The sun., 1898-01-07
EXPRESS CLERK GOT $4,000
THE AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
ROBBED BIZ AN EMPLOYEE.

ne 1s Missing with bends and Rueney with
which sc Started for tho Express Car at
the Graud Central station-Bondn Not Much
Use TO Hin, but sS. Sso was in Cash.
Tho American Express Company was robbed
OF more than 10000 worth Of bonds and cash.
in transit from this city to tho West, on Wednes
day night, and Clark Braden, Jr., an en-
ployee. who is believed to have stolen the
missing property, has disappeared.
Up to three DAYS before the theft Braden had
been subordinate clerk in tho American Ex-
press Company's office at Madison avenue and
Forty.sevcnth street. At that time tho clerk
who had charge OF the office at night fell Ill
and Braden was put in his place temporarily.
The companys officials had perfect confidence
in Bradcn, as his habits were believed to be
good and he was an old employee.
1t was part of the night clerks duties after
receiving money or valuables to enter their re-
ceipt in the proper books and later to take all
the west-bound packages OF this sort and put
them into safe on tho express car Of the New
York Central and Hudson River Railroad train,
which leaves at $3.50 A. NJ. At the same time
he would leave the proper way bills with the
messenger who was to go on the train. For
this purpose the express car is backed into
what is called the "allcy" at the Grand Central
Station.
During Wednesday evening Braden, re-
contained 1--we ST 900 bonds and a number OF
packages which contained money in various
forms and amounts. In all, the money which
came into his hands in these packages amounted
TO $5,5s2.O4. At some time between 4 and
o'clock yesterday morning Braden started with
the packages for tho express car. About o
o'clock. when the train messenger arrived, he
found no one waiting for him. but the car door
and empty: Hidden in other parts Of the car
were found the bags which had contained the
packages OF bonds and currency. These bags
had been cut omen and their COntentB extracted,
Inquiries for Braden at the Office at Madison
avenue and Forty-scventh street soon developed
tho fact that he had not returned there after
to do SO, and to remain until o'clock, when
the day clerk would relieve him. When
Braden's books were examined the entries of
to have been made in the proper manner. 1t
seemed vident that Braden had formed no
plan beforehand for robbery, and that he had
given way to a sudden impulGe when tempted
by having so much in his possession at once.
This is the conclusion which the officials of the
express company reached, and it was also the
opinion expressed by Superintendent Bangs of
the Pinkerton Detective Agency yesterday.
As soon as tho loss Of the packages was
known tho main office notified and the
Pinkerton agency was instructed to search for
Braden and the plunder. The police were also
notified and notice was sent out over the
stock tickers warning persons against negoti-
atng the stolen bonds.
>, The detectives went to the house where
Eighty seventh street, but found that he had
moved on Dec. "a. They did not learn where
his family had gone to.
Tho missing bonds are Chicago Gas 8 per
cent; bonds, redeemable in 1886, They are
numbered 1908. 1927. 1850. 1000 ana 4, 191.
Each of the stolen bonds Is worth $l,170, and
the total value Of the five bonds is $3.50
use of the bonds, but the $5,5s2.O4 Of cash was
all available.