The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-04-06
CASHIER SMITH.
He Flees From the Palace With
Stolen Funds.
Arrested at San Jose and Brought Back to This
City for Grand Larceny-He Was
Crazed by Liquor.

ST was under the influence of liquor and
completely craZed, said Frederick NJ Smith,
assistant cashier Of the Palace Hotel, yes
terday, soon after being placed behind the
bars of the City Prison ON charge-of grand
larceny.
Smith had been employed at the big cara
vansary since last September. He oisap-
peared from the hotel last Tuesday night
and soon after it was discovered that he had
taken $500 from the funds entrusted to his
keeping. Just where lie had gone was not
known until Saturday night, when Detec-
tive Dan Coffey located him at San Jose and
placed him under arrest. The officer ar
rived from the Garden City with his prisoner
at o'clock yesterday morning and half an
hour later the defaultlng cashier was ianoed
in the City Prison. When arrested Smith
had S1365 in currency and $50 in gold IN his
possession. This money was placed in the
prison safe to be retained as evidence.
BOLD AND UNEXPECTED.
The manner in which Smith took the
the money from the hotel was as bold as 1t
about II o'clock last Tuesday after the cash
had been made up for the day by Cashier
Teyis, Going to the safe he removed the
currency and coin which Tevis had locked
up. He dumped the money on the counter
and asked Mr.. Ruddick, the night clerk, to
day off Ruddick thought the proceeding
somewhat strange, but knowing that Smith
had right to handle the money he made no
objections. He also noticed that Smith was
considerably under the influence of liquor.
After counting the money Smith cUolly
walked off with it.
The following morning Chief Clerk War
rem made the startling discovery that the
cash was $500 short ana so Informed Cap
tain c. p. Smith, manager OF the hotel. The
same day the police were notified OF the
cashiers disappearance ana warrant was
sworn out for his arrest.
DIAMONDS GALORE.
The manager of the hotel said yesterday
that he was thankful Smiths embeZziement
was not heavier, as the safe contained
thousands of dollars worth of diamonds be-
longing to guests and the gems could have
been easily taken. Before Smith went TO
the Palace he was employed as managing
clerk for Jacobs IL Easton. The firm
had complete confidence IN his ability
and integrity and gave him very
complimentary letters of recommends.
ton Smith is about 40 years of
age and lived with his wife and little son at
the Van Wrinkle House on Jones street.
Mrs Smith was much alarmed at her huS-
bands sudden disappearance and on
Wednesday night went to the Palace to in
quiTe about him. She was not informed
that her husband was a defaulter. As he
did not return home on Thursday she
sought refuge for herself and son at her
fathers house.
CRAZY DRUNK.
After being booked at the City Prison
Smith was placed in the tanks" where he
was seen by a CALL reporter Asked the
reason of his sudden flight with the hotel
funds he said: '' was under the inhu"nce
of liquor and must have been completely
craZed. There was no other reason why L
should have taken the money. My salary
of $50 a month was sufficient to supply the
wants of my family. Where did l go?
l have faint recollection of having
been across the bay somewhere on Wsdnes-
day, Thursday and Friday. | did not go to
San Jose until Saturday morning. Since /
was brought back many friends have been
to see me. and promise TO lend all the as
sistance possible. No; l have no excuse for
having taken the money, except that was
crazy drunk at the time. Just how much
carried off | cannot remember, but l. think
/ still had most OF il in my possession when
arrested 1t has been stated that took all
the money MY wife had before departing
and left her without funds. That IS cruel
mistake, for / did nothing of the kind
HIS FRIENDS TO THE FRONT.
1t is said that Smiths friends are willing
to make good the amount OF his deficiency
if by that means his prosecution may be pre-
vented. The prisoner Will appear in Police
Court 5 this morning, when an appiIcation
will be made 10 have the amount for his re-
lease Oh bonds fixed.