Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-08-09
Owner Says Were Worth
About 100000.
New Yorker at Newport, R. L.,
Said to Be the Victim.
Chief Richards Of Newport Is UnwiII-
ing to Believe Story-Notified Only
by Outside Reports-Robbery Was
Committed Away Back in Last June,

New York, Aug. S.-The most extern
siVe jewclry robbery ever perpetrated
in this country. involving a loss of 500,
OGO, is reported by the Herald to be en-
Gaging the attention of the police and
scores of private detectives in east
ern cities. Great secrecy surrounds the
ROBBERY, which appears to have been
committed about June q, in the New
port residence of prominent New
1orker whose name is withheld, Dia-
mOnds and other precious stones valued
at the sum mentioned are missing. The
matter has only become known through
the publication of a list of the missing
jewels.
Orders have been issued to spare no
expense or labor to find the robbers and
restore the gems and every suggestion
that could lead to discovery has been
eXhauStivly covered. but thus far the
case is still involved in mystery. No
effort has been relaxed, , however, and
the detectives are confident that they
will clear up the case.
For the past notification of the rob-
berry has been quietly given to pawn
brokers and then among dealers
throughout the country in order that
no opportunity should be offered for
the disposition of the articles. Among
them are:
One ladys pearl collar or neckpiece
frequently described as a dog collar"
with diamond clasp; pearl in center of
clasp; valued at 500
A rope of % white and six black large
pearls, with black pearl clasp; diamond
rOndels between them.
One rope of II large pearls, graduated
in size; rs rondels between pearls with
a solitaire pearl clasp.
One brooch. three very large pearls,
consisting Of one pink, one white and
one gray or black pearl.
One cabachou ruby and diamond
bracelet, five rubies, about three or
four karats each.
1t is known that the victims of this
gigantic robbery are among the wealth.
lest ard socially most prominent Of the
summer residents of Newport. For this
reason, as well as for the possible adj
vantage The thieves might have gained
from the excitement following public
ity, the utmost secrecy has been main
tanned concerning the case.
AS soon as the loss of the jewels was
discovered Chief of Police Richards, in
charge of the Newport department, was
quietly summoned to the house and
given full information as well as 4
description Of the missing articles. lie
was cautioned. however, to exercise
care and discretion in pursuing the in
vestigation.
In this first consultation the theory
was advanced that the robbery had
been committed by someone who knew
of the existence Of the jewels as well
as their great value and who may have
had easy access to them at times.
This was one reason for the main
tenance of secrecy, the hope being en-
tertained that if the thieves had not
fed with the gems and knew that the
matter had been placed with the police
negotiations might be opened for the
return of the jewels intact il immunity
from punishment were guaranteed the
guilty persons or possibly for "A large
financial reward. These waiting tao tics
proved futile, however. and the case
was placed in the hands of private de-
tttIlNcS dctbIiIIdlileu ny an OllCi VI d
large reward.
Every scrap of information that
might possibly lead to discovery was
also placed in the possession Of the de-
tectivcs and they Immediately set to
work along new lines which. in spite
of the lapse of time since the robbery,
hope to bring to successful end.
Since the beginning of the present
Newport season there has been an I'M
usually large number of robberies in
wealthy residence there and the theory
has been entertained that the present
case may he the elimination of a series
of crimes organized and executed by a
daring band thoroughly familiar with
the conditions and opportunities OF the
reSOrt.
Only the larger and more important
gems are mentioned in the list and
there is said to he good authority for
the statement that the total value Of
the stolen articles will reach S200000.