Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1900-10-25
AN ENORMOUS STEAL.
Bank EmplOye Gets Away WIh
Seven Hundred Thousand. ~
1T MAY GO HIGHER.
II Il Alleged the Stealing Have Been
Going on for Years-The Man
Accused Has Escaped Arrest
and CannOt BE Pound.

New York, Oct. 24.-ChArles L. Al.
word, Jr.. note teller Of the First Ma.
tional bank Of this city. is fugitive and
n deiaulter 10 the extent Of 100000.
The announcement Of the defalcation
created the utmost excitement In the
financial district Of the city Tuesday,
but the well known stability Of the First
National bank and a statement issued
by the bank had a quieting effect.
Alvord had been with the bank for 90
years and was one Of the most trusted
men In the institution. His steahngs
extended over long period. but no sus.
dicion Of the truth was known until 10
days ago when he sent word that he was
III at his home. After he had been
away for day or two the bank put OK.
perts at work and some irregularities
were found. As the experts delved
deeper and deeper into Affords books.
the extent of the robbery began to dawn
upon the officers, until they were over.
whelmed TO find that IL reached the
enormous figure Of 100000. Whether
that sum Is all that he took Is not yet
known
1t has not yet been developed how the
note teller was able TO put his hands on
30 much money. But one Of the direc.
tors is reported 10 have said chat Alyord
was enabled to take such large sum
because, as note teller, he was in charge
Of tho mail This he opened even
morning and he had ample opportunity
% abstract notes, drafts aud checks "a
well as money. OF course he had to b.
especially skillful to make his accounts
balance This director admitted that
he was at loss 20 account for the fail.
ure Of the bank examiners 10 discover
Alvord's case no their last examination.
What Alvord did with all the cash is
also a mystery as yet, except that as
usual in such cases, II is said that large
amount Of 1t went In stock speculation.
His home was in the suburb Of Mount
Vernon. This home is n magnificent
place. located on Chester Hill. one Of the
most aristocratic sections Of the suburb.
II is surrounded by luxurious grounds
and there are extensive stables. Alyord
has been considered one Of the big men
Of tho town. His family entertained
layishly aud gave large sums TO charity.
He was prominent in church circles. aud
his wife is considered one Of the most
beautiful women in Mount Vernon. In.
vitations had been sent out for a grand
dinner ut the Alvord home week ago
tonight. On the day sot for the dinner.
messengers scurried throughout Mount
Vernon recalling the invitations. That
night the house was in darkness.
Friends Of the family were told that
Mr.. Alyord was H. The darkened win.
dows since then and the fact that no
callers were admitted led the neighbors
20 believe that his illness was serious.
Il was not until yesterday afternoon
that the residents Of Chester Hill, heard
Of his big defalcation. There is rumor
that he left town the day that the dinner
invitations were cancelled and that he
took steamer for South Africa, but
this could not DO oorroborated.
The First National bank is considered
one Of the strongest financial institu.
lions In the city. George Baker. It's pres.
ident, is also president Of the clearing
house. The bank has a capital Of $780,.
600.
The First National bank was the first
10 organize under the national bank act.
and President Baker and his associates
have been In charge for 10 years.