The Helena independent., 1891-06-18
THE BIG SPARKLER.
A Diamond Broker Charged With Max
ing Away With 1t.

"A Diamond Broker Charged With Mak-'
ing Away With 1t.
New York, juno 17.-Charles Scale, a
wealthy diamond broker dong business at
907 Broadway, was q prisoner last night
charged with larceny of the "Orange" dia
mond, worth $4,000 and said to be the sec
ond largest diamond in the country. Jo-
seph w. Carroll a 1ithographer is the
rested by Detective Edward j. OConnor,
who was accompanied by Carroll. When
he visited Scales place of business at
four o'clock Thursday afternoon, "Oh,"
calculated Mr.. Scale, as he glanced
at Mr., Carroll. 81 suppose it is
about the diamond. Wait a minute
I'll get it for you." He proceeded to the
rear Of the place and the detective, who did
not want to lose sight of him followed and
saw him take something from the safe. 1t
was the diamond, which he handed to the
officer, saving, II suppose that ends it,"
"Why no." replied O'Connor, you will
have to come to court to answer this charge
taken to the police station where he passed
the night. He will be arraigned in the
Tombs police court to-day.
The Orange diamond is of such fame
the case will no doubt attract widespread
attention. both in this country and Europe
Queen Nictoria's court bought for the pur-
pose of presenting her at her golden jubilee
The queen asked as a favor that she be per
mltted to name d better use for it and re-
quested as more lasting memento of the
occasion that the gem be disposed of and
the proceeds devoted to the erection of a
charity hospital. The diamond, which will
be offered IN evidence in court. weighs n
fraction over eleven carats. Mr.. Carroll.
the present owner, claims there il but
one larger diamond in existence, the
" Tiffany Sparkler," which weighs ten
cafats more and ii valued at 100000. The
"Orange" diamond was found in the South
African fields in 1854. After 1t was cut the
ladies who wished to present it to Queen
Victoria paid $4,000 for it. Then it was
sold for charity's sake. 1t brought $GG, 600.
The purchaser was Il. S. Lawrence, of CO..
orado. MIR. Lawrence presented 1T 20 his
wife, who wore it in her necklace. 1t re-
man ID IN her possession until the failure
OF Barlng Bros, the London bankers. hi Mr.
Lawrence WAS n heavy loser through the
failure and he wgs compelled to dispose OF
the gem. 1t was sold to Edward Bruce
formerly secretary of the Baltimore u Ohio
company.
Mr.. Bruce retained it in his possession
until month ago when he sold it to Mr
Carroll at great sacrifice. II is said the
purchase price was $4,000. June Mr.
Carroll placed the stone in the hands of
Mr.. Scale. Though he had purchased 1t nj
a bargain it became an elephant on his
hands and he wished to dispose of it. Hq
called on the diamond broker, who said tina
he knew possible customer. The dia,non,
was left with him and the owner WAS piyet
receipt Tor it. Mr. Carrolrs instruction.
were that the diamond should not be sol 10
less than $4,000 At the end of two day
MIR. Carroll called OF the broker and nske,
about the gem. He was told that lac wouIt
have to wait several days when Mr. Carol
called again and found the broker in
joking mood. Mr.. Carroll alleges th
broker denied having it in his possession
Then Mr.. Scale wss arrested. Scale re
fused TO talk when questioned ana said h
would explain the matter i'll court.