Year: 1870




Felony Compounded.


Since the news was spread abroad that the
Boylston Bank had been robbed, all matters per-
tanning to the job have been interesting, while
they have been shrouded in mystery. Who the
operators were and what they did with the
funds the public have never been satisfactorily
informed, and perhaps never will be. But New
Haven correspondent of the Boston TrdCeLer
has written chapter containing statements
which have not before been in print.


1t is not necessary to recapitulate the story of
the crime. All will remember that the robbers
entered room next to that occupied by the
vault of the bank and after a few days exer-
tion succeeded in making away with their
plunder. The whole city stood aghast at their
temerity and there was a great hue and cry.
But these four men were too shrewd and cum
ming to allow themselves to be caught in the
very moment of success and for some days not
the slightest inkling could be learned of their
whereabouts. And here it might be stated that
they were safely housed in notorious crib on
Houston street, New York. There they remained
until the public excitement began to die away
and they could more safely take measures for
the utilization of their spoils


The New York detectives with whom they had
previously dealt demanded a larger perqulsite
than the robbers deemed profitable to disburse,
and it was therefore decided to select middle
man from some other city. Such one was
found here in the person of an old schoolmate
of one of the thieves. A carefully worded letter
was accordingly despatched to him, stating,
among other things, that, unless satisfactory





officials, the entire property would be carried
out of the country.


few hours reflection convinced the reci-
pient of the letter that he had better undertake
the trust, and he so worded his reply. Speed
being one OF the essential conditions of success,
he took the first train for Boston that day,
where he interviewed the principal losers in the
affair, submitting to each paper whereby it
was agreed to accept certain proportion Of
their loss In liquidation of all claims, it being
understood that the thieves and the bearer of
the paper were to share the remainder.


These conditions were agreed to by every one
to whom they were Submitted, and, armed with
documentary evidence so that effect, Mr.. Blank
went to New York. He ascertained the where
abouts of the thieves, and after much trouble
succeeded in meeting one of them face to face.
He submitted the results of his labor, and was
told that it was satisfactory, but that definite
answer could not be given until the following
morning. Mr.. Blank was elated at his success.
| He called upon a prominent police officer in
the city, and was promised his cooperation in
| the good work, and then telegraphed to Bos-
| ton loser, urging his immediate departure for
| New York. Then, calling again upon the New
York officer, the offers of assistance were reiL-
Grated, and plan were made for the arrest OF
the parties.


Overjoyed at his success, Mr.. Blank retired to
| his hotel, there TO dream away the weary hours
which lay between him and competency OF
| wealth. But he was doomed to disappointment
| The thieves were not to be hoodwinked in this
way. Mr.. Blank was too dangerous person to
| De allowed 10 remain IN new 1Ork unWatcAed
and from the moment that Lis presence had
been communicated TO them, his every step was
noticed. From the hotel to the street, to the
! police office and to the depot, his motions were
under constant surveillance, none the less rigid
because he himself was unaware of its existence
| Even his conversation with the police officer
after his interview with the thief was, asserts
my informant, overheard by a confederate and
| reported to headquarters.


The matter of personal safety became vital
one. The burglars had confded in man who
was to betray them to justice, and it became
necessary to get out of the way. Accordingly
making hurried settlement with the New
| York officers upon their own terms, the party
| packed up the remainder of their pluDder that
rIe hlRns, aha h oepaltea rTL nottpean per ne"
| and two of their number fouEd their way to
! Europe. The Others separated, one going TO the
! extreme West and the other remaining in the
| vicinity of the place where the party broke up
| This was the condition of affairs two months
| after the robbery.