RENSSELAER WATCHMAN IS
KILLED BY ROBBER
Abraham Van Vechten, 55, a watchman, was shot to death early today at the Barnet shoddy mill, Forbes avenue, Rensselaer, by a lone robber, who then tried to crack the office safe and escaped after ineffectual police pursuit. 

The watchman’s murderer lay in wait for his victim behind a machine. As Van Vechten went to register on Box 2, of the telegraph watch system at 2 a.m., he was shot down and, according to physicians, died almost instantly. Two bullet wounds were found in his body.
Failure of the watchman to register at the alarm station, connected with the  main office in the Journal building, Albany, a few minutes later sent Patrolman Fred Rabe of the Rensselaer police to the mill with William Tibbitts of the telegraph company. Rabe saw a man run from the building. He fired and the fugitive’s derby hat fell from his head. He picked it up and ran. Another shot from the policeman’s gun failed to stop him. Rabe and Tibbitts then found the body of the murdered watchman alongside the machine and near the alarm box. 

Police are searching for a low order thug, who is probably left-handed. Police Chief James Holland of Rensselaer pointed out that the robber was an amateur in safe cracking. The left-hand theory was picked up when it was discovered that in order to shoot from concealment behind the machine it would be impossible to use the right hand. 

Van Vechten was one of the most estimable citizens of Rensselaer. He was a native of Schaghticoke, and once owned a large farm, on which he raised blooded cattle. 

Funeral services will be held in the Masonic hall, Rensselaer, Monday afternoon. Burial will be in Schaghticoke. 

ALTAMONT EXPERIENES BIG GARAGE FIRE 

AS NEW FIRE TRUCK GETS FIRST TEST 

Altamont was visited in the early hours of Monday morning with the most destructive fire that has occurred here for years, with the burning of the garage of the Helderberg Motor company. 

The garage was a frame building, one story and loft adjoining the old Commercial hotel, and had been remodeled in front for office and storeroom when Lane & Salsburgh opened their agency for Ford cars and service. The building was originally the Commercial hotel barn. 

The fire was discovered by Mrs. Fred Clickman shortly after 2 o’clock Monday morning from her residence across the street. She noticed the office in flames. Orrin E. Packard, who occupies a building on the Helderberg Motor company’s property, was awakened by the noise and heat of the fire, and aided in giving the alarm. Blowing of the whistle of the D. & H. locomotive, which remains here over night, also aided materially in arousing the village.  

The Hose company responded and did excellent service with their new motor apparatus in saving the adjoining properties. This was the first fire to occur since the purchase of the new fire truck last summer. 

The cause of the fire remains unsolved. It does not appear that it came from the office stove, as there was still unburned coke in it. It had the appearance of having started in the northwest corner of the office. 

Lane & Salsburgh, the proprietors, expect to rebuild, putting up a modern fireproof building on practically the same site. They wish to thank the members of the Hose company for their excellent service at the fire and in saving the other buildings on the property.