Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-11-30
BOLD BUT BADLY PLANNED.
Attempt to Rob q Bank at AlIentowu.N n. j.
frustrated.

Frustrated.
One of the most daring bank robberies ever
perpetrated in New Jersey was attempted at
Allentown yesterday afternoon, and only for
the courage Of two Of the bank officials, backed
by score of townsmen, the robbers would
have been successful. The Farmers National
Bank does little commercial business, depend
ing solely on its success as financial institu-
ton by the deposits Of the farmers in the vicin-
ity. The president is Geo. H. yanderdeck. the
cashier Elmer E. Hutchinson and the teller
VIM. c. Smith. Mr.. Vanderdeck was not at
the bank in the afternoon and. owing TO the
storm, there was little business Cashier
Hutchinson and Teller Smith were balancing
the books for the day. preparatory to putting
all the money outlying in the safe.
Within easy reach of the cashier was o., 1894
in bills and considerable sum Of silver.
Two men quietly entered. stepped up to the
desk. and when Mr.. Hutchinson looked up his
eyes lighted on the barrels OF two revolvers
held close to his face
Turn your face to the WALL cried one of
the men, The teller glanced up at tho remark
and the other revolver was instantly pointed at
him.
He understood the situation, and followed his
chiefs example.
Now, then, said the spokesman of the rob-
bers, lis this all the money you have?''
The cashier and the teller by this time real
lied their position. They were unarmed.
Never before had such an attempt been made to
rob the bank. and they we're completely at the
mercy Of the robbers
Yes" replied tho cashier, that ia ALL
In the safe were many valuable papers and
quite sum Of money, but seemingly satisfied
with the bills before them the robbers gave no
attention to the possibilities awaiting them and
proceeded to fill their pockets with the bank
notes.
That's all. said the robbers lust keep youf
face to the wall for five minutes and you'll not
be harmed"
Then they started for the door and once out
on the street they started on a swift run toward
the lmlaystown road 500 yards distant.
They had hardly reached the walk when Mr..
Hutchinson started after Them followed by his
teller. He had on a linen Jacket and a pair of
slippers and although the snow was furiously
beating down he did not hesitate in his duty.
Once in the street both men cried ''Stop
thief. Stop thief"' as loudly as they could, and
hearing the cries several shopkeepers hocked
into the streets and quickly realizing what had
happened, dashed back for their revolvers and
then joined in the chase.
The robbers had quite an advantage in the
start, but the townspeople, excited by the ap-
pearance Of the cashier and the teller Joined
in the chase. The thieves attempted to jump
fence, but the rails were wet and they slipped
back.
Before they could arise Cashier Hutchinson
| was upon them, and cried out: Throw up
your hands," Turning around the thieves "a "
themselves confronted by more than score of
reyolvers and shotsuns, and they yielded.
Mr.. Hutchinson took their revolvers, and the
march back to town was begun. They said
/ nothing on the way, but when they were taken
before Justice Ely they were searched, and all
the money WAS found upon them. The elder of
the robbers, the one who had conducted the
! plan throughout, said that his name was
| Frederick c. Smith and that his age was
twenty-five. His companion gave the name OF
J. D. Morris. aged twenty.