The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1895-03-27
iNcENDlARY BURGLARS.
An Explosion Was Heard Before the
Flames Burst Forth in Richmond.
tsnaoial to the PRESS. J

Especial to the PhESS.)
Richmond, March 26. A bout O'Clock
Tuesday morning, Night Watchman
Charles E. Whitney. reports that when
coming down Main street, he heard the
report of an explosion. and going to in
vestiGate. saw three men running around
the corner of Main and Front streets to-
ward the North End sgHe also discovered
that there was FIRE in the post office.
The fire bells were immediately rung, but
the night was foggy and the air dull. and
many of the villagers knew nothing
about 1t until morning. Two hose com
panies responded. and after fighting over
anEhour. got the fire under control. Then
came the summing up, and for so quiet
a fire the results were serious. The fire
was evidently the work of burglars. I.
L.Spaulding's shop on Southard street,
had been entered and tools stolen with
which the burg lars had effected an en-
trance into the postoffice' They blew
open the safe and got, it is estimated,
$3.50 in money besides stamps. The safe
was found to be shattered and the stolen
tools were found onkthe floor. The post
Office was in the prick block that stands
on the southwest corner of Main and
Front streets In the same block adjoin-
ing the post office on the east side is the
store Of George E. Ames, books, period
icals, stationery, wall papers, etc., and
also the offices of the Western Union
te legraph and the New England tele-
phone companies. On the west of the
post Office is Herbert Mansir's store,
which contained a stock similar to that
of Ames. Above is the Richmond libra
ry of nearly 5000 volume, and in the
basement, on Front street, are tha meat
store of W. S. Voter and the store of
James Flynn, cigars, tobacco, fruit, con-
fectionery, etc.
The fire spread TO the upper part of the
building and into Ames's apartment.
All the goods in the building are prac-
tically ruined by sMoke and water. The
mail matter in the post office was con-
sumed.
The building is owned by the heirs of
John B Stuart and heirs of Samuel w
Jack, and is the Oldest business blocks
in the village The loss is bablyscov-
cred by insurance.
S.E. Ames's stock was valued at $500,
insured for $4,000. H Mansir's stock val
Flynn's loss Is $1,000, no insurance. W.
S. Voters loss, partial; insurance not
given.
The loss on the Richmond library is
probably covered by insurance.
The postoffice has been opened in the
Hathorn block on the opposite side of
the street.
G.E. Ames is open for business, in a
store on Front street.
Selectnian B. F. Curt.s learned today
that three men, strangers, have be n
staying at boarding huse at Ieeboro for
few days. They left there late Monday
evening and are supposed to have been
the burglars who robbed the Richmond
postoffice Tuesday morning and set fire
to the building. One of them had con-
siderable money in his possession. They
were described as follws
No.1-Twenty five years old, feet 6
inches in height; weight $50 pounds;
smooth face, full cheeks; black suit;
necktie with pin, black overcoat; dip
hat.
No.2-Thirty-ive years old; 5 feet
inches in height; weight $50 pounds;
clean shaven face, slightly pitted; black
suit, double breasted vest; gold watch
and chain: dip hat.
No.3-Tw snty-two years old; height 5
feet i inches; weight $50 pounds smooth
face: brown mixed suit, dark wooden
shirt and dark ncektie; dip hat
A reward of $500 is offered for their
apprehension. 1t is thought to be the
same gang that attempted to rob the
WlScaS66G pOStOuuCc Iludy u1Rut.
Postmasters in this part of the state
should be on their guard. for unless the
gang is captured, other breaks will
dou btless be made.
The postoffice safe contained about Sl75
in cash and over $3.50 in stamps, of which
the robbers secured the cash and some
$3.50 worth of stamps. The remaining
stamps were destroyed. All the mail
that was in the office was burned.
The boxes and all fittings of thesofice
are a total loss, amounting to over $500,
partially covered by insurance.
VS.. Voters loss is set at $500, with
nart;aI insurance. The losers are
awaiting the insurance adjusters, and no
plans are yet announced.
Manager Ames of the W. U. telegraph
Co. has opened an office in the office of
the Richmond Bee.
II. Mansir has secured store on Front
street, opposite the damaged building.
The ice in the Kennebec is fast weak
enipp and will doubtle soon break up.