The evening times., 1899-03-22
PIRhTICAL eyes ON
4 TREASURE TRAIN
Scheme to Steal Pension Money
Belonging to Veterans.
Express Wagons Converting 1t to
Hampton, Va, Guarded.
Detectives Disguised as Country
Folk Accompany the Tcams-Left
Washington Last Thursday.

New York, March 22.-Prompt measures
officials of the United States Express Com
pany to have frustrated we'll conceived
plot of Southern desperadoes to steal $780,
900 of government money which was being
shipped to the Hampton National Voiun-
teer Soldiers Home for the payment OF
pensions to the veterans quartered there.
The men received a warning that their
plans were known and failed to carry them
out. Had their original intentions been ex-
ecuted the detectives are positive that few
of the raiding party would have lived to
tell the tale.
The details of the plot and counterplot,
most of which are vouched for by Senator
Platt, who is president of the express COM
pany, are sensational enough to have been
conceived by the James gang.
1t has been the custom of the United
States Express Company to transport $780,
coo quarterly from Norfolk to the Hampton
institution for the veterans. This sum
was usually sent in coin, and as il had TO
be transferred from Old Point to Hampton,
about three miles, by wagon. a strong
guard generally accompanied it, As no
! attempt had ever been made to rob the
train, however, vigilance was somewhat re-
iaXed and the attention of the would be
robber was attracted
Agents were sent to Hampton at the
time of the last shipment three months
ago. and they reported that the robbery
would be easy. All that would be neces-
sary, the agents said. would be a force
OF mounted men SO located as to be able
to make quick dash upon the treasure
train as it was going overland from Old
Point 1t is believed that plans were made
for hiding the gold not far from the point
OF robbery. Having done this, the gang
were to separate and conceal themselves
until the excitement occasioned by the rob-
berry had subsidized.
Unfortunately for the would-be highway
man, some one talked too much con-
yersation in Baltimore saloon was over
heard and the information was sent tc
| Washington. The case was then placed in
! the hands of detectives. and plans were
laid for killing or capturing every member
or the gang. Ii was decided TO ship the
gold as usual. Accordingly the coin left
Washington last Thursday and reached Ole
| Point the same day Friday morning il
was started overland in ordinary wagons
| for Hampton.
The detectives earlier in the week bad
! nary workmen. When the wagons started
! for Hampton Friday morning an armed de-
| tectiye occupied the drivers seat of each
| and concealed in the box of each wagon
were three more men. In order that safety
/ might be assured another armed force
| rode about three-quarters of n mile in the
| rear. AT the first in5imation Of trouble
| the men with the train were TO fire sig
nal for re-enforcements TO come up
| The robbers. alarmed did not carry ou
! their plot. The gold went TO HAMPTON in
| safety. But after it had been delivered
| the detectives rode out. discovered the
| place OF rendezvous and il is said, secured
evidence which may incriminate some per
| sons who live not far from Hampton
! When reporter called on Senator Plat
| at the Fifth Avenue Hotel last night ht
| admitted that plot to rob the company
was known
We knew" he said, that an ATTACK
| upon our messengers was contemplated
The matter was ar once placed in the hand:
of detectives, who took steps to protec
US
James F. Wood. the assistant superin.
tendent of the express company, was in.
clined TO make light of the plot. Some o
| our men got scared, he said, land | be
| lieye the detectives did also. But | know
| OF no absolute attempt to rob u.s. W.
/ always send guard with the money goin,
| TO Hampton. Last week we increased tht
| guard because of a mysterious warning
The guards were unable to catch any rob
bers. Perhaps there were some in a plot
but / am not sure of it."