A DIABOLICAL ATTEMPT.

Temuka Leader, 10 August 1882, Page 3

A DIABOLICAL ATTEMPT.

A few weeks ago a great sensation was created in Berlin by the report that a crime had been perpetrated somewhat resembling the diabolical Thomas affair in Bremin a few years since. In that case a ship was destroyed, together with many lives, by the premature explosion of an infernal machine intended to sink the vessel in mid-ocean, and thereby enable the criminal to'claim a heavy insurance. In the present instance a dangerous fire was occasioned at the Berlin terminus of the Steam Eailway by a very similar accident. A.n agent residing in Berlin had booked and heavily insured a box at the station, and during the night the goods sheds became the scene of a sudden and destructive conflagration. On tho following morning, after the fire had been subdued, the authorities instituted an investigation into the cmse of it, when it was discovered that the box referred to contained a clock-work apparatus, which had been wound up to go off in twelve hours. The principal contents of the

box consisted of explosive and combustible matter, including a nitroglycerine compound. The perpetrator of the outrag* was known, and' was at once arrested. Wh.'ii insuring the case, its contents were dichred t.j be velvet, feathers, and furs.