The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-09-07
Has Been Stealing Groceries
for Four Years.
Took Them Home From Danforih &
CorneII's and Sold 10 Neighbors.
Was Arrested Yesterday Afternoon
Preparing to Take Home Load.

The efficiency of the detective depart
ment was demonstrated last evening w ben
detective p. Il. Cannon arrested Ssmuel
:. Slocum on Custom House street for
stealing from Daniels d. Cornell, the
wholesale grocers.
A week or more ago Mr.. Cannon was
satisfied that the large bundles that were
taken home by Slocum at noon time and
at the end of his Gays work were not
quite In keeping with a strictly honest
man, and 30 watch was placed upon
HIM. MIR. Conncn satisfied himself that
the man was stealing from the firm and
then notified Mr. Cornell, which was the
first intimation thal ne or any mem Der
OF the firm had that they were being
robbed. MIR. 5locum has been in the em-
ploy OF the firm for many years but at
the time of the fire In that building some
four years ago he WAS employed by W.
III. Washburn as engineer, Mr.. Wash burn
furnishing power, heat and the elevator
for Daniels & Cornell. Slocum had
charge OF the engine which is located
upon the fifth floor OF the building.
Slocum was usually the first man 10
put In his apperance mornings ana would
relieve the night watchmen. After the
watchman would depart Slocum would
make his way down the elevator, going
hand over hand down the rope, 90 into
the front of the store and help himself to
such goods as suited his fancy. These
he would take TO the engine room via the
elevator rope, and at noon and night
take them 10 his home, 81 Hope street.
At night or at closing up time he was
the last to leave and at this time his s.
year-old boy stood at the front of the
store with little two-wheeled cart, the
body OF which was a soap box. Slocum
would look up and down the street TO sec
that the road was clear, and theE dump
an armful OF goods into the little cart,
which the boy would hurry on with.
This was what was done last evening,
but Mr.. Cannon was where he could
watch the proceedings, and as soon as tho
boy started Mr.. Cannon stepped up and
arrested Slocum ana the boy.
Mr. Cannon presented rather a comical
appearance as he marched from Custom
House street through Weybosset, Ex-
change street, and Exchange place, hold
ing on to his man and dragging.the toy
cart behind him. The contents of the
wagon were examined, and Is pounds of
sugar. 10 pounds of boneless cod, four
cans Eagle condensed milk and two large
boxes OF Mellen's food, were found TO
constitute the load, the value of which
was 50. %.
All of the goods taken were of the
very best brand. Upon being questioned
by Mr.. Cannon at the city hall Slocum
said that he began to take goods soon
after he was enjoyed by Mr.. Wasbburn,
and that he had taken, on an average,
from 81 to sl.50 day.
Slocum had regular line OF customers
to whom he sold the goods at wholesale
rates, and could sell them little cheap
er than retail grocers, which he did, for
coffee that retailed at 30 cents he sold for
Is cents, and condensed milk that sells
for IL cents a can he sold for 10 cents.
His customers include some well-to-do
families on the East Side, who, so far "a
the detectives can learn, are innocent of
any crime, as the story told by Slocum
was one that was quite plausible, and as
he was looked upon as an honest man, his
story was believed.
Messrs. Daniels Il Cornell were aware
of the TACT that goods were being stolen
for now and again a box containing
canned goods would be opened and one
or more tins would be missing. This
they thought was done by railroad men.
Slocum admits that he opened a few
boxes, put the most of the articles were
taken from the 'front.' store.
Slocum - married and has six children
and has a very comfortable home.
He was taken before Judge Sweetland
of the Sixth District Court, this morn
ing, where he told pathetic story about
his wife and children, but the Judge told
him that the time to think about these
matters was when he was taking what did
not belong TO him.
He pleaded guilty and was bound over
to the court of common pleas division of
the Supreme Court in the sum of $500.
Ii is thought that his stealings will
amount to nearly 5000.
The police records show that Slocum
has "done time" for breaking and en-
tering.