The San Francisco call., 1896-12-20
TRAP OVER A DUNGEON,
And a Policeman Under the
Trap to Catch Falling
Robbers
Alameda's City Treasurer Devises 6
Scheme Which HIS All the
Merit of Or ginality.

ALAMEDA, CAL, Dec. 19.-The pres
ence OF thieves and burglars in the citv
has caused some people to worry about
the cash in the City Treasurer's safe. At
present he is prepared for hold-up with
an electric alarm which he can set off with
his foot if his hands were in the air.
George j. Foster has conceived a novel
idea which he is anxious to have the
Board OF Trustees adopt for the prot otion
of the vault and capture of any burglar
who should attempt to make raid upon
the treasurer. AS the Office is directly
beve the, police station, Mr. Foster be-
heves that trap door in frent of the
Treasurer's counter could be so arranged
as to enable Mr.. Wheeler, the treasurer,
to drop the burglar downstairs, where he
would find hims self in prison with an
officer on guard. This might astonish
both the would be robber and officer, but
would certainly relieve Mr.. Wheeler of
any danger of deficit for his bondsmen
to stand good for.
Now, is not that feasible scheme 2"
asked Mr.. Foster to-day. "You see,
when Mr. Wheeler steps on a button to
alarm the officers below he could with the
same movement send his antagonist into
the presence of the officer. He would be
too surprised 10 offer any resistance,
hence he could easily be handcuffed."
Alameda Police May Ride Free.
ALAMEDA, CAL, Dec. 10 9-The new
rule of tie Alameda, Oakland and Pied
mont Electric Streetcar Company has
been rescinded so far as it applies to this
citv's police officers and Officer Curtis of
Oakland. This seems to be discrimina-
ton in favor of'this city.
H. . ko-- ooh q boa Tod
notice that all officers not on duty and in
full uniform would be required TO pay
their fare. To the public this would only
seem to be the proper thing, but the Chief
of Police here did not look upon the new
order with any degree of pleasure. When
he made application to the company the
modification was made in favor OF his
men. No application has been made by
the Oakland officers for a resembling of
the order on theirterritory.
The Electric Club Ball
ALAMEDA, CAL, Dec 'I9.-The en-
ployes of the Alameda, Oakland and Pied
mont Electric Railway Company gave
their third annual ball tonight in Armory
Hall. The programme consisted of
twenty-five dances and two extras, dedi-
Gated to all the terms known in railroad
paFlance.
The reception committee consisted of
harry Ls DO1le, j. w. IltHOeTSOI, JdmeS
| Potter and Thomas Moses; floor manager,
/ Peter H. Smith; assistants, William r.
Parker; floor committee-J. ]. Smith, J.
H. Young, Thomas Moses, William
Bones, H. Hammond A. Wharton, j..
| Deveraux and F. Nebeker prize waltz
was held just before midnight. which was
participated in by a large number of dan
| GERS.
Terein Germania officers.
ALAMEDA, CALL Dec. 19.-The Ala
media Verein Germania elected the follow
| ing officers last evening for the coming
year: President, u. Frank; e-president,
AL Kaehler; corresponding and recording
secretary, w. Drummer; financial secre-
tary, q. Usinger;. treasurer. L. Durein
singing teacher, H. e. Kaehler; superin-
tendent of singing, L. C. Buslach; director
and teacher OF gymnastics, L. Bahr; en-
tertainment and amusement committee
|. Charles Beuck, NJ. Horwinski Jr. refresh
ment committee - G. Schumacher, o.
Bechtle, Ed Horwinski. j. Faessler, w.
| Schmack; hall director, o. Meysel.