The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1916-06-12

An unsuccessful attempt was made to
rob the Wiliiamstown postofice early
this morning, the burglars getting moth
| ing for their efforts except three dollars
of Postmaster George E.Wilber's private
account, which was left in the open cash
drawer. That the booty was not larger
was due to the fact that the safe, on be-
ing blown, tipped onto its face against
the partially open door so that there was
barely room for insertion of mans arm
/ a little way. and the safe could not be
lifted back TO its position without the
combined aid Of four men. So it is as
sumed that the robber gang was com
posed of less than a quartet, probably
two men
The break was discovered BY Postnas-
ter Wilber when he opened the postofice
in the south side of the Beckett block at
6 o'clock this morning. the room being
filled with fine dust which came from
the inner lining of the safe. and the safe,
located in the back of the main room, be-
ing thrown forward, while minor damage
had been done TO the interior of the
building. The chief damage to the build
ing was done to door leading from the
main room to the rear and located Just
at one side of the safe. It is supposed
that the explosive blew the safe door
back with such force as to smash this
door and then the safe door rebounded
partially shut as the safe pitched for
ward. Some glass in a cupboard was
also smashed as the safe fell forward and
struck against the cupboard, which then
partially held up the safe.
Postmaster Wilber promptly called as
sistance and two men tried to lift the
safe in vain. Then he called two more
men, and by considerable straining,
Messrs. Wilber Leon MeAllister. c. r.
ingalls, and Dean Griffiths were able to
yet the massive thing upright. Postmas-
.er Wilber's inventory OF the contests
allied to reveal that anything had been
AIKEN. There was between $500 and S400
n the safe, the amount consisting of
,lank money order books, postal funds,
money order funds and stampe. Not be-
ne able to reach in far enough 20 get
old of this and not being able to raise
he safe, the burglars were forced to be
ontent with the three dollars which they
ound in the open cash drawer. Thus the
orce which they had expected to bring
hem money was also the means OF
hwarting them when success seemed at
and; the safe, though open, could not
e robbed.
How the Safe Was Blown.
The safe itself was ruined There are
D drill holes in the door but the handle
hich worked the tumblels had been
roken off. probably with a sledge ham
er or other heavy instrument. and the
lplosve was placed IL the hole thus
.oduced. The force of the explosive did
1t blow the door off but swung it vio-
ntly open and then back again, besides
piping the interior to Some extent. The
ie dust from the cement filing was
i'll flying when the postmaster entered
e building. The safe was one secured
ON the Trow & Holden plant in Barre
ID was not considered burglar-proof by
" means.
The burglars probably got into the
stofiice by means Of a rear window.
lere were no jimmy marks about the
mt door. and the door was locked when
Wilber arrived at 6 o'clock.
the news Of the break became known.
seral persons residing in the immediate
Unity. which is in the center OF the
lsge and next 10 the hotel. remembered
wing heard noise between and 2
lock this morning. noise loud
1ugh to awaken them and vet not loud
1ugh 10 give them any apprehension Of
ious trouble. Glenn McAllister, who
e. in a house at the rear Of the Uni
-salist church. Bert Robinson's people
{ across the road and others in the
.el are among those who recall the
Sc.
There are no clues 10 the burglars up
the present time Whether the bur
r came hy automobile or not is not
lwn because the rain which fell after
rd would have obliterated all marks
the vehicle. az well a. tending % dead
the 4ound Of the explosion. II is said
, that no persons % whom suspicion
-ht br attached have been seen about
IhamstoVn lately.
Wiiber made Official motifs
ion to Inspector p T. Buckley ~ the
faF7ee department who Is located a.
Iiurton. and viii siso notify the chief
lerfrr af the department AZ Washing
He took prompt lacal efforts hv no
ing DEPUTY sheriff Leon McAuiste-
lC0ntiuusi On eighth pagsJ