Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 May 1875 — An Ingenious Robbery. [ARTICLE]

An Ingenious Robbery.

A few mornings since, writes tlie Paris correspondent of the London Daily Telegraph on March 26, a sensational robbery was committed, of that bold, but patient and thoughtful type which we are beginning to recognize as the American style. A. M. Delapicrre, money-changer on tlie Boulevard de la Madeleine, joins to this business a trade in expensive nick-nacks. Nearly each day, for the last six months, an American has made small purchases in the shop. With the ease and volubility of his pleasant race, this gentleman had fallen into a habit of exchanging long gossips with M. Delapierre, who looked upon him as one of his best customers. The other morning the American -arrived as usual, with a friend. M. Delapierre had just taken out a hag of money and valuables, which he placed ill tlie window while talking. There is, of course, a moneychanger's grating between it and the shop. Presently entered a third person, who bought a silver teapot, which the assistant packed up and carried to the address given. When he had gone the American produced a claw, such as glass globes are set upon, and said carelessly to the moneychanger: “ I wish you would see if you have a glass to fit this claw.” M. Delapierre went with him and sought a globe to match, leaving the friend alone. It appears that he immediately opened the grating, seized the little hag of valuables, and called out: “Haven’t you found a glass yet?” The American came back, chose ’some small article to be sent home, and then went ofl' quietly with his companion. Not for half an hour afterward did M. Delapierre discover his loss, which amounted to £12,000, half of it bank notes and gold, and the rest of it in cheeks and negotiable paper. A theft so patiently concocted, so audaciously carried out, is worthy of notice. Like our own bank forgers, these men had plainly, some capital. beside shrewd brain and cold resolution. They could afford to wait six months, and to buy silver teapots and triflea of that sort.