The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-02-02
SNATCHED A BOX.
A Thousand Dollars Stolen
From Mrs. Towne.
THE THIEF Is CAPTURED,
The Money Returned to the Lady,
Who Was Paying Off-A
Hard Street Chase.

Yesterday was pay day at the California
WOmen's Hospital, situated OIL Sacramento
street. between Baker and Lyon. Early in
the morning Mrs. A. N. Towne, who is
financial secretary of the hospital. went to
the bank in which the funds of that insti-
tuition are deposited and drew a check for
S1071. that being the amount of her account
of bills payable. She took the coin, mostly
in gold. with just enough silver to make
change. and placing it in an ordinary cash
box rode out TO the hospital.
Taking her place at the desk in the
Office, where the bills and salaries are paid
every month, Mrs. TOwne unlocked her
cashbox and prepared Tor work.
The first applicant for pay was man
named living. who furnishes the hospital
with butter and eggs. He presented his ac-
count. and after il had been compared with
the books Mrs. T0wne paid 1t.
hen living walked into the Office Mrs.
T0wne noticed young man standing just
behind him. The young man waited in the
hallway until living had received his
money and went out. and then lie advanced
rapidly toward the desk at which Mrs.
Towpe was seated. Surprising that he had
bill to present the lady paid 10 particular
attention TO the young man. who was we'll
dressed and looked like anything but a
desperate character.
Suddenly the young man make quick
step forward, and snatchng the cashbOx
from the desk turned and ran out the open
door, through the hall and into the yard.
Mrs. I0wne screamed again and again as
she saw the funds of the hospital vanishing
in TIE clutches Of the gentemanly appear
ing young man, and, luckily, Twlpg, the
butter and egg dealer, had not got so far
away but that her cries of terror reached
him.
Turning, living ran back to the hospital
at full speed, and as he reached the gate
way he saw a man with Mrs. TOwne's cash
box in his hands trying 10 force MS way
through the hedge that lines the grounds
along Sacramento street.
Without waiting to ask questions, living
knocked the fellow down. and as he fell the
cashb0x dropped out Of his hands.
living grabbed the cashboX, and the man
got up, began running, and succeeded in
getting out ON the street.
Down Sacramento street he ran like a
deer, with one OF the doctors at the hospital
and several others in hot pursuit at the
corner OF Br0derlck and Sacramento streets
the man ran into the arms of Policeman
Armstrong and Special Officer Helbush,
who arrested him and took him to the Cen
trail station, where he was booked for rob-
berry.
AT the station the young man gave the
name of Jacob Rinhat, or Rhinehart, said
he was a cigar-maker by occupation and
was stranger IN the city, having come 10
town only day or two ago from Los An
geles. This the police do not believe. for it
is evident the fellow knew on what day the
bills al the hospital would be paid and also
that no one but women would be in charge
Of the money. He also had evidently out
lined his plan OF escape, but had counted
on living going away Immediately after re-
ceiving his money.
When questioned concerning the at
tempted robbery Riuhat denied all knowI-
edge Of it, He was very cool and laughe ed
at the idea that he should be accused of try
ing to steal. lie said he had been out to
the park and was on his way nome when
arrested. When asked why he was run
ming he said that he was not running but
merely walking rather fast, and that it was
his habit 10 walk at the gait he was going.
He will have q hearing to-day.