Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-08-09
Catholic Confessional Results in
Restoration Of Valuable Dia.
monds to Owner.
Thief c onfesses Crime to Priest
and Implores Him to Re.
turn Stolen Gems.
Confessor Carries Out Burglar.
Wish and Sends for Owner
Of Jewels.

st. Joseph, Mich, Aug. 9.--The power
OF a priest over devout Catholic has
been the means of saving $1,000 worth of
jewels to an Anderson Und.) firm of
jewelers.. The story was told here yes
terday by William Washburn, president
OF the Jewelry company, and 1t is one of
the most remarkable cases of its kind
ever heard Of here. Washburn came here
yesterday morning from Chicago, brink
IN gwith him a tray of jewels returned
to him by Chicago Catholic priest,
who had received them from the peni-
tent thief The thief and his wherea-
bouts are unknown. Washburn is stop
ping at the Velie hotel in this city for q
few days before returning to his Indi-
ana home.
On July the jewelry house of Will
liam Washburn & Co., Anderson, Ind,
was entered by burglars and O. tray of
expensive diamonds taken, along with
other plumber. There were absolutely
no clews The police of Anderson worked
faithfully on the case, but of no avail,
until message came from Chicago
solving the problem. All of the impor-
tant police departmentsfn the country
have been on the lookout for the dia-
mond thief. Large rewards were offered,
but they brought forth no results.
Last Tuesday evening Washburn re-
ceiNed strangely worded epistle from
Chicago priest, Father z. A. Murphy,
pastor of St. Marys church, No. 453
Wabash avenue. 1t babe Washburn
come to Chicago Immediately and he
would learn something to his advantage.
Washburn thought it was hoax and
was disinclined to pay any serious at
tention to it. He thought that some
crank in Chicago had seen the reward
offer and was trying to work some
game. One of his partners prevailed
upon him to take the chance, and Wash
burn came to this city and took the
steamer to Chicago. He came back
with the jewel box under his arm.
When he entered the rectory Father
Murphy handed him box of jewels.
II believe these belong to you. There
are three of them gone" said the priest
Washburn was dumfounded and was
unable to comprehend how a priest
could do more than the combined police
departments of the country.
The three diamonds that are gone
will be paid for said the priest, Just
as soon as the man can earn enough
money. He will give the money to me
and will send it to you. The thief con-
| fessed his crime to me and begged me
| to find way out Of the difficulty for
him. I told him / would return the
goods. He is very sorry and wishes for
giveness."
The priest did not give the name of
| the thief. Washburn said that he did
not wish his name, and would never
| prosecute the man, even If he knew him.
| Father Murphy then went on with his
| explanation. The man went to the
church on Wabash avenue along with
other penients Saturday afternoon.
| When his turn came he asked for pray
1 ers to relieve him of terrible sin. Fa-
4 Their Murphy was surprised when the
man told of the burglary and asked that
the jewels be returned. 1t was the
| strangest case that ever came under his
notice. He accepted the box of jewels
| that the man drw from under his coat,
and his eyes were dazzled by the bril-
liancy of the gems. The man departed,
| after promising ito pay for three of the
stones that he had sold. Washburn iden-
tilted every jewel in the collection.
Chicago. Aug. 9.-Fatl1er Murphy last
night confirmed the report of the recov-
cry of the diamonds from thief thru
the confessional. He said he had noti-
fed Mr.. Anderson of the matter and
that he had some to Chicago and OBJ
tanned his property.
II do not know the value OF the
gems" said Father Murphy ~ am not
posted in such matters. can not talk
about the affair further than to confirm