The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1905-12-30
BOLD DEED OF A
CLEVER RASCAL
Seattle Theatre Owner Held Up in a
Fashionable Hotel.
M. GOLDSMITH OUT $3.50
"MR. BURKE OF BUTTE" TURNED
THE TRICK.

Q cattle, Wash, Dec. 29.-Mose
y Goldsmith. theatrical booking
agent and owner of the Strand
theatre of this city, was held up in a
room of the Lincoln hotel, one of the
most fashionable hostelries in Seattle,
this afternoon, by a man who gave his
name as Burke. and made to pay over
5000. It was one of the boIdest planned
tricks ever turned in this city.
Yesterday Goldsmith received a tel
ephOne message from Burke. who
stated that ne had a proposition to
make. A meeting was arranged in an
uptown office. Burke said he was from
Butte Mont, and owned a half interest
in the Miner OF that city He said he
had SIS GOO TO invest and would like to
buy an interest in Goldsmiths theat-
rical business. He showed what pur-
ported to be n draft on the Butte
Miner for that amount. Goldsmith said
he would sell him an interest in his
two vaudeville theatres in this city for
that amount. 1t was agreed that Gold
smith should have the papers drawn up
by his attorney.
Answered Telephone Call.
Today Goldsmith received a tele-
phone call from Burke from the Lin
coin hotel, asking him to come up and
talk over the deal. Goldsmith and an
employe named Cohen went up, going
to room on the top floor They were
met by Burke, who stated that he
wished to talk to Goldsmith personally.
Cohen went to the Office and Cold
smith remained with Burke. The first
thing the latter did after Cohen left
was 10 tell Goldsmith to read a letter
lying on table in the room. This let
ter stated that Burke needed 81, $50
very badly, and If Goldsmith did not
come through" with that amount his
head would be shot off Goldsmith
turned to his companion and looked
down the barrel of a revolver.
Forced TO Write Check.
Write out check for the amount, 3"
commanded Burke. land send the hotel
clerk TO the bank for the money, $500 in
gold and the balance in 800 bills"
Goldsmith did as told and called up
Cashier Lane of the scandinavian bank
to say the check was all right and pay
the same as directed. The hotel clerk,
F. R. Fleming, was called to the room
Burke keeping Goldsmith covered and
shielding the gun from Fleming's sight
After Fleming had gone. Burke told
Goldsmith to order drinks for two,
which he did. and after the clerk re-
turned with the money he ordered two
more, for which he made Goldsmith
pay.
Shook Hands and Left.
Pocketfng the money. Burke informed
Goldsmith that he was a gentleman
and shook hands with him.
He also said he would not take Gold
smiths diamonds. He then made Gold
smith go into the bathroom and warned
him to make no outcry for fifteen min
ute5. He then locked the door and left
After waiting for about ten minutes
Goldsmith began yelling and attracted
the attention OF a woman in the next
room. The porter was sent for and
Goldsmith liberated.
The police were notified at once and
detectives placed on the case. Gold
smith described Burke as being Of
medium height and fairly well dressed
His hair and mOustac che We're Jet black
and his eyes light blue, which causes
Goldsmith to think he was disguised.
Two trains Of the Great Northern
and Northern Pacific left the city at
o'clock and the police believe he caught
one or the other The police along the
lines of both have been notified of the
hOld-uD, and asked to search all trains
Cashier Lane of the scandinavian
bank telegraphed to Butte and learned
that no such man as Burke has anv in
terest whatever in the Miner Chief
Delaney says It is the cleverest piece
of work In the history Of the depart
ment