Rensselaer Union and Jasper Republican, Volume 8, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 May 1876 — An Intrepid Bank Cashier. [ARTICLE]

An Intrepid Bank Cashier.

The value of a plucky bank cashier was well illuttrated in the bold attempt to rob the National Bank of Chambersburg, Pa., the other night. The would-be robbers were named Rollins and Johnson, the former of whom had lived in Chambersburg for some time, and was quite intimate with the family of the cashier, Mr. George Messersmith. Friday evening, Rollins, in company with Johnson, called at the house of Mr. Messersmith and were received by a Mr. Kindline, who, knowing the intimacy which existed between Rollins and Messersmith, escorted them to Mr. Messersmith’s private office in the rear of the bankipg-room. Rollins introduced Ins friend Johnson, and remarked that they had called to purchase Mr. Messersmith’s farm. After a brief conversation, they asked permission to deposit an envelope containing SIO,OOO for safe keeping during the night. This was granted, and the vault opened to pui it away. Then the signal was given by Rollins, and both seized Messersmith and endeavored to gag him, flourishing a dagger and revolver in his face to intimidate him. In this they were unsuccessful, for Mr. Messersmith not only succeeded in removing the gag, but actually threw Johnson on the floor, and finally ooened- the door and. ctlfri. ‘ * Murder t’ ’ This alarmed’ tliie would-be robbers, wfio fled, taking with them a package containing $30,000. They ran to the front halldoor, where they were met by Mr. Kindline, who declined opening it, although Rollins held a revolver at his breast, threatening to shoot if he did not. They then ran out the back way, but were there confronted by William Scott. Rollins and Johnson jumped from the balcony. In doing this Rollins fell and was seized by Scott, who held him until assistance arrived. The $30,000, together with two revolvers, were taken from him and he was placed in jail. Johnson succeeded in escaping for the time, but he, too, was soon caught. Three lots of burglars’ tools, gowns, masks, etc., were found in lots adjoining the bank property, showing that there were other parties outside who were interested in the job. The impression is that the plan was to gag the whole household. The bank does not lose one cent, but on the other hand, Is ahead eighty-five dollars, this being the amount found in the package which the men said contained SIO,OOO. — Exchange.

Upon the score of economy, theDireo-. tors of the South Yorkshire (Eng.) coal mines have ordered that hereafter blasting must be discontinued when men are down in the pits, as “the continued deaths by accident render skilled lifoor very dear.” In India, in 1809, one tigress was reported to have killed 127 people and stopped a public road for many weeks. Wales dia his hunting in another department. *