Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-03-23
OTTAWA LADIES ROBBED.
Society Circles Agitated Over Thefts Of
Money and Valuables


Poiic3 Suspects Some Women
VINO Have Been Living Too Fast,
and it is Said That One Has Con-
fessed and Made Restitution.
Ottawa, Ont, March 22.-Ottawa
society circles are in a high state of
excitement over a series of robberies
which have been perpetrated at recent
social functions. 1t is most clear that
the robberies committed were done by
one who has the entree to these partic-
ular circles.
Cards were sent out, from time to
time, for "at homes" and "5 o'clock
teas, which, before Lent came in,
were most fashionable, and in the ma
lority Of cases were very largely at
tended. About a week ago Madam
Coursol gave an at home" The cream
OF the city's society was present, in
Guiding Lady Laurier and the wives OF
several cabinet ministers.
Mrs. A. F. Mcintyre, one of the
guests, shortly before her arrival,
cashed check for $40 and left her
purse containing the money in her
muff. Having boarded a street car on
her way home, she opened her purse
to pay her fare, when she discovered
that there was no money in it. Other
guests also suffered the loss of sums
ranging from S. to $40, but the most
nj
herself, who on the following day, as
certained that no less than Sis had
been distracted from one of her
bureau drawers in the room in which
the guests of the evening had dis
rObed.
Nine. Coursol was at a loss to ac-
count for the mysterious disappear
ance of her money, and taken in con-
nection with the fact that several OF
her guests had also been robbed, is
naturally much exercised over the mat
ter Not the slightest faint Of sus-
picion is placed upon the servants, as
they are old and trusted.
Shortly after Nine. Coursols "at
home" Mrs. Bob" Fleming entertain
ed her friends at a similar function,
and when they had departed she miss
ed some valuable silver articles. Miss
Lilly Scott daughter of the Secretary
of State, was also a loser of a consid-
cradle sum of money. At other social
entertainments during the winter
money and jewelry were stolen, but
nothing was said at the time and each
occurrence was kept secret, yet the
thief could not be found.
Recent developments placed the mat
ter beyond limit OF endurance, and
the chief of police was consulted.
When shown the list of invited guests
at Nine Coursols party. it is said that
he pointed to no less than three names
on the list of women whose reputation
for fast living was noted. Il is a Well
known fact that there are many We
men moving in the highest circles of
the Canadian capital who are classed
as being pretty fast, all Of whom are
either married or widowed. Wine
drinking and card playing are freely
INDUCED in. and consequently their al
lowances or incomes are exceeded. In
one instance a lady is said to have
gambled away a fine residence'on DAILY
avenue. the fashionable residential
portion of Ottawa.
This condition of things has been for
a long time the standing social dis
grace of this city, and even publicity
of these society scandals has not
tended to mitigate the evil in the least
degree. 1t has now, however, reached
an acute stage by reason Of these
wholesale robberies. The perpetrator
of the thefts above referred to has, 1t
is reported, although the police deny 1t,
acknowledged her guilt to the parties
injured and made restitution, but
owing to the eminent position her fam
jjv holds in society, nothing will be
done except to completely hush the
matter I'D. 1t is said however, al
though no name can be learned, that
one at least, OF Ottawa's society lead
ers will no more be seen in fashionable
circles in future.