Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-10-26
STOLEN STATE JEWELS.
SoMe Historic Robberies-Even
 Crowns Have Been Spirited Away.

The sensational discovery of the disappearance from Dublin castle of the precious regalia of the Order of St Patrick is most eloquent remind CT that even the most jealOu.ly guard ed treasures are not always safe from the evi designs of clever, enterprise ing thieves.
 It is some 236 years since the re- galia in the Tower of London had a narrow escape from the fate which has apparently overtaken that of the Order of St Patrick, says Tit-Bits. Having concOcted a plot with three kindred spirits, a notorious rascal, known to history as Colonel Thomas Blood, induced the keeper of the crown jewels to admit him and his cOnfederates to view them.
 No sooner was the door of the chamber closed, in accordance with the invariable practice, than a cloak was flung over the keepers head a gag thrust into his mouth and an iron hook fixed in his nose. These impedi- ments failing to quiet him. he was knocked down and stabbed, the thieves immediately making off with the crown and globe.
 Next moment the keeper, who had been knocked senseless, regained con- sciousness, and, hearing his shouts, his daughter rushed out screaming Treason. treason! The crown is stolen." The thieves were speedily run down, and notwithstanding re- sistance, were captured with the jew els in their possession.
 With an insolence, all his own, Blood boasted that it was "a bold bid for a crown" and refused to make any confession except to the king in person. The effeminate curiosity of Charles II secured not only admission to the royal presence but a pardon and a reward for his daring in Irish estates worth ( 500 a year, which were granted to the daring ruffian.
 The crown of Holland, which is said to have cost ( 125, 900, about seven- ty-five years ago. actually underwent the indignity of being stolen by burg lars. For nearly a couple of years they had it in their possession; and eventually some of the gems from it were found near Brooklyn, in the United States. The others subse- quently came to light in Belgium. and were ultimately restored to their original purpose.
 Perhaps the crown of Hungary has undergone more vicissitudes than any other European crown. A long time ago, owing to the extinction of the royal male line. there were several candidates for the Hungarian throne; and eventually the diet bestowed the crown on their own nominee.
 Having been persuaded to appear in public in his coronation robes, with the crown on his head the new soy crPign was swOOped down upon and carried off ny the king of Bohemia. crown and all. Much disappointed. the Hungarians thereupon made Otto of Bavaria their monarch on condi- tiUn that he made it his business to steal back the missing crown.
 To effect this purpose. Otto made lis way into Bohemia disguised as merchant. recovered the precious crown. and started back to his king dom with il concealed in q Cask slung at thc rear of wagon. In the course of his journey. however. f was nearly lost again for the iolting of the vehicle caused the clsk to fall into a deep ditch IL was Oaiy fshrd ont with great difficulty. hut it's adventures wcrp ended for q time wi;h its arrival in Hungary.
 Tbr next person to tampeT with the sr. -F Aided by one of her ladies she stitch ei ff up in a cushion and smugglpd il across the river Danube into Ger man territory. where she herself sought refuge
 When prPsse,i for ready cash she raised nearly 3nGG durats upon thp crown. which she pledged to tho Em- peror Frederick Countless lives were 1 lest and much bInOd shed before # . eouii I-a rp0overc1 and restored fN Hungary. brt 0ncp again there it was Iocted up in strong fortress and guarie,i night snd day
 For the spscp of 2 couple of cru- trJIias the crown had 8 comparatively quisf time though st the tine of tIse revolution it had a uaTrou esrape I1 oTyfrr 10 protect ft from the Au<trians # wss I'uriel Isy hand 0f patriots in 2 forest wherr ft lay concealed for uearIy fifty years
 If wzs then duz m from it's hidfnz T1la0a- zgueh tIsp worse for its aztraor- . lfuary eETrrieure and rnavpVagl to flBA Hungarian capital s5aep then the crown Of HunzsrT has not fig l ursd so e0zspSruousEv in tie ronance 4