THEFT FROM BURNS'S COTTAGE

Evening Star, Issue 15600, 17 September 1914, Page 7

THEFT FROM BURNS'S COTTAGE

AX AMERICAN TOURIST FIXED. An American tourist, who gave the name of David Graham Ga-rmichael, was charged the other day at Dumfries with theft of the brass handle of an old bureau in Burns's cottage at Ayr. It itppearecl that shortly after tho vi&Lt <if a party of motorists to Burns's cottage it was discovered that the handle oi a valuable old bureau, which had been acquired five years ago from Mr Quaritch in London, for a larsje sum, was missing. The police, were informed, and as it was thought that the party might call at Dumfries a watch was kept there. About 8 o'clock a motor car with eix persons was met in Buceleuch street, and the police officers stopped it. At that moment a gentleman in the car threw an article on the- street with the remark " I suppose that's what you are after." The sergeant picked up the article and identified it as the missing handle. The gentleman appeared to think that the incident had then ended, and was greatly surprised when he was placed under "arrest. He offered no resistance, and on reaching the Eolice office gave his name, and stated that e was from America, that he was on a tour through. England, and that his present address was the Station Hotel, Dumfries. He declined to give further information. Garmichael and five other friends—three ladies and two gentlemen—arrived at Dumfries Station Hotel on a Wednesday night. They stayed there over night, and motored to Ayr next day. It is stated that they aro well-to-do "Americana, but nothing further is known concerning them. The other five returned to Ayr, and were evidently much distressed at the turn of events. "It is stated that Carmiehael explained that the handle came away in his hand, and that the idea suddenly occurred to him to keep it as a souvenir of his visit to Burns's cottage. Defendant pleaded guilty at the Sheriff'* Court, Ayr, and was fined" £25, which waij paid. It was Gtated on his behalf that before visiting the cottage he had imbibed not wisely but too well, so that he was not altogether responsible for his action, which ho learettcd very much.