The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-11-19
ROBBERY OF A BANK.
The Westminster Bank of Sgd.
ney Said to Be the Victim.
The Money Supposed to Be on Board the
British Yacht Beagle-An Unsuccessful
Attempt to Detain the Owners.
correspondence of the Associated Press.

Hon oLuLU H. H., Nov. II, 1s91.-Hono-
lulu has been treated during the past week
to genuine sensation in the arrest and de-
tention of the owners of the British yacht
Beagle. who were charged with smuggling
10000 English sovereigns into this port.
About September 1st the yacht Beagle, con-
tanning MessIs. Bloom and Douglass, the
owners, and young man named Joseph
Byrne, arrived in this harbor. The party
rented fine residence on King street, fur
nished it handsomely. and entertained roy
ally. The yacht was placed on the dry
dock and thoroughly overhauled and re-
paired. The party spent money freely, all
payments by them being made in British SOW
ereigns. On arrival Of the steamship Aus
tralia from the Colonies came detective
and story that robbery had been com.
mitted on the WestmiDS ter Bank at Sydney
of over $4,000 English sovereigns. The de-
tectiyes left photographs in the posses sion
of Marshal Wilson, which tailed with the
appearance of the parties here. and left on
the Australia for San Francisco, for the
purpose, as he said, of cabling to Sydney for
further instructions. as there is no extra
dltion treaty between Australia and the
Hawaiian Islands for that crime.
Arrangements we're perfected between
the officials here and the detective that the
party would be detained If they attempted
to leave before the Australia returned from
San Francisco. 1t was the intention of
Messrs. Bloom and Douglass to spend few
months
But change of mind caused them to for
sake their fine residence. pack its fur
nishings and prepare TO leave on NOvem-
Der 9th, three DAYS prior to the arrival
OF the Australia. The yacht, in the mean
time, had been taken off the marine ways
and was in good condition for cruise,
having aboard provisions for three
months and carrying crew Of seven men.
A large safe Lad been purchased and placed
on board, and everything made ready to sail
on that date. As soon as clearance papers
were given change of smuggling was pre-
ferred against the men and they were
placed under arrest. At their trial the
Crown asked for further time, requesting
their detention until the steamer arrived,
which would bring in additional evidence.
The arrival of the steamer failed to bring a
detective or the desired testimony which
was supposed to be aboard. On Saturday
the safe and cabins of the yacht were
searched, but the sovereigns had disap-
peared and none were found. Then the
customs officials commenced discharging
the cargo to search the yachts hold, but
were stopped by an order from the Govern
ment.
Being unable to maintain the charge of
smuggling the Crown dismissed the case
against the owners and they sailed away ON
Monday at o'clock in the afternoon.
During their stay here the captain of the
yacht, who brought her from the Colonies,
left her on account of her suspicious move
ments, as did also the cook. A new captain
and crew were taken aboard here, and every
thing prepared for long cruise. Their des-
tination is said to be Japan, but it is init
mated that they will touch San Francisco.
The vessel is still lowering about the ISL
ands. as one of the owners came ashore yes
terday to mail letters. He was allowed to
land, but was placed under guard
There is apparently no doubt but that
they had between 10000 ana 10000 soyer-
eigns aboard at tile time of the seizure, but
whether they are aboard at the present
time or net is a matter of conjecture.
The schooner Mary E. Foster arrived
from Lysan Island Monday. November 9th,
seventeen days out. The vessel had been
given up for lost on account of having been
away from this port over two months.
When she arrived the crew was entirely out
of provisions, everything edible having
been. consumed two days before reaching
port.
A sufficient guarantee has been raised for
the purpose of having the San Jose (Cal)
Baseball Team visit the islands and play a
series OF games with home team. They
are expected 10 arrive on the Australia No
vembeI 28th.
Mrs. Senator Stewart and daughter are
taking in the sights on the islands. They
leave on the next steamer for the colonies.