The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-08-08

There was dire distress on North Main
street this morning. but that this feeling
extended far. or moved many people to
tears. is yet TO be recorded.
During the still hours OF the night
while good people slept and none save
the guardians of the peace were supposed
to be out Of doors. very wicked person.
perhaps two OF them. made call at John
Nelson's shop at 2s6 North Main street.
They came uninvited.
Mr.. Nelson was formerly and briefly a
member of the house of representatives.
He was also interested in the trial OF
an indictment, In which somebody was
alleged TO have received stolen gold.
He is now interested in the final dispo-
sition that may be made of another in
dictment, which has TO do with the pur-
chase OF silver said TO have been sur
reptitiously removed from the premises
of the Gorham Manufacturing company.
Presumably somebody learned that Mr..
Nelson dealt in precious metals. This
person may have been led to infer that
he did so because OF the publicity given
hap II was because OF the fact that Mr..
Nelson advertised that IL any person felt
overburdened with either old or new gold
or silver he would purchase the same and
relieve that person OF any cause for ap-
prehension that thieves might break
through and steal
Howbeit. Mr.. Nelson had, when he
closed his shop at o'clock last night,
strong box. in which he had deposited
property 10 the value of 5000.
So he says
Mr. Nelson's strong box-at least he
considered IT. TO be one. was formidable
when viewed first end on, with Its door
OF super-imposed layers of steel. its big
combination lock, and a set OF steel bars
which. when In place. were supposed 10
hold the door safe against all invading
forces
Alas Il was a snare and a delusion.
The safe stood in the fruit shop. nearby
the patent gas-fed furnace In which criI-
cibles holding precious meta are heated
until their contents are resolved into
buttons and bars.
A light was always burning that the
guardians OF the peace. as they made
their rounds. might have a fair view Of
the premises, likewise OF the safe.
At o'clock this morning Mr. Nelson's
clerk, Abraham kozlow. opened the shop
and was very much surprised at the abb
sence of the safe from its accustomed
resting place.
Mr.. Kozlow hastily investigated the
back shop-then. with a rapidly palpitat-
ing heart he made record run 10 Mr.
Nelson's domicile.
Mr.. Nelson lost no time in getting 20
the shop and then he had such head
ache.
His safe had been turned bottom UP and
torn open
Ii was a w. c. ireland frs-proof box.
made in Detroit, Mich. and never intend
ed to resist the overtures Of a really
determined cracksman.
The outer shell. which was OF is-inch
sheet steel. had been bored, then cut and
rolled back Ike so much pasteboard, a
third OF the bottom and a quarter OF one
side Of the safe being thus treated
Under the metal casing was the usual
fire. proof composition resembling stove
lining which was broken and then picked
out The inner layer OF thin sheet iron
was easily pried away and all that the
thieves had TO do was TO dip In and help
themselves
And this they did for fair.
Mr.. Nelson called I'm the detectives and
requested that Capt. Lawrence should
view the cold. cold remains OF his safe
He averred that the loot. which had
consisted OF diamonds, watches. chains,
gold bars jewelry and negotiable notes.
was valued at 5000 and that the robbery
had made him poor man.
All that Was Teft was big bunch OF re-
ceipts for money loaned TO various trades
people. mostly of the Hebrew race.
The shop was claimed 20 have been en-
tered by q rear window. opening upon a
pls tform over a small area.
This window had been fastened with
patent catch In the upper centre OF the
lower sash.
once thrown over this catch sent