Volltext Seite (XML)
GENERAL REPORT OF THE JUDGES OF GROUP XV. 3 be so supplied by layers of metal, deposits of “fire-proof” material, patent locks, bolts and bars, as to have but a comparatively small interior space in which to deposit the articles to be secured. As it is generally the case, however, that articles deposited in safes are valuable, and require but little room, this occupation of space is not deemed objectionable where safety is secured, but if a larger space is desired it is provided in a safe of larger size, which can be obtained at a proportionate advance in price. Very great ingenuity has been shown in the invention of locks, prominent among which appears what is called the “ chronometric” or time lock. Acting automatically, it prevents the opening of the safe between given hours, when the director desires it to be closed, thus positively preventing the opening of the safe by any one, even though in possession of every detail of the mechanism of both lock and safe. The hour predetermined for opening must arrive, when the chronometric attachment removes the obstruction, and then only can the safe be unlocked. This attachment is made in the interior of the safe, and therefore cannot be controlled except by force, which, of course, could not be applied if proper protection was given. This provision affords protection to country banks and bankers, whose cashiers are liable to be attacked by burglars, taken to the bank, and compelled to open the vaults or supply the means to do so. As, when the chronometric attachment is used, the custodian of the safe cannot open it out of hours for any purpose, the burglar must either do what he can to break in or w'ait for the time for unlocking, which w'ould probably be quite an unsafe hour for him. The safes now made < are not only up to the improvements of the intelligence of the hour in point of substantial service, but are even elegant in their finish and ornamentation. Some are so combined with the patterns and designs of household furniture as to make them beautiful and attractive in the parlor or drawing-room, at a cost not unreasonably above articles of good quality made by the cabinet maker for ordinary service. The bankers’ or business safes are, however, of the greatest im portance to the welfare of the community. In these the increasing dexterity of the burglar, armed with the most improved drills, wedges, and levers, and supplied with air-pump, blow-pipe, and con centrated explosives, has kept active all the inventive powers at the command of safe-makers. So we have constantly contending the burglar and the safe-maker,—the first aiming to prey upon the com munity, the other to defeat this aim. Thus, as burglars apply im proved tools and materials to open the locks or penetrate the walls