"The building had been thrown open to the public for the display
of fireworks on the Monument grounds before it. The plans are said
to have been on one of the draughting-tables, drawn upon linen to
be made into blue-prints. They are known to have been on the
tables when the draughting-room was locked for the night.
"The room is on the third floor of the Department and has a
balcony looking out on the Monument. Many officers and officials
had their families and friends on the balcony to witness the
celebration, though it is not known that any one was in the
draughting-room itself. All were admitted to the building on
passes. The plans were tacked to a draughting-board in the room,
but when it was opened in the morning the linen sheet was gone,
and so were the thumb-tacks. The plans could readily have been
rolled into a small bundle and carried under a coat or wrap.
"While the authorities are trying to minimise the actual loss, it
is believed that this position is only an attempt to allay the
great public concern.
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