The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-11
VIOLATED HIS TRUST.
hoSansport Society Leader COnfesses
to RObbing His Employer.

to RObbing His Employer.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal
LOGANSPORT, Ind, Sept 10.-During
the past few days facts have been coming
to light that have set the people of the town
v wondering whom to trust. Up until a few
weeks alter last Christmas Melvin Harley
mad been a trusted employee of one of the
leading jewelry dealers of the city, and en-
Joyed the confidence and esteem of not only
ms employer, but also of every one in
Logansport. where he had lived for years.
When Harley left his employment I'M
favorable rumors were circulated only to be
frowned down by Harley's friends. He was
industrious, neither drank nor gambled, and
his highest ambition appeared to be to live
well and furnish his wife with fine clothes,
diamonds and jewelry. For nearly a year
Mr.. Martin, the jeweler, had been missing
articles of value from his stock, but could
not locate the thief. During the holidays
the articles missed from stock became
more numerous and finally trap was laid.
A particularly handsome diamond ring was
placed IN the showcase and then the jeweler
retlred to a rear room in the store and
Watched for developments, after asking
Harley to dust the case. When he again
entered the store the diamond was missing
from the tray in which it had been placed
ana when confronted with the charge of
theft Harley broke down and confessed,
producing the ring from his pocket. He at
that time claimed that the ring was the ex-
tent OF his stealings. Later, however, on
the Saturday night after Christmas, upon
Delng pressed. he returned about 5000 worth
OF stolen goods. Mr.. Martin was, however,
not satisfied and investigated further with
the result that he sent for Harley who in
the meantime had been discharged from
Martins employ. After a little plain talk
from Martin Harley produced additional
goods to the amount of about $500. He then
went before a notary and swore that this
was all that he had taken from his former
employer. But time wore on Mr. Martin
FOUND several people TO whom Harley had
traded or sold stolen jewelry. AS this prop
erty was located Harley would settle for it
until some time ago Mr.. Martin found where
was nearly $500 more of his goods. At that
time Harley discovered that Martin had To-
Gated more of his stealings. and he rented
his farm on which he had been living since
leaving Martins employ and left hurredly
Tor Cleveland O.. where he claimed he was
gong to study medicine Mr. Martin, how
ever Will make an effort to secure a set
tlement for his goods.
Harley had always stood high in social
circles. Shortly after his marriage Harley
built fine cottage at the corner of High
and Eighteenth streets. This was furnished
very deliberately. Here with his wife he
lived for few years until he went TO Chi
cago to study engraving. He and his wife
then went to Cleveland, o.. for short time
before returning to this city. Upon entering
the employ of Mr.. Martin Harley disposed
OF his cottage and built a fine two-story
residence at the corner of North and Twen-
ty-fourth streets, where he lived in style
until last March. when. with his wife, he
moved to the country after being dismissed
matter has been taken by Mr.. Martin as
vet