Birmingham age-herald., 1895-01-04
A CASHIER GOES WRONG. Having Appropriated Money Be-
 longing to Uncle Sam HE MATCHED UP A STORY Of Having Been Robbed, But Shrewd Detectives Catch
 Him Dead to Right.
HE MATCHED UP A STORY

CINCINNATI, Jan. 3.-One of the boldest robberies that has taken place in this city for years occurred this afternoon in the government building. Within sight of hundreds of passing pedestrians Assistant Cashier Sparks of the postoflice cashiers department was held up by two robbers, who seized nearly S1O,O GOO and made their escape.
 MT. Sparks had returned from his lunch and was alone in the office when two we'll dressed men entered. He arose from his chair and advanced toward them, intend- ing to ask what they wanted. AS he neared them the two men jumped on Sparks, knocking him down and nearly rendering him unconscious. While one of them held him the other grabbed at tho money in sight. He did the stealing rap idly, but coolly, and in a few seconds he had stored away in his pocket all the money. The exact amount is not known, but it is estimated that it will amount to something like S10, GOO. After the robber had secured the money his companion re- leased Sparks and together they fled.
 All sight of them YVES at once lost. The entire detective force was set to work on the case, and all police stations were noti- fled and descriptions telephoned all over the country.
 SPARKS CoNFEssEs TO BEING THE RoBBER.
 
 of detective work Chief of Police Dietch and his detectives this evening caused Frank H. Sparks to confess that he was a thief, and that his previous statements ts were lies. Sparks is assistant cashier of the postoffice money department.
 AL 1:30 0 'clock this evening he was found lying on the marble floor of his office seem- lngly in an unconscious condition by Jan itor John Weihe. Sparks was lying on his face, with his head in the direction Of the .tf. lxf asked what was the matter.
 ''I have been robbed," he exclaimed as he pointed to the cash drawer. He was lifted to seat, after which Inspector Solomon was notified. He had two contusious on his forehead, and as he sat with pale face fre- quently resting his hands upon the bruised head, he told sensational story.
 He said he was alone In the office when two men entered. One of them asked for change for S5 bill. He told them to go outside the railing and he would get the money, but the fellows grappled with him. One of them struck him In the forehead and knocked him to the floor in au unconscious condition. They then took all the cash in the drawer-$S69.
 Sparks was escorted to police headquar- ters, where he was closely questioned. He adhered to his story, but as witnesses were from time to time brought in who contra dicted him he began to relent.
 He admitted that he had been living q fast life unknown to his wife. At 5 o'clock he was startled when the detective asked, "How much are you short in your ac- counts?''
 t'Only few dollars-.about s5,'' he re-. piled.
 'tOh, come now, how much is it3 It is more than that"
 ''Well, guess it Is about S150. '"
 'Now, tell the truth. ''
 'tWell, l expect it will almost reach $300.''
 Sparks sank back in his chair, gasping. He confessed having secreted the money in the office. The coDtusion on his head was caused by his falling purposely on the floor at full length and pumping his head to bring blood. Over 5000 was found where he had secreted it, and he was locked up.