The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-04-30

COLUMBUS'S ASHES STOLEN
The Sacrilegious Thief Not Permitted,
However, to Get Away with His Booty.
Discovered by Janitor While Putting the Urn
Containing the Remains in His Pocket
Struggle in the Convent at Jackson Park.

CHICAGO, April 29.-Christopher Colum-
buss ashes were stolen last evening. The
glass containing them was broken and the
priceless remains lifted from their resting
place by an unknown thief whose presence
desecrated the sacred convent La Rabida.
at jackson Park. The ashes were carried
from the dark corner to the light of win
dow and carefully examin ed that N mis-
take might be made. But the delay for ex-
smina alton proved disastrous to the purpose
of the vandal and saved to the exposition
and posterity all that Is left of the mortal
remains of the great exp lorer and bene-
factor.
The theft was discovered at the instant
the examination was complete and while
the little urn was being thrust into the
pocket of the thief. A struggle followed
the discovery. but the thief escaped. The
ashes were saved. however. The ashes
were confined in glass urn. bound about
the corners and angles with bands of gold.
The urn itself rests upon the dust-stained
board box in which it has been kept at the
Cathedral Santa Domingo and within an
other c.lass case. diamond shaped. three
feet in length and twelve in ches in height.
The Whole stands upon q pedestal In the
south enc of room x, In the west end of
the convent. Since its arrival the golden
bound urn has been viewed by Thousands.
Janitor Dunno, before retiring. last night,
started for drink of water. Upon reach
ing the corridor he heard u noise ia room
X, and went there to investigate. When
he reached the open door he saw man
walk from the Columbus urn to the win
dow. CHANGING at the pedestal, Dunno
saw that the glass case was open and the
urn gone. Then shifting his sight to the
man at the window. he caught a glimmer of
q golden band. AS the unknown IN On thrust
the urn beneath his coat and toward his
pocket anitor Dunno shou ted. Drop that"
At the sans time the janitor leaped toward
the relic despoiler. The thief did not drop
the urn, but made u rush for the door. Be-
fore he reached it Dunno seized him and to.
gether the two men rolled upon the floor
The urn was dropped during the conflict.
The men fought vigorously for the mastery
foz several minutes. but finally the thief
loosened from the janitor's grip, Jumped
TO his feet and bounded out the
door. But he left the little
box of sacred ashes behind. Dunno
followed as quickly as he could recover
himself. shouting to the guards below to
stop the fugitive, but the wind and the
roar of Lake MicbIgan's angry waves deaf
ened his shouts. The man became lost in
the corridors, and when Dunno finally
reached guards Roach and Rash 20 notify
them of the attempted robbery and strug-
gle. the thief bad made his escape. c. L.
Curtis. of the n-American department.,
was at once notified. After an inspection of
the place, he ordered n railing built in
front of the pedestal to protect it from
further intrusion. At mic Rht the railing
had been built and the ashes were c0nsld.
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