Exchange bank, on CONNER
mercial avenue in South Chicago Cashier
Wilder and Bookkeeper Willis had both
cone out TO lunch, aud the only person in
the bank was Frank Lynn, 20 years of age
who acted as assistant cashier. There are
two windows in the bank. Two OF the
Yobbers took possession of these, while the
third, walking behind the counter with
two revolvers presented at Lynn's head,
said to him: "Hand out the cash you've
got in there"
LYNN hesitated a minute, but when one
of the men at the windows pointed third
revolver at him and said, Now just let
that fellow in back there, and be quick
about it," Lynn obeyed like a child, and
unlocked the door that separated the
teller's desk from the rest of the bank.
The robber Immediately entered, and,
without a word, knocked Lynn senSeless
kicked him in the stomach.
The robber then entered the vault and
took from the safe three 500 packages OF
bills and about $50 in change, besides a tin
box containing deeds and mortgages.
After securing this he walked out of the
vault, picked up the unconscious Lynn
and threw him in the vault and locked the
door. The robbers then pocketed their
guns, put their spoil into large sack and
started away. As they got TO the door
they met Mr.. Willis. Supposing them to
be customers. he let them pass, and went
into the bank The robbers walked out
and taking n buggy drove down the street.
Willis was surprised to find the bank de-
serted, and hearing the groans of Lynn
from within the vault, opened the door
Lynn fell out, half conscious, and NUT
tered: "The banks been robbed" The
bookkeeper at once gave the alarm. Police
Lieutenant Elkins with Sergeant Powers
happened to be on the street, and they,
calling the patrol wagon, with three Off
GERS, started in pursuit. As they turned
into South Chicago avenue they could see
fleeing buggy mile ahead, which they
knew carried the robbers.
The lash was piled and the police gained
every minute. When at Grand crossing,
the lieutenant, to his dismay, saw that
his horses We're playing out, and that he
would be eluded by the robbers, who were
going very fast, and driving with much
Judgment. Sending the wagon to con-
tinue the chase, the lieutenant jumped
out, ran TO the nearest patrol box and
orded a fresh wagon. Two of the officers
in the first wagon had taken shot guns
with them, and he ordered them to use
them as soon as they got within firing
distance.
The long race continued until the buggy
reached the corner of South Chicago
or,H ngN4f WI
il stopped short, and the robbers deserted
it, getting into the meat wagon of Charles
Mullin. The idea seemed to impress the
robbers that housed safely in this they
would escape detection. Mullin had the
wagon in waiting. The robbers had not
counted on such prompt pursuit, and, be-
ing seen by the police, had to continue the
race in the meat wagon Oh the run.
Near Sixteenth street, the officers came
within range, and fired their first volley.
The meat wagon horse had about tagged
out, and the robbers jumped out while
Mulin continued in it.. When the men
jumped they separated and the officers
leaving the patrol wagon followed the
nearest man He took in the situation,
He gave his name AZ John COrbett. Then
Lient Jenkins came dsshing up with the
fresh patrol, and overlook Mullin in his
meat wagon. Mullin protested that he
had driven the men only at the point of
their revolvers; but he was handcutfed and
taken in town by the lieutenant just the
same.
The other highwavm en- were by this
time out of sight. Chief-of-Police Marsh
had by this time been notified He drove
ut a mad pace with Inspector Hunt to the
Hyde Park station, after he had placed
thirty men at every railway station, and
rode throughout the district. When he
reached hyde Park station, he gave orders
20 have every street searched for the mis-
sing men. This was done and the missing
men were found in a barn at Fifty-eighth
street and WoOdlawn avenue.
They opened fire on being discovered,
and Patrick O'Brien, a watchman who
bad joined the party. was hit in the thigh.
The police were too many for the robbers,
and they decided to give in. Soon all
three of the burglars and all of the stolen
money Were landed safe at the Hyde park
station. The last two men captured gave
the names of Frank Bennett and Henry
Featherstone. Notwithstanding the rob-
bers' cool ness, ii is said they overlooked in
the vault $40 600 in bank notes.