The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-11-10
bound, GAGGED, ROBBED.
Terrible Outrage on a Woman
at Night Time.
A HUSBANDS AWFUL FIND.
Daring Work of Two Burglars on San Jose
Avenue-Their Second Assault on
Woman.
HUSBANDS AWFUL FIND.

The boldest and most brutal robbery that
has occurred in San Francisco for years
happened last Monday afternoon at the
residence of Louis Werlen, who lives with
his wife at 424 San Jose avenue.
The deed was committed by two men,
full description OF whom has been given
to the police by Mrs. Werlen, who is now
in 9itiable condition in consequence of the
treatment she received at the hands of the
two miscreants.
She is strong. fine-looking woman about
35 years of age.
Her husband keeps the grocery and saloon
on the cornor of San Jose avenue and Army
street that adjons the one-story cottage
which they occupy.
When the husband goes TO his meals his
wife attends the store and saloon. On his
return she goes to her repast.
On the evening mentioned the proprietor
went to his dinner about 80 o'clock, while
his wife took charge of the business.
When he returned she went TO her meal,
leaving him in the store.
Ordinarily they go out of the rear Of the
saloon and across vacant lot to the back
OF their cottage, entering the kitchen.
Mrs. WeTlen was absent quite an unusual
time, but her husband thought nothing of
1t, presuming that she was attending to her
household duties.
About o'clock tall, rather rough-look-
ing fellow, entered the saloon and ordered a
steam beer, sharp"
1t was drawn for him as per order. and he
sat at a table and drank it while he peruSed
newspaper. After finishing it up he
ordered another.
Before he had completed this there was
noise at the door of the grocery which at
traeted the attention of the proprietor.
On opening the latticed door, which
separates the saloon from the store, he saw
woman struggling to get inside.
She was on her knees and prOpelling her.
self by the use Of her head and knees. Her
hands were bound behind her back with a
new cotton clOthesline, the end of which
was passed around her neck. so that every
effort she made nearly strangled her.
Following her were two GOrdOn-Setter
pups, which belonged to Werlen. He
rushed forward. and, as he did so, the
woman fell on her side in faint.
The face of his wife was revealed.
MY God, my wife!" he shouted franti-
eally Help, help, my friend. Help me
unite her.
This appeal was addressed to the stranger
who was slipping his beer at the table.
The latter arose, gazed carelessly at the
PROSTATE form. anu, remarking with a
laugh. Your wife, ?" he disappeared in
the darkness without raising a hand to
render assistance.
ln moment Werlen had his wife re-
leased from the coils of the rope. but to all
appearances she was a dead woman.
Two or three citizens passing along saw
the trouble and soon gave the alarm.
Medical aid was summoned, and after much
labor the woman was finally restored to
consciousness.
Her wrists had been cut By the cord and
her neck was cruelty chafed
During the entire night she was too
hysterical and terrorjzed to tell what had
happened.
Sergeant Burke and posse Of three off,
GERS were soon on hard and they found the
house turned topsy-turyv. Drawers and
trunks had been ritled and their contents
stTewn upon the floors of the various rooms.
Yesterday the unfortunate was able to
make statement of what had before been
hideUus nightmare.
She said that she was sitting at the table
eat ng her dinner alone. There was no
living thing in the house With her save the
two puppies.
Suddenly the back door flew open and a
stout-luOklng man entered. He appeared to
be about 30 years of age and wore heavy
dark mustache.
lie was quickly followed by smooth
faced companion. apparently 10 or 20 years
OF age. The first man held pistol TO her
breast and said: 81 on know what we want
We want your money"
She was then seized, her hands thrust be-
hind her and she was bound and gagged in
the manner described.
one went through the house She heard
him rummaging through drawers and
trunks but could not utter scream on &C.
count of being choked.
The dogs, which are about six months old.
seampered under table aud did not let Ont
yelp.
In few minutes, she does not know how
many, the young man returned with his
booty and scampered out the same door that
they had entered.
I'M h.. L. y.ls.
violently 10 the floor and followed.
She then managed to crawl to the front
door, which was partially open, ont on the
sidewalk and down the incline to her hus-
band, where her senses left her completely.
Werlen said:
''Oh. 1 will never forget those faces. If
those men are brought before me fly years
from now. if live SO long, / would know
them. They were both about feet 8
They. did not say word after they had
bound me-"
What did they get ?" was asked.
They got five $40 pieces from the bureau
OF the bedroom, a gold watch and chain of
mine worth $3.50. diamond pin and other
jewelry. They did not get less than $500
worth of stuff
"Can you identity the watch?"
Yes, and everything else except, of
course. the money"
another tit OF hysteria her husband request
ed her 10 talk no more, as every time the
dreadful scene came before Der she would
be convulsed with horror.
The doctors say ii the woman ever re-
covers it will be months before she Is fully
restored.
There is no trace as yet of the daring
burglars, and from present appearances
there is not likely TO be.
This is the third burglary that has been
committed in the neigh b0rhood within
week.
Last Thursday the cash register was
stolen from the butcher-sh0p at % Valencia
street ana was robbed of its contents and
left at the door Of the grocery where the
above scene occurred.
Two days later couple of men entered
the residence at 4l6 San Jose avenue and
stood the lady of the house up for her
money and valuables.
Mr.. Davidson, the Peoples party candi-
date Tor Auditor, lived beneath, and the
cries OF the lady above attracted the atten-
ton OF his family, and the burglars were
frightened away before they had secured
much plumber.
The police are of the opinion that the
work is all done by the same gang but that
they are such clever workers that they are
hard 10 catch.
Mrs. WerleT, her husband states, would
die If left alone In the house. day or night.
since the Monday evening occurrence.
Trying TO Save the Ant Bear.
New York Evening Post
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H. fl a