Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-21
LOOT TREASURE ROOM
Thieves Get $50, 600 in Gems
From Bourne Mansion.
THEY MOVE MYSTERIOUSLY
Family Away From Their Long
Island Home.
HIDING PLACE WAS SECRET
Jewels Belong to Three Daughters
of the Noted Yachtsman-Detec-
tives Are Bamed.
HIDING PLACE WAS SECRET

NEW YORK. August 21.-F'rom treas
ure room in the country mansion of Com
modore Frederick G. Bourne. at Oakdale.
L. l.. the location of which has been a
family secret since the mansion was
erected. Jewels valued at more than $50,
GOO have been stolen. The jewels were
those worn by Commodore Bourne's
three daughters at the horse show. the
opera and other functions famous for the
display Of gems worn by society leaders.
Although the robbery took place nearly
two months ago. 1t was not until yester-
day that the facts became known. Every
effort has been made to recover the dia-
monds through the agency of private de-
tectives without appealing to the police.
The scene Of the robbery is in the heart of
he millionaire colony on Long Island,
William X Vanderbilt's estate and the
residence of Rear Admiral William Lud-
low adjoining the Bourne property.
The secert Of the treasure room was
sedulously guarded by the family for
many years. Not even personal friends
who believed they had inspected every
apartment in Indian Neck Hall. as the
mansion is knowff. were aware that the
room existed. Its presence was concealed
by architectural devices. and the door
leading into 1t was barred and bolted SO
securely that even il the room were dis
covered the likelihood Of any one other
than members of the family being able to
secure entrance seemed improbable.
Secret Treasure Room.
The family Jewels, plate and other ar
ticles Of great value were guarded In the
room when not in use. Commodore
Bourne and his family left Indian Neck
Hall two months ago for Dark Island. on
the st. Lawrence river, while extensive
alterations were being made in the man.
sion. 1t IS said the plans called for an
expenditure of nearly $500. 600. and neces-
stated work which made it necessary
to intrust the secret Of the treasure room
to one or two expert mechanics.
Following the departure of the family
one hundred men were engaged on the
repairs. It is not definitely known when
the treasure room was invaded, but a
member of the family discovered the
robbery and reported Immediately to
Commodore Bourne. He insisted that abb
private detectives.
Disguised as artisans, they Joined in the
activities of repairs on the mansion. and
thus became acquainted with all of the
some of the men held the key to the mys-
terry Of the robbery. 1t was said last
night that the detectives have centered
their investigation on two men. and are
seeking to learn If they are the ones to
whom the secret of the treasure room
was intrusted. No trace of the stolen
jewels has thus far been found. They
belonged to the Misses Marion, Marjorie
and Florence Bourne.
Attempt Raid.
Burglars attempted raid. on Indian
Neck Hall last February ! and a pistol
fight resulted. They entered the house
while a storm was raging outside and
one struck match. Night Watchman
McFadden saw the flame and summoned
his assistant, Frank White. They We're
in the grounds at the time, the former
carrying lantern. Advancing toward
the mansion the burglars saw them and
reiterated. Both sides opened fire, empty
ing their revolvers. but none of the bull
lets took effect. Miss Bourne and some
guests attending a house party in the
mansion were much terrified by the shoot
ing.
Indian Neck Hall is one Of the show
places on Long Island. 1t was built
more than ten years ago, in the style of
Venetian country place. A system Of
canals forms miles of network over the
1,OOO-acre estate. Brilliantly illuminated
at night. the mansion serves as a beacon
to boatmen on Great South bay.