Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
LAUREL NEWS.
Robbers Make Haul at Local Store
Other Items.


Special Correspondence of The Evening Star
LAUREL, Md, December 16, 1902
An entrance was made by thieves into the
store Of Mr.. Nathan Conn, corner of Wash
ington avenue and Main street. in Laurel
some time during last night, and number
of articles were stolen. The theft was not
known until shortly after o'clock this
morning, when Mr.. Ellsworth BeaH and his
brother. Mr.. Wellington Beall, both OF
whom are clerks in the store, arrived at
the building and started to open up for the
days business. The first thing that at
tracted attention was the fact that the
front door, which had been securely fas-
tened at closing time last evening, was
found to be open. The clerks made a thor
oug investigation Of the premises, which
resulted in finding that the jewelry show
case had been rifled and most Of the ar
ticles stolen. Trays containing the cheaper
trinkets were found lying In various direc-
lions throughout the store
1t was further found that the parties had
evidently fitted themselves out In the cloth
Ing line, as the piles of trousers were found
In deplorable state Of chaos. The same
was true of the overcoatS. A tray contain
Ing the better class Of pocket knives was
r1f1ed, while trays containing poorer class
OF the articles were found thrown aside on
the floor near the counters. That the par
ties intended to get all that was coming
to them Is shown by the fact that the line
OF telescope grips was overhauled and the
largest Of them appropriated. A meat
cleaver was found on the desk In the office,
in which is located the safe, where 1t had
evidently been taken with the purpose OF
forcing open the safe. The safe, however,
had been left open and contained a small
amount of loose change, all Of which was
found when opened by the clerks.
The entrance was made through the rear
OF the store, by cutting small hole
through the shutter, by which they opened
the window. A hole bored through panel
In a door leading into the store explains the
manner Of gaining ingress into that part Of
the building.
Mr. Conn, with his family, occupies the
floor over the store, but quietly had the
robbers worked that none had any knowl-
edge of the transaction until notified by Mr.
Beall.
1t is thought that those who took part Id
the robbery left the scene in wagon, as
fresh prints were found directly In the rear
OF the store. Evidently the parties under
stood the ground thoroughly, as the light
used in the work was obtained by.striking
matches long line OF the burnt sticks
leading to the portions of the store visited.
Officer George w. Curley. IT.. OF Laurel,
detective force Of the Washington police
department., and has given description
of the articles stolen.
The officers Of Laurel Wreath Lodge, No.
the ensuing year, were installed last even
ing In the lodge rooms of the order on
Washington avenue here. The roster Of
officers for the present year is as follows:
Thomas Cronmiller, w. NJ; F. C. Dezen-
dorf. S. W.; l.. V. Luber J. W; George w.
Waters, it, secretary; w. A. Mcclellan,
treasurer; Hezekiah Bounds, tyler. Follow
ing the installation ceremonies a banquet
was served in the lower rooms.
At recent convention OF Zeredatha Chap
ter. No. 35, Royal Arch Masons of Laurel,
the following officers were elected for the
ensuing year: 1. B. Ruff, high priest; w. A.
Mcclellan, king; D. M. Fisher, scribe; Will
liam III. Harrison, secretary; W. N. Frost,
treasurer; LIE Page Cronmiller, captain Of
the hest and Hezekiah Bounds sentinel.
The regular semi-yearly election Of officers
of Laurel Tent, No. Z. knights Of the Order
Of the Maccabees, was held recently in the
hall Of the order, resulting as follows:
Charles E. Federline. commander; H. T.
Greiser, lieutenant commander: c. H F.
Swaffield, finance and record keeper; ]. M.
Thaw1ey, chaplain; DR.. T. Watts Byerly,
physician; Charles L. Phair. sergeant; II. e.
Mccullough, master-at-arms: r. c. Bur-
nette. first master of the guard: A. r. Dom
telle. second master of the guard; ]. H.
Murphy, sentinel, and W. Morrison, picket.
After the installation ceremonies, which
will be worked on the evening Of New
Year day. It Is proposed to conclude the
evenings business with banquet.