Seward daily gateway., 1924-06-28
Cordoua Times Tells
 of Postofice Robbery

CORDOVA, June 1.-The Cordova post office was robbed last night pre- sumably early this morning. About five thousand dollars in currency and two money order books, each contain 1 ing 200 orders, were taken.
 It would seem as though the work was done by experts or by one who was familiar with the workings of combination locks. The outer door of the large safe in the office was open ed, apparently without much difficulty ! by manipulating the combination, and after that the small inner safe that held the money, was likewise opened.
 The compartment containing the cash was taken to the middle of the floor where the weight scales stand and most of it was evidence that the man or men were disturbed in their work and made nasty flight, as a small bag of gold was left lying on the floor as we'll as possibly $50 in green backs, of denominations that incuded ones, twos, lives ten and twenties. It was scattered within a radius of a yard.
 1 The robbery was planned for time when there is ordinarily quite few thousand dollars in the safe as well as considerable in the registered mail. A train over the Copper River & N. railroad left for the north this morn ing taking a lot of registered mail Then the steamer Yukon was due to reach here for the south at noon, with considerable money and registered mail to leave on her.
 No registered mail or postage stamps were disturbed, possibly be- cause of the necessity of making a hasty flight. Postmaster c. H. Scheff- Ter had not checked up on his accounts early this afternoon, so that it is not known definitely what is missing, but the amount is in the neighborhood of i S5,0O0. Neither the postmaster or his 1 bondsmen will be affected by the loss, as there was no evidence of neglect upon the part of any of those conduct l ing the postoffice. In similar cases the loss, if there ultimately is any, falls on the government.
 The postoffice force worked late last night preparing the registered and all other mail for the train this morning. Postmaster Scheffler was the last one there, about II: 80 o'clock, having gone in for the last look around before go- ing home. Everything then was prop erly locked and secure.
 This morning when the office was opened it was found that both the front and back doors were open, mak- ing it uncertain as to which entrance was used by the cracksmen. The pro- vision was evidently made for flight in either direction, as should seem more advisable, with the probability that the rear entrance was used, both going and coming.
 Various theories have been advanc- ed as to who was implicated in the robbery. It is generally believed that it was done by professional, who was sufficiently familiar with locks that he had but little trouble in finding the right combination on the postoffice safe. It may have been someone who came here weeks or months ago and who will quietly remain pursuing some occupation until he thinks it safe to make his exit from Alaska. Later, if he attempts to use the money orders it may lead to his apprehension.
 Postmaster Scheffler promptly noti- fled the government authorities and the postal department and it is expect ed that ere long, some experienced men will be on the case. In the mean time the public of Cordova are sym pathizing with the postmaster and his employees because of the unfortunate circumstance that has occurred just prior to the transfer of the office to the new appointee.