The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-06-08
YEGGMEN Twice
CROSS DEADLINE'
Loot Safes in Importing House
and Rob and Burn Staten
Island Tavern.
POLICE HAVE NO CLEWS
Auto Thieves Obtain $1,000 from
Strong Box in Old Landmark, but
Are Disappointed in City.

New York. June Mot only have the
higher class of crooks operated below the
Fulton Street dead line within the past
year, but now the yeggmen. the lowest
grade of criminals given to robberies,
have begun operations. Early today they
got into the offices of Whitehouse, DAVIS
& Co, 21-29 Water Street. and blew open
two safes. getting about 800 in cash and
SIS worth of stamps
Over on Staten Island at about the
same time the yeggmen were at work in
the Water Street establishment. Burglars.
who arrived in an automobile. broke into
the Old Red Tavern-a tavern no longer
one Of the Staten Island landmarks no
llonger-and looted strong box of 5000
worth of jewels while the owners were
absent, and then set fire to the building,
whether accidentally or otherwise is not
known.
Robbers Wire disappointed.
That the yeggmen who blew open the
safes at the establishment of White
house, Davis & Co., who are commits
sion merchants and importers, did not
make a bigger haul is due to the fact
that this week the payday was
changed. During the winter months
Saturday is the day the employees get
their money. Beginning with yester-
day. Friday was made the payday. con-
sequently the safe was not full of cash,
as it was expected to be-
There are three safes in the place
One is in the outer ONCE. the second
is in the middle Office, and the third
is at the back of the building. In the
third safe only the books are kept
Early today Edward Brasch. a private
Waterman. heard an explosion. and he
notified two policemen. They made an
investigation and found that the outside
of the building had not been disturbed.
and came TO the conclusion that the
Waterman was mistaken. In fact, the
Waterman came to that conclusion him
self
But at S o'clock Matthew A. Bell. one
of the firms employees, arrived with
porter. When they opened the Offices the
safes were found blown open. Joseph A.
Davis, one of the members of the firm.
got there a few minutes later, and he
reported the burglary to the police.
strong Box Blown Open.
The Old Red Tavern. which was de-
stroyed by fire. was at Eltingville. on
the Amboy Road. II was built early in
the last century. 1t was only one story
high. and was a frame structure. For
some time il had been occupied by John
Bebi and his VIE. Inc BeDlS were re-
rorted TO be wealthy.
About midnight neighbors noticed an
automobile with its engine running stand.
ing in the driveway near the inn. Mr..
and Mrs. Bebi were not at home, though
the neighbors did not know il. II is be-
iieved the burglars were at work all the
time the machine was on the drive. for
after an hour or so several men were
seen to come from the direction of the
house. They jumped in the auto and
were whirled away.
Shortly afterward flames were seen
coming from the windows OF the ancient
building. which is but short distance
Club House. A report started that the
came chugging from every direction 10
help save the club.
1t was soon seen. however, that the
fire was not at the club. but in the old
tavern. Deputy Chief Begins, who re-
sponded to the first alarm. detected the
odor of kerosene, and other firemen de-
clared it was very strong when they first
arrived
When Mr. Bebi appeared on the scene
he at once caused a search to be made
FIR the strong box, which was finally
dug from the smoking ruins. The IRON
bound box, 1t was reported. had contained
jewels valued at 5000.
Whether it had been blown open or
not could not be discerned, as 1t was
so blackened by the flames. The police
bell Re the burglars probably wrenched
it open. looted it, and then set fire TO
the house to hide their crime.