The Grave Robbers of Spokane Falls

No little excitement was occasioned this week by a report that gained circulation that an attempt had been made at body-snatching in the cemetery at this place, and on investigation we learned the particulars of one of the most singular circumstances that has ever come under our observation. Last Tuesday afternoon several ladies, bent on the sad mission of visiting the last resting place of friends, drove out to the new cemetery, situated about a mile south of the city, and while engaged in their work of love had their attention attracted to A. M. Cannon's lot, where the remains of Mr. Cannon's stepson, Geo. Clark, had been buried last April, and were horrified to discover that the earth had been removed from the grave. Without stopping to investigate the ladies returned to the city, but it was late at night before Mr. Cannon received word of the circumstances. That gentleman, in company with Dr. C. H. Pentland, immediately proceeded to the cemetery. On examination with a lantern it was found that the dirt had been entirely removed from the grave, a portion of the lid of the casket removed, the oval plate of the casket torn off and a round hole about the size of a man's fist broken in the glass, causing the features to view, but further than that the body was not disturbed. It is utterly impossible to understand the motives that would lead men to commit such a deed. The cemetery is remote from any habitation and seldom visited, and it is hardly probable that the perpetrators could have been frightened from their work. It is further impossible to say when the excavation was made, although the indications are that it was very recent. It is not likely that men were looking for a 'subject' for dissection, for it would be next to an impossibility to ship a body at this season of the year to any point where it could be used. Besides, if that was their object, there was nothing to prevent them from carrying it out, as the remains were accessible and as well preserved as a fresh corpse. An idea is entertained that the grave robbers started in with the intention of carrying off the body and then awaiting a reward for its return. This may have been the case, and when almost completing their nefarious work the scoundrels may have realized the impracticability of carrying out such a scheme in a country like this, and gave up the job just as they were about to complete their plans. All theories are purely problematic, and the horrible act will remain a mystery for ever, no doubt. The people here felt very indignant over the outrage, not only on account of the family, but also of the high esteem that everybody entertained for the lamented young Clark during his lifetime. Few young men have passed away so universally regretted. With a bright, sunny disposition, a warm heart, a kindly word for everyone, he had so ingrafted himself into the hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing him that when the dark angel settled over his fever-racked form and his spirit passed away to that realm beyond, strong, rough men bowed down their heads and eyes that 'hardly knew a scaly tear' dropped many a heartfelt tear to the memory of the noble young man. And feeling as they did toward men, if the persons who desecrated his narrow grave could be apprehended it is pretty certain that they would meet swift and sure retribution.