The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-10-13
STEALING OF The STAMPS.
The Number PuTlOined Believed TO Ex-
coed 100000.

Two Weeks Must Elapse Before the
Full Extent of the Robbery Is Discov-
ered-The Stealing Going on for Thir-
Days-Four Men Implicated in the
PIot-one of the Four Offers to Turn
States Evidence.
Washington, Oct 12-The stamp rob
berry at the bureau of engraving and
printing discovered yesterday, turns out
10 be much larger than at first suspected
Instead of one package containing $1,000
2-cent stamps, it is now believed that over
100000 and possibly 25O,OOO, stamps of va
rious denominations are missing Post
masters in all parts of the country, it is
thought, have received fewer stamps than
they ordered and failed to notify the de-
partment of the deficiency. When their
quarterly reports are made up these
shortages may be found 1t will take two
weeks to discover the full extent of the
robbery When il is known that yester-
days shipments of stamps were served
10 800 postmasters, some idea of the
enormity of the task of ascertaining what
Offices have received short packages is
had.
The stealing has been going on for
thirty days, and seems to have been the
result of a plot. William B. Smith, for
merly of Plainfield, N. j., and George
W. Longstreet, employed in the stamp de-
partment of the bureau of engraving and
printing, are under arrest, and the de-
tectives are looking for William A
Beach, who was until recently employed
in a billiard room in a hotel in this city
and a man whose name is believed to be
Simmerslitz. Both men left Washington
Wednesday for the purpose of selling
stamps.
To-day Smith made a proposition to
turn states evidence and make a full con-
CT Cd
anteeing him full protection. He said he
would implicate government employees
much higher than himslf. H was told
that such protection could not be granted
Smith then told the authorities that he
knew where Beach was, but would go to
Jail before he would tell his whereabouts.
The authorities are at a loss as to what
to make of Smiths offer, as he has told
many conflicting stories since his arrest
Longstreet was arrested to-day on the
evidence of Mary Earl, and Cora La
Boss two dissolute women who went to
New York a week ago or so with Smith
and Beach. These women told the de-
tectives that Friday night, Sept. %, Smith
and Beach. accompanied by a third man,
called at their house and wanted them to
start for New York that night. To this
they agreed and the three men asked for
the use of a room for few minutes. They
entered 1t, Smith carrying a small satchel.
Shortly after Smith left the house with
a large white envelope. He returned with
some money and four tickets for Balti-
more.
They then left the city, leaving the third
man. The officers looked upon this as
sufficient evidence to hold the third party,
so to-day Detectives Weldon and HELEN,
Postoff1ce Inspector Smith and Postage
Stamp Agent Davis went to the bureau
of engraving and printing, taking the two
women along, as they were positive they
could point out the unknown man there.
In the stamp vaults Cora La Boss pointed
out Longstreet, who was asked into Agent
Davis office. As soon as he entered he
blurted out; Now about those so, 600
stamps l know absolutely nothing about
. them. My books are straight"
As the officers had given no intimation
of the nature of their visit, this was con-
sidered an evidence of guilt, and Long
street was arrested On the way to the
police station the prisoner became indig-
nant and declared he would sue somebody
for damages. He was told to sue Smith
as he had made confession, duplicating
him Uongstreet) This quieted the pris-
Oner.
Longstreet is about SO years old, unmar-
ried and an expert stamp handler and
packer, He was with the American Bank
Note Company for eight years. ranking
the companys second best stamp ex-
pert When the government assumed the
stamp contracts a few months ago Long
street was brought here as an instructor
of other men. He was regarded as abso-
lutely trustworthy.
The trip of Smith, Beach and the two
women to New York was d hilarious one.
During the absence of Smith from the
party only a short time Beach stole some
stamps from his fellow in crime. The
woman La Boss realizing that the men
were thieves, became frightened and left
them in New York city. The other three
then went to Orange, N. j.. where Smith
and the Earl woman attempted to pass
as man and wife, and were elected from
hotel. Beach and the woman engaged
in tistcuff to the sorrow of the latter.
n policeman arrested the trio and took
them before the chief of police, where
5000 stamps were found in a satchel and
those stolen from Smith by Beach were
found in the latter's pockets. They We're
accused of having stolen the stamps, but
they strenuously denied the charge. The
Earl woman became disguised with the
AFFAIR and informed the chief they were
stolen property and he could prove it by
having the Bureau of Engraving and
Printing telegraphed to. For some I'M
accountable reason the chief was per-
SIaded to let them go. And he has re-
GREETED his action ever since.
They returned to Washington Sunday.
Next day Smith resumed his duties as
usual and Beach went about the city
selling the stolen plumber
some Of the stamps were of new is
sue not yet put in circulation.
BILOXI IN A BLAZE.