Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-01-04

could be offered as resistance to the depre-
dations of thieves. Then wooden chests
with mighty clasps of bronze and iron
took their place and the treasure boxes OF
kings and empires were flimsy affairs that
could nave been laughed to scorn by q
modern rogue. But those ancient burg
lars had ancient tools and the strong boxes
they longed to loot were just about as
strong, comparatively, as those of the pres
ent day of burglar proof safes. Chests OF
lead and iron and other metals succeeded
the leather of the wandering tribes and the
wood Of the dwellers in walled towns. Inn
provement followed Improvement. The in
stinct of protection was just about as keen
as the instinct of avarice and the strong
the tools of the thief. But the latter i'm
proved and finally from protecting their
property as individuals. men hired other
silver and gold and precious gems. Little
by little the idea Of a bank developed. first
the seed, then the stalk, then the luscious
safes OF the present day succeeded the huge
and clumsy chests and Golfers and the won
derful vaults Of to-day represent the high
est perfection OF the science of resistance
to robbery.
The safe deposit vaults of the present day
represent the very acme Of success and
there are burglars who could enter any
bank vault or safe. yet the safe deposit
vaults are aDSOlulely secure lIoHu dus duu
all attempts of the craftsman.
The vaults of the Safe Deposit Company
of Kansas City, in the American Bank
building, are a place of safety deposit equal
to anything in the West.
There is nothing stronger or safer In New
York. Boston or Chicago. The vaults are
few weeks ago and which held its first
yesterday: The following were the officers
President. Phil ID. Chappell; vice presi-
rotary, NJ. W. ST. Clair; dlrectors-Phil E.
pard Corrigan. NJ. w. St. Clair. R. ".
Tgreman: I Minot and Charles Francis
Armour araoai d judges tGe'C Jackson s; L. SMITH smith, Sidney M;
The company will conine itself strictly
to the business of renting safe deposit boxes
and caring for valuables of all sorts.
The arrangement of the vaults has not
been altered, but the space outside the
fitted up with a quiet elegance which is
extremely effective. All the appointments
are those of a thorough. up-to-date insti-
tuition of this sort. The grill work has been
altered and a tasty pattern of new tile
floor has been laid throughout. Painting,
decoration and refurbishing have brought
the interior appointments to the highest
point Of newness and inviting appearance
generally.
cial conveniences have been introduced. A
ladies' parlor has been fitted up in an ele-
giant manner for the use of the ladies who
are patrons of the institution. A gentle
mems reading room affords opportunity for
a quiet hour or a business or social chat.
Committee and directors rooms are arrang-
ed for and coupon rooms, each to be Sc
curely locked. afford an opportunity for
the renter of a box to inspect the contents
of his box at his leisure and seclusion. Gas
and electric lights furnish an abundance OF
illumination.
The basement under the vaults has beer
fitted up as a storeroom for storing more
bulky articles. silverware, ~etc.-anything
of value that cannot be placed in the locked
boxes. This is a new feature and the con.