\l 
 
 U)(i o 
 
 :73 
 
 L_ 
 
 CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 THIS BOOK IS ONE OF A 
 COLLECTION MADE BY 
 
 BENNO LOEWY 
 1854-1919 
 
 AND BEQUEATHED TO 
 CORNELL UNIVERSITY 
 
Frauds exposed; 
 
 olin 
 
 3 1924 030 319 325 
 
 ^V^ 
 
 DATE DUE 
 
 MAY>^ l')81 S 
 
 Rfr^ f W-H-% ^^ 
 
 JAN ? i l l myL. 
 
 CAVUORO 
 
 PRINTED IN U.S A. 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030319325 
 
FRAUDS EXPOSED; 
 
 OR, 
 
 HOW THE PEOPLE ARE DECEIVED AND 
 ROBBED, AND YOUTH CORRUPTED. 
 
 Beln^ a Fall Exposure of Various Schemes operated through the Malls, and 
 
 unearthed by the Author In a Seven Years* Service as a Special Ag^ent 
 
 of the POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT and Secretary and 
 
 Chief Agent of the NEW YORK SOCIETY FOR 
 
 THE SUPPRESSION OF VICE. 
 
 AK'THOl^Y OOMSTOOK 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 J. HOWAED BEOWN, 
 
 Sole Agbht for the Subsckiption Publications op thb Amekioam News Company, 
 No. 21 PARK PLACE. 
 

 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year Ig^'by Anthony Comstock, in the- 
 ofSce of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Before my readers turn to the contents of this book, they are 
 respectfully requested to first carefully consider the objects and 
 aims of the writer, as well as the peculiar circumstances under 
 which this book has been prepared. 
 
 I make no pretensions to literary excellence. My object is to 
 expose the multitudinous schemes and devices of the sharper to 
 deceive and rob the unwary and credulous through the mails; 
 to warn honest and simple-minded persons ; to shield our youth 
 from debauching and corrupting influences ; to arouse a public 
 sentiment against the vampires who are casting deadly poison into 
 the fountain of moral purity in the children ; and at the same 
 time expose to public indignation the infidels and liberals who 
 defend these moral cancer-planters. With malice toward none, 
 but with unbounded sympathy and charity toward the multitudes 
 who each year are defrauded through the mails, or cursed in 
 mind, body and soul by obscene matter, I present some of the 
 devices to plunder, ruin, and debauch, which it has been my 
 privilege and duty to overthrow and stop, during a seven years' 
 experience as a Special Agent of the Post-Office Department of 
 the United States, and Chief Agent and Secretary of the New 
 York Society for- the Suppression of Vice. Let it be remembered, 
 that these facts have been gathered in the discharge of my duty 
 under my solemn oaths of office. Many of these are the evidences 
 upon which juries have convicted and courts sentenced. 
 
 Another object is self-defence. Defence of my cause, first ; 
 and then of my own good name. It is important that a man 
 should be right in all he does. It is almost equally important, 
 that he seem to be right when he is right. Many a time I have 
 discharged my duty faithfully, accomplishing some very important 
 object, or securing some notorious criminal dealing in vilest mat- 
 
O PREFACE. 
 
 ters, and yet I have received nothing but misrepresentation, odium 
 and abuse. One great difficulty that surrounds our work, is that 
 we cannot publicly defend it with the facts. The facts cannot be 
 published. Many persons sympathize with and defend those guilty 
 of gravest crimes, simply through ignorance of facts, and condemn 
 me because they are deceived by the prisoner's story ; whereas, 
 if they would but take one look at what we have seized in that 
 very man's possession, they would ostracise the criminal. Preju- 
 dices have grown up, because of libels and slanders that have 
 been printed in newspapers. I therefore, at the close, have pre- 
 sented one chapter where I put the truth beside the published 
 slanders, and I ask a careful perusal of that chapter. I withhold 
 the name of my defamer. I simply defend my cause, and my 
 own good name, which is important to the successful prosecution 
 of my official duties, by the presentation of the truth. 
 
 I first present " Bogus Bankers and Brokers," because they are 
 the most respectable in appearance, and by their deceptive presence 
 defraud more honest and reputable people, than any of the others, 
 and in larger sums. I have used the right names of the principal 
 men. Not because I have any personal feeling, for I have none ; 
 but because they are the head and front of these infamous plots 
 to rob and defraud. Thousands have been robbed and know noth- 
 ing about who has their money. 
 
 I pay attention to lotteries, as they are spreading themselves all 
 over our land, in contempt of State and United States laws. They 
 each claim to be legal, fair, and run by respectable men. The 
 whole thing is a lie. They are odious gambling schemes, designed 
 to enrich a few at the expense of the many who. are deluded into 
 buying tickets. They are corrupters of youth ; they beggar wives 
 and children ; they breed the spirit of gambling, and ruin and 
 destruction follow in their wake. They are rightfully regarded 
 as public foes. 
 
 "With them, we find other beasts of prey of the same breed 
 differing only in name, to-wit : " Skin," or bogus, and " counter- 
 feit " lotteries, and the lottery parasite. 
 
 The watch and jewelry frauds rank next in infamy and power 
 to deceive and defraud. Some of these are founded on the lot- 
 
PREFACE. 7 
 
 tery, and are operated by circulars being sent to those wbo liave 
 once purchased lottery tickets. For variety, we present a few 
 insignificant devices that use the mails for success ; in other words, 
 we fill in the chinks with " sawdust." 
 
 But no part of this book can be of greater interest, than those 
 chapters that expose the Liberal Fraud, and the infamous conspir- 
 acies entered into by the Liberals, to repeal the laws against obscene 
 literature. I regret it becomes necessary to refer to some of these 
 creatures. But when a body of men unite to advance a cause, which 
 promises a morality better than that offered by the "Word of God, a 
 system of government better than the grand institutions of Free 
 America, a rehgion purer and nobler than that of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, a hereafter more glorious than the eternal heavens, it is 
 well for the public to know their true character. " By their fruits 
 ye shall know them." I have presented facts ; I have drawn an 
 indictment against this horde of blasphemers and revilers of the 
 ever-living God, and I submit my evidence to sustain this indict- 
 ment. Let every decent man read, and see what we have in our 
 land, and then say if they will consent that our youth shall be 
 inoculated with this virus. Let youth read it, and then say if, in all 
 this ranting mob, there is a character worthy to be placed before 
 that of our blessed Saviour as an exemplar for them. Some have 
 said : " You will be attacked by these feUows." My reply is, I 
 cannot expect to have better treatment than our blessed Master. 
 I stand by the record. In reading this book, read carefully, and 
 you will see each scheme presenting a new phase of rascality. 
 You will see plots deep-laid, and devices to rob that will surprise 
 and astonish you. Copies of circulars and letters are presented, 
 the better to disclose the fraud, and will require careful reading 
 to clearly comprehend the scheme. 
 
 The circumstances, under which the book has been prepared, 
 are not such as most conduce to freedom of thought nor con- 
 nected story. Up to January last, I had not thought of writ- 
 ing a book. What first suggested it was the examination of 
 about 40,000 letters from the victims of Lawrence & Co. and 
 others, seized in the possession of the bogus bankers and brokers. 
 Since then, I have prepared this work at odd hours, by piece- 
 
8 PREFACE. 
 
 meal, at night after the weary cares of the day were over, and while 
 traveling over the country on the railroads. I have had no quiet 
 study to work in, no opportunity for continuous thought, but 
 amid the bustle and care of every-day life I have compiled this 
 work. It is a faithful record, written to head off the secret 
 devices of the sharper — a shield to the poor, and a defence of the 
 right. I have tried to avoid personalities, but oftentimes my 
 indignation would get the better of me, and I have used strong 
 words of condemnation against the scheme or conspiracy which 
 I have been exposing. I have visited the offices and dens of these 
 men. I am familiar with the manner in which their nefarious 
 business has been conducted, and the extent of robberies thus 
 perpetrated. I have had thousands of letters of their victims, 
 which have been seized in the possession of the criminal, as well 
 as hundreds of complaints from all classes, sent to me direct, 
 showing youth debauched and ruined, and base wrongs perpe- 
 trated ; and the reader must remember all these sad stories come 
 back and ring their appeals anew in my ears, while they lay a 
 heavy burden on my heart. I have again and again said these 
 people shall not be robbed if I can prevent it ; and by a seven 
 years' conflict I have endeavored to raise a legal barrier between 
 the youth and this hydra-headed monster of Obscenity. I have 
 enforced the laws, by bringing many of these scoundrels to jus- 
 tice, and by laying before the Post-Office Department evidence 
 of their nefarious trafiic ; and now, with all these facts refreshing 
 memory, I have fought these battles over again. By a careful 
 study of all the facts, I have concentrated the stories of some of 
 the principal schemes between the covers of this book, in the 
 hope of accomplishing a most needed object — arouse an enlight- 
 ened public sentiment to sustain the enforcement of laws, and at 
 the same time to warn the unwary. 
 
 I therefore place this book in the hands of the public, and 
 appeal to them to extend a fair charity over its defects, while I 
 vouch for its absolute and positive truthfulness as a record of 
 facts. 
 
 AJSTTHONY COMSTOCK. 
 
CONTENTS, 
 
 CHAPTER I.— Bogus Bankeks and Brokers. 
 
 La-wrence & Co. — Plan — How started — Advertisements — Circular — 
 
 Bait No. 1 — Bait No. 2 — Royal Bounce pp. 13-34 
 
 CHAPTER II.— Who Was Lawrence & Co. ? 
 
 The firm and office — Dr. Gounod — Benjamin R. Buckwalter — His 
 clerks— Opposition houses — Adams, Brown & Co. — The famous 
 agreement — $22,833.33 per month income — The arbitration — How 
 money was seciu-ed — Clerk's salaries — Letter carrier plays his part — 
 A defence dodge — Receipts for one week — Book-keeper's sworn 
 statement — Receipts for October, 1879, per day — Total for nine 
 months — Some of the victims — Sad stories — ^Widows robbed — 525 
 shares stock lost pp. 35-53 
 
 CHAPTER III. — Bankers ant) Brokers Continued. 
 
 Victims' letters — Congressional speculator — Female speculator— Ditto 
 — Send one dollar to buy stocks — A cripple gets fleeced— A 
 postmaster on his muscle — Reverend speculator — Lays a trap for 
 his flock — Called to account — A sarcastic epistle — A loving spouse 
 treading on dangerous ground — Another mad speculatoi- — Letter 
 carrier tries his hand — Department of Justice represented — Simple 
 Simon — Mormon speculator — A fool and his money soon parted — 
 Hard luck all around — Buckwalter — How he lives — How he pays 
 Ms bills — His legal tool — A dirty trick pp. 54-71 
 
 CHAPTER IV.— Marginal and Syndicate Operators. 
 
 On a margin — One per cent, margin — Three per cent. do. — How a 
 young man was swindled — Syndicate operators — Thatcher, Bel- 
 mont & Co. — Who they are — A widow loses $10,300 cash — How it 
 was done — Their letters — Another scheme — Foreign bonds — Guar- 
 antee brokers — A nice dodge — How operated — Results — Another 
 lawyer's dirty work — Tribulations of a Western speculator — Fox- 
 well & Co.— Their building pp. 72-90 
 
 CHAPTER v.— The Leeches. 
 
 Baxter & Co. — Advertisement and circular — Plan to rob — How it was 
 done — Their certificate — Their office — Business — How broken up — 
 Sequel — Victims robbed — Heartless scheme — Simpson & Co. — Who 
 they are — J. M. Pattee — Irony — Circular — Rank fraud— How oper- 
 ated — Office — How run — Boss fraud cornered — Pattee's tricks — How 
 headed ofl" — Another dodge — Heath & Co. — How wound up — ^List 
 of frauds— Advice pp. 91-112 
 
 CHAPTER VI.— Bogus Mdong Companies. 
 
 Pattee again — He takes a run for fear of arrest — Silver Mountain Min- 
 ing Co. — Incorporation — Capital, §10,000,000 — Incorporators, prin- 
 ters, clerks — ^Map of mine — Interesting characters — From frying 
 pan into the fire — Bait No. 1 — Plan of &aud — How operated — Cer- 
 tificates — Bullion Mining Co. — How operated — Share of stock — 
 Clark & Co.— Wheels within a wheel pp. 113-131 
 
 CHAPTER VII.— The Bogus Lotteries. 
 
 Pattee again — His favorite schemes — Read & Co. — Cheyenne Lot- 
 tery — How operated — Gross swindle — Tickets — Horace J. Long 
 & Co. — Another racket — Emery & Co. — Who and what they are — 
 Stock seized — H. H. Penn & Co. — Grand public cash distribution — 
 Another scheme of Pattee's — Wyoming and Laramie City Lotteries 
 
10 CONTENTS. 
 
 — Rank frauds — Tiffany & Read — Tickets — Business stopped, and 
 how ". pp. l;5:^145 
 
 CHAPTER VIII.— Havana and New Brunswick Lotteries. 
 
 Read & Co., New Haven, Conn.— Pattee and his brother-in-law— 
 Counterfeit tickets — Bare-faced robbery — How operated — Nipped in 
 the bud — 300,000 names seized ; also, dies, water marked paper, etc., 
 for making tickets — Read flees to Canada — Hugh Mcliay & Co. — 
 Another rank swindle— How worked — Tickets — M. Doolin — A 
 new scheme to rob— Thos. L. Davis— Squelched— Montgomery, 
 Perry &. Co PP- U6-162 
 
 CHAPTER IX.— Watch akd Jewelry Swindlers. 
 
 Elias— J. Wright & Co.— Parisian & Geneva Watch Co.— Circular- 
 Plan — How captured — Arrest — Seizure — Headquarters house of ill- 
 fame.— Eussell & Co.— Topeka and other Kansas lotteries— Watch 
 fraud- Sawdust swindle — How operated — Diamond cut diamond — 
 Opposition by Clerk- Russell, Hopping & Co.— Cosgrove & Co.— 
 Various dodges — Hetherington & Co PP. 163-177 
 
 CHAPTER X.— The Lottery Prize Fraud. 
 
 A new dodge — Money makes the mare go — Victim's letter — Several 
 of them— Elias & Co PP- 17b-184 
 
 CHAPTER XI.— The Bogus Jewelry Distribution Frauds. 
 
 New York jewelers and watch importers — Grand weekly distribution 
 of $^.^,000 worth of diamonds— H. P. Jones <fe Co. — Cousin Jones — 
 Elias's headquarters — Swindle, how worked — W. P. McCall, 
 Jeweler — Headquarters, gin mill — How captured — Elias cornered — 
 Arrests— New dodge — H. F. Burtnett — Squelched pp. 185-195 
 
 CHAPTER XII.— The Saw Dust Swindlers. 
 
 Counterfeit money — Verdant, how fleeced — Georgia Lottery — Rank 
 Fraud — Rumshop skulkers — Ham — Mercantile Prize Association — 
 How operated — Tickets — A sharper outwitted — State's Prison — List 
 
 of counterfeit money frauds pp. 196-217 
 
 CHAPTER XIII.— Banking Houses. 
 
 H. D. P. Allen — National Banking Co How operated — Cornered^ 
 
 Arrest — New York Industrial Co. Scheme— Allen, Edwards & Ford- 
 ham — Nassau Banking Co. — Who and what they are — Clarendon 
 Mine -Inducements — $456.05 clear, per share of $100 per year — 
 Preposterous scheme — Official investigation — Results — Office — Con- 
 tents pp. 218-236 
 
 CHAPTER XIV.— The Lottery Parasite. 
 
 E. N. Carr & Co — Appeal to Law and Order men — ^Various Schemes — 
 How worked — Dift'erent dodges thoroughly exposed pp. 237-246 
 
 CHAPTER XV.— Sundry Frauds. 
 
 A pious fraud to rob Clergymen — Full exposure — The lazy fraud — Re- 
 markable letters — How lazy Southerners live without work Sup- 
 ported by Northern merchants — Frauds with many aliases — Henry 
 E. Hunter, Hinsdale, N. H. ; Edgar W. Jones, Ashland, Mass. — 
 My assassin — Ti-ies to kill me — James Bryan, 147 E. Fifteenth St., 
 N. Y.— His very latest pp. 247-261 
 
 CHAPTER XVI.— Sewing Machines and Guns. 
 
 Cately & Co. — Letters from his victims — Guns and revolvers — De- 
 fraud & Skinem — Did not propose to strain his gun by a long shot — 
 
 $^00 gun for 150 pp. 26-2-2G9 
 
 CHAPTER XVII.— The Wonderful Calvin and his Divlning Rod. 
 
 Astrologer and clairvoyant — Thirty-one years' practice — Reading 
 human events — His circular — Chart of destiny — Stock speculating — 
 
COMTENTS. 11 
 
 The " Very Satan " to contend with— Divining rod— $250 for a stnir 
 rod — How to be worked — Calvin flees — Sequels pp. 270-286 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII.— The Clinton Medical and Surgical Institute. 
 Fraudulent charter— Incorporators rnyths— Medical fraud- Office- 
 How operated — Love and matrimony — Madam Lucille De Marre 
 — A plot — Damnable scheme — Downfall of Comstock— His arrest — 
 Retraction — Another plot -Petition — Infamous fraud — More efforts 
 to crush Comstock — Failure of same— " What makes a man" — 
 Judgment of court— The Institute a myth — Counterfeiting — Mrs. 
 Wiuslow's Soothing Syrup — Another decision of court — Bryan 
 under oath — A chip from his examination — Very funny — Order of 
 the Supreme Coui-t pp. 287-306 
 
 CHAPTER XIX.— The Quack. 
 
 Health— Sharp words about the Quack — His heartlessness— History of 
 Dr. M — 'spills — Rich reading— Free dodge— " Manhood restored" 
 — J. H. Reeves — How he operates — Rev. Joseph T. Inman a myth — 
 Allison & Hearn ruu the scheme — Full exposure — Davidson & Co. 
 — Opposition to Reeves pp. 307-3^3 
 
 CHAPTER XX.— The Lottemes. 
 
 Gambling — ^Evil of— Policy — Envelope game — Curse to thepoor — Dens 
 described — Law against — Kentucky Lotteries — Illegal and fraudu- 
 lent — History of— Attorney General's letter — Charter repealed — De- 
 cision of U. S. Supreme Court and others — Indictment — Sim- 
 mons & Dickinson — Commonwealth Distribution Company — A rank 
 fraud — Proof — Still another fraud — Paducah grant — A fraud — Geor- 
 gia Lottery — Queer lottery maneuvers — Shame on the police and 
 courts of New York — Fruits of this devil seed-sowing — Young men 
 ruined— Women and children beggared pp. 324-350 
 
 CHAPTER XXL— The Louisiana State Lottery. 
 
 Is it respectable ? — High legal authority condemning lotteries — Le- 
 gislature repeals their charter — Their references — Generals Beaure- 
 gard and Early — $4,000,000 — Receipts — The bloody sbirt — 
 Gambling hells — Number in New York— Startling facts — How man- 
 agers are screened — ^Absurdities of Justice pp. 351-378 
 
 CHAPTER XXIL— Laws Concerning Lotteries and Gaming. 
 
 Of betting and gaming — Of Raffling and Lotteries — Penalties — For- 
 feiture of property — Church and Cathedral fairs pp. 379-387 
 
 / CHAPTER XXIII. — The Fight Against Obscene Literature. 
 
 The " liberal" fraud — Haines, the Irish surgeon, imblisher of obscene 
 books — Geo. Ackerman, do. — Farrell, do. — A cursed business — Ex- 
 tent of — History of law — Conspiracy — Split of liberal league — Cry 
 of religious persecution — Liberal lies — Gross attacks — A lively time 
 all around — Forged document — Fraud exposed— Lies answered — 
 More libels — Common law decisions — History of Anthony Comstock, 
 by an Abortionist — The scoundrel answered — Silas Rogers & Co. — 
 Smut dealer convict's case explained pp. 388-415 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV.— Obscene Publications. 
 
 Conspiracy continued. — Effects of obscene publications on the young — 
 An awful case — Mock sympathy for criminals — Liberals petition 
 Congress to repeal obscenity laws — Monstrous lies — Col. Robt. G. 
 IngersoU heads petition to Congress — Newspaper attacks — Con- 
 gressional committee — An assassin taken prisoner at mouth of 
 revolver — Associated Press dispatch announcing Comstock's arrest 
 — All alie — Desperate efforts resorted to — Long haired men and short 
 haired women — Physiological student — E. B. Foote, Jr. — Swamp 
 angels and columbiads — Conspiracy exposed — Glorious results — 
 Grand triumphs — Better trusting God than putting confidence in 
 
12 CONTENTS. 
 
 men — Liberals routed — ' ' Bob " Ingersoll and his horde vanotuished-- 
 The la-w— The New York Society for Suppression of Vice— Officers 
 —Work done— How— Grand results— Report of Society— P^'ajse 
 
 to God pp. 416-44- 
 
 CHAPTER XXV.— Infidelity Wedded to Obscenity. 
 
 The spouse of the National Liberal League— A scathing exposure of 
 the crookedness of the Liberals— A filthy business "leieuaett y 
 them— Infidelity properly wedded— Bans proclaimed, 1°^°"~7,^^" 
 ding, Syracuse, 1878— Saying one thing and meaning another— oou 
 spiracy to repeal laws— Letters from James Parton— Uo. -^uz"^ 
 Wright-A silly lawyer reviews the U. S. Supreme Court— Liberals 
 taken in hand— Free lust— Defended by Oliver Jolinson— Excitm„^^^^ 
 
 times in all quarters P^' 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI.— The Syracuse Congress. 
 
 Liberal league— Wedded to obscenity— Full record of proceedings- 
 War in the camp-Those who cannot be nasty enough, leave— The 
 great majority pronounced for repeal of obscenity laws— Bound to 
 ?ule or ruin-A loathsome crowd-How doth thegreat big busy B- 
 Bennett's pretence of persecution— Fraud fully exposed.... pp. 455-4/4 
 CHAPTER XXVII. —The National Defence Association. 
 
 The prime object— Reasons for exposing same, and perpetuating 
 names of leaders— Open letters to Mr. Wright— A despicable char- 
 acter A rousing apology — A. L. Rawson in his true character — A 
 
 bigamist and thief— D. M. Bennett— Arrest — Trial— Liberals again 
 defeated— Mad all around— A new party— Free lover sent to prison 
 
 A Liberal reception to smut convict — Col. Ingersoll — Cincinnati 
 
 Liberal Convention — Resolutions of sympathy with convicted dealer 
 in obscenity — Ingersoll again leads the van — More liberal lies — 
 
 Plenty as blackberries pp. 475-495 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIIL— Another Impostor Unearthed. 
 
 Professing devotion to his wife, he teaches free love — Bennett ex- 
 posed — Scathing exposures of Liberals — Petition of 200,000 names 
 for his pardon — Another Liberal defeat — Infidelity and obscenity 
 truly wedded — Another public reception to a released dealer in 
 obscenity — A vile time — The Liberals' ideal of a man — From all 
 such, deliver ns — Ingersoll on side of repeal — Fully proven — Chi- 
 cago Convention — IngersoU's resignation — From what-— Musty reso- 
 lutions — Still for repeal pp. 496-515 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX.— Official List of Frauds. 
 
 Names taken from ofiicial Postal Guide— Section 300 of U. S. laws- 
 Justification pp. 516-525 
 
 CHAPTER XXX.— How the Laws are Enforced. 
 
 "Lying" — "Deceit" — "Decoys" — "Inducing men to commit crime" 
 — These slanders answered — The law — How obscenity dealers are 
 caught — Unanswerable argument — Queer cases — Test letters— Not 
 
 a spy— Scorpions— Folly— A word to young men pp. 526-539 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. — Insinuation versus Reputation. 
 
 Anthony Comstock's work attacked by a Doctor of Divinity — A cow- 
 ardly onslaught — Slanderer cornered — Published apology — Severe 
 criticism — Another attack — Libel answered— Case in court. pp. 540-553 
 CHAPTER XXXII.— Insinuation versus Reputation— Continued. 
 
 Newspaper attacks — The slanderer denounced — Other atrocious 
 slanders — ^Letters to the slanderer— Ditto from the slanderer— 
 "Tony trading on tick'' — Comstoek contradicted — City Superin- 
 tendent of Schools, and a School Commissioner, try their hand 
 
 A blackguard sheet — The whole crew answered — The author vindi- 
 cates himself pp. 554-571 
 
FRAUDS EXPOSED; 
 
 HOW THE PEOPLE ARE DECEIVED AND ROBBED, 
 AND YOUTH CORRUPTED. 
 
 BOGUS BANKEES AISTD BKOKEES. 
 
 CHAPTEE I. 
 
 "the fools are not all dead yet!" 
 
 This is tlie almost universal exclamation of those who have 
 studied the swindling schemes successfully carried on of late in 
 New York and elsewhere. It is hardly correct, however. The 
 expression, indeed, seems warranted in the large number of 
 credulous people who permit themselves to be imposed upon 
 over and over again, by the same trick, until their funds are ex- 
 hausted and they are cast aside ruthlessly by the rogue that has 
 duped them. Such are fools. But this book is not written for 
 the fools ; I do not hope to teach them wisdom. Their race will 
 never perish from the face of the earth, so long as there are 
 knaves to prey upon them. Like certain species of fishes, they 
 fill their place in nature as sustenance for the sharks. 
 
 But there are also many respectable persons and as the world 
 goes accounted sensible and shrewd, who regard stock specula- 
 tions as a legitimate means of increasing their scanty savings. 
 Such people sometimes fall a prey to swindlers. Yet it would 
 be a harsh judgment to class them with the great multitude of 
 incurable fools. They are not idiots, and for them, therefore,. 
 
14 
 
 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 these pages are written. If these revelations prove an efEective 
 warning against farther loss, the aim of the writer will be accom- 
 plished. 
 
 I propose here to set forth the simple story of one of the 
 greatest frauds of the day. It is the record of my own personal 
 knowledge, and amply attested by the documentary evidence 
 now in my possession. 
 
 All the more important swindling schemes of the time, which 
 are intended to reach the mass of the people, depend upon two 
 mighty agencies of our present civilization, the Newspaper and 
 the United States MaU. By means of these two instruments for 
 good or evil, it is possible to reach every household in the land. 
 The advertising sheet and the postal service are the recognized 
 mediums of legitimate business. Through them millions of dol- 
 lars annually change hands. To them, therefore, the rogue 
 naturally turns. 
 
 The first essential in the business is a taking advertisement 
 which will at once catch the attention. This is illustrated in the 
 case of the bogus firm of rascals styhng themselves 
 
 LAWEEKfCE & CO. 
 
 As the first step in their angling for dupes these men cast a 
 lure as follows : 
 
 A GOO» FLAN. 
 
 Anybody can learn to make money rapidly 
 operating in Stocks, by the "Two Unerring 
 Rules for Success," in Messrs. Lawrence & 
 Co.'s new circular. The combination meth- 
 od, which this firm has made so successful, 
 enables people with large or small means to 
 reap all the benefits of largest capital and 
 best skill. Thousands of orders, in various 
 sums, are pooled into one vast amount and 
 co-operated as a mighiywhole, thus securing 
 to each shareholder all the advantages of 
 the largest operator. Immense profits are 
 divided monthly. Any amount, from S5 to 
 $5,000, or more, can be used successfully. 
 N. Y. Baptist Weekly. September seth, 1878, 
 says: "By the combination system $15 
 would make $75, or 5 per cent. ; $50 pays $350, 
 or 7 per cent,; $100 makes $1,000, or 10 per 
 
 cent, on the stock, during the month, ac- 
 cording to the market." Frank Leslie^s Il- 
 lustrated Newspaper, June 29th: " The com- 
 bination method of operating stocks is the 
 most successful ever adopted . " JVewj York 
 Independent, Sept. 13th: "The combination 
 system is founded upon correct business 
 principles, and no person need be without an 
 income while it is kept working by Messrs. 
 Lawrence & Co," Brooklyn Journal, April 
 29th: "Our editor made a net profit of 
 $101.25 from $20 in one of Messrs. Lawrence 
 & Co. 's combinations. " New circular (mailed 
 free) explains everything. Stocks and bonds 
 wanted . Government bonds supplied. 
 
 Lawrence & Co., Bankers, 67 Exchange 
 Place, N. Y. 
 
 This advertisement, and others of similar character, appeared 
 in hundreds of newspapers throughout the country ; and in most 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 
 
 16 
 
 instances was accompanied by a series of reading notices, or 
 strong editorial endorsements, like the following, which were pre- 
 pared by Lawrence & Co., and sent out to the newspaper pub- 
 lishers in slips of six each. We give three of the six, together 
 with the instructions given to the compositors of the newspapers : 
 
 READING NOTICES 
 
 LAWRENCE & CO. BANKERS, N. Y. 
 
 Directions for the Compositor.— Zawrence ^' Co.'s Beading Notices 
 are to be set iu the ordinary style and reading type of the paper, and 
 all advertising marka to be left off. They are to be run '' evei-y other 
 day,^' in rotation as numbered — number of times according to contract. 
 
 JUST xoiTR time: 
 
 to make money safely, easily, and rapidly, 
 is now, while the stock market offers so 
 many splendid opportunities. The combina- 
 tion system has had unprecedented success, 
 and brings good fortune to thousands of 
 shareholders in this and other countries. In- 
 vestments of from $25 to $10,000 are thus 
 consolidated into one vast capital, and oper- 
 ated by the best skill and experience, result 
 in heavy profits, which are divided among 
 shareholders every month. A New Orleans 
 cotton dealer made $27.649. 18 in two months. 
 A Baltimore merchant received an aggre- 
 gate profit of $9,642.04 from three combina- 
 tions. A San Francisco mining agent made 
 $32,438.16 from four combinations, his first 
 investment having been $100. Others have 
 been equally fortunate. Every day there 
 are new and grand opportunities. New ex- 
 planatory circular, with '"unerring rules for 
 success," mailed by Messrs. Lawrence & 
 Co., Bankers, 57 Exchange Place, New York 
 City. 
 
 ^r-No. 4. 
 
 WEAIiTH EASILY OBTAINEU). 
 
 Jay Gould, combining vast amounts of 
 money with several' great capitalists, has 
 frequently made colossal profits in stock 
 speculations, paying millions to each share- 
 holder. The new combination plan of Messre. 
 Lawrence & Co. confers similar benefits on 
 the shareholders who invest small and large 
 amounts, from $25 to $10,000. The money of 
 thousands of customers is thus massed in 
 one mighty sum, and operated with the ' 
 
 ripest experience and best skill, has secured 
 the most brilliant successes. A hotel keep- 
 er in Ohio invested $100 in a combination, 
 which netted $478. Three reinvestments re- 
 sulted in a total profit of $J3,801.I8. A Boston 
 gentleman invested $500 in a combination, 
 which yielded a profit of $2,817.04; two rein- 
 vestments netted him $3,644.31. A Chicago 
 merchant made $43,210.41 in four months of 
 combination investments. New explanatory 
 circular with "rules for unerring success.'' 
 Apply to Messrs. Lawrence & Co., Bankers, 
 57 Exchange Place, New York City. 
 
 ^^Tio. 5. 
 
 mONEY RAPII>L¥ ITIADK. 
 
 Small and large investments (from $25 to 
 $10,000), in the combinations of Messrs. Law- 
 rence & Co., pay large profits. This new and 
 successful system unites thousands of or- 
 ders from customers into one immense capi- 
 tal, and is managed with the best skill and 
 experience in the stoclc market. Profits are 
 shared pro rata by customers every month. 
 Shareholders thus obtain all the advantages 
 of large capitalists. Thousands are rapidly 
 making money, and many have acquired 
 handsome fortunes by this safe and legiti- 
 mate method, which has been among the 
 most successful of the movements of the 
 Stock Exchange. $25 will make $125. or 5 
 per cent., $100 will return $500, $500 will net 
 $3,000, etc.. according to the state of the 
 market. New explanatory circular, with 
 "unerring rules for success," mailed to all 
 applicants by Messrs. Lawrence & Co., 
 Bankers, 57 Exchange Place, New York 
 City. 
 
16 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 We need not add that these positive endorsements, which ap- 
 pear as the editorial utterance of the paper, are always the most 
 effective baits. The newspaper reader may take an advertise- 
 ment for what it is worth ; but when the Keverend Doctor Sub- 
 tle, editor of the Zion's Watchword, or Mr. John Typo, editor of 
 the Daily Morning Sta/ndard, says that this banking system 
 " has secured the most brilliant successes," and characterizes the 
 method as " safe, legitimate, and among the most successful of 
 the movements of the Stock Exchange,' the merchant, clergy- 
 man, teacher, seamstress, and, perhaps, even the poor woman 
 who can ill afford to invest in insecureties, accept the word of 
 the editor. He appears as voucher for the fraudulent banking 
 estabhshment advertised in his paper; and straightway these 
 readers invest their capital and savings. This trust is reposed 
 especially in the word of the editor of a religious journal or of 
 a reputable secular paper, which has been for years a companion 
 in the household ; whatever of this character appears on the edi- 
 torial page and is ostensibly the opinion of the editor himself, is 
 unquestioned. If, as in this case, there be a striking resemblance 
 in the assumed name to that of some reputable firm, the danger 
 of deception is increased. 
 
 JSTow, who is responsible for the fraud in such an advertise- 
 ment as this ? Is the editor any the less to blame because he 
 knows nothing whatever of " Lawrence & Co.," so called, whom 
 he practically vouches for, being paid at so much a line for " ed- 
 itorial notices f Is it not his business to find out something of 
 them before misleading his readers by asserting that he does know 
 them to be responsible parties? Or is he any the less guilty 
 because they pay handsomely for the publication of the fraudu- 
 lent personal endorsement ? To the credit of journahsm in our 
 land let it be said, scores of publishers refused to insert either 
 the advertisement of this scheme, or the reading notices prepared 
 as editorial endorsements. This is proved by the returned let- 
 ters and checks M'hich afterwards fell into the writer's hands. 
 
 Having thus presented themselves to the public, and havino- 
 been " endorsed by the press " of the land, Lawrence & Co. im- 
 
JJUUUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 17 
 
 mediately receive scores, liundreds, and thousands of responses, 
 and put into action 
 
 TUB NEXT WHEEL 
 
 of their system, which was a voluminous circular, prepared with 
 consummate skill, and Avell calculated to impress the recipient 
 with the high standing and integrity of the firm. If any are dis- 
 posed to condemn all the victims of this fraud without a hearing, 
 we can only ask that they carefully read the plausible paragraphs 
 of this voluminous circular, which was introduced to the inquirer 
 with this letter : 
 
 Lawrence & Co., Bankers and Brokers, 
 19 and 21 Broad Street, and 55 and 57 Exchange Place, New York City. 
 
 Dear Sir — Your favor is before us. Enclosed please find circular, which 
 explains the safest and most successful plan ever introduced for operating in 
 stocks, viz. -. that of forming combinations of capital in various sums, and op- 
 erating them as one great whole. 
 
 The advantages of this mutual system must be plainly apparent to all. 
 Our market is in very favorable condition for profitable investment, and, 
 should you feel so disposed to send us your order for as many shares as you 
 can control, we will do all in our power to return you a handsome profit ; 
 from which we may naturally expect a renewal of orders, thereby increasing 
 our already large commission business. 
 
 Yours respectfullv, 
 
 Lawrence & Co. 
 
 LAWEEFCE AND CO.'S CIRCULAE. 
 
 COMBINING CAPITAL FOR OPERATING IN STOCKS AT THE NEW- 
 YORK STOCK EXCHANGE. 
 
 To " make money," and make it as rapidly as can be done, safely and 
 legitimately, is the laudable ambition of every business, man. The desire for 
 gain is the strongest impulse of the human heart, and the great stimulus that 
 drives the wheels of business with ceaseless activity. To secure an ample 
 income and accumulate a, fortune, is the problem that presses for solution 
 upon all. How to do this successfully is the absorbing question. 
 
 OPPORTUNITIES FOR MAKING MONEY. 
 
 Thousands are prejudiced against buying or selling, or trading in stocks 
 and money securities, or similar transactions, simply because they really know 
 
 2 
 
18 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 but little about the business, while their minds are burdened with some unde- 
 fined fear of "speculation " or a like feeling. When properly understood, the 
 business of Wall street is as simple as any other, possessing many advantages 
 over all, and affording opportunities for money making nowhere else present- 
 ed. Any one can participate in the business of the street at any time, as con- 
 venience or inclination may suggest, no matter how far he may be from the 
 scene of action. Wall street, with its ever-increasing volume of business, 
 and thousands of opportunities daily occurring for some one to make a profit, 
 is a permanent institution, and will be while time and the country shall last. 
 Of what other business can these things be truthfully said ? Stocks, bonds, 
 and other money securities are tokens of the accumulated "wealth" or sur- 
 plus of the country, and Wall street is simply the channel through which they 
 pass in the ebb and flow of fluctuating circumstances. The altered conditions 
 of men make it necessary for the holders of stocks and bonds to sell to-day 
 that to which they clung tenaciously yesterday, while others have ready 
 money, which they seek to invest, perhaps, iu the very securities that are for 
 sale. The existence of large quantities of money securities carries with it the 
 perpetual necessity of buying, selling, and transferring them. 
 
 STOCK BROKERS NECESSARY. 
 
 It is this constantly recurring crisis in the affairs of men that has brought 
 into existence the " Stock Broker," whose special business is to know how the 
 market stands. As in nature there is a mighty force which draws all bodies 
 towards one common centre, so iu business there is an irresistible law that 
 causes all transactions in the financial world to gravitate to one point. Nine- 
 tenths of all the great monied or bonded corporations in the United States 
 have their head-quarters in New York city, where transfers of stock and 
 bonds are made, and interest or dividends are paid. This is the financial cen- 
 tre of America. 
 
 BANKS FURNISH MONEY FOR THE BUSINESS. 
 
 It was learned, as the business of Wall street grew to vast dimensions, that 
 the Banks and Bankers were always ready and anxious to loan money on all 
 saleable securities, up to a narrow margin of the market price, which margin 
 was reserved to cover any fiuctuations that might occur. This was soon dis- 
 covered to be tJie opportunity for a third person not interested in the final 
 disposition of the securities, to step iu and cover the marginal fluctuations 
 and thus secure whatever benefit accrued from the transfers. As may be 
 supposed, it did not take long for the progressive mind to appreciate the 
 opportunities thus constantly occurring for making money. From its earliest 
 incipiency to the present hour, the business of assuming risks on the margin 
 of transfer sales has increased to an Immense volume, until now the number 
 of marginal operators greatly exceeds those who purchase for investment, or 
 sell to realize funds. The business of stock brokerage has attracted to its 
 ranks some of the shrewdest and most talented men iu the country. The 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 19 
 
 brains of these busy brokers have been taxed to their utmost to devise ways 
 of operating in the market for the benefit of their customers. 
 
 ^ VAST PROFITS ALREADY PAID. 
 
 During an extended career in the Street we have operated by all the ap- 
 proved systems, and have succeeded in making large amounts of money for 
 the numerous customers on our books, the commissions on which have aggre- 
 gated a handsome sum, to which fact we may point with pardonable pride. 
 To systems heretofore in use, there has always seemed to he some serious 
 objection, and this has led us to devote much close study to the subject, which, 
 together with our many years' experience in the Street, has enabled ua to 
 perfect and put into practice for the benefit of our customers a plan that has 
 the combined merit of all others, with none of their defects. This system we 
 have had in use for some time, and the results obtained far surpass our most 
 sanguine expectations. It is almost invariably successful, and by it we have 
 secured for our customers more than four times the profit paid by operating 
 in the old ways. 
 
 COMBIXATIOX PLAN OF OPERATING IN STOCKS. 
 
 This is known as the combination method — our own specialty — which we 
 most cordially recommend above all others to patrons. The probabilities of 
 profit are far greater by this system than by any other, while the risk is dimin- 
 ished to the very lowest point and limited to the amount invested. Each 
 customer has exact justice, and at the same time obtains all the advantages 
 of the largest capitalist — be the sum used |50 or $50,000. By the combination 
 method we jwol or combine the orders of thousands of customers and operate 
 them as one immense whole. The advantages of this cau be seen at a glance. 
 By the combined system we concentrate our whole energies and capital on 
 the most active stocks ; keep the market well in hand ; buy and sell at any 
 hour ; make quick turns ; cover sales ; and above all, succeed where others 
 fail from force of circumstances. 
 
 HOW PROFITS ARE FIGURED. 
 
 In estimating the profits on any operation in Stock dealing, it should always 
 "be remembered that, by common usage, all shares dealt in at the New York 
 Stock Exchange are reckoned as having a par value of $100, without regard to 
 the market price or even the original denomination of the shares if they differ 
 from $100. Thus, 100 shares of Western Union stock would be figured as 
 amounting to $10,000 in computing all percentages of profit or commissions, 
 although the actual selling price might be only $7,500, or 75 per cent, of $100 
 per share. If these 100 shares were bought at 75, the commission for buying 
 would be $12.50, or J- of 1 per cent, on $10,000, instead of $7,500, the actual price 
 paid — if the same stock was sold at 77 the profit would be 2 per cent, on 
 $10,000, or $200 — ^less commissions for buying and selling — instead of 2 per 
 cent, on $7,700, the price at which it was really sold. The same thing is true 
 
20 
 
 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 of all stocks, no matter how much the market price may vary from a par valu© 
 of $100 per share, whether it he Harlem at 130, N. Y. Central at 105, Uuion 
 Pacific at 65, N. J. Central at 37, Hannihal & St. Joseph at 23, Erie at IS, 
 Pacific MaU at 15, Wahash at 12, Ohio & Mississippi at 8, or N. J. Southern at 
 1. A movement of 1 per cent, either way on any or all of these stocks would 
 be $100 per 100 shares every time. If this important fact is kept in mind and 
 thoroughly understood, every transaction in stocks becomes perfectly simple 
 and as easily comprehended by those who never invested a dollar in the 
 business of the street as by the most experienced operator. AVe emphasize this 
 point in order that all customers may save themselves the annoyance and 
 vexation of getting "mixed" in their calculations and casting hasty reflec- 
 tions, of which they become heartily ashamed when they properly understand 
 the subject. 
 
 ILLUSTKATIVE EXAMPLE OF PROFITS. 
 
 Now suppose our customers in this city, and scattered by thousands through- 
 out the country, pay in or remit to our cashier various sums :— in one case it. 
 may be $35; another, $100; another, |500; another, $1,000; another, $2,500, 
 and so on until the aggregate reaches say $50,000, at which point the combina- 
 tion is closed and each customer receives a certificate, entitling them to one 
 share in the combination for every dollar paid in by them. 
 
 [FAC SIMILE OF BLANK CERTIFICATE.] 
 
 3 rt © + 
 
 aSS^o -S 
 
 a a 
 
 
 E- — J=l ^.t^ 
 
 I * ® = g , 
 
 «»""!? 
 
 -oj S 3 - ?: ' 
 
 SaoSo 
 
 ^V -n^ '^ ^ I 
 
 O 
 
 O Q 
 
 -SHARES. 
 
 got f atu^ §mmA, ^Zd u /^^^a/f. 
 
 that- 
 
 -is the holder of 
 
 shares in a combination, formed to operate In stocks 
 
 or other cash securities. Statements of transactions will be mailed 
 all shareholders, weekly, and at the expiration of one month from 
 date, this combination will be closed, and profits divided pro rata 
 among- shareholders, in the proportion that the number of shares 
 held by each one shall bear to the whole number interested. No 
 part of profits or original capital to be withdrawn until close of 
 combination. All operations to be carried on at the direction of the 
 undersigned, who shall be entitled to regular commissions charged 
 at the New York Stock Exchange, viz. : one-eighth, which is $12.50 
 per one hundred shares, for buymg and the same for seUing, and in 
 addition thereto, one per cent, of the net profits on final settlement. 
 Profits and original investment to be used as working capital until 
 close of combination. The holder of this certificate is not liable in 
 any event for more than the original price paid for shares and profits. 
 
 ■a^aienee 
 
 "-6. 
 
 This $50,000 cash used as a whole will buy on a margin of one per cent. 
 $5,000,000 worth of stocks. Operating in the most active stocks on the list so 
 that we can make quick turns and realize gains in the shortest time — bear in 
 
\ BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 21 
 
 minJ it is pi'ofits we are after in all oases, both for our customers and ourselves 
 — for our customers iu the percentage of gain on sales made, and for ourselves 
 in commissions on the husiness done. Suppose we buy for the combination 
 20,000 shares of Western Union at 71; 20,000 shares Northwestern at 35; 5,000 
 sharea Ohio & Mississippi at 10. Within a week Western Union advances to 
 74, and we sell out, realizing a profit of 3 per cent, for the combination on the 
 par value of $2,000,000 worth of stock, which is $60,000, less commissions. 
 Northwestern advances also to 37, and we sell, making $40,000 profit, less com- 
 missions. Ohio & Mississippi moves in the wrong direction, and drops i, and 
 then another \, two points against us, and so we close it out at once, sustain- 
 ing a loss of i per cent., or $1,250, besides commissions ; this deducted from the 
 profits on other stocks, still leaves us $99,275 ahead, less commissions, a very 
 landsome figure for one week's warfare. The next week opens auspiciously, 
 and we find Union Pacific, perhaps, leading the list. We buy 15,000 shares at 
 once. Delaware & Lackawanna also shows unusual signs of life, and we buy 
 10,000 shares of that too. We also take 10,000 shares of Morris & Essex. Day 
 by day we watch the market keenly, and have the satisfaction of seeing Union 
 PacLfio walk steadily up step by step until it has reached an advance of 3J^ per 
 cent., at which we are well satisfied to sell. Z^ per cent, on the par value of 
 $1,500,000 worth of stock held for the combination is $52,500, a very snug sum 
 to credit on the profits. Delaware & Lackawanna scores a profit of 2 per 
 cent, also, making $20,000 more, and Morris & Essex 1 per cent., making 
 $10,000, or an aggregate of $181,000 for the week, less commissions of buying 
 and selling. The third week, it may be, opens " flat," and the market con- 
 tinues " stale," so we buy light or stay out, which makes the profit small. 
 The fourth week opens again with a buoyant market and all signs favorable, 
 so we repeat the former successful tactics. So it goes during the entire month, 
 at the end of which gains and losses and commissions are figured up and 
 balanced, often showing a profit of three, four, or five, and sometimes as high 
 as eight per cent, on the business done during the month, placing to the credit 
 of the combination $400,000, $500,000, or $750,000, a clear gain of 500 or 600 per 
 cent, on the $50,000 capital used. This is placed pro rata to the account of 
 the various members of the pool, who are at liberty to withdraw their 
 deposits or leave them for future operations, as may suit their convenience. 
 This illustration shows the practical working of one combination. Others are 
 conducted on the same principles, and with as satisfactory results. 
 
 HOW COMBINATIONS ARE FORMED. 
 
 A combination of $50,000 capital controlling millions of dollars worth of 
 stocks, doubtless seems large to many who are unacquainted with the 
 magnitude of Wall street transactions and the extensive business done by 
 our house. The daily business of Wall street varies in amount from $100,000,- 
 000 to $300,000,000, of which ours, although enormous, is of course but a small 
 part. Aside from regular city business, our immense advertising brings a 
 vast patronage from all parts of the country. The Post OfiSce makes eight or 
 
22 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 ten mail deliveries dining business hours, and single mails have brought ua 
 remittances of $3,500 to |5,000, in checks and drafts of |100, $300, $500, and 
 $1,000 each, to say nothing of numerous sums smaller than $100, in P. <J. 
 orders, registered letters, and money packages and bonds, delivered by the 
 different Express companies. Could any doubter see our mail and express 
 receipts for one day, all skepticism as to our ability to form large combina- 
 tions in rapid succession would immediately vanish, while the number and 
 nature of our patrons -would astonish him beyond measure, including 
 Presidents and Cashiers of Banks and Insurance Companies, Merchants, 
 Lawyers, Newspaper Editors and Publishers (in great numbers), Doctors, 
 Manufacturers and Farmers, and in fact every class of people. 
 
 UNERRING RULES FOR SUCCESS. 
 
 Two rules for operating in stocks will bring success, as sure as the rising 
 and setting of the sun, viz. . 1st— Always go with the tide, instead of against 
 it, no matter what your personal opinion may be as to the merits of the 
 stocks bought and sold ; and, 2d — Never buy stocks immediately after a strong 
 "bull" campaign, nor sell them just after a sharp "bear" movement, as a 
 large proportion of operators on the old single margin plan have done. The 
 combination system enables us to carry out these rules in a way not possible 
 by any other method. Every stock operator knows that opportunities to make 
 successful turns often appear and disappear with the rapidity of lightning 
 flashes, and must be taken advantage of by some one on the spot, at the 
 moment, or they are gone forever. Although the telegraph be used with 
 the utmost dispatch, a customer in Chicago, New Orleans, St. Louis, or San 
 Francisco, is just as likely to send instructions exactly the ojiposite of what 
 he should, as any other, the opportuiiiti/ for success having already passed 
 away. We aim to treat all our customers fairly and frankly, and keep onr 
 circulars free from any statements calculated to mislead. By our system we 
 reduce the risk to the lowest isossible limit, much less than has ever before 
 been achieved, but we do not profess to be infallible, and would not guarantee 
 profit in every case, any more than we would guarantee a farmer prolific har- 
 vests simply because he sowed bis lands. We would, however, guarantee 
 that he would not reap harvests unless he did sow and cultivate his fields. In 
 like manner it is impossible for any one to participate in the benefits of our 
 combinations unless they take the proper steps to do so. 
 
 WHY COMBINATIONS PAY LARGE PROFITS. 
 
 An old adage teaches, " united we stand, divided we fall.'' In no business 
 is this more emphatically true than in stock dealing. If one thousand persons 
 are operating in stocks, and their orders are executed each one by itself 
 according to the one thousand different shades of opinion the operators may 
 have concerning the market, this very diversity of ideas causes confusion 
 and weakness, and results in loss to all; while, if a community of interest 
 could have been created among the entire one thousand, all would have 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BEOKEES. 23 
 
 made satisfactory gains. A wholesale merchant whose entire business was 
 with five customers would he rated as iu a very critical condition of credit ; 
 for, if one or two of his customers were to fail, the disaster would be so 
 great that he could not recover from it, but if he had five hundred customers 
 the failure of a few would not luin him, as the percentage of loss com- 
 pared to the whole number would he slight. An insurance company that 
 took a few risks in any one line would be regarded by experts as doing a 
 very hazardous business, but if the number of risks were suiHcient for the 
 premiums to overbalance the general average of losses, the business would 
 be profitable and safe. It is these same principles applied to stock operations 
 that enable us to reajj large gains for our customers hy the combination 
 system, where all other plans fail. 
 
 REASONS OF SINGLE HAITOED FAILURES. 
 
 The reason why men so often fail of success in their small single handed 
 ventures in Wall street, is because there are others so much stronger, with 
 sufficient means to hold out, who fall on them with crushing weight, and 
 grind them as between the upper and nether millstone. Our combination 
 system overcomes this fatal objection and gives to our patrons all the advan- 
 tages of the largest capital united with the shrewdest skill and widest experi- 
 ence. Did space allow we could enumerate hundreds of the most powerful 
 reasons why our combined method excels all others. We state boldly, and 
 are in a condition to prove, that money cannot be made so certainly and 
 rapidly in any other business, in proportion to capital used. 
 
 HISTORY OF JAY GOULD'S FORTUNE. 
 
 Without dispute, it is universally conceded in stock circles that Mr. Jay 
 Gould can command a greater comUnation of ready cash ccqntal than any 
 other living American. This is the sole secret of his success, the brief history 
 of his colossal fortune. Like thousands of others he commenced life with 
 little or nothing, but early learned this one principle— the keynote of unerr- 
 ing success — CoMBLSATiox OF CAPITAL. All his skill in manipulation would 
 have availed nothing had he not first combined capital sufficient to carry 
 his ventures through. Take a single instance in his remartable career. 
 About February 20th, 1875, Mr. Gould formed a strong pool of New York and 
 Boston capitalists on Union Pacific stock. At that time the stock was selling 
 at about 37 "flat." He assured members of the combination that the stock 
 would go to 80 before the close of the year. In the succeeding month of 
 March the combination forced the price from 40f to 66J, iu April to 78i, in 
 June to 79^, and m November of the same year the famous bull movement 
 culminated and the combination sold out at 824, realizing millions of dollars 
 for the pool, and making the various members "millionaires." This is a 
 matter of fact, as shown by the official records of the Exchange. Of course 
 Mr. Gould admits only a "favored few" to his combinations— such as can 
 furnish capital by hundreds of thousands of dollars. We are the only house 
 
24 FRAUDS exposp:d. 
 
 of Bankers and Brokers who offer the same advantages to all in large and 
 small amounts. It should also be remembered that Mr. Gould is one of the 
 largest operators in the world, and executes all his plans through various 
 brokers — the same as the smallest customer who buys and sells iu Wall Street 
 is obliged to do. 
 
 OUR PROSPERITY DEPENDS UPON THE SUCCESS OP OUR CUSTOMERS. 
 
 The combination system enables us to work for the interest of our patrons, 
 far more efficiently than any other plan. Any candid mind can readily see 
 that the profits of our business depend upon the prosperity of our customers. 
 To become permanent, all business relations must be of mutual and reciprocal 
 interest. Unless our customers made money they would soon leave us, and 
 unless we had customers who were constantly buying and selling stocks 
 through, us, we, of course, could make no commissions. Our pooling system 
 stimulates us to force every circumstance the market affords, to contribute 
 to the success of our wide-spread constituency. By the single handed style 
 of operating, people are apt to fail of success, and in so doing, immediately 
 look around for something to satisfy their disappointed hopes. From the day 
 when Adam endeavored to persuade his Maker that the "woman was to 
 blame," until the present moment, human nature has been the same — and when 
 men meet reverses in stock operations, through their own sliort sightednesa or 
 perversity, they cast about for some one else to Manm. In such cases the broker, 
 being nearest to the transaction and the most convenient object of reproach, 
 is unjustly credited with that for which the principal alone is at fault. By 
 oar pooling process, those interested in the combination are relieved of farther 
 care or anxiety in watching the market from day to day, on any particular 
 stock, as we take all that burden on our own shoulders and endeavor not only 
 to make stock dealing profitable, but pleasurable. 
 
 A customer's experience. 
 
 Take an instance from our books. In January last Jlr. B , of New Or- 
 leans, one of our most esteemed patrons, remitted to us the sum of $100, for 
 investment by onr new system. Investing this $100 together with other 
 money, in one of our combinations, we bought Western Union stock. Our 
 
 commission for buying on the 100 shares for Mr. B was $12.50. The stock 
 
 advanced in a few days f per cent, and we sold, making for Mr. B in the 
 
 transaction $75, and another commission of $12.50 for ourselves for selling. 
 At this point we had earned $25 commission, and our customer $50 net profit. 
 The same week we sold for the combination in which he was interested, St. 
 Paul stock, which, declining i per cent., enabled us to buy and cover the 
 
 contract at u, gross profit of $50 on the 100 shares of Mr. B . For sellin"' 
 
 and buying our commission was of course $12.50 each time, or on this trans- 
 action we had made $25 net for Mr. B and earned $25 for ourselves. The 
 
 footing up of profits for the week showed that we had gained $.>0 commissions 
 and Mr. B made $75 net. The next week we bought and sold Erie and 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 25 
 
 NortliTvesteni stocks, making four turns altogether and an aggregate profit of 
 
 2 per cent, on Mr. B 's business, whicli was $200, less our commission of 
 
 $50, placing to his credit $150 and our own $50. The third week his profits 
 were $40 and our commissions $37.50. The fourth week his profits were $175 
 and our commissions $62.50. Adding his profits, they amounted to $440, which 
 we remitted him, while our own commissions footed up $199. But this is not 
 
 all. The nest month we received a much larger order from Mr. B , and 
 
 have had constant business from him ever since. Our commissions on his 
 business alone up to the present time amount to over $850, while through his 
 friendship and good will three of his associates have become our customers, 
 whose business has been equally profitable. 
 
 CAUTIONS AGAIXST GAMBLING IX STOCKS. 
 
 The blind way in which a large portion of the public take "Flyers" in 
 stocks is for them but little better than, gambling, and it is notorious that 
 people who do business in this chance manner often lose their whole ventures, 
 which is the natural result of such a proceeding ; while a larger proportion 
 of the men who make dealing in stocks a busiuess, to which they apply sound 
 principles, acquire greater wealth, than in any other occupation. Witness, 
 for instance, the Vanderbilts, Clarks, Goulds, Mortons, .Jeromes, Travers, 
 Keeps, Keenes, and scores of other less prominent names. Our idea is to unite 
 the means of the public in such combinations as will secure all the advan- 
 tages of the largest capital and operate it under the direction of a man who, 
 in experience and skill, is second to no one in Wall Street, thus divesting the 
 business of anything like gambling features, and making it as desirable for 
 all classes to take an interest in stock dealing, as in a manufacturing corpora- 
 tion, or bank, or mine, or any enterprise where money is confided to the 
 ability and integrity of others. These operations will be conducted by a 
 member of our firm who has been constantly in Wall Street for many years, 
 and has peculiarly good facilities for knowing the inside workings of the great 
 combinations in the stock market, from his business and social relations, and 
 has repeatedly made very large amounts by the employment of combined 
 capital. 
 
 EATE OF COMSnSSION CIIAEGED. 
 
 Our commissions are in all cases the regular rates established at the N. 
 Y. Stock Exchange, viz., i, or $12.50 per 100 shares for buying, and the same 
 for selling, and in addition thereto one (1) per cent, of the net profits made by 
 the combinations. Wheuever we make a turn on any stock, each member of 
 the combination interested is notified and kept posted as to all movements 
 for their benefit. 
 
 CLASSIFICATION OF SHARES. 
 
 The demand for shares has become so great, requiring the employment of a 
 large clerical force, that we have consolidated our combinations into larger 
 sums and classified them as, follows: 
 
26 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CLASS A.— 50,000 Shares. No certificates issued in this combination for 
 
 less than 1,000 shares, costing $l,00O. 
 
 CLASS B. — 40,000 Shares. No certificates issued in this combination for 
 
 less than 500 shares, costing $500. 
 
 CLASS C— 35,000 Shares. No certificates issued in this combination for 
 
 less than 300 shares, costing $300. 
 
 CLASS D.— 25,000 Shares. No certificates issued in this combination for 
 
 less than 100 shares, costing $100. 
 
 CLASS E. — 20,000 Shares. No certificates issued in this combination for 
 
 less than 50 shares, costing $50. 
 
 CLASS F.— 15,000 Shares. No certificates issued in this combination for 
 
 leas than 25 shares, costing $25. 
 
 CLASS 6. — 10,000 Shares. No certificates issued in this combination for 
 
 less than 10 shares, costing $10. 
 
 CLASS H. — 5,000 Shares. No certificates issued in this combination for 
 
 less than 5 shares, costing $5. 
 
 The activity of the stock market during the XJresent season, and our per- 
 fected experience make our next combinations still more promising than 
 those ■n'hich have paid such handsome profits heretofore ; although we do 
 not claim to be infallible nor assert that every turn ^ve make Tvill prove a 
 certain success. We simply point to past experience as a guide to future 
 probabilities. Parties wishing to join any of these Combinations should for- 
 ward their orders promptly by mail or telegraph, with funds to cover the 
 number of shares desired. We have endeavored to explain fully the nature 
 and practical workings of our system of operations, and shall at all times- 
 esteem it a favor if our customers will treat us with equal frankness and 
 make themselves familiar with the details of our office, to which they are 
 at all times cordially welcome. During a long career in Wall street we have 
 never seen any of that "mystery" with which many seek to surround it. 
 The business of the street is as useful and legitimate as any other, and we 
 know of no sound reason why any one, whose circumstances iiermit, should 
 not participate in its benefits. 
 
 OFFICIAL RECORDS OF COMBINATION PROFITS. 
 
 To illustrate the advantages accruing to shareholders in our Combinations, 
 we give a brief table of a few stocks taken from the official records of the 
 Stock Exchange, showing the actual difference in dollars and the per cent, 
 of profits in regular purchases and sales : 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BKOKEES. 
 
 27 
 
 Xame of St©ck. 
 
 Western Union 
 
 Lake Shore 
 
 North West : . 
 
 Del., Lack. & West 
 
 N.Y. C. & H. E... 
 
 St. Paul 
 
 Morris & Essex . . . 
 
 Del. & Hudson 
 
 Erie 
 
 Purchase and Sale. 
 
 For 1 day . . 
 
 For 2 days . 
 
 For i day - . 
 
 For a days . 
 
 For 5-J- days 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 1 
 
 li 
 i 
 
 ^ 
 
 Dift. in Dols., 
 on each turn 
 made, showing- 
 the profits on 
 each $100 In- 
 invested. 
 
 $100 0.0 
 
 125 00 
 
 75 00 
 
 87 50 
 
 $387 50 
 
 For 
 For 
 For 
 For 
 For 
 
 5 days . 
 
 2 days . 
 
 3 days . 
 
 4 days . 
 2 days . 
 
 For 16 days 
 
 li 
 
 21 
 i 
 
 Kf 
 
 |150 00 
 
 87 50 
 
 62 50 
 
 237 50 
 
 25 00 
 
 $562 50 
 
 Thus it -will be seen by these facts, shown from the official records, that an 
 iuTestment of $50 would pay $250 and upwards ; $100 invested would pay 
 $1,000 profit, or ten times the amount invested ; $1,000 would pay $7,500 less 
 commission3, or 7i times the capital used, according to the movement of 
 the stocks bought and sold within the number of days specified. 
 
 E-VTSRY DAY OUESTIOSS ANSWERED. 
 
 Nearly every mail brings us letters in which some one of the following 
 questions are asked, and as it will save correspondents and ourselves much 
 time and trouble, we answer them categorically. Before writing us on any 
 subject connected with our business, read the list over carefully and see if 
 your question is not fully answered in that. 
 
 Q. When does your next combination begin ? 
 
 A. We are forming from one to four weekly, and at any time a, remittance 
 reaches us it will be in time any week in the year. 
 
 Q. What average of your combinations are successful? 
 
 A. About eight out of ten have been successful. 
 
 Q. Do you deal in one stock only 1 
 
 A. No ; we can operate in a dozen or more ; are guided in this by judgment 
 and experience, dealing in different stocks during the 30 days that in our 
 judgment will pay the largest profits with the least risk. 
 
 Q. Can you secure greater advantages by this combination system than any 
 
 other ? . ■ n 1 + 
 
 A. Yes. It would be impossible to purchase stocks on margin m small lots 
 with the same advantages we secure by combining the capital. Large 
 amounts of money always carry more weight and secure more gams than 
 small sums. (See article on page 3, "AVhy Combinations Pay Large 
 Profits.") 
 
28 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Q. How can one per cent, pay a profit of $100 on each one huudred shares? 
 
 A. Eead carefully the article on page 2 of this circular headed, " How Pro- 
 fits are Figured." 
 
 Q. How can you make greater profits hy your gystem than by others? 
 
 A. In many ways, and especially by our combination of capital ; our large 
 purchases and sales afi:ect the market on certain stocks by an advance or de- 
 cline, as the case may be. 
 
 Q. Do you operate more than one combination at a time 1 
 
 A. Yes. By havine; five to eight combinations working at a time it makes 
 a large capital, and each shareholder is more secure, and the profits of all are 
 increased. 
 
 Q. In case I remit for shares, shall I be reciuired to come to New York at 
 any time ? 
 
 A. No ; unless you choose to. By our combination system you can specu- 
 late to the same advantage at a distance from the city as you could if here 
 personally ; you have no care or further resiionsibility. • 
 
 Q. Shall I be held liable in any way for more than the amount I invest ? 
 
 A. No; in no event can shareholders be called upon for " additional mar- 
 gins.'' This is one of the superior advantages of the combination method 
 over the old systems. 
 
 Q. Are profits and original investment both used as working capital during 
 the 30 days "? 
 
 A. Yes. The object is to make the ultimate amount aggregate as large as 
 possible. 
 
 Q. How do I realize my profits ? 
 
 A. They are paid at the expiration of 30 days. 
 
 Q. What are the usual number of shares ordered ? 
 
 A. They vary ; from^i'e shares, costing $5, to 1,000 shares, costing |1,000 and 
 upwards. The average orders run from $100 to $500. 
 
 Q. Do you everdeal in "Puts," " Calls," " Straddles," or buy single lots on 
 a margin ? 
 
 A. Yes, when specially requested, and have facilities for buying at the very 
 lowest market rates from responsible parties, for individual accounts. 
 
 Q. Do your customers ever acknowledge receiving the profits made by 
 them? 
 
 A. Bead the following. 
 
 ACTUAL RESULTS OF THE COMBINATION SYSTEM. 
 
 Wherever our patrons have made their experience with us known among 
 their friends and acquaintances, we have no difBoulty in obtaining new 
 customers by scores; bat it is a fact, curious as it would seem, that men 
 who have made money in a quiet little venture in Wall street, are almost in- 
 variably reluctant to let even their most intimate friends know the source 
 of their good fortune. The confidential relations between us and our cus- 
 tomers and professional honor alike debar us from disclosing any of their 
 
BOGUS BANKEES AND BEOKEES. 29 
 
 secrets, without previously obtaiuing their full consent. We publish here- 
 with a few letters from a small number of our patrons whose consent w& 
 have secured. 
 
 San Francisco, Gal., Koveniher 26th, 1877. 
 Messrs. lawrence^ Co., of the City of New TorJc: 
 
 Gentlemen. — Tours is received. It gives me pleasure to endorse your firm, as I 
 never have made so much money in the same time as I hare hy your new comhina- 
 tion system. 1 enclose you post-office order for $50, in addition to $150 contributed 
 iy three of my friends. 
 
 Truly yours, 
 
 S. T. SANGMH. 
 
 Buffalo, if. Y., November 28tJi, 1877. 
 Messrs. Laxorence ^ Co., Neio Torlc City : 
 
 Gentlemen. — The letter containing your remittance for my last month's profits,. 
 $393.75, is received, for which I again most heartily thank you. I shall make 
 you a larger remittance on Monday next. 
 
 Yours, loith thanks, 
 
 T. D. BYSHOOPE. 
 
 Louisville, Ky., October Vith, 1877. 
 Messrs. Laiorence ^- Co., New York : 
 
 Gentleman. — The combination in which Mrs. J. A. Alexander and myself were- 
 interested having turned out so satisfactorily, ive have decided to take fifty shares 
 each in your next combination, and enclose you $100 for certificates. We have 
 recommended the manner of doing business by your firm to several of our friends, 
 and have no doubt you will hear from them also. Trusting this coinbination ivill be 
 as successful as the last, I remain. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 MRS. E. D. WABNEE. 
 
 St. Louis, Mo., October 24(7i, 1877. 
 Messrs. Laiorence ^ Co. : 
 
 Dear Sirs. — I take pleasure in recommending your firm to all those desiring t& 
 speculate in stocks. I have induced four of my friends to each invest |100 with me,, 
 and I remit draft by this mail for $500 for your next combination. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 E. D. BUBBELL. 
 
30 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Savannah, Ga., July 19tli, 1877. 
 Messrs. Lawrence jf- Co. : 
 
 Gentlemen. — The profits on my share in your last conibination u-ere very satisjac- 
 iory. I remit hy this mail $100 for 100 shares. Trusting for a continuance of my 
 ■success, I am, yours respectfully, ttttttp^ 
 
 Mmitreal, Canada, November IZth, 1877. 
 2Iessrs. Lawrence ^- Co. : 
 
 Gents.— Tour favor at hand containing checTcfor $308.70, amount of profit on my 
 last investment, for which jjlease accept my thanks. Ton ash permission to use my 
 name in your circular: I willingly grant your request, as I candidly recommend 
 your straightforward and prompt manner of doing business, and can safely say 
 10 all desiring to speculate in stocks, to give you a trial, as I firmly ielieve they 
 
 Kill not be disappointed in the result. 
 
 Tours respectfully, 
 
 S. M. PEEL. 
 
 [Then follow a long series of highly commendatory and ex- 
 tended " editorial notices," ostensibly quoted from influential 
 papers, and the circular closes with the following instructions.] 
 
 HOW TO OKDEK SH.i.EES. 
 
 J';)'.'./— Direct your envelope plainly LAWRENCE & CO., Bajikees, 19 & 
 21 Begad St. and 55 & 57 Exchange Place, NEW YORK, or use tlie 
 inclosed ready directed envelope. Use one or all of the street numbers as 
 preferred — but be sure to use some one of them, as there are other Lawrences 
 .doing business in the city, and letters intended for us have gone astray. We 
 have had letters sent us by careless correspondeuts, directed Lavrrence & Co., 
 Bond St. ; Lawrence & Co., Wall St., and Lawrence & Co., New York, with- 
 out any street number at all on them, all of which are as likely to fall into 
 the hands of others as ourselves. After directing your envelope carefully to 
 the correct street and number, write your order briefiy. For your convenience 
 we inclose blanks which you may fill out. State exactly what you want and 
 inclose drafts on New York payable to our order, post office money order or 
 send currency by express or in registered letters. Customers can also order 
 by telegraph and remit by first mail or express. Orders for less than 10 
 shares, costing $10, should be accompanied by postage for return certificates, 
 notices, etc. 
 
 Never send personal checks, as we return them to the sender for a draft or 
 currency, and in no case credit any account until the money is actually re- 
 ceived, according to above directions. 
 
 EF°Customers changing their address, either temporarily or permanently 
 should notify us at once. 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 31 
 
 RAILROAD AND OTHER BONDS WANTED. 
 
 Parties haying eitlier Railroad Stoolss or Bonds, Government or State Bonds, 
 or City or Ciounty Securities, whetlier interest paying or defaulted, can obtain 
 the highest market prices for them through our house if sent for sale. Stocks 
 and Bonds should he forwarded only hy express. 
 
 B.IMKINU FACILITIES. 
 
 In addition to our brokerage business, we transact a regular Banking busi- 
 ness in all its branches. Interest allowed on daily balances, and accounts 
 received from Bauks, Bankers, Legal Corporations and individuals generally, 
 subject to check at sight. 
 
 LAWRENCE & CO., Bankers and Brokers, 
 19 & 21 Broad Street, and 55 & 57 Exchange Place, 
 
 New York City. 
 
 It will not now take us long to describe the way in which this 
 :firm did their business. Their method of robbery was not a com- 
 plicated one. 
 
 The blank referred to in the circular, and accompanying it, 
 
 -was as follows. It is a contract so binding that no sane man 
 
 would sign it, even were he dealing with a house which he knew 
 
 to be honorable. 
 
 Office Order to Lawrence & Co., 
 
 19 Broad St., N. Y., 187 
 
 Genilemen — I herewith pay to you dollars 
 
 ^ ■' 100 
 
 for Speculation, with authority to use your own judgment in the trans- 
 action, entrusting it wholly to you, and agreeing to abide by the result, 
 whatever it may be. 
 
 {Signed), 
 
 Address, 
 
 These circulars brought the first installment of money. If 
 a small remittance was received, the following letter would 
 usually be returned, to secure a larger sum : Bait No. 2. 
 
 Lawrence & Co., Bankers and Brokers, 
 19 & 21 Broad Street and 55 & 57 Exchange Place, 
 
 New York,_ 187 
 
 Dear Sir — Your favor of , enclosing $10, received, for 
 
 which please accept our thanks. We will not send you a certificate to-day, 
 as the combinatign in which we would like to have you interested is not yet 
 -filled. This is a special combination, in which we would like to have you 
 
32 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 control 50 shares in class E, as per our circular, as there is going to bo a 
 
 decided move in a stock that we know of that must show a large profit alone. 
 
 So sure are we that this special combination will return a handsome prolit 
 
 to those interested, that we will make you the following liberal offer. Now, 
 
 Mr. Hamilton, if you will send us your order for 50 shares, with $20 addition 
 
 to the $10 you now have with us, making $30, we will mail you a certificate 
 
 for 50 shares, and give you credit for 20 shares, and deduct the |20 with 7 per 
 
 cent, interest from your profits at the close of the combination, giving you full 
 
 benefit of all profits on the 50 shares. Please let us hear from you by return 
 
 mail and oblige Yours respectfully, 
 
 Lawrence & Co. 
 
 This brought the victim's second installment. The next thing 
 was to inspire confidence in his mind, by making him feel that he 
 was on the high road to fortune. This was done by circulars of 
 information, like the following, often showing a pretended jjrofit 
 of 1, 2, and even 5 per cent. : 
 
 Office of Lawrexck & Company, 
 
 New York, 187 
 
 Dear Sir — We take pleasure in informing you that we made a turn on 
 Lake Shore, buying at 69 and selling at 69J, realizing a profit of* per cent., 
 being equivalent to $50.00 profit on each 100 shares of stock. 
 
 Yours respectfully, 
 
 Lawrence & Co. 
 
 N.B. — Profits and original capital to be used as working capital until the 
 close. 
 
 Then, after a suitable lapse of time, followed bait No. 3 : 
 
 Lawrence & Co., Bankers and Brokers, 
 19 & 21 Broad Street and 55 & 57 Exchange Place, 
 
 New York, March 17, 1879. 
 Bear Sir — We have closed the special combination in which your invest- 
 ment was placed, realizing a net profit of 1 per cent., being equivalent to 
 $100 per 100 shares. The proportion due to your 50 shares is $50, which, 
 added to your original investment, makes $100 to your credit on our books, 
 for which we band you, in accordance with your request, certificate in new 
 combination for 100 shares. 
 
 We trust the result may prove satisfactory, and shall be pleased to re- 
 ceive your future patronage, with any suggestions you may wish to offer. 
 
 As we find frequently that shareholders prefer to enter larger combina- 
 tions, because of their being proportionately more profitable, and we are 
 always prepared to facilitate them, we will do so for you, by ofifcring to 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 33 
 
 issue a certificjite for 200 shares on your rcturniug this certificate -with 
 $50, the halance due, $50, to be deducted, with 7 j)er cent, interest, from 
 your profits at the close of this combination. Be kind enough to acknowl- 
 edge receipt, and reply to this oifer by return mail, and oblige. 
 
 Respectfully yours, 
 
 Lawrence &. Co. 
 
 And a few days afterwards would come something like the 
 
 following : 
 
 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. 
 
 Office of Lawrence & Co., Bankers and Brokers, 
 19 & 21 Broad Street and 55 & 57 Exchange Place, 
 
 New York, November 24, 1879. 
 
 As we had anticipated, and according to our predictions repeated at inter- 
 Tals recently, the upward rush of prices iu the stock market has experienced 
 a sudden and powerful check. 
 
 A decided break, and a strong and rapid decline in rates, came no .sooner 
 than might have been expected by the average sagacious operator. The ex- 
 treme excitement consequent in Wall Street has in no sense a.ssumed the 
 phase of a panic. On the contrary, circumstances are vastly more favorable 
 to healthy and conservative speculation, and the situation constitutes the 
 best proof of the sound condition of business, and the growing prosperity of 
 the country. 
 
 In times of real prosperity, like the present period, the stock market is 
 governed by laws as certain and reliable as the rise and fall of the tides of the 
 sea. Our long experience in the stock business assures us of an oarly reaction 
 in prices, and a, new upward movement in all good securities, which will 
 afford an excellent opportunity for the most profitable operations. Stocks 
 that are now depressed below their actual value— especially those with good 
 dividends and increasing earnings, as in the case of many of the railroads — 
 must inevitably rehoimd to their natural level. The field will present bril- 
 liant opportunities for new movements, and we have the very best of reasons 
 to expect the handsomest profits known in the records of the street. 
 
 We are now forming new combinations of the |25, |50, $100 and $500 
 classes for this purpose, which we confidently recommend to our old cus- 
 tomers and friends. While all of these combinations afford equal privileges 
 and prospects, we would remind our friends that experience has proved that 
 the larger amounts, having the greatest power, usually yield the greatest 
 profits. 
 
 In order that the proper number of shares may be reserved for the numer- 
 ous applicants from distant places, we advise that you notify us by telegraph, 
 or by first mail as soon as you remit. 
 
 We shall be pleased to execute your orders at any time, and will give 
 them prompt attention. Respectfully, 
 
 Lavstrence & Co., Bankers and Brokers, 
 19 Broad Street, New York, N. Y. 
 
 3 
 
34 FKAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 This, it must be remembered, is strictly in accordance witli 
 Lawrence & Co.'s plan of operations, as set forth in their circular ; 
 the customer's money was wanted ; an ostensible profit made, and 
 original capital and profits again invested, together with the ad- 
 ditional funds sent by the sanguine customer. It was a scheme 
 of consummate ingenuity. ■ How successfully it worked will' be 
 shown further on. Suffice it now to say, that, by means of these 
 and similar glowing statements of gains, the victim was bled of 
 every dollar that could be possibly squeezed out of him ; and 
 when at length he could not, or would not, remit more, Lawrence 
 & Co. sent him this or a similar letter, thereby giving him what 
 they used to call 
 
 THE EOYAL BOUNCE. 
 
 Office of Lawkexce & Co., Bankers axd Brokers, 
 19 & 21 Broad Street and 55 & 57 Exchange Place, 
 
 New York, November 22, 1879. 
 
 Dear Sir — We regret to have to inform you that, owing to the terrible fluc- 
 tuations in the stock market during the week, and the great demands upon 
 us for money, together with the unusual stringency of the money market, we 
 have been forced to close out all the stocks we have been carrying, with our 
 own capital, and have had to do so at a great loss to us. Feeling that we 
 have done all that we could, even to inflicting additional heavy loss upon 
 ourselves, we can only hope to be able to retrieve our losses, as well as to 
 help you recover your losses, by new ventures, where, with n brighter out- 
 look in the stock market and renewed efforts, the losses may be soon for- 
 gotten in the larger gains. Respectfully, 
 
 Lawren'Ce & Co. 
 
BOGUS BANKEES AND BROKERS. 35 
 
 CHAPTEE II. 
 
 WHO WAS LAWEENCE & CO. 
 
 AYho and wliere was the firm of Lawrence and Co., to whicli the 
 mails were Aveekly bringing in drafts, checks, and money orders ? 
 
 THE FIEM AND THE OFFICE. 
 
 Seeking out their office, we should have found it, not as repre- 
 sented in their letter headings, occupying the elegant white marble 
 building of Drexel, Morgan & Co., and including the whole block 
 between "Wall Street and Exchange Place, but instead, in two 
 small rooms in the second story of a building around the corner, 
 and facing on Exchange Place. [See page 69.] 
 
 The firm in September last was Benjamin E. Buckwalter, a man 
 who has for years perpetrated different money-making rascalities. 
 But little is known of Buckwalter's early life. He came from 
 ITewark, Ohio, where he Avas in the Sewing Machine business, 
 and afterwards in the same business in Newark, If. J. Later he 
 is found dealing in the manufacture of quack medicines. Buck- 
 waiter was the "Dr. Gounod, Paris et New York," of Sandaline 
 notoriety. Those who know say that the portrait of the benev- 
 olent old gentleman, which formed so striking a feature of the 
 advertisements of this Sandaline, was originally a likeness of a cele- 
 brated Union general, to which the fertile Buckwalter added a pair 
 of spectacles. [See page 36.] This venture, however, was not profi- 
 table but, one of his former clerks reported, resulted in a loss of 
 $35,000. 
 
 Buckwalter's first appearance in "Wall Street was about 1875, 
 when he established the firm of Buckwalter & Co., which was 
 followed by Bradley & Co., and afterwards by Lawrence & Co. 
 This last concern evidently gave Buckwalter much anxiety ; he 
 was continually putting new men in charge, and assigning it first 
 to one and then to another under some bill of sale or agreement. 
 In order to protect himself, in case his swindling was detected, he 
 
36 
 
 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 SANDALINE 
 
 (Ctrnpoiol FIsil Szttaei Sandalnsol.) Price, 81.00a 
 Tlie Great Remedy for all local and cbronlc complaints 
 of whatever nature, no matter of how long standing or how deep- 
 ly Beated. Thin remarkable specifio contains the original 
 jnicea of the Sandal Tree, extracted by the most costly and 
 cLeUcatG process known to chemistry, discovered during long pro- 
 fessional service in Indian The citects are quick, positive^ snre^ 
 and it is prescribed by tbdieBtphyeiclans in the most coni'' 
 plicated cases* Disease is a tree that has many branched 
 and much foliage, but all proceed from one trnnk and tap root;. 
 Sandallne strikes at the original source and thus eradi- 
 cates all disease from the system. Xhis ia the secret of ita 
 great success. My, aim is to furnish the American public a 
 Kemcdy that is both' speedF and economical. No one can. 
 siFord to let ill health run its conrse,'*when'I>eIplS witbln 
 Xeacb. 1 -B-ill deposit S10,000 with any responsible bank; for 
 arcase that Sandaline will not radically cure,- used t as I 
 prescribe. Supplied through Dmggisu or directs XhouaandBOf 
 written testimonials on rec9rd of ^^ h Ji 
 truly wonderfulcure6,opentoin.X^ n^ iff J ^i£^ 
 
 Epectionofall. CorrespondencerQ, )t,,^f^<**\.»>^'T^^ 
 or personal calls receive iiiiiiinil^^^jT'^' ' .. 
 attention at our parlor offices, ^v " 
 
 Ko. S West 14tb Street. N£W XOKK CITV. 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 37 
 
 usually made out tliese papers and sometimes had them filed at 
 the County Clerk's Office, so that a suit to recover money or a 
 judgment in a civil suit only would lie against an irresponsible 
 clerk, while he himself, who took all the proceeds, could escape. 
 Indeed, he was always sure to doubly intrench himself behind 
 the protection of these bills of sale. We find that on September 
 1st, IS 79, a certificate was on file in the County Clerk's Office, to 
 the effect that one party had" the sole right and control of Law- 
 rence & Co., while at the very same time Buckwalter executed 
 another bill of sale to another individual. This last bill of sale 
 under the celebrated articles of agreement, which is a most ex- 
 traordinary document, is given further on. 
 
 In 1878, Buckwalter employed a man, whom. we call John Doe 
 in the following- agreement, to conduct this business for him, 
 giving him authority and sole right to the name of Lawrence & 
 Co. This individual in the spring of 1878, one morning was 
 found missing, having drawn the funds in the bank, and taken 
 with him such papers and documents as he saw fit, leaving an 
 authorization to one Benedict to carry on the business for him. 
 
 Benedict assigned his powers and rights to one Dibble, and 
 then the " Dibble " was to pay for about 10 days, when Dibble 
 assigned to Buckwalter again. 
 
 Buckwalter by a series of threats and terrorisms forced this 
 former clerk back into his service. 
 
 Opposition concerns sprang up about Lawrence & Co. like 
 mushrooms. 
 
 Benedict started the firm of Benedict & Co. with John Doe. 
 
 Dibble and one Sniffen started Adams, Brown & Co., and 
 then I)ibble sold out to Buckwalter for $6,000 — and Sniffin re- 
 mains awhile. Then Dibble started the firm of Dibbell & Co. 
 (Broad st.,) with Buckwalter as partner with a half interest. After 
 a little. Dibble bought out Buckwalter and then started another 
 firm of Dibbell, Morgan & Hatch. 
 
 Then Benedict started Allen, Jordan & Co., and sold out 
 afterwards to Buckwalter with one of his former clerks (John 
 Doe) as partner. 
 
/ 
 
 38 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Then Buckwalter buys out the half interest of Doe in each 
 Barnes, Garrison & Co. and Allen, Jordan & Co. for $2,000, and 
 yet in the agreement Doe is represented as owning a half interest 
 in each. 
 
 Later, one Clarlison, a former clerk in Adams, Brown & Co. 
 starts another concern as E. "W. Ward & Co. Evarts, Barnes 
 & Co. springs into existence and copies Lawrence & Go's, cir- 
 culars almost verbatim, as did Simpson & Co. 
 
 Through information gathered in the main from Buckwalter's 
 runaway assistant, Thatcher, Belmont & Co. was foisted on 
 the community by one Chandler of Philadelphia and "Weed of 
 Connecticut. 
 
 The above are a few of the " celebrated BanJcing houses " of 
 the great metropolis, if their circulars and advertisements are to 
 be believed. Verily, it was a "wheel within a wheel," or "dia- 
 mond cut diamond." The clerk learns the business, starts for 
 himself, doubtless with the names collected by Buckwalter's 
 schemes, and then forces Buckwalter to buy him out. Who 
 would not deal in stocks — " combinations," " syndicates," " mutual 
 capitalization plan," " guarantee system," etc. ? 
 
 About the time that " Sandaline " proved such an utter failure, 
 Buckwalter transferred certain of his clerks down to the office 
 of Lawrence & Co. 
 
 Indeed, while the machinery by which the swindling of La\\- 
 rence & Co. was practiced upon the public was, as we have seen, 
 very simple, that of the office itself was very complex, in order 
 to secure to Buckwalter the funds which were received by his 
 clerks and tools. As a legal curiosity ^\-e give in full the 
 voluminous articles of agreement between Buckwalter and his 
 clerks. 
 
 Pmuawjlunt of gkBMjmettt-SIade at the city of Xew York, this first 
 day of September, A.D., 1879, between BENJAMIN R. BUCKWALTER, of the 
 city of New York, of the first part, and * JOHN DOE and RICHARD ROE, of 
 
 'These being young men, whose peculiar circumstances BuckwaUor took 
 advantage of, we omit their names for their friends' sake, wliih-, at the same 
 time, we condemn their acts, and their connection with this disreputable 
 business. 
 
BOGUS lUNKEES AND BROKERS. 39 
 
 the same place, of the second part, WITNESSETH, That, whereas the said party 
 of the first part is the sole owner and proprietor of the concern and business 
 established and conducted under the firm name of LAWRENCE & CO., at 
 No. 19 Broad street, in the said city, as Baulsers and Brokers, and on the 
 system of combining capital or pooling orders for stoclis, and is also the sole 
 o-wner and proprietor of the similar concern and business, established and 
 conducted under the firm name of ADAMS, BROWN & CO., at No. 28 
 Broad street, in said city, all his interest in which he has agreed to sell and 
 convey to the parties hereto of the second part for the consideration, and 
 coupled with the conditions hereinafter expressed. 
 
 AuD Whereas, the said party of the first part is joint owner and proprie- 
 tor with JOHN DOE, one of the parties hereto of the second part, of the 
 similar concern and business established and conducted under the firm name 
 of BARNES, GARRISON & CO., at No. 11 Broad street, in the said city, and 
 of the similar concern and business established and conducted under the 
 firm name of ALLEN, JORDAN & CO., at No. 54 AVall street, in tlie said 
 city, all his interest in whjch he has agreed to sell and convey to RICHARD 
 ROE, one of the parties hereto of the second part, by and with the consent 
 of the said JOHN DOE, the other party herein of the second part, for the 
 consideration and coupled with the conditions hereinafter expressed. 
 
 Now, THEREFORE, in Consideration of the premises and of the promises, 
 agreements, and conditions hereinafter expressed, and of the sum of one 
 dollar each to the other in hand paid, the receipt whereof is liereby acknowl- 
 edged, the said parties to these presents have agreed, and do hereby agree, as 
 follows, that is to say : 
 
 First The said party of the first part hereby sells, assigns, transfers, and sets 
 over unto the parties of the second part and their legal representatives all 
 his right, title, and interest of, in, and to said concern and business established 
 and conducted under the said firm name of LAWRENCE & CO., and of, in, 
 and to all the property, fixtures, lease of office, business, and good will of the 
 business, and the sole and exclusive right to use the said firm name of LAW- 
 RENCE & CO., and also to execute and deliver herewith, or on demand 
 when requested, a further and formal bill of sale of all said interests and 
 property to said firm, to one or both of said parties of the second part, but for 
 the joint interest and to be the joint j)roperty of both of said parties hereto 
 of the second part, and the said party of the first part shall also on demand 
 execute any further paper writing which may be deemed necessary in the 
 ,opinion of HORATIO F. AVERILL, Counsellor at Law, to more effectually 
 convey the title of said interests and property. 
 
 Second. The said parties of the second part, as part consideration of said sale 
 and transfer, shall, on the delivery of this agreement, make and deliver to 
 the said party of the first part the sixty promissory notes of said firm of 
 LAWRENCE & CO., bearing even date herewith for the sum of twelve 
 thousand five hundred dollars each, with interest, and without grace, to the 
 order of and endorsed by the said parties of the second part respectively, and 
 payable one on the first d.iy of each and every month hereafter during the 
 
40 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 ensuing term of five years, commencing on the day of the date hereof, and also 
 the sixty other promissory notes of the said firm of LAWRENCE & CO. 
 bearing even date herewith for the sum of five thousand dollars, each with 
 interest, and -without grace, to the order of and indorsed hy the said parties 
 of the second part respectively, and payable one on the first day of each and 
 every month during the term of five years next ensuing after and commencing 
 to fall due ou the first day of September, 1884. 
 
 Third. The said party of the first part hereby sells, transfers, and sets over 
 unto the parties of the second part and their legal representatives all his 
 right, title, and interest of, in, and to said concern and business estab- 
 lished and conducted under the said firm name of ADAMS, BROWN" & CO., 
 and of, in, and to all the property, fixtures, lease of ofSce, huainess, and good 
 ■will of the business, and the sole and exclusive right to use the said firm 
 name of ADAMS, BROWN & CO., and also to execute and deliver herewith, 
 or ou demand when requested, a further and formal hill of sale of all of said 
 last named interests and property to one or both of said parties of the second 
 part, as they may elect, but for the joint interest and to be the joint property 
 of both said parties of the second part, and the said party of the first part 
 shall also on demand execute any further paper writing which may be deemed 
 necessary in the opinion of HORATIO F. AVERILL, Counsellor at Law, to 
 more effectually convey the title of said last mentioned interests and prop- 
 erty. 
 
 Fourth. The said parties of the second part, as part consideration of said 
 sale and transfer, shall, on the delivery of this agreement, make and deliver 
 to the said party of the first part the sixty promissory notes of said firm of 
 ADAMS, BROWN & CO., bearing even date herewith, for the sum of eight 
 thousand three hundred and thirty-three yj',, dollars, each with interest and 
 without grace, to the order of and endorsed by the said parties of the second 
 part respectively, and payable one on the first day of each and every mouth 
 hereafter during the ensuing term of five years, commencing on the day of 
 the date hereof, and also the sixty other promissory notes of the said firm of 
 ADAMS, BROWN & CO., hearing even date herewith, for the sum of three 
 thousand three hundred and thirty-three I'nV dollars each with interest and 
 without grace, to the order of, and endorsed by, the said parties of the second 
 part respectively and payable, one on the first day of each and every month 
 during the term of five years next ensuing after and commencing to fall due 
 on the first day of September, 1884. 
 
 Fifth. The said party of the first part hereby sells, assigns, transfers, and 
 sets over to RICHARD ROE, one of the parties hereto of the second part, 
 and his legal rejjresentatives, all his right, title and interest, of, in and to 
 said concerns and business established and conducted u,nder said firm name'of 
 BARNES, GARRISON & CO. and ALLEN, JORDAN & CO. and of, in, and 
 to all the property, fixtures, lease of office, business and good will of the busi- 
 ness, and the sole and exclusive right to use the said firm names respectively, 
 and also to execute and deliver herewith or ou demand when requested a 
 further and formal bill of sale of all of said last meutioned interests and 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BEOKERS. 41 
 
 property to one or more of said parties of tbo second, part as tliey may elect, 
 l)ut for the individual interest of said RICHARD ROE, one of the said parties 
 of tlie second part, and the said party of tiie first part sliall and will also on 
 demand execnte any further paper writing which may be deemed necessary 
 in the opinion of said HORATIO F. AVERILL to more effectually convey the 
 title of said last mentioned interest and property, it being understood and 
 agreed that the interests of said party of the first part in and to the said con- 
 cerns of BARNES, GARRISON & CO. and ALLEN, JORDAN & CO. is an 
 undivided one-half interest with said JOHN DOE, and he hereby assents to 
 this transfer to the said RICHARD ROE, and to become a partner and 
 associated with him in said last mentioned firms in the place and stead of 
 said party of the first part from and after the date thereof 
 
 Sixth. The said DOE and ROE as part consideration of said sale and trans- 
 fer to said ROE of the interest of said party of the first part in and to the 
 concerns of BARNES, GARRISON & CO., and ALLEN, JORDAN & Co., and 
 also in consideration of the sum of three thousand dollars paid to the said 
 DOE by the said party of the first part, shall, on the delivery of this agree- 
 ment, make and deliver to the said party of the first part, the one hundred 
 and twenty promissory notes of BARNES, GARRISON & CO., and ALLEN, 
 JORDAN & CO., resi^ectively bearing even date herewith for the sum of one 
 thousand dollars each with interest and without grace to the order of and 
 endorsed by the said parties of the second part respectively, and payable two, 
 that is to say, one of each concern on the first day of each and every month 
 hereafter during the ensuing term of five years, commencing on the day of 
 the date hereof. And for the purpose of more effectually securing the payment 
 of all of the said several last mentioned one hundred and twenty promissory 
 notes, the said parties of the second part hereby pledge to the said x'arty of 
 the first part, the entire receipts of the business of the said firms of BARNES, 
 GARRISON & CO. aiid ALLEN, JORDAN & CO., save and except only the 
 regular legitimate necessary current expenses of the Business of said firms 
 respectively, and any and all surplus arising from the business of said fixms 
 respectively, and any and all surplus arising from the business of said firms 
 last mentioned shall be paid over to the said party of the first part on Saturday 
 of each week, and be by him endorsed on the first notes falling due of the 
 said several one hundred and twenty promissory notes last mentioned until 
 the same are fully paid, and, in case the receipts of said business after making 
 the aforesaid deductions shall be in excess of the sum required to pay saiJ 
 notes in full as they mature respectively, all such excess beyond the sum of 
 one thousand dollars to remain in bank as a balance shall on each Saturday 
 be paid over to said party of the first part, and be by him endorsed on the 
 promissory note or notes next falling due with proper allowance or credit for 
 interest for any advance payment notwithstanding such note by its terms 
 is not yet due, and payable. 
 
 Seventh. The parties hereto of the second part may deposit money to the 
 credit of the said party hereto of the first part in the Fourth National Bank 
 in the city of New York, or in any other place designated by said party of 
 
42 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 the first part iu writing, and credit tliemselves therewitli in the weekly 
 statement provided for iu this agreement. 
 
 Eifjlith. And for the purpose of more effectually securing the payment of 
 all of the said several promissory notes in the secoud and fourth clauses of 
 this agreement mentioned, the said parties of the second part hereby pledge 
 to the said party of the first part the entire receipts of the business of the said 
 firms of LAWRENCE & CO. and ADAMS, BROWN & CO., save and except 
 only the regular legitimate necessary current expenses of the business of said 
 firms respectively, and also the sum of one hundred dollars per week to be 
 drawn by each of the parties hereto of the second part for his personal ex- 
 penses, and to be chargeable to said firms iu such proportion as the parties of 
 the second part may see fit, any and all surplus arising from the business of 
 said firms shall be paid over to the said party of the first part on Saturday of 
 each week, and be by him endorsed on the said several promissory notes 
 until the same are fully paid, and, in case the receipts of said business after 
 making the aforesaid deductions shall be in excess of the sum required to 
 pay said notes in fuU as they mature respectively, all such excess beyond the 
 sum of one thousand dollars to remain in bank as a balance, shall on each- 
 Saturday be paid over to said party of the first part, and be by him endorsed 
 on the promissory note next falling due, with proper allowance or credit for 
 interest for any advance payment, notwithstanding such note by its terms is 
 not yet diie and payable. 
 
 Xiiith. A separate bank account shall be kept by each of the said firms of 
 LAWRENCE & CO., ADAMS, BROWN & CO., BARNES, GARRISON & CO., 
 and ALLEN, JORDAN & CO., and all the moneys, checks, drafts, and other 
 bankable receipts shall be daily deposited in bank to the credit of said firms 
 respectively, and shall not be withdrawn except in the manner aud for the 
 purposes hereinafter mentioned. 
 
 Tenth. In case of the non-paymeut of the said one hundred aud twenty 
 notes in the sixth clause of this agreement mentioned, or of any or either of 
 them, or of any part thereof at maturity, by reason of the tailing off iu the 
 receipts of the business of BARNES, GARRISON & CO., or ALLEN, JORDAN 
 & CO., or for any other reason, aud such notes or any of them, or any part 
 thereof, should remain unpaid for the space of thii'ty days" after the maturity 
 thereof, then each and all of the other notes in said sixth clause mentioned, 
 although by the terms thereof they are not j'et due, shall at the option of 
 the said party of the first part become immediately due and payable, or iu 
 case the party of the first part shall so require, the said parties of the second 
 part and each of them shall on demand surrender, reassign, and convey to the 
 party of the first part all their rights, interests, aud property iu said concerns 
 of BARNES, GARRISON & CO. andALLEN, JORDAN ife CO. heretofore ex- 
 isting or growing out of this conveyance and agreement, but iu such event the 
 party of the first part shall return to the said parties of the second part any 
 and all of the one hundred and twenty notes given by said firms and en- 
 dorsed by them under this agreement which may be unpaid, the said 
 party of the first part being first entitled to have and receive all the net 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 43. 
 
 receipts of said last mentioned firms in the payment and reduction of said 
 notes as hereinbefore provided up to the time of such surrender and con- 
 veyance. 
 
 Eleventh. In case of the non-payment of the notes mentioned in second and 
 fourth clauses of this agreement or of any or either of them or of any part 
 thereof at matui-ity by reason of the falling off in the receipts of the business 
 of LAWRENCE & CO. or ADAMS, BROWN & CO., or for any other reason 
 and such notes or any of them, or any part thereof should remain unpaid for 
 the space of thirty days after the maturity thereof, then each and all of the 
 other notes given by the said firms of LAWRENCE & CO. and ADAMS, 
 BROWN & CO., and endorsed by the said parties of the second part, although 
 by the terms thereof they are not yet due, shall at the option of the said 
 party of the first part, become immediately due and payable, or iu case the 
 party of the first part, shall so require the said parties of the second part, shall 
 on demand surrender, reassign and convey to the party of the first part, all 
 the rights, interests and property hereby conveyed to them jointly in said 
 concerns of LAWRENCE & CO. and ADAMS, BROWN & CO., or growing 
 out of such conveyance, but iu such event the party of the first part shall 
 return to the said parties of the second part, any and all of the unpaid notes 
 given under the second and fourth clauses of this agreement, the said party 
 of the first part being first entitled to have and receive all the receipts of 
 said last-mentioned firms except as herein before mentioned iu the payment 
 and reduction of said notes up to the time of such surrender and re-convey- 
 ance. 
 
 Twelfth. The interests hereby conveyed in the said four firms shall be 
 transferred pursuant to the statute for perpetuafiug the names of firms as 
 heretofore done in the case of LAWRENCE & CO. as soon as the same can 
 conveniently be done considering the best interests of all parties vrhich shall 
 be left to the discretion of the said HORATIO F. AVERILL, and neither of 
 the same shall afterwards be changed without the Avritten consent of the 
 party hereto of the first part until all the notes relating to said respective 
 firms shall be fully paid. 
 
 Thirteenth. Neither of the parties of the second part shall transfer to, or 
 place in the najne of his wife, or of any other person directly or indirectly auy 
 of the property, interests or rights hereby conveyed, or any of the receipts of 
 the business of said four firms, or either of them until the notes relating to 
 said firms are fully paid, and in case of a violation of this provision this 
 agreement shall from the happening of such event at the option of the party 
 of the first part become null and void as to the rights and interests acquired 
 by the parties of the second part respectively who shall violate this said 
 provision, and as to his interest the said party of the first part shall be 
 entitled to have demand and receive a retransfer and assignment of all the 
 interests, rights and property hereby conveyed to such party or heretofore 
 held by him. 
 
 Fourteenth. Neither George Garrett nor Herman Kerr now iu the employ of 
 LAWRENCE & CO., nor Charles Clarkson now in the employ of ADAMS, 
 
44 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 BKOWX & CO. Bliall he discU.argcd, nor their salaries decroasoil or iuoreased 
 without the written cousont of tho i)arty of the first part. 
 
 nflcciiih. Tho said parties of the second part shall until all tho notes given 
 under this agreement are fnlly paid, make out on Saturday of each week 
 sworn statt'MU'iits verified by the parties and also by tho Bookkeeper, CasUior, 
 Secretary, or tierk having imnu^diate charge of tlie business to which snoli 
 statement relates, showing the actual rcjeeipts and dishursonients of the Busi- 
 ness of said four couoerus for said week, and deliver such sworn statenuMits to 
 said party of tlni first part, or to such persons as he may direct in writing, such 
 statements to be sufficiently full as to detail so that tlie said jiarty of the first 
 part can fnlly understand the condition of the business of said concerns and 
 for tlie pnrjiose of verifying tho said statements the said party of the first 
 jiart, or any ]ierson authorized by him in writing, may have full and free 
 access to all the books ami papers of said parties of tlio second part at all 
 times during business lionrs, .and thatwilh said statements the said parties 
 of the second part shall make and deliver to the said party of tho first part 
 a elieek for the amount coming to him under the provisions of this agree- 
 ment. 
 
 SUIienlk. For the purpose of more effectually securing the payment of all 
 of (he said several promissory notes in the second and fourth clauses of this 
 a.nreement mentioned, the said parties of the second part shall immediately on 
 the delivery of this agreement execute and deliver to the party of the first 
 part a confession of judgment for the amount of all of the notes in said clauses 
 mentioned which the said party of the first part shall bo at liberty to place 
 on record at anytime and in case of the non-payment of any of the notes 
 mentioned in said second and fourth clauses according to the tenor and cfiect 
 of this agreement, th<! said parly of the first i)art 7nay issue execution for the 
 jimount of such note or notes due at the time of issuing such execution with 
 ■costs and expenses. 
 
 Sirnilcnith. For tho pui-pose of more effectually securing tlio payment of 
 all of the said one hundred and twenty several jjromissory notes in the sixth 
 clause of this agreement mentioned and delivered to the party of the first 
 part, the said parties of the second part shall immediately on the delivery of 
 tins agreement execute and deliver to the party of tho first part a confession 
 of judgment for the amount of all of the said one hundred and twenty notes 
 which tho said ]iarty of tho first part shall be at liberty to place on record at 
 any time, and, in case of the non-i)ayment of any of the said one hundred 
 and twenty notes according to the tenor and cifoct of this agreement, tho 
 sriid party of the first iiart may issue oxeeution for the amount of such 
 note in- notes due at the time of issuing such execution with costs and ex- 
 penses. 
 
 Ji'Kjhievnth. A separate mail-box for the reception of all the mail of tlie said 
 four concerns ivspectively which shall be delivered into the said mail-box by 
 the government's carrier, shall bo provided by said ]iarl,ies of the second part 
 in the office of e.ach concern, with two separate and different locks and keys 
 one of which shall bo held by the parties hereto of the second jiait or one of 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 45 
 
 them, and the othor by a person selected and designated in writing by the 
 party of the first part, and neither of said boxes or their contents shall be 
 opened except in the presence of such two persons holding the said keys 
 thereof, but such persons shall attend to the opening of said boxes and 
 mail as often as twice during each business day, aud oftener if they see 
 fit. 
 
 Nineteenth. All checks drawn against the accounts of said concerns respec- 
 tively shall be signed by one of the pajities hereto of the second part, and 
 countersigned in writing or with some peculiar device by another person, ti> 
 be selected by the party he^reto of the first part, and each of the banks hold- 
 ing deposits of said firm shall be notified not to pay any check unless so signed 
 and countersigned. 
 
 Twentieth. The said party of the first part shall aid and assist the parties of 
 the second part with his advice and experience, when needed in carrying on 
 the business of said concerns. 
 
 Twenty-first. The said party of the first part shall not begin or conduct or 
 carry on during the continuance of this agreement any business of combining 
 capital or pooling orders for stocks, such as is carried on by either of the said 
 four concerns hereinbefore mentioned, either in his own name or in the name 
 of or in connection with any other person or persons without the written 
 agreement of the parties of the second part. 
 
 Twenty-second. The said parties of the second part shall conduct the busi- 
 ness of the said four concerns faithfully, and use their and each of their best 
 endeavors for the advancement thereof, and they shall not, nor shall either of 
 them embark in or carry on any similar business such as is carried on by said 
 four concerns, either in their own name or names or directly or indirectly in 
 the name or names of any other person, aud in case any other new concern 
 shall start a similar business the said parties of the second part shall imme- 
 diately communicate such fact to the said party of the first part with a view 
 to oppose the same. 
 
 Twenty-third. In case of a disagreement between the parties hereto as to 
 the interpretation or eifect of any of the provisions of this agreement, the 
 same shall be referred to the said Horatio F. Averill, who is hereby appointed 
 arbitrator in such contingency, and his decision shall be final and binding 
 upon the respective parties hereto. 
 
 Twenty-fourth. The said parties hereto of the second part shall immediately 
 on the execution and delivery of this a,greement form a copartnership, for the 
 purpose of carrying on the business of the said four concerns on the basis of 
 this agreement, aud in and by their copartnership agreement they shall pro- 
 vide for the continuance of the business of said concerns and partnership in 
 case of the death of either partner, by allowing the capital of such deceased 
 partner to remain in the business until the end of ten years from the date 
 hereof, or until all the notes hereinbefore mentioned shall be fully paid, the 
 surviving partner allowing and paying weekly to the legal representatives of 
 his deceased partner the sum of fifty dollars, until the final determination and 
 distribution of the assets of said copartnership when a final accounting shall 
 
46 FEA.IJDS EXPOSED. 
 
 "be made, and all things truly adjusted between the said copartners or their 
 legal representatives. 
 
 Jn Witness Whereof, the said parties hereto have hereunto set their hands 
 and seals, the day and year first above written. 
 
 Sealed and delweredin presence of ) B. E. BurarWAlTKR, [seal]. 
 
 ™. -, „ \ John Doe, [seal]. 
 
 Wm. J. Cannon. ^ richakd Roe. [seal]. 
 
 It will thus be seen that the actual income of this man Buck- 
 waiter was $22,833.33 per month, secured by the gross receipts 
 of aU monies coming to the four firms mentioned in the above 
 agreement. According to this agreement, also, a certain amount 
 was to be set aside each day for the running expenses of the 
 office. These expenses consisted of clerk hire, rent, advertise- 
 ments, printing circulars, stationery and postage stamps. The 
 head clerks received $100 per week ; others in the office received 
 from $9 to $18 a week. 
 
 It will also be observed that the Government letter carrier was 
 expected to play his part, by putting all mail matter into a large 
 receptacle, placed in each one of these offices, Buckwalter not 
 being willing to trust either the head of the firm, as represented 
 under this agreement, or his own confidential clerk employed in 
 each of these offices. 
 
 Now what became of the money ? As each letter was received, 
 it was opened in the presence of two persons, as stipulated, 
 and the amount entered in a book. The only transaction in 
 stock, however, is what appears on this book, the above letters 
 and circulars and in the following defence. 
 
 A DEFENCE. 
 
 The clei-k who managed this office, had ^ private office adjoin- 
 ing. The following blank pretends to be Stock bought by him, 
 as an individual Broker for Lawrence & Co. In other words 
 this was a blind. He was buying stock for himself. 
 
 The whole thing was to be a defence in case of inquiry by an 
 outsider. It was designed to make a showing of stocks dealt 
 in, in case of troublesome visitors. 
 
 The extent of stock bought, according to the testimony of 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BEOKERS. 47 
 
 this clerk, was the lilling up of one or more of these blanks 
 
 daily. 
 
 EiciiAiu) Roe, 
 
 19 Broad Street, New Yoilc, 
 
 Stocks axd Boxds, Govuknmkxt axd Railway Securities, 
 
 Boiigbt aud Sold on Commission. 
 
 Member of the New York Open I 
 Board of Stock Brokers. ( 
 
 Xew York, November 17tli, 1879. 
 
 JMessrs. Lawkexck & Co. 
 
 Deur Sirs : I have bouglit for your acconnt and risk tbis day : 
 1000 Lake Sbore a 104^. 1000 Obio & Miss, a 33. 
 
 1200 JI. Kansas & T. a 33}. 1500 Phil. & Reading a 74f. 
 
 1800 N. .T. Central a 88. 400 •• " a 74^. 
 
 700 " ■' a 871. 700 St. Louis, I. Mt. & So. a 55i. 
 
 1500 Erie, a 47^. 500 Han. & St. Joe a 41. 
 
 Yours respectfully, 
 
 RICHARD ROE. 
 
 This business is styled : " Put and call brokerage." It is more 
 properly " Call and put robbery." The operators calling the 
 money from the pocket of the customer, and putting, it into their 
 own without any return whatever. 
 
 On the f ollo^ving page is shown the weekly sworn statement, 
 made Euckwalter under this agreement, for the week ending 
 October 18, 1819, as found among the papers seized : 
 
 A word of explanation will show where the money went to in 
 this one week. " Paid on A/c" means deposited to Buckwalter's 
 account in Fourth National Bank. 
 
 The word " Profits " means deposited in Lawrence & Co.'s bank 
 and paid out for expenses ; and " Paid to date," that there had 
 been $10,375.69 paid Euckwalter during October. 
 
48 
 
 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BEOICEES. 
 
 49 
 
 The annexed form had to be filled out each day, for Buckwal- 
 ter, by his confidential clerks in Lawrence & Co. and similar ones 
 in each office. * \ 
 
 LAWRENCE & CO., 
 
 Bookkeeper's Daily Report, 
 
 For^ 
 
 -day. 
 
 187 
 
 RECEIVED AND DISBURSED AS FOLLOWS: 
 
 Drafts and Checks 
 
 Post Ofiice Money Orders. 
 Currency 
 
 " Registered 
 
 " Express 
 
 " Office 
 
 Deposited H. & Co 
 
 " F. N. B 
 
 Our Checks Returned 
 
 Cash in Drawer 
 
 Daily Expenses Paid 
 
 Advertising Checks Sent 
 
 " " Returned. 
 
 Balance in Bank 
 
 " "F.N.B 
 
 Applications for Circulars 
 
 (Signed,)- 
 Average on 
 
 
 
 ■a 
 
 ^1 
 
 4, 
 (5 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 -Bookkeeper. 
 
 -Remittances. 
 
 $- 
 
50 
 
 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 The following table shows the receipts, expenses, and what was 
 paid to Buckwalter during the month of October, 1879 : 
 
 Statement of Monies received ly Lawrence cf- Co. dunng Octoler, 1879. Slioioing 
 the Daily Expetisea and the Amount deposited to Credit of BucTavalter in Tiis 
 BanJc. 
 
 
 
 
 Deposited for Buck- 
 
 Date. 
 
 Received. 
 
 Expenses. 
 
 waiter, 
 
 October 1 
 
 $835.54 
 
 $1,739.59 
 
 
 u 2 
 
 986.50 
 
 905.30 
 
 
 3 
 
 1,183.63 
 
 544.38 
 
 $675.00 
 
 " 4 
 
 503.50 
 
 358.00 
 
 50.00 
 
 6 
 
 1,671.71 
 
 411.06 
 
 983.00 
 
 " 7 
 
 1,168.50 
 
 898.17 
 
 700.00 
 
 " 8 
 
 1,047.00 
 
 365.26 
 
 500.00 
 
 9 
 
 1,174.00 
 
 387.50 
 
 776.00 
 
 " 10 
 
 2,337.03 
 
 100.00 
 
 1,845.15 
 
 " 11 
 
 720.00 
 
 792.27 
 
 270.00 
 
 " 13 
 
 1,584.28 
 
 1,756.14 
 
 772.00 
 
 " 14 
 
 1,892.87 
 
 125.00 
 
 485.51 
 
 " 15 
 
 658.25 
 
 37.50 
 
 333.00 
 
 " 16 
 
 1,119.00 
 
 500.00 
 
 783.44 
 
 " 17 
 
 1,256.89 
 
 336.00 
 
 490.00 
 
 " 18 
 
 1,446.15 
 
 389.50 
 
 4,576.54 
 
 " 20 
 
 1,095.75 
 
 2,238.37 
 
 525.00 
 
 " 21 
 
 628.00 
 
 104.81 
 
 * 
 
 " 22 
 
 470.00 
 
 332.95 
 
 
 " 23 
 
 685.25 
 
 25.00 
 
 4.87 
 
 " 24 
 
 436.07 
 
 
 159.50 
 
 " 25 
 
 613.73 
 
 859.45 
 
 
 " 27 
 
 1,661.83 
 
 76.45 
 
 955.00 
 
 " 28 
 
 1,275.02 
 
 1,658.15 
 
 675.00 , 
 
 " 29 
 
 1,369.92 
 
 50.00 
 
 877.42 
 
 " 30 
 
 730.50 
 
 697.50 
 
 350.00 
 
 " 31 
 
 1,128.13 
 
 218.07 
 
 665.00 
 
 
 $29,484.03 
 
 $15,996.42 
 
 $17,451.43 
 
 The difference between the expenses and Buckwalter's account 
 and receipts is explained by the fact that the clerks were iiot 
 allowed to keep more than a certain amount in Lawrence & Co.'s 
 expense account in Howe & Co.'s bank, and when it exceeded 
 this amount they were obliged to check it out to Buckwalter. 
 
 The following exhibit, taken from the t)ooks of Lawrence & 
 Co., shows the number of applicants for their stock certificates 
 per month, during 1879 : 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKKES. 51 
 
 January 812 August 2129 
 
 February 1023 September I543 
 
 March 1170 October 1432 
 
 April 484 November 1318 
 
 May 1154 December 1509 
 
 June :.. 1984 
 
 Jnly 1897 Total 16551 
 
 Below is the statement of the monthly receipts of Lawrence & 
 Co. for nine months of 1879 : 
 
 March $20,985 57 September $26,726 SS 
 
 April 17,994 18 October 29,484 03 
 
 May 22,048 28 November 18,676 69 
 
 June 18,777 00 
 
 Jnly 27,493 77 ' Total $206,189 90 
 
 August 23,903 53 
 
 With the exception of a few returns made for the purpose of 
 still farther entrapping their victims, and of the restitution of 
 their investments to a few spunlcy individuals, who would not be 
 robbed, the only return to the investors individually and collec- 
 tively, for the $206,189.90 was the "Royal Bounce." And a 
 pretty dear Eoyal Bounce it was ! We have now shown as 
 concisely as possible the manner in which the public was fleeced, 
 the magnitude of the fraud, and how this Buckwalter managed to 
 secure all the booty for his own pocket. We add the following 
 examples of the heartlessness of the man as exhibited in a few 
 cases, gathered from the scores of complaints which were received 
 by myself : 
 
 SOME OF THE VICTIMS. 
 
 A soldier's widow, in Maine, being sick and confined to her 
 room, happened to see in a newspaper one of the lying " endorse- 
 ments" of the firm of Lawrence & Co. She had saved about 
 $200, which, except her pension money from the Government, 
 was all she possessed, or had to live upon. She sent down a letter 
 to these men, stating her circumstances, and telling them how 
 anxious she was to increase this sum which she had taken out 
 of the bank where it was earning 6 per cent. ; for she was very 
 desirous of obtaining enough money to pay her doctor's bill. 
 
52 FEAUPS EXPOSED. 
 
 and at tlie same time to buy the necessaries of life. She was 
 buoyed up in a few days by receiving the usual notification that 
 she had earned 1 per cent, or $200.00 in addition to the money 
 she had sent. As was natural under such circumstances, she was 
 delighted, and anticipated being able in a few days to pay ofE her 
 little bills, and secure many things to add to her comfort. This 
 hope, however, was like the flash of the meteor that lights up the 
 heavens at night, only to disappear, leaving the darkness all the 
 more intense. Hopes aroused, were dashed to the ground, and 
 instead of comforts, followed keen anguish and disappointment 
 when the " Eoyal Bounce " came, announcing that an unfortunate 
 turn in the market had swept away both capital and profit. The 
 fact was, as the reader knows, that no stock had been bought, 
 no investment made, nothing but a barefaced robbery committed. 
 
 A gentleman in ill health sent down a $1,000 bond, upon 
 which there was a premium of about $150. This bond went 
 direct in the pockets of Benjamin R. Buckwalter, and the clerk 
 was instracted to write a letter, asking the gentleman to call at the 
 ofiice. He called the next day, and was persuaded to allow the 
 balance to be invested, making in all about 1,150 shares of stock. 
 In a few days afterwards he received the " Eoyal Bounce." This 
 gentleman was troubled with the form of heart disease that made 
 it dangerous for him to undergo any excitement, and rather than 
 have any publicity to his loss, and fearful of the excitement if 
 the matter was brought into court, he had to give up the entire 
 amount. 
 
 A poor widow, whose husband had been killed in a railroad 
 accident, had a few dollars left her. She Avas anxious to increase 
 it to a sum sufiicient to enable her to pay oS. a small mortgage 
 on her httle home. She sent her money to Lawrence & Co., 
 stating her sad case. It availed nothing; but these wretches, 
 or rather this wretch Buckwalter, appropriated the livelihood 
 of this widow in the most heartless manner. 
 
 A man out West, a poor man with a large family of children 
 dependent upon him for support, owning a little house and 
 farm, read one of these newspaper advertisements, sent for their 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 53 
 
 circular, received it, and became so carried away by what lie 
 read, that he borrowed $200 and sent it on to be invested. In 
 a few days he was led to believe that he had made a handsome 
 thing by this investment, then notified, as usual, that principal 
 and profit had all been swept away. Eecently he has written 
 a most heartrending letter, begging that something might be 
 done to recover his money, otherwise he must sell his home in 
 order to pay this $200. He says, " I can scarcely support my 
 family even with this little house over their heads, and what will 
 become of me if my home is taken away, I cannot tell." 
 
 A lady, old and infirm, having saved up a few dollars for her 
 old age, read theSe newspaper statements, and forwarded her 
 Kttle earnings of about $100 only to be robbed in the same heart- 
 less manner. Her daughter writes me a most pitiful letter, 
 praying that I will do something to recover back this money, 
 and saying that if she had the money herself she would restore 
 it and never have troubled me ^^■ith this letter of appeal ; but 
 being very poor and seeing her aged mother mourning over 
 her loss day after day, she had hoped perhaps something might 
 be done towards recovering this sum. 
 
 One man sent 525 shares of mining and other stocks and 
 never heard from it afterwards. A casual examination of the 
 forty thousand letters, seized by the writer in the office of this 
 concern, show that a vast majority of those who lost their money 
 were in moderate circumstances, and many of them, indeed, very 
 poor. The thousands of dollars that went into the pockets of 
 this man Buckwalter, were drawn principally from the savings 
 of the industrious classes. Teachers, seamstresses, clerks and 
 servants are largely represfhted, while the higher classes of the 
 professions, mercantile hf e and government departments, contrib- 
 uted their f uU quota. 
 
54 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTEK III. 
 
 We publish herewith a few sample letters, taken at random 
 from the thousands before us. These communications are pub- 
 lished verbatim et literatim. 
 
 A CONGEESSIONAL SPECULATOE. 
 Vice-President's Chamber, Washington, D. C, Oct 28th, 1879. 
 Gentlemen.— Youis of yesterday at hand. I have concluded to accept your 
 proposition. Enclosed find Certificate for 100 shares, that you sent liist week. 
 I have sent you |100,-i<ioV ^Y Adams Express. Please send me your certificate 
 for 300 shares. 
 
 I hope this may prove a successful venture and the begiuiug of long 
 business relations between us. In corresponding with you would not it be 
 advantageous to both parties if I should write to an individual member of 
 your firm. If so please send me the address. 
 
 Very truly yours, C. 
 
 Box Senate P. O. 
 Messes. Lawkence & Co., New York. 
 
 Probably has his thirst for knowledge quenched in due time. 
 
 Tremont, May 8th, 1878. 
 
 Your favor of 7th inst. received and contents noted, you certainly make a 
 very liberal offer, at the same time would it not hold me responsible for the 
 $400 you would credit my account in case no profit would be realized ? As I 
 have already informed you, I am responsible for the |200 sent you the other 
 day, and that I done in order to make a start, will you please, and give me 
 full explanation, at the same time inform me how long time I will have to 
 raise the additional sum of $300 and would you think me safe to promise or 
 guarantee the $300, in case I can get a party to take the shares, I am willing 
 to do all in my power. But at the same time, I would not like to lose any- 
 thing myself. I have all the confidence in your house, as this is a new thing 
 to me, I am anxious to know all about it ; any information you can give me 
 will cheerfully be accepted; what do you think can be realized if it is in- 
 creased to the 1000 shares, as per your letter I merely ask to have your idea: 
 and what would be my gain. Please answer by return of mail. 
 
 Yours respectfully, 
 
 Theo. B. 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 55 
 
 A CONTIDrNG. VICTIM. 
 
 Cincinnati, Sept. 19tli, 1879. 
 Messrs. Lawrence & Co. : 
 
 Gents. — Yours of the 15th inst. reed, announcing the combination in which 
 iny investment was placed closed; and incloseing new certificate for 470 
 shares in a new combination commencing with date Sept. 15. I hope the 
 new combination will work out hansomly; lam sorry my finances are not 
 in a condition at present to avail myself of your kind offer to put me in a 
 $1,000 combination, by my remitting you |250, 1 will say however, I hope be- 
 fore any great time, to get working capital up to $2,000 in your hands ; and 
 keep it to that amount ; and above all the time ; I think your plan a good 
 one, for opperating iu stocks ; and as I am inexperienced in stock specula- 
 tions ; It certainly would be safer for me to opperate through you, than to 
 risk my own judgment ; 
 
 Yotirs very respectfully, 
 
 A. M. H. 
 
 A FEMALE SPECULATOR. 
 
 Wants to be insured not to lose. 
 
 Ewing, Inc., Dec. the 22, 1878. 
 Dear Friend Larrence 4~ Co. i have sold my 2 houses and lotts and wish to 
 in Vestigate in your combination the First of January i have 7 hundred and 
 18 dollars to put in if you will in shore me to knott loose the principal i know 
 that the brokers have good luck some times in Baxters & Co Bankers 17 
 Wall Streete New York there Book sent Free tells of what sucess tha have i 
 want to Bee one in the luckey number So lett me heare amediatly for New- 
 years is close i hope you will register my ten back or give me tenu Shares in 
 another chance if knott i will try the Baxter one i will knott try un tell you 
 lett me heare your Friend as ever, 
 to Larrence and Co. A. tJ. 
 
 Another Female Speculator with a limited capital wants a little 
 certificate for a dollar. "Womanlilce she adds a postscript. 
 
 New Milfokd, July 29, 1878. 
 Dear Sir — Dond you remember that I sent you 1.00 for a certificate and you 
 did not send me one, but, you sent instead a offer of more for 10.00 or 11.00 
 the one I sent, then I wrote you a nother letter and told you that I was not 
 able to take more on account of sickness just now but I sent you a nother 
 dolar wicli made 2.00 I had sent you, you said in the next letter that you was 
 Borry I could not take in the combination so was I, but you sent me only one 
 certiffioate for 1.00 and I am entitled to 2 cerfifiacate. Now send me my other 
 
56 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 one as I dont like to lose my other now you received it because I have bot 
 of your letters to that effect but probily you forgot will take in your com- 
 bination if I am lucky in this. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 Mks. a. E. p. 
 
 p. s. — Should have written before but have been out of town. 
 
 A cripple rolls around the streets in a chair, distributing circu- 
 lars, and then is fleeced : 
 
 KOCHESTER, Aug. 6, 1878. 
 
 Lawrence & Co.— I R^e'd Yours of Yesterday With Regrets this does Not 
 Look Like 8 Out of 10— Makes instead of Loses. Now the first $25 I sent you 
 why did you hold out the Inducement if I would Send $25 More was it be- 
 cause |25 was Not Enough to Take at one Time — You promise in Your Circu- 
 lar that when Ever You Commence a Combination You will Notyfy all those 
 Conserned — After being to the Trouble of Talking You up to a Good Many 
 and Sending Round your Circulars — that I must be Ketched Twice in the 
 Same Trap it Looks to Me Lilce the Blackest Fraud I have herd of in Some 
 Time Now thare is one Way You can Get out of this — I want You to Send Me 
 My Money and the Note or You will have to Come to Our Place to See if it is 
 Fraud or Not. I Regret to have any such Trouble as I am sick and have no 
 Money to be Frauded out of and if thare is no Law to Protect me I can Write 
 a Tolerable Fair article for the News Papers and I will Publish you all over 
 Evry State in the Union if You do Not Send Me My Money and Note Yours 
 
 F. J. A. 
 
 I Never will Pay one cent on the Note and you cant Collect a Cent you 
 have the Cheek to Ask Me to Go in again I might better Throw My Money in 
 the Fire if I had any and if thare any way to Collect that $50 back I will take 
 all the chances to do it you Talk in your circular about Puts and Calls and 
 Lottery Tickets thay are Kings to your way of Doing Business. Let Me hear 
 from you or the first thing you will here from me to your disadvantage. 
 
 F. J. A. 
 
 Rochester, Aug. 22, 1878. 
 Messrs. Lawrence & Co. — I rec'd yours and My Note Enclosed which I 
 was Very Glad to Get — I will Say to you that it is 12 years the 8th day of 
 a.pril Since I have walked a Step and after I Rec'd Your Notice of your mak- 
 ing the Last $50 on Lake Shore and by your circular, which Says after the 
 first Month All Depositors Can With draw them Depoits or profits after the 
 first month I after I Reed the Last Circular that you had made $50 on Lake 
 Shore, I Wrote to You I would Go any Father in the Speculation and I wrote 
 you to Send Me My Note and Fifty after Takeing out the i)r Ceotage, as I 
 thought I had Got Even all but My Trouble in Circulating your Circulars I 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BEOKEES. 57 
 
 Rolled Round the Street in my Chair and Tryed to do you Good and I am ac- 
 queinted with as many as any Other Man in Eochester, for I have kept 5 
 Hotells in this place and 1 have owned Two, but my Long Siclsuess has made 
 me poore & when I sent you the first $^5 I thought by Looking over the 
 Brooklyn paper and your circular it was almost a shure thing 8 out of Ten to 
 win and a Hundred out of $20 the Brooklyn man Got. I think as all things 
 has Turned out I have circulated all of your circulars and if all had have 
 Turned Out Eight you would have Got a pretty Good Business from my cir- 
 culation. I think You minte Put Me in to a. Good Combination and Get Me 
 a Little Start for God Knows I Kneed it. I have Made a Little out of 
 Watches this Sumer and Dickering Eound, and you have the Whole of it So 
 I have not Much to buy Cole with for Winter. I thought the Chances was 
 Good to Make and instead of Loosing all I had I am always thankful for 
 Small Favors Yours Truly. I am Takeing the Galvanic Batteries and I hope 
 they wiU. do Me Good and I Can Get on to Feet again. 
 
 F. J. A. 
 
 A SUPEESTmOtrS SPECULATOE. 
 
 He risks Adams, Brown & Co. a second time, but not on 
 
 Friday. 
 
 Balto, June 10-79. 
 
 D Sirs : — Your Encourageing letter of 9th inst. at hand, and again being 
 controlled by your advice — will remit you $50 more to-morrow, which will 
 reach you on Thursday morning — making $100, in all now invested, and de- 
 sire that iu consideration of the confidence now placed in you, that you will 
 use your utmost Endeavors to realize something handsome from it, and there- 
 by make me a regular patron of your firm — I might suggest however, — that 
 in deference to my wishes, I trust that you will not put my money in any 
 pool that begins operations on a Friday, for although superstitious as it might 
 seem — I can truthfully say I was never (uot even hardlt/ ever) concerned in 
 anything on that day but what it proved ill-advised — still all I ask, is to use 
 your best judgement & discretion — hoping the result may invariably be 
 
 favorable I remain 
 
 Very truly Yours 
 
 H. G. W. 
 
 A Postmaster is on his muscle. He wants Ms money : 
 
 POST-OFFICE, 
 
 E., Haetfoed Co., Conn., Jtme 3d, 1878. 
 
 F. P. P., P.M. L. M. P.. Ass't P.M. 
 
 Lawrence & Co. — Enclosed find Circular letter rec'd from you. 
 In renly would say that it is altogether a too iarefaced swindle, and I hereby 
 inform you that i:?the $100.00 I sent you is ixoii forthcoming immediately, I shall 
 
58 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 have the delivery of your mail at the New York Post-office stopped ;— this I 
 am requested to do by the Post-office Department when swindling is carried, 
 on through the mails. 
 
 I don't propose to put $100.00 into your pockets and keep still about it, and 
 you continue to advertise in Hartford, Springfleld, and other papers as former- 
 ly. — Can give you a little gratuitous advertising and "showing up" myself, as 
 I happen to be in a position to do it — and effectually too. 
 
 Shall take no apologies or explanations in payment — ^nothing short of the 
 
 original One hundred dollars will be received.— I am not as " green " as you may 
 
 perhaps think. Yours, 
 
 ^ ^ F. P. P., P.M. 
 
 Why did lie not do his duty by reporting the "barefaced 
 swindle " to the postal authorities ? 
 
 A Keverend speculator desires to make money easy, and lays 
 a trap for his flock. It is hoped that this fellow himself got bit. 
 
 B., Nov. 21, 1878. 
 
 Gentlemen — I have read your circular carefully ; and though I do not fully 
 understand some of the terms, and methods, yet I believe you ; and this 
 doubtless is better than if I believed myself and doubted you. 
 
 I wish to make my plans clear to you, & therefore wish to state the follow- 
 ing facts, & from these form my plans : 
 
 First, I am pastor of the Presbyterian church here, consisting of 75 members: 
 some of whom are rich farmers but close, avaricious and parsimonious. 
 They have got their money by hard work & the sweat of their brow. 
 
 Second, Now if I could show them that I had sent you say $20, and at the 
 end of 30 days received $40 ; this would be the first proof. Next if, in the be- 
 ginning of the second month I send you $50, and at its close, reeeivS your 
 check for $100; this would be another proof and as much stronger than the 
 first as the square of two is larger than two. Then last if in the beginuing 
 of the third month I send you $100, and you at the end of 30 days send me 
 your check for $300, This would be evidence so persuasive that I believe I 
 could induce them after three months' close, to invest several thousands of 
 dollars, trusting entirely to your management of their speculations. 
 
 Thus, Gentlemen, I have candidly & honestly made my statements and told 
 you my plans. I wish, myself to make a little money easily, I wish the same 
 for my people, and you who manage the affair will have your commission & 
 percentage. 
 
 In order that there may be no possibility of misapprehension I will state my 
 plan with you again : 
 
 If I send you immediately $20, will you in 30 days send me your check for $40? 
 
 Then if I send you as another operation $50, will you send me in 30 days 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 59 
 
 Next, if I send you as a third operation |100, will you send me in the end of 
 30 days, $200 ? 
 
 Kyou will do this, I can have sufficient ground to go upon, in my efforts to 
 arouse some of my rich farmers who would not listen unless the evidence was 
 perfectly satisfactory and sure while they were yet ignorant of the method 
 and details. 
 
 I believe this method which I have suggested will be beneficial to all con- 
 cerned. 
 
 Please write by return of maU. 
 
 Address Rev. J. D., B., Columbia Co., Penna. 
 
 Awaiting your reply and hoping my plan will meet your approval, 
 
 I am, gentlemen, yours respectfully, J. D. 
 
 Called to account by one wlio watclies the market closely and 
 has an eye to business. He does not " make friends with the 
 dog that bites him." 
 
 Mt. Pleasant, Pa., Nov. 19. 
 
 Tours of 14th inst. rec'd stating that you had lost my money. It is just what 
 I expected. I lost confidence in you and expected to be " euchered," when you 
 sent me the certificate and I saw that you kept my money 10 days before 
 putting it into use for me. Sqiuarely contradicting the answer to first question 
 in your circular. — I would like to know what you were doing with the money 
 during that time, while Western Union advanced about 13 per cent. And 
 what was you doing with the combination from Oct. 29th to Nov. 6th, when 
 you must have bought N. W. at 4'2i & sold ou the 7th, the date of your first 
 notice. During all this time the stock market was active, and several Stocks 
 on the list advanced 1 to 3 per cent. Even N. W. advanced about 2 per cent. 
 in this time. 
 
 And again what was you doing from the 7th, when Western Union Sold at 
 93i, to the 14th, when you must have sold a 07i as it closed on the 13th a 96J. 
 And in the same time there were others on the list in which money was being 
 made by some person. And why did you put all the money into only one stock, 
 when there were others just as good as what you dealt in, and you might have 
 made on those ; and why you was only able to make one turn each six days 
 and that only on date of your report) would be interesting to know. 1 suppose 
 you made sure of your comi'sn, or would you like to have us make that up 
 to you. If the market had been dull during the run of the combination, I 
 should have thought nothing of your losing, but with an active market and 
 a wide fluctuation in prices of stocks, the case looks to me as one of downright 
 fraud or damnabU stupidity. And still you have the consummate "cheek" to 
 want us to send more money, " when you will do all in your power to retrieve 
 the loss to «s"— As 2/OM- would make over $6000 in a full combination, in one 
 turn and if you saved your comis'n on the last turn, (as you would likely 
 
60 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 do) you would be very well paid for your trouhle. Besides tie number of i 
 per cent, turns you might make and we know nothing of, la which you would 
 cover your commission. 
 
 I am much obliged to you for the offer of your services but as I never make 
 friends with the dog that bites me, I shall decline. I think an analysis of the 
 " Combination Stock plan" should be written up, as a warning to those who 
 might be drawn into it. And I believe I can do your business as much harm 
 as my $100 will do you good. 
 
 Yours &c. P- H. L. 
 
 HE FREES HIS MIND. 
 
 Newell, Dec. 27, 1879. 
 
 Gents : I wish to say to you that you may go to Hell and be Damned 
 which you richly deserve. But if you had been smart and made a good show- 
 ing for me this month you could have Duped oure Town out of $200 Dollars 
 next Month. But I am glad it turned as it did. I shall speud money on ad- 
 vertising you now and your Business free of charge, and have mailed several 
 other letters for that purpose. 
 
 Yours over the left, O. O. 
 
 A ETCH LETTER FROM A POOR MAK. 
 
 Cleveland, 0., Oct. 14, 1878. 
 
 Gentlemen : I received your leter aud was not agreeble suprise by the Loss. 
 The money in question, was bored money, and bored from a Widoed mother 
 in hopes that I might make more for her but the Loss has just about skined 
 her of all. 
 
 Now if yon will allow me 25 shares in combination F, (wich was the one 
 that I wished to be coneoted with before you advised me otherwise) and 
 charge me interest on the same so as to give me a start agin, and you will not 
 be Lossers by it. 
 
 Will you pleas answer this leter and let me know your desision. 
 
 Yours truly, F. A. 6. 
 
 A sarcastic victim pours out the vials of liis wrath. He waxes 
 eloquent, but fails to get his money. 
 
 Hartfokd, Dec. 24, 1878. 
 
 Messes. Lawrence & Co. 
 
 Gents : Your favor of 23d is received and contents noted. We had supposed 
 that the vast combination we were interested in would have moved on for 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 61 
 
 thirty long dayes, but Lo the supreme skill and mighty wisdom of Lawrence 
 
 & Co. are brought in to play, and this immense combination is brought to a 
 
 glorious & triumphant close (to L. & Co.) in the space of 2 short weeks. We 
 
 do not propose to pry in to the mysteries of your movements in Stock matters, 
 
 but suppose in our case you used those two nnering rules of success you sent 
 
 us in Pamphlet, we know not whether the Bulls or Bears were predominant in 
 
 our case, but would just suggest that the Bulls were a little ahead, and just 
 
 nowthe thought came in to our mind that likely as not the success of these 
 
 mighty Combinations (to L. & Co.) were affected by the buying and selling 
 
 especially the Sell part. 
 
 When we look forward to the near future and see the results of these almighty 
 
 and majestic Combinations revolving on their axis once a week and crushing 
 
 out in their movements all pauperism and distress from the land, we are struck 
 
 with amazement but what gets us and takes our breath from us as it were, is 
 
 the to us liberal and munificent offer or rather gift of 100 Shares for the paltry 
 
 sum of |50.00. This Princely offer was never before exceled and never ecLualed 
 
 except by your last royal offer of retrieving our fortunes by kindly letting us 
 
 Invest again. Te GoiJs think of it. $50.00 profit on 100 shares in one week. 
 
 You say in Circular sent us that your patrons don't even let their friends and 
 
 acquaintances know the result of their investment in your huge and all 
 
 absorUng Combination. I don't know as we blame them, but as for ua we are 
 
 no such Men. No Sir ee we give you full liberty to use our names and give to 
 
 the World at large, the result of our venture, in fact for a small compensation 
 
 we would ourselves make known the result by publishing it in a few of the 
 
 leading Papers of the day. 
 
 Yours, ' 
 
 J. B. B. 
 
 N. B. So sure are we of the success of your prodigeous Combination we 
 would like 50 more Shares on the same terms and conditions we received the 
 last 50 on, you furnish the capital the profits to come to us the same as in the 
 other case precisely. We havent figured yet the exact length of time it will 
 take us to become immensely rich, by sending our spare change to you, but will 
 in a few days and send the result. 
 
 A loving spouse treading on dangerous ground. 
 
 DuxcANNON, Pa., Nov. 28, 1878. 
 
 Yours with Certificate for Five Shares came to hand in due time and thanks 
 for the same. I am just as much obliged to you for your offer presented to me 
 as if I could have sent you the $20. My wife has in her own name Registered 
 Bonds in am't $700.00. I shall try and get her to invest in your Combination 
 if you will insure a return of $3000, to $3500, and should I prevail upon her 
 investing could you get her Coupon Bonds in place of the Registered Bonds? 
 
62 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 I would accept your kind oflfer but it was out of the question for me to do so. 
 Please answer the above in all of the particulars if I cannot get my wife up to 
 invest the $700; I will try hard for her to try $50 anyhow. 
 Yours with kind regards, 
 
 A WRATHFUL EPISTLE. 
 
 Canton, O., Nov. 24, 1879. 
 Messrs. Lawuence & Co. 
 
 Sirs. — I received your answer to my former letter saying you never paid any 
 attention to such letters as I had written you, but one thing and that is this 
 before two months go round I will get an answer of you that will he worth 
 more to me and the country at large than the Five Dollars. I 'have made 
 arrangements with several Firms and allso written to the Mercantile agency 
 for terms for Advertising your rascally piece of buisness, and further have 
 written to a Friend in New York to look this up for me. You will see by an 
 enclosed letter what one Firm says of you and I can give other proofs of your 
 doings and as I don't care if I ever here of you again you may bet your life 
 you are going to hear frome me and that when you will least expect it. Such 
 men as you should be entirely cleaned out of good society the same as they are 
 Qow doing in Leadville and if I am not badly mistaken I think it will come 
 soone. I remain 
 
 Yours Eesp't, 
 
 Jno. McF. 
 
 D. P. Hereick. Frank A. Egan. 
 
 Office of D. P. Herrick & Co., Bankers and Brokers, 
 
 43 New Street, New York, Nov. 22, 1879. 
 J. McF., Esq. 
 
 Dear Sir — Yours of 20th to hand. The set of swindlers who do business 
 nnder the name of Lawrence & Co. are to well known to need any further 
 explanation from us. We do not know the agency through whicb they 
 advertise. 
 
 Respectfully Yours, 
 
 D. P. Herrick & Co. 
 
 Of course, the clerks had a laugh over this, and the pith of the 
 joke was that Egan had formerly been a clerk of Buckwalter. 
 Subsequently this firm, who are filled with such righteous indig- 
 nation, were themselves compelled to abandon their fraudulent 
 business. 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKEES. 63 
 
 A Letter Carrier wants to make money out of his companions, 
 and asks for more " material evidence" than printed circulars. 
 
 Chicago Post OpriOE. 
 
 Office of General Superintendent of Letter Carriers. 
 
 Box and General Delivery Department. 
 
 May 28, 1878. 
 Messrs. Lawkence & Co., Bankers, &c., 19 Broad St., New York. 
 
 Gentlemen — I have the pleasure to acknowledge receipt of Circulars &c. and 
 intend to canvass in a few days. Like most men, when entering upon a new 
 enterprise, I desire to pot in " telling licks," and thereby make it interesting 
 for all parties concerned. To accomplish this, or rather to insure successful 
 results in the undertaking, beside using a good deal of talk and references to 
 successful operations by other parties, it would help the matter along far 
 better, if material evidence could be produced, to back up the illustrative talk 
 on the subject. 
 
 Why not then for once deviate a little from the usual course of doing 
 business, and act upon the sugestions hereinafter proposed. 
 
 The class of my patrons as I have stated before are among the 500 Post-office 
 employees of this city and a much lesser number among the clerks of commis- 
 sionmeu in every Carrier's District and on my route. All of these receive 
 their respective salaries about once a month ; (either the last or first of each 
 month, and they are rich only about that time for a few days. Now to the 
 point: If I had for instance a communication from you, stating -'that my 
 inyeatment, personally or as Agent, of a piivious date, had secured me again of 
 a certain sum," and the same were really accompanied by a check of fifty or 
 more dollars, my being able to show that would have a telling eifect, and 
 would enable me at the proper time to est.ablish a provitable business first for 
 you and me, and later (with good luck), for our patrons. 
 
 I know from experience, that it is a hard matter to break the "Ice" to 
 begin with, if your artillery used in battering down the outerworks, are not a 
 little more convincing than Circulars and statements. But if you can show in 
 addition to those the muzle of a " 60 pounder " in the shape of a check as above 
 suggested, the victory is yours invereably. 
 
 Of course to act upon my sugestion you would have to trust an entire 
 stranger to you, and that would seem to be reason sufficient not to enter into 
 the plan, even if you should decide on deviating from your regular course of 
 doing business. 
 
 But I don't care which way you decide, only I know, that if I could enter 
 into such an arrangement with you, you would be no looser by the confidence 
 placed in me, and I would be enabled to add a desirable item to my future 
 income and perhaps more than that, pave the first stepping stones to pleasant 
 and profitable employment in the future. 
 
 Whatever your decission may be, I desire that you take my proposition as 
 
64 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 offered in good faith and with the firm helieve that it would benefit you no leas 
 than it would me. 
 
 The Bugestion will undouhtedly prove a novel one to you, but I believe 
 should he worthy of consideration. 
 
 Awaiting your reply I am 
 
 Yours Very Respectfully, S. 
 
 he must be a quakee. 
 
 Depabtment of Justice, 
 Office of the Solicitor of the Treasury, 
 
 Washington, D. C, Sept. 30, 1879. 
 Messes. Lawrence & Co. 
 
 I am anxious to have a peaceful and amicable arrangement of our business 
 relations. I feel that I have been wronged — and all I ask is my rights, 
 as an American citizen. 
 
 I have placed my interests in the hands of Hon. S. L. Woodford, U. States 
 District Attorney. He will communicate with you at the proper time. Please 
 be good enough to pay to Mr. Woodford for me, $50 — that being the amount 
 in your hands, belonging to me — and his receipt, will be in full satisfaction of 
 all claims against you, by me. If I were a man of wealth, I would make up 
 niy mind to lose it, and let it pass, without litigation, or further trouble. But 
 I am not able to lose it. You know, that I claim nothing more than I am 
 entitled to. 
 
 Two days ago I received a detailed report, containing minute particulars, 
 that would surprise you. I do not wish to make it public, if I can avoid it. 
 I mean nothing in the way of threat. I do not deal in threats. I do not pro- 
 pose to assert my rights, in that way. When I intimate a vindication of my 
 rights, by appealing to the law, and failing in that, by appealing to public 
 opinion, over my own name, through the public press — so far from indulging 
 in a, menace, I merely mean to convince you, that I am laboring under the 
 conviction of having been wronged, and that I asli for nothing but justice. 
 In the name of justice, I ask you, in all mildness and gentleness — please pay 
 to Mr. Woodford U. States District Attorney $50 for me. I mean nothing 
 offensive or harsh. I repeat, that in order to make myself understood, I 
 have been compelled to say, what I would prefer not to have said. Please 
 pay to Mr. Woodford $50 for me — and let there be an amicable conclusion to 
 our business affairs. 
 
 Tou are not aware oftohat is going on. I have no wish, of course, to see any 
 injury done to others, who are willing to deal fairly and justly with me. 
 For the present, I will merely say, that through the machinery of a certain 
 Department of the Government, results may be reached, which the ingenuity 
 of icell paid counsel (as explained in the report I have alluded toj can not pos- 
 sibly contravene. 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 65 
 
 In conclusion, for ttio present, I appeal to you, in tlio name of JKsiice, and 
 request you to pay to Hon. S. L. Woodford fifty dollars for lue. 
 
 Rcapectfully, 
 
 Two other parties, to whom I sent |50 each, to invest for me in stock oper- 
 ations, on my application to them, and my appeal to their juallcc, have 
 remitted to mo the if, 'SO I sent thoni. 
 
 A PROPOSITION FROM A 
 
 Canasicraga, Dec. 26th, 1878. 
 
 Messrs. Lawrence & Co. 
 
 Your circular informing me of the loss of the entire combination that I was 
 intrested was duly received. You asli for another "remittance" promising 
 to return tlie loss, &o. Now if I had the money I should try you nfjain on 
 ^lO shiires more, but what to do now I do not know. When I made you my 
 (ir.st remittance I intended to keep some money invested all the time — the 
 year-round ; in short I expected to bo so successful in that combination (as 
 everything was .vo aitre) as to get started so that I could -withdraw the Orig- 
 inal Cai^ital and still have enough to control! a 100 shares in another eombin- 
 ation. But let bygones go — the question is what is to bo done in the'living 
 present? Times, are tight — I cannot raise any money now beyond, what 
 current expenses constiinc. What can I do ? Itow can I got a start oii, (7ti« 
 road to fortune? Can you make any suggestion or propo.'iition ? I had 
 thought of this — you are Bankers you have money to let any time on interest 
 if well secured. Now if you consider it security enough suppose you pur- 
 chase me 50 sljares iu a combination that you know will pay a profit and are 
 willing to risk it and charge me interest for the 30 days and so take interest 
 and i>rineipal iromi my share of profits at the close of combination. If you 
 will do this I am your life-long customer and will procure you many others 
 too. Please do this and give me a start— but be sure that there is going to be 
 a profit. 
 
 Hoping to hear a favorable answer from you, that you have made mo a pur- 
 chase I remain yours Truly 
 
 A. S. H. 
 
 A clerk in the Bureau of Education gets bit, and tries again : 
 
 U. S. Bureau of Education, 
 
 Washington, D. C, Sept. 25, 1878. 
 Messrs. Lawrence & Co. 
 
 Dear Gents : I received the letter of the 23rd stating that you had made 
 an unlucky turn with the combination in which I was interested. I must say 
 that I am exceedingly disappointed. I was iu hopes that I had put my money 
 5 
 
66 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 to a profitable nse. As I informed you -when I made the investment that it 
 was all that (it was) that I could appropriate at the time, nevertheless I 
 trust that yon may meet with better success in the future. Please let me 
 know by return mail if you can make me another offer like the one you made 
 me during the latter part of August. Which was, that if I would send you 
 an order for 50 shares, accompanied by $20 dollars besides the ten already 
 invested, that you would credit me for 20 shares, making a deduction of 7 
 per cent, and allow me benefit, and profit of the 50 shares at the end of the 
 combihation ? If so please answer at once, and I will if possible send you 20 
 dollars at the first of next month. Unless you are positive that it would be 
 a success I cannot do otherwise that withdraw the amount already i nvested. 
 I cannot afford to squander my small earnings, as .my wages are but $1 per 
 day. Trusting to your honor and hoping to hear from you at once, I remain 
 
 Yours Respectfully, J. J. C. 
 
 P. S. Instead of directing my letters to H. St. you may send them to Bureau 
 of Education, Washington, D. C. 
 
 This letter is endorsed " Yes ;" and so our friend learned more 
 wisdom at these rather high rates of education, $20 per lesson, 
 while earning but one dollar a day. 
 
 A speculator who lires in Utah, but denies that he is a 
 
 " Samt." 
 
 Nov. 22d, 1878. 
 Gentlemen : — 
 
 Your notice dated Nov. 14th is reed. I regret exceedingly the unlucky turn 
 it reports as it was my first venture. In my iirm confidence in its success 
 and in the honesty of the Firm — which is still unshaken — I have diligently 
 advocated your claims to reliability among all my Mends and acquaintances 
 here who are waiting to see the results of my venture before they invested for 
 shares in your combinations. As it is I shall be exposed to their pity, and 
 your firm to unmerited abuse. 
 
 However I shall try to retrieve my loss by make another small venture in 
 time for the operations of next month. 
 
 I cannot understand after selling at 97^ how the rapid advancement of the 
 Stock should cause our loss. Will you be so kind as to explain this to me in 
 a few words. 
 
 One of your clerks in adressiug notices to me writes my name as followes, 
 " Geo. D. St. W. If this " St." is intended for Saint it is a petty slur, under 
 the supposition, probably, because I live in Utah I belong to the Mormon 
 Church, loJiich is not the case. I am satisfied that the Firm of Lawrence & Co. 
 do not tolerate such invidious distinctions. 
 
 Very respectfully, your Friend, 
 
 Kaysville, Davis Co., Utah. Geo. D. W. 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BEOKERS. 67 
 
 A MODEST SPECULATOR QUOTES NUESEEY EHTMES. 
 
 WASHiNGTOJf C. H. Ohio, Nov. 21, 1879. 
 
 Gents.— A&XT a careful perusal of your system of stock operations I must say 
 that I am well pleased with the same , and herewith forward, you P. O. 
 order for Ten dollars (Ten sh.ares) this is a very smaU beginning, but tis said 
 tall oaks from little acors grow. 
 
 And trusting to your long experience and good judgement I hope this " wid- 
 ows mite," may take root and spread its branches untill it becomes a hercules 
 in your hands : I made an investment a short time since and lost all, and 
 under the present depressed state of the market it may not be a favorable 
 time to invest, but a dowuard market is as good as an upward one so exercise 
 your own good judgement and I will be satisfied, you send weekly reports do 
 you not; hoping to hear from you soon I am Yours Truly, 
 
 H. R. 
 
 This letter shows tliat a fool and his money are soon parted, 
 
 and what a person ignorant of stock speculation has to pay for 
 
 experience. 
 
 Princeton, N. J., March 15th, 1880. 
 Mr. Anthony Comstook. 
 
 I see in the Sunday Times of January 25th, 1880, of your forcing the firm of 
 Lawrence & Co. in seven cases. I hold their receipt for money invested as 
 per advertisements to make so much. I am poor, and he is a swindle. He 
 has promised me, aud said when I was there to see, that he had sent me a 
 Check for a 1000 he has of mine, (profits 500) I borrowed the money to use in 
 stocks and did not know a man could lie so. 
 
 Have had a bad spell of sickness because of my losses and could not aiford 
 the losses been sick ever since. I seen the notice in the Times which I cut out, 
 and this is the first day I been able to sit up and write or inquire about it. 
 Please send me an answer, stating what are your charges aud if it is possible 
 to get anything from them and other swindlers in New York. I have a claim 
 against Taylor & Co., 43 Exchange Place for $235 cash. Peck & Harris, over 
 Lawrence & Co. $150 unsettled. D. P. Herrick & Co. 43 New Street, about 
 $1100. Cash put in their hands and swindle me out of all, and Smalley & 
 Gale, Broadway, sent a letter of inquiry to them about $100, I sent to them 
 in December last. If you can collect these, I will send you about $350 against 
 H. P. Gilbert & Co. 17 Broad Street, — or was there before they rau away or 
 failed October 1st 1879 and made assignment to his head Clerk. He took 
 all of them. What a set of swindlers they be in New York ! Lawrence & Co. 
 lied as he cheated me. I had some money then, and it and me parted. L. & 
 Co. feed me on by first time paying 50 per cent profit, aud when they got a 
 chance to steal a thousand did it and lied about it. 
 
 Yours unfortunate 
 
68 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Before dropping this precious rascal let us refer to one incident 
 in Iiis career. Back waiter by his plausible manner and gentlemanly 
 bearina:, and with the connivance of others who were partly liv- 
 ing off his plunder, managed to ingratiate himself into respect- 
 able society. He was a guest in honored circles and while living 
 in fine style contracted for the erection of a palatial residence. 
 Just then the news was brought to him that proceedings had 
 been begun against Lawrence & Co. He was at once greatly 
 distressed, but concocted plausible stories and so evaded the in- 
 quiries of his solicitous friends. But when, in the last week in 
 December, the papers one morning came out with the account of 
 my work in exposing him, and the gentleman of the house where 
 he -was staying read the facts, this Prince of swindlers himself re- 
 ceived a truly " Royal Bounce." He had not time even to pack 
 his trunk. Benjamin F. Buckwalter, "four-in-hand, tandum" 
 and all decamped in the night and disappeared. The thousands 
 of his victims who may read these pages, will learn with satisfac- 
 tion that while at the time of this seizure in December, 1879, 
 his income was at the rate of $22,833.33 jper month, on New 
 Tear's Day, 1880, not a single cent reached him from these sour- 
 ces, as all the mail matter addressed to him had been stopped, his 
 place seized and closed. From the four concerns mentioned in 
 the agreement as controlled by Buckwalter, over 500,000 names 
 and post office addresses were seized, besides about 40,000 old 
 letters and a large amount of papers. There were 22 cases, 2 
 trunks and 10 mail bags with matter in the same seized. 
 
 A CLIENT AND HIS LAWT'EE. 
 
 While it was very easy putting money into Benjamin E. Buck- 
 waiter's pockets, it was quite another thing to get any out, as 
 those who tried to collect honest bills found. A circumstance 
 that will illustrate both his greedy nature and the extent to 
 M-hich liis willing tool could be used, is illustrated by the follow- 
 ing correspondence. 
 
 A stationer furnished Buckwalter & Co. in 1876 stationery 
 
AND BBOKEKS. 
 
70 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 amounting to a little over $300. This bill remained unpaid dur- 
 ing the following years of Buckwalter's prosperity, and after ma 
 lawyer had drawn the papers and with a full knowledge of the 
 lai'ge amounts that Buckwalter was to receive each month, and 
 with Buckwalter's receiving from the first of September to the 
 time the business was stopped, over $57,000 ; notwithstanding all 
 this, the despicable attempt was made by these two men to de- 
 fraud this creditor out of his just dues. The reader now may 
 judge between a client and his lawyer, and brand whichever he 
 pleases as guilty of a contemptible fraud, by the following letters, 
 
 which speak for themselves : 
 
 New York, Nov. 12, 1879. 
 Messrs. & . 
 
 Gents : Yours of 6th inst. to Mr. Buckwalter has been sent to me by him 
 from the country. If you will send me an itemized bill, it may perhaps facili- 
 tate a settlement if you are prepared to make it the same as the other cred- 
 itors. Yours truly, 
 
 Mr. Buckwalter was, thereafter, found cutting a heavy swell at 
 Montrose, IST. J. (Orange Mountain Station), with dog cart, horses, 
 dogs, grooms, etc. — fine house, grounds, and reputation. An 
 itemized bill was sent, when the following reply was made : 
 
 New York, Not. 24, 1879. 
 Messrs. . 
 
 Gents : I have seen Mr. Buckwalter and told him what you said respecting 
 his prosperity, etc. He says it is a mistake— that he is boarding with a gen- 
 tleman who has all the fine things for his own pleasure, and that he, Mr. B., 
 is simply paying $10 a week for his board. He says : " Let them sue unless 
 they will accept 25^, which would be about $75." All I can say is, "Give 
 him a shot," if you think best. Yours truly, 
 
 A nice question comes up here : How far may a lawyer go, 
 and not violate the law himself by conspiracy with a criminal ? Is 
 a lawyer an ofiicer of the Court ? Yes. Has the law any restraint 
 upon his conduct and acts ? Is he bound to respect the laws of 
 the land ? Certainly ! the same as any citizen. 
 
 This same man, it is said, secured aU the funds for Buckwalter, 
 which were in the Fourth National Bank at the time that the 
 business of Lawrence & Co. was broken up — money, be it re- 
 membered, belonging to hundreds of victims who had been 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 71 
 
 robbed through the mails. And also, that he received from Buck- 
 waiter an annual salary of several hundred dollars. 
 
 It has been seen that this man was the arbitrator in the "Agree- 
 ment." He settled aU claims and troubles. This was, doubtless, 
 to prevent the clerks from consulting any other lawyer, or ex- 
 posing the " Agreement " to view of any one else. 
 
 " You pays your money and takes your choice " between the 
 two. 
 
72 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTEE lY. 
 
 MARGINAL AJSTD SYNDICATE OPEEATOKS. 
 
 There is another plan or scheme called the 1 per cent, margin 
 plan. This is equally as fraudulent as the above, as it was 
 conducted by some. 
 
 A word will show any thoughtful mind the true nature of 
 this plan. The same method of advertising exists. In addi- 
 tion, circulars were sent to parties whose addresses could be 
 secured. The money comes by letter, say in the morning mail. 
 In this scheme it is pretended to buy a share of stock for every 
 dollar sent. One hundred dollars buys 100 shares. But how ? 
 In answering this question, the public, who are tempted to send 
 small sums to ISTew York to be invested in stocks, will see how 
 very easy it is to lose their money ; and may be warned to send 
 to none but those of known honesty and honor. 
 
 THE " ONE-PEE-OENT MAEGIN SWDTOLE. 
 
 The following circular will illustrate the inducements of some 
 of these operators : 
 
 Odr Stock Indicator, No. , Dec. 8-9-10-11-12-13. Supplement. 
 
 Skin, Grab-Em & Co., Bankers and Stock Brokers, 
 
 No. — , Broadway, New York City, N. Y., 
 
 Purcliase and sell on commission Stocks, Bonds and Excliange. 
 
 Dealers in Stock Prioileges and Unilcd Slates Bonds. 
 
 Interest allowed on balances according to the nature of the account. 
 
 MARGINAL OPERATIONS AND THEIR ADVANTAGES. 
 
 1st. You are risking nothing beyond the amount invested. Although your 
 profits are practically unlimited, you can in no case be called upon to pay 
 more than the 1 per cent, margin invested. 
 
 2d. Y'ou control very large amounts by investing very small sums. An in- 
 vestment of .SlOO gives you the control of the stock of the par value of |10,000, 
 enabling you to make large profits. 
 
 3d. You can make money faster iu this than iu any other way. By the 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BEOKEES. 73 
 
 exercise of a careful judgment in tlie selection of stoclcs, and with ordinary 
 good fortune, you can iuvest a small amount and keep on reinvesting until 
 your accumulated proiits are sufScient to give you control of immense sums. 
 
 4tli. You can speculate to the same advantage at a distance from the city 
 as you could if here personally. As your risk is limited, you are not liable 
 to he called upon for more margin, 
 
 5th. By our system you get right at the market price of the stock the day 
 the order is received. 
 
 In addition to the above, other circulars and papers, containing 
 the fluctuations of the stock market, during a certain period, are 
 also sent. Tlie following note to correspondents also appears in 
 the circular : 
 
 TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
 
 The following plan wOl recommend itself; and we know from years' es;j)e- 
 rience in the business of the " Stock Exchange," that loss in the long run can 
 only arise by forsaking the plan we now explain. To be successful, oue must 
 be prompt, active and decisive — seize opportunities at the right moment and 
 go with tlie tide. Slow and doubting characters will never make money in this 
 or any other business. These we do not want. Our list of jiatrons includes 
 every profession and occupation, and numbers of people in every grade and 
 every walk of life. 
 
 The large operations we are now projecting are of such magnitude as will 
 yield larger profits to our customers, we hope, than any we have yet made, 
 and it is probable that our operations during the next few months will over- 
 shadow anything which has heretofore occurred in this market. 
 
 This table shows the cost of privileged contracts, as pretended 
 to be operated by them : 
 
 PEICE3 OF STOCK MAE&nfAL PRIVILEGES FOE 30 DATS. 
 
 The following table shows the cost of Privilege contracts. It will be seen 
 that our commissions are not charged xintil the close of the contract. 
 
 S 10 will buy a Put or Call on 10 shares of stock. 
 
 $20 will buy a Double Privilege on 10 shares of stock. 
 
 $25 ■"■ill buy a Put or Call on 25 shares of stock. 
 
 $50 will buy a Double Privilege on 25 shares of stock. 
 
 $50 will buy a Put or Call on 50 shares of stock. 
 $100 will buy a Double Privilege on 50 shares of stock. 
 $100 will buy a Put or Call on 100 shares of stock. 
 $200 will buy a Double Privilege on 100 shares of stock. 
 
 And in proportion for any greater number of shares. 
 
 Privileges for 60 days can sometimes be procured, but only by special agree- 
 ment. 
 
74 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 This plan is practiced by the cliques whose workings we are familiar with, 
 and gives the customer a much better chance of making money. It is our 
 greatest benefit to put our customers in the right stock, and make as much as 
 possible for them. 
 
 If you can use the care and prudence necessary in managing any business 
 whatever, there is no easier and pleasanter path to fortune than that opened 
 by the judicious purchase of Margin Privileges. 
 
 These great inducements deceived many people into sending 
 their money to these men. Once there, it went into the pockets 
 of the rascals who pretended to operate, never to be heard from 
 again, except that the sender would receive a letter, or printed 
 circular, notifying him that so many shares of stock had been 
 purchased, at such a price. For instance, if he sent $100 to be 
 invested in Erie, the operators would certify that they had bought 
 100 shares of Erie at, say .55. This letter would be sent after 3 
 o'clock, the hour at which the ISTew York Stock Exchange closes, 
 and the figure .55, at which it was alleged to have been bought, 
 would be the highest reached by the stock that day. The next 
 advice, sent upon the following day, would be a notification that 
 they had sold out his stock for him at, perhaps, .54 or .53, the 
 lowest point marked on the Stock Indicator of the same day. 
 
 Now, instead of any legitimate operation whatever, in fact no 
 stock had been purchased at all, and the only transaction had 
 been, that the Stock Indicator had been consulted as to the fluc- 
 tuation of stock on this particular day, and the certificates filled 
 out of purchase and sale as above. 
 
 It will thus be seen that a person sending money to a one per 
 cent, margin operator has no recourse, but is absolutely at the 
 mercy of the party to whom he shall have sent it. 
 
 THE " THEEE-PEE-CENT. MAEGDT " PLAN. 
 
 There are other operators who have operated in the same way 
 on the three-per-cent margin plan. 
 
 In each case brought under the writer's notice, stock was 
 bought at the highest possible point, and sold at the very lowest. 
 
 The following letter is the story as told by the victim himself. 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 75 
 
 and shows how a young man was defrauded out of several 
 hundred dollars by one of these parties : 
 
 New York, Feb. 3, 1880. 
 Sir — On or about or between the 23d & 28tli Aug. 1877, I bought of Messrs. 
 
 D. D. & Co., iNo. — Wall St., N. Y. City, on their advice, one hundred (100) 
 shares St. Paul E. E. at .66 ; and being obliged to leave the city for two or 
 three days, I gave instructions to the said firm "should the said St. Paul 
 
 E. E. stock, during my absence suffer a further decline, then to purchase one 
 hundred shares more of said St. Paul stock at .63. To secure these two 
 orders, I deposited in cash with said firm, as margin, one thousand dollars 
 ($1000). The said firm, at the time said deposit was made, positively assured 
 me that said margin was ample, in fact, more than sufficient to secure me 
 against any loss, and that I need have no fears of the market during my ab- 
 sence going against me to an extent that would necessitate the said firm 
 closing me out. After leaving further instructions that they would hold on 
 as long as they could, I left and was absent two days. 
 
 On my return, I immediately called on the aforesaid firm and then learned 
 for the first time that the said firm had bought one hundred (100) shares St. 
 Paul E. E., at 63 per cent., as per my order, and I also learned that, contrary 
 to my order, the said firm had entirely closed me out at 61f per cent., the 
 lowest point the market had declined to during my absence, thereby causing 
 to me a loss of say five hundred and twenty-five dollars ($525). St. Paul E. E. 
 stock had not reached a lower point than 61|- per cent, during my transaction 
 with said firm, and at the time of my return the afore-mentioned stock was 
 quoted at 65 per cent, firm, active and steadily advancing. During my 
 absence, when said firm closed me out, I had in their hands, solely to secure 
 said two hundred shares St. Paul E. E., as margin, one thousand dollars 
 ($1000) and "there remained a balance over and above all broker's charges and 
 dues, in their hands, to my credit, say over four hundred dollars ($400), which 
 amount was sufficient to secure me against loss had the stock reached nearly 
 two per cent, lower than the lowest price the market had touched, and had 
 said firm held on to my purchases as per my order a profit would have re- 
 sulted instead of a loss. I traded with said D. D. & Co. under the impression 
 that they were honest and trustworthy. I take this course to recover the 
 actual loss of margin, though I had a profit in said stock on my return, and 
 I would have made considerable had said firm held on to my purchases as 
 long as they were secured by margin. 
 
 Eespectfully submitted, 
 
 H. E. E. 
 
 To Me. Ajjthony Comstook, Nassau street. City. 
 
 And this firm in question advertised extensively in more than 
 three hundred different newspapers, under a fictitious name. 
 The details of a large number of their fraudulent transactions 
 
76 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 have come to the writer's notice ; but enough has been said to 
 warn and prevent any sensible, intelligent person from bemg 
 robbed or swindled ; if not, then why waste ink and time over 
 such stupidity ? 
 
 SYNDICATE OPERATIONS. 
 THATCHEE, BELMONT & CO. 
 
 EeferencG has already been made to these parties, and we now 
 advert to them to show the extent to which a single individual 
 may be duped. This firm was managed by George Chandler, 
 a former manufacturer of camomile pills in Philadelphia; a 
 man named Edward Weed, formerly of Greenwich, Conn. ; and 
 another man named Childs. Their circulars were similar to 
 those of Lawrence & Co., setting forth the system of " stocks 
 bought and sold on 1 per cent, margin ;" and also a " combina- 
 tion of capital for operating in stocks at the 'New York Stock 
 Exchange." 
 
 The victim in the present case was a widow lady of means, 
 certain of whose friends and relatives happened to be known to 
 Weed. He sent to her, Nov. 19tli, 1879, one of the firm's cir- 
 culars, specially marking for her attention a section headed, 
 Classification of Shaees. 
 
 Classification of 50,000 Shares. — lN"o certificates issued in this 
 combination for less than 1,000 shares, costing $1 ,000. 
 
 Comhination of 40,000 Shares. — No certificates issued in this 
 combination for less than 500 shares, costing $500 ; and so on 
 down to " 5,000 shares, no certificate issued for less than 10 
 shares, costing $10." 
 
 This firm, by letter, adds : 
 
 We mark in red ink on the enclosed circular the combination which we 
 would most like to have you interested in, $1,000 being the amount of each 
 certificate ; and from our relations with the operations in the stock in which 
 this particular concentration of capital will be operated, we feel every con- 
 fidence in advising you to forward to us $700, and to let us issue to you a 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 77 
 
 $1,000 share certificate, out of which, we trust, you will realize a profit that 
 ■will satisfy you. 
 
 The market, for a few days to come now, will he most favorable to our 
 plans in securing our stocks. An early reply is req^uested. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 Thatcher, Belmont & Co. 
 
 In this letter, the swindlers also refer to the mother and a 
 friend of the lady, than whom none stand higher in respectability 
 and character. 
 
 The letter secured the $700, which was forwarded on the 20th 
 of JSTovember. In reply, they issued a |1000 certificate in what 
 they chose to call " a syndicate for operating in stocks." 
 
 With this certificate came also a letter, in which they said : 
 
 We enclose herewith certificate for 1000 shares in syndicate 683, the result 
 of which we feel confident in believing will be satisfactory to you as well as 
 to ourselves. 
 
 They also show themselves exceedingly obliging by saying in 
 the same letter:- 
 
 We shall be pleased to advise you of any important movement, if you advise 
 us that you would like us to do so. 
 
 In a few days they announce to this lady " a very handsome 
 turn for account of syndicate 583." 
 
 Then they reinvest it to be operated during the next thirty 
 
 days. They then notify her as follows : 
 
 We shall form a new combination to operate specially in some stocks, the 
 transaction will be on a grand scale next week, and which we shall anticipate, 
 and would be glad if you avail yourself of the opportunity, to come into the 
 new concentration of capital, and share any results of the speculation. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 Thatcher, Belmont & Co. 
 
 This lady, being cautious, writes to know if she is to be held 
 in any way liable. They assure her, three days later (JSTovember 
 28th), that she is not liable for anything beyond the amount sent 
 them. They then say in the same letter : 
 
 Tour understanding is correct, in that we charge i of 1 per cent, for buying 
 and the same for selling, and 1 per cent, of the net profits. There is no such 
 thing in our business as an assessment. Lake Shore will probably be a divi- 
 
78 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 dend paying stock in the future, and, as you have probably noticed in the 
 newspapers, Mr. Vanderbilt has recently sold $25,000,000 of New York Central 
 E. E. stock, it naturally suggests to one's mind that the feeders to that Eoad 
 like Lake Shore will be taken care of, and we are of the opinion that this 
 great transfer of stock presages great undertakings of many men from all the 
 financial centres of the world, London, Paris, Frankford and California 
 bonanza kings, and our great financiers, which in the very near future will 
 change the features of our whole railroad system, and to those who are in the 
 ring, greater fortunes will be made than any one now living has ever before 
 seen. Our position, we feel confident, will benefit those who rely on our 
 judgment and knowledge in the investment of their money. We shall be 
 pleased to have you interest yourself to the extent that you. are in condition 
 to do ; and we believe you will realize a satisfactory recompense in the result 
 of our operations. 
 
 The combination which we wrote about will embrace subscriptions of from 
 $3,000 a $10,000, and Mr. J., of whom you speak in your letter, is now in 
 for $12,000 on that combination. 
 
 Hoping that you will decide as early as Monday next and advise us by tele- 
 graph, we remain, Yours truly, 
 
 Thatcher, Beuhoxt & Co. 
 
 It will be seen from this letter that the parties knew that this 
 lady had money and were now going for a big strike. 
 
 On the iirst of December a hthographic letter is sent, announc- 
 ing that Syndicate 583 shows an increase of capital of 3|- per 
 cent., and advises subscriptions to the new syndicates. 
 
 It will be remembered, in reading these letters and going 
 over these facts, that not a single dollar is invested in stocks. 
 Therefore whatever is said is said with the idea of swindhng the 
 victim for the benefit of the heartless operators. Viewed in this 
 light, the following letter, sent on the 6th of December, 1879, 
 will be read with interest : 
 
 Our operations are cautious, and whilst awaiting the coming event for which 
 we are preparing our great combination of capital, the small increase of 3i 
 per cent, was hardly worth reporting; but, according to our custom, we notify 
 our patrons, at stated times during the operations of our syndicates. The 3i 
 per cent, is in the amount invested, and was made really before the combina- 
 tion was completed in its subscription. There is a further profit on that same 
 syndicate, all of which can go to your credit in the new grand concentration, 
 the operations of which we are withholding for a certain event to transpire, 
 which will more than double all capital in our hands in a short space of time 
 as we confidently believe. 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BEOKEES. 79 
 
 Then came out the fact that they had discovered that this lady 
 had just received something over $60,000 in cash from certain 
 stocks that had been sold. Then they go on and say, and this is 
 evidently what they believed in a short space of time they would 
 realize: 
 
 We think you could employ $10,000, and your mother a like sum, to a very 
 great advantage, by taking a thirty day venture in our great pool ; and we 
 feel confident that you will regard our system of employing money more 
 preferable than saving banks, or of stocks which pay no more than 10 per 
 cent, per annum. Certain stocks we believe will within a few weeks rise 20 
 per cent., and our main object is to get that 20 per cent, for our patrons ; and 
 on our system 20 per cent, on $10,000 will show a net profit of about $10,000, 
 or double the amount invested in a short time. 
 
 We telegraphed you that we had placed to your credit $3,000, which was duly 
 received. 
 
 It will thus be seen that they had secured $3,000 more from 
 their victim. 
 
 During the month of December they continued to advise her 
 of the transactions, which they pretended to be opei-ating, and on 
 December 22 they sent official quotations of the N. T. Stock 
 Exchange for that day, marked in red ink, where N. Y. and Erie 
 advances from 1 14^ to 120 and Hannibal and St. Joseph from 
 107f to 108, at the same time marking other railroad stocks that 
 had advanced or that were above par on that day. They also sent 
 a letter, saying, 
 
 We don't like to advise the investment of money for a permanent thing in 
 stocks above par. 
 
 They dissuade her from buying JS[. T. Central or Erie E. E. 
 stocks, and enclose a list of bonds, which they claim are undoubt- 
 edly secured by mortgages on good railroad property. 
 
 In this letter, the thought that this lady should invest perma- 
 nently, seems to distress them. So for fear that she shaU make a 
 permanent investment, thus putting her funds beyond their I'each, 
 they sent a letter the next day, in which they report as follows : 
 
 We enclose a statement of operation of Syndicate .583, in which you hold 
 certificate for $1,000, showing a profit of $520.03, a balance to your credit or' 
 $1,520.09, subject to your order, as to whether we shall reinvest the same for 
 
80 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 you or remit for your account. * » * * We look for more favorable oppor- 
 tiiuities during the next 90 days tlian since the panic of last month. 
 
 This matter must evidently liave weighed upon the minds of 
 both members of the firm, as two letters enclosing duj)licate 
 statements were sent on the same day by each of them, showing 
 that one must have acted without the knowledge of the other, or 
 else it was done to blind the eyes of their correspondent. Suffice 
 it to say that two days after the mail brought them a draft of 
 $5,500. In reply to this they sent a $5,000 share certificate in 
 Syndicate JSTo. 630, also another certificate for 500 shares in the 
 same syndicate. They also received, in a day or two afterwards, 
 orders to reinvest the $1,520, and to forward certificates for the 
 same. This was shortly followed by $300 which had been placed 
 in this lady's hands by a friend, making a total of $10,300 that 
 these plunderers had stolen from her alone, and for which they 
 made no return whatever. Indeed, the very day that this last 
 amount of $5,500 was received. Chandler, of this firm, signed 
 an order, doubtless against his will, requesting the Postmaster- 
 General to deliver no more letters addressed to any member of the 
 firm, but to return all the letters to the Dead Letter Office. And 
 yet, after signing this order, and before it went into force, this 
 concern received $5,800 from this one lady, owing to the delay 
 of the order from the Postmaster-General. 
 
 ASrOTHEB SCHEME. 
 
 Another scheme to defraud is to secure small sums of money, 
 and issue what purports to be a certificate of stock, upon which 
 a monthly dividend is declared. These dividends amount to 
 sometimes 75 per cent, a month, always followed by a reinvest- 
 ment and a demand for more money. Yery few will ^vithdraw 
 capital invested when it pays such a large percentage. Conse- 
 quently these parties are safe. If the reader will stop a moment, 
 and think, he will see that these parties can afford to pay what- 
 ever demands are made upon them. 
 
 First, because they have a large sum in their possession. 
 
 Second, because but a very small number demand their divi- 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 81 
 
 dends, and these are paid out of the deposits of others, wliile what 
 reraaias is the net profits of parties operating these rascally 
 schemes. Several schemes of this character exist to-day. 
 
 FOEEIGN BONDS. 
 
 Others again deal in certificates of foreign bonds. They pre- 
 tend to issue certificates that you own a certaia bond, and this 
 bond is represented as liable to draw a prize in certain drawings 
 that take place on stated occasions. They allow you to buy this 
 bond on the installment plan, and pay $5 per month. They say, 
 that after the first installment the bond is yours. But, the 
 inducement to invest in this manner is that the bond is sure to 
 draw a prize, and that the owner thereof is sure to win. These 
 men know very well, that any person whose mind is full of draw- 
 ing a prize, will not, if they fail after the first few months, con- 
 tinue to pay out $5 or $10 per month after they fail to win. 
 Here is where these parties make. The moment a default is 
 made in payment, they confiscate whatever has been paid in, and 
 they are enriched to the extent of the victim's loss. I have several 
 instances where poor women have been induced to invest in these 
 bonds, only to lose all they put in. 
 
 Advice : Give these fellows a wide berth. 
 
 GUARANTEE BEDKEE8. 
 
 Before dismissing the subject of stock swindlers there is still 
 another form of fraud that invites attention, namely, the guarantee 
 brokerage system. In this case the circular assures you that 
 
 There is no risk Tjeyond the sum invested. You can speculate to the same 
 advantage at a distance as if Iiere personally. 
 
 A certain length of time is specified for contracts to run, during which 
 period, should a downward movement occur it cannot affect the validity of 
 the privilege. Tou can use the contract as an inexhaustible margin for turns 
 in the stock. 
 
 The amount paid for the contract in the first place is all that is required, 
 while large profits may be realized in an active market. 
 
 In this scheme they guarantee for 12 J per cent, to secure the 
 sender against loss. A circular setting forth the special advan- 
 
82 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 tages of this plan is mailed to any address which these men may- 
 have. The circular describes the system as an " Investment in 
 Stocks by Insurance Plan, Secures Safety, Profit and Prompt 
 Payments." Monthly Stock Syndicate, commencing on the first 
 of each month. Subscriptions of $20 upwards received, and 
 guaranteed against loss on 12f per cent, premium. 
 
 This plan, following in the wake of the gross swindles before 
 described, and brought to the attention of parties known to have 
 been swindled (one of the firm was formerly a clerk of Buck- 
 waiter), would, at the first blush, commend itself to the party de- 
 siring to speculate in stocks. Here is a guarantee that the 
 money sent shall surely be returned, less the commission for 
 guaranteeing the same, backed by the endorsement that money 
 may be made in the stock operation. 
 
 This system, as operated by some, was really as follows : 
 
 By sending out thousands of circulars through the mail, the 
 firm induced numerous persons to send money to them. This 
 money the recipients would employ in whatever stock transaction 
 they chose to carry on for their own henefit; land, at the end of 
 thirty days, they would return the same, less the 12^ per cent. 
 In other words, they would have the use of thousands of dollars 
 sent to them each month and be paid for the privilege of using it 
 for their own interest and profit. From every thousand dollars 
 sent to them, after using it for 30 days, they deducted |125, and 
 returned $875 to the sender. 
 
 Printed copies of stock privileges and stock operations, as sold 
 by respectable firms, would be sent, to induce the belief in the 
 mind of the victim that his money had really been used for his 
 own benefit. 
 
 It will be seen that by this plan the person who sent money to 
 them, had really no redress, nor would they really know that 
 they had actually been swindled out of 12|- per cent. 
 
 It will also be seen that these sharpers made a very hand- 
 some income; for on every $100,000 passing through their hands 
 they not only had the use of the money, but also $12,500 into 
 the bargain, as their net profits. 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 83 
 
 It will also be seen how very easy it is for a person sending 
 money into "Wall Street to be fleeced out of it, especially if it 
 shaU fall into the hands of unprincipled men. We read of great 
 fortuhes made by skillful operators. Does it never occur to the 
 mind of our reader that, in order that one man shall make a 
 large fortune, somebody else must necessarily lose their invest- 
 ments? The charge for buying and selling stock by some of 
 these parties is |- of 1 per cent., while the regular charge of the 
 New York Stock Exchange is ■!■ of 1 per cent. 
 
 As a sequel to this fraud, it may be interesting to consider the 
 method by which this man sought to meet the guaranteed 
 amounts in his hands at the time of the stopping of this business, 
 by the interference of the United States Postal authorities. These 
 parties were situated difEerently, as regards their position with 
 their customers, from all others. Though they operated in stock 
 for their own benefit, and though they had large sums of money 
 belonging to other people in their possession, yet when they were 
 forced to give up this fraudulent business through the mail, they 
 found themselves obliged by their guarantees to return all sums 
 intrusted to them, less 12 J per cent. 
 
 About the day the order went into effect stopping their mails, 
 they sent all their customers a letter, as follows . 
 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 We, the undersigned, have tliis day dissolved partnersMp, and withdrawn 
 from business by mutual consent. 
 
 All claims referred to Att'y at law, Broadway, New York. 
 
 In about a week, the following letter was sent out, in a hand- 
 writing which, to say the least, very strongly resembles the writer 
 of the above letters. The Attorney's name was, however, signed 
 to it. The recipient of this letter was one who had sent $10 to 
 be invested in one of their syndicates. He had received a receipt 
 in the usual form of a receipt for money paid, and on the back 
 was the following endorsement, signed by the firm, to wit : 
 
 " The within investment is guaranteed to the amount of $8.75." 
 . The letter of the Attorney above referred to, said : 
 6 
 
84 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 New York, March 5th, 1880. 
 
 Sir—l am requested by Messrs. Deceive & Eobem to state that just previ- 
 ous to the dissolution of their firm, intercourse between their customers and 
 themselves was shut off by Government authority, thereby entailing great 
 losses and complications, vrhich vrill prevent their being able to make any 
 immediate settlement. They state their books show the balance to your 
 credit to be $3.75. • . » * They offer in settlement of the 
 above amount their notes each for a half thereof, payable in 3 and 6 months 
 respectively, from their date. If you accept this offer please notify me. 
 Very respectfully yours, 
 
 Attorney. 
 
 Who would not take the notes of this wonderful banking house 
 in settlement of claims due ? They guaranteed their customers 
 to return all the money they should send them for the handsome 
 percentage of 12|- per cent, a month. Just think of investing 
 money at the rate of 12|- per cent, a month to be deducted from 
 the amount, instead of anything to be added to it. But they say, 
 we guaranteed to return $8,750.00 out of every $10,000 sent us. 
 We only asked $1,250.00 a month for the privilege of receiving 
 this money through the mail, and having it to use in our business 
 for 30 days. We are " Bankers and Brokers." 
 
 Usually in depositing in a bank, interest is allowed on deposits. 
 But it can never be expected that a syndicate broker would ever 
 condescend to pay interest ! Not much. Send them $1,000 and 
 at the end of thirty days they agree to take out $125, and kindly 
 return the balance to you. In the mean time, if they conclude 
 to dissolve by mutual consent, why they will settle with you 
 through their lawyer with their notes ! 
 
 Query. How much will the note of one of Buckwalter's 
 clerks be wortb on the street ? What banking house wiU dis- 
 count or " shave " these notes ? 
 
 Another view : By this means of settlement they have not 
 only their guarantee fee, but they have the entire use of the 
 whole amount for 3 months, and then the use of half of the 
 amount for 3 months longer, even if the first notes are paid. 
 
 The writer happens to know that before the Government inter- 
 fered to stop the mails, this dissolution of partnership had been 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BKOKEES. 85 
 
 acted upon, as one of the firm admitted, before he signed a 
 request that all letters to his firm be sent to the dead letter ofilee, 
 or returned to the writers. 
 
 The statement of " great losses and complications " may be true 
 from their side of the question, while it is undoubtedly true that 
 it was the saving of money for thousands of those, who might 
 have sent money, if the unlawful business of sending out their 
 circulars through the mails had continued. 
 
 What was their loss was gain to all those dealing with them. 
 
 One of this firm admitted that after this concern was wound 
 up he personally l^ost |2,500 in the gambling hells of this city. 
 Was this the principal sent there for investments, and was the Faro 
 bank the bank where their customers' money was deposited ? Is 
 this the reason why they must give two notes for three and six 
 months in order to pay back $8.76, the amount they guaranteed 
 on $10 sent them for investment ? 
 
 Let the victims answer these questions. 
 
 THE TEIBULATIONS OF A WESTEEN SPECULATOR. 
 
 During the summer of 1879, a gentleman doing business in 
 Evansville, Indiana, was swindled by Lawrence & Co. out of $50, 
 
 This gentleman, being a sharp business man, was not to be 
 bitten the second time, although they offered most remarkable 
 inducements for him to reinvest. 
 
 In the first place, he sent Lawrence & Co. |50 to be invested 
 in one of their combinations ; this was in July. A few days 
 afterwards they sent him the usual printed circular, informing 
 him that he had realized a net profit of f per cent., being equiva- 
 lent to $75 per 100 shares, making a proportion due on his 50 
 shares $37.50, which, added to his original investment, made 
 $87.50. They then reinvest this in a new combination for 100 
 shares, send a due bill for $12.50. At the same time they propose 
 to issue a certificate, on the return of the one he holds, for 200 
 shares, provided he would send $60 extra, leaving the balance 
 due of $60 to be deducted with 7 per cent, interest from the 
 profits at the close of this combination. 
 
86 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 This gentleman, before making his investment, demanded their 
 references. They referred him to the Grocers' Bank. He accord- 
 ingly wrote the Grocers' Bank, and received the following letter 
 
 from Mr. Joseph Periam, cashier : 
 
 New Yoke, July 19, '79. 
 
 Dear Sir : The firm in question was favorably introdnced to us by a highly 
 respectable party, and they keep a good balance with this bank. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 Joseph Periam, 
 Caiihier. 
 
 This gentleman received repeated circulars, showing where this 
 new investment had made profits, sometimes ^ per cent, or $50 
 on the 100 shares, and again f per cent, or $62.50 on the 100 
 shares. 
 
 In the mean time he had learned in reference to Buckwalter and 
 his connection with this concern. He therefore writes to the 
 cashier of the Fourth JSTational Bank, where all Buckwalter's 
 thousands were kept, saying, 
 
 I would like some information conoeming the responsibility of Mr. B. E. 
 Buckwalter. Have been told he does business with your bank. A reply will 
 very much oblige. 
 
 He receives back this same letter with the following endorse' 
 ment upon it : 
 
 He keeps an account with ns, but we can give no information about him. 
 
 He also wi'ote Lawrence & Co., the same day, making 
 inquiries about Buckwalter, and receive the following reply : 
 
 The gentleman you inquire about is a private speculator in Wall street, 
 from whom we occasionally buy stocks and also sell. We shall do our beat 
 for you, and hope to be able to show you that we can, and do make money for 
 a majority of our customers. 
 
 At this very time let it be remembered that Buckwalter was 
 receiving $12,500 each month out of Lawrence & Co., and over 
 $22,000 per month was to have been deposited to his credit in 
 the Fourth National Bank, according to the agreement. , 
 
 After a month had gone by, this gentleman, failing to recover 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 87 
 
 his money, wrote a letter to Lawrence & Co., demanding his 
 money, and calling them swindlers. 
 
 Previous to this he had seen an article published in the JSTew 
 York Times of August 22, exposing Lawrence & Co., (and it 
 was this exposure that led him to inquire so specially after Buck- 
 waiter's standing.) 
 
 This letter of his evidently wounded these sensitive fellows, as 
 they wrote back, saying : 
 
 Wheu you apply the term swiadler, you are no gentleman, as a gentleman 
 does not make false statements. The comhlnatiou you speak of as about to 
 enter, is one called blackmail here and punishable by law. The pen picture 
 as you call it is as untruthful as the rest of your letter. Unless you write us 
 a decent business letter you will have no further attention paid you. 
 
 This gentleman seems to have determined to ascertain from the 
 different ones that had victimized him, or attempted to do so, the 
 true character of their operations. 
 
 In his dealings with Adams, Brown & Co. he met with the 
 same success as with Lawrence & Co., and he writes back to 
 them, calling them swindlers and partners of Buckwalter. 
 
 He had learned from Bradstreet's Mercantile Agency that 
 Buckwalter was a partner or connected with this concern. 
 
 As late as December 20th, 1879, Adams, Brown & Co. wrote 
 him: 
 
 In reply to your favor of 15th inst., we beg to say that, notwithstanding 
 Bradstreet, B. R. Buckwalter has no connection with this firm. We don't 
 know anything about the' miatter you refer to. 
 
 Yet at this same time Buckwalter was receiving $8,333.33 a 
 month from tliis firm. 
 
 This same gentleman had received FoxweU & Co.'s weekly 
 paper, called " The Indicator," and he addressed a communication 
 to them demanding that they should cease to send it to him ; 
 and in reply, received about the middle of December last, a short 
 time before their business was stopped, a letter from which we 
 make the following extract, as showing the cunning and preten- 
 tious dignity of FoxweU & Co. : 
 
 It is rarely our privilege to be in receipt of so scurrilous a missive as yours 
 
88 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 of the 11th. The class of people you refer to (La-wrence & Co.), ive know 
 nothing of. Possibly, from the familiar manner in which you speak of them, 
 you do. "We are members of the Board of Produce [this was evidently 
 written for effect, as over the word Produce in red ink was written the word 
 "Brokers"], which establishes two facts— first, above all, respectability; 
 secondly, financial power to do-the best which we undertake. We shall con- 
 tinue sending the "Indicator" until the mouth is past, as your name is on 
 our mailing list, after which time, you having had time to consider the harsh- 
 ness of your note, we will discontinue if you so order. 
 
 Your obedient servants, 
 
 FOXWELL & Co. 
 
 This man, Foxwell, is the " elegant gentleman " with whom 
 Buckwalter boarded at $10 a week, and who had " all the fine 
 things for his own use." 
 
 "We give a cut of his hanking establishment as represented on 
 his circular. [See page 89. J 
 
 It will be enough to say that while the picture represents 
 fairly the large and commodious building on Broadway where 
 his office was, it was not owned by Foxwell & Co. / their sign 
 was not up as represented, and this man, an intimate friend of 
 Buckwalter, and hving in and keeping Buckwalter's house out 
 near Orange, N. J., occupied a small office, and there conducted 
 a business of such a questionable character that he came volun- 
 tarily to my otHce, and signed an order to have the mail going to 
 this concern sent back to the writers. 
 
 It is not remarkable that this man should thus have charged 
 them with being swindlers, and should have been annoyed at the 
 receipt of the circulars and letters from these different parties. 
 He seems to have been a target at which these fellows shot their 
 circulars. 
 
 In addition to those already named, judging from the amount 
 of correspondence he has sent the writer, for some two or three 
 months he must have received almost daily circulars from some 
 of these parties. 
 
 He received a letter from Peabody, Chase & Co., 67 TVaU 
 street. Upon writing back to know how they got his name, they 
 informed him 
 
 That it was handed us by some friend or acquaintance of yours, who had 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 
 
 89 
 
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 o 
 
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 o 
 
 O 
 
 o 
 2 
 
 O 
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 t? 
 
 o 
 
 B 
 
 en 
 
 CO 
 
 30 
 
 o 
 
 >• 
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 ® 
 
90 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 tried our system to operate in the stock market, and having been successful, 
 was so satisfied with the working of it that he gave us the names of several 
 parties in your vicinity, who would he likely to invest. 
 
 Then they solicited a sum for investment. 
 
 Evarts, Barnes & Co. was started by one of Buckwalter's clerks, 
 who printed Lawrence & Co.'s circulars almost in duplicate. 
 During October and November they constantly urged upon this 
 gentleman the propriety of entrusting his money to them for 
 investment, promising large profits. In one of their circulars 
 they say : 
 
 Many stocks have fluctuated fully 25 per cent, in one week, paying profits 
 of $2,500 on each 100 shares; while profits of from $500 to $1,000 on a week's 
 investment of $100 are common occurrences. 
 
 Then, thinldng to bait a trap with a more tempting morsel 
 still, they say : 
 
 If you are an old customer, we do not need to remind you of the great suc- 
 cess we have had in operating our Syndicates, or the large profits we have 
 paid you. 
 
 This concern strack high ; it did not propose working for small 
 lots, but offered their shares in sums of from 100 to 500 shares of 
 $1 each, only. 
 
 As a pleasant sequel to Lawrence & Co.'s indignation, it will 
 interest the reader to know that, after their business was stopped, 
 they were obliged to return to this gentleman the money they had 
 received from him. 
 
 Attention has been called to the number of circulars received 
 by this one man, and, as showing a link in the chain .that binds 
 men in the advertising by mail business together, we give a list 
 of firms who persistently fired their paper missiles at him. 
 
 In addition to those already mentioned we add Benedict & Co., 
 Alexander Frothingham & Co., Ithamar Dibbell & Co., and 
 Smalley & Gale. 
 
 It was not an unusual thing for similar quantities of this matter 
 to be forwarded to parties who had dealings with any one of these 
 concerns. 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BEOKEES. 91 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 THE LEECHES. 
 BAXTER & CO. 
 
 "We now come to perhaps one of the meanest varieties of this 
 entire set of stock swindlers. 
 
 Some have called them the Leeches, because they hang on and 
 suck out the very life blood of the victim. In other words, 
 having once got hold of part of a man's money, they keep on 
 until by threat or otherwise, they have extorted from him the 
 last penny. 
 
 Out of a large number of cases that have been brought to my 
 notice, the following is a specimen of the manner in which Bax- 
 ter & Co. drained their victims. 
 
 On page 92 is a copy of the first page of a circular, of some 
 thirty-one pages, which they sent out gratuitously in answer to 
 their newspaper advertisement. The circular continues as fol- 
 lows: 
 
 SAPE INVESTMBNTS. 
 
 By the aid of this Pamphlet all may have an equal chance of reaping a golden 
 harvest, and we shall show that men of small means may do a large business 
 in stocks without incurring the usual risks, and yet succeed in a comparatively 
 short time in making a fortune. 
 
 We propose to exhibit a method of dealing in stocks which is fast growing 
 in favor, and which is destined to be the plan followed by all prudent oper- 
 ators. This is the Privilege system of Puts, Calls, Spreads, and Straddles, as 
 these contracts are technically called. 
 
 A successful man in trade, or one in receipt of an income beyond his jires- 
 ent expenses, often desires to invest his surplus, and so increase his means as 
 to enable him to take a higher step in life. 
 
 For the same reason those who have been disappointed in mercantile specu- 
 lations turn their eyes to the mart where money and its values in the close 
 form of stocks and bonds is easily turned, and the result more speedily known. 
 
 Money gravitates to a centre. In this country its centre is Wall Street, and 
 from that seething whirlpool are thrown up the greatest fortunes. 
 
 All knowledge, of whatever kind, is best gained by the one who has an in- 
 terest in his studies. In following this out, the method of doing a business 
 in stocks is easily learned. If you have a 100 share Spread on Western Union, 
 
92 
 
 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Established 1850. ^ .C^ 
 
 . #A. 
 
 TOCK IKROKERS, 
 
 No. 17 -WaU Street, 
 
 (next door to new YORK STOCK EXCHANGE,) 
 
 DEALERS IN STOCK PRIVILEGES and UNITED STATES BONDS. 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS, 93 
 
 yon axe going to watch the market repoi-ts, -will compare Its movements with 
 those of other stocks, will read about them all, and in a short time will be 
 master of the theory. The practice, of course, you leave to your broker, who 
 is on the spot, and will look after your interests as after his own. They are, 
 in fact, identical, as his business is supplied by his customers, and he will not 
 lose them if he can help it. He is, moreover, bound by the stringent rules of 
 the Stock Exchange, where millions of values change owners by a nod, and 
 where less than a word is better than many bonds. 
 
 It would be inferred from this cut that Baxter & Co. were 
 prominent bankers, connected with the New York Stock Ex- 
 change by telegraph wires running from that building into their 
 office ; while the fact is, that this concern when suppressed occupied 
 two dirty rooms on the third floor of No. 7 "Wall Street, on the 
 opposite side of New Street, and west instead of east of the 
 Stock Exchange. 
 
 Had you entered this office you would have found the only 
 aperture, in the high partition that enclosed their private office 
 from the door, a little hole about high enough to admit the flat 
 of a man's hand, or, in other words, about the size of the aperture 
 of a drop letter box in the post office. Once inside of the private 
 office, where the correspondence was carried on, you would also 
 have discovered a board, fixed up as a screen, so that no person 
 entering the outer office, which consisted of a space about six feet 
 square, could see the inmates of the office through the opening 
 before referred to. 
 
 This office, in January last, was occupied by two men, one 
 calling himself James Brown, manager, and the other, Eichard 
 Baxter, Jr., proprietor. The latter was a beardless youth, the 
 former a gray-haired and bearded man. Besides these two men, 
 there was one clerk employed to send out circulars, and answer 
 correspondence. 
 
 On my calling to investigate this concern, I asked for their 
 books, bank ledgers, stock books, etc. ; but failed to see either 
 any books or any place where they could be kept in this office. 
 The business of the concern was done exclusively, as the manager 
 informed me, through the mails. 
 
 The following advertisement appeared weekly in hundreds of 
 newspapers, and will no doubt be familiar to many readers : 
 
94 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 <f 1 A to $1,000 iiiTested in Wall Street stocks makes for- 
 
 «iI)lU tunes every month. Book sent free explaining everything. Aoaiess 
 BAXTER & CO., Bankers, 17 Wall street, New York. 
 
 A letter written in answer to this advertisement, asking for 
 particulars, would bring back the thirty-page circular before re- 
 ferred to. 
 
 This circular is essentially similar to that of Lawrence & Co., 
 which has already been described, and in it every inducement is 
 oflEered the recipient to entrust his money to this firm. A single 
 case will serve to illustrate the precise methods of the concern, 
 and it is one of the cases where Baxter & Co. have been obliged, 
 since they were closed up, to refund the money to the man, from 
 whom they had stolen it. 
 
 In response to the circular, a sum of money was forwarded, 
 which was acknowledged as follows : 
 
 Office op Baxter & Co., Bankers and Brokers, 
 17 Wall Street (next door to Stock and Gold Exchanges), 
 P. O. Box 1431. (removed to No. 7 Wall Street), 
 
 New York, June 26, 1879. 
 Dear Sir — Your favor of 24th instant is to hand with $21.50 in payment of 
 privilege as per certiticate herewith. Will manage it for you as you desire, 
 and in our present active market have no doubt we will soon have a good 
 profit to report. 
 
 We have an excellent 25 share spread or double privilege on St. Paul we 
 would like you to have as well, for it is taken at such favorable terms as must 
 leave a large profit now that there is sure to be so much speculation in the 
 stock, and being the double privilege it will make whichever way the market 
 may go. Will hold the contract for your reply with remittee per $53.13, and 
 advise you by all means to secure it. Yours truly, 
 
 Baxter & Co. 
 
 It will be observed that at the start, Baxter & Co. say, " We 
 will manage it for you as you desire," and that they at once also 
 manifest a very lively interest in this new customer, and would 
 like him to take an " excellent " 25 share spread, promising " it 
 must leave a large profit." 
 
 This bait, however, did not take ; the party refusing to send 
 $53.13 more, as requested in their letter. Therefore, on the 7th 
 of July, the following letter announces that they had made a 
 mistake : 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 95 
 
 P. O. Box 1431. Baxter & CompanTj 
 
 Bankers and Bkokers in Stock Privileges, Stocks, Bonds and Gold, 
 
 No. 17 "Wali;. Street, 
 
 (Next door to Stock and Gold Exchanges.) 
 
 Removed to No. 7 Wall Street. 
 
 New York, July 7, 1879. 
 Dear Sir — Your favor of 5th inst. is to hand. But we find that our letter to 
 you of the 3d was all a mistake as we were there referring to the contracts of 
 a different person altogether, and therefore we do not wonder that you did 
 not understand the figures. Pray excuse the blunder, hut we had so many 
 contracts to close and advise on that day that it is perhaps excusable. What 
 you should have been advised of was the following. We changed your Call 
 on Lackawanna to a Put on St. Paul but it was 20 shares & not 10. The fol- 
 lowing was the return : 
 
 Put 20 shares 
 
 (I 54 
 
 
 Closed 
 
 t( 
 
 52 
 
 
 
 2 
 Less com 
 
 per cent |40 
 closing 2.50 
 
 
 
 
 Net $37.50 
 
 And this we reinvested for you in 75 shares costing $79.70 leaving a balance 
 due by you of |42.20, which please remit when we will send you the new con- 
 tract. 
 
 The return of $37.50 is the amount you get by the Privilege and we think 
 you should consider it a very good return in so short a time as 8 days. You 
 ask what became of your $21.50. We reply — $31.25 was paid for the contract 
 & the remaining 25o we have here so that all you need remit for the new 
 privilege is $41.95. The privilege on 20 shares cost you $21.25. It returns 
 $87.50 or a clear profit of $16.25 in eight days time. We hope to do still 
 better with the new one & build up an active and profitable account for 
 you. 
 
 Please remit as soon as possible. Yours truly, 
 
 Baxter & Co. 
 
 M. 
 
 [See "Privilege" on p. 96.] 
 
 Tbe party rebels against this procedure, and will have none of 
 it ; they had been instructed to close it out, and to return to the 
 investor, and he writes them accordingly. He receives the 
 following letter, announcing that the investment has been made 
 in 75 shares and threatens, that unless the balance due on the 
 contract be paid, the whole will be lost. Note the plausible 
 manner in which the writer in this following letter winds it 
 up. 
 
96 
 
 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 A > /« <fr (^1 
 
 " ijt- V V i?^ y^ i 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BEOKERS. 97 
 
 THEEAT NO. 1. 
 l_Same Heading.'} 
 
 New Yokk, July 11, 1879. 
 Dear Sir — Your favor of 9th inst. is to hand. The investment however has 
 been made in 75 shares, as advised you & it cannot he recalled, nor indeed 
 would you desire it, but the balance due on the contract has to he paid 
 otherwise the whole will he lost which we trust you will not permit. If you 
 cannot send all at once remit part now and the remainder after and we will 
 hold the contract for you. When the new privilege is closed, we can then 
 limit the reinvestment to the actual proceeds or make such other disposition 
 of them as you may desire. Yours truly, 
 
 Baxter & Co. 
 
 The party to wliom this letter was sent then demands their 
 references. 
 
 The following letter received in reply, will show stiU further 
 the cunmng craftiness and deceit of these knaves. 
 
 [Same Beading.} 
 
 New York, July 17, 1879. 
 
 Dear Sir — ^Your favor of 14th inst. is to hand. We are holding the contract 
 for you and trust you will soon remit the balce due on it. 
 
 We have many customers in your section but as they would not like that every 
 
 one should now that they are operating in Wall Street, it would never do for 
 
 us to give their names. A Broker and his clients must be strictly confidential 
 
 with each other. Yours truly, 
 
 Baxter &, Co. 
 
 M. 
 
 For fear of losing his $37.50 the dupe at last forwards the 
 balance of $41.95. In reply he receives the following letter, 
 which announces that his privilege runs out on the 2d of August. 
 
 ISame Heading.} 
 
 New York, July 26, 1879. 
 
 Dear Sir — ^Your favor of 24th inst. is to hand with $41.95 balance in payment 
 of your new contract as per certif herewith, and on which we hope soon to 
 report another good profit. This privilege runs out on the 2d of August. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 Baxter & Co. 
 M. 
 
 It will be seen that this turn reported a very large profit, to 
 
 7 
 
98 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 wit: $243.75 net on an investment of $79.70 as shown by the 
 following letter : 
 
 BAIT NO. 2. 
 
 [iSame Sheading.'] 
 
 New York, July 31, 1879. 
 
 Dear Sir— We have now to report the closing of your Lake Shore stock as 
 
 under : 
 
 Closed 75 shares a 79J 
 
 Call " 76i 
 
 3| per cent. |253.12 
 
 Less com closing 9.37 
 
 Net $243.75 
 
 And this we have reinvested for you in a spread on 150 shares costing 
 $318.75 leaving balance due of $75 which please remit as before, when we will seiid 
 you the new contract. We think you told us you could not remit until after 
 the 2nd and we have accordingly arranged to hold over the privilege for you 
 until the 5th. 
 Awaiting your remittee of $75 by that date we are, Yours truly, 
 
 Baxter & Co. 
 M. 
 
 It will be observed that, notwithstanding the instructions of 
 this customer, to sell out and remit and not reinvest, he is closed 
 out, and immediately another investment made, bringing him 
 further into debt to this concern to the tune of $75. 
 
 For an ordinary dealer, unused to the ways of these men, it 
 would be natural, to suppose himself on the high road to speedy 
 fortune, but this particular man had had experience. Having 
 been defrauded before by similar schemes, he was for closing out 
 these contracts, and getting back his money, yet each transaction 
 brought him more and more into the power of these leeches. 
 
 He writes on the 1st of August, demanding his money. The 
 following letter was sent to him in reply, and speaks for itself : 
 
 \_Same Beading. '\ 
 
 New York, Aug. 4, 1879. 
 Dear Sir — Tour favors of 1st inst. are to hand. Altho' we named the 5th 
 inst. for your remittee there is no such hard and fast binding for that date, so 
 as to imperil the Contract and in order to oblige you we have had the time 
 extended so that you can send us by return mail as much as you tben can make 
 it convenient to remit and the balance you may /onoordsonieioAot later. This 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 99 
 
 is the very best arrangement we can make for you, and we trust you will at 
 once act upon it. Wlien the new Contract is closed, we can then make such 
 disposition of the proceeds as you may direct. Yours truly, 
 
 Baxter & Co. 
 M. 
 
 Would any legitimate business man, especially a banker, be so 
 anxious about the small sum of $75, wbere the profits were to be 
 Y5 per cent, on the amount invested, and that too to be returned 
 inside of 30 days ? 
 
 To this letter the victim writes a sharp reply, and complains of 
 having been unfairly dealt with by others. This oily New York 
 rascal consoles with him, and argues that it is all the more reason 
 why he should complete the payments of this particular case, 
 assuring him that when this is done his express directions will 
 be carried out : 
 
 '[Same Heading.'] 
 
 New York, Aug. 19, 1879. 
 Dear Sir — ^Your favor of 16th inst. is to hand. You must not blame us for 
 making the very best investments we could for you, nor visit upon our heads 
 the offences of others. We can quite understand your feeling sore over the 
 loss of pour other investment hnt all the more reason why you should bestir 
 yourself and complete the payment of this 150 share spread in order that tee may 
 make up your losses for you. When this contract is closed, you can give us 
 express directions what to do with the proceeds. Your instructions will 6e 
 strictly carried out. In order to suit your convenience, we have arranged to 
 hold over the contract till next week, but we trust you will send as much as 
 you can this week so that there may be no delay. This is the best arrange- 
 ment we can make for you. Yours truly, 
 
 Baxter & Co. 
 M. 
 
 This letter brings on Aug. 19th, $21.85 on account, from the 
 victim. This not satisfying the leeches, the following telegram 
 is sent on the 27th of August : 
 
 Blank No. 1. The Western Union Telegraph Company. 
 
 Dated New York, 27, 1879. 
 It is absolutely necessary that the balance is paid by the twenty-eighth 
 
 do not fail to remit in time. 
 
 Baxter & Co. 
 
 The same night with the telegram, was sent also the following 
 letter : 
 
100 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 rSame Headinn.'\ 
 
 New York, Aug. 27, 1879. 
 
 Dear Sir— Your favor of 25th inat. is to hand, with $21.85 on account, and 
 we trust you will promptly remit the balance still remaining, because, until that 
 is paid, we can return no profit on the privilege. We shall hold over the con- 
 tract for your reply, and if you have not already sent off the amount, we trust 
 you will not fail to do so immediately on receipt of this. 
 
 Yours truly, Baxter & Co. 
 
 M. 
 
 This letter is literally true ; for until the remittance came there 
 was no profit on this last venture for Baxter & Co. 
 
 Failing to secure more money, Baxter & Co., on the 6th of 
 September send the following letter, showing the total loss to the 
 customer of all moneys that he had invested. 
 
 JiSame Beading.'] 
 
 New York, Sept. 6, 1879. 
 
 Dear Sir — Your favor of 4th inst. is to hand. When we wrote you on tbe 
 27 ult. we told you that we would hold over the contract for your reply to 
 that letter, with remittee for the balance due on the 150 share contract. 
 Hence our not writing you since. We now report the expiration of the con- 
 tract, but as the stock is selling at 67, we can neither put nor call the 150 
 shares, and consequently the privilege gives no return, thus ending the inveat- 
 meni. 
 
 You must not however lie discouraged by this, but when you have the funds to 
 spare, take another privilege, and we have no fear but in the end you will 
 come out successful. Yours truly, 
 
 Baxter & Co. 
 M. 
 
 After repeated demands, the victim writes that he sent, in all, 
 $85 in cash to these parties, and he calls for its return. In reply 
 he receives the following sarcastic letter : 
 
 ISame Heading.] 
 
 New York, Nov. 17, 1879. 
 
 Dear /Sir— Your favor of 13th inst. is to hand. You say you sent $85. Did 
 you send that amount here for the purpose of our returning it to you ? Did you 
 not send it in payment of the several privileges which you had, some of which 
 realized excellent profits? That's what the money was paid for; and now, 
 because the last contract gave no return, you think we should be the losers. 
 No, no. When you speculate and win, you get all the profit, and in like man- 
 ner, when you lose, you must stand the loss— not some one else. Se reasonable 
 in these matters. Yours truly, 
 
 Baxter & Co. 
 M. 
 
BOGUS BANKEES AND BROKERS. 101 
 
 It may be of interest to tlie reader to learn that the amount 
 lost was subsequently returned to the sender through the inter- 
 ference of the law. 
 
 The above practice seems to have been the universal method of 
 this office. In another instance brought to the writer's attention, a 
 clergyman lost over $270 in the same method, by this same concern. 
 
 Another instance : A man in New Orleans was forced by these 
 men, in order to secure the little money that he had sent on to 
 them, to go and borrow money. This was during the time of the 
 yellow fever. The poor victun wrote back, telling them how 
 depressed business was, and how very difficult it was to get money, 
 and that he had sent them all he had, and begging them to return 
 it to him. Instead of that, however, they kept at him in a similar 
 manner, until they induced him to go and borrow money. 
 Having done that, they took the entire amount. 
 
 The following letter is added as a word of warning ; it is pre- 
 cisely as received at this office, and is in the same handwriting as 
 many of the above letters written by Baxter & Co. It speaks 
 for itself, and I believe it to be genuine : 
 
 P. O. Box 2758. James Brown, Banker and Broker, 
 Dealer in Stockn and Bonds, 
 64 and 66 Broadway and 19 New street. 
 
 New York, July 11, 1880. 
 
 Dear Sir — I take the liberty of sending you one of my cards to let you know 
 that I am now in business on my own account, and to solicit the favor of any 
 orders you may have in my line in this market. I recal to your recollection 
 the fact of my having been correspondent with Baxter & Co. when you called 
 on that fii-m sometime ago, audit is the frankness of your conversation with 
 me on that occasion which has prompted me to take the liberty I now do. 
 I am not aware if you are still operating in stocks, and, if not, kindly excuse 
 my thus troubling you ; but, if you are, and will care to entrust me with any 
 of yoor orders, I can assure you that it will be my study and desire to give 
 you every satisfaction. I have no connection with any other house, and my 
 endeavor is to execute whatever orders I have to the very best advantage. 
 Mine is essentially a commission business, and therefore the more I can make 
 for my patrons the better I know it will be for me. 
 
 The market has been comparatively quiet for some days past, but there are 
 indications of renewed activity in many of the leading stocks, and important 
 changes may soon take place. Kespy, ^^^^ Brown. 
 
102 FEATJDS EXPOSED. 
 
 It has been already published in the newspapers that the head 
 of this firm, Eichard Baxter, went to Europe not a great while 
 ago, taking with him $700,000 worth of Government bonds. 
 I do not vouch for the truth of this ; but, that he made thousands 
 of dollars I am fully assured. Upon my demanding references 
 of these men at my first interview, they gave me the name of a 
 prominent banking house, telling me that they bought their 
 bonds there. I went immediately to this house, and learned that 
 on three different occasions a certified check of Richard Baxter 
 had been brought there to pay for $10,000 worth of Govern- 
 ment bonds that had been sold him, and not railroad stocks for 
 speculation or syndicate purposes. 
 
 It is well to observe here that in every case which the author 
 has investigated, he has found that so long as the party sending 
 the money responded to the Leech's demands for more, just so 
 long did they continue to make profits for the victim — on paper ; 
 but when the refusal came, and the victim not only stopped 
 sending more, but demanded his money back, he was closed out 
 under one excuse or another, without the return of a single cent 
 of his money. 
 
 And further, in aU the cases and all the complaints received 
 and now in hand against this concern, in not one single instance 
 have I known of a dollar of money being returned, except some 
 few hundred dollars, which they have been obliged to restore 
 since the recent exposures. 
 
 8IMPB0K & CO. 
 
 We cannot bid farewell to the bogus bankers and brokers until 
 we have paid our compliments to the firm of Simpson & Co., 
 which is worthy of consideration here because the principal men 
 in it were notorious characters. It was located at 49 Exchange 
 Place, and was composed of J. M. Pattee and John F. Bar- 
 rett. 
 
 In introducing these two characters, we shall not now tarry over 
 Mr. Pattee, as he will figure conspicuously hereafter. But as we 
 shall have little to say of Mr. Barrett, we desire to dwell a mo- 
 
BOGUS BAIJKEES AND BROKERS. 103 
 
 ment in order that the public may have a just conception of this 
 " Old and ReUahle Banking HouseP 
 
 The writer has a certified copy of an indictment filed April 
 20th, 1876, in the Superior Criminal Court for the Parish of 
 Orleans, in the State of Louisiana, wherein " John F. Barrett, Jr., 
 is charged that he did, with intent to influence "W. L. Evans, 
 second Justice for the Peace of this Parish of Orleans, to issue a 
 marriage license to him, Barrett, the said "W". L. Evans being then 
 acting in his official capacity as Justice as aforesaid, offer to the 
 said W. L. Evans as a bribe the sum of $500, to issue said license 
 to said Barrett contrary to the form of the Statute of the said 
 State of Louisiana in such case made and provided." 
 
 The writer also has another document filed on the same day in 
 the same court, charging said Barrett with carrying concealed 
 weapons on his person. To which the said Barrett plead guilty. 
 
 This man and Pattee published a paper, called " The New York 
 Stock Exchange." In this paper they say : 
 
 Messrs. Simpson & Co., Bankers, have met -vrith unexampled success. The 
 probabilities of profit are far greater by their system than any other, while 
 the risk is diminished to the very lowest point, and limited to the amount in- 
 vested by the combination method with pools, that combine the orders of 
 thousands of customers and operate them as one immense whole. The ad- 
 vantage of this can be seen at a glance. 
 
 This reads like irony. They did "combine the orders of 
 thousands of customers," and the entire " immense whole " un- 
 doubtedly went into their pockets. The " advantage " to them 
 could undoubtedly be seen at a glance after the letters which they 
 received had been opened, and the contents piled before them on 
 their desk. Again they say : 
 
 The confidential relations between us and our customers, and professional 
 brokers alike, debar us from discussing or disclosing any of their secrets with- 
 out previously obtaining their consent. 
 
 This is undoubtedly true, for no one would ever suppose for a 
 moment that having robbed a man, they would publicly announce 
 it, or reveal the fact to any one. 
 
 This circidar bristles with inducements to the party who shall 
 receive it, to send money to Simpson & Co. 
 
104 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 In one of their circulars they quote from certain newspapers, 
 as containing flattering notices of the transaction, and fortunes 
 made for their customers by the " Celebrated Banking House of 
 Simpson & Co." The writer personally looked up these papers. 
 In one instance they refer to the " New York Mercury " of a cer- 
 tain date ; on looking over the file of this paper, we have been 
 unable to find even a line concerning Simpson & Co. 
 
 Pattee undoubtedly furnished the money and the names ; and 
 how he ever came to fall into the hands of Barrett is a surprise 
 to many. 
 
 Simpson & Co.'s business started last summer, yet in their cir- 
 cular they speak of the " estabhshed reputation of this firm," and 
 promise their customers the benefit of their " long experience and 
 shrewd judgment." Parties who have business transactions with 
 this honorable house can be certain that their interest is in " safe 
 hands." Then again they speak of the " old and reliable house," 
 and recommend stock operators to make their investments through 
 the careful experience and responsible firm of Simpson & Co. 
 
 The following quotation from the '' ISTew York Commercial 
 Gazette," to one who knows these two men, is really very funny 
 and amusing. 
 
 During the long and successful experience of Simpson & Co., they have 
 earned for themselves an envious reputation for honesty, integrity, and good 
 faith, and enjoy abusiness almost colossal in its proportions. These menhave 
 long been identified with the history and affairs of Wall Street. 
 
 "Well, kind reader, before you finish this book I hope to estab- 
 lish to your entire satisfaction the "envious" reputation of J. M. 
 Pattee, and his long experience, not in "Wall Street, but in con- 
 ducting various schemes through the mail. He is a very active 
 fraud, and an industrious and ingenious one. 
 
 The form of certificate sent their customers did not materially 
 differ from Lawrence & Co.'s. Across one end of this certificate 
 of shares in their combination is another amusing thing, viewed 
 in the light of the actual operations carried on by this concern, 
 to wit : 
 
 To prevent confusion or mistake in our business, all balances to the credit of 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. 105 
 
 any sbareholder are remitted by cbeck immediately on the close of the com- 
 bination, thus enabling each one to return a part or whole for reinvestment as 
 may suit their convenience. 
 
 Requests to hold a portion of profits for reinvestment cannot be therefore 
 complied with. 
 
 "WTiy they should have thrown away this amount of printer's 
 ink is hard to discern, especially as it was evidently, in the light 
 of the disclosures of this business, no part of their scheme to return 
 any such amount. 
 
 I may say here, in all the different schemes that I have detected 
 J. M. Pattee in, as hereinafter described, and in the hundreds of 
 letters of complaint received, I have yet to find the first person 
 who ever received one dollar from him in return for money sent. 
 
 The following letter, addressed to a banking house, is given 
 verbatim, except the name, which is omitted : 
 
 Plane No. 4, Feb. 16, 1880. 
 Banking HotrsE, New York. 
 
 Inclosed you will pleas find Simpson & Co. Receipt for $50 he sent me one or 
 two turns and I have never heard from him since, so I supossed he has robed 
 me of my hard earnings for I am a very poore and had to woork hard for what 
 I sent him. I will give you an order for what he may have comeing to me I 
 you can invest for me in what you pleas. Resp., &c., 
 
 Plane No. 4, B. & O. R. R., Maryland. 
 
 Another letter from another victim reads : 
 
 Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 31, 1879. 
 To THE Postmastee-Genekal : 
 
 Sir — Having seen in the Public Ledger of the above date that you have 
 deprived a few firms of the use of the Mail I was sorry of not having seen 
 another one also which I am sure if I was a man of means I should try my 
 best to punish such like thieves has I caunot call them anything else because 
 I have been robbed out of my hard earnings from another Firm just on the 
 same principle has you have in the above paper and I am not afraid of giving 
 their name which I hope they will be punished for it and that his name as 
 Firm of Messrs. Simpson & Co., Stock Brokers, 49 Exchange Place, New York, 
 N. Y. Also I think they have a place in Broadway. I thought has soon has I saw 
 it in the paper I would give you the above information and then you could 
 steer youre cours which ever way you thought best hoping you will excuse 
 me for troubling you with my long letter I remain yours, 
 
106 FEAUDa EXPOSED. 
 
 As more fully showing the enormous profits made (on paper), 
 
 the following letter tells the story : 
 
 Carthage, Tbnn., January 6, 1880. 
 Anthony Comstock, Esq. ; 
 
 Sir— From the Newspapers I find that you liave been called on to investi- 
 gate and bring to light one of the greatest swindles that has cursed our laud 
 for a great number of years ; I allude to those small lirokers who pretend to do 
 business on Wall Street ; My son without my knowiug anything about it 
 until about the winding up, has been made the Dupe of the designing villiaus. 
 Inclosed you will find nearly all of the papers, at least all I could lay my 
 hands on at this time to show you how they transact their business. You 
 will see by the first dated Oct 9, 1879, there receipt for Ten dollars which they 
 placed to his credit in buying ten shares in a combination then formed and 
 to hold one month. 
 
 You will also see by the other certificate dated Nov 1st, 1879, that his 
 ten shares had made him a nett gain of 131.19 shares, or $131.19 dollars. On 
 Nov 17th you will see that the report a nett gain of $87.50 to the 100 
 shares. On Nov 24th they report $100.00 to the 100 shares nett gain ; On 
 Dec 1st, they report a nett gain of $50 to the 100 shares, making in all about 
 $750 or $300 outside of the $10 first put in. You will confer a great favor if 
 you will collect the above off A. Simpson & Co. or Buckwalder who I pre- 
 sume is Good. 
 
 They villiaus have succeeded in drawing into their net a great number of 
 the young men in this State Just as they have my son, and as soon as the 
 wrote for their money to be sent to them that was the last they heard from 
 A. Simpson & Co ; As soon as 1 found out my sou's connexion with the mat- 
 ter I told him to order A. Simpson & Co. to send him his money which was 
 some time about the 5th of Dec. he wrote to them to send him a check. 
 Since that time he has not heard one word from them although he has writ- 
 ten several times. If you cannot give the above your personal attention will 
 you please put it in the hands of some honest Lawyer, who will collect and 
 return it to me at Carthage less a reasonable fee for his trouble. I would 
 presume there would not be much trouble in making them pay it as the 
 papers inclosed are all in their own figures and I see no chance for them to 
 get out as they cant show any receipt from my sou for one cent he ever got 
 from them. 
 
 You will please if you should agree to collect the above make the calcula- 
 tion on the amount of shares; the profits I think were to be calculated 
 weekly and the combination to last for three weeks. They have had my son's 
 money since Oct 9, 1879. there is some of the weekly reports missing as you 
 will see by reference to dates For my character and standing where I live 
 I refer you to Post Master Gen Kee and Benton McMillon, congressman 
 from this District. Any further information in regard to the above will be 
 cordially given. 
 
 Yours KespectfuUy, &c. 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BEOKEES. 107 
 
 It ■will interest many readers to know something of how the 
 officer of the Law discorers the secret operations of these crimi- 
 nals, and also how this particular firm was peculiarly and com- 
 pletely suppressed in about forty-eight hours. 
 
 Having received orders from Washington to investigate this 
 matter, I proceeded personally, accompanied by my assistant, to 
 the office of Simpson & Co. 
 
 It was up one flight of stairs, in a room at the end of the hall 
 in the rear. This room was about twelve feet square. As we 
 entered we found a high stained glass partition, fencing ofi a 
 space about large enough to admit of the person entering, and 
 closing the door after him. A single opening about a foot high 
 had over it the word Bookkeeper, behind which was a red-headed 
 clerk in charge. Knowing the peculiar characteristics of Pattee, 
 I kept my eyes behind me while attending to the bookkeeper. 
 I had hardly entered the office, before I was conscious of some- 
 body opening a door on the side of the hall, about half way to 
 the stairs. This door opened into a dark room. I saw a little 
 gray-haired old man with gold spectacles on, bob out, and then 
 instantly dodge back into the dark room, and attempt to quietly 
 close the door, so as to attract no attention. I unceremoniously 
 left the bookkeeper, and quietly stepped back to the door in 
 question, gently pushed it open, as it was being closed, and lo ! I 
 stood face to face with J. M. Pattee. 
 
 He instantly reached out his hand to shake hands, and becom- 
 ing very much excited, repeated over and over again, how glad 
 he was to see me, stuttering out, "Well— I — am — devilish — glad 
 to see you." 
 
 I then asked him what he was doing down there. He said, 
 "Nothing; he had nothing to do there at all." The following 
 dialogue then took place : 
 
 Q. " Tou certainly don't expect me to believe that you have 
 nothing to do with this place V 
 
 Pattee. " Well, well, I only have an office room here." 
 
 Q. " You and Barrett are running this concern ?" 
 
 P. " No, no, Barrett is running it ; but I have a desk room here." 
 
108 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Q. " Where are all your clerks, that you have to send out your 
 circulars for you 2" 
 
 P- " We don't send out any more circulars. We are doing a 
 regular banking business here. We are brokers now." 
 
 Q. " Which is your office ?" 
 
 P- " Oh, I have a desk room hi here ; would you like to see 
 our office ?" 
 
 A. " Of course I would.' 
 
 Upon my expressing a desire to see his office he tried to back 
 down, and immediately turned the conversation, when I opened 
 another door leading into the office in question, without going out 
 into the haU. Here I found a lounge, two or three chairs, table, 
 and a desk. No sign, however, of a bank ledger, stock books, or 
 even a safe to keep them in. Observing a light over a green 
 door leading out of this inner office in which we were, to the left 
 as we entered, I asked Pattee what that was ? 
 
 " Oh," he said ; " that is Barrett's private office." 
 
 Knowing Pattee's tricks, I opened the door which stood partly 
 ajar, when lo, six of his confidential clerks sat at their desks with 
 hundreds of envelopes before them, and they were engaged ad- 
 dressing these from his list of names, and folding the circulars 
 of Simpson & Co., preparing the same for the mail. I recog- 
 nized in this room some of his old stand-bys, those who had been 
 in his employ for years. 
 
 This man I know to have had at one time over 300,000 names, 
 and post office addresses, which I seized, and which were placed 
 in the hands of the police of New York City, and afterwards on 
 application of Pattee's counsel these were returned to Pattee by 
 the Police Commissioners. 
 
 I made special inquiry of Pattee, for Mr. Simpson. He in- 
 formed me there was such a person, but he did not know where 
 this man could be found. With the papers and documents in my 
 hands at this time, that night I made a report to the Postmaster 
 General, which resulted in an order being issued, sending back to 
 the writer or sender thereof, all registered letters and money 
 orders addressed to this concern. 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BEOKEES. 109 
 
 It was then brought to my knowledge that these parties con- 
 tinued their business, and that threats had been made against my- 
 self personally by those connected with this firm. 
 
 I then resolved to find the man Simpson. Previous experiences 
 had informed ine of a Simpson who had been connected with some 
 of Pattee's schemes, and who then was a printer. Application at 
 the New York Post Office disclosed the fact that a prominent 
 criminal lawyer and ex-United States Official had identified Simp- 
 son to the postal authorities, but no one at the Post Office knew 
 where this man Simpson could be found. Application made to 
 the gentleman who identified him, disclosed the whereabouts of 
 Simpson. I found him a hard working industrious man, who had 
 been led into this matter on the promise of having all the print- 
 ing done by this concern, and a certain percentage of the profits. 
 He informed me that he had been given $50 by this firm to go 
 to this lawj^er, and have him go and identify him to the Post 
 Office authorities. 
 
 This man was in the habit of going to the office of Simpson & 
 Co. once a day, at a certain hour, and signing the firm name for 
 registered letters. Also of drawing the money orders at the Post 
 Office. He, in fact, had placed himself in a position of assuming 
 the responsibility of the acts of Pattee & Barrett, under their 
 firm name. They paying him for the use of his name by giving 
 him their printing at liberal prices. Mr. Simpson, in order to free 
 himself from any complicity in this swindle after it was exposed 
 to him, signed an order directing the Postmaster to send aU let- 
 ters addressed to Simpson & Co. back to the writers, where their 
 addresses appear on the outside of the envelope, and the balance 
 to the dead letter office. 
 
 Thus was actually closed up a scheme that was yielding, it is 
 believed, not far from $1,000 a day profit to these parties. 
 
 In a few days after this, Pattee called at my office to make, as 
 he said, a friendly call. After exchanging the courtesies of the 
 day, I informed him that I was about calling upon him at the 
 office of 
 
110 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 HEATH <fc CO. 
 
 He seemed very mnch surprised, and wanted to know what was 
 the matter. I told him the trouble was, that he was swindling 
 people in the same manner that Simpson & Co. had been doing, 
 by getting their money and making no return whatever for it. 
 
 This firm had been in existence several months at 1227 Broad- 
 way. Their business was almost identical with that of Simpson 
 & Co., the difference being in the name of the firm. 
 
 Their method of advertising, however, was quite different, 
 being done on a postal card, which we give below. 
 
 Office of Heath & Co., Banters and Stock Brokers. 
 
 New York, Nov. 20th, 1879. 
 Dear Sir — Our New Financial Circular, containing a full list of all Counter- 
 feit Bank Bills, will be sent free to any address, on application. It contains 
 " Two Unerring Rules for Making Money Rapidly." 
 
 Persons in all parts of tlie country are realizing large profits on investments 
 of $10 to $1000 in legitimate stock speculations. $300 to $500 are frequently 
 made in a day on one hundred shares of stock. Send for a copy of paper 
 which explains everything. Address Heath & Co., 
 
 1227 Broadway New York. 
 
 This concern, after Simpson & Co. suspended operations, 
 moved down to No. 8 Broad Street, quite near the reputable 
 banking house of Wm. Heath & Co., whose name and reputation 
 they were trading upon. 
 
 Before Pattee left the office he had addressed a polite note to 
 the postmaster, directing him to dispose of Heath & Co.'s mail 
 in the same manner in which he had disposed of Simpson & Co. 
 
 In concluding what we have to say concerning this class of 
 swindlers, and others advertising schemes of stock operations, it 
 may be interesting to know the names of those who have been 
 advertising and sending out circulars, as well as the particular 
 title of the scheme these parties operated : 
 
 Adams, Brown & Co., "Mutual Capitalization." 
 T. Potter, Wight & Co., " Stock Privileges." 
 Bradley & Co., '' Combination of Capital." 
 Simpson & Co., " Special Combinations." 
 Lawrence & Co., "Combination Method." 
 
BOGUS BANKERS AND BROKERS. Ill 
 
 EVARTS, Barnes & Co., " The Syndicate System." 
 
 D. & Co., " Protective Margin Operations in Stock." 
 C. & Co., " Mutual Stock Operating Co." 
 Smalley & Gale, " Special Stock Syndicate." 
 
 H. & Co., " New York Syndicate." 
 Raymond & Co., " Puts and Calls." 
 Herrick & Co., " Pooling of Stocks.'' 
 
 E. W. Ward & Co., "Put, Call, Spread and Double Privilege in Stock." 
 Heckling & Co., "Stock Brokers." 
 
 Chas. Foxwell & Co., " One Per Cent. Margin Syndicate." 
 
 In all, twenty-three different concerns have been suppressed, 
 and their business stepped. 
 
 We hare taken the principal men in this business. There are 
 others that are equally as fraudulent, whose operations have not 
 yet been arrested ; but none that are as extensive as those we have 
 named. 
 
 From the writer's knowledge of the operations of those who 
 pretend to invest small sums of money in stock operations, he 
 would say to every person who thinks of sending money for that 
 purpose to New York, or any other large city : unless you desire 
 to lose your money, keep it in your own possession ! It is extra 
 hazardous to put money for speculation into the hands of a 
 stranger, whom you have never seen. 
 
 I look upon any oroker, who advertises by circular, in the same 
 manner that I regard the quack, who sends out a medical 
 pamphlet. ITo reputable physician would recognize such practice 
 as legitimate or professional. So any reputable broker discoun- 
 tenances that kind of advertising. 
 
 Many of this class seek to overcome the growing prejudice 
 against all this kind of advertising, by sending personal letters : 
 and these communications, which come unsolicited, are always to 
 be regarded as very suspicious, the same as a printed circular, and 
 should be subjected to a very thorough investigation before any 
 funds are entrusted to them. 
 
 Others secure the names of parties and send a night message by 
 telegraph, announcing some very active stock and recommending 
 that money be forwarded them at once to enable them to make 
 up their combination. 
 
113 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Of all such beware. Do you for one moment suppose that 
 any such person, even if he had made a bona fide deal in stock 
 for you, is going to lose by the operation ? Not so. He does not 
 go to the expense of telegraphing to two or three hundred persons 
 a week, because he is an unselfish mortal, having a large heart, 
 and desirous of serving his fellow-man. No, not he. He is 
 after other people's money, and out of it he expects to meet the 
 expenses of office rent, clerk hire, stationery, house rent, and live 
 handsomely besides. Your loss is his gain. 
 
BOGUS MINING COMPANIES. 113 
 
 CHAPTEE VI. 
 
 BOGUS MINING COMPANIES. 
 
 We now come to a new species of fraud. And in order to 
 present J. M. Pattee and Ms numerous schemes to deceive and 
 defraud the public, in their regular order, let us go back a few 
 years. 
 
 J. M. Pattee is a man of 55 or 60 years of age. His hair and 
 whiskers are gray. He wears eye-glasses, being near-sighted, and 
 when under any pressure or excitement he talks very fast. He is 
 a remarkably nervous man, and seems to be always in fear; 
 having at times a wild, frightened look, as though he expected to 
 be arrested eveiy moment. As illustrating this, an amusing inci- 
 dent may be recitgd that occurred at Saratoga last summer. 
 
 I was called there to address a meeting of the members of the 
 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, then in session. 
 
 As most of the hotels were closed I joined friends who were 
 stopping at the Everett House. I had no thought of seeing 
 Pattee, not knowing that he was there, but on ascending the steps 
 of the east porch which led to the office of this hotel, my friends 
 and myself were greatly amused to see Pattee jump up, run 
 like a deer, and disappear from sight. He was in the act of 
 drawing a check to pay a woman for vegetables that she had just 
 brought to the hotel, when on looking up he espied me at the 
 further end of the porch, and without any ceremony he darted 
 through the house, and I, seeing his movements, walked in quickly, 
 and out through the office, and arrived on the west porch just in 
 time to see him fleeing down Main Street, as hard as he could run. 
 It required a great deal of persuasion on the part of his partner 
 to induce him to come back to the hotel, and it was not until after 
 his partner had received positive assurances from myself, that I was 
 not after Pattee, that he could be induced to return to the hotel, 
 and to the bosom of his family, who occupied an adjoining 
 
114 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 cottage. Pattee Terified the truth that " The wicked flee when 
 no man pursueth." 
 
 The pkn of this man's operations for the past few years has 
 been to invent different schemes, in which he will send circulars 
 to all the names and addresses in his possession, sending out 
 anywhere from one to five thousand circulars a day, until the 
 entire 300,000 names are exhausted. Then by the time the list 
 has been gone through, or perhaps when the list is half exhausted, 
 he will have another scheme ready to launch, and the same parties 
 will again receive circulars. But in each and every instance he 
 operates under some fictitious or assumed name or company. 
 
 Another remarkable feature of his operations, is that he is 
 never personally known. "While he furnishes the money and 
 backs the scheme, and pays the bills, yet any person ordinarily 
 seeking to find the principal would never meet Pattee, unless 
 they should happen to catch him on the flight, as I did at 49 Ex- 
 change Place. 
 
 Pattee is laiown to have had as many as threfe or four schemes 
 in operation at once, under his different names. 
 
 His usual plan is, to induce his brother-in-law, or confidential 
 clerk, to allow him to use their names. 
 
 was started in 1877, and a certificate of incorporation was filed 
 in the office of the Secretary of State. This certificate of incor- 
 poration began : 
 
 Wo, Henry L. Tyler, George J. Chiibb, R. P. Vail, A. Simpsou, and E. C. 
 Bnieu, do by tbese Presents, pursuant to, and in conformity witb an Act of the 
 Legislature of the State of New York, associate ourselves together, and form 
 a corporation, under the name and style of " Silver Mountain Mining Co." 
 
 Section II. — The objects for 'which the said corporation is formed, are aa 
 follows: 
 
 Mining and manufacturing the production of mines, and doing a general 
 mining business, carrying on some part of its business out of the State of New 
 Tork, viz., in Wyoming Teixitory. 
 
 Section III. — The caintal stock of said corporation shall be |10,000,000, 
 ■which shall be divided into 100,000 shares of $100 each. 
 
 Section TV. provides that the coi-poration shall exist for the 
 
BOGUS MINING COMPANIES. 115 
 
 term of fifty years from January 19th, 1877. Section Y. names 
 as a board of trustees tlie persons above named in this act. 
 
 This certificate of incorporation was printed in pamphlet form, 
 containing the Notary Public's certificate of acknowldgement, also 
 the certificate of the Secretary of State, and the County Clerk's 
 certificate, that the original certificate is on file. Then foUows 
 the by-laws of the " Silver Mountain Mining Co.," ofiice, 1197 
 Broadway, 'Hew York. The by-laws were in the usual form, de- 
 fining the duties of the ofiicers, and concerning certificates of stock 
 and transfers of shares, etc. 
 
 The officers elected as printed in this pamphlet were : Wm. 
 E. McCall, President, H. F. Burtnett, Secretary, and W. S. 
 Orville, Treasurer. 
 
 Here then we have an incorporation with a capital stock of 
 $10,000,000 to operate the wonderful mine in question. 
 The map on page 116 was sent out to the correspondents. 
 It will be of interest to the public to know something of the 
 financial standing of the officers and incorporators of this wonder- 
 ful Mining Co. 
 
 H. L. Tyler resided at No. 92 8th Avenue; while Mr. 
 Simpson was the foreman in a printing estabhshment in Maiden 
 Lane, where the bulk of Pattee's printing was done, including 
 his circulars, and tickets in the various lotte:Py schemes then 
 running. 
 
 Messrs. Yail & Bruen were clerks under Mr. Simpson on a 
 salary of from $13 to $15 a week. Mr. Simpson informs the 
 writer that his name was signed to this act of incorporation 
 without his knowledge, and that he did not Imow of it until in- 
 formed afterwards by Mr. Vail. 
 
 In justice to Mr. Simpson, I desire to state that I have found 
 him an industrious hard working man, and I would not unneces- 
 sarily reflect upon his position or standing, because of this use of 
 his name in perpetrating Pattee's fraud. He also informs me 
 that out of all the moneys collected, as informed by McCasey, 
 but $300 was sent out to McCasey at the mine. McCasey was 
 the superintendent of the mine. 
 
116 
 
 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 
 MAP OF SILVER MOUNTAIN MINING COMPAJSTY. 
 cJ^O^^^: ^^^^ii^"'' ^°- ^^°--S T-"t-y- J- S. Jones, Surveyor, 
 
BOGUS MINING COMPANIES. 117 
 
 As for Messrs. McCall, Burtnett & Orville, the flrst two 
 were clerks of Elias ; and the reader is clieerfuUy referred to the 
 various schemes of this man Elias, as to his position and standing 
 in the community. 
 
 I^othwithstanding all this, printer's ink is very powerful for 
 forming and executing the schemes devised by sharpers to 
 swindle the unwary, and perhaps no case more fully illustrates 
 this than the present one. 
 
 Having prepared the prospectus and the circular, the next 
 thing was to sell the stock of this mine. It is not here contended 
 that there was not a mine in question, and that McCasey, whose 
 name is mentioned in some of these papers, was there, and that 
 some pretence was made to operate the mine. Of this we do not 
 pretend to know, but we do know that this scheme secured the 
 money of persons through the mail in answer to the advertise- 
 ments sent out, and then made no return of value therefor. 
 The plan was to send out to the names that either Elias or 
 Pattee had, the circulars advertising the alleged mine, inducing 
 people to send for stock, and then at different periods assessing 
 the stockholders for the benefit of the operators. 
 
 This is the only scheme in which it was alleged that there was 
 a partnership between Pattee & Elias. I do not give it as a fact, 
 but it will appear afterwards tliat Burtnett and MeCall were 
 Elias's clerks. 
 
 "We give below sufiScient of the correspondence with one of the 
 "victims to show how this thing was done. 
 
 "We give first the letter from a party who was swindled, and this 
 letter, and all the papers attached were sent to Adams, Brown & 
 Co., and was found in their possession at the time of the seizure 
 of their place in January last. 
 
 Belleville, March 24th 1879. 
 
 Messrs. Adams, Brown & Co., 2G & 23 Broad Street, N. Y. 
 
 Gentlemen .-—Accept my thanks for circular sent me. At present am not 
 prepared to order shares, expect to be hy May first. Will make you a propo- 
 sition. Enclosed please fiud papers, &c., respecting the same. I was swin- 
 dled out of $100 by the parties above. I found out their true character. Tbo 
 ■whole matter was so well gotten up as to deceive almost any person, as you 
 
118 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 will find by tlio flattering reports, letters, references, &c., -svbicli I send you 
 by registered letter. See also letter of J. S. Jones, County Surveyor, in an- 
 swer to mine of inquiry as to whether they were all right. 
 
 I have sufficient grounds for sending the whole hatch to the Penitentiary. 
 If you can see any possible way of cornering any of those parties and recover 
 back the money, I will invest at once with you for the term of sis months, 
 and allow you one-half of all you can make out of it during that time by in- 
 vesting in your " capitalization" scheme. 
 
 Should you have no time to give this your attention, perhaps you can hand 
 it to some responsible party who can. If not, you will please retain the 
 papers subject to my order. Hoping to hear from you at your earliest conve- 
 nience, I remain yours truly. 
 
 It is often said it takes a thief to eatcli a thief, but Adams, 
 Brown & Co. were not the rogues who would be likely to trouble 
 themselves about the rascality of other frauds. They were too 
 busy with their own stealing. 
 
 It was like jumping from the frying-pan into the fire, for this 
 man to send these papers and documents to Adams, Brown & Co. 
 
 The circulars sent out propose the selling of the stock of this 
 company at $1 a share, while the nominal value of the share was 
 $100. In other words, a person sending $5 to this corporation 
 would receive back a certificate for 5 shares of this stock, repre- 
 senting $500, face value. The copy of the by-laws and a map of 
 the mines as above described, were forwarded on application. 
 
 The following circular with the by-laws and the map may be 
 called 
 
 BAIT NO. 1. 
 
 Superintendent's Office, Silver Mountain Mining Company, 
 Ferris P. O., Carbon County, 
 
 Wyoming, June 9th, 1877. 
 H. L. Tyler, President. 
 
 Dear Sir: — Since my last report there has not been much change in the Mine. 
 Tbe ore continues good and we are now down 27 feet, 7 inches. As soon as 
 we are down 50 feet I shall run a cut across the vein and determine its width. 
 The character of the ore we are now in is a rich chloride of carbonates, and 
 has been hard blasting, but it is getting softer as we go down, which will save 
 powder and much hard labor. The Indians made their appearance last week, 
 but have all disappeared. It has been snowing for the last 36 hours. I am push- 
 ing the work as fast as our means will allow. From present indications, I am 
 confident our Company will be able to excel the Diviilends paid by the Con- 
 solidated Virginia Mine in its most prosperous days, and in order to more 
 
BOGUS MINING COMPANIES. 119 
 
 fully satisfy you that my opinion of the great value of our Mine is correct, I 
 herewith enclose the report of three practical miners : 
 
 Fbkris p. O., Carbon Co., Wyoming, ) 
 June 8th, 1877. ^ 
 
 We, the undersigned, having examined the Silver Mountain Mine, do un- 
 hesitatingly declare it to he a true Fissure Vein, with all its characteristics, 
 and, so far as developed, the ore is fully equal to any mine on this great 
 Mineral Range. 
 
 John Pophajm, Foreman Vulcan S. M. Co. 
 
 J. T. Morgan, Miner. 
 
 Tbrance O'Conner, Miner. 
 
 This, with other proofs I have given you, cannot fail to satisfy all of its real 
 merit and value. Truly yours, 
 
 John McCasby, Superintendent. 
 
 In the case before us the party sent on one day $5, receiving 
 back a receipt for the amount for the first assessment on his cer- 
 tificate. Then followed a certificate elaborately gotten up in 
 green and black. On the left hand corner it contained a vignette 
 of miners at work in a mine, with others at the mouth receiving 
 the ore, as it is drawn up on a windlass in buckets. In the cen- 
 tre another picture represents miners at work with pick and 
 shovel, with another one holding a bag open, into which one of 
 them is shoveling the gold dust, while in the distance a boy is 
 seen leading a mule away, laden with the bags that have been 
 filled. On the right hand side is a miner in costume with the 
 pick and shovel in one hand, and his rifle in the other, represent- 
 ing him as a pioneer. The printer who got up this work of art 
 failed to put his imprint upon it. It is presumed to have been 
 done in the incorporators' own establishment. 
 
 This party wrote first in July. In a few days Mr. L 
 
 receives back the following letter, together with a certificate for 
 20 shares of stock, which was forwarded to him in this letter. 
 
 Office op Silver Mountain Mining Company, 
 No. 1193 Broadway, 
 
 New York, July 2d, 1877. 
 
 Dear Sir. — ^Tour letter inclosing five dollars is at hand and noted. 
 We inclose certificates No. 3816 for five shares, and No. 3817 for twenty 
 shares and send receipt for the first assessment on the five shares. 
 
120 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 The certificate you now hold, No. 2094, is the reserve stock and soon as the 
 first assessment is paid ou the 20 shares wo will send receipt i» /«/i for the 
 five shares of reserve stock. 
 
 We inclose report from the mine witli certificate of other miners which will 
 
 speak for itself. We are yet selling stock in order to keep the work at the 
 
 mine going on, and will fill any orders you may send us. 
 
 Yours, &c., 
 
 C. W. Bean. 
 
 Then, to inspire confidence, and to prepare the victim for sub- 
 mitting to further plunder, the following circular of information 
 
 was sent : 
 
 Office of Silver Mountain Minino Company, 
 No. 1193 Broadway, 
 
 New Yore, Sept. 25tli, 1877. 
 
 We are gratified to be able to furnish you with the favorable reports 
 annexed, which we have received from our Superintendent at the mine, and 
 from Messrs. Ed. Balbach & Son, who have made assays of the ore. Owing to 
 the adverse reports published at the time the levy of first assessment, only a 
 small proportion of stockholders paid, "all giving as an excuse," that they 
 had lost confidence in the Company, after reading the said slanderous articles. 
 We believe the reports annexed will set all slanders at rest, )/ lies can be nailed 
 iy fads. 
 
 The result of these slanders was to curtail our receipts, to such an extent as 
 to only allow us to do a limited amount of work at the mine. If we had 
 received the first assessment on stock issued up to April, the mine would un- 
 doubtedly be paying dividends now. Under the present circumstances, our 
 desire is to pay dividends without issuing more stock, which you will readily 
 perceive is to your advantage, for you will be entitled to a larger proportion 
 of the unsold stock owned by the Company, thus giving you much larger 
 dividends. 
 
 In case more money should be rec[uired, the present stockholders who have 
 paid three assessments cannot be called upon again, and we would obtain 
 funds by the sale of enough stock to meet our requirements, for machinery, 
 transportation, &c. Believing you sympathize with the management in their 
 efforts in yoiu: behalf, we are 
 
 Yours very respectfully, 
 
 H. L. TYLEE, president. 
 
 Superintendent's Office, Silver Mountain Mining Compant. 
 
 Carbon County, Wyoming Territory. 
 
 Ferris, Sept. 1st, 1877. 
 Henry L. Tyler, Prest., N. Y. : 
 
 Dear Sir~I have the honor to transmit this my second quarterly report. 
 Our shaft is progressing as rapidly as circumstances will permit ; at the depth 
 
BOGUS MINING COMPANIES. 121 
 
 of forty foei tlie air beoamo so bad tbat I was forced to suspend operations for 
 four days, owing to the illness of tlie men from foul air; at the end of that 
 time I commenced running iin Adit-Level to cut the vein at a greater depth, 
 thereby hoping to avoid foul air until tunnel and shaft are united; my inten- 
 tion then is to use the Adit-Level for a working tunnel, thereby avoiding the 
 hoisting of the ore by way of the shaft, and economising in my force of men. 
 
 I have shipped you a box of very fine ore, which has been pronounced 
 extremely rich in Nickel and Cobalt, as well as in Gold and Silver; in fact, I 
 can truthfully say I believe it to contain a greater percentage of pure Metallic 
 Nickel than any mine in existence. The vein keeps increasing in thickness, 
 and I believe ere long will rank among the first mines on this Continent. 
 
 I hope to be able within a short time to give you such information that will 
 
 warrant you in purchasing all the machinery for the successful reduction of 
 
 the ores. Enclosed please find vouchers for expenditures during the month of 
 
 August. Eespectfully, &o., 
 
 John McCasey, Superintendent. 
 
 Assay of Ore as Reported by Ed. Balbach & Son, 
 Newark Smelting and Refining Works, 
 
 Newark, N. J., Aug. 28th, 1877. 
 H. L. Tyler, Esq., Pres't : 
 
 Dear Sir — We have carefully analized the sample of ores you left with us, 
 and find it to contain : 
 
 Red Ore No. 1, Gold per ton 2,000 lbs., 33 i'„«(, oz. 
 
 « " Silver " " ' 16 fA oz. 
 
 Ore No. 2, Gold, " " ^^^ oz. 
 
 « " Silver, " " 3 A'o oz. 
 
 Nickel Ore, 5 j^^ per cwt. pure. 
 
 Yours Respectfully, 
 
 Ed. Balbach & Son. 
 
 N. B.— Average value of Gold per oz. $20.60 
 
 " " Silver " " 1.20 
 
 " Nickel " lbs. 2.50 
 
 Following this in a few days came a second assessment on the 
 spurious stock. 
 
 ASSESSMENT NO. 2. 
 
 Notice of 2d Assessment. 
 
 Office of The Silver Mountain Mining Company. 
 No. 1193 Broadway, New York City, 
 
 October 2d, 1877. 
 
 Mr. , Belleville, 111. 
 
 You are hereby notified that pursuant to Article II of the By-Laws, the 
 Board of Directors of this Company have levied the Second Assessment of One 
 
122 
 
 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Dollar per Share on 25 Shares of this Company's Stock, registered in your 
 name on the books of this Company as Certificate No. 3817 and 3816. 
 Total Amount, f25. 
 
 In Older to prevent the forfeiture of your shares, please remit at once to H. 
 L. Tyler, by Draft, Eegistered Letter, or Post Office Money order. 
 
 H. L. Tyler, President. 
 By Order of the Board of Directors. 
 
 N. B. — Please return this notice with your remittance. 
 
 The recipient of this demand immediately responds, by sending 
 
 $20, and is assured under the date of October 13th, that, 
 
 If our present stockholders do their duty by remitting promptly, we will 
 not Bell more stock, as we intend to divide the profits among as few as pos- 
 sible. Yours truly, 
 
 Henry L. Tyler, President. 
 
 This was undoubtedly true, as I have been assured by Mr. 
 McCasey that the money was not sent to him to work with, and- 
 that he knew nothing of the assessments that were being made 
 in order to enable him to work this mine ; but he was left out 
 in the cold. 
 
 As an extra inducement to parties to subscribe in large amounts, 
 it was proposed to issue a certificate of 5 shares extra to any per- 
 son who would send the first assessment on 25 shares of assess- 
 able stock. 
 
 The $20 and the $5 sent by this man brought back on the 13th 
 of September, 1877, the following certificate : 
 
 /Vo. /56. 
 
 Office oftlie Mkx llflttntaiii fining Co., 
 
 No. 1193 BROADWAY, 
 New York, October 13//^, 1877. 
 
 ©IliSi \$ tOf (ffttif J) that in consideration of having received 
 
 the first assessment on Twenty-five Shares of the assessable 
 
 stock of this Company, placed by A. H. L., that certificate 
 
 No. 2094 for Five Shares of the reserve stock of this Company 
 
 is registered on the books of the Company in his name as 
 
 FULL PAID. 
 
 HENRY L. TYLER, Prest. 
 
BOGUS MINING COMPANIES. 123 
 
 In April, 1878, a third assessment was levied, and Mr. L. was 
 obliged to send $25 more to this company. 
 
 This was done after the receipt of the following very urgent 
 letter, when it was promised that there were to be no more assess- 
 ments. 
 
 It will be seen in the postscript that it was alleged that money 
 was being daily sent to the mines, while Mr. Superintendent 
 McCasey, as I have already explained, has informed me that 
 money loas not sent, and that he knew nothing of the fact that 
 these men Avere issuing their assessments upon those who held 
 the shares in this mining stock : 
 
 Office of Silver Mountain Mining Compant, 
 
 No. 1193 Broadway. 
 
 All Drafts, P. O. Money Orders and Letters should be addressed to Silver 
 
 Mountain Mining Company. 
 
 New York, March 5, 1878. 
 
 Dear Sir — Enclosed find our last assessment notice. When this is paid, your 
 stock ■will stand on the books of the company in your name free and clear. 
 
 Since receiving our last and most flattering report from the mine, we are 
 glad to be able to state to our stockholders that further assessment after this 
 will not be necessary and we -will be able in a very short time to pay regular 
 monthly dividends by so doing it will place our stock among the highest in 
 the market and rank our mine with the richest on the face of the Globe. 
 
 Kespectfully, 
 
 Silver Mountain Mining Co. 
 P. S. Remit at once as we are now sending money daily to the mine. 
 
 ISTotwithstanding the above announcement we find another 
 assessment levied on the 6th day of April, 1878, of $25, for 
 which a receipt was sent in full for the last assessment on certifi- 
 cate numbers 3,816 and 3,817. (The same being the numbers of 
 cerrifieates held by this man.) 
 
 Strange as it may seem, this last receipt is the only one whereon 
 the signature of the treasurer appears. 
 
 The first assessment was receipted for by Henry L. Tyler, 
 President ; the second and third " Silver Mountain Mining Co ;" 
 this last by Mr. W. S. Orville, Treasurer." 
 
 Our friend who was thus successively duped is still out of his 
 
124 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 money, and is likely to remain so, while Mr. J. M. Pattee has 
 been indicted for perpetrating tliis or similar swindles through 
 the mails. 
 
 Agencies were established in the following manner : 
 
 Agents Wanted. 
 
 Office of Silver Mountain Mining Co. 
 
 No. 1193 Broadway, 
 
 New Yoke, Feb. 23rd, 1877. 
 
 Dear Sir — Knowing your corameTcial standing to be good we make tliia 
 proposition to you viz., If you will assist us by placing a few shares of this 
 Company's Stock in the bands of reliable persons in your locality we will give 
 to you One Share of the reserved Stock of the Company Free from Assess- 
 ments for each 5 shares you place. If you are conlideut you can place 25 
 Shares we will send you 5 Shares in your name in order that you may have the 
 Certificate of Stock to show. Should you not be able to place 25 Shares you 
 could keep the 5 Shares by getting some one to join you and take 25 Shares or 
 take them yourself. Such au opportunity may no%'er again occur. Hope you 
 will be able to place from 50 to 500 Shares. Since the enclosed book of By- 
 Laws was printed the Directors have ordered the Superintendent to commence 
 work on the Mine the 20th instant with as large a force of men as can work 
 to advantage. Your patrons may ask or desire to know when the assessment 
 will be made. Please state to them, about the middle of March to enable us 
 to continue the work on the Mine. Yours truly, 
 
 H. L. Tyler, President. 
 
 At the same time that we find Pattee operating this mining 
 company, we also find him with his confidential clerks operating 
 another concern called the " Bullion Mining Company." 
 
 He was also running a very extensive scheme known as the 
 " Wyoming Lottery." 
 
 ANOTHEE MUTING SCHEME. 
 
 The swindles operated upon stock and mining basis, are most 
 dangerous to the public, and successful to the fraud managing 
 them. They are successful, because everybody knows that there 
 has been money made by the judicious investments in mining and 
 other stocks. Just here it is safe to add, that respectable dealers 
 in stocks do not require to become quacks in order to float their 
 shares. If a mine is valuable its shares do not have to go begging, 
 nor tramp over the country by penny post. JSTeither does the 
 
BOGUS MINING COMPANIES. 125 
 
 owner parcel it out at $5 per share, nor send certificates for a 
 dollar eacli or gratis, to strangers. The fraud is su'ccessf ul be- 
 cause he takes advantage of the ignorance of the masses in the 
 country, and seizing on the fact that nearly every person regards 
 the investment in mining and railroad stocks as respectable, he 
 waters his paper stock until it is not worth the paper it is printed 
 upon (for where the paper was worth the market price before he 
 printed on it, after he has thus mutilated it, it is not worth more 
 than the price of old paper, say two cents per pound), and then 
 gives it away or sells it at a nominal price, as a bait to lure his 
 victim on to send him money, for his personal benefit. I dwell 
 upon these schemes because they are the means by which many, 
 many innocent and honest people are swindled. 
 
 Beware of all schemes offering promises of a fortune Tjy ihe 
 investment of a few dollars. 
 
 Beware of all Tniiiinj projects advertised by circulars sent 
 gratuitously iy mail. 
 
 But there are some projects that are thoroughly fraudulent on 
 their face. They nevertheless deceive and swindle the public. 
 
 We give one, to illustrate, which was operated by Pattee and 
 one of his tools. This is one of the wheels within a wheel, where, 
 after he had iieeced the victim by "Wyoming Lottery, he again 
 essays to further defraud them, on the pretence, that the ticket 
 which they purchased or received, sent to their names, had drawn 
 a prize ; and 
 
 THE BULLIOIT MINTNG CO. 
 
 had, in order to " put the necessary machinery on the mine for 
 working the ore * * * * " agreed to give each person who 
 drew small prizes in this lottery stock in this company." 
 
 In fine, this means, that every person who ever received a cir- 
 cular or ticket from either of Pattee's schemes (whose names he 
 or his clerks retained), would receive one of these certificates of 
 stocks. Flattered by the appearance of the certificate, which we 
 reproduce [see page 126], and beguiled by the circulars accom- 
 panying the certificate, the recipient forwards more money, and 
 thus is swindled and robbed. 
 
BOGUS MINING COMPANIES. 137 
 
 The " President " of tins company was the one already referred 
 to in the office of Eead & Co., at the time of their arrest. 
 
 This scheme came to an inglorious termination, by Pattee being 
 obliged to pay the fines inTJ. S. Court of his tools, and sending all 
 letters addressed to The Bullion Gold and Silver Mining Co. and 
 Eead & Co. back to the writers through the dead letter office. 
 
 Leave out the Lottery, (wo, leave it all in,) and this scheme is 
 no moTe disrejputdble than many much more pretentious ones, 
 that emanate from other sources. To the farmer and mechanic 
 in the country, and to all persons unacquainted with the opera- 
 tions and details of this business, again, I reiterate, if you would 
 save your money, do not invest it in any scheme except you have 
 personal knowledge of its security and reliability. 
 
 If you desire to buy stock, go to different reliable brokers, per- 
 sons familiar with the stocks you want, and get all the informa- 
 tion you can. Do not be in a hurry to invest your money, until 
 you first count all your chances of losing it. After you are 
 thoroughly satisfied, then take time to weigh well, whether your 
 money is safer in the hands of a strange speculator, or in your own 
 hands, or placed in some bank, business enterprise, or real estate 
 within your control. 
 
 It is not to give advice that I write this book, but to warn 
 people. I can scarcely restrain a word of advice, however, at 
 times, and so I add, if you wiU invest, go to some honest broker 
 or banker and buy your stock outright. 
 
 The following circulars speak for themselves. They accom- 
 pany the certificate of stock : 
 
 ClECULAK No. 1. 
 
 Important. 
 Office of Bullion Mining Co., 
 
 No. 176 Broadway, N. Y. 
 
 Dear Sir Being anxious to obtain agents for this company and to raise tbe 
 
 money required to put the necessary machinery on the mine for wgrking the 
 ore at the earliest possible moment, we have made an arrangement with the 
 manager of the Wyoming Lottery (as he has closed business), to secure the 
 names of all his agents, and in order to introduce our shares and induce you to 
 act as agent for our company, we have agreed to give to each person who drew 
 
12S FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 small prizes, stock in this company. Enclosed please find stock sent to you in 
 payment of prizes. By our generous treatment we hope you TPill assist the 
 company in selling shares to raise the amount necessary for machinery. 
 
 The only reason we made this arrangement was being confident many who 
 recei ve stock will increase the number of their shares to ten or fifty, or act as 
 agent for the company, or induce some friend to act for ns, as we will allow 
 very liberal commissions. Please write for terms to agents and circulars. 
 
 TrusLing this will meet with your entire approbation, we hope that you 
 will either accept an agency or secure a good agent for this company, as it is 
 for your interest now to assist the company to get to milling the ore at the 
 earliest possible date. We are, yours truly, 
 
 G. H. HiLDRETH, Sec. Isaac Ludlam, Prea. 
 
 N. B. — Send for private terms and instructions to agents. Large and liberal 
 pay allowed. 
 
 Circular No. 2. 
 
 Bullion Gold axd Silver Mining Company, 
 
 Ferris Gold Miking District, Carbon County, Wyoming. 
 
 Isaac Ludlam, President. G. H. Hildrbth, Seeretary. 
 
 John McCasey, Siqjerintendent of the Mines. 
 
 New York Office, 176 Broadway, New Tork. 
 
 Perhaps no event could be more opportune, considering the deranged condi- 
 tion of labor and the depression of business throughout the country, than the 
 discovery of the rich gold mines of the Ferris Gold and Silver Mining Districts 
 of Wyoming. It embraces a broad extent of country, and its wonderful rich- 
 ness exceeds anything hitherto discovered on this continent, from which .all 
 classes may, for generations to come, draw support. 
 
 Meet who yau will, ask who you may, and there is but one answer. The 
 Ferris Gold and Silver Mining District surpasses them all. It is the richest 
 gold mining country in the world. For miles away, up in the height of those 
 tremendous elevations of mountain ranges, glisten rich veins of gold quartz, 
 that run in golden ribbons at close intervals across their breasts. Here are 
 ndnes in this district that will take centuries to exhaust, and so numerous 
 that it will take years of prospecting to locate them all judiciously. Here the 
 field for prospectors is rich and extensive. 
 
 A Mountain of Gold and Silver Ore. 
 
 The first grade ore works $1,090 per ton, in gold and silver. 
 The poorest grade works $80 per ton, " " " " 
 It seems as though the Bullion mine is a mountain of rich gold quartz, which, 
 when ijroperly worked, would go far toward paying off the national debt, as 
 will be seen hy the ofiScial tests made August 12th, 187G, viz. : — Bullion mine 
 first grade ore, $1,030 gold, and $?>0 silver, per ton ; second grade ore, $5(5 per 
 ton, gold, and §4 perton, silver. The climate is lovely in summer and moderate 
 JD winter, stock 'being able to get their own living the year round. Now, 
 
BOGUS MINING COMPANIES. 129 
 
 ■when we consider the high grade of ore in this company's mine, what are wo 
 to expect when it is known that even $20 ore will pay immense dividends. 
 
 GKBAT ADVANTAGES. 
 
 The Ferris Mining District heing only 35 miles from the Union Pacific K. R., 
 free from Indians, can he worked the year round. There is close by an abun- 
 dant supply of wood and water, and labor is only about one-half the price 
 paid in California. 
 
 The mines of this company consist of 1,,500 feet in length on the Bullion 
 and 1,500 feet in length on the California mine, and all tests thus far prove 
 the existence of a large body of ore immense in width, and the croppings are 
 towering over 200 feet in height. From all appearance, it is the largest and 
 richest body of ore ever discovered on this continent. The company own an 
 excellent mill site, with ample water power, and the ore can be mined and 
 dumped in the mill for $1 per ton. Also, adjoining the mine, the company 
 own 160 acres of heavily timbered land, affording all the facilities for re- 
 ducing the ores at a very triiiing expense. These mines are within 35 miles 
 of the Union Pacific R. R., where provisions and all supplies necessary for 
 working can easily be obtained. 
 
 THE BULLION GOLD AND SILVEE MINING CO. 
 
 The Bullion Gold and Silver Mining Company has been organized for 
 the purpose of developing these mines, and, in order to obtain the means 
 for the purchase of the necessary machinery, have concluded to put upon the 
 market a limited number of the shares of the company (which shares, be it 
 remembered, are unassessed) at such a low figure as to induce not only 
 capitalists, but the people at large to invest in them. The owners of these 
 mines not having capital to work them, and not willing to allow grasping 
 men of wealth to control them, prefer to sell a, few shares at one-half their 
 par value. 
 
 Those who procure shares now, availing themselves of the extraordinary 
 inducements offered, will undoubtedly reap a rich harvest in the enhanced 
 value which must surely follow the working of these mines, as the great 
 probability is that within six months after operations are begun none of this 
 stock can be obtained except at exorbitant prices. 
 
 THE TURNING POINT. 
 
 There is a turning point in every man's life. One chance in every man's 
 life to make a fortune. 
 
 NOW IS YOUR TIME. 
 
 Only a few shares will be sold at $5 ; as the company expect to be able to 
 pay at least $9 per share per month dividends (with proper milling facilities). 
 This would make the shares cheap at $100 each. 
 
 Many persons who secured shares on the Comstock Lode when first dis- 
 covered found themselves in an incredible short space of time independent 
 
130 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 for life. From an investment of $50 to $100, they found themselves worth 
 thousands and thousands of dollars in less than one year. The prospects now 
 of the Bullion Company are even greater than those of the Comstock on the 
 start, r,nd persons who secure a few shares at $5 per share now, may realize 
 even greater profits and in a thort time find themselves independent for life. 
 In 1870, the Capital Stock of the Consolidated Virginia Mine was only $50,000. 
 Now its par value is over $63,000,000. Sixty-three millions ! and yielding 
 over two millions per month. In the Bullion Mine there are immense guan- 
 tities of rich ore in sight, ready to be milled as soon as sufficient money is 
 raised to build mills, and reduction works ; and bids fair to yield even better 
 than Consolidated Virginia. 
 
 These facts prove that a small amount invested in a good mining com- 
 pany, on the start, is the surest and safest method of becoming suddenly rich. 
 With a small investment a person may any morning wake up and find 
 himself independent for life. In one instance a boarding-house keeper — a 
 poor woman — was obliged to take some mining stock, or nothing, in payment 
 of a board bill. Imagine her surprise one day when she was offered $75,000 
 for her stock, which she had even forgotten she owned. 
 
 A few shares (par value $10). If applied for soon can be had at (|5) iive 
 dollars per share. 
 
 For special terms to agents, certificates of stock, or further particulars, 
 address the company's branch office iu New York, and thereby save from 
 eight to ten days' time. 
 
 AGENTS WANTED, LIBERAL PAY ALLOWED. 
 
 Any person or club sending $25 will receive by return of mail, six shares, 
 par value $60, which may soon be worth many thousands. 
 
 References as to the richness of the company's mines, furnished to all who 
 desire, on application. 
 
 Money may be sent by Post-Office Order, registered letter, draft, or express. 
 
 Address, Isaac Ludlam, 
 
 I. Ludlam, President. 176 Broadway, New York. 
 
 G. H. HiLDRETH, Secretary. 
 
 CLAEK & CO. AGAnsr. 
 
 Any person who ever wrote a letter to a lottery, or other ad- 
 vertised scheme, is liable to have a large circle of correspondents. 
 The name once obtained must go the ronnd of the fraternity, 
 and, when thus used, is either kept for a new scheme by the same 
 fraud or else sold to another one of the brotherhood. The fol- 
 lowing letters illustrate 
 
 ANOTHER DODGE 
 
 to place mining stocks, as well as the fertility of the minds of 
 
BOGUS MINING COMPANIES. 131 
 
 those wlio live by their wits by inventing devices to impose upon 
 the credulous ones. 
 
 There is nothing in this cunning of these rascals to excite any 
 other feeling than one of disgust and indignation. 
 
 The annexed letters were sent to persons whose old letters fell 
 
 into the hands of these parties. The signature would be cut 
 
 from the letter, and then enclosed to the party addressed. Of 
 
 course the party addressed would recognize his own name and 
 
 signature, and would respond acknowledging the same. Then 
 
 followed number two letter, and then comes assessments for 
 
 " working capital," or some other similar device to extort money 
 
 from the party. 
 
 No. 1. 
 
 Clark & Co., 
 
 Adjusters of Claims in the U. S. and Europe, 
 
 No. 1267 Broadway, 
 
 New York, February 28, 1878. 
 Miss MOLLIE H. : 
 
 Madame — Is this your signature on tbe enclosed slip of paper ? If so, you 
 are entitled to a, certificate of gold mining stock, valued at five hundred 
 dollars. The money you sent in the letter, from which the enclosed slip was 
 clipped, was invested on the general margin principle, which resulted in law- 
 fully securing for you the certificate of stock referred to above. 
 
 Now, if you will write to us, and return the enclosed slip so that we can 
 
 compare it with your signature, then we shall be sure that the proper party 
 
 will receive the stock. Eespectfully, 
 
 Clark & Co. 
 
 P. S. — State whether you wish the stock sent by registered letter or by 
 
 express. 
 
 C. & Co. 
 No. 2. 
 
 Clark & Co., 
 
 Adjdsteks oi' Claims in the U. S. and Europe, 
 
 No. 1267 Broadway, 
 
 New York, May 17, 1878. 
 Miss M. H. : 
 
 Your letter received. We found, by comparing your signature with that 
 on the slip of paper, that it was genuine, ard reported so to the company. 
 They promised to send the stock to you to-morrow. 
 
 Eespectfully, 
 
 Clark & Co. 
 
 Query. Are the fools aU dead yet ? 
 
133 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTEE YII. 
 
 THE BOGUS LOTTEEIES. 
 J. M. PATTEE. 
 
 In 1877, J. M. Pattee may be said to have been at the very 
 zenith of his ill-bought prosperity. He was reaping a rich har- 
 vest from the proceeds of the stealings from the Cheyenne Lot- 
 tery. 
 
 His plan at this time was, to open an office, in which he would 
 place as stool-pigeons, some of his old clerks. While he furnished 
 the money and the brains necessary to form these schemes, and 
 get them started, he had a corps of willing confederates, who did 
 the office work, and shared the proiits. They were to take the 
 chances of arrest, and prosecution, and screen Pattee, while he 
 was to take the money and pay the bills, and their salaries, and 
 provide bondsmen and counsel for them, in case of an arrest. 
 
 At that time, there seemed very little danger of any inter- 
 ference from any source. Even the denunciations, and exposures 
 of these different schemes through the daily press, seemed to 
 have no terror for the men engaged in them, but rather to adver- 
 tise their unlawful business. 
 
 This wonderful lottery, that offered such great inducements, 
 was operated in New York City, and the circulars and tickets 
 were printed in Maiden Lane, by a printer, who at that time, 
 probably did all of Pattee's work. 
 
 BEAD & CO. 
 
 We take here the firm known as Eead & Co., Brokers, 79 
 N^assau Street. 
 
 Just before the arrest of these parties, they had moved to 21 
 Park Place, and had hardly fitted up their office, when the hand 
 of the law was laid upon them, and Eead, and a man named 
 Ludlam, were obhged to close up their unlawful business. Lud- 
 1am occupied a part of tlie office with IS". Sherman Kead, one of 
 
THK BOGUS LOTTERIES. 133 
 
 Pattee's brothers-in-law. He "was one of Pattee's former clerks 
 out in Wyoming or Kansas, and was at this time " President " of 
 the " BuUion Gold and Silver Mining Co.," as described in this 
 book. A very remarkable thing, about the circular of this firm, 
 which we print, and one which would mark it as a fraud, is this 
 gentence : 
 
 " Tickets |2 each or Ten for |10 ! leaving balance to be deducted from prizes 
 drawn by the tickets !" 
 
 Fourth Quarterlt Extraordlnary Drawing! 
 
 All Prizes! No Blanks!! Every Ticket Wins a Prize !! ! 
 
 The immense popularity and satisfaction which these all prize Drawings have 
 
 met with has induced the manager to have an Extraordinary all 
 
 prize Drawing, which will take place at 
 
 Cheyenne, Wy., March 26, 1877, 
 
 In public and superintended by sworn Commissioners under the management 
 
 of Marshall S. Pike. 
 
 State Lottery! 
 
 Legalized by Authority of an Act of the Legislature ! These Single Number 
 
 Drawings are never postponed ! ! 
 
 Capital Prize, $100,000. 
 
 Tickets, |2 each, or Ten for $10 ! 
 
 Leaving balance to be deducted from Prizes drawn by the Tickets ! 
 
 $722,268.00 IN Cash Prizes ! 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize $100,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize 50,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize "AOOO 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize 20,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize 10,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize 10.000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize 5,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize 5,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize 5,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize 5,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize 3>000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize 3,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize 3,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize 3,000 
 
 85 Cash Prizes of 2, 000 each 50,000 
 
 75 " 1,000 " 75,000 
 
 50 " 250 " 12-000 
 
 100 " 100 " 10,000 
 
 100 " 20 " 2,000 
 
134 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 100 Cash Prizes of 10 each IjO"" 
 
 50,000 " • 2 " 100,000 
 
 449,536 " 224,76ti 
 
 S00,000 Prizes, amounting to $722,268 
 
 WITHIN THE REACH OF AXV ONE TO GAIN A FORTUNE ! 
 
 The $2 prizes are determined by the last figure on the ticket drawing the 
 Capital Prize. All ticliets having none of the drawn numbers on them are 
 entitled to 50 cents each ! "We will send an assorted package of 20 tickets, 
 worth $40, for |20, and the other $20 to be deducted only from the prizes after 
 the drawings ; this is the best way to secure a good prize ! At the urgent 
 request of the manager of these cash distributions, we have accepted the 
 Agency, and shall promptly acknowledge and fill all orders sent to us ! 
 
 ETEEY TICKET DRAWS A PRIZE! 
 
 Probably you have invested in other lotteries and have been unsuccessful, 
 and we want a fair trial to see if we cannot succeed in selling a handsome 
 prize to you ; try it, and trust to our selection of tickets for you. IS^Prompt 
 in giving information and filling orders and remitting the Official Drawings, 
 and in payment of prizes. The drawing of the above prizes will be made in 
 Public, and conducted by sworn Commissioners. These great Public Draw- 
 ings being conducted legally, persons at a distance can rest assured that their 
 interests are as well protected in their absence as though they were present 
 and personally superintended the Drawing. Official lists of the drawn num- 
 bers will be sent to each Ticket-holder immediately after the Drawing, and 
 Prize Tickets cashed at this office on sight and no discount. Persons purchas- 
 ing Tickets or winning Prizes need not be known. In the above scheme there 
 are 500,000 tickets, numbered from 1 to 500,000, and $722,268 in cash distrib- 
 uted among the ticket holders. All letters come safe to hand, and orders 
 filled punctually, and lists of drawings sent immediately after drawing. 
 Order early and secure a Fortune for Life. In writing to us do not use postal 
 cards, as they will not be answered. The limited number of Tickets now on 
 hand will be furnished to those who first apply for them. N. B. — The great 
 demand for Tickets, owing to the low price and the great popularity of these 
 Drawings, makes it absolutely necessary for persons desiring to secure Tickets 
 to remit without delay. Large Prizes will be sent to parties winning them 
 by Express or Draft on New York. Money can be sent by Mail, Eegistered 
 Letter, P. O. Money Order, or Draft on any bank. 
 
 I^= We will send 11 Tickets for $10, and leave the balance of $10 to be 
 deducted from the Prizes drawn by the Tickets, or a package of 22 Tickets 
 for $20, leaving the other $20, to be deducted (only) from the prizes. This is 
 the most successful way to purchase, as it gives you 22 chances of winning 
 $100,000 for $20. 
 
 Address Read & Co., Brokers, 79 Nassau St., N. Y. 
 
 But lest the inducements in tliis circular should not be decided 
 
THE BOGUS LOTTERIES. 13f) 
 
 enoTigli, they purpose to turn every purchaser of tickets into an 
 agent. 
 
 All that was necessary to become an agent, was to buy $10 
 worth of tickets. In doing this the purchaser would receive a 
 ticket sure to draw a prize. In this grand scheme, there was 
 no prize less than a cash prize of $10. " Therefore," the verdant 
 victim would reason : " I will send and get ten tickets, and 
 secure my agent's ticket, and then I will sell the ten tickets for 
 $1 each, get my money back, and I am then sure of my money, 
 whether I get a prize or not. I am also sure of getting a prize, 
 because Head & Co. say, that every one of these tickets draw, a 
 prize. Yes, my simple friend, and if they said the moon was 
 made of green cheese, you would swallow that, too. 
 
 Then, again, as the purchaser looks over the circular, he says, 
 " I have ten chances here of drawing $100,000 ;" so the majority 
 of investors wiU not only send the $10 and get the ten tickets, 
 and their agent's ticket, but will also keep all the tickets, so as to 
 secure if possible one of the large prizes. From the moment 
 these tickets are received by him, this poor fool is deHghted over 
 his prospective fortune. He builds castles in the air ; he plans 
 out to buy a farm, or to build some house, or go in some exten- 
 sive business on the net proceeds of this grand investment — 
 never for a moment dreaming that his investment is simply a, 
 deposit in the pocket of one of the meanest and most contempti- 
 ble frauds that ever operated through the mails. 
 
 A special circular to agents was sent as follows : 
 
 Agents' Prize Tickets Free of Cost! 
 
 Every Ticket a Prize ! 
 
 No Blanks ! No Blanks ! ! 
 
 A Fortune ■within your reach without cost or risk. Any jjerson can easily sell 
 
 10 dollars' worth of tickets in the enclosed Monthly all Prize Scheme 
 
 among personal friends, and 
 
 Secure One of the Agents' Prize Tickets Free of Cost. 
 
 Capital Prize |5,000.00. 
 
 Every Ticket Wins a Prize! 
 
 There are 10,000 Prizes and Only 10,000 Tickets in all. 
 
 Our sole object in making yon this great offer, is to get up a sale of tickets 
 in our Great Monthly All Prize Drawings in your locality. 
 
136 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 No tickets sold in this the Agents' Groat Special Prize Drawing. 
 
 These Tickets are given in place of Cash Commissions. 
 
 Enclosed we send you a Grand Scheme of the Monthly State Drawing, the 
 grandest and best scheme ever offered to the public, and if you make up a club 
 and forward $10 we will send to you by return of mail ten two dollar tickets 
 and leave the balance of $10 due on them to be deducted from the prizes after 
 the drawing and also send you free of cost, one of the monthly tickets and also 
 one of these Agents' Prize Tickets. Every ticket wins a prize and your name 
 wiU be registered on the Agents' Great Prize Register, which will insure you 
 a prize Free of Cost. 
 
 This Gives You a. Ticket in Each Drawing Free op Cost. 
 Draws March 28. 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize of $5,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize of 3,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize of 2,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Pr ze of 1,500 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize of 1,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize of 1,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize of 1,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize of 1,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize of 1,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize of 1,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize of 1,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize of 1,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize of — 1,000 
 
 1 Grand Cash Prize of 1,000 
 
 8,566 Grand Cash Prizes 8,566 
 
 20 Grand Cash Prizes of 1.500 each 10,000 
 
 100 Grand Cash Prizes of $250 each 25,000 
 
 100 Grand Cash Prizes of flOO each 10,000 
 
 200 Grand Cash Prizes of $50 each 10,000 
 
 500 Grand Cash Prizes of $25 each 12,500 
 
 500 Grand Cash Prizes of $10 each 5,000 
 
 10,000 Cash Prizes, amounting to $102,566 
 
 now is your time. 
 Form a club at once ; remit $10 for 10 of the Monthly Tickets, and secure 
 one of these Agents' Prize Tickets, before it is too late. If you cannot remit 
 at once, inform us how soon you can, and we will lay aside one of the Agents' 
 Prize Tickets for you. 
 
 HOW to remit. 
 
 The best way is, write your letter and carefully fold the money in it and 
 direct plainly and send by Registered Letter. 
 Ko notice will be taken of postal cards. Address 
 
 Read & Co., Brokers, 79 Nassau street, New York. 
 
THE BOGUS LOTTERIES. 
 
 137 
 
 In case these circulars do not bring the money, in due course of 
 time the following circular will be enclosed, with ten tickets, on 
 credit : 
 
 _^^^^^^CK^SS2^PK. ei TO-BE PAID ON DgT.fVl:BY ^ AVnSlj-0 BE DK OUCTTO 1=TiOK^ ^^^^g^y^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ' 
 
 I A O i^^^^fc.. 
 
 A.>A...A ^.A.^.*..*- # 
 
 -^j^E STATE to^ 
 »^^ 4th. Quarterly Dra-wing •**^ 
 
 By Authority of an Act of 
 
 Eiiery 
 
 SJfCash and $1 to be deducted from the Prize. 
 
 This ticket entitles the holder to mich Prize 
 
 OS drawn by its Number, less $1 to 
 
 be deducted only from the amount 
 
 drawn by thifi Ticket. 
 
 a!j^«-jj^n-ii.gSi; 
 
 OiTiCB OF Eead & Co., Brokers, 
 79 Nassau street, New York. 
 
 Dear S'i)— Enclosed, we send 10 Tickets in the 4th Great Quarterly Drawing, 
 and by remitting $10, we will leave the balance of |10, due on them to be de- 
 ducted from the prizes after the drawing. 
 
 We wiU allow you 1 ticket free for every 10 tickets you sell, and on receipt 
 of $10 we will send you by return of mail, one ticket free of cost. Eemember 
 every ticket wins a prize. Being only agents for these State Drawings, it is 
 to our interest to have you draw a large prize. Give us one trial. 
 
 If you have been unlucky in other drawings, we hope you will try the State 
 Lottery and win a large prize. 
 
138 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 J^^Send Money in Registered Letters or Money Orders. 
 Fold your money carefully in this sheet, and direct ^Zaire to 
 
 Read & Co., 79 Nassau street, New York. 
 
 Follow these instructions and it will come safe. 
 
 In remitting, here sign your Name, Town, County, and State, and forward 
 the money, in this sheet, by mail, and it will come safe ; remember and re- 
 gister your letter or send money postal order. Direct plain, to 
 
 Read & Co., 79 Nassau street. New York. 
 
 N.B. — If you do not desire to keep these tickets, be so good as to return 
 them. For every 10 tickets you sell, you get one ticket free by return mail, 
 as soon as the money is received by us. 
 
 In order to help along the fraud, they sent a lithograph letter 
 which we print verbatim : 
 
 Offick of Read & Co., Bankers, 
 79 Nassau st. 
 
 New York, February, 1877. 
 
 Dear Sir — Knowing that many persons who have bought tickets in other 
 Lotteries, couducted by private individuals have been unsuccessful in the 
 several schemes of the past year and being desirous of sending a prize on a 
 G-rand Scale to your locality we make you this liberal offer, to see if we can- 
 not succeed in selling you a prize of at least $1,000. which would be of great 
 importance to us as it would largely increase our future sales. 
 
 We herewith enclose to you a carefully selected pack, and the Grand 
 Scheme of the Great Quarterly Drawing of March 26th. By remitting $10, 
 you get 11 Quarterly tickets worth $20. and also an Agents Special Prize 
 Ticket. Should you conclude to accept this offer, you can remit $10. at your 
 earliest convenience. If you do not care to try them yourself some of your 
 friends may accept of this chance. We are exceedingly anxious to have you 
 give the State Lottery one trial and this one may be the turning point in your 
 life. Take our advice this time and not lose the opportunity. So confident 
 are we, that we guarantee, in case you fail to draw a prize of at least $100, 
 we will present you with a package of tickets in the next drawing — free oi 
 cost. 
 
 We get many enquiries regarding the Wyoming Lottery at Laramie City— 
 and would here say that we never had any connection with that Lottery. 
 
 Truly Yours, 
 
 Read & Co. 
 
 HOEAOE J. LONG & CO. 
 
 In order to further help forward this swiudle, various induce- 
 ments were offered under difEerent names. 
 Another one of his clerks was started in business hj Pattee, 
 
THE BOGUS LOTTERIES. 139 
 
 and issued the following circular, which needs no word of com- 
 ment to show its true character : 
 
 OiTiCB OF Horace J. Long & Co. 
 No. 121^ Broadway, New York 
 Feb. 15th, 1877. 
 
 Dear Sir. — ^Enclosed we send you the Grandest Scheme ever offered to the 
 Public and if you will introduce our Sales iu your County we will give you a 
 Gold Watch worth from f 30 to f 100. as we want to open the way for our 
 future Sales and to give an impetus which money could not do in any way of 
 Advertising. We have kept a margin, of |1'23.000 in addition to the profits on 
 the watches which pays for the 3100. Gold Watches to be given on Commis- 
 sion Tickets. We shall send to one person in every County a Commission 
 Ticket which will draw a Gold Watch worth from $30 to $100. 18 K. fine Gold 
 cases. If you will introduce this our first Scheme in your County and Sell 10. 
 Tickets we will send you by return of Mail 10 Tickets iu the Grand Sale and 
 also one of the Commission Tickets which must draw a Gold Watch worth 
 from 30. to $100. with the privilege that we may refer to you in our nest 
 drawing as being one of the fortunate ones who drew a Gold Watch in the 
 first Grand Legal Drawing and that you will answer Enquiries regarding the 
 Watch drawn by you. If you accept this proposition make up a Pool and 
 forward $10 as soon as possible and the Tickets will be sent you by return of 
 MaU. There will be one hundred Gold Watches at $100. each One Thousand 
 (1000) at $50. each one Thousand (1000) at $35 each and one thousand (1000) 
 at $30. each given away in this special Commission Drawing. Every Ticket 
 draws a Gold Watch. You will readily see that the $10 forwarded to us will 
 not renumerate for the Gold Watch we send you in the first drawing, but your 
 name as a referance will pay us ten fold in our future drawing. If you do not 
 wish to use your own name you can use any other providing you will answer 
 the Enquries yourself regarding the quality and value of the Gold Watch 
 drawn by you. 
 
 Hoping to hear from you soon, we are very truly yours, 
 
 Horace J. Long & Co., 
 
 1212 Broadway, N. Y. 
 
 EMEET & CO. 
 
 At the same time Pattee was running these offices, he also had 
 another clerk named E. N. Carr aUas Henry Carson, ahas Emery 
 & Co., at 31 Park Kow, where we arrested him and seized 5,000 
 tickets, 1,500 circulars, 25,500 addressed envelopes and 6,000 old 
 letters ; also seized at Kead & Co.'s 3,000 addressed envelopes, 
 18,150 tickets and about 14,000 circulars. 
 
 Both of these men were convicted and sentenced in the United 
 
140 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 States Courts for violation of Postal Laws in sending their circu- 
 lars through the mails. 
 
 In addition to this, they were obliged to abandon their busi- 
 ness, and return all letters and mail matter coming to them, back 
 to the sender thereof. 
 
 H. H. PENN & CO. 
 
 Another brother-in-law of Pattee carried on another office, with 
 a similar scheme, under the name of H. H. Penn & Co., 73 JSTas- 
 sau Street, New York. 
 
 Eecently E. IST. Carr has brought himself before the public again, 
 by conducting a fraudulent scheme similar to some of Pattee's, 
 where he represents himself as agent for the Koyal Havana Lottery, 
 and sends out circulars advertising assorted packages of tickets, and 
 after getting the money sent him in answer to the circulars, he 
 then returns a piece of paper, which he would have the dupe feel 
 is a lottery ticket. It is not worth the paper it is printed on. It 
 does not even rise to the dignity of a counterfeit. It is a cer- 
 tiiicate pretending to entitle the holder to a prize. [See p. 141.] 
 
 He has lately been very much exercised because his mail was 
 stopped (registered letters and money orders) by the Postmaster- 
 General and has been at work to secure the services of certain 
 Congressmen to interest themselves in his behalf and secure for 
 him the privilege of robbing the people through the mails. A 
 grosser fraud does not exist than some of the schemes he has 
 been conducting. He kept his son at work addressing envelopes 
 and sending out his circulars and schemes from 31 Park Eow, and 
 after Carr had been arrested several times in the U. S. Courts and 
 held for trial, this son moves down to 142 Fulton street, as 
 Nunes & Co., where recently both father and son were arrested 
 and both held for trial. 
 
 a geand public cash disteibution. ^another scheme op 
 
 pattee's. 
 
 Of aU barefaced frauds none excelled some of these schemes of 
 Pattee and his brothers-in-law Eead. — Eead by name, they were 
 " broken reeds" to lean upon for any return of money sent them. 
 
THE BOGUS LOTTERIES. 
 
 141 
 
 [COUNTBKPEIT TICKET.] 
 
 
 OB 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 ,^^L 
 
 LO' 
 
 F-33. 
 
 LA ISLA DE CUB 
 SOETEO Nninero 1017 
 
 E. 
 
 Junio de 1 87a, jj Administrador principal 
 
 Vale tJlT peso, 
 
 F 
 
 f4^ 
 
 ?vtfe\vSii^t^^?&i?©wii?*?t^^^fe^^ 
 
 g4 
 
 On the back of the ticket is the following : 
 
 EXTBACTO 
 
 SE IiAS JLEVES DE LA OKDEXANZA DE LOTEsIaS. 
 
 EI BiLLETE es un pagare al poktadoh que no puede 
 ser reemplazado por otro de modo alguno. 
 
 El derecho de percibir los premios caduca a losdos 
 aflos de verificarse los sorteos correspondientes. 
 
 Todo billete que carezca de los escudos do armas, 
 contenga la indicaoion do pagado, este roto 6 deterio- 
 rado ent^rmtnos que no sea posible couocer su identi- 
 dad, se considerara, sin valor alguuo. 
 
 Los premios 6 gananeias a los jugadores, solo se satis- 
 faran por la lista oficial que publica la Admiaistracioa. 
 
142 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Tliese schemes are all characterized by one principle, " get all you 
 can, and keep all you get." 
 
 After the " Wyoming, " " Laramie City," and " Cheyenne " 
 lotteries had failed, or run out, and after mining schemes had 
 begun to be dangerous matters to deal in, they launched a foreign 
 enterprise upon the community, called " The First Grand Public 
 Cash Distribution, for Educational Purposes, etc.," which was to 
 take place at Yictoria, Can. Most extraordinary inducements 
 were offered. There were " 100,410 Cash Prizes amounting to 
 $278,500," with a capital prize of $50,000, and 500,000 tickets at 
 $1 each. The prospectus said : 
 
 TJFFXSY & BEAD. 
 
 " This being the First Distribution of a series of three, the 
 management have appointed Tiffany & Read (being centrally 
 located) the agents for the United States, for the sale of tickets 
 and the payment of prizes." 
 
 Tiffany & Read were located at Riverside, N. J. This is a very 
 small town, consisting of a fruit canning establishment, two or 
 three very small stores, and a few dwelhngs. The post office was 
 located in a drug store and tailoring establishment, with an average 
 daily mail of perhaps 50 letters, until these frauds started, when 
 it run the receipts up to between one hundred and four or five 
 hundred letters daily. They issued a three page circular, on the 
 first page of which was given a list of prizes to be distributed 
 among ticket holders : 
 
 1 caali prize of $50,000, $50,000 ; 5 $10,000, $50,000 ; 10 $5,000, $50,000 ; down 
 to 50,000 cash prizes $1, $50,000, and 50,000 50o., $25,000. 
 
 On the second page, they urge the recipient to order in quanti- 
 ties, and offer extra inducements to each party they send to, to 
 become their agents. 
 
 This page was printed in large letters and represented 10,000 
 cash prizes amounting to $100,066, which was to go especially to 
 their agents, to nobody else; and yet every person ordering five 
 tickets got one of these agents' tickets, that was sure to draw a 
 
THE BOGUS LOTTERIES. 143 
 
 prize, and if ten tickets were ordered, tlie purchaser would get 
 i/wo agents^ prize tickets. Tliese were : 
 
 " Free of cost ! Every ticket a prize, no blanks ! no blanks ! You can easily 
 sell $5 worth of tickets in the accompanying Grand Drawing of March Ibth 
 among personal friends, or buy them for yourself, and secure one of the agents' 
 prize tickets, free of cost. Capital prize, |5,000. Every ticket wins a prize. 
 There are 10,000 prizes and only 10,000 tickets in all. No tickets sold in this 
 agents' great special prize drawing, all given aicay as aforesaid." 
 
 If you will make up a club and forward $5, we will send to you, by return 
 of mail, 3 more tickets, and also send you, free of cost, one of these agents' 
 prize tickets. 
 
 Form a club at once ; remit |5 and get three more tickets and one agents' 
 prize ticket; or $10, and get eight more tickets and two agents' prize tickets. 
 
 It will thus be seen how very anxious and solicitous these 
 
 swindlers were to induce their victim to secure an ageats' ticket. 
 
 Then, as though the above argument were not sufficient to ensnare 
 
 any person indulging in this disreputable way of making money, 
 
 they further say : 
 
 If you cannot remit at once, inform us how soon you can, and we svill lay 
 aside the Agent's Prize Ticket for you. 
 
 Half a loaf is better than no bread at all. I hear some reader 
 ask, " Why are they so anxious to send the agent's ticket ?" They 
 are not. Their anxiety is to get hold of $5 or $10 of good 
 money, and to send in return a little piece of printed paper, not 
 worth the time it took to print it. 
 
 Now, pause a moment. You must get inside the ring if you 
 would understand the full import of this swindle. First, let me 
 tell you that Pattee, who operated this scheme at Victoria, Ca., 
 had over 300,000 names and addresses. You ask me how I know 
 this. I reply, because I seized them. Now reflect that to each 
 one of these names they sent three tickets with their circular— 
 900,000 tickets used up and distributed, or more than 400,000 more 
 tickets than they declared on their prospectus. You say, this is 
 watered stock. Not so fast. Add to this three more tickets sent 
 to each party who returns $5; and an agent's ticket besides, and 
 you have 1,200,000 more tickets. In other words, your water is 
 expanded into vapor. But what does the fraud care, so long as he 
 gets your money ? 
 
144 FKAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Now it must not be supposed that every person M'ho receives 
 these tickets is foohsh enough to be caught. It would not be 
 true, for there are many persons who had been bitten by former 
 schemes, and they did not bite again, any more than a fish bites 
 the second time, after he lias been hooked, nearly landed, and 
 then falls back into the water. 
 
 We give one of the tickets, and one of the agent's prize tickets, 
 BO that the reader may fully understand the scheme of these and 
 similar scoundrels : 
 
 So. 
 
 269379 
 
 TICKETS $1 EACH. 
 
 Il 
 
 mi |iMk |i?l| 
 
 |l|lillilira 
 
 
 AT VICTORIA, 
 
 CAN. 
 
 
 MAB©n IStto^ 
 
 l«f f ® 
 
 This Ticket entitles the bearer to such prize as may be drawn by 
 its number, payable on presentation. 
 
 TIFFANY & HEAD, Agts. DANIEL R. McDONALD, Manager. 
 
 fl0. 7582 FIRST 
 
 GRAND PUBLIC CASH DISTRIBUTION. 
 
 A^BKTS' wmtmm vioebs. 
 
 This Ticket entitles the holder to such prize as may be drawn by its 
 number. 
 
 MARCH 15, 1877. BANIEL E. McDONALD, Manager. 
 
 The circular, above referred to, proposes to secure ^^ A fortune 
 for a small ouilcuy^'' and represents that there is to be a series of 
 
THE BOGUS LOTTERIES. 145 
 
 three drawings, and the managers are particiilarly anxious that 
 each ticket holder shall draw a prize in this first distribution," so 
 as to recommend the scheme to others. 
 
 Now suppose they really desired, or intended to have a draw- 
 ing. It will be seen at a glance, that it would be an impossibility 
 to do so, from the fact that so many hundreds of thousands of 
 tickets were out that no one would know at all who had paid for 
 tickets or not. One thing, they did not demand the return of 
 these tickets. No ; what they were after was the money, or if 
 there was a demand, it was to secure not so much the tickets, but 
 remind the receiver that the money had not been sent. In other 
 words, this demand was a gentle hint for them to send the money 
 in payment. This they got, and Pattee took good care to have it 
 placed where it was secure, and where no creditors could get their 
 hands upon it. 
 
 But there is necessarily a considerable expense attending the 
 starting of one of these schemes. There is the printing of the 
 circulars and tickets, office rent and clerk hire of four to six per- 
 sons to address envelopes, then the envelope and the letter 
 postage on each. 
 
 About the only way to circumvent this villainy is to wait till 
 the scheme is launched, and at that moment pounce upon them, 
 before there are many returns through the mail. 
 
 You ask, how did you get these names? What became of 
 these frauds ? 
 
 Eead, of this concern, was too sick to arrest, and having Pattee 
 in hand, with various others of his clerks, for other matters, we 
 were content in this instance to send back letters addressed to 
 Tiffany & Eead to the writer thereof, through the Dead Letter 
 Office, where they were sent under the rule. 
 
 The 300,000 names were on the stubs of the tickets (for the 
 tickets were printed like check books, with a stub where the 
 name and address was entered) and were found at 5 Beekman 
 street, N. T. city, imder rather peculiar circumstances. 
 10 
 
146 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTEE YIII. 
 
 HAVANA AND NEW BRUNSWICK LOTTERIES. 
 
 BEAD & CO., NEW HAVEN, CONNI 
 
 The deputy postmaster of ]S"ew Haven, Conn., one day came to 
 my office and complained of a little short man who was receiving 
 hundreds of letters daily through his office, addressed Eead & Co., 
 and it was further explained that each day this man sent a letter 
 to some party at No. 5 Beekman street, New York. This little 
 fellow was none other than a small specimen of a man — and the 
 right bower of Pattee in his swindling schemes — 'N. Sherman 
 Eead. 
 
 They were trading on the known reputation of what was onoe 
 considered a respectable lottery, but now strange rumors are afloat 
 against the good faith of even the Eoyal Havana Lottery ; and 
 from my knowledge of its operations and of the known charac- 
 ters of its agents here, I say in most positive terms, I would not 
 invest one dollar in it, even if I had more money than I knew 
 what to do with and had no scruples as to this form of gambhng. 
 
 The only redeeming quality about this fraud was- that it served 
 to check the Havana lottery, that pretended to be fair and honor- 
 able, and yet while so purporting swallowed up thousands of dol- 
 lars of money belonging to poor people. 
 
 Many people cannot conceive it possible that persons can be so 
 foolish as to invest money in lottery schemes, while others ignore 
 all laws or morals and defend the practice. But if the reader 
 will consider what is presented, under the head of " Lotteries," 
 he will, I think, see good and sufficient reasons why these insti- 
 tutions should not exist. 
 
 The poor are infatuated with the promises held out in adver- 
 tisements put forth in the newspaper and in their circulars. They 
 struggle with poverty. They hear of some person who has drawn 
 a prize. They are needy and destitute ; their children are poorly 
 
HAVANA AND NEW BRUNSWICK LOTTERIES. 147 
 
 clothed and worse fed ; their earnings are scarce enough to fill the 
 mouths of their little ones with bread. Something must be done. 
 They dream over what they would do if they should draw a prize. 
 To them $500 would be a fortune. They dream over this till 
 they are goaded on to risk a chance or two. So at last they 
 decide to try just one ticket. The scanty store of food and fuel 
 is cut down, the wail of the hungry child grows feebler, as for 
 lack of food it grows weaker and weaker. The heart of the parent 
 is deluded by the foolish anticipation that perchance he shall win 
 a prize of some sort or other at the next drawing, and then he 
 will make amends. 
 
 Thus with eyes blinded, conscience seared and affection smothered, 
 by this will-o'-the-wisp in this vast forest of fraud, they are led 
 on to their own ruin, their famihes beggared, and aU to enrich a 
 few men. Yolumes might be written on this point. While a few 
 men thus grow richer each year, hundreds and thousands grow 
 poorer and poorer. The widow's mite goes to fiU the coffers of 
 these few men who keep elegant houses, dashing teams of horses, 
 and squander magnificent wealth upon themselves and companions. 
 
 There are laws in every State in tlie Union but one against this 
 abominable traffic, yet this unlawful business is foisted upon us, 
 and sworn officials continually violate their oath of office and 
 allow it to exist. 
 
 But to return to the facts, after learning the story of the E'ew 
 Haven Deputy Postmaster, we visited immediately ISTo. 5 Beekman 
 street, and found located in a little back room up some three 
 flights of winding stairs, the office of Head & Co., of Hew Haven, 
 Conn. 
 
 This office was in charge of two young ladies, who were hired 
 to answer letters and send tickets and circulars to customers. 
 
 Eead was located at New Haven, where he, after receiving the 
 mail each day, took the money out, and then sent a list of names, 
 and the number of tickets to be sent to each party to these young 
 ladies, and they mailed the tickets in reply. Each of these young 
 ladies represented themselves as hired by Eead and Pattee, and 
 stated they received their pay from the latter. Pattee, it must be 
 
148 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 considered, is the unknown factor in all liis schemes. The only 
 persons who ever know him, are those whom he hires to do his 
 printing for him. He pays good prices, as do all these frauds, as 
 they pay not only for the work done, but also for the man. The 
 printer sells his manhood, when he, for the sake of the little he 
 can make ofE these jobs, becomes party to the unlawful traffic, 
 and encourages it by his silence. 
 
 Placing a police officer in charge of this office, we secured a 
 warrant and seized the list of names and addresses already referred 
 to as used in his " Grand Cash Distribution Co.," of Yictoria Can., 
 and also as follows : 15,000 old letters, mostly to the Grand Cash 
 Dis. Co..; 10,000 circulars of this counterfeit lottery; 600 140 
 tickets; two reams of water-marked paper for printing these 
 tickets ; and full sets of dies, stamps, type, &c., for making 
 tickets. The circulars sent out from New York all bore the 
 address of Eead & Co., New Haven, Conn., where the replies 
 were to be sent. 
 
 These circulars were mailed from this office, these young ladies 
 writing the addresses on about a thousand envelopes daily. The 
 envelopes were received by them sealed, with the circulars all 
 folded within, and they had nothing to do but address them and 
 place a three-cent stamp on each, and then one of Pattee's clerks 
 called in the evening and conveyed the same to the post office. 
 
 This scheme, as has already been stated, consisted in counter- 
 teiting Havana Lottery tickets. We give their circulars simply 
 to show how infamous a story these men are capable of printing 
 in. order to deceive and defraud the public. [See j^age 149.] 
 
 IMPORTANT NOTICE. 
 
 Nbxt Drawings Juni: 15th and June 28th. 
 
 Ist.— The Royal Havana Lottery is conducted by the SPANISH GOV- 
 HRNMBNT on the same honorable principles as our NATIONAL 
 BONDS. 
 
 2d. — The faimesB and strict integrity of the Drawings have never heen doubted 
 or questioned, and the scheme of this lottery and the honorable manage- 
 ment make it a favorite investment with the Public, as the amount is 
 hut a trifle compared to the magniiicent Prices to he drawn. 
 
HAVANA AND NEW BRUNSWICK LOTTEEIES. 
 
 149 
 
 Office of READ & CO., Real Estate Dealers, 
 
 New Haven, Conn. 
 
 HOY^L 
 
 BmNA^LimBT 
 
 To be drawn June 15th & 28th, E878. 
 
 Under ttio Supanlaion of tha 
 
 Capt. General, of Havana. 
 
 CONDUCTED nVTllB 
 
 SPANISH GOVERNMEWT. ''^^Z^^mSf To be drawn June 15th & 28th. 1878. 
 These I Drawings take place every 17 days. 
 
 THE HEXT DEAWIITGS wiU tab plice JUIJE 15tli & 28th, 1878, 
 
 Also JULY 13 & 30, AUG. 16, SEPT. 4 Jt 19, OCT. 4 <t 19, NOV. B & at, DEO. fl & 24, 
 
 THE PRIZES IN THE3E ORAWIHGS WIU BE AS FOLLOWS < 
 
 1 Grand Capital Prize of - .. 
 
 d *» £* *• 
 
 '1 Prize of.. 
 
 2 Prizes of SI 0,000 each- 
 lO " 5,000 " - 
 
 115 
 680 
 
 1,000 
 500 
 
 9 Approximnliona of $1,000 to the remaining units of tlio same 10 as tbo one drnwing tlie S200,000, 
 2 Appro-'dmations of $ii00 to tliQ number preceding and. following tlie one drawing thp 50,000, 
 
 -S20O,00O 
 
 - 60,000 
 
 - 25,O0O 
 
 - 2O,O0O 
 
 - 50,O0O 
 115,000 
 340,000 
 
 9,000 
 I.OOO 
 
 821 Prizes, amounting in Spanish Dollars, S8IO,O0O 
 
 ^Lll tlLo Frizes ■alDtyrro ! stated ' eti?o <3^a.'v%rxx, X*osltl-crel7-. 
 
 Some pei^ona write and oslc "Low is it we hai'e received a circular from anotlicr p.arty, claiming to bo tbo agenta of the 
 Havana Lotteiy?" Our answer is, tticre are otiier agents in alt large cities. 
 
 Capital Prize, $200,000 in Spanish DoiSars. 
 
 TICKETS $1 EACH (40ths). A PACKAGE OF FIVE FOR $5 
 
 Within tlie reach of any one to gain a Fortune. 
 
 PRICE or TICKETS IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY t 
 
 Whole Tickets, 840. BalveB, S20. Qaartors. $10. Fifths, 88. Tcaths, 34. Twentiethe, $2. Fortietlia. 81. 
 
 THE MOST SUCCESSFUL WAY IS TO TRY A PACKAGE OF (10) TICKETS FOR SIO. 
 
 t^We will issue assoi-ted packages of 10 Tickets, every number different (fortietiia), for $10. The Safest and Surest 
 way to win a ki-ge Prize is to buy a Package of 10 Tickets. > PItlCE ONLY TEN DOLLARS. 
 
 IN LUCK. 
 
 Tbo following cnmct from aldtcr nccWed by a> Ha; IBlh, isn, qwalci far 
 
 JIiMi* ItEAD Jt CO,: Noiv iramo. 
 
 OcntUmen: Yours Of llic ISIti Inniuil, eDcloslne ilrart for tSOO, I» receWed. 
 rlfue ncccpl llmnks. UbUic flnt prlicevcr draiin by mo. lliive trlcclall olli" 
 
 imPORTAMT NOTICE. 
 
 Tbc nunc* at pcnoM nloDlDe f rlui ue nercr made baowo wllhont a wrlllco 
 GOUCDt from Uicm. 
 
 PAYMENT OF PRIZES. 
 
 Trial Tlckcl* aro caolinl on ilRlit liy HEAD ft CO,, New ITiiT«[f..Conn. Tbli 
 I«1ti-ry Ik knovn all over lli« world far fulraua. and rnnuplscu in p.-iylng Prlici. 
 WliuluTi(.'b(-ls arc iiudi- ii| 
 one A'IioId Ticket, auJ ata 
 
 :arc(liilcicaiiuu>,vi.i.v~..~~_-^ — i,., — „ „ „ 
 
 ItEAU 3i. CO.. New llafcp. Cono. 
 
 ROYAL HAVANA LOTTERY. 
 
 roiinlry, llic Itoy.il Havana Lollcry la cnnductcil b; 
 
 Unlike llieLalUrim of 
 tbe Spnaleli Unrcrnmcnt. oi 
 Iiislcid o( a prli 
 dniwieicry stTCDTCCO oaji 
 HD(I Unonrn.lhit weliivuK 
 clu lu llic Uniicd Slates, 
 
 TRY THE PACKAGE SYSTEM. 
 
 Tbla [■ (he most aaceinsrul way in secure a large I'rizc, u llicy will conitat of 
 all dilTcrcnt numbcra. , Tlckcta nUl bo luucd at tlio [ollawins mlu, la Vtiilcil 
 Sute* cuircocy: 
 
 1 TATinle Tiekct WO 
 
 1 IlnKTIckrt _ 20 
 
 1 Ouantr Tiehct 10 
 
 10 I'onicilii orTickcl* - 10 
 
 a ForlitlLu of TkkclB 
 
 TV'c nlwnyi mnd llie onirinl drawn nninUm ,1o onr rorrCTpfiailcnli In olmnl cIeI'I 
 ^ =...., „ ,„.., ,..„„. .,.,.,.., 
 
 a immL-d[a(i.'ly uIuTi 
 
 «iim)iuu ul 
 
 ir olUcc, 
 
 Nlw llav 
 
 u '1'll.kl'U 
 
 I, Can' 
 
 [for counterfeit tickets, see page 141.] 
 
150 PEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 3d._We advise parties who have tried their luck in other Lotteries and been 
 unsuccessful, to give the 
 
 Royal Havana Lottery a Fair Trial. 
 It is known all over the world for its fairness and promptness in paying 
 Prizes. It is a Government Lottery, and we pay its Prizes on demand 
 at our office in United States Currency. 
 
 Single Tickets $1 Each. 
 
 (Fortieths.) 
 
 4th. — The most successful way to purchase is to huy a Package. We will, on 
 receipt of $5, send by return Mail a Package of five Tickets (40ths) or 
 ten Tickets for $10. You will receive all different numbers, and every 
 Ticket may draw a Prize ; it is worth the risk. Always remit the money 
 when you order. 
 5th. — Please state to us when you remit for a Package whether or not we may 
 refer to you in case you draw a Prize of $1,000 or more, and whether you 
 will answer all enquiries promptly concerning the same, as we are 
 anxious to extend our sales. 
 6th. — We enclose this printed form so that in sending your order there can be 
 no mistake in your name and address. 
 Money received too late will he invesieclin next Draxving. Draws every 17 days. 
 Agents Wanted. Send for Particulars. 
 Enclose the Money in this Sheet and write your 
 Name 
 Town 
 County 
 State 
 
 And forward to us by Mail in registered letter, plainly addressed. 
 Address all letters to Eead & Co., 
 
 New Haven, Conn. 
 
 HUGH m'kAT & CO. 
 
 After the 300,000 names and addresses and the paraphernalia of 
 the counterfeit lottery schemes had been seized and placed in the 
 hands of the property clerk at police headquarters, for safe keep- 
 ing as evidence, the Police Commissioners ordered it delivered 
 back to J. M. Pattee, as he has since boasted. Immediately on 
 receipt of these names, papers, documents, etc., Pattee shipped 
 them to St. Stephens, N. B., where shortly afterwards was 
 launched another swindle, the last end of which still lingers in 
 the land. As this is now in operation, we give a full set of cir- 
 culars as sent out. Let it be remembered that this scheme 
 
HAVANA AND NEW BEUNSWICK LOTTERIES. 151 
 
 is beyond tlie reach of the United States authorities. The McKay 
 in it is said to be an ex-chief of police. Of him I cannot speak. 
 But I have it from Pattee's own lips that he started it, and that 
 "Nate" Read (N. Sherman Eead) was there runniag it. It is 
 the safest plan for this precious fraud to remain a respectable dis- 
 tance from New York. 
 
 Later. — While the above was in the hands of the printer, on 
 Sept. 22, 1880, while passing down Nassau street I discovered 
 • this gent paying a flying visit to New York. I accompanied him 
 to the General Sessions Court, where he was committed in* de- 
 fault of bail, and on the 28th September he was sentenced to 
 ninety days in the Penitentiary. It's a long lane that has no turn. 
 
 A former partner of this man says: "Pattee deposited his 
 moneys in a bank in Nassau street. New York, as Hugh McKay 
 & Co., and whenever he paid a bill he drew a check in this name 
 to his own order, and then endorses it, with his right name on the 
 back, over to order of the party he was paying." This is doubt- 
 less to prevent people from knowing where his money is, and so 
 that those he swindles, if they sue him, can find nothing. 
 
 The five circulars following were all sent in one envelope to 
 each customer. They were usually enclosed in a light buff enve- 
 lope, with a printed notice that, " If not delivered in 20 days, re- 
 turn to Box 290, St. Stephens, N. B." The object of this is to 
 perfect their list, and check off those who do not receive these 
 epistles, so that they need not waste their documents in future 
 enterprises : 
 
 Agents' Special Distribution J 
 
 Important ! 
 
 Every Ticket Wins a Prize. 
 
 coneidentiai, to agents. 
 
 Dear Sir. — We are satisfied that unless some extraordinary measures are 
 taken to get up an interest, the sale of tickets cannot be increased. 
 Therefore we have determined to distribute a number of large gifts, varying 
 
 in value some |100, some |500, some $1,000, &c. — in all of the different States 
 
 and Provinces, selecting such localities as are deemed best, and to do so in 
 equity and justice to all we have decided to have a separate and special dis- 
 
152 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 tribution. No tickets -will be sold in it. But each agent who remits $10 for 
 tickets in either the Monthly or Quarterly Gift Soiree will receive one of these 
 special prize tickets, and a prize wiU be awarded to its number. Ttese prize 
 tickets will be evenly distributed in the different States and Provinces among 
 oui- agents free of charge, and by publishing their names and amount in some 
 of the leading papers will have a telling effect— more than |100,000 spent in 
 advertising. "We would like to have you act as agent in your locality. By 
 remitting $10 you can secure 10 tickets in the Monthly or 20 in the Quarterly, 
 and the prize ticket by return of mail ; or we will send the tickets on com- 
 mission, with the privilege of returning what you fail to sell, but the prize 
 ticket will not be sent until the tickets are paid for, as every agent's ticket 
 wins a prize, varying in value, from $1 to |1000. In remitting say, " Send 
 Prize Ticket." 
 
 Address all orders to Hugh McKay & Co., 
 
 St. Stephen, N. B., Canada. 
 
 Agents Wanted. 
 
 By a little exertion a Fortune may be secured Free of Cost. 
 
 Royal Gift Soiree. 
 
 Hugh McKay & Co., Managers, St. Stephen, N, B. 
 
 Extraordinary Inducements! Ten Tickets for $5. 
 
 Dear Sir — We would like to have you accept an Agency. Tickets in the 
 quarterly will be sent on commission, with the privilege of returning all you 
 fail to sell at any time previous to the drawing. The Coupon-Tickets are $1 
 each, but we will allow you to sell ten for |5, and leave |5 due on them, to be 
 deducted from the ticket winning by Approximation. This gives 10 chances 
 to win ten prizes for the small outlay of only $5, either of which may be the 
 highest Pr'ze. We will allow yofl one ticket free in the monthly as commis- 
 sion, which gives you a chance to win $25,000, free of cost. By remitting $5 
 yourself you secure 10 chances in the Quarterly and one in the Monthly. The 
 surest way to win a large prize is to remit $10, and secure 20 Coupon-Tickets 
 in the Quarterly, and also an Agent's Special Prize Ticket as commission, free 
 of cost. This gives you 21 chances to secure a fortune for the small sum of 
 $10. The best plan is to sell 10 Coupon-Tickets to one Person or Club for $5. 
 But you can sell single tickets at 50 cents each. If you accept an Agency 
 here sign your Name, 
 
 Post Office, 
 
 County, 
 
 State, 
 and forward this sheet to us plainly directed to Hugh McKay & Co., 
 
 St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, 
 and the tickets wiU be sent yon by return mail. 
 
 20 per cent, will be allowed to Agents, if desired, as Commission, instead of 
 Extra Tickets, N. B. — Postage is only three cents. 
 
HAVANA AND NEW BRUNSWICK LOTTERIES. 153 
 
 20 FOR $10! EXTRAORDLNAItY INDUCEMENTS!! 
 
 We ■will issue Club Packages of Twenty Coupon Tickets (50th), in the Royal 
 Quarterly, for Ten Dollars, and leave the balance of Ten Dollars due on them 
 to be deducted from the Prizes after the Drawing. We can do this and give 
 you twenty chances to win Twenty Prizes for $10, as every Ten Tickets must 
 draw one of the Approximation Prizes. For instance, if 2357 wins the highest 
 Prize, all tickets ending with figure seven (7) are entitled to one of the Ap- 
 proximation Prizes. Therefore, there must be two Prizes at least in each 
 Package of Twenty Tickets. With a Package of Twenty Tickets you stand a 
 chance of winning Twenty Prizes — either of which may be the Capital Prize. 
 We will issue the tickets in two separate Packages of Ten Coupon Tickets 
 each. In this way the Agent can make up two separate Clubs. Send your 
 orders for Tickets at once before it is too late. Address all orders to 
 
 Hugh McKay & Co., 
 St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. 
 
 Teems to Agents. 
 Each Agent shall receive by return of mail, on receipt of $10, Twenty 
 Coupon Tickets, and also one " Agent's Prize Ticket," free of charge, as com- 
 mission. Any person remitting $10 for himself will be entitled to the Agent's 
 Prize Ticket the same as though he acted as Agent. 
 
 Notice to the Public. 
 
 1st. These Grand Soirees and Distribution of Cash Gifts are under the man- 
 agement of Hugh McKay, late Chief of Police. Therefore, from the start, 
 honesty of management and success were assured. 
 
 2d. The next Soiree and Distribution of Gifts will take place on the 31st of 
 March, and the 30th of each month, unless it falls on Sunday, in which case it 
 will be on the following day, viz., March 31st, April 30th, May 30th, and so 
 on, each month. The fairness and strict integrity of these Gift Soirfses, under 
 the management of Hugh McKay & Co., cannot be doubted or questioned, and 
 the magnificent Schedule of Gifts and honorable management make it a 
 favorite investment with the public, as the amount is but a trifle compared to 
 the Gifts. Every one has confidence in the integrity of the management. 
 
 3d. We advise persons who have invested in lotteries, and been unsuccess- 
 ful, to give this Enterprise one trial. 
 
 4th. The best w ay for success is to purchase a package of 12 coupon tickets, 
 all diff'erent numbers. On receipt of $10, we will send 12 coupon tickets, or 6 
 for $5. 
 
 5th. Tickets in the Quarterly will be sent to agents for sale, and no money 
 required until after they are sold. 
 
 6th. Persons desiring tickets in the Monthly must remit the money when 
 they order the tickets, as the time is too short to send tickets on commission 
 and get returns ; the best way to secure a large gift is to buy a package of 12 
 assorted numbers. Price, |10. 
 
154 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 7th. Please state to us vlieu you remit for a package of 12 assorted tickets, 
 whether or not we may refer to you in case you get a gift of $500 or upwards, 
 and whether you will answer all inquiries promptly concerning the same, as 
 we are anxious to enlarge our business. No names are ever given without 
 permission. 
 
 8th. We inclose this printed form so that in sending your orders there can 
 be no mistake in your name and address. Money received too late will be in- 
 vested in the next nearest date. 
 
 Agents wanted. Send for tickets; no money required until after they 
 are sold. 
 
 Enclose the money in this sheet, and write your 
 Name, 
 Town, 
 County, 
 State, 
 And forward to us by mail, in registered letter, plainly addressed to 
 
 Hugh McKat & Co., 
 St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. 
 
 EOYAL Gift Soiree, 
 Hugh McKay & Co., Managers, St. Stephen, New Brunswick. 
 
 Success and honesty of management assured. Hugh. McKay, commissionaire 
 and manager, refers with pride to the entire community as to his past record 
 and the honorable manner in which he has discharged his official duties while 
 in public office. 
 
 EoYAL Monthly Gift Soiree. 
 
 These monthly gift soirees are given at St. Stephen, N. B., Canada, 
 On the 30th of each month. 
 
 whole tickets |1 each. 1 gift in 9. 
 
 The surest way to secure a large prize is to remit $10 and secure 12 tickets, 
 all different numbers. 
 
 $25,000 for |]. 
 
 1 Grand Gift $25,000 
 
 1 Grand Gift 15,000 
 
 1 Grand Gift , 10,000 
 
 1 Grand Gift 8,000 
 
 1 Grand Gift 6,000 
 
 1 Grand Gift .5,000 
 
 1 Grand Gift 4,000 
 
 ] Grand Gift 3,000 
 
 1 Grand Gift 2,000 
 
 5 Gifts of $1,000 each 5,000 
 
 5 Gifts of 500 each 2,.500 
 
 10 Gifts of 200 each 2,000 
 
HAVANA AND NEW BEUNSWICK LOTTERIES. 155 
 
 10 Gifts of 100 each 1000 
 
 20 Gifts of 50 each 1000 
 
 2,000 Gifts of 2 each (Approximations,) 4 000 
 
 20,000 Cash Gifts (Approximations,) '. 10,000 
 
 22,059 Cash Gifts amounting to $103,500 
 
 These grand disbursements of gifts are never postponed. Prizes paid in full 
 in gold. 
 
 Prize tickets cashed on sight. Prize money -will be sent by express or bank 
 draft to any part of the world. These drawiugs are made every thirty days, 
 and never postponed, and conducted on the same honorable priaciples as bank- 
 ing institutions. There are only 200,000 tickets at $1 each. 
 
 How to be successful.— We will send a package of six tickets in the monthly 
 on receipt of |5 — all different numbers. The surest way to win a, large prize 
 is to remit $10 and secure twelve different numbers. There is a chance in every 
 man's life to make a fortune ; this may be your last chance. There is every- 
 thing in buying from a responsible and lucky house. If you desire to win a 
 large prize remit at once. Direct plainly to 
 
 Hugh McKay & Co., 
 
 St. Stephen, New Brunswick. 
 
 Always state whether you desire monthly or quarterly tickets. 
 
 EoYAL Quarterly Gift Soiree. 
 
 The next Eoyal Quarterly Gift Soiree will be given at St. Stephen, N. B., 
 
 Canada, April 28, 1879. 
 
 Coupon Tickets, $1 Each. 
 
 By remitting $10 wo will send a club package of 20 coupon tickets and leave 
 
 the balance of ten dollars to be deducted from the prizes after the drawing, 
 
 thus giving you a chance to draw 20 prizes for |10. 
 
 Grand Schedule of Gifts. 
 
 (Averaging one to every ten tickets. ) 
 
 1 Grand Gift $200,000 
 
 1 Grand Gift 50,000 
 
 1 Grand Gift 25,000 
 
 1 Grand Gift 10,000 
 
 1 Grand Gift 5,000 
 
 1 Grand Gift .:..: 5,000 
 
 1 Grand Gift 5,000 
 
 1 Grand Gift 5,000 
 
 50 Gifts of |1,000 each 50,000 
 
 50 Gifts of 500 each 25,000 
 
 200 Gifts of 100 each 20,000 
 
 200 Gifts of 50 each 10,000 
 
 5,000 approximation Gifts »f $250 each 1,250,000 
 
 5,508 Gifts amounting to $1,665,000 
 
156 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Prizes Paid in Full m Gold. No Discount. 
 
 Official lists of the gifts awarded will be sent to each ticket holder immedi- 
 ately after the distribution, and the gifts paid in full. In ordering tickets 
 writeyournameandpost office address plainly. Agents wanted. No money 
 required until after the tickets are sold in the quarterly ; but all orders for 
 tickets in the monthly must be accompanied by the money as the time is too 
 short to send out tickets on commission. Liberal pay allowed our agents. 
 Write immediately for terms and an agency, tickets, etc. The names of per- 
 sons buying tickets or winning gifts are never made known without their 
 consent. Persons at a distance can rest assured their interests are as well 
 protected as though they were present. All communications strictly confiden- 
 tial. The tickets are printed in the following style : They are divided into 
 fiftieths and designated by the figure 50 on the face of each coupon ticket- 
 fifty of these bearing the same number constitute one whole ticket, price |50, 
 and each coupon $1, price $1, admits one person. There are only 50,000 tickets 
 in the quarterly. 
 
 Read the following flattering notices. These soirees and distribution of cash 
 gifts enjoy the confidence of all, and we assure our readers that they can rely 
 on being dealt with honestly, whether absent or present. 
 
 " We have yet to learn of an instance where gift enterprises were not con- 
 ducted honestly and fairly in the Dominion of Canada." — Manchester Jour- 
 nal, Vt. 
 
 " Most lotteries have fallen into disrepute on account of bad managemeut, 
 but we have never known of a single instance iu the Dominion of Canada 
 where a Gift Enterprise was not conducted honestly. Who is there among us 
 that would not invest one dollar in an honest enterprise, conducted on busi- 
 ness principles like the one at St. Stephen, where the honesty and integrity of 
 the management is beyond question or doubt?" — Commercial Gazette. 
 
 The fairness and integrity of the drawings cannot be doubted. Persons who 
 have invested in lotteries and been unsuccessful should not fail to invest ten 
 dollars and secure twenty chances to win the capital prize. Clubpackagesof 
 ten tickets for five dollars. But the surest way to win a large prize is to remit 
 ten dollars and secure twenty different numbers. 
 
 References : David Main, Justice of the Peace ; D. W. McCokmick, esquire. 
 Inspector, S. F. Nbsbit, Deputy Sheriif of St. Stephen. 
 Supervisor, G. W. Foster, Esquire, St. Stephen, N. B., Canada. 
 
 How to Remit Money. — Send bank bills in registered letters, post office 
 money orders, or bank draft. 
 
 Agents Wanted. Send for particulars, conditions, &c. No money re- 
 quired until after tickets are sold. Address all orders to 
 
 Hugh McKay & Co. 
 St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. 
 
 Any person ordering tickets would receive back a letter ac- 
 knowledging receipt of money ; and offering extra inducements 
 
HAVANA AND NEW BRUNSWICK LOTTERIES. 
 
 157 
 
 to order more tickets at once. A person sending $3 for tickets 
 would receive back their tickets, as advertised on the circulars, 
 and this inducement to order more : 
 
 As you hare sent us |3, and as ttere is yet time before the drawng, we 
 ■will send you 6 more tickets, and another prize ticket for |2 more, thus giving 
 you the benefit of agents' rates. 
 
 The agent's ticket, with the English Coat of Arms, was 
 printed on white paper in bright red, as follows : 
 
 PRIZE TICKET, 987 
 ROYAL NEW BRUNSWICK 
 
 Draws March 10, 1879. 
 
 This Ticket entitles the holder to such Prize as may 
 be drawn by its number. Every Ticket wius a Prize. 
 
 HUGH McKAY & CO., Managers. 
 
 The ordinary ticket, on cheap pink paper, as follows on the 
 front, while on the back it contained the list of prizes. 
 
 $10,000 FOE, 50 CENTS. 
 
 ROYAL GIFT SOIREE. 
 
 Draws March 10th, 1879, at St. Stephen, N. B. 
 
 This Ticket entitles the owner to such Gift as may be drawn by its number. 
 
 TICKETS, FIFTY CENTS. 
 
 J^O. 1 36886 HUGH McKAY & CO., Managers, 
 
 The essence of their business is shown in the letter from a lady, 
 as foUows : 
 
158 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Indianola, June 1, 1880. 
 
 Dear Sir. — I enclose you some lottery directions. Those fellows are doubt- 
 less a band of swindlers. They sent me some tickets and wanted me to sell 
 them, and I did so on the good honest promise and directions for doing right. 
 I sold the tickets to two ladies ; ladies who never touched a lottery ticket 
 before in their lives, and always thought they never would. I think this thing 
 ought to be advertised all over our United States, to save our States from the 
 swindle. Those ladies sent their money by me, and when he sent me the re- 
 ceipt for the money, he wanted me to send the receipt back, and wanted me 
 sell five dollars' worth more tickets for him, which tickets he hiid not sent. 
 I think likely they work under fictitious names. 
 
 A. D. 
 
 Then to quicken those who had received tickets on sale, and 
 
 those also who might receive the circtdars, into ordering tickets 
 
 or sending money, they also sent each party a copy of the 
 
 following : 
 
 Office of Hugh McKat & Co., > 
 St. Stephen, N. B., March 22, 1879. J 
 
 Notice of Final Settlement. 
 
 Our agents and patrons are now notified that all accounts must be closed 
 and settled before April 28th, which day has been decided upon for the final 
 settling up and distribution of gifts in "The Eoyal Quarterly Gift Soiree." 
 This decision is unchangeable, and positively not a day longer will be granted 
 to any of onr agents. The official list will be sent out immediately after April 
 28th, and all prize tickets cashed after that date. 
 
 Tours truly, &c., 
 
 Hugh McKay & Co. 
 
 Having made diligent search for more than three years for a 
 prize ever paid by one of these schemes of Pattee, I have yet to 
 learn of a single person anywhere who has ever drawn a prize to 
 the value of one dollar. 
 
 After this was started and well under way, Pattee returned to 
 New York and started the bogus "Banker and Broker" office of 
 Simpson & Co., as has already been described, also Heath & Co. 
 After these were closed up, those who had been made the recip- 
 ients of circulars about once a month, for the past year or more, 
 from Hugh McKay & Co., began to receive another circular from 
 another concern equally fraudulent, sent out from Montreal, 
 Canada, under name and address of " Thomas L. Davis, Post Office 
 Box 1966." The writer has received numerous complaints from 
 
HAVANA AND NEW BRUNSWICK LOTTERIES. 159 
 
 various persons, and some were accompanied by envelopes and cir- 
 culars from both the Montreal and St. Stephen frauds, and on 
 some of these envelopes the address was in identically the same 
 hand writing. 
 
 The last dodge of the St. Stephen fraud, is to send gratui- 
 tously ten tickets, oflEering to accept half payment or $5, and 
 credit the balance, to be deducted from prizes drawn. As appar- 
 ent as this old and transparent fraud is, yet there are hundreds 
 who fall into the trap and send their money, only to lose it all, 
 without any return whatever. 
 
 In order-to help along this St. Stephen scheme still further, 
 there was another dodge resorted to, in New York City. A let- 
 ter was sent to all the addresses that could be procured, enclosing 
 6 tickets f oi* sale, together with a lithographic letter. 
 
 We ^ve the two letters, as sent : 
 
 Office of M. Doolin, 
 Banker and Broker, No. 1469 Broadway, 
 
 New York, Feb. 26, 1879. 
 
 Mr. 
 
 Dear Sir — Enclosed find six Tickets for sale on commission. Remit as soon 
 as you can, and on receipt of the money, we Tvill forward the Prize Ticket to 
 you. 
 For every 6 sold hy you, you can receive one prize ticket also. 
 
 Yours, 
 
 (Signed) M. Doolin. 
 
 These were exactly the same tickets as before described. 
 
 letter no. 2. 
 Office Rotal New Brunswick Gift Soiree. 
 
 Dear Sir— The Managers are satisfied some extra inducement must be given 
 in order to increase the sale of tickets. 
 
 Therefore they have decided to have a separate drawing, and distribute a 
 large number of Prizes among their Agents in different localities, some of $100, 
 some $200, some |500, some flOOO, etc. Every ticket in this Special drawing 
 for the benefit of Agents will win a prize ; none of these tickets will be sold, 
 but if you will introduce their new and popular 50 cent tickets in your local- 
 ity, by selling six tickets in the regular drawing of March lOth, Capital Prize 
 $lo',000, and remit $3, we will send by return of mail six tickets, and also one 
 of the special prize tickets free of cost, which insures you a prize, or we will 
 send the tickets and you remit when sold. 
 
160 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 When you remit state if you will allow us to publish your name and the 
 amount of Prize drawn by you as it might benefit our sales more than $5,000 
 spent in advertising. 
 
 Write immediately if you desire to win a prize. For full particulars, 
 Tickets &c., address our authorized Agent, 
 
 M. DooLiN, Esq., 
 No. 1469 Broadway, New York. 
 
 This last letter certainly contained flattering inducements, to 
 one who, on reading it, had not brains enough to see " Fraud " 
 ■written all over it. 
 
 Only think, for selling 6 tickets, or for the small sum of $3, 
 you can secure a ticket that surely draws a prize, and these 
 prizes all run from $100 to $10,000 cash. "What a fraud!" 
 every one exclaims as they read this, and yet, reader, 
 enough persons bite at this bait, to enrich the scoundrels who 
 perpetrate such swindles, unless they are watched and checked by 
 the post office officials at the start. 
 
 It is better than a play to head off one of these sharpers, and 
 bring him to justice. There is a pleasure in stretching a strong 
 arm between them and their victims. 
 
 " O," but you say, " what fools people are to send money to 
 such schemes ! They ought to be swindled." Not so fast. All 
 are not so wise as you. Many a person brought up in the coun- 
 try, surrounded with pure influences in the home, is thoroughly 
 honest, and believes others are too. Besides, many a one honestly 
 does not see any wrong in a lottery ; and many a weak one is 
 tempted, while multitudes of thoughtless ones believe everything 
 they see in print, and never stop to ask a question. 
 
 There is not a lottery in existence I would invest one dollar in, 
 because there is not one chance in 10,000 of my drawing a prize. 
 StiU, I presume, after reading this book many persons will be 
 just as susceptible to any new dodge or scheme as though they 
 had not read this. 
 
 Do not charge it to me. I reiterate, do not send your money 
 to any person who offers more than 100 cents in value for a dol- 
 lar. It cannot be done. No business can be honestly conducted 
 on any such basis. 
 
HAVANA AND NEW BRUNSWICK LOTTERIES. 161 
 
 As a proof that Davis, of Montreal, is a Yankee fraud, read 
 the first " Important JSTotiee," in the circular below : 
 
 l^°Read This Carefiilly..^|]] 
 ^^The Thiee most reliable Lotteries in the World l„^i 
 Impoktant Notice. 
 To the Public : 
 
 In view of certain new and recent regulations by which the TJuited States 
 Postal Authorities assume to supervise and decide what class of mail matter 
 shall be sent to the citizen, thereby arrogating to themselves a right to inter- 
 fere with the private correspondence of American freemen which would not 
 be tolerated by any monarchy in Europe, we have established a General 
 Agency for the sale of tickets in all legalized and reliable Lotteries outside of 
 their jurisdiction. 
 
 EXTRAORDESTAEY OFFER. 
 
 On receipt of $10, we will send you a certificate of an 
 
 ASSORTED PACKAGE 
 
 of 20 tickets, all different numbers representing, to wit : 
 
 10 Half tickets in the Louisiana State Lottery $10 
 
 6 Fortieths in the Eoyal Havana Lottery 6 
 
 4 Whole tickets in the Kentucky State Lottery 4 
 
 Making a total in value of. |20 
 
 and leave $10 due on them to be deducted from the prizes drawn by you. Your 
 chances to win a large prize are three times greater than ever before offered 
 and the outlay only one half. 
 
 BY THIS PLAN 
 
 you have 20 chances to win large prizes in three of the most reliable and best 
 Lotteries in the known world, which include three capital prizes. Persons 
 who have been unfortunate heretofore should not fail to embrace this, and 
 perhaps their last opportunity to secure a fortune. The amount is small and 
 your chance to win the best ever offered. 
 
 PRIZES CASHED ON SIGHT. 
 
 All prizes will be cashed by us on sight or sent by Draft or Express to the 
 persons winning them in any part of the world. 
 
 HOW TO REMIT MONEY. 
 
 Speciai, Notice. — Do not fail to follow these instructions and your money 
 will come to us safely. 
 
 Send Bank draft on New York or Montreal, or fold the money carefully in 
 your letter, so it cannot be seen by holding up to a light, and forward it by 
 mail same as any ordinary letter and it will come safe. Postage only 3 cents. 
 11 
 
162 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Should any money he received too late for this drawing it will be placed in 
 the first drawing after this. 
 
 Persons desiring to avail themselves of onr liberal offer should not fail to 
 remit as soon as possible. 
 
 Order received for single tiokes, but persons should avail themselves of the 
 above liberal terms, and remit at least $5, which will secure 10 tickets. 
 Address all Orders plainly to 
 
 Thomas L. Davis, 
 
 Post Office Box 1966, Montreal, Canada. 
 
 ly 20 Tickets for |10 !„^1 
 ^^ They Never Postpone. They Pay their Prizes Promptly ! ,^1 
 
 That they " never postpone," is true. There is no drawing to 
 postpone. If no drawing, then consequently no prises. The 
 prize the purchaser secures is the ticket he receives. The prize 
 the fraud secures is the money the deluded fool sends. 
 
 This last scheme has but just started. Before it had been out 
 two weeks, I reported the same to the Post Office Department, 
 with a request that the matter be referred to the Canadian Gov- 
 ernment, and steps are now being taken to nip it in the bud. 
 
 Later. — It has been squelched. 
 
 The last effort of Pattee was the running of a bucket shop, as 
 Montgomery Perry & Co., in Exchange Place. 
 
 I hope none of our readers think or suppose for one moment 
 we have described all of Pattee's fraudulent schemes. We have 
 not. He has been engaged in many others, but space wiU not 
 admit of any further attention to this sly, sneaking old fraud, 
 who to-day is rich from the moneys he has swindled innocent 
 people out of. 
 
WATCH AND JEWELEY SWINDLEES. 163 
 
 OHAPTEE IX. 
 "WATCH AND JEWELRY SWINDLERS. 
 
 While Buckwalter and Baxter may be considered as the head 
 of the stock swindlers, and Pattee the principal in bogus lottery 
 and fraudulent mining enterprises, it remains for Elias to cany 
 off the honors as the prince of swindlers in the watch and jewelry 
 line. With this man plan followed plan in rapid succession, and 
 frequently he was conducting two or three at the same time. 
 
 Elias and his brother acquired considerable notoriety as the 
 original "Dollar Store" men, on Broadway. For years this 
 store was operated with great success, and being extensively 
 advertised, was thronged by thousands of purchasers. His plan 
 there, was to scour the market for goods that were a little out of 
 style, and for odd lots that he could buy below the market price. 
 He filled his shelves with " Yankee notions " of all descriptions, 
 that he could purchase so as to sell for a dollar. There is no ques- 
 tion that when this store first opened, he oftentimes offered to 
 the public, goods cheaper than they could be purchased at whole- 
 sale. But while he was running this enterprise, he was also en- 
 gaged in other operations through the mail. 
 
 One peculiarity about this man was that he managed to obtain 
 almost absolute control over his clerks. It is supposed that this 
 was done by paying them liberal salaries. He also was remark- 
 able for securing immunity from arrest and prosecution by the 
 police authorities. It was only when the laws of the United 
 States in reference to swindling operations carried on through the 
 mails were set in motion, that he met with serious embarrassment 
 in his swindling operations. 
 
 His various schemes were usually conducted through the agency 
 of the clerks in his employ, who always seemed willing to stand 
 between their employer and any trouble, even submitting to ar- 
 rest and exposure, rather than to disclose their principal and 
 backer. 
 
164 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 While we shall not charge Mr. Elias with being the responsible 
 manager of the following scheme, yet from his application to the 
 postal authorities concerning the mail involved in the case, it is 
 well known that he was interested in it. 
 
 J. WKIGHT & CO. 
 
 This jewelry scheme is that which was advertised as the 
 " Paeisian xsd Geneva "Watch Co." 
 
 Advertisements of this concern were published in nearly all of 
 the so-called sporting papers, and more especially in such publi- 
 cations as the " Waverly Magazine." 
 
 A description of this single scheme will be sufficient to en- 
 lighten the public as to the method of operation pursued in all. 
 A letter written in answer to the advertisement vould bring back 
 a circular. In this circular, which we give on page 165, it wiU 
 be seen that most extravagant statements are made concerning 
 the Geneva Watch Co. It is represented as having supplied the 
 greater part of the civilized world, for over two hundred years, 
 with about two-thirds of the timepieces that have been in use, 
 and that now it has turned all of its capital and machinery to the 
 manufacture of the $4.00 watch. 
 
 A careful reading of this circular will disclose a fraud upon its 
 face, notwithstanding which, thousands of those who received it, 
 eager to secure a watch and chain for the small sum of $5, did not 
 stop to carefuUy examine, but rashly forwarded their money, 
 simply to lose it. 
 
 Instead of having an office at 609 Broadway, this concern re- 
 ceived their mail in a small room, similar to a hall bedroom, in 
 the third story of No. 599 Broadway. 
 
 A person sending |4 for this watch would receive back a noti- 
 fication that his name had been placed upon the list, and that 
 when his turn came he would receive his watch. Any person, 
 however, who should order a chain, sending $1 as payment, would 
 receive back a printed circular or notice, infonning him that 
 owing to the great pressure of business, the firm were unable to 
 fill so small an order, but that if he would send $4 for a watch, 
 
WATCH AND JEWELRY SWINDLERS. 
 
 165 
 
 Ammp llsliti ill %mi I 
 
 Tee ENTIRE WORKS of & WATCH 
 
 
 u 
 
 Orer C,000 ATatches maDuTacdired Dailj. 
 
 A Watch that is indorsed by all the leading 
 Jewelers in Europe and America* 
 
 The great Geneva Watoli Company wIiich'haTe' flnppIieS the great- 
 BBtpaTt of the civilizod world for over two hundred years with abont 
 two-thirds of the time pieces that have been in use, have at last 
 tamed their solo aticntion, includingalL of their capital and mactiin- 
 eift to the manufacturing of the' 
 
 FOUR DOLLAR GENEVA WATCH, 
 
 whiclibDOWSO widelyandBO&ToralilyfaiowiiinEiiropoas'beingthebesttinietceper that Tias yet been manufactured 
 ffiieee Watchea are now sold by all the leading Jewelers of Kurope. Tlie movcracnta are encased id Almonian Gold, 
 which, was invented by Thomaa T. Efendolph, one of the largest stockholders in the Geneva Watch Company. T Mr. 
 Bendolpli, who is a wonderful alchemist, worked for years endeavoring to make a discovery of a couipositioii that would 
 take the place of gold, and stand the tests of the strongest acids, and always retains its color and brilliancy 
 and wear the same as X^gin gold itself. ibiMay, I871,Iiis years of laborious toil were rewarded by tlio die- 
 Bovery of this materia), which even the expert Jewelers cannot detect from Jeweler's Gold in any other way except by 
 weight. The discovery of thia compound -was characterized, by the Geneva Watch Company, and also by all of the 
 Jewelers of Europe as being invaloable, for the reason that millions worth of gold was annually worked into Jewelry and 
 Watch cases, thereby taking from circulation that immense amount of money, which always kept the European and 
 American Money Market cramped for coin. The importanco of the discovery of Almonian Gold cau bo seen at a glance 
 by all seneible people as it wiU in every case answer the purposes of VirginGold, except for the coining of money — for 
 that of course it will not answer — ^for the reason that Virgia Gold is the basis of all values, and this being a compoMlioa 
 basno standard value ; infact it can be produced, vary cheap, octho G cneva Watch. Company conld. not afibnl to encass 
 tlieir Movements with Almonian Gold, and sell theiWatchcs complete so' low^ 
 
 The complete works of the ^4.00 Geneva' Watch are manutactured bymacbineiy. While only abont one half of the 
 works of the American Watch is made that way, the balance being made by hand. The result is that the Genevo 
 Wstch U acknowledged by all Jewelers to be a hotter and more perfect time-keeper than the American Watob. Whea 
 Ae movements of a Watch are made entirely by machinery there is do deviation in any piece, so when it is put together 
 every part is a complete fit, bo that tiie Watch, wilt always keep correct time, unless it receives a seveta felf that woold 
 Ineak some part of it. The Geneva Watch. Company guaraDtccs that their $4.00 Watch 
 
 LOOKS AS WELL AS A WATCH THAT COST TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS. 
 
 JTo Jeweler can tell ttem firomgold except by weight. Hey are aljoat one-sixth lighter than a' Jeweler's Gold Watoh 
 of the samo size The Geneva Watch Company are also mauufacturing JLadies and Gent's chains of all the latest 
 
 Salterns, out of Almonian Sold. They look and wear as well as a chain that costs $50.00 or S75.00 — they are not quite as 
 eavy— that is all the difTereace: They will wear the same as the Watch Cases, and stand the test of aud^' and alwayi 
 tfltaia their color and brillianey the same aa Virgin Gold. The price of the chaioa are ono dollar each. ■ 
 
 The Geneva Watch Company have appointed the well-known Jewelry House of J. Wright & Co., sole agents in 
 the TTnited States for the sale of the $4.00 Geneva. Watch, and also for the sale of their Almonian Gold Chains. Meesrs. 
 Wright & Co. are now ready to ship these Watches to all parts of the United States. ■ Parties ordering should state whether 
 tiiey wish a Ladies or a Gent's Watch. Also, whether they wish a hunting-case, or open-face, and wnether they prefer on. 
 aograved, engine-turned or a chased case. When Chaina are ordered,' state which yon wish, a Ladies* or Gent's Chain. 
 
 Thia ts to Certify that ws have thia anyappolntad MEseaa. J. 'Wekiht & Co., JowoTotb. onr Bole Agenta io tlio UnltoS Stutes of Ajnotiw, 
 fin tha Kla of our S4.00 Genova Watches; and our AlmoninQ Gold Cbatoa. Wa also do beroby authorize them to gnunDtce in wtiling our Si.aa 
 Wat4duatokeepcoTi«ottiiaafoi6yeaia. Vs ftirUier aathotize ttaBm to stato and guaianteQ tlint the AlmoniniLQold Watch Ca^ea and Chatnr 
 WilLalvssarstaia the mn " ^ color and biilliaticY and be iuapnoaianco and n'ear ttao aama as Joweleis Gold> 
 
 Bigncd by tbo Qiskta. Waxcb Co.. at Gensrs, Bwitzerhind, 
 
 Naiember 12; 1BT2. 
 
 Trioes of ChainB— 1 Chain ^...-$1 00 
 
 " 2 " 1 90 
 
 " 8 " 2 85 
 
 « ft « 8 80 
 
 « b " 4 75 
 
 " 6 " 5 70 
 
 i"ffaicl«w —mi 
 
 g « r;.',v.v.v.v;.'!::i;r.;;i»:!!ii7o 
 
 4 " IS BO 
 
 " 19 40 
 
 8 •* 23 00 
 
 No ereater cliBConni than the ahovo will be made except to Jewelers pnrcliaaing by the Dozen. Parties wishing 
 tei orfler only a sinRle Watch and Chain, Measra Wright & Co. will pack it safely in a small box and ship it by mall or 
 cnress on receipt of «B.OO. Parties ordering should always send the name of the express if they wisli their Watch eeLt 
 tltat way, Allm nnflj jQUBt bo flflut by Unit, post OfBce Money Order, or in a liegiaiered Letter. Address all orders to 
 
 608 £KOADWAY, New Yorb. 
 
166 FKAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 the order would be immediately attended to. On sending the $4, 
 the victim would be notified of the receipt of his money, and that 
 his name had been placed on the list, as already described— and 
 these replies were aU that we ever knew any one to have received. 
 It will interest many to learn how this party was at last de- 
 tected and arrested ; and perhaps no better description can be 
 given of the extensive business house of 
 
 "messes, weight & COMPANY, 
 
 Wholesale Dealers in Diamonds and Jewelry, and Agents for 
 this great Geneva Watch Co.," than to describe exactly the 
 manner in which the man Wright was found. 
 
 Frequent complaints having been received concerning the 
 swindKng operations of these parties, a visit was made to No. 609 
 Broadway. No one there knew anything of J. Wright & Co. 
 No office nor other trace of them could be found. Application 
 was then made at Station A Post Office, where it was discovered 
 that the carrier had instructions to dehver all letters for this firm 
 at 599 Broadway, and that there was a small room on the third 
 floor of this building that was occupied by J. Wright & Co., or 
 rather by a well dressed young man, who came there once a day 
 to receive his mail, usually a few minutes after 12 o'clock. This 
 room was kept darkened, except while the young man was there 
 waiting for the carrier. 
 
 It was evidently no bed of roses that this swindler rested upon. 
 The first day that the writer visited .this place, he found that the 
 individual whom he was looking for,, did not put in an appear- 
 ance. The reason was, as discovered afterwards, that, while I was 
 standing in front of a store nearly opposite No. 599, one of the 
 persons that this man employed discovered me. Each day about 
 half an hour before the carrier would be expected several young 
 men might be seen coming down Broadway from toward the doUar 
 store, and arranging themselves along the block in front of this office. 
 
 The second time I went up to this place, I was more cautious, 
 having profited by the first experience. 
 
 Going into a store opposite, I took off my hat and making my- 
 self at home as if belonging there, comfortably seated myself in 
 
WATCH AND JEWELRY SWINDLERS. 167 
 
 front of a window that commanded a full view of the entrance of 
 699 Broadway. I was thus enabled, unobserved, to watch the en- 
 tire movements of the gang. First a rough looking fellow (the 
 one who had "spotted" me the day before), came and stood 
 directly at the entrance of 599 Broadway, then a young boy went 
 up into the hall, taking a position on the second flight of stairs. 
 Then two other young men came sauntering down one a little be- 
 hind the other and paced up and down hke sentries, carefully 
 Ecrutinizing aU persons on either side of the street. On seeing 
 the carrier enter adjoining stores, one of the men who seemed to 
 be in charge, immediately started up towards the "Dollar Store." 
 He had hardly gone half a block before he was met by a very 
 elegantly dressed young man about 35 years of age, wearing a 
 dress suit, with a high silk hat, and in fashionable attire. Stop- 
 ping to exchange a few words, the well dressed young man evi- 
 dently received a report that the coast was clear, as he walked 
 quickly down, and entered the haUway leading up stairs to his ofiice. 
 In a few moments the letter carrier went in, and after deliver- 
 ing mail to various parties in this building, came down and 
 passed out. In a few moments Mr. Swindler, having lighted a 
 fresh cigar, comes down too, and quickly walks up Broadway, 
 followed about twenty feet behind by the small boy, who has the 
 letters tucked under his coat". AH this was necessary to prevent 
 a surprise, and to screen this fellow in case any detective should 
 be on his track ; because even if he should be arrested on coming 
 out, no letters would be found upon him, and nothing to iden- 
 tify him as in any way connected with this fraud. But on the 
 first approach of danger, this boy was to take to his heels and dis- 
 appear. Giving this man and his boy a liberal start, I followed 
 him up Broadway until he came to Amity street. Turning down 
 this street he walked some three or four blocks and then suddenly 
 turned a corner, receiving a nod from another picket, who was 
 posted opposite his house, and who afterwards proved to be a 
 pimp connected with the house of ill fame, into the basement door 
 of which this man suddenly turned, followed by the boy with the 
 letters. 
 
168 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Having already secured, by correspondence, tlie evidence of 
 this man's swindles through the mails, and having novsr fully 
 identified him by aid of the letter carrier, I took with me the 
 next day a Deputy U. S. Marshal, armed with a warrant for his 
 arrest. We secreted ourselves, as on the previous occasion, hav- 
 ing gone there about an hour before it was time for the carrier, 
 and in order to locate ourselves before the guard should be mount- 
 ed on the other side. The same programme was then again 
 carried out by these men, almost in detail in every respect, save 
 that as he entered the house before referred to by the basement, 
 the officer and myself entered at the front door and arrested this 
 fellow in the room of one of the women, where he was making 
 frantic efforts to hide himself and his correspondence. 
 
 On searching the house, we found up in an attic room thousands 
 of circulars, similar to the one set forth in this article, enclosed 
 in buff envelopes, already addressed and stamped. And here, 
 kind reader, was the headquarters of the great " Geneva Watch 
 Co.," that had manufactured two-thirds of all the timepieces used 
 by civilized countries for the past two hundred years ! 
 
 EUSSELL & 00. 
 
 Another scheme, which turned out as i-emarkably profitable to 
 the managers in question, under the name of Kussell & Co., jew- 
 elers, was at 37 Bond street. In this case, also, we illustrate one 
 of many similar plans of operation, of almost precisely the same 
 character. After one had been exhausted another one would fol- 
 low it, in the same wake. We append a part of their circular, 
 showing a fraud within a fraud. 
 
 A DECISION AT LAST. 
 
 CONSOLIDATION OF THE 
 
 *ToPEKA, Kansas, and Lakamie City, Wyoming Ter., Lottbeies. 
 SUPPLEMENTARY DRAWING OF |47,000 IN UNCLAIMED PRIZES. 
 The Managers of the Topeka and Laramie City lotteries, found after their 
 various drawings were concluded, that there remained in the hands of the Fi- 
 nance Committees $47,000 in unclaimed prizes. The Managers jointly brought 
 
 * Bogus Lotteries formerly run by Pattee & Co. All pretended Court pro- 
 ceedings a fraud and a lie. 
 
"WATCH AND JEWELRY SWINDLERS. 169 
 
 suit to recover the money, they claiming that all unclaimed prizes belonged 
 to them. The Finance Committee contended that the money belonged jointly 
 to the ticket holders proportionately ; according to their investments. After 
 a great delay, and long and tedious arguments, the Supreme Court decided in 
 favor of the Finance Committee, and the Court ordered that the $47,000 be in- 
 vested in useful prizes, and that a supplementary drawing should take place, 
 in -which all the ticket holders in the Topeka and Laramie City lotteries 
 should have an equal chance. The reason why the Court ordered the $47,000 
 to be invested in prizes was on account of the laws being so amended, since 
 the inauguration of these enterprises, that it made it a criminal offense to 
 have any drawings of numbers or for money. So the committee decided to 
 send J. H. Parker, representing the Laramie City Lottery, and W. S. Watts, 
 representing the Topeka, to New York, to invest the |47,000 in prizes. They 
 bought the following bill of goods from Messrs. Russell & Co., wholesale 
 dealers in Watches and Jewelry, No. 37 Bond St. 
 
 75 Gold Watches ajid Chains at $200 00 each $15,000 
 
 100 " " at 100 00 " 10,000 
 
 150Silver " at 40 00 " 6,000 
 
 200 " " at 25 00 " 5,000 
 
 100 Sets of Jewelry at 35 00 " 3,500 
 
 75 Gold Plated Watches at 8 00 " 600 
 
 35 Ladies' Gold Chains at 40 00 " 1,400 
 
 45Gent8' " at 25 00 " 1,125 
 
 50 Pairs of Bracelets at 50 00 per pair 2,500 
 
 25 Silver Plated Tea Sets at 75 00 each 1,875 
 
 Total $47,000 
 
 THE PLAN BY WHICH THE DRAWING WAS CONDUCTED. 
 
 The names of every ticket holder in the Laramie City and Topeka lotteries 
 were written from the register on a slip of paper and placed in n lottery 
 wheel, after the wheel was revolved so as to thoroughly mix the names, 
 then the drawing began. 
 
 The first 75 names drew one each of the 75 Gold Watches and Chains valued 
 at$200. The next 100 names drew eachoneoftheonehundreddoUar Watches 
 and so the drawing couttnued until it was finished. The Court expenses, 
 Attorney's fees, the expenses of Mr. Parker and Mr. Watts to New York and 
 return, and the expense of the supplementary drawing, including printing, 
 amount to about forty-seven hundred dollars. 
 
 To meet this outlay, the Finance Committee voted that the drawers of 
 prizes in the supplementary drawing, should be assessed 10 per cent, on the 
 value of such prizes as they drew. The Committee felt satisfied that the 
 lucky names that were drawn from the wheel wonld not object to paying the 
 10 per cent, in order to have the matter brought to a close. Mr. Parker and 
 Mr. Watts arranged with Messrs. Russell & Co. to forward the prizes and col- 
 
170 FfiAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 lect the 10 per cent, due on them. Most of the ticket holders in the Topeka 
 and Laramie lotteries reside East, so hy shipping the prizes from New York, 
 it will be a great saving to them of express charges. Messrs. Eussell & Co. 
 agreed when the above mentioned bill of goods was purchased, to exchange 
 any prize that was drawn for any other article in their stock of the same 
 value. We speak of this so that ticket holders will have that advantage 
 when they have drawn articles that they have no use for. 
 
 Mk. W. H. Eatkins. 
 
 OFFICIAL NOTICE. 
 
 Laeamie City, Feb. 8th, 1877. 
 
 You are hereby notified that your joint interest in the Laramie City and 
 Topeka (Kansas) Lotteries, has resulted in your drawing a, Gold Watch and 
 Chain valued at $200.00. The 10 per cent, assessed by the Committee on all 
 prizes makes the amount due on your prize $20.00. You will please send that 
 amount by express, post office money order, or registered letter, to Messrs. 
 Eussell & Co., Jewelers, No. 37 Bond St., New York, and they will forward 
 the prize to you by express. If you prefer, they will send it by express, 
 C. O. D., for the amount of percentage. Should you, after examining the 
 article, desire to exchange the prize for any other thing of similar value in 
 Messrs. Russell & Co.'s stock, you can do so. 
 
 A duplicate of this notification has been forwarded to Messrs. Eussell & 
 Co., No. 37 Bond Street, New York, with instructions to ship the prize drawn 
 by you according to your directions. 
 
 A supplementary drawing of 855 prizes, which was purchased with the 
 $47,000 of unclaimed prize money. The following are the names of the per- 
 sons that drew the prizes. 
 
 AH prizes not claimed within 30 days will be declared forfeited. 
 W. S. Watts, E. Johnson, Thos. Hill, 
 
 Financial Committee of the Topeka, Kansas, Lottery. 
 E. H. Parkbr, E. M. Miller, H. H. Carter, 
 
 Financial Committee of the Laramie City Lottery, Wyoming Ter. 
 
 On this circular was jDrinted 855 names and addresses. To each 
 of the 855 names, covering the entire back, and one-haK of the 
 front, four columns deep, a circular would be sent. The certifi- 
 cate last named, would be filled out with the name of each 
 person. 
 
 It will be observed that the 10 per cent, assessed by the com- 
 mittee on all prizes, was to be collected by Eussell & Co. 
 
 The writer has seen very many of these notifications sent by 
 various parties through the country, and in no instance has he dis- 
 covered any of these series that drew anything less than a ; 
 
WATCH AND JEWELRY SWINDLERS. 171 
 
 gold watcli and chain, with a percentage tax of $20. These 
 goods were C. O. D., and C. O. D. in this case meant the sending 
 of the money to Eussell & Co. at their office, 37 Bond street. 
 
 In some cases a very cheap watch would be sent, while in others 
 no return at all would be made for the money. For instance, one 
 man wrote to them to send on the watch by express ; instead of 
 doing so, they write back as follows : 
 
 RUSSBLL & Co., 
 
 Wholesat.f, Dbauers i>f Watches, Jewelry akd Silverware, 
 
 No. 37 Bond Street, 
 
 New York, Feb. 13, 1877. 
 Wm. H. E. 
 
 Sir : — Your letter in reference to the Gold Watch and Chain you have drawn 
 received. 
 
 Yonr claim has been entered on our Books, and we have written to the Fi- 
 nancial Committee of the Topeka & Laramie City Lotteries for a Certified 
 Certificate to the effect that you had drawn the prize referred to. 
 
 We must also have an order from them to ship the package. 
 
 As soon as these are received we will send it to you per express, C. 0. D. 
 
 for the amount of percentage due. Eespy, 
 
 Eussell & Co. 
 
 Then there would be a period of several weeks before the 
 party would hear anything more from his watch. 
 
 On writing again, he would receive the following letter : 
 
 ISame official Tteading.l 
 W. H. E. 
 
 Dear Sir : — ^We have received instructions from the " Finance Committee" 
 not to ship the " Gold Watch and Chain " that you have drawn unless you 
 send us the percentage due |iO. Ou receipt of this amount we will forward 
 the " Gold Watch and Chain," safely packed, by mail, registered, or we will 
 send it by Express if you prefer. 
 
 We have written several times, and have had considerable trouble about 
 this Prize. Now, if we do not receive the percentage due within 15 days, we 
 will consider your claim to the " Watch and Chain " forfeited, and will turn 
 them over to the Finance Committe. 
 
 Send the money by P. O. Money Order, Registered letter, or by Express. 
 
 Respectfully, 
 
 Russell & Co. 
 
 P. S.— The next Drawing will take place July 4th, all orders for Tickets 
 
 must be in by July 3d. 
 
172 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 The pretence that these goods would be sent C. O. J), in many 
 cases was all a farce. In this case the gentleman in question 
 authorized them to send by express C. O. D.; but they refused to 
 do it, and after several weeks had passed followed up this refusal 
 by the last letter set out above. 
 
 The reference to the consulting of the committee at Laramie 
 City is simply subterfuge ; as there was no committee of that 
 character to consult. But in this case there seems to be a " wheel 
 within a wheel," or diamond to cut a diamond. Elias had em- 
 ployed at this time in this office a young man named Hopping. 
 This young man, thinking to head off Kiissell & Co., and, as he 
 admitted, assisted by J. M. Pattee, starts a new scheme out at 
 Riverside, N. J., a little town on the Camden & Amboy road, about 
 14 miles out of Philadelphia. 
 
 This young man organizes the firm of 
 
 EDSSELL, HOPPING & CO., 
 
 issuing certificates, accompanied by the letters following, which 
 speak for themselves : 
 
 Rbmovai, of Russell, Hopping &, Co., 
 
 Late of New York, 
 
 Wholesale Dealers in Watches, Jewelry and Silver Plated Wake. 
 
 Removed to Riverside, New Jersey. 
 
 Riverside, N. J., May Istj 1877. 
 
 Mr. : 
 
 Some time ago a bill of Goods was bought from ua with instructions to for- 
 ward tbem to different parties on payment of a small balance due on them, 
 with Express charges and collection fees varying from $5 to $20 on each 
 article. The Gold Watch & Chain ordered to be sent to you, (of which you 
 have received a previous notice,) yet remains on hand, and in order to close 
 up this contract we have received instructions to send you the above Goods 
 on payment of $5, provided you remit the money within 15 days, by mail, 
 registered letter, or bant draft, and thus save the heavy Express charges and 
 collection fees, as we find they have proved the greatest part of the ex- 
 penses. 
 
 Remit promptly and the Goods wiU be sent to you by mail, thus doing 
 away entirely with the heavy expenses heretofore attending this busi- 
 
WATCH AND JEWELRY SWINDLERS. 173 
 
 Write Name, 
 Town, 
 County, 
 State, 
 plainly, and enclose money in this notice and mail to 
 
 Russell, Hopping & Co., 
 Jewelers, Riverside, New Jersey. 
 N. B. — By this removal and our association with Mr. Hopping, we are 
 enabled to make a specialty of Watches and Chains, and furnish our line of 
 Goods at lower prices than ever before offered the public. Send for Catalogue 
 of Goods at reduced prices. 
 
 Then, when money is sent comes the following : 
 
 Russell, Hoppusg & Co., 
 
 (Late of New York,) 
 
 Wholesale Dealers in Watches, Jewelry and Silver Ware, 
 
 Riverside, New Jersey. 
 
 Sole Agents in the United States for the celebrated Kensington Watch. 
 
 Riverside, N. J., May, 1877. 
 Dear Sir — Yours of the — containing $5 and an order for a Watch and 
 Chain received and placed on file. 
 
 We always fill orders in regular routine, and yours shall be attended to in 
 its turn. 
 
 We enclose you one of our circulars for future use, and should you favor us 
 with any order the same shall receive our careful-attention. 
 
 Respectfully, Russell, Hopping & Co. 
 
 This young man's busiaess was stopped on the ground of its 
 being a swindling scheme conducted under a fictitious name. 
 
 Under postal laws and regulations, the letters were not deliver- 
 able; consequently, Mr. Hopping never received the large 
 profits which he had anticipated. Suifice it to say, that in one 
 week's time he found his mail stopped, and all the registered let- 
 ters and money orders sent back to the writers, and the balance 
 of his mail to the dead letter office, from thence to be returned 
 to the writer. This case illustrates the beneficial law of Congress 
 which enables the Postmaster-General thus to protect the interest 
 of the unwary from the scheme of the sharper. 
 
 Hopping, though a young man, is nevertheless a sharp fellow. 
 He had secured the names of the parties to whom Kussell & Co. 
 were sending out these circulars. Then he secured the names of 
 
174 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 those who would not send their money in advance, but wanted 
 their goods C. O. D., and his plan was to secure, as he did in this 
 case, $5, instead of allowing Kussell & Co. to secure $20. In 
 the case which we have referred to, he succeeded in getting $5, 
 but Mr. E., his intended victim, writes to us that he recovered 
 this back by writing a letter to E. H. & Co., offering to send $20 
 on the receipt of the $5. 
 
 Hopping informed the writer of this, that Kussell & Co. had 
 also written to the postmaster at Kiverside, prior to the matter 
 coming into my hands, forbidding him to deliver any letters 
 addressed Russell, Hopping & Co. This was unquestionably a 
 fraud on the Post Office Department, as there was no EusseU 
 who had anything to do with this case. Riverside is a kind of 
 summer resort, and Pattee's brothers-in-law formerly run a summer 
 hotel at this place, and Pattee at times has resided here with 
 his family. There accumulated in this office over 1,000 letters 
 in about one week's time. Consider a moment that the sum to 
 be sent was $5, and you see at a glance what a harvest these 
 thieves would have reaped if they had been permitted to receive 
 these letters. The great value of the existing law, that does not 
 permit the use of the mails for such schemes, is clearly iUus- 
 •trated. 
 
 One of Pattee's schemes had a short time before been run in 
 this place by one of the Reads, and many say that this attempt of 
 Russell, Hopping & Co. was really an effort on the part of Pattee 
 to outwit EHas. It is also charged that Elias secured from 
 Pattee at one time 140,000 of his names. It was to these names 
 that Pattee had, while he was running these different bogus 
 lotteries, sent his circulars and tickets, and this made it so profit- 
 able a field for Russell & Co. to operate. 
 
 But for fear that these parties should not be reheved of all 
 their earthly possessions, another scheme was started by 
 
 COSGEOVE & CO. 
 
 whereby they hoped to still further bleed the victim, whom they 
 had attempted to rob of his $20, by getting $3 out of him. 
 They sent the following letter : 
 
WATCH AND JEWELRY SWINDLERS. 175 
 
 Office of Cosgrove & Co., 
 
 Investigators of Claims, 
 
 Money Collected and Accounts Settled with Dispatch. 
 
 No. 17 Park Place. 
 
 Money Loaned on Bond and Mortgage ; Goverument Bonds Bought and Sold 
 
 on Commission. 
 
 New York, 1877. 
 
 Dear Sir — We have heen engaged by some of the Ticket Holders of the 
 Topeka, Kansas, & Laramie City Lotteries to institute suit against Messrs. 
 Russell & Co., of 37 Bond street, this city, for alleged unlawfully demanding 
 $30 upon watches drawn in the Lottery. We find by the circular that you 
 have been notified that yon drew a gold watch and chain valued at |200, 
 upon which they demand $20 before delivering the same. We have fully 
 investigated the biisiness and find they had no authority from the courts of 
 Topeka or Laramie, to collect any money upon prizes drawn nor to declare 
 prizes forfeited. Therefore you are entitled to a $200 gold watch and chain 
 free from all assessments. We have in our opinion official information and 
 abundant proof to support our case and doubt not that we can demand and 
 collect your equitable rights at once. We shall give all persona who drew 
 prizes a chance to be represented upon payment of $3, in full payment of all 
 expenses incurred in securing your prize or its value in money. Should you 
 desire to be represented and have us use legal means to secure your gold 
 watch and chain or its value in money, enclose $'i to us by mail and we will 
 endeavor to see that justice is done to you at last. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 Cosgrove & Co. 
 
 In this case, this was imdoubtedly a clerk who knew the ins 
 and outs of this office and knew the parties whom they had tried 
 to swindle out of the $20. This looks like a " wheel within a 
 wheel " again, while in fact it is a " fraud within a fraud." 
 
 The accompanying circular will also disclose another one of 
 Russell & Oo.'s schemes, and needs no comment. 
 
 Office of the Finance Committee 
 
 OF the 
 LouisviLLB Lottery Association. 
 
 We are pleased to be able to announce, that after our various drawings, 
 that we have tiiUy accomplished the grand object we had in view, and had a 
 surplus of $63,000, which sum has been Invested in Diamonds, Watches and 
 Jewelry, purchased of Messrs. Russell & Co., of New York. These goods have 
 all been put into our Supplementary Drawing, in which we have given all of 
 the ticket holders in our previous Drawings an equal chance. 
 
176 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 We hope that all those that are fortunate enough to draw prizes will give 
 us liheral orders for tickets in our enterprise to establish an Art Gallery in 
 Louisville. 
 
 The Drawing will take place July 4th, 1877. Tickets $50.00 each. There 
 will be no fractional tickets sold. Those wishing tickets should order at 
 once, as the entire number of tickets, at the present rate of sale, will be dis- 
 posed of long before the day of drawing. 
 
 Ten per cent, will be assessed on all prizes drawn in our Art Gallery enter- 
 prise, in order to defray advertising and office expenses. The same has beeu 
 charged on all prizes drawn in our Supplementary Drawing. 
 
 S. L. Stanton, Secretary pro-tem. 
 
 Louisville, June 6th, 1877. 
 John T. Long. 
 
 Dear tiir — About 15 days since we officially notified you that the Ticket held 
 by you in our previous drawing, had in our Supplementary Drawing resulted 
 in your being entitled to a "Royal Gold American Watch and Chain" valued 
 at $250. The 10 per cent, due on the Watch and Chain, amounts to $25, 
 which must be paid to Russell & Co., jewelers, No. 37 Bond street, New York, 
 ■when you receive the " Watch and Chain ;" or they will send it to you per 
 Express, and of course, they will instruct the Express Agent to allow you to 
 examine the goods before paying charges. 
 
 We hope you will without delay write to Messrs. Russell & Co. at N. Y., 
 and arrange to get the Watch into your hands as soon as possible, as we know 
 by your exhibiting the article it will assist in selling Tickets for our Art Gal- 
 lery Enterprise. Respectfully, 
 
 W. S. Waterman, Treasurer. 
 
 The stories told by some of the clerks are very amazing, about 
 the manner in which the complaints referred to the police depart- 
 ment were investigated. " The officer," he says, " would come 
 and see one of us boys, and then would go 'and get staked,' 
 then go back to headquarters and report that the bird had flown." 
 "We do not give this as a fact, but simply as a statement made to 
 the writer by one of the employees of this office. 
 
 The same informant also stated that Russell & Co.'s schemes 
 were all sent out from the other office of Elias at 2 East 22d 
 street. 
 
 Eussell & Co., having exhausted their own schemes for secur- 
 ing other people's money, the following dodge was resorted to, 
 and without comment we give the letter as it was sent, as it 
 speaks for itself : 
 
WATCH AND JEWELRY SWINDLERS. 177 
 
 Hetherington & Co., 
 Manufacturers of Fink Gold Jewelry, 
 
 AND SETTISRS OF DIAMONDS IN EVERY STYLE, 
 
 No. 338 Broadway, 
 
 New York, June 18th, 1877. 
 E. A. W. 
 
 Dear Sir — Among the goods assigned to us by Messrs. Russell & Co., of No. 
 37 Bond street, who failed a few days since, we notice a gold watch and chain 
 with your name aud address on it, and marked C. O. D. |25. 
 
 We consulted Messrs. Russell & Co. in reference to the matter, and they 
 have advised us to send it to you per expre.ss C. O. D. for the amount due, 
 $25. We will ship it to-morrow to Chenoa, Ills., per United States Express. 
 Please call at the express office and examine the package and pay charge.s, as 
 we are anxious to settle up the affairs of Messis. Russell & Co. as early aa 
 possible. Respectfully, 
 
 Hetherington & Co. 
 12 
 
178 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 THE LOTTERY PRIZE FRAUD. 
 
 After Eussell & Co. had followed out the Topeka and Laramie 
 City Lottery scheme, sending to the names that J. M. Pattee & 
 Co. formerly had, they undertook another one, after the same plan, 
 in what was called The Louisville Lotteey Association. Their 
 circulars were headed : 
 
 Office of the Finance Committek of the Louisvuxe 
 Lottery Association. 
 
 A decision at last. A long litigation ended. 
 
 Victory of the Finance Committee over the Managers. 
 
 Supplementary Drawing of |94,000 in unclaimed prizes. 
 
 In addition to the usual seductive wording of the circular, it 
 contained over 1,700 names and post oiSce addresses of those to 
 whom prizes were alleged to belong, and this circular was sent to 
 each of these names. The circular stated : 
 
 " That, after a great delay and long and tedious arguments, the Supreme 
 Court decided in favor of the Finance Committee, and the Court ordered that 
 the $94,000 he invested in prizes, and that a supplementary drawing should 
 take place, in which all the holders in the various drawings of the association 
 should have an equal chance. The reason why the Court ordered the $94,000 
 to be invested in prizes was, on account of the laws heing so amended, that 
 it made it a criminal offence to have any drawing of money without lottery 
 charges, which the State of Kentvicky finds this association has not." 
 
 All this sounds very large to the recipient, especially if he 
 has ever purchased a ticket in the Kentucky Lottery; but when 
 you understand the fact that there was no such suit, and no such 
 order of the Court, and no such amount of prizes, it then becomes 
 quite a different thing. 
 
 Let it be understood here that Pussell & Co.'s ofBce consisted 
 of one room at the place designated, and that there were usually 
 three badly frightened clerks in attendance. When I called there 
 to make an examination of this "wholesale dealer in watches and 
 jewelry," I found a quantity of cheap plated ware, and also a 
 
THE LOTTERY PEIZE FEAUD. 179 
 
 few cheap and second-hand watches, just about such a stock as a 
 Jew peddler would carry in his pack on his back round the 
 country. 
 
 The writers of the circular4hen certify that the committee had 
 bought the following bill of goods from Messrs. Russell & Co., 
 wholesale dealers in Watches and Jewelry, 31 Bond street : 
 
 240 Gold Watches and Chains <i$l50each. 
 
 175 " " " a 100 
 
 250SilYer " " a 40 
 
 340 " " " a 25 
 
 200 Lots of Jewelry a 35 
 
 150 Gold-plated Watches a 8 
 
 70 Ladies' Gold Chains a 40 
 
 gOGents' " " a 25 
 
 100 Pairs of Bracelets a 150 
 
 50 Plated Tea Sets a 75 
 
 Total $94,000 
 
 In this instance the association assessed 10 per cent., and out of 
 all the numerous complaints sent back to me as Special Agent of 
 the Post Office Department, I never yet found one in this partic- 
 ular scheme that was not for a gold watch and chain, valued at 
 $150, and the assessment due Russell & Co. of $15. This was 
 operated the same as the scheme already described. In each of 
 these instances if the package was sent at all it would be as 
 C. O. D. A cheap watch and plated chain would be sent, such 
 as then was selling in the trade for from $5 to $8. 
 
 In case Hetherington & Co. failed to collect the money after 
 RusseU & Co. had also failed, then would be sent a letter by mail 
 from another firm (?) announcing 
 
 that the watch and chain had been shipped C. O. D. for |15, and unless this 
 amount is paid to the express agent within 10 days we wiU consider your claim 
 to them forfeited, and so report to the committee. 
 
 Siffning themselves 
 
 ° ° Cl-AKK & Co., 1267 Broadway. 
 
 STILL AKTOTHEE. 
 
 After they had exhausted the names in their possession with 
 these schemes, they then had another " decision," in which a grand 
 
180 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 supplementary drawing of all unclaimed and forfeited prizes in the 
 various " legal " lotteries which have been drawn in the United 
 States, within the past ten years, were to be paid by Kussell & Co. 
 The accumulation of prizes in this instance was $218,303, and 
 Kussell & Co. were to ship them, of course ; and they were to 
 collect 10 per cent, on all prizes valued below $250 and 5 per cent, 
 on all prizes valued at over $250. In these cases they sent out, 
 in most instances, one lot of gold jewelry, of about 500 different 
 patterns, valued at $280. And so they would have kept on 
 robbing and fleecing the people only that the Post Office Depart- 
 ment enforced the regulations, upon reports that 1 made to them, 
 and Russell & Co. at last were obhged to close the doors of their 
 wholesale watch and jewelry fraud. 
 
 THE PENALTY OF PURCHASING A LOTTEET TICKET 
 
 is illustrated by the following letter from one of the victims of 
 Russell & Co. It is a sad illustration of the weakness of poor 
 human nature on one side, and the duplicity and heartlessness of 
 the Fraud on the other. Starving widows even have no rights, 
 sorrows or afflictions, that the Fraud respects. He can rob them 
 with a gusto, rub his hands in delight, and chuckle to himself 
 over the " $14 " thus obtained. Further than this, he can also 
 use their widows' substance, and orphans' livelihood, to clothe 
 himself in gorgeous apparel and then cut a swell in society. If 
 he but dresses well and embellishes his good clothes with loud 
 jewelry, the doors of many would-be respectable persons are 
 thrown wide open to receive him without a thought or inquiry 
 of how he obtains these passports to their circle. Such is life in 
 a large city. " Money makes the mare go." This letter was 
 forwarded to me by the gentleman to whom it was sent. 
 
 Louisa C. H., Va. Jan. 31, '78. 
 Dear Mk. W 
 
 I would be obliged, nay, deeply thankfiil if you would be so kind as to do 
 me a favor. Ten years ago I bought a Lottery Ticket for |2 (two dollars), 
 and drew a blank. I had forgotten the circumstance, until a few weeks since 
 I received a printed paper from E. D. Fisk, stating that in the last ten years, 
 there were unclaimed prizes amt. " to $218,305. A Committee of 23 wa« 
 
THE LOTTEEY PRIZE FEAUD. ISl 
 
 called, representing one man from each Lottery. It was decided and carried 
 into effect that the unclaimed prizes should be equally divided between all 
 the Ticket holders in the various drawings. A grand supplementary Drawing 
 should take place in New Orleans, La., under the special supervision of the 
 Committee and that the names of all who had purchased tickets in any of the 
 23 Lotteries within the past ten years should be put into the wheel and have 
 an equal chance in the drawing of unclaimed prizes. It was also agreed that 
 a percentage of 10 per cent, be assessed on all prizes valued below $250 and 5 
 per cent, on all above $250 so as to defray the expenses of the drawing. I very 
 unexpectedly received official notice that the interest I held in one of the 
 Lotteries represented by the committee on unclaimed prizes had resulted in 
 my drawing one Lot of Gold Jewelry 105 different patterns and valued at 
 $280, per centage $14. The Jewelry is in possession of Messrs. Kussell & Co. 
 (Jewelers) 37 Bond street and that I must notify them by what express I wish 
 the goods sent. Now, kind friend, I have given the whole matter as plainly 
 as I could. I wrote to Fiske & Eussell at once begging them to turn the 
 jewelry into money — but have heard nothing from them. Now Mr. W. would 
 you be so very kind as to see the parties and find out if it is all a hoax to get 
 the $14 per centage — or is it true — unless I claim it in 30 days from notice I 
 
 forfeit it I got the notice 18 of Jan '78. I would be so truly thankful if you 
 
 would see into the matter for me, have the jewelry sold for whatever it will 
 brin", take out the percentage and send the rest to me. Poor as I am — a widow 
 with three helpless children — the youngest a babe and the oldest is now very 
 
 BJct I am almost on the verge of the grave and suffering for the necessaries of 
 
 life have but little use for Jewelry. I have suffered intensely this winter and 
 would be truly thankful if you would help me in this matter. 
 
 Eespectfully, 
 
 Mrs. C. 
 
 All who received tliese circulars were not fools enough to bite 
 at the tempting bait. Many sent on their certificates to personal 
 friends to go and receive the watch and send it on to them. ^ One 
 gentleman in Ohio sent a letter in which he says he had received 
 three certificates from Kussell & Co., in each case where he or 
 some member of his family had drawn one of these wonderful 
 prizes. He 
 
 The first one was addressed to my little girl. The second one was sent to 
 my wife, and the third to me. In order that I might be sure in making the 
 charge of fraud, I wrote to the party to send the watch and chain C. O. D. to 
 my daughter, and had it examined by a jeweler here, who placed the value at 
 nine dollars. 
 
 Some of his neighbors had also received these certificates, and 
 were very positive that it could not be a swindle. 
 
182 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 After these parties, under the name of Eussell & Co., had sent 
 his watch, and it had been returned, as it was by this gentleman, 
 they sent a second watch and chain, under the name of Messrs. 
 Hethrington & Co., to the same little girl, stating : 
 
 That the Finance Committee had appointed them to receive the percentage 
 money, instead of Eussell & Co., 
 
 and attempted to make out that Eussell & Co. were a swindle 
 and fraud, while Hetherington & Co. were the ones duly author- 
 ized to send a watch and chain to them. 
 
 Another instance, a lady from Auburn, Ohio, who had been 
 sick for a long time, and under the doctor's care, involving a 
 great expense, had a little home, which was under a mortgage. 
 She says : 
 
 Something over two years ago, when nearly desperate with anxiety, fear- 
 ing a foreclosure of the mortgage, I invested a small sum in lottery tickets, 
 hoping to be favored by fortune in a manner similar to that of others, that 
 the circulars claimed had removed mortgages on their homes ouce by a lucky 
 investment of a small amount. 
 
 She then goes on to say : 
 
 That this money had been given her by a lady friend, living some thirty 
 miles away, in order that she might make a friend in that vicinity, a visit 
 whenever her health would permit it. 
 
 She invested this money and lost it, and in the mean time the 
 mortgage had changed hands. She says : • 
 
 I was trying to extract what comfort I could from the thought, may be 
 that I could die before the mortgage expired, and then I would not need a 
 home any more, and this was the state of things, when most unexpectedly I 
 received a letter from New York, announcing that I had drawn a |200 watch 
 and chain, and Eussell & Co. had been appointed to collect 10 per cent, for 
 the Finance Committee before this was shipped. 
 
 Having learned a lesson from the past, she cautiously wrote a 
 letter of inquiry to Eussell & Co., to know if it was a fact, that 
 she had drawn a watch and chain, when 
 
 the watch and chaio were immediately sent by express, altho' I had given 
 no such instructions. 
 
 As there was no express office within seven miles of this lady's 
 
THE LOTTERY PRIZE FRAUD. 183 
 
 residence, she could not examine the package herself, so she 
 wrote to the express agent, telling him she was very sick, and 
 very poor, and asked permission to have the watch and chain 
 examined, offering as a security, property at the value of $100 
 for the safe return of the package, or else the payment of $20 
 C. O. D. charges. 
 
 The express agent would not consent to this, but wrote to 
 Russell & Co., who forthwith ordered the package returned to 
 New York. This lady wrote several times to Eussell & Co., de- 
 manding her gold watch and chain ; but as she says, unable down 
 to the present time to hear any word from them. 
 
 This poor, sensitive, sick woman, in closing her letter, says : 
 
 I am exceedingly sensitive to ridicule, and some people might think it 
 served me right for being such a fool, as to invest my money in lottery 
 tickets ; but if you could only know the horror and dread I have of spendijig 
 my last days in the Poor House, you would not wonder that I sought to avoid 
 it by risking a little money ; more especially when the ill consequences of its 
 loss would fall upon myself individually, and no one suffer for it but my- 
 self. 
 
 Her tickets were bought in the celebrated "skin lottery" 
 known as the Wyoming lottery. 
 
 The following letter, which we give verbatim, except the 
 
 names, is a specimen of an official correspondence that often 
 
 accompanies the complaints that are received against these 
 
 fraudulent schemes : 
 
 H , Ohio, Preble Co. 
 
 To THE Hon. T. M. J. 
 
 Sir— In closed find letter sent to me from a firm in Newyork. I never 
 bought a lotexy tickett in my lyfe. I think it is a grand swindel. please 
 send me youre ancer on in closed card. Your servant, 
 
 , P. M. 
 
 Similar schemes to the above were run upon the " Wyoming," 
 the "Cheyenne," "Laramie City," the " Kentucky,"- and then 
 this last scheme upon all the lotteries combined ; all this was the 
 work of one or two men, and these schemes brought into their 
 pockets thousands of dollars each week. 
 
 What consistency is there in guarding sacredly the letters 
 
184 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 entrusted to the Post OiEce Department from depredation and 
 robbery, and then in knowingly delivering them to such swindlers 
 ae we have described ? It is prostituting the entire service of tlie 
 Post Office Department for the interest of one or two rascals. 
 
 Many more of these schemes might be referred to, in which 
 Elias & Co. were the prime movers, but we feel sure that 
 enough has been said to disclose to the public the facts, and to 
 put them on their guard against any similar enterprises. 
 
 It has frequently been remarked in these cases that anybody 
 who should send for one of these prizes ought to be swindled, as 
 the property did not belong to them, and it was an act of 
 dishonesty for them to send and take it. Be this as it may, there 
 is certainly no reason why one man should be allowed to rob 
 others by such a process as this, and further, if there was no other 
 reason, this is just ground, why the laws of Congress should 
 prevent these criminals from making the United States mail their 
 most efficient agency to carry on their fraudulent schemes. 
 
 The fact that one man may thus rob thousands, by sending out 
 false certificates, with their names not only set out in the certifi- 
 cate, but their name and residence printed in the circular, ought 
 to secure most stringent legislation. As showing the extent to 
 which these frauds may be carried, in one week's time at the little 
 town of Riverside there was received, addressed to Eussell, Hop- 
 ping & Co., more than one thousand letters, besides over one 
 hundred registered letters, and it is notorious that EusseU & Co., 
 of ITew York, received in money orders and registered letters 
 many hundred dollars a week. But the last scheme of any 
 considerable magnitude of tliis character conducted by Elias & Co., 
 and brought directly home to him, and where the men were 
 arrested in his own office, at No. 2 East 22d Street, was the 
 Bogus Jewelry Distribution Frauds. 
 
BOGUS JEWELRY DISTRIBUTION FRAUDS. 185 
 
 CHAPTEE XI. 
 
 THE BOGUS JEWELRY DISTRIBUTION FRAUDS. 
 
 " THE NEW YORK JEWELEE8 AND "WATCH IMPOETEEs' GEAND WEEKLY 
 DISTEIBUTION OF $25,000 WOETH OF DIAMONDS, ETC." 
 
 During the winter of 1878-9 thousands of people in various 
 parts of the country were surprised by the announcements made 
 in a circular under the above heading. Still more amazed were 
 they upon receiving a personal letter affirming a relationship be- 
 tween themselves and the manager of this magnificent business 
 enterprise ; and this new relation, if his letter was to be believed, 
 manifested bis personal interest in a truly generous manner. 
 
 H. p. JONES & CO. 
 
 The principal in this fraud, as has been shown, is said to have 
 secured 140,000 names and post ofloice addresses from a brother 
 Fraud. Besides these he had thousands of names which he had 
 secured in his own business, which has been already enlarged upon 
 in this book. The headquarters of this concern were at the corner 
 of Broadway and East Twenty-second street, Jl^ew York city. 
 Here E. H. Elias had his office, and employed a large number of 
 men and girls to address envelopes and write deceptive letters, 
 which were sent out to the thousands of names in his possession. 
 The entrance to this place was up one flight of stairs on East 
 Twenty-second street. On two sides of his office ran long tables 
 or desks, forming the shape of the letter L. Seated side by side 
 were the clerks, busily engaged in their writing. Over in one 
 comer was the desk of Ehas. He is justly considered one of the 
 shrewdest operators through the mail. Each fall he or some of 
 his friends or assistants would start some new enterprise. The 
 one in question was introduced by a letter, a copy of which we 
 give below : 
 
186 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Heney p. Jonks, 
 Deaier in Diamonds, Watches and Jewelry, No. 86S Broadway. 
 
 New York, Marcli 19, 1879. 
 C. D. F. 
 
 Dear Sir.— In looking over the IT. S. directory, your name attracted my 
 attention. A cousin of mine bearing the same name as yours, after the war 
 was over, left his Regiment and I have not heard from him since. Now, I do'nt 
 know -whether you are the same person or not hut you can tell as soon as you 
 see my signature to this letter. 
 
 If you are my cousin I can do you a favor and you can help me. I am agent for 
 the Lottery which the within circular describes. I enclose you a ticket that 
 will be good for any of the drawings, with this understanding, if jfoxi will agree 
 to act as agent for the sale of tickets, I will arrange it so that you will draw a 
 prize. I am sure that if a large prize was drawn by you and shown around 
 that thousands of tickets could be sold in your County. 
 
 If you accept of this proposition, let me know at once and I will arrange so 
 that you will draw the prize in the next week's drawing. Yours Eesp'y 
 
 Henry P. Jones. 
 
 The " cousin " part of this letter was eyidently designed to 
 force the correspondent into a false position, and so prevent him 
 from appearing against these parties, after they had reh'eved him 
 of his surplus cash. With this, as with a pretended dealer in 
 counterfeit money, they expect immunity from arrest because 
 persons who send criminate themselves, and therefore would not 
 be likely to complain if swindled. 
 
 Another view, and doubtless the one uppermost in the mind of 
 these parties, was, that any person receiving such a letter would be 
 very apt to reply one way or the other, which, if at all, was 
 generally favorable to their proposition. On receipt of the reply, 
 followed the prospectus, which is given below in full, in order to 
 bring out plainly the seductive influences of this scheme : 
 
 The New York Jewelers and Watch Ijiporters 
 
 Geaio) Weekly Distribution of $25,000 worth of Diamonds, Watches, 
 
 Jewelry & Silverware. 
 
 5,000 Tickets, at $5 each. 
 
 This Drawing will take place weekly, at the Eooms of the Association, on the 
 
 same plan and under the direction of the same committee as the 
 
 previous ones, which have been fully advertised. 
 
 prospectus. 
 On the 4th of September, 1878, twenty of the leading Jewelers and Watch 
 Importers of New York formed an Association, now known as the " New York 
 
BOGUS JEWELRY DISTRIBUTION FRAUDS. 187 
 
 Jewelers and Watch Importers Association," for tlie purpose of converting 
 One Million Tliree Hundred Thousand Dollars worth of their stock into 
 money. It was decided hy the Association to have 52 Weekly Drawings, of 
 $25,000 each, and that they should take place at the rooms of the Association 
 weekly. 
 
 Henry P. Jonps, Jeweler, No. 868 Broadway, was appointed General Ticket 
 Agent of the Enterprise. Wm. P. McCall, 6 West 3d street, was appointed to 
 deliver and ship prizes when drawn by parties out of the city. 
 
 This is the only lottery that is drawn in this State ; all others are prohibited 
 by the law on account of their prizes being in money. Our prizes are all 
 merchandize, which the law allows to be drawn the same as at Church Fairs, 
 &c. The drawings which have previously taken place gave universal satis- 
 faction, and they were attended by some of the best citizens of New York. 
 We have not the slightest doubt but what the remaining ones will xn^ove 
 equally successful. 
 
 List of Prizes for the Weekly Drawings of the New York Jewelers 
 AND Watch Importers Association. 
 
 [Here followed an extensive list of " Diamonds," " Gold Watches 
 and Chains," "Ladies' Gold Chains," "Gent's Gold Chains," 
 "Ladies' Gold Bracelets," "Gold Lockets," "Sets of Ladies' 
 Jeweby," " Gold Sleeve Buttons," " Gold Shirt Studs," " Gold 
 Headed Canes," " Gold Pencils," "Gold Pencil Holders," " Gold 
 Collar Buttons," " Silver Ware," " Silver Plated Ware," aggre- 
 gating the alleged value of $25,000.] 
 
 Many parties who drew prizes in our previous drawings desired to exchange 
 them for other articles. We state here positively that no articles drawn 
 wUl be exchanged, as it is not practical for us to do so, as it would necessi- 
 tate the changing of our schedule of prizes in all our other drawings. 
 
 The day after each distribution the ticket-holders that have drawn prizes 
 will be notified to that effect by W. P. McCall. Parties living out of the city 
 will receive notice by mail. 
 
 When articles are ordered to be sent out of the city one per cent, on their 
 valuation will be charged by W. P. McCall for expense of packing, shipping, 
 postage and registering, which amount must be paid before the goods .are 
 shipped. 
 
 We are now making Agents in every State in the Union, from whom parties 
 not living in the city can procure tickets on as favorable terms as at the 
 principal of&ce here. 
 
 DISCOUNT ON TICEaSTS TO CLUBS. 
 
 ITicket |5 13 Tickets, $50. 27 Tickets, $100. 83 Tickets, $300. 140 Tickets $500. 
 GTickets, 25. 20 " 75.55 " 200.111 " 400.285 " 1000. 
 Address all orders and communications in reference to Tickets to 
 
 Henky p. Jones, No. 868 Broadway, N. Y. 
 
188 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Accompanying the above was the following letter, which was 
 designed to place the correspondent on the level of a confidant 
 and a personal friend in whom Jones had special interest : 
 
 [_Same Heading. 1 
 
 New York, March 24th, 1879. 
 C. D. F. 
 
 Dear Sir—YouT letter received. The drawing takes place to-day, I have so 
 arranged that your ticket will draw a prize. As soon as you receive and ex- 
 hibit it let me know how many tickets you think you can sell and I will send 
 them to you. Yours Eespectfully, 
 
 Henry P. Jones. 
 
 P. S. The notice of the dravring will he sent to you by William P. McCall. 
 Should you write to him after you receive your prize, don't mention anything 
 about our understanding. H. P. J. 
 
 The first letter enclosed the ticket especially selected by Jones, 
 which was on a cheap pint pasteboard, to wit : - 
 
 _c /--\ y^ir\ A -I (Tickets, $5. OO ea,OIl.) 
 
 Kc. 96341 ^jg^^ ^i®Mm^ 
 
 ENTITLES THE HOLDER TO ONE CHANCE IN THE 
 
 NEW YORK ,>«^^|. AND WATCH 
 JEWELERS ^^^ IMPORTERS 
 
 Grand Weekly Distribution of 
 
 $25,000 worth of Diamonds, Watches and Jewelry. 
 
 HENRir p. JONES, S68 Broadway, IV ew York. 
 
 The same mail woidd bring another envelope containing an 
 announcement or certificate from McCall, of the prize that Jones 
 had secured for his " Cousin." Here is where the call for money 
 first is made. Up to this time there has been no expense, no 
 money has been required. But while "Cousin" Jones will do 
 all he can, we cannot expect Jeweler McCall to spend liis time in 
 
BOGUS JEWELEY DISTRIBUTION FEAUDS. 189 
 
 packing and shipping the watch and chain. Then, again, he sup- 
 plies this celebrated company at such low figures, that he could 
 not aSord to pay postage, or register the matter, and so he must 
 have 1 per cent, on cost price, and this must be sent in advance, 
 " before goods are shipped." 
 
 CEKHriCATE. 
 
 $25,000 woETH OF Diamonds, "Watches and Jewklky, 
 
 Drawn Weekly, under the direction of the 
 
 New York Jewelers and Watch Importers Association. 
 
 New York, March 26th, 1879. 
 CD. F. 
 
 You are hereby notified that the ticket you hold and is registered on the 
 books of the association in your name, has drawn a gold watch aud chain valued 
 at $300. The percentage due for packing, postage, registering and shipping is 
 $3.00, which amount must be paid before the goods are shipped. 
 
 Wm. p. McCall, Jeweler, 
 
 6 W. 3rd Street, New York. 
 N. B. — ^All communications in reference to prizes must be addressed to Wm. 
 P. McCall. 
 
 This certificate was accompanied by an official letter from Mr. 
 
 McCaU: 
 
 Wm. p. McCall, 
 
 Watches, Diamonds, Jewelry and Silverware, at Wholesale. 
 
 No. 6 W. 3rd Street, 
 
 New York, March 26th, 1879. 
 C. D. F. 
 
 Dear Sir — You will see by the enclosed notice that you have drawn a gold 
 watch and chain valued at $300. 
 
 I am authorized by the association, when prizes are sent out of the city, to 
 charge oue per cent, for packing, postage, registering and shipping, which on 
 your prize amounts to $3.00. Send this amount registered in the enclosed 
 envelope, and upon its receipt, I will send your watch by mail, safely packed 
 and registered. Eespectfully, 
 
 Wm. p. McCall. 
 
 Any person from the country, who had received these docu- 
 ments, would expect to find a large handsome jewelry estabhsh- 
 ment at Mr. McCall's place, and of course " Cousin" Jones's place 
 was much larger. Bitter indeed has been the disappointment of 
 many a victim, upon visiting this city in search of the $300 watch 
 
190 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 and chain, to find at McCall's number a lager beer saloon, and no 
 trace whatever, no sign up, even, of Cousin Jones' large establish- 
 ment. "Worse than aU, no person can be found who even knows 
 anything about Jones at 868 Broadway. So up and down the 
 block they search and gaze. For fear they are mistaken, they ex- 
 amine Cousin Jones's letter. Yes, there it is, " 868 Broadway." 
 They return and renew their search, and at last are convinced 
 that they are out three dollars, and the golden vision of the 
 $300 watch and chain fades from their view, and they return 
 home with new knowledge of the depravity of the human race. 
 But aU do not escape with the loss of $3. On the receipt of the cash, 
 Mr. McCall receives a terrible shock. Galvanism and electricity 
 combined could not so shake his manly form, or cause all his 
 nerves such a discordant vibration. He rushes at once to consult 
 the " President" and " Board of Directors," and then he immedi- 
 ately writes a letter to Jones's Cousin, informing him of his terri- 
 ble predicament, and anxiously waits his reply. The following 
 letter usually produces a shock, of $5 out of pocket, to the 
 country cousin : 
 
 W. P. McCall, 
 
 Watches, Diamokds, Jbwulky and Silverwake at Wholesale, 
 
 No. 6 West 3rd Street, 
 
 New Yobk, Nov. 12th, 1878. 
 C. T>. F. 
 
 Dear Sir. — The gold watch and chain drawn by you was packed and ready 
 to mail, when I received word from Mr. Delaiield (H. P. Jones' bookkeeper) 
 that yonr ticket had not been paid for. I went at once and examined Mr. 
 Jones' books and found it had not. Mr. Jones says he cannot understand how 
 your name was pnt into the drawing without your ticket being paid for. I 
 next called on Mr. Webster, the president of the association, and explained 
 the matter to him. He said Mr. Jones was the only one to blame in the mat- 
 ter, and that you were certainly entitled to the prize, but that it would he 
 necessary for you to send me the $5 to pay for your ticket. Then he said for 
 me to mail the watch and chain. Send the money registered in the enclosed 
 envelope, then there will be no mistake. 
 
 Respectfully, 
 
 W. P. McCall. 
 
 P. S. — If you had sent the money for your ticket to H. P. Jones, in a reg- 
 istered letter or a P. O. money order, we would not have had all this trouble. 
 
 W. P. McC. 
 
BOGUS JEWELEY DISTEIBUTIOlSr FRAUDS. 191 
 
 The $5 comes to McCall. His nerves are quieted and he sub- 
 sides into exclusive retirement, and retires from active business so 
 far as the victim is concerned. 
 
 I have given the scheme as it was operated. It took just the 
 amount of stationery as above exhibited to secure $8 cash. 
 
 Now, what about Jones & McCall ? As already stated, they 
 were at neither of the places, as represented in their letters and 
 circulars, but at the corner of 22d street and Broadway, in the 
 oiSce of Elias, and clerks for him. How did they get their mail 
 matter? That was easy enough. Both Jones & McCall were 
 former employees in the New York post office. 
 
 Elias had learned from past experience in his various other 
 schemes through the mail, that fictitious names were troublesome 
 to handle and that his letters were stopped under postal laws and 
 regulations. Therefore he found two men who were in straight- 
 ened circumstances, and, taking advantage of their necessities, 
 employs them, and they sell the use of their names, and become 
 his willing tools, for a very small salary. 
 
 But these schemes cannot go on always, although Elias feels 
 secure. Headquarters police officers and detectives all know him. 
 He win not be disturbed. He never has been disturbed nor ar- 
 rested, and why should he fear ? 
 
 But one very stormy day, a marshal and myself visited Elias's 
 headquarters, and found him there and all his numerous family oi 
 clerks. McCall stood at the desk, and received the letters from 
 the letter carrier, and signed for the registered letters. This he 
 did in my presence. After McCall had signed for about 20 let- 
 ters for his name and address at 6 W. 3d street, the carrier de- 
 Kvered about 50 letters for "H. P. Jones & Co." and " H. P. 
 Jones, 868 Broadway," leaving them tied together on MeCall's 
 desk. The marshal then arrested McCall, on a warrant issued by 
 U. S. Commissioner John A. Shields, for sending circulars and 
 letters concerning a scheme to defraud the public through the 
 mails. Just at this point Elias appears. He is greatly sur- 
 prised. 
 
 I asked, " who is H. P. Jones." 
 
192 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Elias— " I don't know him." 
 
 " Is there such a person here ?" 
 
 Elias — "I don't know of any, there may be." 
 
 " What right then has the carrier to deliver letters here for H. 
 P. Jones & Co., of 868 Broadway?" 
 
 Elias— "Don't know." 
 
 " "Well, sir : if there is no Jones in this place, and you say no 
 one owns these letters here, it is evident that the carrier has left 
 the same by mistake, and if so, it is my duty as a special agent of 
 the Post Office Department, to take them and return them to the 
 custody of the Department." 
 
 Elias — " Well, there might be some one here by that 
 name." 
 
 Just at this point, I discovered that the whole line of clerks on 
 both sides of the room as above described, were looking on and 
 evidently enjoying the scene, save one poor fellow, and he was 
 doing his best to conceal himself from view by getting behind 
 the door of a large safe. Taking the letters in hand, I ap- 
 proached him saying, (I had never seen him before,) "Hallo! 
 Jones, how are you? Are these your letters ?" 
 
 " Cousin " Jones — "I don't know." 
 
 " Well," I said, " look at them, please, and inform me ; as, if 
 they are not, they will have to go back to the post office." 
 
 This was getting too hot for Elias. If these letters were re- 
 fused, he would have hard work to get any more. He nodded to 
 " Cousin " Jones, and he then looked at them, and acknowledged 
 that they were his, and that all letters addressed H. P. Jones & 
 Co., 868 Broadway, were his also. I asked who the " Co." was, 
 and he nodded to Elias. This again was too much for Elias ; to 
 have one of his clerks expose him, and connect him with one of 
 his swindling schemes, that would never do. He shook his head 
 and " Cousin " Jones said, "O no, I am the whole concern, and 
 am the responsible party." 
 
 " O that is it, is it ?" I said, and then gave " Cousin " Jones an 
 invitation to accompany me to the Commissioner's office with the 
 celebrated jeweler McCaU, where Mr. EHas a few hours later had 
 
BOGUS JEWELRY DISTRIBUTION FRAUDS. 193 
 
 the privilege of giving $1,000 bonds in each case for their ap- 
 pearance for trial. 
 
 Subsequently they were indicted by the Grand Jury, pleaded 
 guilty, and were sentenced to pay a fine and costs. McCaU was 
 fined twice on two separate indictments. Elias paid it all, and 
 then came whining around to have one fine in McCall's case re- 
 mitted, as it was a hardship for him. I advised him to go ahead 
 at once and have it done, promising him to immediately rearrest 
 his men on other charges. 
 
 " O, if that is the case," said Elias, " I don't say a word, but 
 let the matter drop." 
 
 One thing ought to be added here. After these men had been 
 arrested this man called me one side, and in most winning and 
 plausible tones, assured me " I did not know liim ; that he was 
 always ready to respond and do his duty, and I could go to any 
 of the boys at Headquarters as proof ; that if I needed help he 
 was always ready to respond," etc. 
 
 There is no question but many schemes of tlie same base char- 
 acter are shielded in the manner above indicated. 
 
 After the arrest of Jones and McCall, their registered letters 
 and money orders were stopped by order of the Postmaster- 
 General. This was a very severe blow to Elias, as it prevented 
 him getting his hands on thousands of dollars belonging to other 
 people. He admitted in my office that this was very hard on 
 him ; that, if he could have received his mail, he would not have 
 minded the payment of his fines. 
 
 Though the mails were closed to these addresses by Elias, yet 
 he was not to be headed off without another effort. 
 
 H. F. BTIRTNETT. 
 
 In a few weeks complaints began to come about H. F. Burt- 
 nett, 519 Sixth avenue, New York. Investigation disclosed the 
 fact that the business of McCaU had been transferred to Burtnett 
 by printing Burtnett's name, in place of McCall, on the circular 
 letters sent out. Soon, however, these letters were stopped by 
 the post office authorities, and shortly after this the newspapers 
 reported Elias's failure. "Whether these arrests and the stopping 
 13 
 
194 FKAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 of the mail had anything to do with the failure, I know not ; but 
 this I do positively assert, without fear of contradiction, that 
 thousands of persons were saved from being robbed and swindled. 
 
 Elias is an interesting subject— cunning, sharp, and tricky. 
 He can sit down and write out a scheme in a few moments, that 
 others would be hours over. 
 
 More of his schemes would be of interest if space would per- 
 mit. All of them are characteristic of the man. 
 
 He is in personal appearance a gentleman; but when you 
 look upon the schemes he has perpetrated to deceive and defraud 
 the public, and consider the thousands he has robbed by these 
 schemes, he looks more like a sharper : and one cannot help feel- 
 ing a contempt for him. 
 
 Here is a man of abihty, which, if applied in the direction of 
 a^n honest calling, would insure him success, and win him a posi- 
 tion in the esteem and confidence of the community ; but pros- 
 tituting his ability to the robbery of hundreds whom he knows 
 nothing of, he sinks below the favorable notice of decent people. 
 
 These men make money fast, and spend it freely. They buy 
 themselves position in decent society by the lavish expenditure 
 of money. There are plenty of people in society, as it is con- 
 stituted at the present day, who see nothing wrong if only a man 
 has plenty of money, and is free with it. A truckUng sentiment 
 sustains and in a measure covers up the depredations and con- 
 temptible methods of gaining a fortune by these parties, instead 
 of entering an indignant protest in the interest of common 
 humanity and honesty, and on the side of morality. Away with 
 such crawling to thieves and swindlers ! The man who obtains 
 another's money by means of false pretences, is in the eyes of 
 respectable people on the same plane as a thief. The highway- 
 man who boldly walks up to his victim and demands his money, 
 makes a more manly show than the lying thief, who skulks be- 
 hind some poor man as a tool, and prints his lies to deceive and 
 defraud the credulous. 
 
 People must learn that the circular sent through the maU is 
 sent for the purpose of obtaining money from the recipient for 
 
BOGUS JEWELRY DISTRIBUTION FRAUDS. 195 
 
 the benefit of the sender of the circular. And further, it is clear 
 that no man can afford to advertise in a newspaper, or to pay for 
 printing circulars, hire clerks to write letters, furnish envelopes 
 and postage stamps, and then sell goods for less than market 
 price. Beware of any man who offers to send you more than the 
 value of your money. 
 
 In addition to the above expenses, do not forget that it costs 
 something to live, and pay house rent and office rent in a city. 
 The party who sends circulars to you has to pay all these ex- 
 penses, and he expects to make enough from his correspondents 
 to do it. 
 
 A word to those living in the country : 
 
 The sharpers who devise the schemes to Hve without work, 
 do not expect to work. They hire clerks to do their work for 
 them. The Fraud work! preposterous! — ^not one of them. 
 They are gentlemen of leisure ; they drive their fast horses ; they 
 frequent summer resorts and cut a dashing figure. Here they live 
 at a first-class hotel, or upon "the avenue." They set society 
 agog with their display. They ares " bankers " or " retired mer- 
 chants," or they "own a mine in California;" and you, poor dupe, 
 help to pay for it. You work hard, early and late, perhaps ; you 
 earn your money honestly. They are bound to possess themselves 
 of it if possible, and then laugh at the easy manner in which you 
 have been outwitted. 
 
 Put your money in the savings bank, or in improvements about 
 your home, and there wiU be less ill-gotten wealth in the hands 
 of New Tork sharpers. 
 
196 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 THE SAW DUST SWUSTDLERS. 
 PROFESSED DEALEES IN COTJNTEEFEIT MONET. 
 
 "We give 'below, for the sake of variety, a few of the different 
 circulars, used by the Saw Dust Swindlers, or the pretended 
 dealers in counterfeit money. 
 
 The first one was sent out by a concern which operated at 41 
 Carmine street, at that time a liquor store, kept by a man named 
 Gallagher. 
 
 The Superintendent of the Post Office in that locahty reported 
 that when the carrier first took letters for Mr. Homan to this 
 place, Mr. Gallagher told him it was all right, that Mr. Homan 
 resided there. Afterwards he told him that, on account of some 
 trouble with his family, Mr. Homan could not have his letters 
 addressed at home, and had requested him (Gallagher) to receive 
 the same for him, to be called for each evening. His circular 
 read: 
 
 Mr. 
 
 Dear Sir — I will confide to you, through this circular a secret hy which you 
 can make a speedy Fortune. I have on hand a large amount of counterfeit 
 notes of the following denominations : One, Two, Five, Ten and Twenty, and also 
 Fifty Cent Fractional Currency notes. I guarantee every note to be perfect, as 
 every note is examined by myself carefully as soon as finished, and if not 
 strictly perfect, is immediately destroyed, of course it would be foolishness 
 for me to send out poor work, as it would not only get my customers in 
 trouble, but would break up my business and ruin me, so for personal safety 
 I am compelled to issue nothing that will not compare with the genuine I 
 furnish you with the goods in any quantity, at the following low prices which 
 will be found as reasonable, as the nature of the business will allow : 
 
 For $1,200 in my goods assorted, I charge, $100 
 " 2,500 " " " 200 
 
 " 5,000 " " " 350 
 
 " 10,000 " " " 600 
 
THE SAW DUST SWINDLERS. 197 
 
 You can see from the above price list, the advantage of buying largely, you 
 cannot make money aa rapidly in any other business, and their is not the 
 slightest danger in using my goods, one of the best proofs being, that, not a 
 single person doing business with me have ever been in any trouble, on the 
 contrary, all making money rapidly. I have no connection vrith any other 
 firm in tliis country, and every dollar of my money, is manufactured under 
 my own personal supervision. So in dealing with me, you get the goods from 
 fii'st hands. 
 
 Do not call at the address given here, as I do not receive visitors at my office, 
 merely use it to get my letters. Write to me two days before you start to 
 come on here, to New York, saying exactly when you will be here, and tell 
 me what Hotel you will stop at, so I will know where to meet you, I will call 
 on you at your own Koom, wliere we can transact our business without any 
 one knowing anything about it. As soon as you arrive in the city, go straight 
 to the Hotel and register your name, go up to your room and stay in your 
 room, until I call on you. Have nothing to say to any person, who cannot 
 show you, your last letter to me, and when you see your own handwriting, 
 then you will know you are dealing with the right party, should you con- 
 clude to send for samples before coming on to New York, I will send you a 
 sample, packed in book form, containing $300, three huijdred dollars iu 
 assorted sizes, on receipt of $30, thirty dollars. Should you send for goods 
 follow these instructions carefully, send all money in a thick envelope, well 
 sealed with my name and address, plainly written, do not send registered, or 
 express, as they cause suspicion, and I will not receive, or notice them. 
 
 Enclosed you will find my name and address with a card of a hotel as con- 
 venient as any in New York. Should you order Goods, send your Express 
 address. Yours Confidentially, 
 
 J. W. HOMAN, 
 
 45 Carmine St., N. Y. City. 
 
 About the same time that this concern was running, another 
 one was operated from Park Eow : 
 
 New Yore, 1877. 
 
 Dear Sir One of our Agents has sent us word that you are a proper man to 
 
 handle our Stuff, (Counterfeit Money,) and if that is so, you had better come 
 on at once, and make a Personal examination. We have the best Stuff in the 
 market. Our prices are as follows, $100 any kind you wish for $10.00, $500 for 
 $30.00, $1000 for $50.00. If you cannot come we will send the Stuff by mail 
 or express, on receipt of price, but would rather you would come on and see it 
 before engaging in the business. We do not answer Postal Cards. If you 
 send money for the Stuff, send large Bills neatly folded in a plain envelope, 
 do not send it by Express, Eegistered Letter, or P. O. Order, but iu a plain 
 envelope. 
 
198 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 To those wlio wish to see Samples, we will send by maU postpaid, |30.00 of 
 our Stuff on receipt of $5. 00 in a plain envelope. 
 
 Yours in silence, 
 
 T. Lee, 
 
 Boom 5, 31 Park Eow, 
 New York City. 
 
 In this last case it will be observed, that the money was to be 
 forwarded, and that this fellow actually represented that he had 
 counterfeit money. 
 
 Then another party, who wanted an active man with a cash 
 capital, was much more covert, and did npt presume to disclose 
 what he had to deal in : 
 
 Kew York City. 
 
 Dear Sir — I want an active man with a cash capital from Two to Five 
 hundred Dollars to assist me in the disposal of a certain class of goods which 
 are manufactured exclusively hy myself. 
 
 To the right party I offer very liberal inducements, the profits are very 
 large and in proportion to the capital invested. 
 
 The goods are used by every one and the business is strictly confidential 
 perhaps you can guess what the goods are. 
 
 For full particulars apply to Yours truly, 
 
 H. M. W. 
 149 Fulton Street, New York City. 
 
 A circular similar to the above was also sent, replies to go to 
 B. W. "Williard, at 212 Broadway, or, in other words, to be left 
 at Spencer's liquor saloon. 
 
 Still another fellow, under the name of W. A. Morton, 427 
 Hudson St., was much more mysterious. He also sent a printed 
 circular couched in barbarous English and worse typography. 
 
 BEAD THIS CAREFULLY. 
 
 I Have on hand a large amount of Greenbacks, 1 2 & 5, thay are 
 equal in every respect to the Genuine. These Goods I let no one 
 have without they have been reccommended by Parties, I have 
 business with. I sell them at the following price, 
 
 1000 Assorted will cost you 100 One Hundred Dollars, 
 5000 " " " " " " " 350 Three hundred and fifty, 
 10.000 "" " " '■■ " " 600 Six hundred dollars. 
 
 You see the advantage in buying a large amount. I do not wish 
 
THE SAW DUST SWINDLERS. 199 
 
 yon to send me any money by Mail or express nor will I send any 
 goods that way. If you wish my goods you must come and see me in 
 Person or send one in your place you can trust, I will show you my 
 goods If you are satisfied with them you can have all you want at 
 the above prices, If not fully satisfied I will pay all expence's. 
 Bring a bag with you, for you are to carry the goods home yourself 
 If you conclude to come then follow the following Instructions. 
 Write to me three days before you leave home Register your name 
 at the Hotel card enclosed Go to your room and I will call or you 
 within one hour after you arrive bringing goods with me. 
 Speak to no one about your Business without he shows you your- 
 last letter tome and the other half of this card ,_^ 
 
 He writes a letter also, which was sent at same time : 
 
 New York ITth June 78.. 
 M. L. : 
 
 Dear Sir — I have been requested to write to you by your Friend he says he 
 thinks you would like to have some of my goods. If you do you will find 
 terms in the Circular. 
 
 If you do not than bum this and that will End it the Offer will not be 
 made to you a gain. 
 
 Read the Circular carefully and if you conclude to come Follow the Inatruc- 
 tiona and I will meet you at the Hotel. I am yours Fraturnally, 
 
 W . A. Morton. 
 
 Accompanying this letter was a red card, on one side of which 
 was " Bowery Hotel, corner of Qth St. and Bowery, ^d a/venim 
 cars pass the door f^ and on the other side, ^^ Direct your letter 
 to D. A. Morton, 427 Hudson Street, New YorJc." Besides 
 this was a piece of green pasteboard, about an inch and a half 
 wide and an inch and three-quarters long. This was the card 
 which the victim was to bring with him for identification. 
 
 Upon investigation we found that this man Morton was a man 
 said to be connected with the Elias gang of swindlers. The modus 
 operandi of these fellows, who invite a personal visit of their 
 victims to ^New York City, is as follows : If a verdant should re- 
 spond by going to the particular hotel selected by the fraud as 
 his base of operations, and registering his name, he will be 
 shown to a room to await the appearance of the party to whom 
 he has announced his intention of visiting the city, and who is 
 on the lookout for him. The countryman wiU then be pumped 
 
200 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 as to his neighborhood, and his friends, and the amount of money 
 he has with him. He will be treated, and perhaps will be taken 
 out to some low dive or theatre, until the sharper gets thoroughly 
 into his confidence. 
 
 In some cases the verdant comes to the point of business at 
 once, and the sharper shows him a quantity of new good money, 
 and asks the verdant to go with him and see him pass it. The 
 money being good, it is easily disposed of. Then the verdant is 
 given a quantity with which to try his luck, and as they go from 
 place to place, he passes the money without any difficulty, as it is 
 all genuine. They then go back to their hotel. The verdant 
 goes to his room with the sharper, and discloses the amount of 
 money he has with him to invest. While they are thus engaged 
 discussing the price, etc., two of the sharper's pals knock at the 
 door and enter, proclaiming themselves United States detectives, 
 and arrest or pretend to arrest the sharper and the verdant. The 
 sharper offers $500 or |1,000 to be let off. The bogus detectives 
 demand double the amount, as the risk to them is great. The 
 sharper, in order not to disclose, (as he would have the verdant 
 understand,) dares not show his money, but appeals to Mr. 
 Yerdant to put up the money and pay these officers, rather than 
 that both of them shall be arrested and sent to States Prison. 
 The amount demanded is usually sufficiently large enough to 
 take in all that the verdant has. The two pals then clear out, 
 and no sooner have they gone, than the sharper steps out for a 
 moment to see some friend, leaving the verdant to wait and 
 watch in vain for his return. At last the confiding countryman 
 wakes up to the fact that he has been robbed ; but it would 
 never do for him to go to the police with a complaint, lest he 
 criminate himself. Nothing is left for him but to get back 
 home as best he may, a sadder and it is hoped a wiser man. 
 
 In many instances, however, the money is supposed to be sent 
 by express. Of course the recipient dares not open the package 
 in the express office to examine it, as that would be a sure give 
 away, and lead to his arrest by local authorities. 
 
 These packages are sent where the goods are ordered C. 0. D. 
 
THE SAW DUST SWINDLERS. 201 
 
 The expressman collects $100 or $200 on his package, and the 
 verdant takes it home very secretly, skulks o£E on the sly and 
 opens it to find the box containing — saw dust. 
 
 Any person near enough to see one of these fellows when he is 
 cornered would find a very sickly looking individual. 
 
 We could multiply hundreds of these circulars and advertise- 
 ments were it worth while. The names of L. L. Luddington, 
 — Broadway, and James A. Knox, — West street, are familiar to 
 any one posted on these schemes. 
 
 THE GEOEGIA LOTTEET EEAUD. 
 
 As variety is the spice of life, and of frauds, we give another 
 scheme something similar in character to the one above, in that 
 the thief tries to make a criminal of his victim. 
 
 In this case the party pretended to be in the employ of the 
 Georgia Lottery, and he gives the address of C. L. Evans, 138 
 Greenwich street, E". Y. 
 
 According to the letter which he sent out, he was the manager 
 of the " Georgia Monthly Drawing." Business being dull he had 
 devised a plan to help it along. The real plan, as we shall see, 
 was to get the $10 and make no return for it. 
 
 Following is his lure : 
 
 C. L. Evans, Broker. 
 
 Monies Loaued on Bond and Mortgage, Government Bonds Bought 
 
 AND Sold on Commission. 
 
 138 Greenwich Street, N. Y. 
 
 Dear Sir — Being Manager of tlie Georgia Lottery for the East and West, I 
 make you the following proposition for our mutual benefit, viz. Send for 12 
 tickets price $10 and I will alter the number drawn from the wheel to corre- 
 spond with the number on one of your tickets allowing you to draw a $1000 
 prize, and trusting to your honesty to devide the same with me. The rea- 
 son I do not care to make the prize larger is, in order to avoid suspicion, be- 
 sides we can repeat this every month. 
 
 The drawing takes place every month on the 5th, so remit immediately, in 
 order to get tickets for this drawing. Send money in your letter, it will come 
 safely, and don't send by registered letter, money order, or express, as it 
 might create suspicion, and prevent us from making a good sum in a sliort 
 space of time. Don't fail to remit at once as I must leave in time to super- 
 intend the drawing. Yours truly, C. L. Evans. 
 
202 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 This party was a former clerk of the celebrated Elias, and 
 afterwards connected with Mr. J. M. Pattee, in one of his Eiver- 
 side schemes. He is a young man ready to do almost anything 
 for money. 
 
 Jxist here, a word of advice : whenever you see any scheme, 
 or advertisement, or letter, that requires you not to register 
 your letter, or send hy money order, or express, mark it at once 
 as a fraud. 
 
 In this case the undoubted reason for these instructions was, 
 that if the rascal signed for a registered letter or money order, 
 he had first to be identified before he could get them, or if sent 
 by express, the expressman would have his description, and he 
 would be thus identified. While if neither of these three plans 
 were adopted by the sender of the money, he could have his 
 letters left in some liquor saloon and could receive the same 
 without any fear of identification. 
 
 Again, it is never safe to send money, no matter how small the 
 amount is, to one of these advertising frauds without sending it 
 in a registered letter. By so doing the sender receives double 
 security for his letter while in transit in the mails. He has a 
 receipt, which by act of Congress is vosAq prima facie evidence 
 of the delivery of the letter to the party addressed. If the party 
 attempts to take it out, it obliges him to make himself known 
 and to be identified to the postal authorities before he can get it. 
 
 Aside from the security thus given to sender's letter, under 
 post office rules and regulations, as soon as we discover a fi-aud 
 of this kind, a report of all the facts is made to the Postmaster- 
 General, and under the law, all registered letters and money 
 orders are sent back direct to the sender thereof ; so that if your 
 letter is registered, you insure getting it back again in case the 
 postal authorities shall have discovered the fraud before your 
 letter is delivered. In this way thousands of people every year 
 are saved from being swindled. 
 
 This scoundrel was not connected with the Georgia Lottery, 
 but he hoped by this letter to secure several hundred dollars 
 through the mails, and escape detection. 
 
THE SAW DUST SWINDLERS. 203 
 
 EUM-SHOP SKULKEES. 
 
 There are anotlier class of frauds who make the liquor saloon 
 their headquarters. Here, under an assumed name, they have 
 their mail dehvered. Not feeling secure to have themselves per- 
 sonally known to the postal officials, they arrange with some bar- 
 tender or gin-miU keeper to receive their mail — while they 
 themselves are to be kept in the "background and unlfnown. To 
 any person beside the letter carrier, inquiring for their address, 
 the reply wiU universally be : " Don't know any such party ; has 
 never been here." To the carrier with a letter : " O yes ; he 
 belongs here, but has just stepped out ;" and if a registered letter 
 shall be taken to this place it will be, " All right ; Mr. A. left 
 orders for me to sign for him," and a written order will be pro- 
 duced for the carrier to dehver all registered letters to Mr. B., 
 signed by A. 
 
 This is almost the universal method of this particular fraud. 
 They have different schemes of swindKng, but the manner of 
 getting their mail is the same. 
 
 It is very hard to find who the guilty party is, and yet, now, 
 since the arrest of the party we shall describe further on, it is 
 quite an easy matter to secure a stoppage of their unlawful 
 business through, the mail, by simply sending the matter to the 
 general delivery, at the post office, and leaving word for the 
 person addressed to call for his mail. Before he can receive the 
 same he must be identified by some responsible party. Tliis will 
 never do, for it would fix the matter sure upon him, and make 
 him the responsible party. This would in turn enable the officer 
 of the law to discover his man, and would lead to detection and 
 arrest. So for fear of these things he will forfeit his entire 
 mail and lose the benefit of his advertisements, rather than be 
 identified or run the risk of getting caught by even calling at 
 the post office. 
 
 The usual effect of this is to drive the fraud to other quarters, 
 and not unfrequently will the same advertisement appear in the 
 same newspaper, with no alteration but the name and address. 
 
204 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 But if the officer does liis duty thoroughly, the same tactics will 
 efEectually close the business when persevered in. 
 
 This fraud cannot bear the light of day. It hides away in 
 dens of infamy, or in the liquor saloon, protected by men who 
 become parties to the robbery or consent to act for the rascal, and 
 shield him from exposure, provided he treats his friends liberally 
 at this bar. 
 
 Out upon such men ! You ask one of these fellows to assist 
 you to find one of the scamps you are looking for, and mark his 
 manner and his words. He starts back with an indignant look, 
 with a " "What do you say ? I give that party away ! No, sir-ee ! 
 He's a good customer, and 1 ain't the kind to go back on a 
 fellow." No, reader. "We have plenty of such creatures here in 
 New York. Help protect the innocent, or enforce the law! 
 Decidedly no. To do anything of that kind is to lose caste. If 
 you will pay them roundly, and not publish their treachery, they 
 will sell out their best friend. But to help an officer capture a 
 thief, that is not to be thought of, unless by so doing their own 
 personal interests may be subserved. 
 
 I cannot express my contempt for such crawling creatures. 
 They are utterly devoid of all moral principle, and incapable of 
 appreciating or even believing that any man is governed by any 
 other than a selfish motive in all he does. They utterly abhor 
 a man who does right because it is right. 
 
 The party I introduce here, is one of the descendants of Ham. 
 Not Ham of ancient days, but Orville A. Ham. This man made 
 his headquarters in a liquor saloon at the corner of Fulton st. and 
 Broadway. He told so many stories that it is doubtful which of 
 them is true. StiR a plain statement of facts will disclose the 
 fraud, which was and is frequently attempted. 
 
 JAMES HUTCHINS. 
 
 Many readers will remember seeing this advertisement, which 
 appeared ia numerous papers South and West : 
 
THE SAW DUST SWINDLERS. 205 
 
 $955,000 IN Cash Gipts 
 
 To be distributed by the 
 
 Mercantile Prize Association op New Tokk. 
 
 Daily Drawings ! 
 
 A Prize fob Every Ticket. 
 
 ICashGift $100,000 75 Casb Gifts, each $1,000 
 
 6 " Gifts, each 50,000 300 « " 500 
 
 12 " " " 25,000 200 " « 200 
 
 20 " " " 5,000 550 " " 100 
 
 400 Gold Watches $ 75 to 300 
 
 275 Sewing Jlachines 60 to 150 
 
 75 Elegant Pianos 250 to 700 
 
 50 Elegant Melodeons 50 to 200 
 
 Cash Gifts, Silverware, etc., valued at $1,500,000 
 
 A chance to draw any of the above prizes for 25 cents. Tickets describing 
 prizes are sealed in envelopes and well mixed. On receipt of 25 cents a 
 sealed ticket is drawn without choice, and sent by mail to any address. 
 The prize named upon it will be delivered to the ticket holder on payment of 
 one dollar. Prizes are immediately sent to any address by express or return 
 mail. 
 
 You will know what your prize is before you pay for it. No blanks. Our 
 patrons can depend on fair dealing. 
 
 Opinions of the Press. — Fair dealing can be relied on. — JS^ew York Herald, 
 Aug. 23. A genuine distribution. — TFbcM, Sept. 9. Not one of the humbugs 
 of the day. — Weelchj Tribune, July 7. They give general satisfaction. — Staats 
 Zeitung, Aug. 5. 
 
 References. — By kind permission we refer to the following: Franklin S. 
 Lane, Louisville, drew $13,000. Miss Hattie Banker, Charleston, $9,000. Mrs. 
 Louisa T. Blake, St. Paul, Piano, $7,000. Samuel V. Raymond, Boston, 
 $5,500. Eugene P. Brackett, Pittsburgh, Watch, $300. Miss Annie Osgood, 
 New Orleans, $500. Emory L. Pratt, Columbus, Ohio, $7,000. 
 
 One Cash Gift in every package of 150 tickets guaranteed. 5 tickets for 
 $1.00 ; 11 for $2.00 ; 25 for $5.00 ; 150 for $15.00. 
 
 Send all money exceeding one dollar by express. 
 
 Address James Hutchins, 
 
 212 Broadway. 
 
 Inquiry at 212 Broadway, disclosed the fact that no such person 
 was known there, while the carrier stated that some person 
 received their mail in the liquor store, after the method above 
 described. 
 
 On sending $1 in an ordinary envelope, a person would receive 
 a circular which promised a wonderful return for 25 cents, or 
 
206 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 five tickets for one dollar. " Every ticket draws a prize ; eleven 
 tickets for $2 ; Uventj-&ve for $3 ; fifty for $5 ; 150 for $15." 
 
 For cheek these circulars excel even those of Pattee or Buck- 
 waiter. The following are represented as extracts from the 
 Times, Herald, and Journal, and nine out of every ten readers, 
 would suppose these were genuine quotations. Yet when their 
 attention is called to it and they read it here, they will say that 
 any fool could see that is a falsehood on its face : 
 Mbrcantile Prize Association. 
 Pdblic Opinion. 
 
 We have always been prejudiced against Lotteries and Gift Enterprises, 
 considering tliem out and out swindles, but we are glad to know that there 
 are some carried ou honestly and we feel it due to the gentlemen who con- 
 duct the " Mercantile Prize Association," to make an exception in their favor. 
 They are all men of business capacity, known and respected by the community 
 at large ; with two of them we are personally acquainted and have been for 
 years, they neither pretend to give away Opera Houses nor Thousands of 
 Acres of Land, but the public may be well assured that they will do as they 
 agree. — Times, March, 1873. 
 
 We have just had our attention called to the ''Mercantile Prize Association," 
 by the fact of two of our employees investing, and each securing in return a 
 handsome prize. We had previously known of the existence of such an 
 Association, but had not given it n second thouglif, feeling a little timid on 
 such subjects ; on inquiry, we learn that the Association is a bona fide one — 
 characterized by fair and honorable dealing, and such as all can put confi- 
 dence in. — Herald, April, 1873. 
 
 Injustice to the "Mercantile Prize Association," whom we abused roundly 
 m our columns on Saturday, pronouncing them swindlers and humbugs, we 
 desire to apologize for our hastiness, and we frankly admit that business as 
 conducted by them, will defy the closest scrutiny. They are all fair and hon- 
 orable business men, and we hope our friends will patronize them largely Are 
 you satisfied, gentlemen ? — Jouenal, April, 1873. 
 
 " For an order for fifty tickets we give an elegant gold pen 
 and pencil ; for an order of 150 tickets, a silver hunting case 
 watch ; for an order of 500 tickets or $50, an elegant gold hunt- 
 ing case watch, or a sewing machine of any desired make." 
 
 They then print a list of references where various parties are 
 represented as having drawn prizes, each from $25.00 to $2,500. 
 
 The drawings, we are told, "take place daily." The last 
 expression would naturally convey to a stranger, that there was 
 
1 Cash Gift of. 
 
 5 
 
 t( 
 
 (t 
 
 10 
 25 
 
 ti 
 
 tt 
 
 50 
 
 It 
 
 u 
 
 THE SAW DUST SWINDLERS. 207 
 
 to be a daily drawing of these prizes, and announcement made of 
 prizes drawn to the purchaser of tickets. But the practical 
 meaning is— that the thief does actually draw the victim's money 
 out of letters sent each day and — puts the same in his pocket ! 
 
 As variety is the spice of life, we give the hst of prizes in full, 
 in order that the reader may fully understand the extent to which 
 a scheme of this sort may he carried. 
 
 A Chance to Draw any of the Prizes on this List by Purchasing a 
 Sealed Ticket for 25 Cents. 
 
 Drawings Take Place Daily. 
 The Article or Prize drawn will be delivered to the Ticket Holder on payment 
 
 of 
 One Dollar. 
 
 $25,000 75 CashGlftsof $750 
 
 10,000 100 " " 500 
 
 5,000 200 " " 200 
 
 2,500 50 " " 100 
 
 ..- 1,000 500 " " 50 
 
 800 Cash Gifts of $50 
 
 50 Elegant Eosewood Pianos $300.00 to 700.00 
 
 75 " " Melodeona 75.00 to 150.00 
 
 350 Sewing Machines 60.00 to 175.00 
 
 200 Music Boxes 2.').00 to 250.00 
 
 500 Fine Gold Watches 75.00 to 300.00 
 
 750 Fine Silver Watches 20.00 to 50.00 
 
 250 Silk Dress Patterns, all colors 25.00 to 40.00 
 
 150 Silver Plated Pitchers 18.00 to 25.00 
 
 2,500 Photograph Albums 12.00 to 25.00 
 
 2,500 Pairs Silver Butter Knives .5.00 to 10.00 
 
 5,000 Stone Set and Seal Kings 2.00 to 10.00 
 
 5,000 Miniature Lockets, all sizes 2.50 to 7.00 
 
 4,000 Watch Charms, each 3.00 to 5.50 
 
 5,000 Gold Pens, Silver Extension Cases aud Pencils 4.00 to 7.C0 
 
 5,000 Gents' Breast and ScarfPins 3.00 to 20.00 
 
 5,000 Ladies' New Style Belt Buckles 3.00 to 8.00 
 
 2,000 Chatelaine and Guard Chains 7.50 to 20.00 
 
 2,000 Gold Thimbles 8.00 to 15.00 
 
 5,000 Sets Ladies' Brooch and Ear Drops 3.00 to 7.00 
 
 7,000 Gold Crosses 3.00 to 10.00 
 
 6,000 Engraved Band Bracelets 1 5.00 to 20.00 
 
 2,000 Heavy Plated Gold Chain Bracelets 5.00 to 10.00 
 
 2,000 Ball Ear Drops, all colors 4.00 to 8.00 
 
208 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 2,000 New Style Jet and Gold Ear Drops 3.00 to 9.00 
 
 1,000 Gold Pens, Gold Mounted Ebony Holders 4..50 to 7.00 
 
 2,000 Cut Crystal Ear Pendants, new styles 5.00 to 10.00 
 
 2,000 " Brooches, " 4.00 to 8.00 
 
 1,000 Fine Im. Diamond Cluster Brooches 5.00 to 20.00 
 
 1,000 Silver Tea Sets 25.00 to 1.50.00 
 
 1,000 Silver Revolving Patent Castors 15.00 to 40.00 
 
 1,000 Silver Calce Baskets. 15.00 to 30.00 
 
 1,000 Sets Silver Tea and Table Spoons 50,00 to 500.00 
 
 1,300 Diamond Eings, Cluster, etc 15.00 to 45.00 
 
 1 ,000 Silver Castors and Wine Holders 20.00 to 35.00 
 
 1,000 Children's Sets, Silver Knife and Fork 5.00 to 9.00 
 
 2,000 Silver Napkin Eings 2.50 to 9.00 
 
 5,000 Sets Brooch and Ear Eings with Pearl Setting 5.00 to 20.00 
 
 2,500 Fine French Watch Chains 5.00 to 25.00 
 
 3,,500 Enameled Vest Chains 4.00 to 25.00 
 
 2,500 Bosom Studs Im. Diamond 5.00 to 1,5.00 
 
 2,500 Good Engraved Bosom Studs 5.00 to 12.00 
 
 2,000 Pairs Ear Eings, new styles 1.50 to 7.00 
 
 2,000 Necklaces 4.00 to 7.00 
 
 2,500 Gold Pencils 3.00 to 8.00 
 
 3,000 Onyx and Amethyst Brooches 5.00 to 10.00 
 
 1,500 Masonic Pins 4.00 to 10.00 
 
 1,600 Gold Watch Keys, new pattern 4.50 to 9.00 
 
 2,500 Enameled Sleeve Buttons 3.00 to 9.00 
 
 5,000 Plain Gold and Chased Eings 4.50 to 10.00 
 
 4,000 Ladies' Set Gold Mounted, hard rubber 5.00 to 12.00 
 
 1,500 Hard Eubber Neck Chains 4.00 to 9.00 
 
 1,000 Fine Wool Shawls 12.00 to 30.00 
 
 3,500 Oil Chromes, 500 Fine Oil Paintings, Framed Engravings, &c. 
 Money sent by Express is sure to reach us safely. 
 
 Still these swindlers did make some return. They sent the cor- 
 respondent the tickets ordered, and a letter, which we give. 
 
 Office of the 
 Mercantile Prize Association. 
 
 In response to your order of yon will find herewith enclosed ticket which 
 we have drawn for you, and Circular of Terms, «Stc. 
 
 Having no Agent in your locality, we should be glad to have you act in 
 that capacity for us. If you should be one of the fortunate, and secure a val- 
 uable prize, we trust that you will show it to your aoquaiutanoes as an in- 
 ducement for them to favor us with their patronage. 
 
 Ourstockof Jewelry, Silver Ware, Imported and Domestic Fancy Goods, 
 embraces all the latest patterns and designs, which we should be glad to have 
 you call and examine when in this city. 
 
THE SAW DUST SWINDLERS. 209 
 
 Address all orders for Prizes or Tickets to our cashier, and tbey will meet 
 with prompt attention. Send all money by Post Office money order or 
 registered letter, and it is sure to reach us safely. Eecdllect in future, address 
 all correspondence to our cashier, 
 
 J. G. HUTCHINS, 
 
 S. E. Cor. 13th street and 4th avenue. 
 All prizes drawn, regardless of value, will he promptly sent as directed, 
 by mail or express, on receipt of charges. Soliciting further favors, we remain, 
 
 Yours truly. 
 
 The Managers. 
 
 bk particular to send all money letters by post office money 
 order or registered lbtteit. 
 
 All charges for Espressage and Packing must be forwarded with the order 
 for the Prize. No goods sent C. O. D., or exchanged. 
 
 It will be seen that on tlie last circular they say, " the afrticle 
 or prize drawn will be delivered to the ticket holder on payment 
 of $1." We call especial attention to the prize tickets, which are 
 returned in small envelopes, and to the charges named therein in 
 each case, for " expressage and packing." 
 
 Tlie design was to bleed the customer as long as they could, 
 and then desert him. This fellow played his points well. 
 
 The following tickets are three samples, of the Prize Tickets 
 above referred to. 
 
 DAILY DISTRIBUTIOM 
 
 Mercantile Prize Association. 
 
 Prise Certificate No. 8262. 
 
 This Certificate, when accompanied by One Dollar (and $6.50 
 
 for expressage and packing), entitles the holder to 
 
 MBLODBOU, 
 
 VALUED AT $135. 
 
 Mercantile Prize Association. 
 
 14 
 
210 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 DAILY DISTRIBUTION 
 
 OP THE 
 
 MERCHANTS & BANKERS ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Certificate No, 8162. 
 
 This Certificate, when accompauied by One Dollar (and 35 
 
 cents for expressage and packing), entitles the holder to 
 
 VALUED AT $6. 
 Mei*cliaiits and Bankers Association. 
 
 DAILY DISTRIBUTION 
 
 OP THE 
 
 MERCHANTS AND BANKERS ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Certificate No. 7851. 
 
 This Certificate, when accompanied by One Dollar (and 75 
 cents for expressage and packing), entitles ftie holder to 
 
 LADY'S MINK MUFF, 
 
 VALUED AT $40. 
 Merchants and Bankers Association. 
 
 In the above letter, the replies are to be sent to J. G. Hutching, 
 " our Cashier," S. E. Cor. 13th street and 4th avenue. A per- 
 sonal inquiry resulted, as described in the first part of this chapter. 
 While in the particular case this letter directed all replies sent to 
 Hutchins, still in one instance it was J. Hutching at 212 Broad- 
 way, again Thos. Ingate, 102 Nassau street, and in various other 
 places. And this miserable wretch would crawl first into one 
 liquor saloon and then into another, take his letters, and then get 
 out of sight as quickly as possible. He took good care not to go 
 
THE SAW DUST SWINDLERS. 211 
 
 for his mail if any stranger was about, nor did he receive it in 
 the presence of any one who could possibly be a detective. 
 
 How did you finally catch him ? I hear some impatient reader 
 ask. "Well, I will teR you. A registered letter was addressed to 
 J. Hutching, 212 Broadway. A registered letter, according to 
 the regulations, can be delivered only to the party addressed, or 
 to his order. A notice was sent this party that certain registered 
 letters awaited him at the post office, and he was requested to call 
 for them. In a few days some person called, but when asked if 
 he was J. Hutchins, he answered, " O no, sir, I was only requested 
 to call for these letters." In a few days another party called. 
 It went along for nearly a month, until at last one day J. Hut- 
 chins himself called. Every other device had failed, and if he 
 got these letters, he must come himself. He was asked if that 
 was his name and he replied it was, and produced other letters 
 addressed J. Hutchins, in proof thereof. After proving positively 
 that he was J . Hutchins and that these letters were his, he was 
 allowed to receive the same by signing receipts therefor. Having 
 done this, he was marching off highly elated with his prize, only 
 to fall into the hands of a United States marshal, who was pres- 
 ent with a warrant. He was conveyed to Ludlow street jail in 
 default of bail. The next day was brought before a United States 
 Commissioner and there set up the defence that he was not J. 
 Hutchins, but was sent by J. Hutchins, to get these letters. He 
 could not tell where Hutchins could be found, nor scarcely 
 describe what he looked like. He brought in the man Spencer 
 who kept one of the saloons where he received his letters to prove 
 that his right name was Orville A. Ham. I had been advised of 
 this dodge beforehand, so being forewarned, I was forearmed. 
 I immediately moved to dismiss the complaint, on the ground that 
 he proved his right name was Ham. The ^Commissioner granted 
 it. He and his lawyer and friends arose to depart in high glee, 
 when I moved his arrest, on the charge of obtaining letters con- 
 taining articles of value by fraud and deception from the custody 
 of tlie postmaster of New York city. 
 
 This took them aback, and was -a surprise. The extreme pen- 
 
213 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 alty under the first charge, on which he had originally been ar- 
 rested, was, at that time, but $500 fine, while on this last charge 
 the lowest penalty possible was one year's imprisonment. 
 
 Sufiice it to say, he was committed to jail to await trial, was 
 indicted in the United States Court, tried, convicted, and sen- 
 tenced to one year's imprisonment. 
 
 Thus a sharp rascal was punished. If he had not attempted to 
 be too sharp, he would have escaped with a very much lower 
 penalty. 
 
 AJSrOTHEE COUNTERFEIT MONEY FRAUD. 
 
 Another fraud that is operated in the same manner is that of 
 the dealer in counterfeit money. Here, however, I have little 
 sympathy with the victim, for the man who will send money for 
 such a purpose as is set out in the following scheme, deserves to 
 be swindled. Many weak ones are sorely tempted by these and 
 like schemes, and yet they proclaim their own dishonesty, by 
 engaging in any such enterprise. 
 
 This is such a contemptible form of dishonesty that I feel little 
 like giving it even a sj^ace in this book. But when I remember 
 the large army of clerks, and young men on farms and scattered 
 throughout the country, I would both warn them and denounce 
 the scheme. The partaker is as bad as the thief ; any person who 
 sends money for counterfeit money should lose eveiy cent of it. 
 It is surprising that there are enough people of this character 
 in the country, to make it profitable to men who engage in the 
 traffic. Perhaps in no other scheme, save the lottery, are there 
 so many roughs, sports and fast persons swindled, as by those who 
 send for tlie " queer." 
 
 We give one of their circulars, and a notice cut from a news- 
 paper, or purported to have been. This circular was sent large 
 numbers of people, just the same with one exception, and that 
 was the name and address at the bottom. The clipping from the 
 newspaper is sent with the circular in each case. The names 
 attached to each of these were evidently all written in the same 
 handwriting, and doubtless all belonged to the same person. 
 
 The address in each case is a liquor saloon or a thieves' resort. 
 
THE SAW DUST SWUSDLEKS. 213 
 
 CIRCUXAK. 
 
 Dear Sii — My traveling agent, who passed through your section recently, 
 informed me that you were a man of a speculative disposition like myself, and 
 that you were willing to make money rapidly, provided it could be done 
 safely. To come to the point at once, — I am a manufacturer of cigahs made 
 of Green Tobacco. I am the only person who has been engaged in this busi- 
 ness in this vicinity for years. I am not only an expert in the business myself, 
 but I employ none but the best talent in the country to assist me. Every- 
 thing in connection with my business is as well organized and as well 
 conducted as any business in the land. My cigars, though not geuuiiie, are 
 as difficult to detect as anything can be. I presume that you understand me. 
 I do not ask you to send me money in advance, nor will I send my goods on 
 credit, as I can sell all I wish to persons for cash. I will not deal with every 
 person who writes to me. I deal only with those who are properly recom- 
 mended. As long as you keep your business to yourself you can make money. 
 But when you get too happy and give your business away, others will make 
 the money which you expected for yourself. This is human nature, and you 
 know it. 
 
 I desire you to come on to this city and examine my stock at your leisure. 
 You can then take away whatever quantity you bargain for, and you can rest 
 assured if you will act honorably with me I will with you, and when I treat 
 a man true and upright I expect the same in return, and I will prove what I 
 say to your satisfaction when we meet. My prices are as follows : — For $150 
 I wUl allow you $1,000 ; for|250 I will allow you $3,000 ; for $350 I will allow 
 you $5,000. The sizes of my cigars are Nos. 1, 2, 5 and 10. You understand 
 I am willing to allow you $300 in goods for your railroad expenses. You are 
 at liberty to bring a friend with you if he has money. But bring a man who 
 can keep a still tongue. If you make u^ your mind to come notify me at 
 what hotel you may stop here. If you are not familiar with the name of a 
 suitable hotel here write to me and I will furnish you all the infoT;mation you 
 desire. Whatever you do answer this at once. Tliere are other men m this 
 business ; some of them have been connected with me, and some of them are 
 acting for themselves. It is useless for you to waste your time on them, as I 
 am the only manufacturer, and they are necessarily obliged to buy their 
 goods from me to sell to you. They do not like to own up to this, but they 
 are obliged to do so in the end. The safest plan is to come to headquarters 
 and deal directly with me. To a man of the intelligence you axe supposed to 
 possess it is unnecessary for me to go into further details, but any additional 
 iilformation will be furnished when I hear from you. Write short and plain 
 letters and to the point. Do not bother me about small orders or samples 
 which are usually sent by mail. An inquisitive postmaster, or some one who 
 is in the habit of getting your mail for you, may be tempted to open your let- 
 ters. In case you intend coming on immediately notify me three or four days 
 in advance of your starting, so that I can be prepared for you. Read the 
 printed slip inside very carefully. Eemember that this circular is sent to 
 
214 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 very few. My object in having it printed is to avoid saying too much m 
 ■writing. You will perceive the importance of this. It is printed in my 
 private office. If I have made a mistake hy writing to the wrong man please 
 excuse me and do not expose me. Let matters drop. 
 
 You may not come oji, hut if we meet you will find me a sure friend to deal 
 with. "When I treat a man truly I expect the same in return. For our first 
 trade you must see me personally. After that we can make other arrange- 
 ments. James Mullen, 
 
 In care of M. Clakk, 50 Delancy Street, New York City. 
 
 The newspaper clipping said : 
 
 A SUPPOSED CASE OF COTJNTEEFBmNG DISMISSED. 
 
 Yesterday morning a well-dressed lady reported to Justice Williamson that 
 she had accidentally come into possession of a letter to a gentleman of this 
 city from a wealthy counterfeiter in New York. The letter purported, she 
 said, ofifering of cigars for sale ; hut that a detached note in the envelope 
 plainly indicated that cigabs meant counterfeit money of the hest quality. 
 Upon these re^jresentations the gentleman was arrested at his hotel aud 
 brought before His Honor. He gave his name as Eobert S. Maxwell. Ho 
 stated that he got acquainted with the lady on the incoming train aud con- 
 versed with her for two or three hours. That at the end of the route he 
 missed his pocketbook, containing a small sum of money and some papers of 
 no value. That he was morally convinced that she was the thief, but did not 
 wish to prosecute, and concluded to drop her acquaintance. Upon searching, 
 his valise about $8,000 in new money, but no letters, were found. The cashier 
 of the Third National Bank w^as sent for, who, after a critical examination of 
 the bills, pronounced them to be genuine. He was, of course, discharged. 
 Maxwell had evidently been drinking, and during a moment of excessive in- 
 dulgence had given himself away or had entertained his fair acquaintauce 
 with some ghost stories. 
 
 This fraud used these different addresses. Letters addressed to 
 each of these were sent to the General Delivery and remained un- 
 claimed, for fear, doubtless, of arrest if he showed himself. 
 
 COUNTEEFEIT MONEY FRAUDS. 
 
 James Harris, care of Mr. Grampfe, 523 6th street. 
 
 Charles O. Brooks, 128 West street. 
 
 William H. Lee, care of Mr. Stephens, 272 East 3d street. 
 
 William Lea, care of Mr. Huff, 127 Broome street. 
 
 T. Eand, care of Mr. Warner, 78 Christie street. 
 
 B. Rand, 62 Harrison street. 
 
 George Anderson, 104 Hester street. 
 
 James Bell, care of David Bohuet, 133 Division street. 
 
THE SAW DUST SWINDLEES. 315 
 
 Thomas Kent, care of A. Lambert, 13 Suffolk street. 
 
 James Arnold, care of Andreas Fruiohe, 151 Eldridge street. 
 
 James Mullen, care of M. Clark, 50 Delanoy street. 
 
 Thomas Eand, care of L. MuUer, 188 Allen street. 
 
 James Hudson, care of Mr. Clemeus, 1683 1st avenue. 
 
 James Bell, care Mr. MiiUer, 127 Stanton street. 
 
 Wm. Gray, care Mr. Sachs, 506 5th street. 
 
 W. Slater, care Mr. Silvery, 443 1st avenue. 
 
 Howett Perkins, 11 Park row, and 297 Greenwich street. 
 
 Wm. Hall, care Mr. Kreatzer, 242 East 30th street. 
 
 H. H. Franklin, — West street. 
 
 Another scheme, on about the same plan, is where a hektograph 
 copy of a letter was sent out, which we print below : 
 
 Deab Sir — I desire to call your attention to a certain class of money which 
 can be bought at a large discount, and it can readily be exchanged for its face 
 value. Should you be willing to buy some of it, or know some one else who 
 will, please let me know, as I can give you the name of a Bona Fide dealer, 
 from whom can be obtained the finest kind on very reasonable terms.— 
 Nothing is asked in advance or C. 0. D., but only after the goods are safe in 
 possession of the purchaser. The reason I write to you is because I can get a 
 commission on all the customers whom I may find. If this should suit you, 
 please let me know at once, and I will give your name to the party of whom 
 I speak, so he may send you his terms and full particulars. 
 I am yours confidentially. 
 
 This letter brings a reply in many cases, and is followed up by 
 
 Letter No. 2. 
 
 New York City, 1. 19, 1880. 
 
 Mt Dear Sir — In reply to yours will say, I have the goods you want, and 
 guarantee them to be m every respect equal to the Originals, and they can be 
 used as such without being detected. They are of the following numbers: 
 Ones, Twos, Fives and Tens. The verry smallest amount I sell, under any 
 circumstances, is one thousand in my goods, price one hundred Doll, cash 
 down, but the larger the amount you purchase the cheaper I sell. Most all 
 my customers take the Agency for one county, which they get by buying five 
 thousand in the Goods, price three hundred and fifty Doll, and by buying Ton 
 thousand, price six hundred Doll. I give the Agency for 2 or 3 or more 
 counties. You can easy see the advantage of baying largely. I hope you 
 fully apreaciate the danger connected with this business, but if you will only 
 be guided by my advice there can be no trouble, for the Goods are fine enough 
 to take care of themselfes. It is best to avoid all unnecessary risk, I therefore 
 never send any Goods by mail or Express, as such letters and Packages have 
 often been intercepted by the Authorities and caused much trouble. I only 
 
216 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 deal face ioface, as I consider it absolutely necessary to know all tliose with 
 whom I am to deal personaly, as it establishes the required confidence 
 between us. If you. intend to deal with me you must come on here and get 
 the goods youiself, select from my stock what you want, and count them, and 
 take them with you. I will see you safe out of the city. Write soon if yon 
 want to come, and I will send you tlie necessari/ instructions and the name of a 
 Hotel if you wish it. I will call on you at the Hotel in your Boom, so you will 
 have no trouble in finding me. I dont want you to call at the addr. given 
 here, as I only get my mail there through a friend who knows nothing about 
 our business. I do not send any samples of my Goods, but if you doubt the 
 quality of my goods, you can come at any time to examine them without buy- 
 ing any, or you can deposit your money in a Bank, until after you have done 
 business satisfactory to yourself. I will make you an allowance in the goods 
 for all your expenses. If you want the Agency for your county, let me know, 
 and I will not write to any one else. Please destroy all letters. Hoping to 
 start a trade that will prove mutually profitable, I am yours very truly. 
 
 If the money is sent, the Fraud pockets it ; but if 0. O. D., a 
 box of sawdust is sent, and the amount collected by the express 
 company ; and, instead of heading off the express company and 
 preventing the money being paid over, the victim dares not move, 
 for fear of exposing himself as having attempted to deal in coun- 
 terfeit money. 
 
 Thus the scoundrel is protected, and the victim througli fear 
 of exposure quietly allows himself to be robbed. 
 
 Again I repeat, I have no sympathy with him. The one 
 swindled is a little the meaner of the two. The thief makes no 
 pretension of being honest, or in any legitimate business, while 
 the sender passes himself off as an honest man and a respectable 
 citizen. 
 
 A letter from a party who wants to be a rascal and deal in 
 counterfeit money. . 
 
 "Wainut Hills, La. Payette Co., Abk., May 10, 1880. 
 Have a friend and associate who has given me your address, having 
 formerly had dealings with you in connection with the subject in considera- 
 tion. 
 
 What is desired is this : A splendid specimen, say one " I " and a " V " of 
 fee-simile U. S. Currency. 
 State your prices simply thus : 
 
 For X. per ct. 500. 
 " XX. " " 1000. 
 " V. " " 1500. 
 
THE SAW DUST SWINDLERS. 217 
 
 Am living in a remote section and retired. Splendid field for speculation. 
 Want only the best " style." Strictly confidential. No eti'ort to discover or 
 betray can succeed. 
 
 Yua need feel no uneasiness and though I rely upon yuu I sliall be on my 
 guard and be firm. 
 
 Write immediately. Should your sample prove good, will send you funds 
 in " regular style." Simply aslcing for your " Patent remedy.'' 
 
 Burn this and all other communications you may receive, and I will do the 
 same. 
 
 S. H. Frost. 
 
218 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTEE XIII. 
 
 BANKING HOUSES. 
 
 Another party, arrested for violation of postal laws with his 
 circulars, about the same time as Pattee's men, and whose mail 
 was stopped by order of the Postmaster-General: and who was 
 indicted in the United States Court for violation of postal laws, 
 was H. J). P. Allen. He advertised as follows : 
 
 $19,896,748.28. Tliis immense amount is represented to be distributed 
 monthly by the Havana, Louisiana, Kentucky, and German Lotteries, draw- 
 ing monthly, semi-monthly, and daily. Tickets in any of the above at lowest 
 rates. For further information, address or apply to the National Banking 
 Co., 79 Nassau street. New York. 
 
 We give the following extract from the JVew York Sun of 
 Thursday, May 30, 1878. 
 
 JOHN dairy's new scheme. 
 
 What the Nationai Banking Association Proposes to do fok the 
 
 Unwary. 
 
 "Wanted — 10,000 letters, recent date, whose authors are of a speculative 
 chai-acter ; lottery preferred. Called with sample, 79 Nassau street, room 1, 
 after lH M." 
 
 Carpenters, painters, and glaziers were busy making a black walnut parti- 
 tion (out of pine), with wire screens and stained glass windows, in room 1. 
 The reporter recognized the baldbeaded, keen-eyed, grey-bearded man in shirt 
 sleeves behind the desk as John Daly, known as the " Post OfQce Terror.'' 
 
 " I have called to inquire into the meaning of that advertisement." 
 
 "It's very plain, I should think,'' the advertiser said. "Have you any 
 letters of that character for sale ? You have ? Now, I don't want any twenty- 
 five-cent men, or penny-whistle fellows. I want solid men, who go ten to a 
 thousand." 
 
 The reporter was invited to step in. 
 
 "The object of this advertisement is to get the names of all speculators we 
 can. This is going to be an immense thing. We call it the National Banking 
 Association, and there is a chance for a fortune to any smart man. You re- 
 member they burst up the Industrial Ezhibition Scheme, Capital One Million. 
 Well, we now propose to take up the German Lotteries, and if you know 
 any one who wants to sell bonds cheap, bring him along." 
 
BANKING HOUSES. 219 
 
 An aged German of a speculative turn entered and drew a package of old 
 letters from his pocket. What they contained the reporter was not permitted 
 to see. 
 
 There was not a book, bottle of ink, pen, nor any article in the National 
 Banking Association. The only ornament was a huge canvas transparency 
 with a long list of lotteries. 
 
 The advertisement above is a lie at the start ; for it was never 
 pretended by these lotteries that any such sum as that named 
 had ever been drawn monthly. 
 
 A circular was also issued of the " National Banking Com- 
 pany," setting forth " the new and original plan of doing busi- 
 ness." That plan was, briefly stated, to issue " bonds," bearing 
 the numbers of the tickets in the various lotteries of the day ; 
 said bonds to be redeemed with prizes, as determined by the 
 regular drawings of the regular lotteries. For instance, these 
 National Banking Company's " bonds " would be purchased and 
 the prizes decided by the drawing of the Eoyal Havana Lottery, 
 the " bond " bearing the number of the lottery grand prize, re- 
 ceiving a grand prize from the Banking Company. 
 
 More tlian this. Any one purchasing five chances in the Co- 
 vington, Ky., drawing for $5, and sending $1 additional, would 
 be insured a prize for one of his five tickets ; and the purchasers 
 of ten whole or fractional " risks " in the Eoyal Havana were in 
 like manner insured for at least one prize, or, as Allen's circular 
 expressed it, in large type and bad grammar, "Any one purchas- 
 ing 10 "Whole or Fractional Numbers in either one of these 4 Lists, 
 and faihng to draw Anything, we will eetuen their money." 
 
 This circular contained a cut of a five-story building, with a 
 Mansard roof, and from its top, floating over, was a banner or 
 flag bearing the words " National Banking Co." Upon the front 
 of this picture, as though painted on a large sign extending 
 across the three windows of one side, and nearly across the 
 entire half of the third story, was the word " National." Under 
 that, on the second story, the word " Banking." Over the first 
 story and under the second is the word " Company," representing 
 to the reader that this entire half of this immense building was 
 occupied by the " National Banking Co." 
 
220 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 This was a falsehood. The fact was that Allen occupied a 
 single room, fitted np to resemble not a banking house, but a 
 policy shop or place where lottery tickets were sold, and where 
 the only one of the officers that they pretend to name on this 
 circular, that could be found, was this man Allen. His plan is 
 discussed by his circular, and was designed to obtain money from 
 the parties to whom he should send it. Perhaps no better 
 description of the methods of his business and of the operations 
 of this " celebrated banking company " can be given than a 
 simple recital of what occurred in this den when we went in to 
 arrest Allen. 
 
 Going in, first I inquired for Mr. Allen, the Secretary and 
 Treasurer of the National Banking Company. A person about 
 fifty-five years of age, responded that tliat was his name ; when 
 a conversation very similar to the following occurred : 
 
 C. " Will you explain your scheme, or the plan of your organ- 
 ization ?" 
 
 A. " What is your name ?" 
 
 C. " I don't want my name mixed up with any such arrange- 
 ment as this. What do you want to know it for ?" 
 
 A. " Are you a correspondent ?" 
 
 C. " Yes, I have written you." 
 
 A. " Well, there is a certain newspaper that is down on me, 
 aud often persons come in here to make inquiries, and I like to 
 know why they inquire." 
 
 C. " I want to understand your methods and schemes before I 
 invest." 
 
 A. " Give me your name so I can see it is all right, and then I 
 will gladly tell you all about it." 
 
 I then gave him the address under which I had written to liira. 
 He took down a large book where he had arranged the names 
 alphabetically, and said " That is all right ; what do you want to 
 know?" 
 
 C. " What advantage is it, of buying of you rather than the 
 lottery men direct ?" 
 
 A. " With us, we pledge that every 10 tickets will draw a prize ; 
 
BANKING HOUSES. 221 
 
 if not, we forfeit $10. "We call them bonds, not tickets. We sell 
 you a bond or ticket in any one of the schemes you like." 
 
 C. Are these tickets you seU good in either of the lotteries ? 
 
 A. No, only in the ones in which you buy. 
 
 He then got a circular, and opening it to the Kentucky Com- 
 bination, informed me the best chance was in this, as there were 
 more prizes. 
 
 I then asked again for the difference between the tickets and 
 what he had to sell ? 
 
 Then came the answer which was the yery pith and essence of 
 the whole fraud. He said, " Just here ; we'll seU you ten tickets and 
 guarantee you to draw a prize, under forfeit of $10. Our lowest 
 prize is 50c. It is the same as a lottery, only we base our schemes 
 on the drawing of the other lotteries. If we guarantee an 
 amount to any person, and he has ten tickets, he is sure to draw 
 at least 50c, and if he draws 50c, that lets us out, and we can 
 of course afford to do it." 
 
 It will be seen here that this man is to get the price of ten 
 tickets out of his customer, and then he guarantees that they shall 
 draw a prize ; and observe the coolness of this f eUow, when he 
 says " If he draws 50c that lets us out." 
 
 In order to further test this matter, and see the character of the 
 business, I asked for a ticket, and received this remarkable reply 
 from the Secretary and Treasurer of this celebrated " Banking 
 Company." " We never deliver tickets till the day of drawing. 
 It would not be safe, if we did. We would be at the mercy of 
 these men. They would manipulate the drawings in such a way 
 as to beat us, or hurt us." 
 
 And this, reader, is the remarkable " National Banking Com- 
 pany of the City of New York," with a little dirty room in a build- 
 ing where I have discovered many schemes of a similar character. 
 
 AUen, by his advertisement and lying circular, made people 
 believe that there was indeed a " National Banking Company " 
 located at this place, doing a business under the National Bank laws 
 of the country. This is the man who has recently presumed to 
 denounce the Postmaster-Greneral for stopping the mail of this 
 
222 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 fraiidulent banking concern, and this man still awaits trial in tlie 
 United States Court for the offence for -which he was then 
 arrested. 
 
 I do not know one of the men that I have referred to thus far 
 in this book, for whom I have more thorough contempt than for 
 this man. Pretending to be incorporated, he engages in schemes 
 that are in themselves a violation of the laws of the State and of 
 the United States, in order that he may transfer money from the 
 pockets of other people into his own. And what return does he 
 make ? "A guarantee that if they will send him $10, they shall 
 draw a prize of 50 cents," and if they draw a prize of 50 cents, 
 " Don't you see, that lets me out." And if my readers have 
 seen the card which he has published against the Postmaster- 
 General, let them read it, and then see if this man has not added 
 ajQother title, that of blackguard, to those others already earned 
 in his nefarious business. 
 
 THE NEW TOEK INDUSTEIAL COMPAmr. 
 
 We have already referred to the New York Industrial Com- 
 pany, a robbery scheme as audacious and magnificent in character 
 as any ever launched in this city. 
 
 The projectors of this company started their plan full-grown, 
 chartered by the State Legislature, equipped with a Board of 
 Directors, which included sundry Generals and Honorables, and 
 in possession of a plot of land valued at over two millions of 
 dollars. 
 
 The Company issued oHe million bonds, of the par value of 
 $20. These were " divided into 10,000 Series of 100 Bonds 
 each ; at the Bond drawing so many Series Numbers are drawn — 
 each one represents 100 Bonds ; at the Premium Drawing each 
 Bond is rejpresented by the Series and Bond Numbers, and can- 
 not draw less than $21, and as high as $100,000." Surely an 
 excellent investment for Mr. Plethoric-Pocketbook Greenhorn I 
 
 There may seem to be a sameness in these schemes, and the 
 reader may tire of such lengthy quotations. But they are neces- 
 sary. Thousands in the country are totally ignorant of these 
 devices of the sharper. 
 
BANKING HOUSES. 
 
 223 
 
 The " Prospectus" informs us that : 
 
 The Legislature of the State of New York granted, in 1870, a charter incor- 
 porating the Industrial Exhibition Company of New York. 
 
 The Company -was organized on the 12th day of May, 1870, and 22i acres of 
 land, situated in the heart of the City of New York, were purchased. 
 
 DIAGRAM OF LAND PURCHASED. 
 
 lOlst 
 
 100th 
 
 99th 
 
 
 102d Street. 
 
 nt 
 
 . o 
 
 The Object of the Company 
 
 is to put up a building of the following 
 description on this plot ; ground having 
 been already broken for this purpose. 
 
 The building is to be quadrangular, with 
 an interior court of 11 acres, covered by a, 
 glass roof. 
 
 The building will be two hundred feet 
 wide, completely surrounding the ground, 
 thus giving a length of 3,800 feet, and a width 
 of 200 feet, making a total of 760,000 square 
 feet for each floor. There are to be seven 
 floors above the basement, giving a total of 
 5,320,000 square feet. 
 
 The basements open out on the streets and 
 avenues, and give additional room (equally 
 available as that mentioned) of 908,000 square 
 feet, which, added to the quantity contained 
 in the other floors, make 6,228,000 square feet, 
 independent of the court. 
 
 98th Street. 
 
 Street. 
 
 This land, which the Company contracted for in 1870, at the price of $1,700,- 
 000, has been and is steadily increasing in value. Governor Dis appointed a 
 committee in 1872, to appraise this land, and their report was that the land 
 waa woi-th then $2,400,000. 
 
224 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Tlie Legislature has relieved the Company/com taxes and assessments for five 
 years, and closed the intersecting streets and Lexington Avenue, thus giving 
 the Company a large body of land embraced by the streets and avenues. 
 
 All railroads entering New York pass by this property. 
 
 Owing to certain defects in the charter, the company has been prevented 
 from building heretofore. On the 20th day of April, 1874, these defects were 
 remedied by an act of the Legislature, and the company specially authorized 
 to issue the bonds it is now issuing, known as the Premium Loan Bonds. 
 
 These bonds are simply a copy of the bonds so popular in Europe, and which 
 have been issued by the Austrian, French, Prussian, and other European Gov- 
 ernments. The peculiarity of these londs is, that instead of the interest on the 
 loan being distributed equally to each bondholder, the interest is unequally distribu- 
 ted among all the bondholders, and the whole interest on each bond is paid at one 
 time, instead of being paid each year, or semi-annually, as is customary in America, 
 on the old form of bonds. 
 
 The purchaser of one of these 
 
 $20 Bonds, 
 
 is certain to have his bond redeemed with interest. There are four distribu- 
 tions of premiums each year. At each distribution there is distributed among 
 the bondholders $150,000 in cash, or a total of $600,000 per year. This is 3 
 per cent, on the whole loan. 
 
 Whenever a bondholder has drawn any of the above named premiums, on 
 the surrender of his bond he will receive the premium which he has drawn, 
 and the Company cancels the bond. In this manner it redeems its loan. 
 
 Eventually, every bond will be redeemed, and each bondholder be repaid 
 his investment with a small rate of interest, and a very large number will 
 have received fortunes. 
 
 In short, the holder of an Industrial Exhibition Bond does not risk his prin- 
 cipal — but he speculates with a portion of his Interest, and by so doing he . 
 may draw a premium varying from $21 to $100,000, 
 
 This loan is secured by a mortgage on all the property of the Industrial Ex- 
 hibition Company — a tract of land situated in the heart of the City of New 
 York, comprising about 22i acres, the franchises, personal property, and all the 
 Company has or may become possessed of until the bonds are all redeemed, at 
 which time, the trust deed terminates. 
 
 These bonds have mo coupons, and there is no interest payable until the 
 bonds are redeemed. A certain number of the one million bonds are redeemed 
 quarterly. 
 
 The City of New York is authorized to loan $2,750,000 to the Company as 
 soon as this building is erected. 
 
 HOW TO OPEEATB SUCCESSFULLY. 
 
 Buy as many chances (Whole Bonds or Fractions) as you can buy now, and 
 keep buying. The more you have, the greater your chances for the $100,000. 
 You cannot buy a blank as in a lottery. 
 
 Everybody can afford to do this, as they are sure to get more than their 
 
BANKING HOUSES. 
 
 225' 
 
 money 'back, and are running no greater risk than the delay of their bonds 
 drawing. These drawings are never postponed. 
 
 And after more of such glowing castle-building, witli tlie 
 usual flattering press notices and tlie charter in full, the formida- 
 able circular concludes as follows : 
 
 S*1 
 
 « 
 
 Xosallzed 1>f Special Act or luc Lcglstature of llio State of New.Tork, 
 
 TIci-Tns!3ent, 'W. Ii. BliWT, Tretiilsit.'IOEir 0. SOBIHSOIT, SineUl?, S. E. SSIIS. 
 
 CoTincton, Ky, Ex-Lleutcimat Oovenior of tliQ SUto of Now Yorlc New York City. 
 
 Tlic aljovo Company ofFcts special J»lv&ntagc3 to gain iargcr sums by ciiaiico witliout tiio rlsTc of lostii? your money Hero, 
 if you nre iucl:y, your money returns at once with, pcrtinps, a Gum liiat malics you independent. At tlic worat. your money returns 
 Willi a large or sinaii increase in nn iudcfinito time ; litis ia tiie rislt ONLY tiiat nil must taltc wiio Invest Iiicir.niouey iu Iliese seenrl- 
 tics. Tiic Company's! Cliarler is given for flfly years ; some four, or five years liavo c.\pircd. Every, Bond sold is represented in 
 every dr.awing until drawn, and tile question wliieii la asked of ns so often Is fully answered liero Ivory Bond Is drawn andre- 
 deemed witii a premium, Tarying from $21 to $100,000. 
 
 January 2d 1, OOO Bonds are drawn from tLe balance Temalolng on hand. 
 Marcb 5th l.OOO 
 
 For the year 
 
 1877. 
 
 AprU 2d 4,000 
 
 June 4th 4,000 
 
 JvOy 2d 1,000 
 
 September 3d 1,000 
 October 1st 4,O0O 
 December 3d 4,000 
 
 redeemed 
 
 drawn from the balance remaining on hand, 
 redeemed. 
 
 drawn from the balance remaining oil hand 
 redeemed. 
 
 drawn from the balance remaining on hand. 
 redeemed. 
 a.moimtiiig; to $600,000 Principal and 
 
 10,000 
 
 Interest,- are now redeemed yearly. The number of bonds and amount of principal and interest will 
 gradually increase untU the last year, when. 45,000 jBonds, amounting to $2,320,000, wilL be re- 
 deemed. 
 
 II^"A11 Bonds bought before the next drawing of Bonds, will, at redemption, receive one of the 
 following sums in United States Currency : 
 
 No. OP BOKDS. 
 
 45 
 
 20 
 
 10 
 
 2.0 
 
 28 
 
 24 
 
 30 
 
 10 
 
 57 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 167 
 
 80 
 
 137 
 
 90 
 
 60 
 
 20 
 
 145 
 
 lirei 
 
 e $100,000 $4,500,000 
 80,000 1,600,000 
 70,000 700,000 
 60,000 1,200,000 
 50,000 1,400,000 
 35,000 845,000 
 
 30,000 
 25,000 
 10,000 
 8,000 
 6,000 
 5,000 
 4,000 
 3,000 
 2,500 
 2,000 
 1,500 
 1,000 
 
 900,000 
 
 250,000 
 
 570,000 
 
 80,000 
 
 60,000 
 
 835,000 
 
 320,000 
 
 411,000 
 
 225,000 
 
 120,000 
 
 30,000 
 
 145,000 
 
 1880 eaci 
 
 2990 
 
 7847 
 
 9020 
 
 201000 
 
 14S00O 
 
 98000 
 
 98000 
 
 98000 
 
 9SO0O 
 
 144000 
 
 48000 
 
 18300 
 
 rcecivii$500 
 
 " 200 
 
 " 100 
 
 " 50 
 
 " 40 
 
 '* 36 
 
 " 32 
 
 *' 30 
 
 " 28 
 
 " 25 
 
 " 23 
 
 " 22 
 
 " 21 
 
 $940,000 
 
 598.000 
 
 784,700 
 
 451,000 
 
 8,040,000 
 
 5.328,000 
 
 3,136,000 
 
 2,940,000 
 
 2,344,000 
 
 2,450,000 
 
 3,312,000 
 
 1,056,000 
 
 384.300 
 
 974000 
 
 26000 ■"•■SSSi"i;.""'"' 1 1,650,000 
 
 1000000|£'S»f.£[48,000,000 
 
 "We divide Commissions vitli our Customers. 
 
 Whole Bonds, 19. Half Bonds, $9.75. QuarterlBonds, $5. 
 ALLEN, EDWARDS & FORDHAM, Bankers 79 Nassau Street, 
 
 P. O. Bos: 1628. 
 
 NEW ~^ORK. 
 
 15 
 
226 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Now, just imagine it — all tliis tremendous scLeme emanated 
 from an obscure, dingy and dirty little office; a business of 
 $48,000,000 in a closet ! And try to conjure up the likeness of a 
 man foolish, enough to send his twenty dollars to these frauds. 
 
 Tet men did send, ^o scheme was ever yet so barefaced but 
 that some one would bite at it. 
 
 Accompanying this document was a letter from the bankers 
 who controlled the finances. Here it is, in most villainous 
 English too : 
 
 New York, August 15th, 1876. 
 Dear Sir — Enclosed find Prospectus of tlio NewYort Industrial Company now 
 four years since it obtained its charter and commenced business in this city 
 during which every dra-wing to elect a certain number of bonds has publicly 
 taken place at the appointed time and all bonds so elected to he redeemed 
 have been as promptly. The Industrial Company's mode of business being 
 comparitively unknown to the majority of the citizens of the United States, 
 hence in introducing this plan of investment we propose to give this time a 
 double chance to a limited number in order if possible to distribute a few 
 elected bonds among them. For $20 we will give you our certificate covering 
 a package of 20 Bonds in the election of Oct. 3d, (4000 bonds to be drawn) if 
 one or more of the bonds are elected, we will deduct $19 on each and hand 
 you the remainder of the sum they shall be entitled to receive. If you do not 
 draw a sum equal twice your Investment then we will give you a whole bond 
 free which is sure to draw you hack $21 and as likely a much larger sum up to 
 $100,000 and participates iu every subsequent election until drawn, For $10 
 we will give you our certificate covering 12 bonds and in like manner as 
 above if they do not draw you twice your money back in the next drawing 
 then for $9 more we will give you a whole bond which is a cert."iinty in being 
 redeemed in the sum of $21 and upwards as per plan on first page of prospec- 
 tus in this way you have both a sure and a speculative chance. It will be 
 useless to make us a proposition for a more liberal or extended offer than this. 
 We can't afford to carry bonds enough to make this offer to every body and 
 those who pass it, will not have such a chance again. 
 Yours Kespectfully, 
 
 Allen, Edwards &. Fordham, Bankers, 
 
 79 Nassau Street, New Yort. 
 
 THE NASSAU BANKING COMPANY. 
 
 In place of the National Banking Co. we now find the above 
 
 at 79 Nassau street. The Postmaster- General had ofiicially 
 
 treated the National Banking Co. as a fraud ; and as Allen was 
 
 the father of it, he refused to allow either one to use the Money 
 
BANKING HOUSES. 227 
 
 Order, or Eegistered Letter Departments of the Postal service to 
 defraud the people. Hence change of name, and base. 
 
 Latterly, there has started up this new concern. It is well to 
 look before you leap. We find gratuitously distributed " The 
 Investors' Guide," which advertises 
 
 THE NASSAU BANKING COMPANT. 
 
 A glance at the list of ofiicers, will elicit an inquiry, as to 
 whether these officers are the graduates of either the Industrial 
 Bond or National Banking Companies. The names look alike, 
 surely. The handle to Mr. Allen's is a little different. Instead 
 of " H. D. P." it is contracted and mysteriously changed to " N". 
 W." What "K W." stands for would be difficult to tell. I 
 imagine, however, it might mean No Worth. Certain am I, that 
 any business he has any connection with, would be no worth to 
 me as an investment. The Investors' Guide, from which we 
 quote, says, " publication office, 113 Nassau street, E". T." 
 
 We purpose to deal with the Guide, and later on will pay our 
 personal respects to the publishers, and the " Board of Managers 
 for 1880." 
 
 The Guide is published in the interest of the Nassau Banking 
 Co. and is to be sent ^^free to all who desire it." In the first 
 column, page one, appears an article, 
 
 FIXAUCIAI, REVIEW OF THE STOCK MARKET FOR THE PAST MONTH. 
 
 The Stock Exchange ■was the centre of great interest. Government secu- 
 rities were very firmly held. * » » » Railroad bonds pushed up very 
 sharply. * » « * xhe active speculative stocks made a large advance 
 with a slight reaction before the close of the month. * » « xhe actual 
 situation of stocks was favorable for high prices ; the railroad earnings were 
 maintained at remarkably high figures ; the freight rates were very firmly 
 held on the trunk lines. 
 
 Then follov/ed a report of transactions of the Stock Exchange 
 and a " glance at the course of business affairs in general." We 
 then come to the meat of the affair. First is an article on " Ari- 
 zona^'' purporting to be copied from the " Virginia Chronicle " of 
 June 22, saying : 
 
 Ex-Mayor John S. Young returned this morning from a trip to Guaymas, 
 
228 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Sonora, and thence tlirougTi northern Mexico and Arizona. * ♦ • On Ma 
 return trip Mr. Young passed through Tucson and Tombstone and made some 
 examinations of the mining prospects of Arizona. Both these towns are full 
 of life and activity. The Tombstone district is very rich in minerals, and 
 there is plenty of good silver ore on the surface. » # » * * The main 
 street of Tombstone swarms with Comstockers, and Mr. Young says, he could 
 ejmost imagine himself on C. street. 
 
 Then follows a reference to the richness of all this district in 
 
 mineral wealth, especial mention being made that 
 
 There are plenty of good mines in the district, the Eough Nut, Grand 
 Central and Contention being the best developed, and eastern capitalists 
 are very ready to take hold of claims that show good prospects. * * * * 
 And Mr. Young believes Arizona will prove the great silver producing region 
 of the world. 
 
 Then in Italics follows : 
 
 Tlie Clarendon mine and, the other lodes of the Clarendon Co. lay not far from the 
 above, and are fully as rich so far as developed. 
 
 Then in heavy type it says : 
 
 Investors in the stock of this Company run no risk. Shares are guaranteed 
 to be always worth par, and redeemed on demand. Stock dividends payable 
 in cash. Shares of stock are $100 each. Scrip is issued for any sum less 
 than $100. Scrip is entitled to the same dividend on each dollar as stock, 
 payable in scrip and redeemable in cash in amounts of $100, or exchange- 
 able for stock. 
 
 ORDBES EXECUTED ACCORDING TO INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 We are supplied with a gold and stock telegraph indicator and a wire 
 running direct to the Exchange, giving us such facilities as are necessary 
 in immediately executing orders without delay. 
 
 Which "exchange?" Stock, Mining, Produce, Cotton, or 
 Coal ? " Exchange " is a good word, but, as used here, is cele- 
 brated for its indefiniteness. It is designed to be a taking word. 
 
 Then appears a remarkable bait. Not only remarkable as such, 
 but, viewed in the light of what foUows in this Banking Com- 
 pany's efforts to sell stock, is more astonisliing still. 
 
 jfTli's Company paid $81 on each share of their stocks (sold) on the 10th inst, {July). 
 Scrip issued for such amount as investors may desire. 
 
 I would make a remark here, if what follows did not over-lap 
 
BANKING HOUSES. 229 
 
 the above. Perhaps, I should anyway, as it will help the reader 
 to see more clearly the absurdity of stock that is earning $61 per 
 share per month, going begging ; necessary for the celebrated (?) 
 Kassau Banting Co. whose office is within three blocks of the 
 great money power of Wall street, to issue a circular and send 
 out gratuitously to parties whose names and Post office addresses 
 this concern can secure, in order thereby, to sell their stock, 
 which pays $61 per month; and further that they are 
 obhged to divide these $100 shares up into scrip in order to 
 secure purchasers ! Absurd ! preposterous ! "Why, there are men 
 enough within three blocks of this office, standing ready to buy- 
 all stock that will guarantee 10 per cent, profit per year, if placed 
 in single file to reach from Battery to Central Park. 
 
 The next page of the "Guide " is a " stunner." It over-caps 
 all that has thus far appeared, and we reproduce it intact. [See 
 page 2 of Circular on page 230.] 
 
 I have given exact quotations from the first, and the entire 
 second page of this circular. Now, reader, which stock is of- 
 fered for sale ? The Clarendon Mine, or The Nassau Banking 
 Co. ? Leaving you to solve this puzzle, we pass on to consider 
 other details of this circular. Do not be carried entirely away, 
 by annual profit of $456 5-100 on every share of ($100) stock 
 sold. 
 
 This circular is rich reading. It is very funny at times and 
 excites mirth, when one understands its hidden meaning. They' 
 are very anxious not to be troubled, and on page three they say : 
 
 SCKIP HOLDERS. 
 
 To those that shall decide to invest in scrip instead of stock in the com- 
 pany, let us try and make it so plain that no one -will -write us asking "full 
 information by letters." 
 
 In other words — or the hidden design is— Do not force us to 
 .commit ourselves by writing a letter, where our handwriting may 
 appear against us. We desire to conduct this scheme on the 
 basis of our printed circular which we send gratuitously, and not 
 be obliged to -write letters about our schemes, as that is extra- 
 hazardous — rendering us liable to be caught. 
 
230 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 [Specimen of Adv. appearing in The Investors' Guide.] 
 
 THE NASSAU BANKING COMPANY 
 
 WILL ISSUE TO INVESTORS IN LOTS TO SUIT, 
 
 BALANCE OF 10,000 SHARES 
 
 THE CAPITAL STOCK OF THIS COMPAITT 
 
 AT PAR $100 EACH SHARE, 
 
 HEDEEMABIjE AT FAK OIH DEMAND. 
 
 FOR SAFETY, SECURITY AND PROFIT THIS 
 STOCK IS SELDOM EVER EftUALLED. 
 
 March. Dividend -was $56 per Sh.are. 
 June " $61 
 
 Or Compounded $140.59 for Six Months per Share, equal 
 $456.05 CLEAR per Share per Year. 
 
 But with a more favorable market very much more may be expected. 
 
 The object ia oflfering this Stock is to combine Capital in the Pur- 
 chase and Sale of Railroad and Mining Stocks and Bonds in the daily 
 market. 
 
 The Profits accruing from such transactions are mutually divided 
 PRO RATA among the Stockholders quarterly or of tener. 
 
 In this vray there is a very favorable chance for large profits and 
 no chance to LOSE, the Company agreeing to redeem always at par 
 their Stock on demand. 
 
 HEREAFTER EVERYBODY CAN INVEST 
 
 SUCH SUMS AS WILL SUIT THEIR CONVENIENCE. 
 
 Having had to answer numerous enquiries as to whether we would or would not 
 accept less amounts than $100 (the price of each Share of Stock), and returning small 
 sums sent us without consultation until we are tired of it, will hereafter to accommodate 
 ail, issue " Scrip " for any sum less than $100, said Scrip entitled to a share of all div- 
 idends hereafter declared, PRO RATA payable in Scrip, and redeemable in amounts 
 of $100 in Cash, or exchangeable for Stock, at the holders' option. Dividends remain- 
 ing in our hands for reinvestment not equalling $100 will be paid in Scrip on the above 
 conditions, thereby avoiding the keeping of open accounts, a saving of m,uch time and 
 labor to us, and giving we trust greater satisfaction to our patrons. 
 
 IBo^xrc^. of IVCa.xi.A/Sg^'S fox* XGGO. 
 
 J. VANCE. W. H. CHEEVER. N. W. ALLEN. 
 
BANKING HOUSES. 231 
 
 They then say ; 
 
 This company will issue what we denominate as scrip (being a receipt for 
 such amount of money as may be sent to us under $100), though we would not 
 advise those having a less sum than $10 to send it ; even $25 we thinli small 
 enough. 
 
 It will be remembered that Allen, in his former scheme, agreed,, 
 if they would send $10 for tickets or bonds, to guarantee that 
 they should surely draw a prize — "you see our smallest prize is 
 50 cents," and " don't you see that lets us out ?" Again, he says : 
 
 We are doubling money on the average about every four months in a very 
 dull market. 
 
 That this is true, I have no doubt. If they had said that they 
 were making a personal profit to themselves of one thousand 
 times as much as the amount of their capital invested, I should 
 believe them. Note what they say, " we are doubling money." 
 Certainly, that is true, or they would get up some other scheme. 
 
 Then comes more " bait " for the simple ones. 
 
 On this basis $10 will make $100 in thirteen months ; $25 would make- 
 $100 in eight months ; $50 would malse $100 in four months; and until you 
 have^lOO in scrip you, cannot exchange it for stock or have it cashed. In a very 
 active market money may be doubled monthly, or nearly so. We make this 
 offer because we do not wish a large business in small investments, where the 
 trouble is greater than the profit, because we have reduced this down fine; 
 guaranteeing every one against loss and dividing the profit, leaves nothing for 
 the promoters of this company but a fair salary and expenses, the stockholders 
 really being the owners, and in another year will have it in their power to 
 control the entire business. Scrip holders have no voice in the management; 
 but in every other way scrip has equal advantages and is just as profitable as 
 stock. 
 
 All this, to induce large investments of $100 and upwards. 
 On one line he says, "until you have $100 in scrip you cannot 
 exchange it for stock or have it cashed," and ends by saying, 
 "Scrip holders have no voice in -the management; but in every 
 other way scrip has equal advantages, and is just as profitable as 
 stock." The idea is to secure $100/ro??i each victim. 
 
 That both these stocks are of equal value there is no doubt, 
 and I think all will agree, neither possesses value of the paper 
 this Guide is printed upon. 
 
 The fraud at times is very condescending. This trait is illua- 
 
232 
 
 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 trated by their offering to supply their customers with other 
 
 stocks, than this one that pays $456 5-100 per share annually. 
 
 They say : 
 
 "While we advocate the purchasing of our stock for safety as well as profit, 
 wc will fill individual orders for the purchase and sale of any stocks, either 
 wholly for cash on their account or on margin. 
 
 Then follows a list of about 50 stocks after the following form. 
 
 PBICES OF STOCKS FOE THE YBAK 1879. 
 
 NAME OF STOCK. 
 
 LOWEST. 
 
 HIGHEST. 
 
 
 DATE. 
 
 
 DATE. 
 
 
 A merican Dist.Telegraph 
 
 Jan. 8. 
 
 23 
 
 Nov. 17. 
 
 76i 
 
 Atlantic & Pacific Tel. 
 
 Jan. 4 
 
 29 
 
 Nov. 17. 
 
 48i 
 
 Alton & Terre Haute 
 
 Jan. 21. 
 
 2i 
 
 Nov. 12. 
 
 24i 
 
 They then do an example in imaginative arithmetic, by taking 
 a few of the stocks referred to and calculating the profits that 
 might have been made, provided they had purchased at the bot- 
 tom figure, and closed out at the highest. 
 
 Any school boy, who could not read a " dime novel " and day- 
 dream out a larger and better fortune than they have, without 
 less effort, ought to be thrashed, and made to do sums in simple 
 addition. There is no more argument in what they show, than 
 though they should go to a bank, and watch the cashier or paying 
 teller pay out the funds of the bank, and then say, " to show what 
 might have been made," if we had all the cash that was ever paid 
 out by that cashier or teller. It is to be presumed that " The 
 Board of Managers for 1880," spent many sleepless nights work- 
 ing out the following knotty problem, where they say : 
 
 EXAMPLES. 
 
 .To show what might have heen made in the past year, let us suppose we 
 had bought the following stocks and sold them at current prices : 
 
 Dr. To Purchaser. 
 
 A^pr.g. Bought 500 shares C. C. & I. C, at 5 $2,500 00 
 
 "9. " 500 " O.&M. atl2 6,000 00 
 
BANKING HOUSES. 233 
 
 Cr. By Sale. 
 
 Nov. 13. Sold 500 shares C. C. & I. C, at 22 |11,000 00 
 
 " 13. " 500 " O.&M. atao Is'oOO 00 
 
 After this form they figured up $116,462.50 profits. This is 
 taking and dazzling to the simple minded and ignorant. 
 
 Another page is devoted to this Banking Co. and then closes 
 with directions how to send money. They say " Postal orders 
 not accepted, too much time is required to collect them." 
 
 Address all communications, 
 
 JSTassau Banldng Co., 79 Nassau st., IST. Y. 
 
 Don't you do it, reader ; it will not pay. Two things mark 
 well. 
 
 First. Never send money to any person who is afraid of 
 money orders and registered letters. 
 
 Second. Always in sending money, send hy m^ney .order or 
 registered letter. 
 
 Why ? Because they cannot get either a money order or regis- 
 tered letter, till they are fully identified ; and if frauds, very 
 often they will not run the risk of being known, but will forfeit 
 these orders and letters, rather than come to the front to receive 
 them. 
 
 We have thus taken up but four of the eight pages of this cir- 
 cular. The pages are about 12 by 16 inches. The balance is 
 devoted to the 
 
 Clakendon Mill & Mining Company, 
 
 of 
 
 Arizona. 
 
 Capital, 12,000,000. 
 
 Divided into 200,000 shares of $10 per share, full paid and forever unas- 
 
 Then follows a history of the first discovery of gold and silver 
 in Nevada, and a description of the location of the Company's 
 mills, mines, etc. ; then the Company'-s plan of operation, which 
 concludes as follows : 
 
 To supply the means to carry on the above work, the Company offers 
 
234 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 30,000 shares of stock, par value of $10 per share, full paid and unassessable, 
 at the low rate of |1.50 per share, the Company reserving the right to advance 
 the price at any time. 
 
 Then in italics : 
 
 OUR SPECLAi USrSTKUCTIONS 
 
 are to issae stock in such amounts as will accommodate all who apply. * * * 
 The average assays of ores taken from our mines is $200 per ton bar silver 
 with a percentage of gold. A 10 stamp mill will crush of this ore, per year of 
 300 working days, 4,500 tons ; taking, it will yield one-half the assays in 
 milling, $100 per ton will give us $450,000; deduct $20 per ton for expenses of 
 mining and milling, $90,000, will net the Company per annum $360,000. 
 
 All for $1.50 per share ! but read on : 
 
 From the foregoing it will be seen that from the completion of the first 10 
 stamp mill the Company will he able to pay 15 per cent, dividend on its 
 wliole capital stock of $2,000,000. There would still be surplus of $30,000 for 
 the erection of more stamp mills and the opening of the remaining seven 
 mines of the Company ; 70,000 shares of stock would still remain and he 
 owned by the Company, which could he sold for raising more capital if 
 required, or could be distributed among the shareholders as a stock dividend. 
 
 They then become very considerate again, and say : 
 
 We will not dwell or enlarge upon these figures. We leave the investor to 
 use his own judgment in the matter, but ask him carefully to examine the 
 foregoing statements. 
 
 They then seek to warp the judgment of their correspondent, 
 as follows : 
 
 EW p. S. — Eemember that the best stock in the market to-day could have 
 been bought at the right time at the price we are asking now for this. 
 
 BEAR IN MIND 
 
 That 70,000 shares of this stock has leen retained in the Treasury for the benefit of 
 stockholders, so that each xmrchaser of two shares is entitled to the benefit of one 
 and seven one thousandths more, tvhich reduces the pHce ielow $1 per share at the 
 present time. 
 
 All for $1.50 per share ! Again they add : 
 
 We particularly call attention to this, as it is, or will produce an additional 
 35 per cent, profit to the investment in the Company's mines. 
 
 61 + 35 = 96 per cent, profit, or $96 on every $100, on the 
 shares of stock that cost $1.50 per share. 
 
BANKING HOUSES. 235 
 
 Again they say : 
 
 Large operations move slow, but now is your time to get in if you ever 
 wish to on a bed rock foundation, before the mines are any further devel- 
 oped. »*'*•»•»« 
 
 Address all orders for this stock to 
 
 Nassau Banking Co., 
 
 Financial Agents, 79 Nassau st., N. Y. 
 
 I have endeavored to point out some of the absurdities, and 
 at the same time show some of the improbabihties of a foi'tune 
 being made to every person sending $100 or 1 10 to the above. 
 
 What becomes of the otlier 100,000 shares? They sell 
 30,000 shares at $1.50 each, distribute 70,000 more among the 
 owners of these 30,000, declare a dividend of 15 per cent, on the 
 entire $2,000,000 capital, besides paying for everything, and yet 
 have not touched but one haK of the total number of shares. In 
 other words, 30,000 shares sold at $1.50 per share brings them 
 $45,000 ; and this buys and pays for the mine, mills, expenses 
 of entire year, and enables them to give away $700,000 of stock, 
 declare a dividend of 15 per cent, on the entire capital of $2,- 
 000,000, and leaves a surplus of $60,000 to buy new mills, etc., 
 and aU for $1.50per share. 
 
 This is no fraud ! O no ! This is The iTassau Banking Co., of 
 79 ITassau street, New York, agent for the Clarendon Mining 
 Co. of Arizona. 
 
 They have but two stocks to sell, one is " $100 per share, and 
 pays an annual profit of $456.5-100," and the other I have just 
 described, valued at $10 — ^but to induce purchasers, will be sold 
 at $1.50 per share. 
 
 ON PEESONAX, INVESTIGATIOir 
 
 At the ofi&ce of this Banking Co. (?) I find the same little dirty 
 office, and the same occupant as in the case of The National 
 Banking Co. I believe them one and the same. "What say you ? 
 
 reader. 
 
 Later, September 22, 1880, I personally visited 79 Nassau 
 street. I found the sign of " Nassau Bankmg Co." on the door 
 of the room already described— and the door locked. The janitor 
 
236 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 informs me the Banking Co., or Mr. H. D. P. ISJ". W. Allen, has 
 moved. On looking in the oiBce, I found it empty. On consulting 
 the papers, in a complaint just received, I find that the Investori 
 Guide for September, says, that they have moved nearer the 
 centre of the money mart, and hereafter are to be located at 35 
 and 37 Broad street. On visiting that place, I found, after a long 
 search, up on the fourth floor, in a little room, the office parapher- 
 nalia of this rich bonanza that pays $456.5-100 on one stock, and 
 96 per cent, per annum on the other. Allen has just stepped 
 out. One of the parties who is to occupy the office with him, 
 appears and looks in at a rear office, and hurries out. I ask him 
 for the firm. He replies he does not know them. I ask 
 for Cheever and Yance, and he says they will be in in the 
 morning. I then look at the rich and costly furniture of this 
 great banking house, while waiting for Mr. Allen, and make an 
 exact inventory of the same. I found one pine table covered 
 with oilcloth, a small desk, five cheap chairs to correspond, twelve 
 envelope boxes, three boxes such as newspaper penny wrappers 
 come in, and a bundle of old rusty books. Carpenters were erecting 
 a pine partition, similar to the one in the former office, to exclude 
 the public. The result of the presentation of the facts to the 
 Postmaster-General, has been to prohibit the use of the Eegis- 
 tered letter and Money order department by this company, by 
 the sending back of all such letters and orders to the senders 
 thereof, marked "Fraudulent." The public must now pass 
 judgment for themselves. I certify to the above facts in the 
 hope that I may save honest, simple-minded ones from being 
 defrauded and swindled. 
 
 One thing I did not find in either office, a " stock telegraph 
 indicator connecting their office with the Exchange" or any 
 other place. iTo such thing appears. 
 
THE LOTTEEY PARASITE. 237 
 
 , CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 THE LOTTERY PARASETE. 
 
 This insignificant creature lives npon the Lottery. Wliile he 
 does not rise to the dignity of a lottery, he sinks below the 
 level of the ordinary fraud. He pretends, that he is a lottery 
 — legally, a gambling scheme — controls certain interests, or has 
 especial advantages, over all others, to offer to the purchasers 
 of lottery tickets. 
 
 " Only buy of me, and you will be sure to draw a prize, or 
 I wiU guarantee to send you another package of tickets in the 
 next drawings freeP This is the inducement offered by most 
 of these men. What a condescension ! what liberality ! what 
 disinterestedness! is manifested. And yet, reader, tliis would- 
 have-you-believe-me philanthropist (parasite), can well afford to 
 * send you another package of tickets. You send him $10, and 
 in return, he sends you ten pieces of paper, that, including the 
 price of printing, mailing, etc., probably costs him, not far from 
 5 cents. He is to send you another 5 cents worth of these pink 
 papers, if you do not draw a prize. You assui-edly will not 
 draw a prize, and if he does as he agrees to, which is decidedly 
 doubtful, aU you wiU have to show for your $10, will be 20 
 pieces of paper about 2^x4 inches, while the parasite has a clean 
 profit of $9.90. 
 
 J. M. Pattee's schemes were many of them conducted in this 
 manner. But as we have classed him more particularly as bogus 
 lotteries, or commonly and vulgarly spealdng " skin-lotteries " 
 (where he fleeces the purchaser out of every cent), we shall il- 
 lustrate this class, by one of Pattee's former clerks, who, in 187Y, 
 was arrested as Henry Carson, alias Emery & Co., for violating 
 postal laws, by the Cheyenne and Wyoming lottery swindles. 
 He was convicted, and his fine was paid in the United States 
 Courts -in 1877. Since then he has been obliged to operate under 
 his own name, and more recently as 
 
238 FBAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 E. ST. OAEE & CO., 
 
 31 Park row, and ]S"tines & Co., 142 Fulton street, 'New York. 
 A few of his schemes will illustrate how many of this kind may 
 foUow, first one and then another, by the same parties, and con- 
 tinue right on, notwithstanding repeated arrests. There are at 
 this writing not less than four or five complaints and indictments 
 in the courts against this one man, upon which he is held in 
 bail for trial, and yet he continues on. There is some potent 
 power that these men possess, that enables them to defy the laws 
 and continue their robbery of the public. 
 
 Another thing, equally surprising to one not posted, is the 
 fact, that circulars of these different schemes are sent to the same 
 parties, and the same persons will be swindled again and again, 
 by the same firm ; and yet, they are not aware of being swindled. 
 How is it ? I repeat, the purchaser of one of these packages of 
 tickets, is seldom or never aware of being swindled'. He draws 
 nothing, of course not, there is nothing to draw. It is like a 
 poultice, the drawing is all on one side. The victim reasons, "my 
 luck is bad," "luck is against me," or "just my luck, I never draw 
 a prize." And instead of perceiving that he has been victimized 
 by a rank swindle, he reasons as does the gambler, and thinks it 
 is his bad luck. And so, he will reinvest in the next scheme the 
 parasite sends, reasoning to himself, that his " luck must turn." 
 
 This very thing is the fraud's protection. The gambling spirit 
 of the investor blinds his eyes, and he becomes a victim to the 
 allurements of tlie printed circular. 
 
 And these circulars, with their flattering inducements and false 
 promises, awaken in the mind of the young especially, that lust 
 for gain, that latent disposition or tendency to speculation — that 
 getting something for nothing— that securing wealth and riches 
 without labor, that which leads them on, from the healthy in- 
 dustries of life, toward the gambler's restless, feverish condition 
 of mind that ignores honest toil and business. As nature abhors 
 a vacuum, so the gambler abhors work. 
 
 Again, the evil of these crimes is manifold. The victim in- 
 vests all his savings. He loses and becomes desperate. He 
 
THE LOTTERY PARASITE. 239 
 
 thinks, I must get my money back at least. I cannot lose that, 
 and so he continues to use his limited income, draws on his 
 savings, borrows or steals to reinvest in the same or in a similar 
 scheme, only to continue to be robbed. And this often preys 
 upon the mind of the loser, until he commits some desperate 
 deed, that brings him within the meshes of the law, and leads him 
 to his ruin or suicide. 
 
 Query. Is it not better in every way, and healthier for the 
 community, that the laws of the land be enforced against these 
 criminals, and their devices legally suppressed, rather than they 
 be allowed to continue their schemes of robbery ? 
 
 Who is responsible to-day for the existence and perpetuity of 
 these schemes ? 
 
 First, the people who patronize them. 
 
 Second, the people who know of these evils and wink at them, 
 but do nothing toward enforcing these laws. 
 
 Third, the prosecuting officers in New York City, who allow 
 indictments to remain untried for months against these men, 
 while they continue openly to advertise and defy the laws. 
 
 But, some one asks, why does not some one go to these officers 
 and ask to have these men tried ? I reply, I have repeatedly 
 arrested these men, and have piled up indictment after indictment, 
 and complaint after complaint against them in the courts, and 
 there is no excuse. These laws ought to be rigidly enforced. 
 The party that fosters and screens these scoundrels must take the 
 responsibility before the public. To perpetuate and shield such 
 devices, designed to deceive and rob the people, is a high crime 
 against the people and a misdemeanor under the law. 
 
 Philanthropists, honest men, taxpaj'ers, law and- order men, to 
 the front ! Let our laws be properly enforced, and not allow the 
 courts of justice to be turned into a stench in the nostrils of the 
 people. 
 
 How are these schemes executed ? There are many tiny crea- 
 tures that exist and thrive upon the covering nature provides the 
 brute creation. They are warmed, fed, and housed in the fleece 
 of the sheep, the fur of the beaver, the skin of the lion, and the 
 
240 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 feathers of the fowl. The existence of these larger animals is 
 essential to their comfort and life. 
 
 So the lottery, that has some pretence — cmd it is hut a pretence 
 — ^to honesty, or show of fair dealing, is absolutely the .basis of 
 this fraud. I speak, in what I have said, of tliis whole class and 
 in general terms, nothing being designed in any way as personal. 
 I shall, however, illustrate how this kind of fraud is operated by 
 taking the case of Carr, as already referred to. 
 
 This fraud is one of the kind that hides away in most secret 
 places and travels in most guarded manner. It is not advertised 
 openly in newspapers. No ! that would not do, as it would bring 
 the lottery men down on him with a vengeance. They thor- 
 oughly condemn these schemes, and despise those who operate 
 them. 
 
 These parties send circulars, under cover of sealed envelopes, 
 to names and addresses they manage to secure. This was their 
 plan of opening communication and advertising their scheme to 
 defraud, or to obtain money by means of the false pretences in 
 their circular. 
 
 It has no doubt been observed in this book, that the Fraud 
 always lays claim to honesty, position, and respectability. He 
 sails under false colors, and decks himself with borrowed 
 plumage. 
 
 "e. N. CAEE & CO., BANKBES," 
 
 is the style of this man's concern. This is all borrowed, except 
 the E. E". Carr. If he is to be believed, there was no " Co.," as 
 he admitted, when I arrested him the third time, that there was 
 no one in the concern but himself. As to " Bankers," that is too 
 ridiculous ! I have legally raided his office several times, and I 
 never found anytlung but the circulars and paraphernalia of such 
 schemes as the "Wyoming and Cheyenne bogus lotteries, or those 
 similar to these I am about to describe. 
 
 The Office of these "Bakkees" was in a little, dirty, 
 grim room, in the rear of, and up two or three flights of 
 stairs, at 31 Park row, New York, which was furnished 
 with a rickety table, a few dilapidated chairs, where the 
 
THE LOTTERY PARASITE. 241 
 
 "Bank's" president, secretary, casliier, paying teller, receiving 
 teller, messenger, errand boy, etc., were all united in Oarr and 
 his son ; and the only business transacted in this " Banking 
 House " was the addressing, by Carr's son, of from 100 to 1,000 
 envelopes per day, with the names they there had. 
 
 They did not dare to keep their circulars of their schemes in 
 this office, and so it is presumed they simply addressed their 
 envelopes and answered their correspondence there. And I call 
 particular attention to the fact that, at the time of each of the two 
 last arrests, we found the office in charge of the son alone, and the 
 door locked, to keep out the public. 
 
 Imagine a " Banking " house or any mercantile business con- 
 ducted on the same basis — the door locked to exclude the 
 public ! 
 
 As the parasite lives on the larger and more respectable appear- 
 ing beast, so this fraud exists on the plan of the Havana and other 
 Lotteries. The circular is cunningly worded, and well calculated 
 to deceive. 
 
 First, they set out the substance of a Havana lottery circular ; 
 they, in fact, copy almost verbatim the circulars which this foreign 
 gambling scheme issues. In this circular is printed a list and 
 description of prizes, a list of drawings, the price of tickets, and 
 a plan of the lottery. After thus appropriating the scheme of 
 the lottery, these " Bankers " say : 
 
 Address all orders to E. N. Carr <f- Co., 31 Park Eoio, New TorJc City. 
 We will send a package of 10 tickets for $10. This is the best way to pur- 
 chase to secure a good prize. Single Tickets, $2 each. 
 
 In the first two paragraphs quoted below appears what may 
 almost be called the stereotyped arguments of the lottery and 
 fraud. "We print from his circular as follows : 
 
 Probably you have invested in other lotteries and have been unsuccessful, 
 and we want a fair trial to see if we cannot succeed in selling a handsome 
 prize to you ; try it, and trust to our selection of a ticket for you ! 
 
 There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to 
 fortune • and it may be your fortuue to secure a prize in a lottery ticket or a 
 package from the firm of E. N. Carr & Co. which may prove successful and 
 give you competency for life for only a small outlay. 
 16 
 
243 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 E. N. CAER A CO., BANKERS, 
 
 is the oldest firm in the United States, havins; been established since 1837 in 
 the principal cities: — New Odeans, Washington, Baltimore, Wilmington, and 
 Jsew York City, and have sold and cashed more prizes than any other estab- 
 lishment; their name and integrity is a sufficient guaranty for the fulfil- 
 ment of what they say or do in giving entire satisfaction to their patrons, 
 and persons at a distance can rest assured to have everything done in an 
 honorable manner, just the same as if they were personally present, and 
 prizes payable on demand and without discount. 
 
 Being only agents, it is to our interest to sell prizes and not blanks. If we 
 sold you a, prize, why, you would make it known to your friends that yoa 
 drew a prize, and it would encourage them to try their luck, and it would in- 
 crease our business in your locality, and likewise it gives publicity to the 
 fact that you were successfuL 
 
 Address all orders to E. N. Carr & Co., Bankers, 31 Park Eow, New York 
 City. 
 
 ly Prompt in giving information and filling orders and remitting the 
 official drawings, and in payment of prizes, in cash or draft. 
 
 The drawing of the above prizes will be made in public, and conducted by 
 the Captain General of Havana. 
 
 These great Havana Public Drawings being conducted legally, persons at a 
 distance can rest assured that their interests are as well protected in their 
 absence as though they were present and personally superintended the 
 drawing. 
 
 Official lists of the drawn numbers will be sent to each Ticket-holder 
 immediately after the Drawing, and Prize Tickets cashed at this Office on 
 sight, and no discount. Persons purchasing Tickets or winning prizes need 
 not be known. 
 
 All letters come safe to hand, and orders filled punctually, and list of Draw- 
 ings sent immediately after Drawing. Order early and secure a fortune for 
 life. In writing to us, do not use postal cards, as they will not be answered. 
 
 tW Write your name plain and your Post-ofiSce address, to avoid mistakes 
 and miscarriage. 
 
 The limited number of tickets now on hand will be furnished to those who 
 first apply for them. 
 
 N. B. — The great demand for tickets, owing to the low price and great 
 popularity of these Havana Drawings, makes it absolutely necessary for per- 
 sons desiring to secure Tickets to remit without delay. 
 
 Large prizes will be sent to parties winning them, by express or draft on 
 New York, or any Bank in the U. S. 
 
 Money may be sent by Mail, Draft on any Bank, or by Express. 
 
 We will send a package of 10 tickets in the above for $10. This is the most 
 successful way to purchase, as it gives you ten chances of drawing the 
 8200,000 for $10. Tickets only |2 each. 
 
 Address all orders to E. N. Carr & Co., 31 Park Eow, New York City. 
 
THE LOTTERY PARASITE. 243 
 
 If orders should come too late, we -will invest to the best advantage in the 
 next drawing. Agents wanted. 
 
 In order to caution earnest, kind-hearted, and charity-loving 
 persons in our churches, who often fall into a fatal mistake in 
 church fairs and festivals by their raffles and games of chance, 
 I beg to present the follovsring extract from this sly swindling 
 circular. And further, I ui-ge it as a reason why we should not 
 violate the law, encourage gambling and create an appetite for it 
 in the young, by thus imitating the various devices of the Fraud 
 and gambler to obtain money for charitable purposes. 
 
 StrcCESSFUL Business. — The American people, above all other nations, 
 are accustomed, as the expression runs, to go in and talie the chances. It is 
 true in all departments of American life — in politics, in society, in the church, 
 and, above all, in business. It is either mal^e or lose. And it expresses the 
 venturesome spirit possessed by the people that leads them to run the risk. 
 The hope of success spurs them on, aud casting aside the fear of failure, they 
 go in and take their chances. 
 
 Far-sighted, keen, and shrewd men among us have read this characteristic 
 of their countrymen and resolved to profit by it, and so they have. One of 
 the shapes it has taken has been the establishment of various lottery schemes 
 — a point well understood at church festivals. Many of these have been 
 prosecuted to most successful results. 
 
 The above was followed by the following certificate. An in- 
 quiry at the address 1080 Fulton avenue discloses the fact that 
 no such person is known there, and never has resided there. 
 Indeed we could find no one who ever heard of McCluskey. 
 
 How easy it is to deceive the public ! How easy to throw duBt 
 in the eyes of the purchaser of lottery tickets ! What wild 
 speculation is started in the mind of lottery gamblers by such 
 certificates ! 
 
 1,000 PRIZE GOLD. 
 
 The Grand Capital Prize of $200,000 on ticket number 11,944 was sold in 
 the drawing of the Havana Lottery, which took place May 27th, 1879, to 
 Mr. Michael McCluskey, formerly a resident of Pioche City, Nevada, now a 
 resident of Brooklyn, New York. 
 
 Brooklyht, N. Y., June 4th, 1879. 
 
 This is to state that I purchased a package of (10) twentieths of tickets in 
 the Royal Havana Lottery in the drawing of May 27th, 1879, for the sum of 
 $20 from the Agents, E. N. Carr & Co., 31 Park Kow, New York City, and 
 
244 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 drew the Capital Prize, and the said firm paid me the twentieth part of 
 1200,000 less exchange. Miohaei, McCltjskby, 
 
 1080 Fulton Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 To one who knows the history of this man, what we quoted 
 first, about E. N. Carr & Co. being " tlie oldest firm in the United 
 States," having been established since 1837 in the principal 
 cities," etc., is ridiculously absurd, and ludicrously false. Carr is 
 scarcely as old as that himself. But if we laugh at this base 
 fabrication, we are convulsed at what he says about having 
 "sold and cashed more prizes than any other establishment;" and 
 indeed the whole of that clause right on to the word " discount" 
 is so absurdly false that one can scarcely read it without shouting 
 "What a fraud!" 
 
 Carr's cashing a prize, to my mind, after a minute knowledge 
 of his business since 1877, is so improbable that it is classed 
 emphatically among the invprobabilities. I have already called 
 attention to the fact that he was Emery & Co. in 1877, and so 
 arrested and convicted, and after that started E. N. Carr & Co., 
 and he has always since been known to me as being in a fraudu- 
 lent and unlawful scheme, to deceive and rob the people. He is 
 not an agent of this lottery as he pretends. 
 
 But why dwell or waste words ? Carr did not even do as he 
 offers to do. He did not send a package of tickets, nor a single 
 ticket. He got the money belonging to other people, and in 
 return sent a little slip of paper worth one cent minus ten mills 
 (1 cent - 10 mills = 0). 
 
 This is only one of many similar schemes operated by this 
 swindler, and notwithstanding several indictments and complaints 
 in the courts, he keeps right on. 
 
 Another absurdity, offered as a bait to catch simpletons, is in 
 
 the form of the letter following, which sometimes accompanies 
 
 these schemes : 
 
 New York, Feb. 8th, 1879. 
 
 Bear Sir — We have enclosed you a scheme of the Royal Havana Lottery to 
 be drawn Feb. 28, 1879, & we make this liberal offer to you if you vrill send us 
 $10 we will send you a finely arranged package certificate of (10) tickets all 
 diflferent numbers for $10 & you can draw 10 different prizes, if you do not 
 succeed in drawing a prize of $1,000 we -will make you a present of a package 
 
THE LOTTERY PARASITE. • 245 
 
 of tickets in the next drawing Free of Cost. We do this as -we know by you 
 drawing a prize of |1,000 it can do us a great deal of good in your locality by 
 letting it be known & it would extend our business to have you draw one. 
 We are only agents & it is more to our advantage to have you draw a prize 
 than a blank. We know that you have been unsuccessful, but it is not to say 
 that you are going to be that way all the time, as we are almost sure to sell 
 you a large prize yet. Send on the $10 & trust to the Fickle Goddess for suc- 
 cess & it may bring you in a Competency for life which you may never regret. 
 Please state to us when you remit the |10 whether or not we may use your 
 name as a reference in case you draw a prize of $1,000 & whether you will 
 answer all enquiries promptly concerning the same. Dont forget to answer 
 this enquiry. Send Money Order or get your letter registered. 
 Hoping to hear from you, we remain, Yours Respectfully, 
 
 E. N. Caek & Co. 
 
 Is not a man a fool wlio would bite at such a bait ? ' Are people 
 so simple as to suppose that any sharper would let a ticket sure to 
 draw $1,000 go out of his hands, into that of another, upon the 
 payment of one dollar ? No, of course not ! you say. And yet 
 enough bite at this hook to support these frauds, paying for office 
 rent, printing circulars, envelopes, postage stamps, and besides 
 maintaining their families. It looks when you read these facts as 
 if " the fools were not all dead." I can explain it only on one 
 ground, that the victim is so eager and anxious to make money 
 that they do not stop to reason or think for themselves. Surely, 
 the law ought to shield such weak-minded and simple ones, and 
 not be administered in the interests of such consummate frauds 
 as this. 
 
 After I had stopped Carr, as E. N. Carr & Co., he and his son 
 transferred their business to 142 Fulton street, and there opened 
 another " Bankers' establishment" (?) in a dirty, dark room, as 
 Nunes & Co., after the same pattern as Carr & Co. 
 
 All I can say is, steer clear of all similar schemes, and send 
 their circulars and letters to me for investigation, and I promise 
 to bring them into the courts, and, at least, expose their schemes. 
 
 Personally, Mr. Carr has always treated me very politely, and 
 he has the appearance of being a gentleman, but his business is 
 simply execrable, and that I attack. It is left for the public to 
 measure this man by the standard of the facts presented. I could 
 greatly enlarge and show many more gross outrages, but surely I 
 
246 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 have told enough to put the public on their guard, and lay bare 
 the plan of deceit and robbery. 
 
 Postmaster-General Key stopped the registered letters and 
 money orders of these two addresses. Through some representa- 
 tions made, this order was revoked, on the promise that Carr & 
 Co. and Nunes & Co. would not engage in any further violation 
 of law by sending circulars of Koyal Havana lottery. Carr comes 
 home, and is detected at his old business. He then appeals 
 for help and promises not to do so again, and then comes out an 
 admission that "Nunes" is his middle name, and that he has 
 transferred his business of E. N. Carr & Co. to this office. 
 
 He promises not to violate the law if the order is rescinded, 
 and then commences the same dodge, only worse. He sends his 
 customers (names he secures) letters as follows. This letter is 
 accompanied by ten of his pink certificates, for which he modestly 
 demands the sum of $20. He strikes high ! 
 
 Office of Nunes & Co., Bkokbrs, No. 142 Fulton Street, 
 
 New Yoke City, Aug. 28th. 
 Dear iSi)'.— Knowing that you have heen unsuccessful in trying your luck 
 and wishing to sell you a prize, we make the following liberal offer to you, to 
 see if we cannot succeed in selling you one, as we know hy your drawing a, 
 good prize, it would extend our busiuess in your locality and be worth more 
 to us than $1,000 spent in advertising. We have enclosed a package of 10 
 certificates of Twentieths in the scheme to be drawn Sept. 21st, 1880, tbey 
 come to $20, and should you not succeed in drawing at least $500, we will give 
 you the same chance over again in the next drawing on five tickets Free of 
 Cost. Send on the $20 by return mail if you conclude to try your luck, if not 
 send them back to us or keep such as you want, they come to $2 each, and 
 you can return the balance with the funds. I would try the package for once 
 and see If you cannot make a strike this time. Hoping to hear from you, we 
 remain, Tours Respectfully, 
 
 Nunes & Co. 
 
 Then follows the same " racket " on the Commonwealth Dis- 
 tribution Co.'s fraudulent lottery, and doubtless until this man is 
 put behind the bars, his schemes to rob the public will continue. 
 Arrests will as surely follow every violation of law, as the fact 
 that legal evidence can be obtained. My course is clear, and so 
 much as in me lies, people shall not be robbed, by such devices 
 through the mails. 
 
SUNDRY FEAUDS> 247 
 
 CHAPTEE XV. 
 
 SUNDRY FRAUDS. 
 A PIOUS FEAtTD TO EOB CLEEGTMEN. 
 
 During 1877, there was an attempt made by some unknown 
 person, to secure money from the clergymen of the land, by ap- 
 pealing to their generosity to buy a book called " Amos' Ency- 
 clopedia of the New Testament." 
 
 A printed circular was sent out addressed in each instance to 
 clergymen, the first page reading as follows : 
 
 He that giveth to the Poor, 
 Lendeth to the Lord. 
 
 JExecaiive office of the " Belief Association" to assist the Destitute poor and sick of 
 the Protestant Churches of New Tork City. 
 
 No. 17 Union Sqxjake. 
 To Rev. 
 
 Dear Christian Brother — By an arrangement entered into by our Executive- 
 Committee with the Publishers of 
 
 "Amos' Encyclopedia op the New Testament," 
 
 the publishers have consented, in view of the Charitable aim of our work, to 
 allow our Association to have the complete control of the sale of this invalu- 
 able and much popular book for the period of one month, ending January 
 5th, 1878. 
 
 The net proceeds to go and apply to the immediate relief of the utterly des- 
 titute poor and sick of the Protestant Churches of every denomination in this 
 City; when you come to consider the suffering and miserable condition of 
 these poor people it must touch the Heart of every true christian. As we have 
 not the space to describe the suffering now existing among such a large class 
 who are in every respect deserving of your charity, we leave you to dwell upon 
 it and to open your true christian heart and assist us in this work. 
 
 We simply appeal to your generosity to "buy this book" which we are 
 offering at the low figure of $1.00 per volume, and by so doing you are help- 
 ing along in the work God has entrusted man to do ; the same volume cannot 
 be purchased elsewhere for less than $3.50. 
 
 contents of the book. 
 
 It is a volume devoted to the study of the New Testament, and contains 
 
248 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 many of the choicest thoughts of the foremost scholars and sound thinters of 
 the theological world. 
 
 It has commanded the attention of the most eminent clergymen of this 
 Country and of Great Britain, and was compiled to fiU that large space of 
 Theological knowledge which has heen so much needed. 
 
 It treats hriefly, but with soundness of thought, displayed with great 
 ability and talent, explaining original Truths in a thoroughly forcible manner; 
 being the result of years of labor and research by the various writers defining 
 everything in a clear intelligible way which not only combines pleasure and 
 study, but in a manner to impress upon the readers miud ; so they will dwell 
 at length and with a deep thoughtfulness, of the great truth portrayed therein, 
 and the ideas and thoughts of the most eminent theologians of the day. 
 
 ATTENTION. 
 
 The publishers have been exceedingly kind and generous in allowing us the 
 profits on this work for the time. 
 
 But we must dispose of a large number of books immediately so as to realize 
 sufficiently to extend our charity to all who deserve it; and as the 5th day of 
 January is only a short time we have to work diligently, and rely upon you 
 Dear Brother to purchase at once ; don't delay or the time will expire and the 
 same book cannot then be purchased for less than the regular price, $3.50, and 
 in buying of us it goes to the deserving poor and sick. Relying on your true 
 christian heart and your generous impulses to assist us at once. 
 
 I remain sincerely yours, 
 
 Rev. a. G. S. , Treasurer, 
 
 No. 17 Union Square, N. Y. 
 Enclose $1.00 to the above address and the Book will be immediately sent 
 to you. 
 
 The circular then gives a description of the contents of the 
 book, representing it as being devoted to the study of the New 
 JTestament, and as containing many of the choicest thoughts of 
 former centuries, and of the sound thinkers of the theological 
 world. It then professes to quote from Prof. Wolsey of Yale. 
 
 Very timely, full of rich results, of ripe scholarship, deep tone piety, large 
 experience of the pen, and unsurpassed ability, full of rich spiritual views. 
 
 Spurgeon of England writes, I have received your Encyclopedia, aud find it 
 unsurpassed by any modem work treating on the New Testament, and heartily 
 recommend it. 
 
 The book is farther described as being illustrated with thirty 
 beautiful pictures by eminent artists, together with twelve maps. 
 It appeals personally to the recipient of the prospectus to invest 
 on the ground that. 
 
SUNDRY FRAUDS. 249 
 
 Not only would the purchaser secure a valuaWe compilation of acknowledged 
 value, but he would be helping and assisting the poor, and sick, of this vast 
 metropolis and so contributing in God's charity to them. If they did not re- 
 quire it for themselves, to purchase one for their Son or Daughter, or some 
 friend, teacher or scholar. 
 
 The price of this book, containing 500 pages, gilt edged and 
 elegantly bound in Turkey morocco, was $1.00. 
 
 Now think of the absurdity of offering all this mass of thought, 
 and sound theology, with 30 illustrations and 12 maps, a large 
 volume gilt edged and bound in Turkey morocco, for $1.00 ! 
 
 This is the final appeal : 
 
 In order that we may dispose of a large number of boots immediately, so as 
 to realize sufficiently to extend our charity to all who deserve it, we rely 
 upon you Dear Brother to purchase at once. 
 
 The fraud signs himself " Sincerely yours, Rev. A. G. S * * * 
 Treasurer, 17 Union Square, N. Y." 
 
 How any person of intelligence can be duped by such a scheme 
 as this, seems almost incomprehensible ; but " The fools are not 
 all dead." Many gullible people actually bit at this bait. A 
 careful search at 17 Union Square, both by the Police of this 
 city, and the Post oiBce authorities, has failed, down to the pres- 
 ent time, to discover the " Eeverend A. G. S." 
 
 It is of no special importance in this connection, except as 
 showing the extent, and variety of fraudulent operations through 
 the United States Mail, and that there are rogues preying upon 
 aU classes of the community. 
 
 The man who got up this circular evidently was possessed of 
 much more cunning than piety. He, surely, was but one of 
 thousands who have " stolen the livery of Heaven to -serve the 
 Devil in," and who are to-day making use of the tenderest and 
 noblest sympathies of the credulous in prosecuting their most 
 nefarious operations. 
 
250 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 A LAZY FRAUD. 
 For several years past business men in New Tork liave been the 
 recipients of a letter written by a female living in Iforth Carolina, 
 appealing to them in "sweet charity's" name to contribute to 
 the immediate relief of herself and her " large family of small 
 cliildren." These letters are written in an exceedingly minute 
 hand, on large half sheets of paper, violet ink, (which from its 
 abundant flow must be cheap down in that country,) and exten- 
 sively underscored. As specimens of Enghsh composition they 
 certainly deserve to rank among the curiosities of literature, and 
 as begging letters they are unique and in their way unapproacha- 
 ble. The following is, with the omission of names, a verbatim 
 
 copy of one of these appeals : 
 
 C, N. Carolina, Jan'y 9tli, 1880. 
 JKind Sir — I wrote you last fall (& I think once before) but thinkiug that 
 you surely didn't get my letter, I write again, & will put return request 
 across my envelope, so I may know if this reaches you safely. Somewhere 
 seeing your name, as a quite able business gentleman of your very able city, 
 & which is again returniug, thank God, to great prosperity & revival of 
 business, & yours being one of the old & long time prominent names of your 
 city ; therefore with, I trust some reasonable hope, I humbly ask if, in mercy, 
 you cannot give at least a little, to your fellow creatures, so very sadly sit- 
 uated as we, and & I trust that as God's promise, to return all mercy aud 
 charity — " With whatsoever measure ye mete, pressed down, shaken together, 
 and, running over," warrants your never missing or regretting what little you 
 may give to the help, cheer, gladdening & even grateful love of even so poor 
 & humble, but honest, humanlj' hearts. I trust, that you'll be truely glad to 
 thus help, cheer & gladden so very sad a situation, even as I, if atall able, 
 poor frail feble woman as I am, would surely, gladly, readily, nay, eagerly 
 help you or any fellow creature of earth, North, South, East or West, under 
 similar trials. We were ouce comfortable, but much family sickness & the 
 deplorable war, which we no wise aided, took our dear home & every comfort 
 from us — leaving us to drag over the country for years, penniless in affliction, 
 hunting for, & begging shelters, such as, & wherever wo could, & our poor 
 little children, very puny and frail naturally & from long very hard & scanty 
 liveing, & my poor dear husband, long with heart, lung &, severest rheumatic 
 diseases, the entire family's support, wholy devolves on my perfectly, oh! 
 more than willing, anxious, but too feble hands, for if you'll excuse my unre- 
 servedness to express myself, I have over thirteen long weary years, suffered 
 all the living deaths of fallen womb & of general ill health, & in this torturing 
 situation, have long had to expose myself much, summer and winter, working 
 hard in pain for our bread, & liveing too, almost exclusively on plain dry 
 bread alone, it often scanty, &, hard, with us, to get atall ; & it made up only 
 
SUNDEY FRAUDS. 251 
 
 with salt & water (for we've had no lard or meat, for about nine weeks) is 
 very hard, unhealthy & oh ! so unpalatable, irrellshable diet, to puny, frail, 
 growing childhood, & to the afflicted. Besides all my other trials, I now 
 have an aged, widowed, long sorely afflicted & entirely bUnd dear old 
 mother, & hers & my poor dear husband's ills, oft letting them dare not eat 
 even enough of such food, as such poverty & frailty as mine, is only possibly 
 able to get often, as poor, frail woman here now, these still fearfully trying 
 hard times — South, can now get nothing like regular employment, & actu- 
 ally almost. Just nothing for it ; & therefore we're all now, this long lasting, 
 bad, cold weather, very sadly needy of food, clothing, bedding, shoes & fire 
 wood (now almost entirely out of wood) to keep us in our affliction's daily & 
 nightly scanty coverings, half comfortably warm) but unable to buy a bit of 
 meat, lard, flour, sugar, colfee, (what liveing iu affliction !) soda, pepper, &c. ; 
 material for light of nights; a little box or vial of medicine, in sudden & oft 
 recurring necessity, even had to borrow my envelope, postage & paper I now 
 write on, not haveing as much as one cent in the world ! Oh ! Sir do, oh ! will 
 you not indeed pity an afflicted family, at least some, in such affliction, want, 
 & such a daily & nightly anxiously troubled family, without a cent in the 
 world? We now havent an ounce of meat, lard, flour, sugar, coffee, &c, 
 havent had any of these three first named, for over two months, except 8 
 pounds of flour I borrowed about six weeks ago, yet owe & been asked for it, 
 & excepting a plate of biscuits a kind sympathizing & poor lady, sent us 
 several sabbath morns ago, & a piece of loaf given us by another lady, the 
 evening before ; but liveing for two long months in our afflictions, only on 
 plain corn bread almost exclusively, & it, much the time, borrowed. God 
 will fulfil his promised " Reward according as ye sow,'' & as ye sow to such 
 condition as ours, I do believe, especially as I & mother have long loved & 
 been trying to serve the Lord, and Just whatever it may be your pleasure & 
 convenience to give in such situation, however little it may be, will be some 
 help, & blessing, which will be most gratefully aijpreciated, & any help, es- 
 pecially to a lady's address, will come as safely, if not safer of late days, than 
 any way I can suggest, heavily, plainly, unassumingly enveloped, but regis- 
 ter if you think best & wi.sh, or perhaps a check would be safest way to send, 
 if I could sell it for the necessaries we need. Oh I if possibly you pity & help 
 us none, then please soon return this, so I may submit it to another without 
 rewriting in pain, weariness, &c., but oh ! surely you won't turn me away 
 wholy empty, & that too, with God's offered return of it. We, not long 
 liveing here, the people very generally strange, & poor, & the wretchedly im- 
 poverished south, especially these hard times, unable to help the more unfor- 
 tunate many, since the war, I humbly hope able, abler northern friends, to 
 suffering humanity, & more nobly generously merciful people north, anyway, 
 will be truely glad to help so very sadly situated fellow creatures, some! 
 Trusting in God, I am, with much haste, 
 
 Very Respectfully & Humbly, 
 
 Mrs. S. J., C, Catawba Co., N. C. 
 [References here followed.] 
 
252 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 The gentleman who received this sent it to a business firm in 
 her town, and received the laconic reply : 
 
 You can mark S. J. a fraud. They live as well as any one that lives with- 
 out work. She has a hushand and grown sou that dresses well and does 
 nothing. 
 
 The matter having been put into my hands, I wrote to her and 
 received this letter : 
 
 C P. O., N. Caeolina, March 18th, 1880. 
 
 Mk. a. Comstock : 
 
 Kind Sir — A gentleman of your city, to whom I wrote sometime since, 
 writes me that as he could not do anything for myself and family in our 
 afaicted & haplessly very sadly needy situation — of food, clothing, bedding, 
 shoes, wood, & — Just auy necessary — to any comfort whatever, that he had 
 spoken to you of our situation, & that " as you were a charitable friend, that 
 you might kindly help us some, if I'd write to you directly." I am suffering 
 considerably in my bad health; & donot feel able to write a full appeal or full 
 statement of our sad situation & trials, & donot see — anyway, the necessity 
 of writing in — my pain & febleness — a full appeal, as I am feeling that you'll 
 do Just as you would, anyway, if you were shown my appeal by your friend, 
 as it contains Just what I would now say. The entire family wholy depend- 
 ent on my willing — oh! anxious — but too feble hands, these hard times South, 
 so pinching, that I can get nothing like regular emx^loyment now, & very 
 meager p.ny for woman's work at best here now, & the weather so bad & 
 cold, almost constantly raining for last eight or ten days, still pouring down, 
 & I unable to get out to do anything, &, now so very sadly needy of food, &c. 
 I know not what in the world we are to do, without kind merciful humanita- 
 rians where able (for they are not able in this war-ruined, wretchedly impover- 
 ished section South, these hard, hard times, to help the more unfortunate many) 
 will soon kindly help us some, for we even had to borrow a few sticks of wood 
 this a. m. to do us this cold rainy day. God will fulfil his promised " Reward, — 
 according as ye sow," — even as ye sow — I do believe, as I've long loved & 
 been trying to serve him — to so poor, humble, suffering fellow creatures as 
 we. Any help it may be your convenience & pleasure to give in such situa- 
 tion will be most gratefully appreciated, & will come safely, heavily enve- 
 loped, to a lady's address, though send as you may think best, & oh ! if you 
 
 please, soon as possibly convenient. , of your city, may be able, if 
 
 you've not seen an appeal, one of my appeals to him, of late date. Excuse 
 paper, as tljis is all I have. Trusting in the Lord, I am. Kind Sir, 
 
 Very EespeotfuUy & Humbly, 
 
 Mrs. S. J. J., 
 
 C P. O., Catawba Co., N. C. 
 
 [Keferences here.j 
 
 Having written to her references for their views of lier charac- 
 
SUKDRY FRAUDS. 253 
 
 ter arid necessities, I was much surprised to receive the following 
 letter from her, and not a word from the parties written to : 
 
 CONOVEE, N. C, Marcli 29th, 1880. 
 Mr. Comstock : 
 
 Kind Sir — In reply to your letter, I will say that I sincerely thank you for 
 your intimated willingness to mercy, kindness, humanity & charity, but sin- 
 cerely wishing to be honest & right, as I feel I've ever been in God's sight, I 
 will say that I donot ask or want, any charitable mercy extended to our 
 truely sad, afflicted & helplessly needy situation while there is now existing 
 an utterly false idea of my being unneedy & unworthy of help, through false 
 misrepresentations of ns by people of this hard-hearted most incousiderate 
 county, who, being very generally dutch hard working people, really think, 
 & are of natures it seems, to think that any who dout work as hard as a 
 horse, " work hard for their livin, like I has ter work for my livin ," woman or 
 man, dead or alive, " aint duin right." Moreover my religious faith, Metho- 
 dist, not in accord with the very general faith of another denomination of 
 almost this whole section, & which is much prejudiced against Methodists & 
 ridiculive of any experimental religion, & there being no M. E. church here, 
 & I being one of only several Methodists in this locality, I find no sympathy 
 here, but an ever readiness to do almost Just anything against me & family, 
 to misrepresent me or hinder my helping &c, & therefore my references 
 will not say yea nor nay, will do nothing in the way of answering any letters of 
 inquiry, both by will & by my request, until matters are cleared up, & until 
 the world or country is satisfied of my & family's actual sad, yes very sad 
 situatiou, helplessness, need & worthiness. I claim, do & will ever claim, iu 
 the sight & fear of the blessed God & Father who I've long loved & been 
 trying zealously to serve, that I have never claimed anything but what was 
 true to the letter in my appeals to any one, & I conscientiously feel & do be- 
 lieve, nay I know that charity has never given me a cent without God's 
 Mercy & hand was directly the moving power of it — ^from those whom he 
 hath more abundantly blessed in this worlds goods — towards us in direct 
 answer to my cries & prayers for his mercy, for loveiug God, I have all faith, 
 trust & unwavering, abiding conviction in the power of prayer from an hum- 
 ble all trusting heart, & believe & do actually hope & look for his merciful 
 loveing kindnesses to usward, more than if these basless, inhumanly, uuuat- 
 ural, inconsiderate, may I not say uncivilized, barbarous & brutal, false per- 
 sections, shameful, tremenduously shameful in Man, towards a poor, inoffen- 
 sive, frail, feble, defenceless woman,, lady, wife & mother, only for beging a 
 little mercy & help for her afflicted, helpless, needy, suffering family & poor 
 Old a"-ed entirely blind dear Mother, of those North, where able, & where 
 only I knowthere are those good enough, highminded, wholesouled & noble 
 heartedly generously merciful to grant it, for most positively in God's hear- 
 ing & for which I am willing & know he will Judge me as I & my words 
 may deserve, if there is any true, real, freehearted charity here in this wholp 
 
254 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 section at all, I donot know, & would be very much surprised to know it, & 
 sensible, humanly reasonable considerations I feel & think Just as rare 
 towards those in so sad &, helpless situations as we. Yes, I do feel, from my 
 unswerveing hope & faith in God, that if all impartially unreasonable & un- 
 just feelings of peraecution & prejudices, personal, political, sectional & 
 religious, are laid aside, that God's mercy, wisdom & love will yet work out 
 more for than against me and my family, though I've ever noticed that where 
 one asking aid is written against, whether only a determination to listen to 
 one side, or gladly to find excusers from charity, or what, the asker could 
 never get a hearing again. We're needy, very nee^v of food, bedding, shoes, 
 wood, under clothing particularly, but anykind,^' -.st anything for com- 
 fort, but I wish nor ask any help, until God's own good time to give or direct 
 it. I am, in honesty & conscientiousness. 
 
 Your Grateful Friend, for intimated kindness, 
 
 Mrs. S. J. J., 
 Conover P. O., Catawba Co., N. C. 
 P. S. — See Editor of The Graphic, 39 & 41 Park Place, your city.' I sent him 
 a communication a few days since, and write him again by to-day's mail. He 
 may let you read both, & tell you all he may wish to. 
 
 Now, not to put too fine a point upon it, ife*not one of these 
 letters in itself worth a five dollar bill ? 
 
 Official inquiry developed the facts that this family live in a 
 nice house, that the children are all grown up, and some of them 
 married, and those whom she gives as references are her sons-in- 
 law, and are well-to-do business men, one a professor in a large 
 school. 
 
 She has resided in this same place for years, and lives and sup- 
 ports her family by these means. These letters go to merchants 
 principally. The recipient is pressed for time, and feels that he 
 cannot stop to investigate ; the easiest and cheapest course is to 
 send a small amount and dismiss the subject. And thus these 
 shiftless men are supported, and in their native town pass for 
 gentlemen. Our fair correspondent's wanting her letter back, is 
 equal to an order received by the firm I was formerly engaged 
 with, where a Southern lady wrote that she had sold her piano, 
 because it was too hard work to play it, and wanted one of 
 "them kind that played themselves" — meaning a music box. 
 WeU, weU, it takes all kinds of people to make up this world. 
 
SUNDEY FEAXJDS. 255 
 
 MAISTY-NAMED FRAUDS ; OR, FRAUDS WITH MANY ALIASES. 
 
 The newspapers are constantly filled with talcing advertise- 
 ments, offering all sorts of merchandise at wonderful bargains : 
 Books, watches, pictures, knives, revolvers, guns, receipts, 
 medicines — indeed, almost an endless variety of traps are de- 
 scribed as going at " less than ten cents on the dollar," inviting 
 persons to invest. But two, of the following owners of many 
 aliases, are pecul" The first named pretended to sell " rich, 
 rare, and racy" books and pictures in connection with these other 
 things, and got people's money, making no return in many cases, 
 or, if a return, something not ordered by the sender. He united 
 obscene matter and fraudulent schemes. Both of them have been 
 convicted for violation of the laws against obscene publica- 
 tions. 
 
 Henry E. Huntef was arrested at Hinsdale, !N". H., Sept. 22, 
 1873, and afterwrds plead guilty under an indictment charging 
 violation of what is Imown as the "Comstock" law. At that 
 time he thought himself perfectly secure under cover of the 
 numerous names, under which he operated. 
 
 To show the extent of his business I have but to say that, at 
 the time of arrest, I was informed officially, by the postmaster, 
 that formerly, before Hunter commenced business, the income of 
 that office was but about $400 per annum, while at the time of 
 arrest it was about $1,700. This was when postmasters were paid 
 according to the amount of stamps sold or canceled at their office. 
 
 After his arrest his advertisements were very carefully worded, 
 so as to indicate one could secure anything wanted, and what 
 purported to be "fancy articles" were advertised extensively by 
 him. One dodge was to advertise " a perfect time-keeper," or 
 " Swiss watch, hunting case," and, when the money was received, 
 to send a round brass box containing a compass, with what 
 appeared to be a sun dial. This man has for years conducted a 
 fraudulent scheme of some kind or other. He advertises in a 
 paper of hisiown, and my advice is, never send one cent to any- 
 thing in that direction. He is a notorious blackguard, and 
 amuses himself by hurling his invectives at me. He is utterly 
 
256 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 beneath contempt on that account, and the only reason he is 
 noticed here is to prevent people from being robbed. 
 
 I am one of those who can see no justice in a sharp scamp being 
 allowed to deceive and defraud the public. I hold that honest 
 and simple-minded folks have rights that even a thief is bound to 
 respect. 
 
 Hunter's mail, at the Hinsdale office alone, amounted some- 
 times to 400 ordinary and 50 registered letters daily. A fair 
 income, at only 10 cents each ! 
 
 His aliases were : 
 
 Hunter & Co; UDion Boot Co.; New England Book Co.; Star Spangled 
 Banner; Eureka Manufacturing Co. ; Box 143; H., Banner Olffice; Magnetic 
 Watch Co. ; Ashuelot Sewing MacMne Co. ; Agency ; Five Dollar Greenback ; 
 Publisher; Million- Year Almanac ; New England Watch Co. ; J. Q., Box 143; 
 U. S. Book Co. ; Monadnock Advertising Agency ; Martin & Co. ; Union 
 Manufacturing Co. All of Hinsdale. 
 
 Also: 
 
 W. P. King, Box 343; King & Co.; Vermont Novelty Co.; Union Pistol 
 Co. ; Vermont Vinegar Co. ; W. Y. Perry ; E. W. HiUiard. All of Brattlehoro, 
 Vt., P. O., seven miles distant from Hinsdale. 
 
 More recently, we find the following aliases used : 
 
 Perry & Co., Brattlehoro, Vt. ; Surinam Manufacturing Co., Brattlehoro, 
 Vt. ; Banner Publishing Co., Hinsdale, N. H. ; Bihlio, Box 143, Hinsdale, 
 N. H. ; Dr. Vaille & Co., Brattlehoro, Vt., supposed to be name of one of his 
 
 clerks. 
 
 His Brattlehoro mail, through the wonderful good nature (or 
 some other motive) of the postmaster at that place, is allowed to 
 be given to the stage driver and taken over to him several times 
 a week. 
 
 ISText comes Edgar "W". Jones, of Ashland, Mass. 
 
 He was arrested Nov. 2, 1877, under the same law. He 
 used to run a one-horse post-office ; or, in other words, his mail 
 was more than all the rest of the town put together. In each of 
 these cases the law-abiding citizens of the town had to give way 
 and wait till these men were served. Jones plead guilty in Bos- 
 ton, in the U. S. court, and was sentenced. 
 
 His aliases were : 
 Union Purchasing Agency ; Union Publishing Agency ; Union Publishing 
 
SUNDEY FRAUDS. 257 
 
 Co. ; Littleton & Co. ; H. J. Littleton ; Atlas Co. ; Magnetic Watch Co. All 
 of Ashland. 
 
 Also: 
 Atlas Manufacturing Co., So. Franiingliam, Mass. 
 
 This fellow, after pleading guilty, desired to be sworn in Ms 
 own behalf, to testify for a mitigation of sentence. After he had 
 told his story, to the satisfaction of himself and counsel, the Dis- 
 trict Attorney asked him a few questions at my request, and 
 developed the following facts : That he sent out circulars under 
 his difEerent aliases, as follows : 
 
 In May, 1874, he sent out, . . . 50,000 circulars. 
 
 From Sept., 1874, to May, 1875, he sent out, 200,000 " 
 " May, 1875, to May, 1876, " " " 300,000 « 
 " Sept., 1876 to May, 1877, " " " 800,000 " 
 
 Making a total of 1,350,000 " 
 
 We also proved, from the P. O. records in this case, that he 
 received registered letters in reply to these circulars so sent out, 
 as follows : 
 
 Eec'd from Jan. 1 to July 1, 1877 5,930 
 
 « " July 1 to Dec. 1, 1877 4,373 
 
 Total receipts in 11 months 10,303 
 
 and 825 registered letters were sent back to the writers during 
 25 days in Dec, 1877, by order of the Postmaster-General, under 
 Postal Laws and Regulations. 
 
 Such is the fearful extent of these schemes through the mails. 
 
 At the time of arrest I discovered letters from young ladies, on 
 official paper of the Seminary where they were as students, away 
 from home ; and also from young men in colleges in our own State, 
 ordering his obscene books. 
 
 Does it pay to enforce these laws ? Is it a crime to do it, and 
 thus protect the community ? Let my critics answer. 
 17 
 
258 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 MY ASSASSIN. 
 
 Next comes tlie ex-coQYict who stabbed me, as I was taking 
 him to jail, on a commitment on a second arrest. He had been 
 once convicted, and sentenced in the Courts in New Tork under 
 State laws. He then spread himself over three judicial districts 
 in the United States Courts, to wit, "the Southern District" and 
 " the Eastern District " of New Tork, and " the District of 
 New Jersey." 
 
 His plan was to advertise under several of these aliases at one 
 time. His method of operation, in order to complicate matters, 
 was like this : To the writer of a letter coming to one of his New 
 Jersey aliases, he would send a circular, advertising what purported 
 to be " fancy," or obscene books, the orders to be sent to one of his 
 Staten Island addresses (Eastern District), and then he would 
 mail his reply in New York (Southern District). 
 
 It became necessary for the oificer who should capture him, 
 to be just a little sharper than he was, and after being several 
 times thwarted, at last, Oct. 31, 1874, I arrested Chaeles 
 
 CONEOT. 
 
 This man resided at 318 South 4th st., Williamsburgh, and was 
 at Newark, N. J., at the time of this last arrest. The day of 
 his arrest I had been waiting for him nearly all day, as it was 
 one of the days when he came to that office for his mail. 
 
 I had given him up and gone to the depot, when I saw him 
 dodging to keep out of my sight. It was necessary to see if he 
 had got his mail. It was essential that I should know that fact be- 
 fore I should arrest him. I therefore took a hack and drove 
 to the post office to ascertain if he had been there. I found 
 that he had. I drove back to the depot. He was not to be 
 seen. The train for New York came in. I boarded the same, 
 weU assured that, if I took the train, this man would not. I 
 wallced through the car I had entered, and stepped off quickly at 
 the other end and hid myself from view, and let the train move 
 oflE. After it had gone I came out, and at the farther end of the 
 depot I saw my man. He was taken in a carriage and driven to 
 the post office, vrhere the IT. S. Commissioner came, opened 
 
SXJNDEY FRAUDS. 259 
 
 court, and fully committed the prisoner. In the absence of any 
 other officer, I was given the commitment, and ordered to take 
 that man to jail. 
 
 "When first spoken to by me down at the depot, he pretended 
 to cry and feel very bad ; he caught my hand and tried to put 
 it up to his lips to kiss ; he kissed my sleeve, and whined .and 
 begged to be let oS. On the way to the jail the same thing 
 was repeated, and just at the jail door he began to beg that I 
 would go and see his wife and tell her he had been arrested, and 
 and carry a message from him. I told him I would do so per- 
 sonally, although it would be late when I reached New York, 
 and was much out of my course. This was only a sharp trick. 
 While he was talking, in most pathetic tones, he plunged his 
 dirk into my face, severing four arteries. I sprang from the 
 carriage. Just here everybody asks : Did he get away ? Did 
 you shoot him? Neither. My orders were to take that man 
 to jail. To jail he must go. No, I did not shoot. I drew my 
 revolver, and then I knew I need not fear. It is true and re- 
 liable. He could neither get away nor do me more harm. His 
 assault upon me was a matter for the law to punish. I had no 
 right to take the law in my own hands. Of all men, an officer 
 of the law should respect and obey it. I took him to jail, and 
 when he was safely behind the bars, my duty was done, and then 
 I sought a physician ; and though a long way from home for a 
 man thus wounded, yet the same One who has ever kept me, 
 conducted me safely to my home, and restored me to health and 
 strength. I suffered ; my family suffered ; my brave heroic de- 
 voted wife suffered. But it was God's way of working. Herein 
 was a blessing in disguise. 
 
 At this time the Society was about $3,000 in debt. The way 
 appeared hedged up, and it seemed as though the work must be 
 abandoned. Men were indifferent. A few had done and given, 
 but what they could spare was not equivalent to the demand. I had 
 prayed God to open the way, to send deliverance, to provide for 
 this cause. As I lay on my bed of suffering, it seemed as though 
 I was laid one side so that I should have no part or lot in the 
 
260 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 work that was to be accomplished for this cause ; as though the 
 Master said, now you step one side and let me work. He did 
 work, and answered for us the prayers of our heart. The very 
 next day, my beloved pastor, and most faithful friend, at the 
 close of the Sabbath morning service, invited the men of his con- 
 gregation to remain. They did, and in the lecture room of the 
 Clinton avenue Congregational Church, Brooklyn, JST. T., com- 
 menced a wave of enthusiasm and interest that did not cease to 
 roU, till our debt was paid ; and when, after two weeks of suffer- 
 ing, I came out of doors again to resume my work, there were 
 funds to work with, and by the grace of God, we have been 
 enabled to continue on till this present. Surely, it is better to 
 trust God than put confidence in men. 
 
 Conroy was sentenced to two years in Trenton State Prison, 
 for the assault, and one year each on two separate indictments in 
 the U. S. Court at Trenton, at the expiration of the first sentence 
 on the original charge on which he had been arrested. 
 
 His aliases were : 
 
 Lewis Lubin, Greenpoint, N. Y.; L. M. Burt, Long Island City, N. Y.; W. 
 Colby, Stapleton, K. Y.; Matbew C. Hart, Newtown, N. Y.; E. Carleton, Port 
 Eichmoncl, N. Y.; R. Carleton & Co., Port Eichmond, N. Y.; Gregory Darphy, 
 New Brighton, N. Y.; C. D. Cook, Morrisania, N. Y.; V. Scribner, Flushing, 
 N. Y.; C. L. Taylor, Brooklyn, N. Y.; C. L. Dexter, N. Y. City, N. Y.; M. 
 Dupau, Hoboken, N. J.; G. Marsh, Jersey City, N. J.; G. Marsh & Co., Jersey 
 City, N. J.; N. F. Kirke, Newark, N. J.; John E. Scott, Hudson City, N. J.; 
 J. K. Appleton, Bergen Point, N. J.; P. Manning, Elizabeth, N. J.; W. J. 
 Evans, Trenton and N. Y. City. 
 
 To James Bryan, 147 E. 15th street, N. Y. City, we shall 
 again pay our respects. 'We therefore have nothing to say but 
 to append to this list of " numerous " frauds his aliases, which 
 were: 
 
 Dr. J. Bryan, 91 E. 13th street ; J. Bryan, M. D., 147 E. 15th street ; Edgar 
 Tremaine, M. D., Station D. Lucille Demarre & Co.; Mad. Lucille Demarre, 
 Station D ; Eobt. E. Bell, M. D.; John Harvey, M. D.; Prof. W. Draper, M. D.; 
 E. Welles, M. D.; G. Humphries, M. D.; E. Worthington, M. D.; Martin Dntton, 
 M. D.; all of 147 E. 15th street. Martin Dutton & Co., 704, 736 and 767 Broad- 
 way, and also in "Nassau street ; Dr. Benoni, 767 Broadway ; Mary Moore ; 
 Clinton Medical and Surgical Institute ; W. T. Mason & Co., 185 Fulton street; 
 Dr. Benoni, 637 Broadway ; Dr. Stephen Hamlin, 637 Broadway. 
 
SUNDRY FRAUDS. 261 
 
 I ought to add, that since his exposure he has advertised him- 
 self as a " cancer" doctor, and specialist for several other diseasss. 
 It seems an outrage that the sick and suffering must thus be 
 gulled by such a fraud. 
 
 The very latest. — While the above chapter was in the hands of 
 the printer, a postmaster in an eastern city sends me a vile 16 
 page pamphlet, addressed to " Young Men." We give the last 
 page of this pamphlet, and call special attention to the fact that 
 Edgar Tremaine is one of the celebrated board of managers, tliat 
 Bryan in his testimony, swore he did not know where he was, 
 and could not describe him. 
 
 He has been resurrected, however, and this time drops his title 
 of M.D., and authorizes J. Lamb & Co. to sell his wonderful pre- 
 scriptions, " all three at one time for $6.00." His circular says : 
 
 TO MY FRIENDS. 
 
 I have now made permanent arrangements to have my prescriptions pre- 
 pared by some reliable parties in this city, who will make use of the best ma- 
 terials, and in whom I have entire confidence. All orders, correspondence, 
 registered letters, and express packages should therefore be addressed to 
 
 J. LAMB & CO., 
 205 EAST 14th STREET, NEW YORK, 
 
 And all Money Orders, Checks and Drafts made payable to their order. 
 
 Those who desire a CONSULTATION BY LETTER, may address the 
 same under cover to them and prompt attention will be given. 
 
 ALL CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE STRICTLY CONFIDEN- 
 TIAL, and destroyed as soon as done with. 
 
 At the request of Messrs. Lamb & Co., and to meet the demand of those 
 whose means are limited, I have given them permission to put up three of 
 my prescriptions in smaller packages, as follows : 
 
 No. 1. Half size, $3.00 1 Or all three at one time $6.00, being sufficient 
 No. 2. " 3.00 > to last one month, and to cure many cases. 
 
 No. 3. " 1.00 S 
 
 EDGAR TREMAINE. 
 
 Puzzle : Can any reader make the letters b. k. y. a. n. spell 
 Lamb? 
 
262 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 SEWING MACHINES AND GUNS. 
 SEWING MACHINES. 
 
 The candle bums low, as the midnight hour approaches, while 
 the housewife stitch by stitch makes apparel for her family, all 
 the while picturing to herself what she could or would do if she 
 but had a sewing machine. 
 
 Again, many mothers cannot find time to sew for their children. 
 It becomes necessary to hire it done, and this, often when the 
 father is scarcely able to supply food and clothes. Aside from 
 the above considerations, there are many reasons why families 
 throughout the country, desire to possess what has become almost 
 a necessity in every household, one of those wonderful inventions 
 of our modern civilization, a family sewing machine. 
 
 How to get one ? is the query in many families, and the pos- 
 session of one is a means of li^^elihood to many a destitute woman. 
 It wiU thus be seen the field is open to the sharper, and ripe for 
 his harvest. There are in the community rogues to take advan- 
 tage of all classes, and sharpers in all trades. 
 
 Every thing of value has its counterfeit. The following con- 
 cern is one from which I have collected claims for a large num- 
 ber of persons, whom they had defrauded out of their money, 
 under the pretence of seUiug them a sewing machine. 
 
 I purpose to present a brief outline of this particular fraud as 
 a warning to others. 
 
 They send out by mail a 16 page circular. Eight pages con- 
 tain cuts of their different styles of machines. As would be ex- 
 pected, the circular commences " A new and strictly first-class 
 machine, with the Latest and Most Valuable Improvements." 
 
 They then describe how the machine is made, and say, " every 
 part of each machine is made by a system of gauges and inspected 
 before the parts are put together, so that every machine must be 
 
SEWING MACHINES AND GUNS. 263 
 
 up to the standard in every particular. This department is in 
 charge of one who has had a large experience in making tools for 
 the manufacturing. of Bank Notes and Bonds, and under his system 
 of inspection, accuracy, nearly to perfection, is attained." 
 
 If this Bank note blacksmith inspected the machines I saw in 
 the office of this concern when I called to recover back the moneys 
 of the victims of his circular, it must have been at midnight with- 
 out a hght, and while blindfolded, with his hands tied behind 
 him, for the " nice adjustment " was remarkable for absence of 
 perfection. 
 
 But-without stopping to describe the circular further, let me 
 quote a little from the last page, showing how they oil up these, 
 machines with printers' ink. It says : 
 " Great width of Arm, and large capacity for work. 
 
 Adopted to all the wants of family sewing without restriction- 
 Simplicity and Perfection of Mechanism. 
 
 Positive Motion, guaranteeing Certainty of "Work. 
 
 More readily comprehended than any other Machine. 
 
 An easy working Treadle. No exertion needed. 
 
 Is always ready, and never out of order. 
 
 Is an easy and pleasant machine to operate, requires the least 
 care, produces every variety of work, and wiU last until the next 
 century begias. 
 
 Strong, Simple, Baped and Efficient." 
 
 I purpose to let the victim in each case tell his own story, by a 
 verbatim et Uteratim copy of his letter to me. And where he 
 cannot do it Avithout the aid of the firm, I shall produce their 
 letters to the victim. 
 
 It wiU be some satisfaction to the reader to know that these 
 victims each recovered their money back again. 
 
 The first one is evidently an ignorant Quaker. He says : 
 
 K. S., N. C, feb 4 1880. 
 Deare Mend I sent to thy ofis on the 9 day of Janry 1879 one redyerstetl 
 letter for Cately & Co of your Citty & your rect came to offis whear it waa 
 maild on the 19 of same & on the 31 of same I went to the depot & fond no 
 
264 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 mashine as thy had promest to Send if I would send the money hy Eedyersted 
 letter thy would send the mashine on rect of the money & thy have faild to 
 send the mashine I wont you to pies look after the partys & tell them to send 
 the mashine or my money as I dont lake to be humhudyed in this way I send 
 you their letter So you can find them by their on hand wrigh pies do this for 
 me and ablige your friend ^- ^' ^■ 
 
 Wright me at E., N. C. 
 
 P S if thy wont send the mashine acordin to their letter nor the money put 
 the law in force aganst them for such men aught to be fond out & made to 
 suffer truly yours ^- ^- ^• 
 
 It will be observed the money ($15) was sent January 9, 1879. 
 The following letter, dated Nov. 24, 1879, was all he could se- 
 cure for the same. As you will see, this letter offers to " ship 
 the goods desired," but makes no mention whatever of the $16, 
 which this man held their return registered letter receipt for. 
 He was evidently a poor man far away in North Carolina, and 
 what had they to fear? Just witness the "cheek" of this fel- 
 low. He says : 
 
 Eefer to date of this in your reply. 
 
 THE NEW "FAMILY" SHUTTLE SEWING MACHINE. 
 
 Double Thread, Lock Stitch, same on both sides. 
 
 Lowest Priced in the "World. 
 
 Sewing Machine Atachments, and Materials of Every Description. 
 
 Agents for the New Patent Tuckers, EuiSers, and Binders. 
 
 Medals, Premiums, Diplomas. 
 
 New York, Nov. 24th, 1879. 
 E. P. C, Esq.: 
 
 Dear Sir — Your favor of 21 received and contents noted. We will ship you 
 the goods desired and allow you the privilege of examiuation at the freight 
 depot before the payment of bill, providing a sufficient amount to cover the 
 freight charges both ways is deposited with the freight agent of your place, 
 and his receipt for the same is sent to us to ensure against all loss should cir- 
 cumstances prevent you paying our bill. 
 
 This precaution we are obliged to take because of our extremely low prices 
 and it is one to which you cannot possibly object. 
 Awaiting your order accompanied by your freight agents receipt 
 
 We remain. 
 
 Yours Eespect. 
 
 A. Cately & Co. 
 L. 
 
SEWING MACHINES AND GUNS. 265 
 
 A Yirginian writes : 
 
 Green Sulphur Spbings, Summers County, West Va., ) 
 
 Feb. 6th, 1880. J 
 To the Post Master at 737 Broadway, N. Y.: 
 
 Dear Sir — I have Ijeen corresponding with a man at your office calling him- 
 self Alfred Cately, claiming to he of a company called the New and improved 
 family Sewing Maaheue Co. I contracted with him for a mashene, and sent 
 him the money according to his price lest and directions, he made evry thing 
 fair, and even sent me the bill of shipment, dated Dec. 29. I have never re- 
 ceived the mashen, he directed me to give him notice if the mashen was de- 
 layed damaged &c. which I have done, but have receved no answer. I think 
 strange of the proceeding, and feel as I have been imposed upon, and that 
 Mr. C. is not the man I took Mm to be. Mr. Post Master if you know Mr. 
 Cately yon would certainly do me the greatest favor if you would tell me 
 what for character Mr. C. is, and whether he is responsible for his contracts 
 or not. Very Respectfully Yours, 
 
 N. A. D. 
 
 Another North Carolinian says : 
 
 Cherkyville, N. C, Febuary 14, 1880. 
 
 Dear Sir — Pleas inform me if you if there is any such thing as the family 
 Sewing. I saw an advertisement in the Charlotte Observer for that machine 
 wanting agents, they said to address FamOy Sewing Machine Company 755 
 Broadway & I did so & they sent me their self-addressed envelop to Cately 
 & Co 737 Broadway N. Y. (to avoid mistakes they said) I accepted an agency 
 & sent the money for one Machine in regestered letter the 14 of January the 
 5 of Feb. they wrote me & sent me a receipt for the amount Signed Cately & 
 Co. and said goods would be shiped from Philadelphia Pa no goods has come 
 yet nor no bill of sliipment it seems to be a swindle any information about 
 them will be thankfully received Cately & Co Claims that they are the Pro- 
 prietors m New York & that the manufactry is in Philadelphia Pa hoping 
 to hear from you by return mail I am yours &c. 
 Address W. K. P. 
 
 Goston Co., Cherryville, N. C. 
 
 A Virginian has queer ideas of collecting money by threats. 
 
 Lynchburg, Va., Jany 7th, 1880. 
 Mr. Anthony Comstock, 150 Nassau street : 
 
 D Sir — I Enclose You a corispondenoe that one of my friend got tooken in on. 
 The Comercial agency thinks a Mr. Cately got the money perhaps a threat of 
 arrest might bring the money — act as you think and advise me. 
 
 Respectfully Eos S. 
 
266 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 In this case, liis friend had sent $50, and a receipted bill had 
 been sent him, and a notification that his goods had been shipped 
 had also been forwarded. JSTo goods were received, however. 
 This transaction was Sept. 29, 1879. He wrote in October, that 
 no machines had been received, when this " Bank note " black- 
 smith sewing machine man, acknowledges the receipt of the 
 postal, and then under date of Oct. 29, 1879, says : 
 
 We had imagined your goods were already shipped. We will, however, 
 write to the factory, enquire and send yoa advice. 
 Trusting that you have received goods ere this, we remain 
 
 Yours &c. 
 
 Standard M. Co. 
 
 They knew full well no machine had been shipped, and when 
 I called on C. & Co., which is only another name for above, 
 with these letters in hand, to secure the return of the money in 
 March, 1880, the machine had not been shipped, nor the money 
 returned. 
 
 I could present many more cases like the above, but I simply 
 desire to present the facts so as to warn the public. There are 
 many similar devices ; so look out. 
 
 I had the pleasure of returning the money to each of the above 
 parties. 
 
 ANOTHEE DODGE. 
 
 While writing upon this class of frauds who operate on the 
 basis of respectable articles of trade and commerce, I desire to 
 state a few facts concerning a scheme to deceive the public on 
 the basis of 
 
 GUNS AND REVOLVERS. 
 
 The reputable gun trade has suffered much by persons taking 
 inferior, cheap, and often worthless guns, and describing them by 
 flaming circulars and advertisements, in most glowing terms, as 
 "A 1," and "highest grade" or "first quality in every respect" 
 goods ; and then on these representations getting more than the 
 regular trade price for these inferior goods, and shipping the 
 
SEWING MACHINES AND GUNS. 267 
 
 same as being the best goods. This practice has assumed large 
 dimensions, and to-day certain parties east and west scour the 
 markets for second and third quality goods, anything they can 
 buy cheap, and then run them ofiE after the above form. It is a 
 two-edged fraud. It defrauds the buyer and is an outrage on 
 respectable dealers. Suppose a man comes into one of these 
 reputable establishments to buy a gun. He has read the adver- 
 tisement of the fraud, and his mind is full of purchasing a " $200 
 gun for $50," etc. 
 
 The merchant shows him a regular $200 gun and names the trade 
 price. O pshaw ! he says, I can go to — — (Defraud & Skinem's) 
 and buy one of that very kind and make, (for these advertisers 
 do not scruple to use the name of noted manufacturers in Europe 
 in their printed circulars) for fifty dollars. He will produce the 
 circular, and show the name of the maker and the " A 1," best 
 gun described at the very low figure named. It is useless for the 
 merchant to say it is a fraud as the buyer right away says, O yes, 
 I understand ! this is a rival concern. Of course you will run 
 him down. A man who knows anything about a gun discovers 
 his mistake after going over to Defraud & Skinem's place; 
 while one who has more money than brains purchases the cheap 
 gun, at a high price for it, and goes off chuckhng over how sharp 
 he was, not to let the Honest Dealer fool him. We have already 
 voted that " The fools are not all dead yet," and so we pass on for 
 a living example of what paper and ink can do with a cheap 
 second quality gun. 
 
 I purpose to be somewhat like the chap who went out gunning, 
 and climbed a tree, resting his gun on a limb near a squirrel in 
 order to shoot him, and when asked for his reasons for such a 
 strange proceeding, replied, he " did not propose to strain his gun 
 by a long shot." So I purpose, instead of going over the whole 
 circular, which I have from a Boston firm, notorious for this con- 
 temptible practice, to give a photo-lithograph of a part of a page 
 of a 26 page pamphlet, which will fuUy illustrate aU I desire 
 here to present. [See page 268.] 
 
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SEWING MACHINES AND GUNS. 269 
 
 The victim in this case, if you please to call Mm so, is the 
 writer. I sent, for the purpose of investigation, $50 for this 
 " $200 gun," and I received a gun marked " Henry Tolly," but 
 not the well-known gun maker of London, who is known as 
 the manufacturer of the J. & W. ToUey guns. 
 
 I took this gun to an importer and large dealer in guns, and he 
 appraised it as selling in the trade at about $35, and says, it is the 
 lowest grade that has all the improvements, but that in his 
 opinion it is a low grade Bonehill gun, marked Henry Tolly, and 
 that he never heard of any gun manufacturer by this name. Now 
 this does not matter so much to me, as I do not have time to 
 hunt, although very fond of it. I shall therefore keep this gun 
 as an exhibit, in evidence of this fraud, and put it in a safe place, 
 for home defence. In the meantime, I vouch for the unreliability 
 of the above circular, for this gun is not in any way " the highest 
 grade of a first quality Bonehill or ToUey gun." The gun expert 
 to whom I showed it says it is not " Damascus steel barrels," but 
 iron. It is " not the match in every respect of any $200 gun in 
 the country," and is not as described in the above circular. In- 
 stead of its being a $200 shot gun for $50, it is rather a $35 gun 
 for $50. 
 
 Some may say, O well, this is only fleecing sports. JS'ot so fast. 
 Even sporting men, and those who find pleasure in hunting in 
 the woods and on the lakes for recreation, have rights that even 
 the fraud should respect. The fraud in all these cases is like a 
 hungry shark, aU flesh is fish to his maw, and no matter how 
 gross the lie, only so the fraud has means to cut a big splurge in 
 society, as does the above in Boston. 
 
270 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 THE WONDEEFtJL CALVIN AND HIS DIVINING EOD. 
 
 The belief in the potency of the divining rod is as old as hnman 
 credulity; its history has formed a subject of the curious research 
 of antiquarians and students of social development. During the 
 Middle Ages,* when this " rabdomancy," or divination with the 
 rod, rose to its height, the willow wand was employed to discover 
 hid treasure and to detect theft, and even murder. 
 
 In many sections of our own country, to-day, the willow wand 
 is used to find water beneath the ground, and it is no unusual 
 thing for the credulous "Western " prospector " to employ the 
 same medium in his gold seeking. 
 
 "While the magic rod is properly a thing of the Middle Ages, 
 sufficient superstition concerning it lingers to make it a very profit- 
 able instrument for the tricks of the sharper, who is generally 
 successful with the rod to the extent, at least, of finding treasure 
 in the pocket of his victim. 
 
 One afternoon, not many months ago, there came into my ofiice 
 a forlorn and consumptive looking individual, who announced 
 himself as hailing from ]S"ew England, and now in search of the 
 great " Calvin ;" also of. $213, which had been forwarded to that 
 gentleman. 
 
 This Calvin was a nineteenth century scamp practicing the 
 roguery which has been the stock-in-trade of his craft for thou- 
 sands of years. Following our custom, we shall let his story be 
 told by the letters and circulars in the case, as they were furnished 
 to us by our New England friend. 
 
 Calvin had introduced himself and his " profession " by the fol- 
 lowing circular : 
 
 * The interested reader is referred to a chapter on the subject in Baring- 
 Gould's " Myths of the Middle Ages." 
 
THE WONDERFUL CALVIN. 
 
 271 
 
 C A.LV^I N, 
 
 THE WELL KNOWN 
 
 ASTROLOGER and CLAIRVOYANT, 
 
 y I -if 6 © 9 y 
 
 Tliirty-One Years Practice 
 
 READING HUMAN EVENTS. 
 
 Seventh son of a seventh daughter. Has the gift of foresight. Reveals 
 from the cradle to tlie grave. Past, Present, and Future. Gives advice on 
 Business, Money Matters, Love, Courtship, Marriage, Sickness, Lawsuits, 
 Traveling. Will interpret dreams; bring together those long separated; 
 cause speedy marriages, etc., etc. 
 
272 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 WHAT IS ASTROLOGY ? 
 
 The study of the Stars. Reading your life history from the position and 
 aspects of the planets at the time of your birth ; from that position will be 
 given an ample statement of the disposition and qualities, good or bad ; with 
 counsel how to modify evil traits of character ; with a statement of the 
 disease each one is by nature predisposed to ; with advice how to avoid such 
 results. Full particulars about money matters will be given, and by what 
 means wealth will be gained. How to prevent losses by being forewarned 
 and using caution. 
 
 TOUK FUTURE DESTINY CAN BE CLEARLY REVEALED 
 
 with as much certainty as the solving of the mathematical problem. It can 
 also foretell with perfect certainty the result of all commercial and business 
 transactions and speculations. 
 
 WHAT IS BEFORE MB? 
 
 Is the question which, at least in regard to the temporal affairs of life, every 
 person asks themself. Whether to be successful or not to be, in a vocation, 
 profession or business ; whether to occupy a high or a low position, socially 
 and financially, is the query which eyery person makes to themself. It has 
 been said that "every man makes his own castle — -builds himself." But is it 
 invariably so ? Is it not the fact, on the contrary, that a large portion of the 
 human race really find it imjwssible to succeed, no matter how desirous for suc- 
 cess, or how energetic and untiring they may be in their efforts, or how sound, 
 apparently, may be their judgment? 
 
 Men, after years of unrequited toil, or unforseen reverses, after wealing 
 away the best years of their life in a fruitless struggle for wealth, after trying 
 every means for gain and advancement which may have offered seeming 
 inducements to them, find themselves in the evening of life with wasted ener- 
 gies and in poverty. Why? Simply because they, in their self-reliance, 
 neglected to avail themselves of the advice and instruction which may be 
 had. 
 
 In Love, Courtship, and Marriage, Calvin will prove very ample in his 
 judgment, whether happy or contrary, and date of marriage will be given, 
 with full description of the husband or wife, as the case maybe, their disposi- 
 tion, etc. If rich or poor. If to marry more than once. If i t would be wise 
 for any two to marry. If they are by nature suited. Of children, the number, 
 sex, etc., and whether they will live or die. 
 
 All parents should have the nativities of their children written, for they will 
 then see what they are by nature suited for, and have a guide to direct them. 
 
 OF DISEASE. 
 
 It is known to all who have studied stellar influences, that the numerous 
 diseases afflicting mankind can be cured by observing the different signi- 
 ficators in a natuiii/ ; the nature of the disorders to which the constitution is 
 
THE WONDERFUL CALVIN. 273 
 
 predisposed may he ascertained ; and this fact once known, the cure is half 
 effected. 
 
 It is evident, upon a little reflection, that a knowledge of these times (dates 
 of good and evil) must he of very great advantage to all who are wise enough 
 to have their nativity written. Accidents may be prevented, often illaess and 
 even death, by being forewarned by a competent professor; if evil threatens, 
 we can be prepared to ward it off; on the other hand, if good fortune awaits 
 us, we can be prepared to take the fullest advantage of it. 
 
 A person can select a fortunate day for any important matter, such as mar- 
 riage, beginning business, removals, journeys, signing papers of importance, 
 &c., &c. How often you will hear the remark passed, " Everything seems to 
 go wrong to-day !" This is when bad aspects are in force, known only to the 
 astrologer. According to the position of the planets at birth each one is 
 adapted to a certain sphere of action — out of that a person will not prosper. 
 
 Calviu is the only astrologer in this country who thoroughly understands 
 the legitimate study of the science, and the sublime mysteries and secrets of 
 Egyptian philosophers, and who accomplishes the most wonderful phenomena 
 and results which have never before been attempted nor attained by any other 
 astrologer in America. 
 
 TESTIMONIALS. 
 
 Toronto, Canada. — Chas. ClifiEbrd, writing Feb. 20, 1871, says : No lan- 
 guage which I am capable of using can express the unbounded satisfaction I 
 have received from a horoscope made out by Calvin : not an incident of my 
 life has escaped him. I merely enclosed to him my place of birth, date, and 
 hour of the day, and sex, with his fee. His prompt reply delineated every joy 
 and sorrow of my past life exactly as I knew it to have been; at the same 
 time pointed out the events of each coming year until death. He also sug- 
 gested the best latitude to locate, and gave me advice by which I could have 
 the fullest benefit of the accident of life. I have often marked out a different 
 course, but have been invariably compelled to realize exactly what he has 
 predicted ; therefore; not a single proof is lacking to establish in my mind the 
 certainty of astral influence over this life upon earth. 
 
 We were always skeptics to the science of astrology until the following 
 facts came to our notice. A lady of our acquaintance was advised by Calviu 
 not to take passage upon a steamer for Europe, as it would be lost. She fol- 
 lowed his advice. The steamer was lost. — New Torh Daily Standard, 
 March, 1872. 
 
 A young lady of this city had been deceived by her lover. He refused to 
 marry her, and suddenly disappeared. She wrote to Calvin. She is now mar- 
 ried and happy, by following his advice. We also knew a married lady who 
 had a cruel, dissipated husband, who took no interest in his wife or family. 
 In despair she wrote to Calvin. She pursued the course he advised. The 
 husband became a sober, industrious man, and affectionate partner. 
 
 Another single young man had been trifled with and promised a young 
 lady's hand and heart, but was put off and flirted with for over two years 
 
 18 
 
274 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 and almost gave her up. In his distress he wrote to Calvin, followed his 
 advice, and is now happily married to the lady, and finds her a most devoted 
 ■wife. — Brooklyn Sunday Times. 
 
 It was Calvin that told where stolen honds and money could be found, from 
 which information the detectives discovered them, and also traced the robbers, 
 who were arrested and convicted. 
 
 And SO on for three more pages, proffering, among other 
 things, advice upon the following subjects : 
 
 Will it be better to change ; what is the condition of an absent person- 
 dead or alive ; if alive, will they return ; if dead, manner of death ; what 
 place would he the most prosperous to locate in ; would a voyage be safe and 
 prudent ; will a ticket in a lottery be a blank or a prize ; of lucky numbers ; 
 shall I obtain money due me ; will I be left property ; if well to make a pur- 
 chase — will it be a bargain ; will I make money by a trade ; if will gain the 
 love desired; if will marry the present lover; has he or she another lover; if 
 will gain wealth by marriage ; if will agree after marriage ; will the absconded 
 wife or husband return ; judgment upon things lost or stolen ; upon disease — 
 nature of disease ; if can be cured ; length of life ; manner of death ; will I 
 get over present troubles ; can I prevent trouble in future ; will I gain or lose 
 in law ; have I any private enemies ; shall I prosper in my business ; shall I 
 obtain the situation desired ; will I be restored to a lost situation ; is the per- 
 son worthy of my confidence ; if well to enter co-partnership ; if debts will be 
 paid ; of the success of an undertaking ; and many other subjects too numer- 
 ous to mention. 
 
 HISTORY OF ASTROLOCfY. 
 
 In Adam the knowledge of Astrology appears to have existed by inspiration , 
 and to him his posterity were indebted for the foreshadowing of those events 
 by its aid which would otherwise have been locked up ; nor can we doubt that 
 they were instructed by him in its mysteries. 
 
 Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, having acquired the science 
 among the Chaldeans, when sent by the command of Jehovah into Canaan, 
 and subsequently into Egypt, instructed the Egyptians in its elements, among 
 whom it was regarded with popular veneration aud cherished with care for 
 many centuries. 
 
 Among the more abstruse sciences, for a knowledge of which the Oriental 
 nations were remarkable, no science was cultivated with greater care — we 
 might add, intense solicitude— than the science of Astrology. The destinies 
 of men and of nations have alike been determined in those countries by the 
 planetary aspects and positions. If, under the iron hand of despotism, the 
 science of Astrology has been diverted from its just and legitimate object, the 
 error furnishes no argument against its truth. 
 
 Astrology is truly an inductive science, founded on an assemblage of facts, 
 collected together by men of learning and science in all nations and in every 
 age, from the first dawnings of Jewish history to the present day ; deduced as 
 
THE WONDERFUL CALVIN. 275 
 
 a problem in mathematics, according to a certain chain of causes, ■which, from 
 the ages since the flood, have been found invariably to produce a correspon- 
 dent train of consequences. When the sun is obscured and the darkened 
 clouds gather in the heavens, we predict that descending showers are near at 
 hand. Upon what data is our prediction founded ? Upon the time-established 
 fact, that such appearances are always accompanied by such effects. 
 A corresponding train of reasoning establishes the truth of Astrology.. 
 
 A CHART OP DESTINY 
 
 of general events. Past, Present and Future. Of coming events near at 
 hand, marriage, affairs of the heart, business, trouble, luck, etc., etc. Written 
 and sent by mail for $3.00. 
 
 SPECIAL nativity 
 
 on important business, or other matters, written for ^5.00. 
 
 State the sex, time of birth, hour of day, if possible. If not, state age and 
 place of birth, color of eyes, and send small lock of hair. 
 
 The utmost secrecy is observed in all cases, so that parties may correspond 
 with the fullest confidence. [y Address W. Calvin. 
 
 Calvin, for $3, furnished a " Chart of Destiny," and for $5 a 
 Chart on important business, or other matters. He required from 
 each applicant for his clairvoyant advice and counsel a statement 
 of their " sex, time of birth, giving hour of day, if possible ; if 
 not, time and place, color of eyes ;" and further called for " a 
 small lock of hair." The address was ""W". Calvin, P. O. Box 
 5027, New York City." "We do not hesitate to give this rascal 
 the benefit of this free advertising, for he has long since been 
 " closed up," so far as his address is concerned. 
 
 We may add that the name of this particular class of frauds is 
 Legion, and that their advertisements are every now and then ap-. 
 pearing in country papers. 
 
 "Well, our [N'ew England consumptive friend had been inveigled 
 into trusting to this fellow $100, sent 6n for Calvin with his 
 supernatural sagacity to speculate with, the thought appearing to 
 have been that the great astrologer would so foresee the fluctua- 
 tions of the market as to insure from the $100 a speedy and 
 magnificent fortune. It wiU be observed, however, that Calvin 
 loses his powers of vision exactly in proportion to the amount of 
 cash placed in his hands for investment. 
 
276 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 This $100, Calvin wrote, was deposited in an old, safe banking 
 house, to draw 8 per cent, interest until invested in stocks ; then 
 he says that he has a trusted friend, a clerk in one of the largest, 
 brokers' ofiBces in "Wall street, who is to keep him posted, and is 
 to specially post him at noon each day. The astrologer adds : 
 
 With his and my daily ohservation will keep a sharp look. He tells me 
 there is no chance this -week. I could invest any day by taking a great risk 
 of making a large stake, or losing all. 
 
 Then he goes on to say, that out of deference to the wishes of 
 his correspondent, he shall not invest until he is sure of a great 
 victory. He becomes exceedingly solicitous for the interest of 
 liis new friend : He can find " no sure thing ; but, if his corre- 
 spondent says go ahead, he wUl do so with the very best house in 
 Wall Street." He then promises that positively next week there 
 will be something very grand, as he is going over to spend Sun- 
 day with his friend, and intends to talk all day with him upon 
 this subject. After giving his victim a long letter upon the 
 risks of Wall Street, he advises him to try nothing at the present 
 time, but assures him that he is perfectly right in his view and 
 about lots of money being made there. 
 
 In about a week after this first letter he writes another one : 
 
 Friend B. : 
 
 Wall Street is in an uproar. I was about trying a call on Rock Island last 
 Monday at noon, when my fiiend told me Dan'l Drew had failed and I had 
 better hold on. * * * I am trying my best, with the assistance of my friend, 
 to watch for sure things, which you must know are not as plenty as risks. 
 Trusting a chance will be open next week, I remain, yours in confidence, 
 
 W. Calvin. 
 The next week he commenced his letter : 
 
 Dear Sir — I have invested in Wabash at call in twelve days in such a way 
 that, if I don't make anything, will not lose. Wall Street has partly recov- 
 ered flrom the last week shock, but my friend says keep quiet. 
 
 In reply to this letter the victim wanted him to borrow some 
 more money and invest on his account, if stocks were to go up. 
 This learned seer and astrologer writes back : 
 
THE WONDEEFUL CALVIN. 277 
 
 Now as to borrowing in New York City, I state, without good security it 
 ia impossible, entirely out of tlie question. You must know that no person, 
 much less a broker, will lend money without security in real estate or 
 some merchandise goods. 
 
 In tliis letter comes in the divining rod selieme. Calvin has 
 learned from a gentleman that the next Cunard steamship from 
 London will bring a divining or money rod. He says : 
 
 It has been used in the Australia gold fields, and was the only one to he had 
 in Loudon. It is a foot and a half long, composed of gold and si Iver of ele- 
 gant engraved workmanship, and contains quicksilver, etc., mercury and 
 composition for discovering buried gold and silver or treasure. He values It 
 at $800 ; they have been sold for $1,000; but as he wants money bad at present, 
 he will sell it if taken in two weeks at $300, and not a cent less. 
 
 Our New England friend, Mr. B., had written Calvin that he 
 must raise a certain amount of money by a given time, as he had 
 some notes coming due that he must meet, 
 
 Calvin in this same letter says : 
 
 Now as you want to raise the amount so soon, and cannot depend on stocks 
 in time, and as I am just as anxious to make money, and have faith iu this 
 rod, if you will agree and say pay $200 towards it, I will raise the other hun- 
 dred and by th rod as soon as it arives and send it immediatly to you by Ex- 
 press. Answer as soon as possible as we may lose the chance. If you decide 
 to do so I will of course call the $200 of the broker and get the other hun- 
 dred. Yours, W. Calvin. 
 
 " Dear B." replies at once, asking if the astrologer had given 
 up the stock business. He also advises Calvin that he must 
 have the money by the 20th of that month, and that he must get 
 it out of the stocks and return it to him. This letter evidently 
 made Calvin feel that his man was getting a little anxious. Now 
 in all these schemes, in order to make them successful, the fraud 
 must keep his victims in good humor, and not let them become 
 impatient. 
 
 Calvin writes back the next day that he has not given up the 
 
 stock business, but he only made the suggestion about the rod as 
 
 he supposed B. wanted the money by a certain date, which now 
 
 looked almost impossible. 
 
 That is why I proposed about the divining Rod. You must by some way get 
 
278 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 an extension and get it as long as yon possibly can. You have a curious 
 ideas of stock one can often mate more tlian $700 in a few days, but this is 
 by chance. No man can do it at a given or set time. 
 
 After explaining the difaculties of operating within any set 
 time in Wall Street, he tells him again, in this same letter, that 
 tiiree things are open for him to do : 
 
 Either, you must get an extension, or get the divining rod at once, or take 
 the risk in stocks. I may get a little money to secure the rod ; that is, so he 
 ■will not sell it to another, but I could no way raise the $300. You say, get it 
 and send to you. You must have a strange impression of New York people. 
 Why they would not trust yon or me with three cents. 
 
 This last expression is undoubtedly so near the truth as to have 
 
 surprised Calvin if he had realized it. I have no doubt that he 
 
 unconsciously and unwittingly told the truth when he said, " Ifo 
 
 one in New York would trust him with three cents." He then 
 
 goes on to say : 
 
 I have no man to go $300, only flOO. I would have to borrow that of a 
 poor sister that has no more. I never have more than $10 to $15 at once my- 
 self. Merely live from hand to mouth. 
 
 This letter he signs, " Yours in confidence." 
 
 B. writes back directing him to collect the first $100 and 
 return to him. 
 
 Calvin at once replies that he has called the first hundred dol- 
 lars, which has made twelve per cent, profit, but this, he says, 
 was invested on a sure thing with no risk. But, that if he had 
 taken a little risk, he might have made $500. He then says that 
 he was going to send the $12 to B., only that he did not under- 
 stand his last letter. B., in this last letter, wanted to know about 
 his being a professional astrologer, and if that business did not 
 help him ; saying he supposed of course he possessed pecuKar ad- 
 vantages on that account, for investing money. Calvin writes : 
 
 But you must remember I have some of the sharpest men, that ever lived, 
 in Wall Street to deal with. Some the very Satan themselves, and it would 
 need all the power of mortal man to compete with them. 
 
 He then comes back to his favorite theme, and says : 
 I have borrowed all the money I could get |20, as times are very dull here, 
 
THE WONDERFUL CALVIN. 279 
 
 and paid it on the Divining Rod. It will be here to-morrow, Saturday. Ho 
 will keep it for us until the first of May, but I fear no longer, but the money 
 will be returned if he sells it to another. He says others are after it. 
 
 It also appears from this letter that our consumptive friend had 
 been investing in the Industrial Exposition Company's bonds and 
 also with Pendleton & Co., and had lost money by each. 
 
 Calvin also finds it necessary to professionally discipline him, 
 and tells him: 
 
 You are governed by a power of not following good advice at all times, and 
 taking others you should not. You have not done as I have told you in 
 everything, there are others who have influence over you. The Centennial 
 year is not altogether favorable to you, if you once get through this year, all 
 will be different. You do not have the strong faith you should have, to 
 make the charm work. It would be better for you in another locality further 
 East, say in Maine. 
 
 It was evidently growing uncomfortably warm for Calvin. 
 The old excuses that he had made from time to time did not 
 seem to satisfy his customer ; he therefore recommends a change 
 of air and scene, and a more remote distance from New York 
 City for his customer. In the next letter that B. writes, he de- 
 mands $100 by the following Thursday. 
 
 Calvin writes back that he supposed he had arranged for an 
 extension, and that everything was fixed, and tells him that he 
 cannot raise the $100 except by losing a large amount. But a 
 happy thought comes to Calvin : 
 
 The Dividing Rod is here, arrived last Monday. 
 
 It is a fine piece of work. He wished to know for certain if I would take it 
 by the 1st, as there was a sure sale for it, and he could get $500 at Philadel- 
 phia to use at the Centennial. I told him I was certain, and thought I could 
 pay him some more money to-morrow, or Monday. I feel now sure, if I had 
 not paid the |32 on it, he would have backed out. 
 
 It seems from B.'s letter to Calvin, that he had a debtor who 
 was pressing him for a claim ; and that was why he must posi- 
 tively have some of his money back by a given date. 
 
 Calvin sympathizes with B. and tells him 
 
 I really feel sorry for your situation. I have tried the best I can. As I told 
 you before, New York has some of the sharpest men iu the world. I have been 
 
280 • FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 in London and all parts of the old country, and have seen mucli of men, but I 
 tell you, with all my experience, and knowledge of tuman natnre, this New 
 York, particularly Wall Street, beats them all. Why if you closed your eyes 
 for a moment, some one is ready to take advantage of you. A person with 
 money, they appear to smell it, and all go for you like sharks ; but I have got 
 alongpretty safe sofar and expect to get through yet. I place dependence 
 upon the Divining Kod. It looks valuable and wonderful. 
 
 Mr. B. writes back an urgent letter for his money, whicli draws 
 forth a very prompt reply from the Astrologer. He commences : 
 
 Dear Sir : The worst week yet in New York, no one will talk business, all 
 are wondering what are to become of things. Wall Street in the same boat. 
 Men who have been dealing there for twenty-five years, say they never seen 
 anything like it, so awful dull. 
 
 Then Calvin is forced into a position, that he would have B. 
 feel is exceedingly unpleasant to him, and yet he is compelled to 
 take it. He says : 
 
 I shall have to take some of the money by next week Monday to pay on the 
 Eod, as the man is getting uneasy, he don't seem to have much faith that yon 
 will take it, and is anxious to go on to Philadelphia. I will try my best to 
 get |40 or $50 by Monday. If not will have to take some to keep him quiet 
 for a few days. It is now getting most time to look for a buried treasure, as 
 they will soon begin to dig or plow up the ground, and some one else might 
 discover it. I think if I was to offer $250 right down next Monday, that I 
 could get the Rod ; but am sure not after that. 
 
 Sincerely hoping for some thing to change next week, 
 
 I remain yours, 
 
 W. CALvm. 
 
 The next week he writes to B. telling him that he has closed 
 one of the contracts ; hut would lose if he closed the other before 
 to-morrow. That he has paid $50 more oh the Rod, and thinks 
 he wiU be able to forward it Friday by express. 
 
 The next day he sent a postal card informing B. " that it would 
 not be ready to-day for express, expects to to-morrow, Saturday, 
 making all the haste possible." It then runs along four or five 
 days, and the rod is not shipped. 
 
 B. is getting exceedingly nervous, so he sends a postal, and 
 Calvin answers informing him " that the Eod will positively be 
 sent within two days." 
 
THE WONDERFUL CALVIN. 281 
 
 On the date mentioned the great load of responsibility is rolled 
 off the shoulders of the astrologer ; the Eod is secured ; he " did 
 not sell it to the Philadelphia party ; but it was packed in a 
 wooden box, and shipped by Adams Express." This letter con- 
 tains cautions about giving this Rod tender care, as it was easy 
 to get out of order. 
 
 Calvin having wound up these affairs, and thinking that he 
 now has the $213 secured, thus writes, , 
 
 I do sincerely hope and trust you will have better luck -with it than -we 
 have — in stock business. If there is auy gold or buried treasure, you can 
 certainly find it, with this Eod. 
 
 He then informs him, that stock business never was so dead as 
 during the past six months, that very few people were dealing in 
 them, and that there would be no chance until after the Presi- 
 dential election, for any profitable business in stocks. lie there- 
 fore gives B. advice, and as he is an astrologer and foretells 
 future events, it is fair to suppose, that he knew what he was 
 talking about. 
 
 The astrologer writes : 
 
 Now you must stick to the .Eod, don't make a confident of any living soul 
 at Mariou. Go moonlight nights, and early every morning, before any one is 
 up and around. You must try different localities, burying grounds, and also 
 particularly near the salt water. Persevere, don't give up too easy, as you do 
 with some things. If at any time you wish to sell the Eod, I have the address 
 of two parties, one in Pennsylvania and one in Oliio, who will buy it; but 
 doti't give it up. I have spent considerable time, and wish to make something, 
 as well as you. Our only hope at present is the Eod. Ton must not let one 
 person see or handle it if possible. Jf an\j one by accident, should see it, you should 
 not tell them tohat it is for, make up a story of some kind. If any part gets broke 
 or gets out of order, it should be attended to at once. There are four rings 
 fastened to it. Do not know what they are for ; but they come with it, anj 
 ia best to let them stay on. Hope to hear of the safe arrival of it, and best of 
 luck. I remain your friend, 
 
 W. Calvix. 
 
 The directions are as follows : 
 
 DIRECTIONS FOR USING THE KOD. 
 
 Must use it with great care, keep the quicksilver ball at bottom of Eod, 
 always covered, except when testing. The ground should be soft ; if not, 
 
282 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 make a hole with a stick, about the size of the Eod about a foot deep, then 
 put the Eod down aboiit half, holding your thumb over the open cut near the 
 top of Eod when testing. Allow it to remain in the ground from ten to 
 twenty minutes ; then pull it up, removing the thumb from the open cut near 
 top. 
 
 If there is gold, silver, or any metal, within three feet, the ball at bottom 
 of Eod will be nearly, if not covered by small sand or earth. Also a red 
 marker will show in the glass indicator in the open cut, near the top. 
 
 If the gold, silver, &c., is considerably deep, not over twelve feet, there 
 only will be a few particles on the bottom of the ball. If to one side, the 
 same will show the side or direction, then you must test in that directiou. If 
 none sticks to the ball, then there is no gold, silver, or metals buried, and you 
 must try the going about in another place. 
 
 Where the ground is very soft, merely rest the ball of the Eod, on top of the 
 ground. In marshy, swamp, or water not over the top of the Eod. You can 
 test by having a narrow rubber bag over the Eod. If treasure is beneath, it 
 will affect the quicksilver through the water, and will show by the indicator 
 at the top of the Eod. The ball at bottom of Eod is glass and contains quick- 
 silver, and other compositions. Must be careful not to break it, as would be 
 difficult to repair. 
 
 In seeking, or testing for buried treasures, you may discover some soon, or 
 may occupy considerable time to do so. You must prepare not to be too easily 
 discouraged. If this was the case might as well not look. You must stick to it, 
 and if you make a strike, keep it entirely to yourij,elf. If there is any gold, 
 silver, or metals buried, with this rod you must surely find it. It may be 
 done immediately, it may take mouths, but will be sure in end. 
 
 The rings on the Eod ; I don't know much about, only that they was on it, 
 and the string that holds them on it sealed, so they must be meant to remain 
 there. 
 
 Clean the whole Eod after testing. Keep it in a dry place, when not using. 
 
 Youis, 
 
 W, Calvin. 
 
 This rod, wMcb. is now in my possession, is evidently made out 
 of a round brass or gilt stair rod, about eighteen inches long, with 
 a little bulb at one end, and a little open cut, about an inch and 
 h half long on one side, and about three inches from the upper 
 end. Inside of the rod, there is a glass tube fitted under this 
 opening, and the contrivance resembles somewhat the tube and 
 opening in a carpenter's level. On the other end is another little 
 bulb fastened in, sealing the end of the rod. Upon this are fast- 
 ened four brass rings, such as are usually sold in country stores, 
 for about 25 cents apiece. 
 
THE WONDEEFUL CALVIN. 283 
 
 The poor consumptive was as badly chagrined on the receipt of 
 this rod, as is the party who gets a box of sawdust in return for 
 his money. Nevertheless, he tries this rod, but without success. 
 His correspondence, however, does not disclose whether he went 
 by moonlight, or of a very early morning. He also omits to say 
 whether he went in the "swamp, or the sea shore," or in a 
 " graveyard, or among the rocks of Massachusetts." Suffice it 
 to say that the rod did not work. 
 
 He consulted the astrologer again. He must have been very 
 expeditious about it, inasmuch as the reply we quote was written 
 within six days after the rod was shipped. The astrologer evi- 
 dently saw something in the future. His correspondent was 
 anxious to come to New York and consult him personally. That 
 would never do, for the astrologer; he could readily foresee that 
 his fat would be thrown into the fire. Therefore he writes : 
 
 The man I bought it of, is very willing to go down, and work it, most too 
 willing. I dont like the idea of letting another into the secret, would rather 
 come down myself, if I could stand the journey. I am very sickly, and cant 
 stand much traveling. Have had one Paralytic stroke and two more would 
 finish. I am consulting the Doctor about it. Business is very poor with me, 
 cannot advertise any more in the weekly paper, and things have run down 
 very bad with me. 
 
 The astrologer then mourns his condition. He tells B. that he 
 is very poor ; very few friends in the great " hard harted city." 
 
 With all his poverty and bodily infirmities, the astrologer has 
 suffered another very severe blow, that has caused him much 
 anxiety. The cause of all this additional trouble he explains in 
 the same letter : 
 
 The man that owned that Rod once by accident saw one of your letters, I 
 carelessly left on his table some three weeks ago, but whether he saw your 
 address or not, I am not sure. I remember he asked me if that letter was 
 from the person that wanted the Eod. I told him no. Now he may come 
 down to your place without me knowing it. If he should, should be best 
 to have nothing to do with him. He offers to work the Eod, and go shares, 
 but lift knowing it bo much better than us might take advantage. 
 
 He then discourses upon his feeble condition, but expresses his 
 ready willingness to come if he is able ; but he fears — 
 
284 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Being out at night, or before tlie Sun is up, might not work with. me. Will 
 Bee my Doctor, in the mean time. 
 
 After this letter, the next that poor B. learns of the astrologer 
 is told in a letter, written evidently in the same handwriting as 
 all the others, giving the sad intelligence that 
 
 The Astrologer has finally succumbed to an attack of Pneumonia, and is at 
 the present time at St. John's Hospital not expected to recover. 
 
 The writer concluding : 
 
 I am a friend of his, but know nothing of his business. If he gets well, he 
 will go to his former home, Pulaski, Ky. Yours truly, 
 
 IzA. 6. Baeer. 
 
 The next tidings, however, that B. gets, comes in the shape of 
 a postal card about three months after it, informing him that the 
 astrologer had left the " hard harted city," and had gone no one 
 knew where, but — probably up Salt Lake, or some other place 
 not far from iN^ew York City. 
 
 B. discovers at last that he has been outrageously swindled out 
 of his money, and then writes to Baker, demanding a settlement. 
 
 Baker, alias the astrologer, informs him, that Calvin is a bank- 
 rupt, that his business is closed up, that his debts amount to 
 over $300 to different parties, besides $400 of borrowed money ; 
 that he. Baker, has been made the Assignee, and is trying very 
 hard to get something out of the business, but sees very poor 
 prospects. That Calvin is somewhere out "West, but where he 
 knows not. This was in August. 
 
 The following October, B., being determined to discover some- 
 thing, again makes a demand upon Mr. Baker (alias the Astrolo- 
 ger) for return of his money. He is then informed : 
 
 That Mr. Calvin is traveling in Illinois lecturing on Spiritualism and Test 
 Mediums. I forwarded your last letter, and he wrote me he would answer 
 early in October. I will write to-day and see that he does so at once. You 
 may expect a letter, from some part of the West, from him in a week or ten 
 days. 
 
 About a week after this letter, the last communication from 
 the great Astrologer was received. 
 
THE WONDEEFUL CALVIN. 285 
 
 His genius has departed in his weak and feeble state. He had 
 traversed the State of Ohio, to find the man who would buy the 
 mining Eod, but he failed to find any trace of him either dead or 
 alive, although some of his cousins informed him that they 
 thought he was in Canada. He also appealed to the person at 
 Philadelphia, but received no answer. He then is forced to 
 admit : 
 
 Everything works against me this year 1876. I would willingly do any 
 thing I could for you, as God is my Judge, but the evil spirits have the best of 
 me at present ; but still I don't give up hope some day of mastering him, and 
 be what I once was. If I had means I would come and see you, and try and 
 remedy the past. I must keep away from New York, as my creditors would 
 seize body and soul, if they could. 
 
 I hope and pray, that some future time, I may be able to resume the old 
 relation with you, of confidence, honor and trust. 
 
 What ever has come over me ? At times I fail to see the future prospects 
 that even the most common placed person could do. But this must change 
 for the worse, or better. I cannot go on in this manner, as death will end it. 
 Even my memory fails me, as I cannot at this time recall what I told you. 
 
 Perspiration must have poured from the brow of the great 
 Astrologer, as he further continued in the agonizing strains fol- 
 lowing : 
 
 Great God that it would come to this — a mind that has been complimented 
 during the past as mine has been, by some of the best people of America! 
 But so it seems. Friend B., it is useless for me to promise, but my inten- 
 tions are, to do you justice if in my power. I am powerless now. All I can 
 say. Tours truly, 
 
 W. Calvin. 
 
 The prime object of Calvin's circular was — evidently to get 
 the $3 or $5 which he charged for his chart, or for his advice 
 upon business matters, and then when he should be consulted upon 
 the investments of money by some poor ignorant countryman 
 who had more money than wits, he would by such representa- 
 tions as he made in the letters in the above case, prevail upon the 
 victim to send his money to him for investment. It is presumed 
 that this- wrecked Astrologer, this great mind, this towering 
 
286 • FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 intellect is still wandering over the "Western Prairie, or else that 
 he has changed his name, and is still operating upon the credu- 
 lous ones. 
 
 As a sequel to the above, we append the following, which has 
 come to our notice since writing the above. This letter was sent 
 to a young lady, who, despite the endearing style of the familiar 
 address " Dear Friend," did not invest in his wares. Accompa- 
 nying this were several gaudy circulars, setting forth the merits 
 of "The Wizard's Wonderful Cabinet," price 50c., and "The 
 Great Book of the Age," price likewise 50c. 
 
 We should say that Calvin had recovered, with a vengeance ! 
 
 Dbab Fkiend — The brighest link of your life, hope, happiness, ambition, 
 present and future prosperity has been marred and nearly broken not by fate 
 alone but by your want of astrol knowledge, you have been vainly pursuing 
 a fleeting bubble oif the beaten track. It is for me to reveal the realities of 
 your whole destiny. How to gain the greatest wish of your life — To succeed 
 — To triumph over your enemies. To obtain that which most rightfully 
 belongs to you, money or property. To prevent disappointments — To avoid 
 loss and difficulty — To find lost or stolen things, to reveal coming events, con- 
 cerning yourself, of love or marriage, trouble, sickness, &.(y, «fec. Your Chart 
 of Destiny written for 50 cents. Special Nativity |1. 
 
 Yours Truly 
 
 "W. CALvm. 
 
CLINTON MEDICAL AND SURGICAL INSTITUTE. 287 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 THE CLINTON MEDICAL AND SURGICvyL INSTITUTE. 
 
 On the 22d of July, 1873, there was filed in the County 
 Clerk's office, New York City, what purported to be an Act of 
 Incorporation of the " Clinton Medical and Surgical Institute." 
 
 Any person who will take the trouble to examine the original 
 copy on file, will find the names in the body of the Act, and as 
 signed by each, individual to be, save in one or two instances, in 
 the same handwriting as that of James Bryan, and the signatures, 
 aside from H. M. Bryan (supposed to be his wife), are his aliases. 
 Indeed, notwithstanding that Bryan was examined under oath, as 
 to his knowledge of the existence of his associates, and fellow 
 directors, yet with his help, we have been unable, up to the 
 present time, to find a single one of these celebrated M.Ds. 
 
 And the IsTotary, who thus certifies to the execution of this 
 instrument before him, by these parties " known to him," was 
 not able a short time after they were supposed to have been in 
 his presence, to describe or identify a single individual. 
 
 CERTIFICATE OF IXCOKPOKATION OF THE CIXNTON MEDICAL AND SURGICAL 
 
 INSTITUTE. 
 
 To all to whom tliese presents shall come or may concern. 
 
 Be it known, that we the undersigned Eobt. E. Bell, M.D.,W. Draper, M.D., 
 John Harvey, M.D., Martin Dutton, H. M. Bryan, Edgar Tremaine, M.D., J. 
 Bryan, M.D., E. Woods, M.D., E. H. Worthington, M.D., B. Welles, M.D., E. 
 Welles, M.D., and G. Humphries, M.D., have this day associated ourselves 
 together and have formed an association or society in pursuance of the pro- 
 visions of an Act of the Legislature of the State of New York passed April 12, 
 1848, entitled An Act for the Incorporation of Benevolent, Charitable, Scien- 
 tific, and Missionary Societies, and the Acts amending the same and applicable 
 thereto and for that purpose, have made, signed, and acknowledged this cer- 
 tificate in duplicate as follows : 
 
 First. The name or title by which this society shall be known in law is, 
 "The Clinton Medical and Surgical Institute." 
 
 Second. The particular business and object of such society is the scientific 
 and medical treatment of the poor and needy for all chronic diseases by able 
 and stilled physicians, upon the plan pursued in institutions of a similar 
 
288 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 character in Europe and the advancement of the study and treatment of such 
 
 diseases. 
 
 Third. The number of the trustees to manage the.affairs of the said society 
 shall he twelve, and the names of the persons who shall he such trustees 
 dnrin- the first year of its existence are Koht. E. Bell, M.D., W. Draper, M.D., 
 John Harvey, M.D., Martin Dutton, H. M. Bryan, Edgar Tremaine, M.D., J. 
 Bryan, M.D., E. Wood, M.D., E. H. Worthington, M.D., B. Welles, M.D., E. 
 Welles, M.D., and Gt. Humphries, M.D. 
 
 Fourth. The principal place of business of said society shall be the city of 
 
 New York. 
 
 In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 
 twenty-fifth day ot October, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one. 
 Robert E. Bell, M.D. [seal.] J. Bkyan, M.D. [seal.] 
 
 W. Draper, [seal.] E. Wood, M.D. [seal.] 
 
 John Harvey, M.D. [seal.] E. H. Worthington, M.D. [seal.] 
 H. M. Bryan, [seal.] B. Welles, M.D. [seal.] 
 
 Edgar Tremaine, M.D. [seal.] E. Welles, M.D. [seal.] 
 
 Martin Dutton. [seal.] G. Humphries, M.D. [seal.] 
 
 Sealed and delivered in presence of 
 
 Henry Puedy. 
 State of New Tork, ) ^^^ 
 City of New York, 5 
 
 On this twenty-fifth of October, one thousand eight hundred and seventy- 
 one, before me, James L. Dayton, a Notary Public in and for the State of 
 New York, duly commissioned and sworn, dwelling in the city of New York, 
 personally came aud appeared, Robert E. Bell, M.D., W. Draper, M.D., John 
 Harvey, M D., Martin Dutton, H. M. Bryan, Edgar Tremaine, M.D., J. Bryan, 
 M.D., E. Wood, M.D., E. H. Worthington, M.D., B. Welles, M.D., E. Welles, 
 M.D., and G. Humphries, M.D., all of whom are to me personally known, and 
 known to me to be the persons described in, and who executed the foregoing 
 certificate, and they severally acknowledge the foregoing certificate to be 
 their act aud deed. 
 
 In witness whereof, I have herewith subscribed my name and afSxed my 
 seal of office the day and year last above written. 
 
 Jas. L. Dayton, 
 
 Notary Public, N. Y. Co. 
 I approve of the above certificate, and consant that the same be filed in the 
 proper office. 
 New York, Oct. 26, 1871. ' George E. Barnard. 
 
 "While some lotteries start under the pretence of furthering 
 the educational interests of the State in which they are conducted, 
 this Institute proposes to make it its "particular business and 
 
CLINTON MEDICAL AND SURGICAL INSTITUTE. 380 
 
 object to scientifically and medically treat the poor and needy of 
 all chronic diseases," and names the " twelve trustees " (Bryan's 
 aliases) to manage its affairs. Each fraud proposes some charity 
 as its apology and defence. It is a great help to their Counsel in 
 case of an arrest, to be able to say to the Jury : It's an outrage to 
 interfere with educational interests, or the charities of the poor 
 and needy, by arresting the philanthropists who manage these 
 institutions. Let the reader keep in mind the interests of " the 
 poor and needy " as they consider how this institution was run by 
 James Bryan and his " Trustee " Aliases. 
 
 It may be supposed that the first duty of this Board of Trus- 
 tees, was to provide an asylum or hospital for the " poor and 
 needy." What was actually done, was to take possession of the 
 dwelling, J^o. 147 East 15th street, New York, and to liang out a 
 sign of " The Clinton Medical and Surgical Institute," upon the 
 front. 
 
 The next move was to advertise. This was done on an exten- 
 sive scale — ^through newspapers, by circulars, and books. 
 
 It will be observed that Bryan aped the names of celebrated 
 physicians, trading on the known reputation of such men as 
 John Harvey, deceased, of England, Dr. Bell, of this city, etc. 
 
 In order to advertise successfully, he aped the name also of 
 the very reputable publishing house of E. P. Dutton & Co. on 
 Broadway, issuing a fiaming circular, advertising an obscene 
 book called " Things You Ought to Know." Price $1.00. Trade 
 supplied by Martin Dutton & Co. To further impose on the 
 pubhc and this reputable firm, he secured an oflice near by, and 
 it was the constant annoyance to E. P. Dutton & Co. that led 
 first to the arrest of his agent for selling this obscene book, ad- 
 vertising the bogus Institute. 
 
 This book contained about 400 pages, edited by "Prof. W. 
 Draper, M.D.," and before the Introduction had one page of 
 advertisements devoted to " The Clinton Medical and Surgical In- 
 stitute," of which is said : 
 
 There is no disease or condition known to the medical profession but that 
 can be overcome and cured at this Institution. No consultation fee required 
 19 
 
290 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 in the General Department. The suffering of either sex are freely invited. 
 The phyaicians employed are all gentlemen of acknowledged experience and 
 ability * * 
 
 Dr. A. J. Parks, now of Trenton State Prison, sentenced 
 for conspiracy in the Lewis Will Case of New Jersey, was for- 
 merly one of these " gentlemen of experience." 
 
 This book was subdivided, and represented the different de- 
 partments of this Institute. One chapter was a lecture to men, 
 and represented the department for males, " Eobert E. Bell, M.D., 
 Consulting Physician." The next chapter represents the De- 
 partment for females, and a lecture by " Dr. John Harvey, mem- 
 ber of the Eoyal College of Surgeons, England, and Medical 
 CoUege, New York, and for forty years accoucheur and Consult- 
 ing Physician." 
 
 At the end of each of the above chapters were certain articles 
 of an unlawful character advertised for sale, and an invitation to 
 address either Drs. Bell or Harvey in whichever department 
 they appeared. 
 
 Another chapter on " Love " was presided over by Madame 
 Lucille Demarre. Here again were numerous articles advertised 
 for a devilish purpose, and the purchaser must address " Mad. 
 Lucille Demarre," or " Lucille Demarre & Co., Station D, Bible 
 House, New York." 
 
 We give one of the newspaper advertisements of Bryan's alias 
 as Mad. Demarre : 
 
 LOVE AND MATRIMONY- 
 
 The affections may be gained by following simple rules, and all may marry 
 happily without regard to wealth, age or beauty. Address with Stamp. 
 
 Madame Lucille Demarre, 
 Bible House Station, N. Y. 
 
 In the Female Department, Hours for Consultation were from 
 10 A. M. to 4 p. M., and all correspondence must be addressed Dr. 
 John Harvey, 147 E. 15th street. 
 
 Agencies for this wonderful book, the product of this Board 
 of Trustees, could be obtained upon application to " Martin 
 Dutton & Co., Station D, New York." The book could be had 
 of Martin Dutton & Co., 737 Broadway, New York. 
 
CLINTON MEDICAL AND SURGICAL INSTITUTE. 291 
 
 Now, let a lady call at this institute for treatment, and inqiiire 
 for Dr. John Harvey, and Bryan, or one of his tools, would appear 
 as Dr. Harvey. If a man caQed for Dr. E. E. Bell, usually Bryan 
 or Parks would respond. But if any person should send a re- 
 gistered letter for any of the infamous articles of crime, that this 
 Institute advertised, these letters would be received by Bryan, 
 and a receipt signed ; he signing himself one day John Harvey, 
 the next time Eobert E. Bell, M.D., Lucille Demarre & Co., 
 Martin Dutton, or any of the other names under which he 
 largely advertised, to wit, " Edgar Tremain," Dr. Benoni, etc. 
 This " Board of Trustees " used to receive quite a large mail at 
 one time, and there are a large number of these letters on the 
 records of the Post Office Department in which he has repre- 
 sented himself to be the different individuals named. Bryan 
 was at last himself arrested and indicted in the U. S. Court 
 for sending this obscene book through the mails. At the time of 
 his arrest the Institute was in full blast. He had a book about 
 18 inches long, and corresponding width, of about one thousand 
 pages. This book had a clasp which would lock so that it could 
 not be opened without his key, and in this book he kept a list of 
 the cases that were brought by his advertisements to his Institute 
 for treatment. If his clerks are to be believed, the majority of 
 these cases were young men ; " and when once a statement of 
 their case had been made, their names wore entered in this book, 
 .and then a certain sum each month exacted of them for treat- 
 ment. They were in many cases also warned that their case was 
 very desperate, or threatened with exposure to their friends." 
 This book 1 personally examined, and there were hundreds of 
 cases there where the fees varied from $5 to $50 per month. 
 
 One employee told me that one day this celebrated Board of 
 Trustees (J. Bryan) was putting up a prescription for a patient. 
 There were two bottles — one for external and the other internal 
 use. He said he spoke to the Doctor (?) not to get them mixed, 
 and he laughingly replied : " That would make no difference, as 
 they were both alike." 
 
 On searching the house, we found many varieties of circulars, 
 
292 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 used by Bryan in his former schemes, as he was forced to testify 
 to on a certain suit he brought against the author, which is 
 referred to further on. 
 
 After Bryan's arrest, he set himself to work to crush the one 
 who arrested him. There was one thing that he and the other 
 frauds and smut dealers have long sought for, and most zealously 
 plotted and conspired to accomplish, to wit, revoke my com- 
 mission as a Special Agent of the Post Office Department, and to 
 blacken my character so that I would not be believed. In this 
 attempt Bryan found many ready tools, so long as his money 
 lasted. 
 
 A PLOT 
 
 was well planned and quietly carried out to a certain extent to- 
 ward effecting the desired end. One move was to prefer charges 
 against me to the Postmaster-General. Accordingly, the follow- 
 ing paper was prepared by Bryan, and by being taken around 
 by a person known to most of these gentlemen (a man named 
 Brinckerhoff, who had himself been secretly carrying on through 
 the mails an unlawful business, and who had been arrested and 
 indicted therefor), and another an advertising agent, Geo. E. Perry, 
 the signatures were obtained, signed, as most petitions are, with- 
 out being read, but signed on the word of the party who brings 
 them. 
 
 chaeges to postmastee-geneeal ceesswell. 
 
 [Copy.] 
 
 New York, Feb. 9th, 1874. 
 To THE Honorable John A. J. Cebsswell, 
 
 Postmaster-General, Wasliiiigton, D. C. : 
 
 Sir — We, the undersigned business men and merchants doing business in 
 New York, beg to call your attention to a most shameless and flagrant abuse 
 of power delegated to one Anthony Comstock who is acting in the capacity 
 of a Post Office Detective in intercepting letters in transit, mailing letters 
 with forged postmarks, sending bogus registered letters, and in other 
 respects by unwarrantable proceedings bringing discredit upon the Postal 
 Service and distrust in the integrity of Post OfiQce Officials. 
 
 This officious intermeddler, whose antecedents are very questionable, claims 
 to derive his power and authority from the Postmaster-General at Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 We doubt the fa<!t of his having any such authority. We believe that he 
 
CLDJTON MEDICAL AND SUEGICAL INSTITUTE. 293 
 
 has shamefully and, in many instances, maliciously, and for personal gain, 
 far transcended any supervisory power that may have been given him in 
 Washington for legitimate purposes. 
 
 We do not believe that it was the design of the P. M. G. that this man, 
 Comstock, should convert his quasi authority, if such he has, into a means 
 of black-mail, of terrorism, and immense profit to himself. 
 
 We regard the course of Anthony Comstock in meddling with the mails as 
 set forth, as an outrage, without warrant of law, and unparalleled in the 
 history of the Postal Service. 
 
 The tampering with the correspondence of business firms has driven a great 
 many from the mails to the Express Companies, who have been compelled to 
 order all moneys hitherto sent by P. O. order and registered letters by 
 Express, greatly to the detriment and loss of the service. 
 
 We, therefore, most respectfully remonstrate against a continuance of such 
 interference and meddling with private correspondence, which in all countries 
 is held to be sacred and inviolable. 
 
 (Signed) Sakgent, Studley & Co., 28 Park Place. 
 
 Seward & Co., 18 Dey street. 
 Shepard & Dudley, 150 Nassau street. 
 A. G. Shattuck, 86 Nassau street. 
 
 McKlSSON & KOBBINS. 
 
 Hall & Euckel, 218 Greenwich street. 
 Wm. F. Kidder & Co., 83 John street. 
 F. Paturel & Co. 
 Chas. H. Crittenton. 
 Caswell, Hazard & Co. 
 
 An envelope was annexed, containing cards, and addressed : 
 
 Cards of the Business Firms whose Signatures are attached to remon- 
 stance. 
 
 Some of these gentlemen told me afterwards that they were 
 deceived as to the contents of the paper, understanding it was 
 but a petition to modify the laws ; that they took the word of 
 the party who brought it for it, and did not read it. It was repre- 
 sented at that time that the law prohibiting the transmission of 
 obscene matter through the mails, interfered with reputable 
 druggists. This was one of the lies of the enemy to enlist re- 
 spectable men on their side. 
 
 This document was annexed to the affidavits of Bryan and two 
 or three of his tools, and taken to "Washington by Bryan per- 
 sonally. 
 
294 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 But this was only part of the plot. There was another part 
 that had been held back for about a month by the connivance 
 of some one in the Sheriff's office. About a month previous 
 a warrant had been issued for my arrest on a suit by Bryan 
 for $50,000 damages for false arrest. This warrant was held 
 back till the other arrangements could be perfected, when, as 
 soon as everything was in order and Bryan ready to start for 
 Washington with his charges against me, I was to be arrested 
 and locked up. But he counted without his host. Kind Prov- 
 idence had the cause in its keeping, and had raised up warm 
 and true friends to stand by me, and at once, as soon as I could 
 send them word, they furnished bail for me. 
 
 The next day the Associated Press sent out from Washington 
 that I had been arrested and that the above charges had been 
 preferred against me to the Postmaster-General. A loyal friend 
 at Washington sent me a copy of the papers. I shall ever 
 cherish the memory of the kindness shown me by this true 
 friend. Never once did he doubt me, nor turn from me, and 
 while Ufe lasts, his name (C. Cochran, jr.) will be one, the men- 
 tion of which, will ever strike a tender chord in my heart. 
 
 The following extract from the Sunday Mercury of March 8, 
 1874, wiU disclose how matters appeared before the public : 
 
 THE DOWNFAIX OF COMSTOCK. 
 
 Serious charges were submitted to the Postmaster-General to-day against 
 Anthony Comstock, who, acting as a special agent of the Post-Office, has 
 heen operating under the obscene literature Act. The leading drug mer- 
 chants of New York City present a memorial, signed by Caswell, Hazard & 
 Co., the Goodyear Eubber Co., C. fc. Shepard & Co., and other equally 
 prominent firms, reciting that their mails and business are interfered with 
 by this man Comstock, that their letters are detained by him, and that thej 
 are constantly annoyed by decoy letters and other tricks to entrap them 
 into a violation of that law, and their trial and imprisonment for offences 
 manufactured for them, and that the oppression practiced upon them has 
 finally become so infamous that they appeal to the Department to be pro- 
 tected in their rights as citizens and merchants under the laws of their 
 country. Several affidavits accompany the petition from various parts of 
 the country. One druggist in Baltimore says, this agent is constantly en- 
 deavoring to make him commit a heinous oiience by mailing him bogus and 
 decoy letters. A Postmaster iu New Jersey swears that one of these decoy 
 
CLINTON MEDICAL AND SURGICAL INSTITUTE. 295 
 
 letters, purporting to have been mailed and registered in Lis office, -was 
 never there at all, and that the indorsements upon it are misleading. 
 ComBtock has already been arrested and held to bail in Now York, and will 
 prohably he dismissed from the service as soon as the Postmaster-General 
 can examine the documents. The Postmaster-General is justly indignant 
 at the conduct of Comstock, whom he appointed at the request of the Young 
 Men's Christian Association, and says, that an officer of the Government 
 has no right to detain any letter duly directed and stamped. The Depart- 
 ment has been heretofore greatly embarrassed by Comstock and his law. 
 
 "With this copy in hand, I visited the reputable ones on the 
 list, and was at once furnished with the following, which waa 
 duly published in the daily papers at the time : 
 
 EETRACnON. 
 
 New York, March 12th, 1874. 
 Me. Anthony Comstock: 
 
 Dear Sir — Our attention having been drawn to certain articles in the 
 Washington telegraphic correspondence of the Sundaij Mercury and Sunday 
 World of the 8th inst., hereto annexed (here the said articles were annexed), 
 it gives us pleasure to say that the charges made in these articles are ab- 
 solutely false, so far as we are concerned ; and the paper signed hy us was 
 not as represented in the above articles, and was done upon a misrepresenta- 
 tion as to its import and use. And we distinctly desire you to understand 
 that we have no part or lot with James Bryan (or any of his agents) in 
 ■ whose interest it appears the petition signed by us was used. And the pe- 
 tition, when presented to us, was not accompanied by the affidavits annexed, 
 as when sent to the Postmaster-General. And tre assure you of our hearty 
 sympathy in the good work in which you are engaged, and shall favor every 
 legal measure used to crush this nefarious business and bring the offenders 
 
 to justice. 
 
 Caswell, Hazard & Co., Seward & Co., 
 
 Shepard & Dul>LEY, McKissoN & Bobbins, 
 
 Wm. F. Kidder & Co., Hall & Euckel, 
 
 And others. 
 
 "When it was discovered that I had not been incarcerated, these 
 men interested in crushing me were almost beside themselves 
 with rage. My bondsmen were each served with letters contain- 
 ing charges too gross- to print here, in order that they should be 
 influenced to surrender my bond. 
 
 When they learned that their trick was about to be exposed by 
 the retraction of these reputable firms, and the repudiating of 
 
296 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 the man Bryan and his crew, then they were very fierce, and the 
 following letter was sent to the Postmaster-General by Bryan's 
 counsel : 
 
 Office of Andkbw H. H. Dawsok, Counsellor at Law, 
 (Eoora 18) 231 Broadway, 
 
 New York, March 14, 1874. 
 
 My Dear Sir— Anthony Comstock -will present you with a retraction, signed 
 hy several firms, whose signatures you will find affixed to the petition or 
 memorial sent you requesting his removal. How do you suppose he got those 
 retractions ? I will tell you : By bullying cowards, wheedling fools, mis- 
 representing facts, and threatening men made timid hy avarice with law 
 Baits. 
 
 These facts, I am informed, will he established before you by affidavits. 
 He would go to one man and tell him another had retracted, and still an- 
 other intended to retract and that if he would not, he would institute no 
 suit against him for libel, and in that way got retractions when it is not 
 true that the retractions he said had been made or promised, were made 
 or promised or could be obtained under any circumstances. ****** 
 He writes a letter to a druggist for a fomale syringe. It is sent per mail. 
 He then prosecutes this druggist, as he has done in twenty instances, for 
 sending through the mails, etc. ******* 
 
 That any man could lend himself to write a letter so full of 
 open malicious falsehoods as this, seems incredible. Yet this 
 man did. He was doubtless well paid. But that does not justify 
 such a monstrous attack upon any man's character. There is 
 not one word of his charges true. These lies are made out of 
 whole cloth, and he knew them to be false. But he was de- 
 fending a medical monstrosity — a whole Medical Institute and 
 board of trustees, concentrated, boiled down and distilled into 
 one individual, and that person a dealer in obscene and unlawful 
 matter. Although this lawyer has since repudiated Bryan in my 
 own presence, still that does not justify him or any person, in 
 making such gross assaults upon a man's reputation and good 
 name, in an underhanded and secret manner. The man who will 
 falsely attack a man's reputation and endeavor thus to rob another , 
 of his good name, I consider worse than a highwayman. 
 
 In order to counteract the effect of this tissue of falsehoods, I 
 copied this letter and sent it to some of the gentlemen in question, 
 
CLINTON MEDICAL AND SURGICAL INSTITUTE. 297 
 
 and received back in reply a number of letters, denouncing the 
 statements as untrue. 
 
 One firm writes : 
 
 We can say this without any reservation, that if any man charges that 
 we have been bullied or threatened into any course by any person, such 
 charge is a falsehood. * * * 
 
 Another says : 
 
 Your 2nd with quotations from the Perry & Bryan party at hand. We 
 simply have to say there is not one word of truth in them as far as we are 
 concerned. We signed the first paper presented by Mr. Perry because of repre- 
 sentations made by him, which we understood to he that you intercepted 
 letters in transit, and acted as a Post Office spy. Upon investigation we 
 found they were not substantiated by the facts, and that we had uninten- 
 tionally done you an injustice, and were only too glad to correct it by un- 
 conditionally retracting the first paper. Tbe lawyer on Perry's side, whom, 
 we think, represented himself as a cousin of the Postmaster-General, called 
 on us and made statements which we knew to be untrue, and talked in such 
 a manner, that we declined to hold any conversation whatever with him, 
 which we presume is the reason of his using the gentlemanhj language you 
 quoted. 
 
 We came to the conclusion and told him so, that we considered him and 
 his whole party engaged in a business that we did not consider reputable. 
 We remain, 
 
 Yours respectfully, 
 
 C. H. & Co. 
 
 These letters proved a quietus on this particular conspiracy to 
 crush tlie one who dared assail in a legal manner the unlawful 
 business of this Institute. 
 
 One of Bryan's confidential clerks informed the writer that 
 Bryan's receipts for one year were more than $30,000. That he 
 used his money to some purpose is proved from the fact that he 
 never was tried ; and it has been more than intimated by one 
 of his counsel, that he paid $1,500 to one individual to effect this 
 escape from the meshes of the law. 
 
 ANOTHEK PLOT. 
 
 But he had too much money to yield the point. He and his 
 friends were not to rest without another effort. This was to be a 
 National movemenL 
 
293 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 The following account of the story is gathered from the letters 
 of one of Bryan's agents — a poor man with a large family, who 
 much needed employment, and yet who would not do a mean or 
 dishonorable thing. The story as told by this man is as follows : 
 
 Circulars were sent out, and blank petitions to be signed, in 
 which Congress was asked to repeal the Act which requires a 
 proprietary stamp on manufactured articles. It was supposed, 
 that almost every manufacturer and merchant would sign such a 
 petition : and in this way it was hoped that many thousands of 
 names might be collected, without exciting any suspicion. These 
 names, once collected, were to be annexed together and attached 
 to the following petition : 
 
 Baitemokb, aoth. March, 1874. 
 To THE Hon. John A. J. Ceesswell, 
 
 Postmaster-General, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Sir — ^We, the undersigned, business men and merchants, doing business in 
 this city, beg to call your attention to one ANTHONY COMSTOCK, who is 
 acting as special detective in the Postoifice. 
 
 We respectfully remonstrate against the power given this man, who is 
 writing or causing to be written letters, as decoys to entrap the unwary into 
 the violation of a law but few have any knowledge of, and by his unwar- 
 ranted proceedings, bringing discredit upon the postal service. 
 
 We do not believe that it was the design of the Postmaster-General, that 
 this man should convert his authority into a system of terrorism, and im- 
 mense profit to himself. 
 
 We believe such supervisory matters as is entrusted to said Comstock 
 should be left wholli/ to ihe police, where it properly belongs, and not to any 
 irresponsible special agent, whose highest ambition is to effect the greatest 
 number of arrests, the incentive being profit, while he is shielded and protected 
 by the Government, in his lawless and predatory incursions throughout the 
 country ; and we respectfully remonstrate against its continuance, for we re- 
 gard the course pursued by this man as an outrage, and unparalleled in the 
 history of the postal service. 
 
 Efforts were made in other cities, and this scheme was designed 
 to be made so sweeping and extensive,, as to leave no chance for 
 escape. 
 
 Accompan;yiag this petition was also sent the following circular, 
 for distribution, to create public sentiment against me : 
 
CLINTON MEDICAL AND SUKGICAL INSTITUTE. 299 
 
 [circulae.] 
 
 Prom the Act passed by Congress, in 1873, fob the Suppression of 
 Obscene Literature. 
 
 Section 148. — That no obscene, lewd, or lascivious book, pamphlet, picture, 
 paper, print, or other publication, [open or covert, of a vulgar or] (of an) 
 Indecent character, or any article or thing designed or intended for the pre- 
 vention of conception, or procuring of abortion, nor any article or thing 
 intended or adapted for any indecent or immoral use or nature, [nor represent- 
 ation tending to the corruption of youth,] nor any written or printed card, 
 circular, hoolc, pamphlet, advertisement, or notice of any Tcind giving information, 
 directly or indirectly, where, or how, or of whom, or hy what means either of the 
 things above mentioned may ie obtained or made, nor any letter upon the enve- 
 lope of which, or postal-card upon which, scurrilous epithets may [have been] 
 (be) written or printed, [or disloyal devices printed or engraved,] shall be 
 carried in the mail ; and any person who shall knowingly deposit or cause to 
 be deposited, for mailing or delivery, any of the herein-before-mentioned arti- 
 cles or things, or any notice, or paper containing any [open or covert] adver- 
 tisement relating to the aforesaid articles or things, or any person who, in 
 pursuance of any plan or scheme for disposing of any of the herein-before- 
 mentioned articles or things, shall take or cause to be taken from the mail, 
 any letter or package, shall be deemed guilty of a [high] misdemeanor, and, 
 on conviction thereof, shall, for every offence, BE FINED NOT LESS THAN 
 ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN FIVE THOUSAND DOL- 
 LARS, [WITH THE COSTS OP COURT,] OR IMPRISONED AT HARD 
 LABOR NOT LESS THAN ONE YEAR NOR MORE THAN TEN YEARS, 
 OR BOTH, AT THE DISCRETION OP THE JUDGE.* 
 
 ;Sir— Your attention is called to the above law, passed ostensively for the 
 purpose of suppressing the diffusion of obscene literature, iut in fact, 
 it is a hlotv at the vitals of Publishers, Physicians, Druggists and other Merchants 
 throughout the country. 
 
 Under this law, there is not a Physician or Druggist in the United States, 
 who cannot be arrested, convicted, and sent to State Prison. 
 
 Read it carefully, and judge for yourself. Under it, one of the most respect- 
 able Druggists of Massachusetts has been convicted for selling a box of 
 Female Pills, of the merits of which he knew nothing. Also a respectable and 
 worthy young man, a clerk only, for selling a female syringe, and this man 
 was in jail eight months previous to trial. 
 
 [This Massachusetts man was sending Dr. Harvey's pills for 
 abortion through the mails.] 
 
 * The parts marked [ ] they added for effect. They are not in the law, but 
 it was, and is, a,n infamous fraud. 
 
300 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 There is not one Druggist in one thousand, not one Physician in ten 
 thousand, and not one Merchant in fifty thousand, who has ever read this 
 infamous law ; and when it is remembered that this law was framed and 
 passed by Congress in order to give Anthony Comstock a fat berth, the in- 
 dignation of the people throughout the Union cannot be restrained. 
 
 Over one hundred prosecutions have already been commenced in various 
 parts of the country by Comstock, who probably has been months in ensnar- 
 ing his victims by decoy letters, and when the case goes to trial, his testi- 
 mony alone convicts ; the accused party not being allowed to testify. Con- 
 viction is sure to follow arrest, because the evidence is ex parte — only one side is 
 heard. The decoy letters and the syringe, or even a circular or price list sent 
 by mail, is all that is necessary to send the victim to State Prison. 
 
 The Postmaster-General has given this Detective, Comstock, u roving 
 commission, and his territory is co-extensive with the Eepublio. 
 
 The Druggists,* Medicine Dealers, Physicians, and others are everywhere 
 aroused to a just appreciation of the rank and palpable injustice of this law, 
 and are forwarding to their respective Senators and Members of Congress, as 
 well as to the Postmaster-General, copies similar to each other, embracing a 
 remonstrance and petition asking for the dismissal of Comstock, and for an 
 amendment to the law which shall read, in substance, as follows : 
 
 "And be it further enacted. That any person who shall purchase, or cause 
 to be purchased, or offer to purchase any article designed or intended, or 
 adapted to prevent conception, etc., or who shall write or cause letters to be 
 written and sent by mail, asking for such articles as are embraced in the in- 
 hibitory clauses of this act, shall be deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor," 
 etc. (Section 148.) 
 
 Let every man who feels the full measure of outrage and oppression sought 
 to be inflicted upon innocent, unsuspecting men, throw every energy and 
 every power, and all of his influence in crushing out any puling parasite, 
 moral excrescence, or sneaking spy, who can through his infernal decoy-letter- 
 method, SEND to State Peison mbn innocent of any intent to violate 
 
 THE LAW. 
 
 Oue of Bryan's agents and tools sent the foUowing letter to a 
 prominent gentleman in Minnesota : 
 
 [copy.] 
 
 Sir — It is especially expected and requested that parties in Minn, will 
 promptly forward a strong document to Senator Windom who is alone re- 
 sponsible for the appointment of Comstock, whom he never saw and never 
 heard of. 
 
 Make the noble Senator feel the keen edge of public sentiment in your 
 State. Eesp., W. E. Stakr. 
 
 * No respectable druggist or physician has ever complained, or had cause to 
 complain, down to the present moment. 
 
CLINTON MEDICAL AND SUKGICAL INSTITUTE. 301 
 
 In one instance, this man, who was employed to secure signa- 
 tures and other assistance, writes : 
 
 For this -work, I am to be well paid by the representatives of this city of 
 the Clintou Medical College of New York. [There was a branch of this Insti- 
 tute, both in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and other cities, whose 
 founder Dr. Bryan you are said to know.] 
 
 I do not like the work, nor anythiog of the kind, but I am poor, I have a 
 wife and four children, and they are now aad have been sick for nearly the 
 whole winter. I have been out of employment for nearly two years, and 
 while I have seemingly consented to do this work, (for money to buy bread 
 and medicine with,) I feel it my honest duty to notify you, at once, of efforts 
 being made to injure and remove you. 
 
 This man was immediately employed by me to secure all the 
 facts of this last plot. He did his work well ; so well, that, 
 notwithstanding all the efforts of the enemy, they most signally 
 failed. 
 
 One letter from this man discloses the fact that Bryan had 
 been on to see him, and had told him of his " interviews with 
 Postmaster-General Cresswell and Senator Windom (who repudi- 
 ated him), and others," and of the employment of lobbyists in 
 Washington, who were to be hired for a certain amount of 
 money to serve the vile purposes of this "alias" board of 
 trustees. From this same source, we learned that high officials 
 ia Congress and in the Departments at Washington and officials 
 in New York City, were Bryan's friends, and wonderful and 
 positive results were to be expected. 
 
 Here again, man proposes, but God disposes. The One who 
 speaks to the wind and wave, and stays their course with the words 
 of His mouth, was able and did say, " So far, and no farther !" 
 and beyond that point, neither man nor devil could pass. 
 
 These charges being basely false and untrue— the venom of the 
 slanderer — I had nothing to do but go straight forward in duty's 
 path. I found that path safe and secure then, as well as many 
 times since, and to young people I say, do not be moved by what 
 men may say or do ; neither the curl of the lip, the contracting 
 of the brow, the sneer, the secret stab, nor the open slander, can 
 harm any person who, being in the right, trusts in God and goes 
 
302 FRA.UDS EXPOSED. 
 
 straight forward. Let the slanderer alone ; there will be a reac- 
 tion if you perform jour duty. 
 
 Have you enemies ? Go straight forward and mind them not. 
 If they intercept and obstruct your pathway, walk around them, 
 and do your duty to God regardless of their spite. Have a char- 
 acter and principle safirm, that every person cannot mould you to 
 their own will and liking. I remember reading somewhere of 
 one who, being surrounded by enemies, said : " They are sparks 
 which, if you do not blow, will go out of themselves." If you 
 stop to dispute, you add fuel to the fire, and encourage those who 
 pursue you ; for nothing pleases the slanderer so well as to feel 
 that what he says has touched or affected his victim. 
 
 There is somewhere a beautiful poem, entitled, 
 
 "what makes a man." 
 
 A truthful soul, a loving mind, 
 Full of affection for its kind ; 
 A spirit firm, erect, and free, 
 That never basely bends the knee ; 
 That -will not bear a feather's weight 
 Of slavery for small or great ; 
 That truly speaks from God within ; 
 That never makes a league with sin ; 
 That snaps the fetter despots make, 
 And loves the truth for i ts o wn sake ; 
 That worships God, and Him alone. 
 And bows no more than at His throne, 
 And trembles at no tyrant's nod ; 
 A soul that fears no one but God, 
 And thus can smile at curse or ban — 
 This is the soul that makes a man. 
 
 After the failure of their first plot, there was another trumped- 
 up charge in the Supreme Court of New York, and I was again 
 arrested on a suit, by one Crempian, for $25,000 damages, on a 
 similar charge to that made by Bryan, for false arrest. This suit 
 was promptly dismissed, and I had the pleasure of hearing the 
 Court say that a warrant ought never to have issued. 
 
 In the Bryan case it was different. Counsel desired to make a 
 similar motion, but first we examined Mr. Bryan before trial. 
 Here we proved, out of his own mouth, sufficient, so that, on his 
 
CLINTON MEDICAL AND SURGICAL INSTITUTE. 303 
 
 own examination and showing, on the 14th day of October, 1874, 
 the Court gave judgment as follows : 
 Judge Donohue says : 
 
 JUDGMENT OP COURT. 
 
 It seems to me a fair result to reach, from the facts presented hy the proofs, 
 that the so-called Clinton Medical and Surgical Institute is a myth, and that 
 the persons whose names are used hy it as " Doctors" are also myths. None 
 are produced, nor the whereahouts of either exposed. Under such circum- 
 stances and the nature of the publications emanating from the supposititious 
 parties named, it seems to furnish probable grounds, for the defendant and 
 those acting with him, to make all reasonable attempts to break up the system 
 those names covered, and by means of which names the business sought to be 
 prevented could be carried on ; and it seems to me that not)iing was done for 
 which there was not probable cause. The motion to vacate the order of arrest 
 is therefore granted, with costs. 
 
 This is all the vindication any man needs. 
 
 An amusing examination it was ! Yet it was painful to see the 
 manner in which this man squirmed and writhed under the ques- 
 tioning of my counsel. He seemed to have a terrible attack of 
 forgetfulness, but a homeopathic dose of his circulars, as issued 
 by him under his various aliases, imparted enough of vigor to his 
 memory to enable us to lix each of his vile advertisements upon 
 him, and prove his various infamous schemes. 
 
 He testified that he was then about 56 or 57 years of age, that 
 he was born in England, coming to America when he was about 30 
 years old. After a short residence in this city he went to Utica, 
 where he resided about two years ; thence to Eochester in 1849, 
 where he beheved he resided ten or twelve years. 
 
 While there he undertook to counterfeit Mrs. "Winslow's Sooth- 
 ing Syrup, and was brought up with a sharp turn by the original 
 proprietors. A reference to this case will be of interest here. 
 The facts are taken from the reported case in Barber's State Trial 
 Eeports, as follows : " Curtis m. Bryan." 
 
 Bryan had imitated the trade-mark of " Mrs. Winslow's sooth- 
 ing syrup," and had secured the same shaped bottles and similar 
 labels to the original. Suit had been brought to restrain this 
 infringement by Curtis Bros., and Bryan, to justify the use by 
 
304 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 him of the name " "Winslow" in connection with the article, 
 
 claimed that a variety of soothing syrup prior to 1843, called 
 
 "Winslow's soothing syrup for children," was manufactured, 
 
 prepared and sold by John M. Winslow, a druggist of the city of 
 
 Eochester, and that printed circulars bearing the name of such 
 
 medicine had been extensively circulated ; that he purchased the 
 
 formula of John M. Winslow, who was the original and first 
 
 manufacturer. 
 
 The Court said : 
 
 " I am entirely satisfied that this claim of the defendant, under the proof in 
 the case, is wholly unfounded and is fraudulently put forth. In support of his 
 claim the defendant (" Bryan ") distributed a circular signed by John M. 
 Winslow, and purporting to be subscribed by the Mayor and City Attorney of 
 Eochester, the County Judge and District Attorney of Monroe County, and 
 by several druggists of the City of Eochester." * » •» 
 
 The affidavits of these men were filed, and each swore that the 
 use of their names was unauthorised, and that it was a fraud on 
 the public. John M. Winslow, in his affidavit, repudiates this 
 trickster, and tlie Court made the injunction permanent. Thus 
 we have him branded officially as a fraud as far back as 1867, 
 and to-day he lives and flourishes upon the revenue derived from 
 the sick and suffering whom he deceives, by his pamphlets and 
 circulars distributed on the street and otherwise. 
 
 The reader can imagine his position when he was asked to 
 describe the appearance, and whereabouts of these different " M. 
 D.'s," who composed the Board of Trustees of his Institute : 
 
 As a specimen chip we give a part of Bryan's examination, 
 taken from the stenographer's notes, concerning his own standing 
 as an M. D. : 
 
 Q. Did you ever graduate at any medical college? A. I have. Q. Yi^here? 
 A. I decline to tell now ; it is not pertinent. Q. I ask you where ? A. I do 
 not think it is necessary to ask anything of the kind. Q. Where did you' 
 graduate ? A. I do not think I need answer that. Q. Why do you decline to 
 answer? A. I do not think it is anything in this case. Q. That is not for 
 you to judge, you can refuse to answer on another ground. A. My first 
 diploma that I had was from a Birmingham College in England. Q. Where 
 was that college ? A. In Birmingham, England. Q. What was the name of 
 the college ? A. That I forget now. Q. Where is youx diploma ? A. It has 
 been destroyed. Q. Who were the faculty of the college ? A. I do not recol- 
 
CLINTON MEDICAL AND SURGICAL INSTITUTE. 305 
 
 lect no-w. I was a student of one of the parties connected with it; Q. Did 
 you ever graduate from any other institution ? A. I have been examined and 
 have my diploma. Q. For what? A. I have been examined for a College in 
 Havana, Cuba. Q. Do yoa speak Spanish ? A. No, I do not. Q. Did you 
 go through any course of studies at this College in Havana ? A. I did not. 
 Q. How did you obtain this diploma? A. By examination. Q. Who 
 examined you ? A. Dr. E. Gonzales. Q. What was the name of the college ? 
 A. I do not know its exact name ; it is a Spanish name. Q. What year were 
 you in Havana ? A. I have never been in Havana at all. 
 
 This man Gonzales was in Bryan's employ, and ran the Phila- 
 delphia branch, and had but a short time before absconded, as 
 Bryan testified, with his money. 
 
 But Bryan was not to be put down so. He had a fertile mind 
 for schemes, and an elastic conscience for swearing, if his own 
 testimony is to be believed. 
 
 BLECTIC COLLEGE. 
 
 Q. That is the only college you ever graduated from? A. Yes, I have 
 another from the Pennsylvania College. Q. What college is that? A. The 
 Electic College. Q. Who were the preceptors there ? A. I cannot call to 
 mind. Q. Did you pursue a course of studies theie ? A. I did not. Q. How 
 did you obtain your diploma? A. By examination. Q. By whom? A. By 
 two college graduates. Q. Give me the names ? A. Dr. Park is one and Dr. 
 Saunders; an honorary diploma. 
 
 Andrew J. Parks was the full name of Dr. Parks, and he was 
 then in Bryan's employ at the Institute,/while Saunders had been 
 sent from here to take charge of the Philadelphia Branch, at 249 
 South 13th street, after Dr. G-onzales had absconded. 
 
 This examination covered over one hundred pages of legal cap, 
 and is a sworn medical curiosity. But what must the world 
 expect when a 12mo Board of Trustees and whole Medical Insti- 
 tute undertakes to swear himseK through at all hazards. 
 
 But this was -not done to answer the slanders he had uttered, 
 nor punish his plots and conspiracies. It was a blow necessary to 
 show up this scoundrel, and protect the sick and afflicted from 
 the impositions practiced upon them, and secure evidence suffi- 
 cient to break up this Institute. 
 
 In face of their opposition, we began another suit in the Su- 
 preme Court at Albany, through the Attorney-General, which 
 20 
 
306 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 resulted, on the 25th day of January, 1877, in the following 
 judgment : 
 
 Supreme Court of the State of New York, by Judge T. E. Westlirook. * * 
 " It is ordered, adjudged and decreed that the paper writings purporting 
 to he certificates of incorporation of the defendants (Clinton Medical and 
 Surgical Institute), filed in the office of the Clerk of the City and County of 
 New York, on the 17th day of July, 1873, and in the ofBce of the Secretary of 
 State ** * are and each of them is /ra»<?M?eB« and A'oid, and that they and 
 each of them be cancelled, annulled and discharged in each of said offices." 
 
 " And it is further ordered and adjudged, that James Bryan, one of the in- 
 dividuals whose name is affixed to said certificate, his agents, servants, and 
 all persons acting for or with him, he and he and they are perpetually en- 
 joined and restrained from further exercising, or assuming to exercise the 
 powers or franchise of a body corporate under said certificate, and from pub- 
 lishing in the State of New York, any notice, circulars or advertisements, un- 
 der the name of the Clinton Medical and Surgical Institute, or in any manner 
 holding himself or themselves out to the public, or representing himself or 
 themselves to he the said body corporate described in said certificate, or the 
 agents thereof, and from using or causing to be used said name, ' Clinton 
 Medical and Surgical Institute,' in any manner whatsoever as a body 
 corporate." 
 
 It was worth all it cost of time, money and personal feehng to 
 accomplish such victories for the sufferiag and sick. 
 
 Let it not be supposed that this is the only concern of like 
 character in the land. They exist everywhere — not always 
 incorporated with a " board of twelve trustees ; " but an office, a 
 sign and a title "M. D.," and the name of some reputable 
 physician, backed by the flaming advertisement, the little nasty 
 pamphlet, or the more imposing looking book, to laud the 
 quack — these dens to aggravate the suSering, to rob the sick, 
 to extort from the timid ones, are in every city almost, and 
 their advertisements flood the country. 
 
 Kead on page 321 what the Illinois State Medical Conven- 
 tion says of the advertising Doctor, at their last meeting at 
 Chicago. 
 
THE QUACK. 307 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 THE QUACK. 
 
 SealtJi. — Of all tlie blessings of this life, none exceed in value 
 good health. Without it, the capacity to enjoy life is imperfect. 
 "Wealth, position or friends, without good health, cannot be 
 enjoyed to the full measure that one in perfect health realizes. 
 Pain, disease, or the weaknesses that follow in their wake, de- 
 tract from the enjoyments of life, and the luxuries of the rich 
 only serve to ease and comfort the afflicted. A robust frame, 
 a strong constitution free from hereditary disease, is a fortune 
 that enables us to extract to the full the pleasures of earth, and 
 is a strong help to a cheerful, useful. Christian life. The niathe- 
 matician cannot compute its value, neither can you collect 
 treasures enough to purchase it. It is m.vai'udljle. A young 
 man may realize his fondest dream of a successful business 
 future, and yet hereditary disease or the results of wrong living 
 may, either of them, embitter his life so that he would gladly 
 exchange all his possessions to be freed from pain, or restored 
 to health. 
 
 Thousands of people, scattered throughout the land, are to-day 
 suffering from ill health. No city, towQ or hamlet in this 
 broad country can say, "sickness and pain are unknown here." 
 Not only this, but it is almost equally true that everywhere 
 those who are chronically iH may be found. There are also 
 many, many young people who, because of a lack of proper 
 training in childhood and youth by their parents, or, more 
 properly, from lack of any training, liave been led into practices 
 that have enervated their bodies and brought weaknesses and 
 disease. Of these ills the youth dares inot speak to his nearest 
 friends. He shrinks from allowing his most intimate friend to 
 know or suspect his trouble. Oftentunes these are simple 
 troubles to which, if the right remedy were applied, speedy 
 restoration to health would f oUow ; but, neglected, soon run into 
 
308 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 a chronic disorder that causes the victim to become more and 
 more loath to consult any one, even his family physician. 
 
 There is a vast army of invalids that are moving to and fro 
 throughout the land in search of health. Boihng, sulphur and 
 mineral springs are visited, sanitariums are crowded, the most 
 skillful physicians in all parts of the world are consulted, mil- 
 lions are spent annually in search of health. " O ! to be well 
 again !" is the plaintive cry of the sick and afflicted in all lands. 
 
 What man can engage in business and expect to compete with 
 the active men in trade with a broken-down constitution ? "Who 
 will plan for the future with the despondency that comes from 
 a diseased and weakened body ? A body racked with ■ pain, or 
 distorted with inflammation, is no help to business or pleasure. 
 
 As the shark swims about among the smaller fishes in the sea, 
 only to seize and devour them ; as the panther lies low upon the 
 limb of the tree awaiting the approach of his victim to crush the 
 life out of him ; so 
 
 THE QUACK, 
 
 by his lying advertisements and worthless nostrums, traversing the 
 legitimate channels of trade — the newspapers and mails — comes 
 upon these suffering and afflicted ones, not only to deceive and 
 heartlessly rob them, but to add to their sufferings. What would 
 be thought of the man or woman who should invite a starving 
 and famished person into some luxurious home and spread a 
 table before him, and when the dishes were uncovered they 
 should be filled with bits of coal or stones ? or when a man was 
 drowning, should throw a rope to him while struggling in the 
 water for life, and then, when he had seized the rope and was 
 nearly saved, should let go the rope and stand coldly by and see 
 him drown ? Or again, where a house was on fire, and the 
 women and children were rushing down stairs for their lives, and 
 some wretch should close the door of exit and prevent their 
 escaping ? And so we might go on imagining heartless and cruel 
 things to the end of the chapter, and we could picture nothing 
 more heartless, more relentlessly cruel, than these ghouls and 
 vampires who prey upon and rob the sick and afflicted. By 
 
THE QUACK. 309 
 
 lying advertisements, worded in most deceptive manner, con- 
 taining most flattering " references " (of cases that nevet existed), 
 and printed often in respectable newspapers, these creatures 
 deceive and curse the sick. Curse is just the word, it is none too 
 strong. To deprive a sick person of proper medical care by 
 false promises and inducements, to give them nostrums that 
 aggravate disease rather thain relieve, or to have an ignoramus 
 occupying the place of the learned physician by the side of the 
 patient, is more than a curse in my judgment. 
 
 The question comes here very properly. Is a newspaper justi- 
 fied in publishing advertisements of this character, that enable 
 these unprincipled scoundrels to increase and aggravate the suffer- 
 ings of the afflicted ? When a gentleman engages in a newspaper 
 enterprise for the sake of a livelihood for his family, does he enter 
 some mystic circle, where he is justified in lending his position of 
 influence, and his medium of communication with the world, to 
 aiding and abetting the thief, the gambler, the quack, or indeed 
 any law-breaker ? But the argument is, Well, it pays. We run a 
 newspaper to make money. If we don't take this some other 
 paper will, and this kind of advertising pays the best, and so we 
 take them ? The question then comes, if people are deceived and 
 robbed by the advertisement in reputable papers, and the thief 
 pays for the advertisement out of money so obtained by him, are 
 the publishers ^(jw^ice^s criminis, and do not these respectable 
 gentlemen at the head of newspapers so advertising for the 
 lawless plunderer, share with him in the spoils ? 
 
 What would be said of the man who should go ahead of an ad- 
 vancing army, and burn houses, pillage property, and assault 
 women and children, rendering them houseless and homeless, and 
 should argue in his defence. Well, if I did not some one else might ? 
 Have not the credulous — those who are honest at heart, who think 
 no guile, some rights that even the publisher of a newspaper are 
 bound to respect ? 
 
 Surely, such a mighty medium, power, and agency as the en- 
 lightened press of the nineteenth century in free America, ought 
 not to become the tool of the villain, the vampire nor the ghoul. 
 
310 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 to rob the simple-minded, honest laborer ; or oppress, curse, and 
 destroy the sick and afflicted. 
 
 What I have said above, are general remarks, applying to the 
 large army of "quacks" who advertise as "M. D's," often under 
 assumed names, and vrho send their high-priced nostrums, to the 
 great detriment of the suffering. 
 
 THE QUACK. 
 
 The bogus "broker" calculates upon the speculating proclivi- 
 ties of his intended victim, the lottery dealer upon the disposition 
 to gamble, and the watch and jewelry fraud on the lust for gain. 
 The quack counts on the desperation or the eager hope of re- 
 covery of those who are afflicted with disease. 
 
 He is perfectly heartless. He devours the substance of his 
 victim, as the hawk, pouncing upon the dove, devours its defence- 
 less prey. The quack lives upon the deceit and lying he can 
 practice upon those who are seeking relief from suffering, cure 
 for disease and restoration to health. Upon such he palms off 
 his worthless and high-priced drugs. 
 
 The medical quack lures his victim into his clutches by means 
 of advertisements, which are often so skilfully worded as to de- 
 ceive the very wisest. He sometimes employs the name of a re- 
 putable and distinguished physician, who is perhaps dead, and he 
 often goes so far as to assume this name himself. He has a " specific 
 for every ill human flesh is heir to," a remedy which is always suc- 
 cessful, even where the most skilled practitioners have signally 
 failed to effect a cure. As lias been seen, the quack has a broad 
 field for the prosecution of his unholy work — a field as broad as 
 the weakness and suffering of the human race. He preys on the 
 victims of incurable diseases, and levies his taxes on the weak and 
 broken. All is fish that comes to his net. He is infallible iii his 
 treatment, and bottles up magic cure for everything, from pimples 
 to cancer, from corns to consumption. 
 
 "With the advertisements of these peculiar frauds every reader 
 of these pages is only too familiar. They confront us in our 
 newspaper ; they are thrust upon us in the street ; the mail brings 
 
THE QUACK. 
 
 311 
 
 them, and the fences, rocks and bill boards are eloquent witli them. 
 AVe had not thought to reproduce here a quack medicine adver- 
 tisement, but the other day we came across a circular which is so 
 unique even as a medical pamphlet, that we publish a portion of 
 it. It is a Massachusetts production, and sings the praise of a 
 pill: 
 
 A SHOKT HISTORY OP DR. M 'S FATHER. ALSO SHOWING HOW THIS 
 
 WONDERFUL MEDICINE WAS BROUGHT INTO USE. 
 
 The old gentleman, who is on a visit, having a Bible in his hand, as you see 
 in the above plate, is a perfect likeness of the father of the celebrated Dr. M. 
 You would not take him to be over sixty or sixty-five years old. But you 
 will be surprised, when told that thi» fine-looking old gentleman was ninety- 
 five years old the 20th of Navember, 1847. On the 19th of the same month, 
 he rode, and drove himself, thirty-five miles, in order to spend the birth-day 
 of his ninety-fifth year with the doctor and his interesting family. He is an 
 extremely rich man, with an income of about five hundred thousand dollars, 
 annually, and the owner of a number of fine, elegant ships, which sail in dif- 
 ferent directions to every part of the world. 
 
 A number of years aga this, good man was very sick. He had eight of the 
 most celebrated doctors to attend him both night and day. With all their 
 
312 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 skill, this good and pious gentleman grew worse and worse, and finally they 
 gave him up, saying that it was impossible to cure him, and he would soou 
 (lie. The nest day, about nine o'clock iu the morning, he called his wife to 
 his bedside, saying, how painful it is to die without seeing my son, our only 
 child. Though I have spent large amounts of money to have him educated 
 as a doctor, after which, to have him thoroughly understand the way to cure 
 diseases, I persuaded him to travel iu far distant lands, among the savage and 
 Indian tribes, as then he would learn their successful manner of curing dis- 
 eases in nature's way, from plants and roots ; the thought of my engaging 
 him to go, as I am about to die, grieves me much. But tell my son when he 
 returns, always to supply the wants of the poor. 
 
 Here he stopped, being iu great distress, but in a few minutes his pains 
 ceased, after which he took a short nap, being the first of any amount for sev- 
 eral days. In the afternoon he was taken with shortness of breath, and sup- 
 posed to be dying. The neighbors were sent for, the room was soou filled, and 
 many prayers were offered up from the very heart by these dear Christian 
 people, that some relief might be obtained for this good and pious man. 
 While these prayers were ascending like sweet incense to the Throne above, 
 aud every eye was bathed in tears, a rumbling noise was heard iu the distance, 
 like a mighty chariot winding its way nearer, when all at once a fine span of 
 horses, before a beautiful coach, stood before the door, out of which alighted 
 a noble and elegant looking man. In a moment's time he entered the room, 
 and embraced the hand of his dear father and mother. She clasped her arms 
 around his neck and fainted away. The Doctor, surprised to see his father so 
 nearly gone, immediately went to his coach, taking therefrom various plants 
 and roots, which he had learned from the Red Men of the forest as being good 
 for all diseases, and immediately compounded them together, and gave them 
 to his father, and in about two hours afterward he was very much relieved. 
 He gave him small doses every three or four hours, just to keep his bowels 
 regular, and have them cleanse and purify his blood. Two days after he was 
 much better, and the third day he could walk about the room. He has occa- 
 sionally taken them ever since, and now we behold him a strong, active man, 
 and in the bloom of health, aud at the age of ninety-five, able to ride in one 
 day thirty-five miles, iu order to spend his birth-day with this celebrated 
 Doctor, his son. 
 
 The above astonishing cure was sounded in every ear, and re-echoed through- 
 out the land as a most wonderful cure. Many persons affiicted with various 
 diseases immediately applied for the Pills. So powerful in strengthening, and 
 so wonderfully did they cure them of all their diseases, and so great was the 
 call for the Pills, both far and near, that it was impossible for the Doctor 
 alone to make them fast enough, as there was not a moment through the day, 
 but there were, to say the least, eight or ten, sometimes upwards of thirty, to 
 the office at a time, to get these Pills. So sure were they to relieve the sick, 
 and with so much success did they cure all manner of diseases, that lie en- 
 tirely laid aside his former way of practicing, and prescribed them for every 
 complaint. 
 
THE QUACK. 313 
 
 All this happened some years ago. It would not be hard to 
 imagine a sequel to this preposterous story, something as follows : 
 how the manufacturer of these pills has long since annexed the 
 "West Indies to his factory, utilizing the entire annual sugar crop 
 in the preparation of his sugar coating; how he has won the 
 gratitude of the whole nation, having practically solved the 
 Indian question by setting the savages to work gathering the 
 "various roots and plants," and how the good old gentlemen 
 still lives, hale and hearty (he will be 128 years old next Novem- 
 ber), and still sends out his "elegant ships" freighted with car- 
 goes of the priceless pills, " in different directions to every part 
 of the world." 
 
 But no member of this fraternity of rogues is so flourishing, 
 and none is so merciless and so infamous, as the quack, playing 
 upon the hopes and fears, the confidence and the despair of 
 those who are the victims of their own unwitting errors, of in- 
 herited evils, or of the fruits of an immoral life. 
 
 Modem society is not wholly pure ; and the results of private 
 and social impurities are everywhere present. Those who suffer, 
 whether from ills they are morally responsible for or not, un- 
 wisely hesitate to seek the counsel of trusted friends, or even to 
 put themselves into the hands of reputable physicians. Such in- 
 dividuals the quack marks for his prey. They read his adver- 
 tisement, invest in his worthless wares, subject themselves to his 
 blackmailing, and in the end are in a worse condition than before. 
 
 I have known instances where young men have thus been 
 blackmailed out of hundreds of dollars by these parties. One 
 young man from the South was mulcted to the sum of $1,500, 
 when, if he had gone to his own Doctor, he would have been 
 cured for as many cents. 
 
 "feee dodge." 
 
 One or two instances will illustrate the methods of those who 
 advertise to treat young men free. 
 
 This notice is constantly appearing in the rural press in differ- 
 ent parts of the country : 
 
314 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 MANHOOD EESTOEED. 
 
 A Tictim of early imprudence, causing nervous debility, premature decay, 
 etc., having tried in vain every known remedy, has discovered a simple means 
 of self-cure, which he will send FREE to his fellow-sufferers. Address J. H. 
 REEVES, 43 Chatham St., New York. 
 
 It will be observed what this fellow says of himself. Is it once 
 to be supposed that any decent man wiU have so little self-respect 
 as to thus proclaim his own shame? !No. Who is J. H. Keeves? 
 A man named T is the person who stands back of this ad- 
 vertisement, claims all mail matter, and receives the proceeds. 
 If you have marked what he says of himseK and pays the news- 
 papers to say to all the world, we will look a httle further into 
 his practice of medicine. In reply to a letter sent for this " free " 
 prescription, what comes ? The person who answers this adver- 
 tisement receives a circular headed, "Startling Disclosures — 
 50,000 Young Men Going to Premature Graves Annually in the 
 United States," and setting forth the merits of an infallible pill. 
 It concludes : " If you have been robbed by quacks, let it not 
 deter you, before it is too late, to send three dollars, at once, and 
 get Prof. D.'s Mechanical Cure and Life Pills." 
 
 Thousands of people bite at this advertisement, and in return 
 are doubtless badly bitten. 
 
 The following is the bait which accompanies a descriptive cir- 
 cular : 
 
 Office of J. H. Reeves, 
 P. O. Box 3290. 43 Chatham Street. 
 
 New York, July 26th, 1880. 
 
 Dear Friend — Yotirs is at hand. In reply would say I spent $1,500 with 
 various quacks and imposters, and am determined to break up their swindling, 
 and provide nervous sufferers with, a simple means of cure. I send a descrip- 
 tive circular of your disease. Read it carefully, and if alBicted enclose ine 
 the price of Prof. Dupont's Mechanical Cure and Life Pills. I paid the follow- 
 ing named quacks from $3 to |50 each, viz. : Ogden, Inman, Mayfair, Brugman, 
 and Jacques & Co. They aU failed to give me the least relief. I was ad- 
 vised by a former sufferer to try the Cure and Pills. I paid |3 for them, and 
 after using them a few days, I began to recover rapidly, and gained in weight 
 about 50 pounds in three months. 
 
 Being desirous of aiding my fellow-sufferers, I have made arrangements 
 
THE QUACK. 315 
 
 ■with Prof. Dupont to furuisli his Cure and Pills at cost Price. The knowledge 
 of doing good will he ample reward for my time and trouhle. 
 
 Now, my afflicted friend, do not despair. You can he cured. Try this 
 remedy I heg of you, and you will ever give thanks to the Mechanical Cure 
 and Life Pills. 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 J. H. Rbbves. 
 
 Poor sufferer, he was in a deplorable condition, if what he tells 
 of himself be all true. I should prefer the reader to believe 
 what he says of himself, sooner than think for a moment that his 
 pills are safe for a brute, if sick, to take. 
 
 If the three dollars, however, is not forthcoming, a letter is 
 
 sent as follows : 
 
 Office of J. H. Eeeves, 
 43 Chatham Street. 
 
 P. O. Box 3290. New York, April 26, 1880. 
 
 Dear Sir — Not hearing from you since sending descriptive circular of Prof. 
 Dupont's Cure and Pills, I fear you thought the price $3 too much or that they 
 would not cure. You have my deepest sympathy and I am so positive they 
 will cure you, I offer now to send them on the receipt of $2, you send balance 
 when cured. If not cured after a fair trial I will refund the $2. I can offer 
 nothing fairer and sincerely trust you will accept. There is nothing to lose 
 and all to gain as a cure is certain. Neglect it and all may be lost. 
 
 Your Friend, 
 
 J. H. Reeves. 
 
 " Tour friend ;" that's rather taking, isn't it? and note the deep 
 interest this poor victim of self-abuse takes in those to whom he 
 sends his circulars and who do not bite quite quick enough to 
 satisfy his thirst for gain ; and so he reduces the price one third. 
 Just imagine a doctor calling voluntarily on a sick person, and 
 saying, "Now you take this prescription, and I will reduce my 
 charges one third as an inducement ; I want to make something, 
 and if I cannot get three dollars, why I will take two." 
 
 Leaving this case, let us now look to another specimen of 
 these parasites. Many of these quacks assume to be returned 
 missionaries, who have discovered potent remedies in foreign 
 lands, and thus clothing themselves in the garb of an universally 
 revered class of men, these miserable creatures practice their 
 nefarious wickednesses. Kank specimens of this class are the 
 men who advertise under the name of 
 
316 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 EEV. JOSEPH T. INMAN, BIBLE HOUSE. 
 
 There is no such person as " Kev. Joseph T. Inman ;" no trace 
 of him can be found. A man named Allison runs the business. 
 His advertisement is familiar : 
 
 To all who are suffering from the errors and indiscretions of youth, nervous 
 ■weakness, early decay, loss of manhood, &c. I will send a recipe that will 
 cure you frbb of chajsge. This great remedy was discovered hy a missionary 
 in South Africa. Send a self-addressed envelope to the Eey. Josbph T. Inman, 
 Station D, New York City. 
 
 An application for this " free of charge " remedy is answered 
 by a circular, prescribing the following compound, called Corrassa 
 Compound : 
 
 KEOrPE. 
 
 Extract of Corrassa Apimis, ... Eight Drachms. 
 
 Extract of Selarmo Umbelifera, ... Four Drachms. 
 
 Powdered Alkermes Latifolia, - - Three Drachms. 
 
 Extract of Carsadoc Herbalis, ... Six Drachms. 
 
 Mix well together in a mortar, then put the mixture in a box and keep it 
 covered, or wrap it in paper and cover with tin foil to exclude the air. For a 
 dose, take about half a teaspoonful of the mixture, and moisten it with a little 
 cold water in a glass or cup, then add about two tablespoonfuls more of cold 
 water, or just enough to enable you to take it down easily. Take the medi- 
 cine at night before going to bed, and in the morning before eating. If you 
 wish to sweeten it, you may add as much sugar or syrup to each dose as may 
 suit your taste. 
 
 EEMAEKS. — The above named herbs, so remarkable for their heajing 
 qualities, are found in the great valley of the Amazon, and through most of 
 the valleys of the South American mountains. Their wonderful medicinal 
 properties are known to the Indian. Medicine Men, and also to some of the 
 learned Missionaries from Europe, who reside in South America. 
 
 This particular combination of remedies is called the Cokeassa Compound, 
 taking its name from the first of the four medicines which compose the recipe 
 when it is ready for use. 
 
 Then follows the 
 
 CIRCULAR, 
 
 Giving an account of How I Discovered the Corrassa Compound. 
 
 The great number of inquiries addressed to me by the public and the medi- 
 cal profession for information about this great remedy, makes it necessary for 
 me (in order to answer them all) to print a short account of its discovery, and 
 
THE QUACK. 317 
 
 the remarkable cure made by its use in my own case. When at college I con- 
 tracted (through ignorance) the habit of Masturbation, or Self-Abuse, which 
 well-nigh ruined my health, and doubtless would have brought me to an early 
 grave, if it had not been for the providential discovery of this medicine. 
 Before I left college, a friend, who suspected the cause of my feeble health, 
 warned me of the danger of this secret vice. By great effort of will and reso- 
 lution I was enabled to give up the degrading habit, but I still suffered from 
 its evil effects. After finishing my studies I was admitted to the ministry, 
 and became pastor of a church in the town of Jamaica, Long Island, but my 
 health was so poor I had to resign my charge, greatly to my regret and 
 Borrow. My grief was more deep, as I had formed an attachment for an 
 accomplished and amiable young lady, who returned my affection ; but mar- 
 riage was not to be thought of by me, as the state of my health would make 
 me but a miserable companion for a gentle and loving woman. I sought the 
 aid of the ablest physicians and surgeons of New York City, but I received no 
 benefit from their treatment. I tried the nostrums advertised for such com- 
 plaints, but they did me no good. I then proceeded to Europe, with a view 
 to consult the best medical men of London and Paris, but I was so little im- 
 proved by their treatment that I began to despair of ever attaining to man- 
 hood's vigor. I resided over two years in Europe, devoting nearly all the 
 time my health would permit to the study of medicine, but I was unable to 
 discover any remedy that would cure my case. 
 
 Through the kindness of some Christian friends in London, I was offered 
 the position of a Missionary to Para, South America, where a station was 
 established by the London Missionary Society, for the diffusion of the Gospel 
 throughout the great valley of the Amazon and its tributaries. I gladly 
 accepted this offer as I had read in the books of learned travelers that this 
 part of South America abounds in all kinds of healing herbs and medicines, 
 and I hoped I would discover a remedy that would restore me to health and 
 strength. Accordingly, 1 sailed from Liverpool in the ship Reindeer, Captain 
 E. L Marsh, for Para. When I arrived, I commenced to perform my mission- 
 ary duties as well as the feeble state of my health would permit. While trav- 
 eling through different parts of the country, I devoted my spare time to the 
 study of the medical plants and herbs in which this region so wonderfully 
 abounds. While engaged in these studies, I first learned the virtues of the 
 CORRASSA COMPOXJNI), for which I will always return my heartfelt thanks to 
 kind providence. This medicine was recommended to me by a learned and 
 venerable physician, named Fernandez Coliua, a native of Spain, who had 
 studied medicine in Paris, and had traveled extensively through South 
 America. 
 
 To enable my readers to understand the full value of that combination of 
 remedies called the Corkassa Compound, I will state the symptoms of my 
 complaint when I began to use it. 
 
 Here follows a description too foul and indecent to reprint. 
 When I felt completely cured, I became convinced it was my sacred duty to 
 
318 PEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 make known the discovery of this remedy for the benefit of suffering hmnan- 
 ity. I sent an account of my cure, and also some packages of the medicine, 
 to Physicians in London, Paris, and New York. They wrote back to me the 
 most cheering accounts ofthe cures they had made among their patients by 
 its use, and earnestly urged mo to forward more ofthe medicine, and to make 
 arrangements for a regular and full supply. I immediately made arrange- 
 ments for obtaining the remedy in its purity, and engaged with parties in 
 South America to have it forwarded to New York, to which city I have now 
 returned, and where I have made my permanent home. I adopted this 
 course, in order that I might be able to supply the remedy to any one who 
 wished to send to me for it, and also to enable me, with greater facility, to 
 publish to the world a full account of this great discovery. 
 
 JSTow what is the object of all this philanthropic effort, this 
 exchange of a South American mission field for the large mission 
 of curing ailing humanity ? 
 
 It is simply $3.50 from each victim. 
 
 The recipe is sent free. Baits are always free. The recipe is 
 a bait. 
 
 The " free " circular adds : 
 
 I will here offer a word of caution about getting the recipe compounded or 
 put up at the drug stores. You must be careful that you do not get inferior 
 or adulterated ingredients. 
 
 HOW TO OBTAIN THE COERASSA COMPOUND. 
 
 As the drug stores cannot be relied upon to procure new remedies of pure 
 quality, I can forward the Corrassa Compound in packages, ready for use, 
 (pub up safe from observation,) to those who need it, at the price which it 
 costs me. My means make me independent. I seek no other reward for send- 
 ing the remedy than the satisfaction of doing good, and the blessing of an 
 approving conscience. 
 
 The cost of each package (including the government stamp), is Three Dol- 
 lars and Thirty Cents (|3.30). The postage is twenty-one cents. The price 
 then, of one package, sent by mail to any address, is three dollars and iifty 
 cents ($3 50). If sent by express, three dollars and thirty cents ($3.30), the 
 party sending for the medicine to pay express charges. Directions for using 
 the medicine, and also some excellent advice to those who are taking it, will 
 be enclosed inside the wrapper of each package. Nothing is put on the out- 
 side of the wrapper but the address of the party to whom it is sent. On 
 the receipt, then, of three Dollars and fifty cents ($3.50), I can send you a 
 package ofthe Corrassa Compound by mail, all ready for use, or on receipt of 
 three dollars and thirty cents, (|3.30), I can send you a package by express. 
 
 And the recipient, who goes to the drug store with this recipe 
 
THE QUACK. 319 
 
 for tlie Corrassa Compotmd, finds that he can neither get it there 
 impure nor pure ; nothing is left for him, provided he be not too 
 wise to do it, but to send his $3.50. 
 
 No druggist that I can find recognizes either of these ingre- 
 dients as existing in the Pharmacopoeia or in botany. 
 
 When an invalid writes this "missionary fraud" complaining 
 about not being able to get the recipe of his druggist, a letter 
 similar to the one below will be sent. It is one sent me, by a 
 party complaining, that he thinks Eev. Joseph T. Inman is a 
 fraud. (So say we all of us.) This non-commital letter is rather 
 cold comfort to an invalid, eager for restoration to health, and who 
 thinks $3.50 rather a high price to pay for a single prescription. 
 
 Office of Allison & Hbarn, 
 737 Bkoadway, 
 
 New York, Oct. 19t]i, 1880. 
 Dear Sir — ^Tonr favor of 16th Inst, has heen received, and contents noted. 
 We only reiterate onr caution in regard to getting the medicine compounded 
 at small drug stores — our patients use their own discretion in the matter. 
 
 Eespt'y yours, 
 
 Allisok & Heaen. 
 
 Not long ago, the New York Sun newspaper published a state- 
 ment that it had taken the Inman recipe to Hudnut's, Eushton's, 
 Hegeraan's, and other equally prominent drug stores, and there 
 the most experienced druggists agreed that these articles were 
 unknown to the trade. Clearly the dupe who reposes confidence 
 in the healing qualities of the Corrassa Compound, has nothing 
 to do but to forward his money to the benevolent missionary who 
 benevolently pockets it and returns therefor a nostrum — let us 
 trust as harmless as it is worthless. Inquiries at Jamaica among 
 its oldest inhabitants fail to disclose a single person who ever 
 knew Eev. Joseph T. Inman as a resident, or ever heard of him. 
 
 The same newspaper, in describing the rascals who are at the 
 head of this business, tells us, that " the office in St. Mark's place 
 is run by two young fellows calling themselves Allison & Hearne. 
 They dress nobbily, wear fine diamonds, and look more like sport- 
 ing men than doctors." 
 
320 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 As far back as November, 1864, the Agriculturist, wliich al- 
 ways has a corner for rogues, and has done the public valiant 
 service, exposed Joseph, and during the past sixteen years this 
 scheme has been now and agaia exposed by the press. But stOl 
 they thrive. 
 
 ATid religious and other reputable newspapers continue to ad- 
 vertise for them. Are they not partioejos criminis ? I say, yes ; 
 for they cannot plead ignorance. 
 
 The Bible House drove them out of there, and they were re- 
 cently at 129 Second avenue, and now are at 737 Broadway. 
 
 In this same circular, he says : " My means make me inde- 
 pendent ;" then the miserable fraud says, " I am trying to per- 
 form what I consider a sacred duty to sufiering humanity, by 
 sending the medicine to those who need it without any reward 
 but the consciousness of doing good." Pity he has to lie so 
 about it. 
 
 Lest some one should think I had made a mistake about the 
 condition of this young man, let me give his precise words : 
 
 I have thus made known my own case, from a sincere desire to benefit 
 others. No other motive would induce me to publish this confession, and 
 I have no doubt but it will be received by the victims of youthful errors 
 in the same spirit of sincerity and candor which prompts me to write it. 
 
 His candor is refreshing indeed. "We believe all that you say 
 of yourself, but the trouble is, as there were two of you at one 
 time, we would like to know if you were both affected in the 
 same way, guilty of the same loathsome practice, and if both 
 were missionaries ? It would be well for the community if you 
 would make your circulars more expKcit, or — suppress them en- 
 tirely, which is the best move you can make. I can assure these 
 poor missionary lads that the public sympathize with them, that 
 they were led into the practices they describe, and doubtless some 
 maybe found, who admire their "candor" in so publicly pro- 
 claiming their disgusting practices. I do not. 
 
 Before dismissing these gentry, the M. D.'s who advertise 
 by pamphlets and circulars, it may be profitable to consider Jiow 
 they are regarded by the regular medical profession. 
 
THE QUACK. 321 
 
 At a recent meeting of the Illinois State Board of Health, a 
 body made up of the highest medical talent in that great Common- 
 wealth, and entrusted by the Legislature with the exclusive con- 
 trol of the practice of medicine in that State, Mr. E. W. McAfee, 
 the agent of the "Western Society for the Suppression of Vice, 
 submitted the following question in writing : 
 
 Is it professional for a physician to advertise, or promiscuously to distri- 
 bute or circulate, "Marriage Guides," "Secret Monitors," pamphlets or 
 circulars, describing or illustrating, by means of pictures, venereal diseases; 
 or to advertise directly or Indirectly, or even impliedly, nostrums or medi- 
 cines for preventing conception or procuring abortion? 
 
 This they answered in the form of a resolution, rehearsing the 
 question in fuU, and declared that each and all of said acts are 
 grossly unprofessional. The resolution read as follows : 
 
 Any fraudulent or deceptive professional transaction shall be deemed in 
 the sense of this Board unprofessional and dishonorable conduct. 
 
 Any medical man who practices medicine under two names, or any other 
 name than his true name, shall be considered guilty of unprofessional and 
 dishonorable conduct. 
 
 Any advertisement, handbill, or means of attracting public attention or 
 securing patronage, which shall be deceptive or convey to the public any 
 fraudulent information, shall be considered unprofessional and dishonorable. 
 
 At the same session the Board instituted proceedings against a 
 large number of these pretended " doctors," and have since pros- 
 ecuted them under the State laws, revoking their certificates to 
 practice. 
 
 The sentiment of this Board can be better expressed in the 
 letter of thanks sent to the President of the Chicago Branch of 
 the Society, which is as follows : 
 
 Sir— In behalf of the Illinois State Board of Health I desire to acknowledge 
 the active and hearty co-operation of your Society in furnishing facts, thus 
 assisting the Board in coming to a, more thorough appreciation of the vile 
 and criminal practices of a number of so-called " Doctors " who have infested 
 this city. 
 
 These parasites have thriven upon the weakness and vices of humanity, 
 
 and have not alone corrupted the young and innocent, but have encouraged 
 
 and abetted vice and crime. So far, the victims of these unprincipled 
 
 scoundrels have been in their toils -completely at their mercy, fearing to 
 
 21 
 
322 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 expose them, lest their own infirmities should become known. The method 
 adopted by your Society is the only practical one by which the whole truth 
 can be brought out. Very respectfully yours, 
 
 John H. Eauch, Seoretary. 
 
 But the mails are still flooded with the adTertisements of these 
 bogus medical works, recipes, and magic cures. 
 
 We add a word of caution, and advice, the moral of what has 
 been told in this chapter. 
 
 Pirst. — Never send money to amy one who advertises cures, ly 
 mall, as an '■'■M.DP 
 
 Second. — Never send mon^y to any man who advertises cures 
 and styles himself " RevP 
 
 Third. — Never put yourself into the power of these men ly 
 any correspondence with them whatever. They are heartless, 
 cruel, and unrelenting, as a class. 
 
 Fourth. — Tf necessary, consult a reputable physician with 
 whom you can talk face to face, and none others. 
 
 The sick and afflicted might take courage if all they see in 
 print were true. But, alas ! all is not gold that glitters, neither 
 are all doctors who profess to be; but a quack is a quack the 
 world around. 
 
 STILL ANOTHER. 
 
 A person reading J. H. Keeves's circular, would naturally mark 
 him as possessing a wonderful remedy ; and still more striking is 
 the philanthropic letter, " so sure is he of effecting a cure." But 
 he does not possess all the remedies in existence, and he will be 
 obliged to divide the honors of a philanthropist with the follow- 
 ing concern if their letter is to be believed. It is not Dr. Du- 
 pont's, but Dr. Churchill's remedy this time. Head ; then pay 
 your money, and take your choice ! 
 
 This concern's advertisement and circulars are after the same 
 form as those of Eeeves. Compare this with Keeves's letter. 
 
 Davidson & Co., 
 86 Nassau street. 
 
 New Yoek, Jan. 19th, 1878. 
 Dear Sir — Not hearing from you since sending Dr. Churchill's recipe, we 
 fear you thought the price |3 too much, or that they would not cure. You 
 
THE QUACK. 323 
 
 have our deepest sympathy ; and we are so sure of curing you, we offer to 
 send remedies on receipt of $'2, and you send Bal when cured ; or, if not cured 
 after a fair trial, we will refund the $2. We can oifer nothing fairer, and 
 trust you will accept. There is nothing to lose, and all to gain, as a cure is 
 certain. Neglect it, and all may be lost. 
 
 Your friends, 
 
 Davidson & Co. 
 
324 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTEE XX. 
 
 THE LOTTERIES. 
 
 This evil is possible because o£ the weakness of human nature. 
 
 The gambler bases his calculations upon his hopes rather than 
 upon his chances ; for in this traffic judgment is allowed no place 
 to assert its sway. The purchaser of lottery tickets is a gambler ; 
 in his ventures he displays the same lack of judgment ; he is ac- 
 tuated by the same blind hope. Mental and moral demoraliza- 
 tion is immediate and proportioned to the amount of the invest- 
 ment. No sooner has a man secured a lottery ticket than he 
 begins to speculate as to the probability of his holding the lucky 
 number ; he fancies the " grand capital prize " ia his possession, 
 and begins to day-dream and build air castles. Neglecting in 
 his infatuation all consideration of the wisdom of his venture, he 
 multiplies his chances, as he thinks, by repeated investments; 
 while, in reality, after purchasing a large number of tickets, he 
 is as far from winning a fortune as he was before he had a single 
 one of these deceptive slips. The lottery mania has all the fatal 
 passion of the worst form of gambling. A striking and melan- 
 choly illustration of this is afforded in a case recently before the 
 courts, where a New York City bank cashier, having defaulted to 
 the amount of more than $35,000, confessed that he had been 
 driven to this by his dealings with the lottery men, and that he 
 had spent between $400 and $500 daily in a lottery and policy 
 shop on Broadway. For the $35,000 thus expended he had re- 
 ceived in return in prizes $2,500. To his lottery mania he sacri- 
 ficed the stolen money, his honor, position, and friends ; he de- 
 stroyed the peace and happiness of his family, and as his grand 
 prize secured the name and infamy of the thief and the felon's 
 cell. To-day there are thousands of the infatuated victims of 
 these monstrous schemes, who are staking their name and posi- 
 tion at the same frightful hazard. 
 
 In his estimate of mathematical probabilities, too, the purchaser 
 
THE LOTTEEIES. 325 
 
 of. lottery tickets forgets to take into account the unknown 
 factor of fraud on the part of the managers. If we consider 
 the methods of these men and the character of those who vend 
 tickets, we shall at once see the ruinous folly of all lottery ven- 
 tures ; and in the present chapter it is the writer's purpose to 
 show enough of the inside workings of these schemes to warn 
 those who shall read, and to prevent them from losing their 
 money by dealing with these swindlers. 
 
 Every lottery scheme is the device of heartless men, invented 
 to delude the people with vain hopes, which only aggravate their 
 misery and distress, in order to speedily and without work enrich 
 the managers. 
 
 It has been observed in the Neapolitan provinces that on the 
 days when lottery tickets are vended, there regularly occurs a 
 marked diminution in the sale of bread, and a greatly increased 
 attendance at the pawnbrokers' shops. I have no question that, 
 if the facts were known, this would be found equally the case in 
 our own city ; for during the last few days before the monthly 
 drawings of the different lotteries, the dens where tickets are sold 
 are constantly crowded with a throng of young men, sewing 
 girls, servants, and hundreds of men and women from all the 
 lowly and toiling classes of the laboring poor. 
 
 " In Italy," says a shrewd observer, " it appears tliat during the past eight 
 years, notwithstanding the widespread destitution and suifering experienced, 
 the population has expended, on an average, in the purchase of lottery 
 tickets, not less than $14,000,000 annually. In that period the aggregate 
 sum, drawn for the most part from the scanty earnings of the poorest classes, 
 exceeded $110,000,000, on which the State has derived a gross profit of $46,- 
 000,000. There are, of course, certain deductions to be made for the cost of 
 management, but the residue is so considerable that no ministry has as yet 
 had the courage to suppress the institution." 
 
 The same writer, in making a comparison of deposits in savings 
 banks and lotteries in the same country, says : 
 
 "If now we examine the gambling propensities of these districts, we find 
 that in the year 1872, each hundred persons in Piedmont invested $38 in lot- 
 teries and $175 in savings banks, while in Lombardy the lotteries got $31 
 against $1,424 deposited iu savings institutions. In Campana, on the other 
 
326 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 hand, there were for each hundred individuals $147 wasted on lotteries, against 
 only $65 stored up in savings banks. In Pouille, the lottery swallowed up 
 $57, while the savings banks got less than $2 ; and in the Aliruzzi, the Cala- 
 brias, and other Neapolitan provinces, the disproportion of economies to 
 the sum squandered upon lotteries was equally astounding. 
 
 If we turn our attentiou to the examination of facts in our own 
 country, we will find among the poor and ignorant class, instances 
 of squandering equally startling. And it must also be borne in 
 mind, that in this connection, there is a twin sister of the lottery, 
 that is more avaricious and heartless, if possible, than the lottery 
 itself. I speak of 
 
 POLICY. 
 
 In the city of New York alone, it is estimated that there are at 
 ^least 600 policy shops. 
 
 Formerly in Piedmont, lotteries were managed in such a way 
 as to lessen the scourge among the poor, by the fraction of the 
 smallest subdivision of a ticket being placed at 20 cents, so that 
 the most destitute classes were unable to gamble in this way. Sim- 
 ilar efforts have been made in Germany, where it is said the lot- 
 tery brings in about a million dollars annually. There the price 
 of a ticket has been fixed at such a rate, that it is beyond the 
 reach of the poor, the minimum price being 20 marks, or $5. 
 
 But in this country, lottery tickets may be purchased for 50 
 cents and upward ; and as if this was not a sufficient curse to the 
 poor, the policy dens have been established where persons may 
 gamble in this way for 5 cents a " chance " and upward. These 
 policy drawings again are made twice a day, instead of once a 
 month, so that the poor deluded mortal, who indulges in this vice, 
 may not only try his luck in the lottery once a month; but also 
 in the policy shop twice each day ; and as though this barbarity 
 was not sufficient, unprincipled scoundrels have resorted to other 
 devices, and have invented what is called the " Envelope Game," 
 in which chances are purchased for from two cents to five cents 
 each, with dravrings eyeryjkje minutes. 
 
 This last infamous enterprise is the handiwork of some of the 
 basest, meanest, and most unscrupulous men that inhabit the 
 
THE LOTTERIES. 327 
 
 earth. In one of these dens which I recently caused to he broken 
 up, was found the proprietor, and five writers, who night and 
 day swindled the poor men and women. Tes, more, whose place 
 was frequently thronged with boys and girls, spending their 
 money, only to be robbed.* 
 
 While visiting this place with one of the officials of our city, 
 who had asked me to accompany him, I heard one poor man, who 
 had played his last penny, in most beseeching tones beg to be per- 
 mitted to have just one more chance on credit, saying, "you have aU 
 I have got in the world ; let me have just one more chance, (5 cts.) 
 so as to get a httle something to keep me over night. In reply, 
 the proprietor with foul oaths, told his clerk to whom this poor 
 victim was pleading, to "thump that fellow in the nose, and 
 throw him down the stairs, if he did not shut up." 
 
 This is the kind of monster, that stands behind the counter and 
 takes the very heart-blood out of his victim, taking the money 
 from the father, and at the same time the food and clothes from 
 the innocent wife and children. 
 
 It is in such dens as these that the lottery manager places his 
 tickets for sale. 
 
 A casual observer standing at the entrance of one of these 
 places would be amazed at the condition of those who throng 
 into it. 
 
 Starving men and women with pinched features and ragged 
 clothing, enter, in the vain hope of increasing their scanty store, 
 only to lose the little they have. 
 
 There is an infatuation about this work, that seems to exert a 
 power and influence over the minds of these deluded creatures, 
 
 *While ■writing this, a wife and mother calls and shows me her pocketboofc 
 filled with pawn tickets, which meant that her household goods and other 
 necessities had been sacrificed to supply bread for her children, while her hus- 
 band was spending his all in this gambling den. And when she applied to the 
 proprietor for sufiioient to eke out her rent, he promptly retorted to her to 
 
 "Goto H ." And since then, I have learned from one of the employees, 
 
 that this same deluded wretch one day came in without money, and became 
 so crazed that he went out, pawned his coat, and came back in his shirt 
 sleeves, played, and lost all. 
 
328 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 almost equal in its power and force to the appetite for strong 
 drink. 
 
 I desire just here to emphasize in strongest terms, the fact, that 
 it is against the Constitution and laws of the State of New 
 Yorh, for a lottery, policy, or gambling hell to exist. 
 
 It is against the law, to sell a ticket, to issue a circular, or to 
 publish an advertisement in the newspapers ; or send letters and 
 circulars concerning lotteries through the mail. 
 
 It is also against the laws of all the States (but one) in the 
 Union ; and also against the laws of the United States of America, 
 to send any circular, or letters concerning these things through the 
 mails ; and it is equally a fact, that openly, boldly, and seemingly 
 with the protection, and sanction of the police and the prosecut- 
 ing oiBeers, these laws are defied, are set aside, and brought into 
 contempt. 
 
 The practice of the lottery is infamous and demoralizing. The 
 large profits accruing to those who are interested in it, give them 
 the means to wield a powerful influence in poKtical circles, and 
 over many men who fill ofiices of trust, and whose duty it is to 
 see that these laws are executed. 
 
 I am informed by a Grand Juror in this State, that a recent at- 
 tempt on the part of the Grand Jury to indict certain newspapers for 
 publishing these advertisements, was met by the specious argument, 
 that it was useless to attempt to do anything with these advertise- 
 ments, because no eif ort had been made to enforce laws, equally 
 as binding, against the Eoraan Catholic and Seventh Eegiment 
 raffle and chance schemes ; and this in the face of the fact, that 
 for more than three years, these laws have been openly defied, 
 flagrantly violated, and brought into public contempt, by men 
 who while under indictment continue their nefarious business pub- 
 licly ; while these indictments remain untried before the courts. 
 
 I do not hesitate to say here, emphatically, that any official 
 who shall thus permit and encourage such lawlessness, is respon- 
 sible, and ought to be held accountable to law by every decent 
 citizen for violation of his oath of office. He is a foe to human- 
 ity, a traitor to: the hest interests of his country. 
 
THE LOTTERIES. 
 
 Philanthropists pour out their wealth each year to support 
 thousands of the poor of the city of ]S"ew York alone, and many 
 of these families suffer because the legitimate means of support 
 go into the coffers of the men who run these schemes. 
 
 For proof of this curse to the poor, and poverty and affliction 
 to hundreds of families, go to the noble charitable institutions of 
 the city, especially Eev. Mr. Kramer, Master of St. John's Guild, 
 who has had a large experience in caring for the destitute. - 
 
 These swindlers roll in wealth. They make a pretentious 
 display at home, and with their magnificent liveries create a 
 sensation in society abroad. They have ample Avealth, which 
 enables them to employ the first counsel in the land to defend 
 their nefarious practices, and to interfere with legislation; and 
 yet the families of thousands who contribute to this magnificent 
 display, starve for lack of money so squandered by them. 
 
 Let us look at some of these different schemes that pretend to 
 be respectable, and that are constantly advertised in all the papers 
 of the land as " old, reliable concerns." 
 
 THE KENTUCKY LOTTERIES. 
 
 THE KENTUCKT STATE LOTTEET THE COMMONWEALTH DISTEIBUTION 
 
 OF LOtnSVILLE, FEANKFOET AND COVINGTON, KY., ETC. 
 
 The managers and proprietors of the former of these are Sim- 
 mons & Dickinson ; Murray, France & Co., and Morris J. Rich- 
 mond; of the latter, Thomas J. Cummerford, Geo. Wiley 
 Barrows, et al. 
 
 N.B. — The Kentucky Lotteet and Commonwealth Cash Dis- 
 TEiBUTioN Co. of Kentooky, aee no longee legal, but aee 
 FEAUDS. 
 
 By an Act approved February 1st, 1838, the General Assembly 
 of Kentucky conferred on the Trustees of the City of Frankfort, 
 Ky., the right " to raise by a lottery, in one or more classes as to 
 them might seem expedient, any sum not EXCEEnrnG one hundred 
 thousand dollars," to be appropriated for the use and benefit of 
 city schools, and for the construction of water works for the city 
 of Frankfort aforesaid ; and in the case of " The Commonwealth 
 
330 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 VS. The City of Frankfort (Simmons & Dickinson, E. S. Stewart, 
 etc.), 1877, it was held by the Court of Appeals of Kentucky, 
 " that the presumption from lapse of time, etc., was that the 
 3,000 had long since been raised." 
 
 In this case, Simmons & Dickinson show by their answer that 
 in 1841 the managers of this lottery sold oat to one Gregory a 
 scheme and certain classes devised by them, and that in 1861 they 
 sold another scheme and classes thereof to "Wood, Eddy & Mur- 
 ray ; and that they, Simmons & Dickinson, were then the sole 
 owners of all the undrawn classes of the schemes so sold these 
 two parties. 
 
 Says the Court of Appeals in the same case : 
 
 But whether, according to their own statements, their asserted right to 
 draw 288 undrawn classes has any legal existence, must depend on the true 
 construction of the lottery grant, and the conclusions to be deduced from cer- 
 tain facts not only admitted, hut set up aud relied on by them as constituting 
 a defense to the action. 
 
 The question now is not how many of the classes agreed on remain un- 
 drawn, but what sum of money in the way of actual net profits has been 
 raised by the drawings held before the institution of this action ? 
 ■ On this material question Simmons and Dickinson make no disclosure. 
 
 The circumstances of this case are altogether extraordinary. The lottery 
 grant was mora than thirty-five years old when this proceeding was com- 
 menced. The Legislature evidently contemplated it should be made available 
 for the purposes of the Act within a reasonable period of time. It is not to 
 be supposed the intention was that a business or vocation which the law- 
 making department had theretofore denounced as injurious to the good citi- 
 zens of the Commonwealth, and productive of extensive evils (Act of 1816, 
 vol. 2, p. 1150, Stat. Laws,) should be carried on for an indefinite time, for the 
 benefit, in the main, of the private person or persons to whom the rights, 
 privileges and immunities incident to the grant might be sold. 
 
 Appellees (Simmons and Dickinson) also make it appear that the repre- 
 sentatives of the city of Frankfort have long since received from them, and 
 the persons through whom they claim, $100,000, or its equivalent. 
 
 The lottery has been in active operation since 1840, and since the 22d of 
 May, 1861, there have been drawn 7,898 classes * * * (so say Simmons 
 and Dickinson in their answer). 
 
 The unauthorized and mistaken construction of the grants under which 
 the sales were made by the managers, the great length of time the lottery has 
 
THE LOTTERIES. 331 
 
 ■been in active operation, and the large sums of money paid over by the pur- ' 
 chasers, immediate and remote, authorize the presumption that the full sum 
 of one hundred thousand dollars has been long since realized by the numerous 
 drawings admitted to have been held. 
 
 The facts necessary to rebut this presumption are peculiarly within tlie 
 knowledge of the parties who have been exercising the lottery franchise, and 
 they are necessarily out of the reach of the Commonwealth. 
 
 Now read witli care the conclusion of this case by this highest 
 Court in the State of Kentucky. It says : 
 
 For these reasons it is incumbent on these appellees (Simmons and DicMn- 
 son) to rebut this presumption, and to show that for sufficient legal reasons 
 the grant has not yet been exhausted ; and if they fail to do so, they will be 
 prohibited &om the further exercise of a privilege which tends to foster and en- 
 courage the spirit of gaming, is productive of injury to the people oftlie Common- 
 wealth, and is against common right. 
 
 They then recite that the charter of the city of Frankfort, 
 approved March 16, 1869, cannot affect the law in this case. 
 
 The statutes of Kentucky provide against the sale or main- 
 taining of any lottery tickets or any lottery except by authority 
 of law (Act of 1816). The Acts of Feb. 1, 1838, Feb. 16, 1839, 
 and Feb. 23, 1854, conferring lottery privileges for the benefit 
 of the city schools, etc., provide that the ffrant shall determine 
 so soon as there is raised hy lottery $100,000. 
 
 Is any one so simple as to suppose that with Y,898 classes ex- 
 hausted there has not been ten times $100,000 raised. More 
 than $100,000 would have been raised if but $12.67 had been 
 realized each drawing. 
 
 By an Act approved March 16, 1869, the General Assembly of 
 Kentucky afterwards conferred on the Board of Commissioners 
 of the City of Frankfort, Ky., the same franchise, powers, and 
 authority, as that conferred on the managers in the Act approved 
 Feb. 1, \%Z^>—the rerrmant of the grant of 1838, and nothing 
 new or additional. 
 
 In a letter received in our office Sept. 23, 1880, from Hon. 
 P. W. Hardin, Attorney General for the State of Kentucky, he 
 says in reply to a letter which I wrote him : 
 
 In response to the first question as to whether the so-called Kentucky Lot- 
 tery and the Commonwealth Distribution Co. are legally chartered, and have 
 
332 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 they any legal standing ? I answer emphatically no ! The only pretext for 
 operating any of those demoralizing gambling schemes, that has even, the 
 semblance of legal sanction, is that in 1838 the Legislature of Kentucky, in 
 an Act entitled " An Act for the benefit of the city school in the town of 
 Frankfort and for other purposes," granted certain Lottery privileges. In 
 1869, more than thirty years afterwards, and long after this grant was ex- 
 hausted, defunct, and forgotten, the Legislature was imposed upon by au 
 Act, wearing the fair and unsuspicious title of "An Act to amend, and re- 
 duce into one, the several Acts in relation to the City of Frankfort." By the 
 18th sec. of this Act, it is provided that the Board of Councilmen of the City 
 of Frankfort, "Shall have the same franchises, power, and authority, as are 
 conferred on the managers in au Act entitled ' An Act for the benefit of the 
 City School in the Town of Frankfort, and for other purposes,' approved 
 Feb. 1838." 
 
 Tou will observe the careful concealment of the Lottery feature of this 
 Act neatly stored away in the body of the 18th sec, when not another sec- 
 tion, directly or remotely, refers to it. 
 
 Three years passed away, and another Act, entitled " An Act amendatory 
 to the Laws in relation to the City of Frankfort," is presented and passed 
 by an unsuspecting body of Law-makers, and was approved March 28th, 
 1872. 
 
 By this Act it was provided " That the Board of Councilmen of the City 
 of Frankfort, be, and are hereby authorized and empowered to grant, bargain, 
 sell, and convey, to rent, or lease, any and all property or any part thereof, 
 belonging to said City of Frankfort, be the same, land, tenements, goods, 
 chattels, or franchises, or immunities, on such terms, and for such sums, and, 
 at such times, as said Board of Councilmen shall deem for the best interests 
 of said City of Frankfort." The object of this Act was to enable the Board of 
 Councilmen of the City of Frankfort to effectively put in operation the Lottery 
 privilege they claimed under the former Acts, by selling and transferring the 
 franchise, and on the 31st day of Dec, 1875, they did enter into a contract with 
 E. S. Stewart, and sold to him said franchise, at the agreed sum of one hun- 
 dred thousand dollars, to be paid in installments. The scheme authorized by 
 the Act of 1838 and 1869 was incorporated into, and made a part of the con- 
 tract. On the 19th of April, 1876, Stewart sold twenty of the thirty thousand 
 nine hundred classes which composed the scheme, to one Pepper, and trans- 
 ferred certain other interests to Hensley, Lawrence, Holmau, Morrill, Mere- 
 dith, and Owen Stewart. 
 
 He then transferred his remaining interests to John P. Jones, who in turn, 
 sold to Simmons & Dickinson. Pepper had one drawing Dec. 6, 1876, and on 
 the 16th of Dec, 1876, conveyed his remaining 19 classes to Gfeorge P. Miller. 
 Subsequent to the sale to Miller, Pepper, upon his own petition, was adjudged 
 a bankrupt. 
 
 On Feb. 5th, 1877, Miller sold one interest, amounting to sixty-six and 
 two-thirds per cent, in five classes, to G. W. Barrow. Shortly after this sale 
 from Miller, G. W. Barrow and J. E. Barrow, under the firm name of G. W. 
 
THE LOTTEEIES. 333 
 
 Barrow & Co., commenced to draw a lottery, called the Commonwealth Distri- 
 bution Company. 
 
 Ou the 11th day of Dec, 1877, Dudley, who was the assignee in bankruptcy 
 of Pepper, sued Miller to recover the classes transferred to him by Pepper, 
 alleging the contract of Deo. 16, 1866, was fraudulent and void. While this 
 suit was pending, and betore Miller had answered, Dudley, by contract of Oct. 
 3d, 1878, attempted a transfer of fourteen of the classes formerly owned by 
 Pepper, to G. W. Bairow and Co. On Oct. 8th, 1878, Miller filed his answer, 
 disclaiming any interest under his contract with Pepper, but in the mean 
 time, namely July 30th, 1877, the City of Frankfort, in the exercise of the 
 discretion reserved in the contract with Stewart, had declared the contract 
 with him cancelled, and had on Aug. 2d, 1877, resold said grant to Murray, 
 Miller & Co. 
 
 This is substantially the history of the legislation, the sales and transfers 
 under which they claim the legal right to set up, and run an indefinite num- 
 ber of lotteries, under different names, schemes, and plans, which it is claimed 
 may continue until the 30,900 classed are exhausted, which will take, upon a 
 calculation of one drawing per day, Sundays excepted, a little over ninety- 
 nine years to finish up. 
 
 All of tbose parties claiming to act under this so-called grant, have been 
 indicted, and there is now pending, in the Court of Appeals, about sixty 
 cases, against the different operators of Lotteries in this State. 
 
 It is true that on Feb. 27, 1878, our Court of Appeals affirmed a decision of 
 the lower Court, deciding that the act of 1869 did grant to the City of Frank- 
 fort, the Lottery Privileges granted in the act of 1838, but this affirmance was 
 by an equally divided court, Chief Justice Lindsey and Judge Cofer dissent- 
 ing. 
 
 The Chief Justice said in his dissenting opinion, "Such grants are against 
 common right, are against the general policies of oirr laws, and are never to 
 be presumed. When made in express terms, the courts must submit to the 
 wUl of the Legislature, andean neither refuse to protect the grantees in the 
 enjoyment of their extraordinary privileges, nor abridge, trammel, or destroy 
 them by construction ; but the grant is never to be implied from equivocal, 
 or doubtful language. In the construction of a charter, to be in doubt is to be 
 resolved, and every resolution which springs ftom doubt, is against the cor- 
 poration." 
 
 This iniquitous business in our State is limited to two or three places. 
 Under the guise of a charity, and the pretext of a legal sanction, i<j'o6sWiej^oor, 
 and allures with false hopes, and leads to ruin loth young and old. It is against 
 puilicpoUay and puilie morals, and I tinatihat it -will riot be long before the 
 Law, supported by a proper public sentiment, will assert itself, and put them 
 
 down. 
 
 Tours very respectfully, 
 
 (Signed) P. W. Hakdin, Atty. Genl. 
 Sucli are the brave words of ±Ms lieroic law officer. Would 
 
334 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 that every law and prosecuting office were filled with such 
 men. 
 
 They, by the Act of 1869, received no greater immunities and 
 privileges than were received and could be enjoyed under the 
 original grant. 
 
 By Act of March 28, 1872, this Board of Commissioners were 
 authorized to sell or dispose of any property or franchise belong- 
 ing to the city. This selling of a lottery interest, even if there 
 had been one, would seem almost a farce, in the light of the 
 above facts. The thoughtful reader will also say, that, for one 
 Legislature to legalize what another body had as far back as 1816 
 condemned and denounced as " injurious to the good citizens, and 
 productive of extensive evils," is equally absurd. 
 
 As has been seen, on December 31st, 1875, the city of Frank- 
 fort devised a scheme of drawing a lottery, consisting of 30,900 
 classes, and sold it to one E. S. Stewart, et al., and which seems 
 to have passed into the hands of Simmons & Dickinson, except 
 twenty-one classes which were procured by James E. Pepper, 
 and one of which was drawn by him in Frankfort, Ky., under the 
 title of the " Kentucky Cash Distribution Co.," and the remain- 
 ing nineteen classes were, December 16, 1876, conveyed to 
 George C. Miller, etc., and afterwards fell into the hands of 
 George and John Barrow. 
 
 Later the city of Frankfort attempted to cancel the contract 
 with Stewart, and entered into a contract of sale of the same 
 scheme to Murray and Miller, and afterward in 1878 entered 
 into a supplemental contract with the same parties. 
 
 By an Act approved April 30, 1878, the General Assemblyof 
 Kentucky rer>ealed all lottery grants existing in the State of 
 Kentucky. It says : 
 
 Chapter 689. — An Act to repeal all laws granting lottery privileges or 
 franchises to any person or corporation. 
 
 Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of the Commonwealtli of Kentucky: 
 
 Section 1. That all acts and parts of acts of the General Assembly of this 
 Commonwealth containing any grant of a lottery privilege or franchise, be 
 and the same are hereby repealed so far as they relate to such grants. 
 
 Section. 2. This act shall be iu force from its passage. 
 
THE LOTTERIES. 335 
 
 The Court of Appeals of Kentucky, in the case of Gregory vs. 
 Trustees of Shelby College, held that a similar statute enacted 
 1852, to take efEect 1856, was unconstitutional as to prior lottery 
 grants, the Legislature having no power to divest vested rights. 
 
 DECISION OF THE UITITED STATES SUPEEME COTJET. 
 
 The Supreme Court of the United States, May 10th, 1880, 
 rendered a decision which overrules all this. The decision was as 
 follows, and sustains ioth these acts as constitutional : 
 
 No. 1S1., John B. Stone, et al., plaintiffs in error, vs. The State of Mississip- 
 pi — In error to the Supreme Court of MississiiJpi. — This was a suit brought by 
 the State for the purpose of suppressing a lottery company known as " The 
 Mississippi Educational and Manufacturing Aid Society." This corporation 
 was duly chartered by an act passed by the Legislature of Mississippi on the 
 16th of January, 1867. On the 9th of July, 1870, an act was passed to give 
 effect to article 12, section 15, of the State Constitution of 1868, which pro- 
 hibited the authorization of lotteries by the State and the further sale of 
 tickets by companies already authorized. The Circuit Court, upon informa- 
 tion filed by the Attorney-General, and in view of this prohibiting act, 
 entered a judgiaent of ouster against the respondents, which upon appeal was 
 affirmed by the Supreme Court. The case is now brought here for review, 
 upon the ground that the Act of the State Legislature of July 9, 1870, making 
 it unlawful to conduct a lottery in the State of Mississippi, is unconstitu- 
 tional and invalid, because it impairs the obligation of the contract entered 
 into by the State when it granted tje plaintiffs in error their charter. 
 
 THE DECISION. 
 
 This Court holds — first, that a contract which a State enters into when 
 it grants a charter to a private corporation is undoubtedly under the protec- 
 tion of the federal constitution. 
 
 Second— Tbat the Legislature of Mississippi did undoubtedly enter into a 
 contract with this corporation, the condition of which was ^he payment to 
 the State by the lottery company of a certain percentage of the latter's 
 receipts. 
 
 Third — That, although the lottery company was duly chartered, the Legis- 
 lature which granted that charter had no authority to bargain away the 
 police power of the State in the regulation of all matters affecting the public 
 health and the puUio Diorals. The supervision of both these subjects oi 
 governmental power is continuing in its nature, and they are to be dealt 
 with as the special exigencies of the moment may require. Government is 
 organized with a view to their preservation and cannot divest itself of tbe 
 power to provide for them. That lotteries are demoralizing in their effects, 
 
336 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 DO matter liow carefully regulated, cannot, in the opinion of this Court, be 
 doubted. There is now scarcely a. State in the Union where they are 
 tolerated, and Congress has enacted a special statute, the object of which is 
 to close the mails against them. This being the case there can be no question 
 that lotteries are proper subjects of the exercise of the State's governmental 
 or police power. 
 
 BAD EFFECT OP LOTTERIES. 
 
 The contracts which the federal constitution protects are those which 
 relate to property rights, not to goTcrnment rights. Lotteries belong to the 
 latter class. They are a species of gambling and wrong in their influences. 
 They disturb the checks and balances of a well ordered community. Society 
 built on such a foundation would almost of necessity bring forth a population 
 of speculators and gamblers living on the expectatioa of what chance might 
 award them from the accumulations of others. Certainly, the right to stop 
 them is governmental, and to be exercised at all times by those in power, at 
 their discretion. Any one, therefore, who accepts a lottery charter does so 
 with the implied understanding that the people, in their sovereign capacity 
 and through their properly constituted authorities, may take it back at any 
 time when the public good shall require, and this whether it be paid for or 
 not. He gets, in legal effect, nothing more than a license to continue on the 
 terms named for the specified time, unless sooner abrogated by the sovereign 
 power of the State. It is a permit, good as against existing laws, but subject 
 to future legislation or constitutional control or withdrawal. Decree af- 
 firmed, with costs. Opinion by Chief Justice Waite. 
 
 In addition to all the above, also an Act of the General Assem- 
 bly of the State of Kentucky, approved April 27th, 1880, 
 prohibits all lotteries which are conducted without express 
 autliority of law, and by the decision of the United States 
 Supreme Court, already quoted, these very laws which could 
 give this authority have heen repealed. 
 
 To further show the true character of these Kentucky lotteries, 
 as determined by the action of the State Courts and prosecuting 
 officers, we append a copy of an 
 
 INDICTMENT OF SIMMONS AND DICKINSON. 
 
 The Commonwealth of Kentucky, 
 
 against 
 Z. E. Simmons and S. T. Dickinson. 
 
 Jefferson Circuit Court, 
 
 February Term, A. D. 1879. 
 The Grand Jurors of the County of Jefferson, iu the name and by the 
 authority of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, accuse Z. E. Simmons and S. 
 
THE LOTTERIES. 337 
 
 T. Dickinson of the offence of managing and promoting a lottery for money, 
 committed in manner and form as follows, to wit : 
 
 The said Simmons and Dickinson, in tlie County of Jefferson, on the 1st day 
 of January, A. D. 1879, and within one year before the finding of this indict- 
 ment, unlawfully did manage and promote a lottery for money; by then and 
 there employing clerks and agents to carry on the business of a lottery called 
 the Frankfort Lottery of Kentucky, by then and there keeping offices and 
 employing others to keep offices for the transaction of the business of said 
 lottery ; by then and there keeping and procuring others to keep books of 
 accounts of the business of said lottery ; by then and there advertising and 
 giving public notice of said lottery, and by then and there selling and pro- 
 curing others to sell tickets in said lottery, and by then and there managing 
 and carrying on and procuring others to manage and carry on the business of 
 said lottery. A further description of which said lottery is to the Grand 
 Jurors aforesaid unknown. 
 
 Contrary to the form of the statute in such case made and provided, and 
 against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 
 
 , CommonweaUh's Attorney. 
 
 Witnesses : 
 
 John Joyce, 
 
 "W. Scott Glove, 
 
 J. T. Meecer, a Copy— Alt.: 
 
 H. O. Mercer, Jno. S. Cain, 
 
 Lewis Klan. . C. J. C. C. 
 
 Another instance will add interest and force here, as the ex- 
 pression of the Chief Justice of the high Court of Appeals for 
 Keutucky. Oct. 12, 1877, the following case was carried to the 
 Court of Appeals and decided there against the plaintiff. In the 
 case of 
 
 MILLEE vs. COMMONWEALTH, 
 
 Miller had been convicted under an indictment "for promoting 
 and aiding in the promotion" of the Kentucky State Lottery, and 
 had an office at Lexington, for the sale of tickets. He appealed 
 his case, and Chief Justice Lindsay delivered the opinion of the 
 Court, affirming the action of the lower Court. He says : 
 The Court instructed the jurors that 
 
 K they should believe beyond a reasonable doubt that during the month of 
 Nov., 1875, drawings were made by the Kentucky State Lottery, or by any 
 person or persons managing or controlling a scheme or schemes under that 
 name forthe distribution ofprizes or money, by chance * ' ' and that the 
 
 22 
 
338 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 defendant, Henry Miller, was interested, or was agent &c., tliey should find 
 him guilty. * • * 
 
 And they so found Mm, and this highest Court affirmed the 
 judgment. 
 
 THE COMMONWEALTH CASH DISTEIBTJTION CO. 
 
 One word about the " Commonwealth Cash Distribution Co." 
 It is very manifest from what has already been presented that if 
 this concern ever had any legal standing, it was only for nineteen 
 classes or drawings. It is now positively clear from their own 
 showing that twenty drawings have already expired, and that 
 consequently the lottery has no standing legally, morally, nor, 
 it is safe to say, in any other way. The following notice taken 
 from a paper of June 16th, 1880, announces the twenty -first draw- 
 ing: 
 
 '2J.St' 
 
 POPULAR MONTHLY DRAWING OF THE 
 
 COMMONWEALTH DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, 
 
 in pnhlio at Macauley's Theatre, in the city of Louisville, on 
 
 "Wednesday, Jnrie 30, 1880. 
 
 These drawings, authorized by act of the Legislature of 1869, and sustained 
 by all the courts of Kentucky, occur regularly on the last day of every month 
 (Sundays and Fridays excepted), and are supervised by prominent citizens of 
 the State. 
 
 In connection with this advertisement, we call special attention 
 to the fact that, in common with all the so-called Kentucky lot- 
 teries, this scheme places no limit to the number of tickets sold; 
 They announce no such limit in their advertisement. They issue 
 all they can sell. This is in itself a fraud on the purchaser. 
 
 The State of Kentucky has, through its Courts, presented by 
 the Grand Jury, in and for Jefferson County, the following against 
 the managers of that concern. 
 
THE LOTTEEIES. 339 
 
 INDICTMENT OF G. WILEY BAEEOW, et ol. 
 
 The Commonwealth of Kentucky, 
 against 
 G. W. Barrow, and J. E. Barrow Junr. and 
 W. M. Barrow. 
 
 Jefferson Circuit Court, 
 
 February Term, A. D. 1879. 
 
 The Grand Jurors of the County of Jefiferson, in the name and hy the 
 authority of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, accuse G. W. Barrow, J. E. 
 Barrow Jr. and W. M. Barrow of the offense of drawing, setting up, and man- 
 aging and promoting a lottery for money, committed in manner and form as 
 follows, to wit : 
 
 [Then followed averments similar to the case of Simmons & 
 Dickinson.] 
 
 Contrary to the form of the statute in such cases made and provided, and 
 against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 
 
 , Commonioealth' a Atiornetj. 
 
 T. J Commerford, a Copy— Alt: 
 
 Clay Van Arsdale. Jno. S. Cain, 
 
 a J. C. C. 
 
 But if all the acts of the legislature above cited, with the de- 
 cision of the Courts, do not avail to convince the reader that all 
 
 THE SINGLE NUMBEE LOTTEEIES OF KENTUCKY AEE GE0S8 FEAtODS 
 
 AND ILLEGAL, read the recent decision of the Court of Appeals, 
 made during June, 1880. 
 
 State of Kentucky, Court of Appeals. 
 
 Egbert W. Mbrdith, et at, Appellants, I 
 
 vs. )■ Appeal from Camphell Chy. Ct. 
 
 G. W. B ARROW, et at, Appellees. J 
 
 The Court being sufiaciently advised, delivered the following opinion here- 
 in, to wit : 
 
 • » # » * •• 
 
 The Statutes empowered the City Council to devise a scheme and to sell the 
 scheme so devised. The scheme was devised and as devised was to be drawit 
 on the ternary plan, and holders of any of these classes have no more right to 
 draw a single number lottery than if no lottery fi-anchise had been granted/ 
 and consequently the alleged drawings by Barrow of single number lotteries 
 were illegal. » * * 
 
340 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 STILL AlsTOTHEK FRAUD. 
 
 Again, it is claimed that there is another lottery grant for the 
 benefit of the University of Paducah. The acts relied on as 
 establishing the grant of lottery privileges to that institution are 
 those of Feb. 8, 1839, March 11, 1851, Jan. 25, 1858, Feb. 9, 
 1866, and Feb. 7, 1867. 
 
 The first act authorized certain persons to raise by way of lot- 
 tery $100,000, to be appropriated one-fourth for the improve- 
 ment of Paducah wharf, one-fourth to the Paducah Female Sem- 
 inary, the balance to the benefit of the Male Seminary of Paducah. 
 
 The only interests the University had under the act of 1851, 
 so far as the lottery privilege was concerned, was the right to re- 
 ceive from the original managers one-half of the sum of money 
 to be thereafter raised ; so says the Court of Appeals of Ken- 
 tucky. 
 
 The act of 1858 recites, that doubts had arisen whether the 
 Eevised Statutes had not repealed the act of 1837, (doubtless 
 meaning the act of 1839,) and then declares that the acts in rela- 
 tion to the Seminaries of Paducah, passed prior to the adoption 
 of the Kevised Statutes, should be revived, re-enacted, and con- 
 tinued in full force. 
 
 The act of 1866 ignores the University of Paducah, and aSiy 
 rights its President and Board of Directors may have acquired 
 under the act of March, 1851, and then provides for the repair- 
 ing of school buildings and the conveying and selling of their 
 property, frarfchises, etc. 
 
 The Court of Appeals in and for the State of Kentucky, in 
 case of " Commonwealth vs. Bull," says : 
 
 It cannot be maintained, under any reasonable construction of these acts, 
 that the University of Paducah has the right, through its President, etc., to 
 draw, or cauge to be drawn, a lottery for its own exclusive benefit. 
 
 There being no statute, priblic or private, authorizing a lottery to be drawn 
 for the sole benefiit of the said University, it is evident the indictment con^ 
 tains no statement. of facts, warranting the assumption that the Common- 
 wealth has pleaded, on the part of the accused, even if it ie conceded that the 
 JKentuclcy State Lottery was operated under aullwrity from and for the henefit of 
 that institution. 
 
THE LOTTERIES. • 341 
 
 It will be seen in this case as well as all others, that this highest 
 court does not recognize these lottery grants, as any barrier to a 
 criminal prosecution for selHng or vending lottery tickets in 
 Kentucky ; and that they presume in each and every case that 
 the $100,000 has been realized long ago, and that the burden of 
 proof is on the defendant in each case to so establish in their de- 
 fence. And it is a remarlcMe fact, so far as I can discover, that 
 not one of these swindlers has presumed to attempt in any of the 
 courts to establish this vital point for themselves. 
 
 It is a current rumor in New York, and has been admitted 
 by one of the lottery men of this city, that all three of the Ken- 
 tucky lotteries are operated under one charter or grant, and that 
 they have all combined, pooling receipts and dividing profits. 
 
 E,eader, is not a man a fool to send his money to such men as 
 these, or to invest in such abominable schemes ? 
 
 Simmons resides in New York City, and Dickinson in Cin- 
 cinnati, while Messrs. Murray, France and Co. are in St. Louis, 
 Mo. The latter are the managers of the lottery. 
 
 In the circulars sent out through the mail, as well as in the 
 advertisements of this lottery, the public are informed, " that 
 holders of prizes are secured by ample bonds, deposited with the 
 State, by the lottery managers." 
 
 The following correspondence between the Post Office Depart- 
 ment and the Kentucky State officials demonstrates the falsity of 
 this statement. 
 
 This correspondence is taken from a Eeport made by the Post- 
 master-General in reply to a resolution of the House of Repre- 
 sentatives, calling for information regarding the use of mails for 
 lottery purposes. The first letter is from the State Treasurer of 
 Kentucky : 
 
 State of Kentucky, 
 OFFicaa: of Teeasury Department of Commonwealth, 
 
 Ekankfort, November 7tli, 1879. 
 
 Sir— YouTS of the 14th inst., making inquiries concerning deposits claimed 
 to have been made by the Kentuolsy State Lottery, is to hand, and in reply 
 will state, that the Kentucky State Lottery has never deposited with me any 
 
342 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 bonds to secure the holders of prizes in their Lottery, nor has any other Lotr 
 tery, of this, or any other State made such deposit -with me. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 James W. Tate, 
 
 Treasurer. 
 Hon. D. M. Key, Postmaster-General, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 Now let the reader stop a moment and reflect, that the very 
 advertisement issued by these men is on the face of it a fraud 
 and a lie ! Certainly no one needs to be told, that the concern 
 which starts out with falsehoods is not a safe place to sent money 
 for investment. 
 
 It would seem as if the Legislature of the State of Kentucky, 
 on various occasions had allowed certain persons to get up a 
 device, by which thousands of dollars were to be gathered in, 
 from all over the Union, for the benefit of a few men, provided 
 $100,000 be paid for this privilege. 
 
 We do not propose at this time to show the flattering induce- 
 ments that are offered by these men. We desire simply in this 
 book to show sufficient to warn the poor, thoughtless, and cred- 
 ulous ones, so that they shall not be swindled or robbed of their 
 money by the different schemes, that are being continually 
 foisted upon the people by shrewd, unscrupulous men. 
 
 In I^ovember last, there were some thirty or forty different 
 persons who openly defied the laws of the State of New York, 
 by publicly advertising lotteries in the daily press. Of this 
 number many had the sale of tickets in these particular lotteries. 
 
 The so-caUed 
 
 GEOEGIA STATE LOTTEET 
 
 of Simmons & Dickinson, the name of which is used by them 
 in New York city, is well known to be Bogus, for the State of 
 Georgia has no lottery grants. 
 
 Now, are the " single-number " lotteries of the city of Coving- 
 ton, conducted by Simmons & Dickinson, fair and honest in the 
 details of their management ? Read the following extracts from 
 a Covington, Ky., letter to the Cincinnati Commercial, and the 
 
THE LOTTERIES. 343 
 
 Report of tlie Postraaster-G-eneral to the House of Representa- 
 tives, 1880, and then answer the question. 
 
 QUEEK LOTTERY MANEUVERS. 
 
 An incident has come to our knowledge, wMcli is likely to give rise to in- 
 quiry on the part of State authorities ; to say nothing of numerous ticket- 
 holders, that may prove annoying, if not worse, to the parties engaged. 
 
 It is not generally known here, that Simmons & Dickinson advertise and 
 sell in New York, and perhaps other eastern cities, for a single-number lot- 
 tery to be drawn here on the 1st and 15th of every month. Such is the 
 fact, however, for we have before us the New York Herald with such au 
 advertisement, headed "Old Reliable Kentucky State Lottery," &c., and 
 fixing the drawing for the 15th of this month. On that day (early iu the 
 morning) a ticket-holder, suspecting something wrong, went to the room on 
 the southwest comer of Madison and Fifth streets, this city, where Simmons, 
 Dickinson & Co.'s drawings take place, and was informed by one of the 
 commissioners that the drawing of the single-number lottery for that day 
 would take place at 10 o'clock. Every fifteen or twenty minutes either the 
 ticket-holder or a friend went to the door of the room, which had been 
 locked, and looking through the key-hole, saw the wheel, with the ballots in 
 it, standing in a line between the point of view and a front window. It was 
 clearly not disturbed during the morning up to 10.10, for it takes from one 
 and a half to two hours to make a single-number drawing, and the wheel was 
 seen every fifteen or twenty minutes as stated. At 10.10 a. m. the ticket- 
 holder again went to the room, when he found entrance and was told that 
 the drawing had already taken place. He 'respectfully doubted the report, 
 and justified his doubt by pointing to the wheel, with the ballots still in it 
 and the dust on it, as it had been in the early morning, but he could get no 
 other answer. He was promised a copy of the drawing at 1 p. m., but on ap- 
 plying at that time was told that instructions had been given not to let him 
 see it. 
 
 On the 18th the list of drawn numbers appeared in the New York Herald. 
 Afladavits were made to these facts and filed with the attorney-general of the 
 State. 
 
 Now there are several points worth noting in this "o'er true tale." It 
 would be easy to put only a certain number of the tickets on the market, and 
 only the reserved numbers in the wheel. We can't suspect anything of the 
 kind, however, for these lottery Brutuses " are honorable men." The lottery 
 grant under which Messrs. Simmons, Dickinson & Co. are operating gives no 
 authority for a single-number lottery, and any such lottery drawn under it is 
 in violation of the law, and subjects them to the penalties of the statute 
 against gaming. Is that the reason why the drawing is not advertised, nor 
 the tickets sold inside of the State ? 
 
 If the lottery was not drawn here as advertised, fairly and openly, then 
 the New York ticket-holders were duped. If it was so drawn, then Simmons, 
 
344 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Dickinson & Co. are liable to prosecution. The list of numbers said to have 
 been drawn in the lottery which took place here on the 15th instant, under 
 the circumstances related, was advertised in the New York Herald of the 18th, 
 with the names of the two commissioners attached. Perhaps they will rise 
 and explain a, little. 
 
 In the United States Circuit Court, District of Kentucky. 
 
 XSON, > 
 
 &Co. > 
 
 Simmons &. Dickixs 
 
 I'S. 
 
 MuEKAY, Miller & i 
 
 Extracts from the deposition of E. H. Eamsoy, Simmons & Dickinson's 
 sworn commissioner, taken at Louisville, Ky. : 
 
 Question. State your name, place of residence, and occupation. — Answer. E. 
 H. Eamsey, Covington, Ky. ; occupation, lottery commissioner. 
 
 Q. How many years have you been connected with Simmons & Dickinson ? 
 — A. Ever since that firm has been in existence I have been in the employ of 
 that firm. 
 
 Q. What are your duties as commissioner ? — A. My duties as commissioner 
 are to see that the drawing is properly conducted ; to put the numbers in, to 
 keep a record of the numbers as they are drawn, and certify to the drawing. 
 
 Q. Is it not a fact that you are sworn to see that the drawing is fairly con- 
 ducted as commissioner? — A. To see that the drawing is faithfully conducted, 
 faithfully and impartially drawn. 
 
 Q. Is it not true that, as commissioner of the drawings, you are supposed to 
 and ought to know for whose benefit and what the drawing is ; don't you 
 certify to that effect ? — A. No, sir ; I do not. 
 
 Q. Then you draw the lottery without knowing what it is for ? — A. It is not 
 my business to know. 
 
 Q. You are commissioner for these lotteries, one grant specifying you could 
 draw a certain lottery, and the other that you could not, and you were draw- 
 ing the lotteries and did not know what grant you were drawing under? — A. 
 As I said before, it was none of my business. 
 
 Q. At what place did you meet the gentleman, and under what circum- 
 stances ? — A. I met him at the office of Simmons & Dickinson, on the south- 
 west corner of Fifth and Madison streets, in Covington ; about the time 
 described, a gentleman came into the office, I think it was about seven and a 
 half o'clock in the morning, very early in the morning, not later than seven 
 and a half o'clock, and made some inquiries in regard to the single-number 
 drawing reported to take place that day. He asked me if the drawing would 
 take place at that place, and at what hour. I stated to him that it would, 
 and at ten o'clock. 
 
 Q. State under what circumstances you first saw the gentleman. — A. I 
 stated that already. 
 
 Q. State it again. — A. Well, I did not know the gentleman, when he came 
 in, by name. As I said, there was a, gentleman came in and made some in- 
 
THE LOTTEEIES. 345 
 
 quiries in regard to the single-num'ber drawing. I went off and hunted Mr. 
 Dickinson and presented the gentleman to liim. .We immediately made pre- 
 paration to draw the single-number lottery between the time I told the 
 gentleman and ten o'clock. 
 
 Q. Between what hours 1 — A. Between eight and half-past nine o'clock. 
 
 Q. You told the gentleman it would be at ten o'clock? — A. As I say, we 
 were suspicious, and we changed the time. 
 
 Q. How do you know there are a hundred thousand numbers in the wheel? 
 — A. Because I put them in. 
 
 Q. Do you put them in every drawing ? — A. No, sir. 
 
 Q. How long since you counted those one hundred thousand numbers? — A. 
 I have counted them myself but the once. 
 
 Q. Did you put them in ? — A. Yes, sir. 
 
 Q. Have you counted them since you put them in? — A. No, sir. 
 
 Q. What time is it since you counted them and put them in ? — A. I don't 
 know ; perhaps a year or a year and a half ago since the numbers were placed 
 iu the lottery. % 
 
 Q. What time in the day do these single-number drawings take place ? — A. 
 Well, when we do not expect any trouble, the usual time is half-past twelve 
 — commencing at half-past twelve ; that is the usual hour. 
 
 Q. Who assists you in supervising these drawings ? — A. Mr. Croninger is 
 the other commissioner. 
 
 Q. Y'ou were both present during this drawing spoken of? — A. Yes, sir; 
 sometimes Mr. Croninger is not there all the time of the drawing. He is a 
 printer, also, and prints the drawings. 
 
 Q. Did any other person witness the drawing on the day on which you 
 drew between half-past eight and nine besides yourself and Mr. Croninger ? — 
 A. No one at all. 
 
 Q. The doors were locked ? — -A. Yes, sir. 
 
 Q. No one could get in ? — A. No one could get in. 
 
 Q. What lottery were you drawing at that time? — A. We were drawing 
 the Kentucky State Lottery. We are furnished the schemes by the man- 
 agers, and we draw the lotteries under these schemes. I do not know what 
 grant. 
 
 Q. You have not known , tnen, for several years under what grants they were 
 drawing their single-number lotteries ? — A. No, sir. 
 
 Are Simmons & Dickinson's combination lotteries honestly conducted and 
 worthy of public patronage ? 
 
 bead! read! head! 
 
 Extracts from letters written by Z. E. Simmons, of the firm of Simmons & 
 Dickinson, to one of his former associates : 
 
 " Dear Bill : Make it 32, 35, 47. 
 
 " Yours truly, 
 
 "Z. E. S." 
 
346 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 " Please change 21 and 70 to something else. 
 
 "Yours truly, 
 
 'Z. E. S." 
 
 Copy from drawings issued by Simmons & Dicltinson August 25, 1879 : 
 
 The subscribers, commissioners appointed to superintend the drawing of 
 the Kentucky State Lottery, for the benefit of Henry Academy and Henry 
 Female College, do hereby certify that the following are the numbers which 
 were this day drawn from the 78 placed in the wheel, viz : Class No. 501, for 
 1879, 45, 30, 59, 42, 37, 34, 3, 18, 27, 31, 19, 61, 44, and that the said numbers 
 were drawn in the order in which they stand above. 
 
 Witness our hands at Covington, Ky., this Monday, August 25, 1879. 
 
 E. H. EAMSEY, 
 L. D. CBONINGER, 
 
 Sworn Commissioners. 
 SIMMONS & DICKINSON, 
 Managers. 
 And again : 
 
 The subscribers, commissioners appointed to superintend the drawing of 
 the Frankfort Lottery of Kentucky, for the support of the public school of 
 the city of Frankfort, class No. 501, for 1879, hereby certify that the following 
 are the numbers which were this day drawn from the 78 placed in the wheel 
 viz., 45, 30, 59, 42, 37, 34, 3, 18, 27, 31, 19, 61, 44, and the said numbers were 
 drawn in the order ia which they stand above. 
 
 Witness our hands at Covington, Ky., this Monday, August 25, 1879. 
 
 E. H. EAMSEY, 
 L. D. CEONINGEE, 
 
 Sworn Commissioners. 
 SIMMONS & DICKINSON. 
 Managers. 
 
 Is there any person who is possessed of any intelligence but what can 
 plainly see that it is simply an impossibility for Simmons & Dickinson to 
 draw two lotteries at the same time, in the same place, in the same class, and 
 have the drawn numbers identically the same in each drawing, and in the 
 exact order drawn ! Is not this a palpable fraud ? 
 
 Ticket buyers in Simmons & Dickinson's " lotteries," carefully digest what 
 is above vmtten, and govern yourselves accordingly. 
 
 The undersigned own exclusively every lottery grant in. the State of Ken- 
 tucky, and every drawing, circular, notice, or advertisement not signed with 
 our firm name relates to a lottery not drawn at all, or, if drawn, it is done 
 unlawfully and in violation of the law of the State and the decisions of the 
 courts. 
 
 MUERAY, FRANCE & CO., 
 Managers and Owners of all Legalized Kentucky State Lotteries. 
 
THE LOTTERIES. 347 
 
 As Simmons & Dickinson are advertising and drawing a lottery under a 
 certain contract from the city of Frapkfort, dated December 31, 1875, and 
 claiming the sole ownership of same, this is to notify all whom it may con- 
 cern, that said contract is owned solely by the undersigned, as the records of 
 the city of Frankfort will show, and I am in no manner connected with Sim- 
 mons & Dickinson, and they are operating said lottery without authority 
 from me and in violation of law. 
 
 E. S. STEWART. 
 
 Louisville, Ky., November 21, 1879. 
 
 I presume that every intelligent reader will be surprised to 
 learn that the headquarters of the Kentucky Lottery for the North 
 is within rifle shot of Police Headquarters in the city of New 
 York! It is permitted to exist with open doors on Broadway, 
 with advertisements in the newspapers, and to be thronged with 
 deluded ones, who go in there to deposit their money to fill the 
 pockets of these criminals. 
 
 The above facts as presented to Congress would apparently be 
 sufficient to array every honest man against this outrage ; and, 
 ia addition to all this, we must regard another circumstance 
 equally startling, that it not only exists, iut thrives in a State 
 where even the Constitution is against it, to say nothing of the 
 Statutes, which make it a, penal offence. 
 
 Shame on the Police and Courts of New York ! Just here, 
 take notice : 
 
 Mrst. Every advertisement in a newspaper is a direct viola- 
 tion of the law. 
 
 Second. These advertisements are an open public directory, 
 informing the Police just where these dens are, and where this 
 unlawful business is carried on. 
 
 Third. It is the duty of the police to suppress all lotteries. 
 
 Fowrth. Every party advertising in New York papers is under 
 arrest and indictment, and some of these indictments are three 
 years old ; and yet these men, some of them, have since been re- 
 peatedly arrested both in United States and State Courts, and 
 yet are permitted to remain untried and continue their nefarious 
 traffic. 
 
348 FKAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 This business breeds crime as well as pauperism, and tax- 
 payers ai-e obliged each year to provide prison accommodation 
 for thousands who are led astray, through these and himdred 
 demoralizing influences. 
 
 Take the single month of JSTovember last. John P. Hawes, 
 Cashier of the Manufacturers and Mechanics' Bank, proclaimed 
 himself in a written confession, which was published in one of 
 the daily papers, a defaulter to $35,400, spent in lottery offices, 
 principally. 
 
 John Sheridan, a young man, went into a gambling place on 
 Fourth avenue, and lost $550, of which $400 did not belong to 
 him. 
 
 A leading firm in the city of Charleston, S. C, sued a gambler 
 there for $79,000 as a total of money lost by young men in whom 
 they were interested. 
 
 A young man named Solomon lost in one of these dens $600, 
 most of which was a trust fund, and then went to a hotel and 
 shot himseK dead. 
 
 One O'Brien was earning from $20 to $25 per week prior to 
 November 22d. He drew a small prize in some concern, which 
 one I know not. He became crazed by it, abandoned his em- 
 ployment, and on November 22d was sentenced to six months 
 on Blackwell's Island, while his wife and family were left to 
 starve, his wife appearing in Court against him for failing to 
 provide for his family. 
 
 A short time previous to this, a poor woman wrote me, im- 
 ploring me to suppress certain places where her husband spent 
 all his earnings. On investigating her story, I found what she 
 had said to be true ; and this in addition : in a small room, neat, 
 tidy, and tasteful, we found an emaciated woman gradually 
 dying for want of proper food, simply because the husband con- 
 tributed all his earnings to enrich the proprietor of one of these 
 gambling hells. 
 
 A mother called upon me, desiring me to save her son, telling 
 me that he was receiving a very fair income in one of our lead- 
 ing busiuess houses of New York, yet failed to provide the 
 
THE LOTTERIES. 349 
 
 necessaries of life for his young wife and baby. He was a pur- 
 chaser of lottery tickets. 
 
 A lawyer called to see me, and informed me of a young lad in 
 his employ whom he detected selling postage stamps in order 
 that he might obtain the wherewith to buy lottery tickets. 
 
 Another gentleman, a prominent merchant, discovered one of 
 his yoiing men stealing from him that he might obtain money 
 by the proceeds of his plunder to play policy. Thus I might 
 continue, and, from my personal experience, fill pages to come 
 with just such sad instances as these, and yet this business, this 
 heartless, infamous trafiic, is tolerated, encouraged, and " pro- 
 tected, in open and flagrant violation of law. 
 
 Our young men are drawn into the vortex of crime, suicide, 
 and murder, while tliis hideous monster is permitted to stretch 
 itseK boldly and defiantly over the States of our Union. 
 
 But some reader asks, why do you not stop these things ? I 
 have done my part, and thereby incurred the ill will of this class 
 of swindlers, because I have insisted that the laws shall be en- 
 forced and this fraudulent business legally stopped. Moreover, 
 I have again and again arrested nearly every man who has pre- 
 sumed to advertise these illegal schemes. There are indictments 
 now pending in the courts against them. These indictments now 
 pending will doubtless remain untried until the decent men of 
 this city shaU rise up, and assert their rights, and demand that 
 these outrages cease, and that the laws of the land be enforced. 
 
 In order to assist the ordinary reader to a clear understanding 
 of all lotteries emanating or purporting to spring from the State 
 of Kentucky, we recapitulate as follows : 
 
 AU such lotteries of every name and nature (in Kentucky) are 
 wnlawful &T\&.frcmdulent, because : 
 
 First. The charters under which they profess to operate were 
 exhausted years ago — so says Court of Appeals for Kentucky. 
 
 Second. Even if each and every grant made by the Legislature 
 of Kentucky had not been long since exhausted by the raising of 
 the amount named, yet they are now defunct, by reason of the 
 absolute re^peal of all lottery grants by the act of April 30, 1878. 
 
350 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Third. All single number lotteries are frauds, and unlawful, 
 as they never had a grant for a single number lottery at any time. 
 The original grant was ou the Ternary plan. (So says Couri of 
 Appeals, June, 1880.) 
 
 Fourth. The United States Supreme Court has aflSrmed the 
 right of a legislature to repeal lottery grants ; therefore the acts 
 of 1856 and 1878, repealing these grants, are both in full force. 
 
 The Kentucky lotteries are therefore unlawful and fraudui- 
 lent, and it is worse than pouring water into a sieve with expec- 
 tation of catching the same, to invest money in their tickets with 
 hope of fairness or profit. 
 
THE LOUISIAITA STATE LOTTERY. ^ 351 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 THE LOUISIANA STATE LOTTERT, 
 
 We now come to deal with a concern that makes pretentious 
 claims to respeotabiliiy ajid/air dealing as justification of its ex- 
 istence. 
 
 It is too late in the history of this country and of the world 
 to regard lotteries as respectable or honest. Their record has 
 been made ; their history is written. It is a record and history 
 of fraud on the part of the promoters, and of speculation and 
 ruin on the part of the victim. Thousands have gone down into 
 this whirlpool, sacrificing in its vortex their honor, their charac- 
 ter, and their position in society. To attempt at this time, to 
 shield the lottery system from public execration, is a folly second 
 only to that of the credulous simpleton who spends his money for 
 the tickets with the expectation of ever getting any return. 
 
 It is argued that Washington at one time lent the use of his 
 great name to sanction the drawing of a lottery ; and to-day two 
 men, made prominent by their official rank and position in " the 
 late unpleasantness," sell the use of their names to add an alleged 
 respectability to one of the most monstrous of the lottery 
 schemes of the day. 
 
 There are many things that salt will not save. 
 
 Respectability cannot be injected in sufficient quantities, into 
 the lottery enterprises of the present, to shield them from the 
 public condemnation they so richly merit ; and while two men 
 are content to sell at a round figure their personal reputation as 
 sponsors for the Louisiana State Lottery, let it be remembered 
 that there are thousands of other gentlemen equally well known, 
 who, were the salary offered them ten times $15,000 a year, 
 would scorn to hold a position whereby they would be aiding and 
 abetting an incalculable injury to their country, by corrupting the 
 morals of the youth, beggaring hundreds of families, and sending 
 sorrow into thousands of households. 
 
352 * FKAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 I say^ and say -without fear of contradiction, that these two 
 ex-Confederate generals, G. T. Beauregard and Jubal A. Early, 
 by bolstering up this nefarious gambling scheme, are doing far 
 more harm to our country than they ever did in battle, openly 
 fighting against the forces who were contending for the grand 
 institutions left us by our forefathers. 
 
 "We are told that many of the public buildings, and charitable 
 and educational institutions in different States, have been erected 
 through the agency of the lottery ; and the E.oman Catholic 
 Church, not content with the millions of revenue collected from 
 rich and poor by an unrelenting system of tax and tithe, has 
 sanctioned and fostered this method of raising money. The first 
 lottery drawn in London was removed from a jewelry shop to a 
 church, in order to give to its drawing an air of sanctity. But in 
 the United States, to-day, the sanction of the Koman Catholic 
 Church is regarded neither as evidence of absolute right nor of 
 morality, in such matters. 
 
 This plan of bolstering up frauds with the support of figure- 
 heads, did not originate with the Louisiana State Lottery. 
 
 A few years ago, the whole country was covered with adver- 
 tisements of a Public Library scheme, which was inaugurated at 
 Louisville, Ky., and the honorable name of Gov. Bramlette was 
 given as an assurance to the public of its faithful and honest 
 administration. The object, as set forth, was the establishment 
 of a library that should, in magnificence, vie with any other insti- 
 tution of the kind. It was to be like the ocean, boundless and 
 free to all ; where all might come and read without money and 
 without price. 
 
 What has been the result ? who have been enriched ? The 
 records inform us that there were five "gift concerts," where was 
 reahzed a gross profit of $2,683,103.68. Less than five years 
 after its inauguration, the " Library " had but $2.67 to its credit; 
 but magnificent palaces and dwellings have been reared by the 
 managers, and stand to-day as finger-boards, pointing the way 
 where thousands lost their money for the benefit of a select and 
 respectable few. 
 
THE LOUISIANA. STATE LOTTERY. 353 
 
 One of ancient days built a monument to his military acMeve- 
 ments with the skuUs of his victims. 
 
 When an enlightened public sentiment applauds that deed, it 
 will be time to salute with approving honors these few respectable 
 men of to-day, who rear their palatial homes and dAvellings out of 
 the scanty earnings of the laborer — monuments of the bHghted 
 hopes of many a poor infatuated lottery victim. 
 
 Let us see how lotteries are regarded by law makers. In 
 October, 1826, lotteries ceased to be lawful in England. The 
 Encyclopedia Britannica says : 
 
 Lotteries, which had proved unaccountably prejudicial to public morals, 
 by fostering among the people a propensity for gambling, and ■which, in a 
 financial point of view, had yielded but a trifling amount of revenue to the 
 State, ■were put an end toby a Treasury minute, ■which provided that, from 
 and after that date (Oct., 1826), they should cease and determine. 
 
 The historian tells us that, as early as 1699, they were 
 denounced in that country as a " cheat," and their agents as 
 "pillagers of the people." In 1836, in France, a law was passed 
 abolishing all lotteries, and confiscating the property offered by any 
 lottery company, and punishing by fine and imprisonment those 
 engaged in conducting them. A few years ago it became com- 
 mon, in Scotland, to dispose of merchandise by means of lotteries ; 
 but this was subsequently condemned by their statutes. Attempts 
 were made to evade the laws, and especially to make the transac- 
 tion resemble a legal sale, by affixing a prize of some value to 
 every ticket ; but this was punished as a fraud, even where it 
 could be proved, that the prize equaled in value the price of the 
 ticket. 
 
 The Congress of the United States has declared that no letters 
 or circulars concerning a lottery shall be carried in the mails, thus 
 closing this great thoroughfare of communication to these schemes. 
 
 In May, 1880, the Supreme Court of the United States declared 
 as follows : 
 
 That lotteries are demoralizing in their effects, no matter how carefully 
 
 regulated, cannot, in the opinion of this Court, be doubted. There is no-w 
 
 scarcely a State in tho Union -where they are tolerated, and Congress has 
 
 enacted a special statute, the object of which is to close the mails against them. 
 
 23 
 
354 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 They are a species of gambling and wrong in their influences. They disturb 
 the checks and balances of a well-ordered community. Society built on such 
 foundation would, almost of necessity, bring forth a population of speculators 
 and gamblers, living on the expectation of what chance might award them 
 from the accumulations of others. 
 
 Many of tlie States have, by constitutional enactments, prohib- 
 ited lotteries. 
 
 In New York and Pennsylvania, tbey are specially declared to 
 be public nuisances ; and we not only have a constitutional 
 enactment, but stringent laws besides. 
 
 It is said, and I believe it is correct, that there is but 
 one State in the Union in which a lottery is legal. Yet the 
 demoralization, to-day existing from the lotteries that are spread 
 broadcast over the country through the newspaper advertise- 
 ments, and with their agents scattered throughout the United 
 States, ofEering their tickets in open defiance of laws to the con- 
 trary, is so great, and the power and influence of the sources of 
 profit from these enterprises is so potent, that our laws are 
 defied, our courts prostituted, and political party leaders secretly 
 and strongly pronounced in favor of the men who are spreading, 
 broadcast, demoralization over our land. 
 
 But let us devote a moment to the opinion of one of our most 
 eminent judges, of whom it has been truly said, " His decision 
 remains an enduring monument to his indefatigable industry, his 
 untiring zeal; and, above all, to his high sense of honor and 
 integrity. His opinions delivered both from the Supreme Court 
 of his State, and from that of the nation, will ever* be regarded 
 as of highest authority ;" and this great judge spoke not only for 
 his own day, but his prophecies are more than fulfilled at this 
 present time. 
 
 In the case of the State of Tennessee against Smith & Lane, 
 (2 Yer. Tenn. K.), Judge Catron says : 
 
 Whenever money or other valuable thing is hazarded, and may be lost, or 
 
 •Remarks of Hon. A. A. Freeman, Asst. Atty-Genl. P. O. Dept., in Supreme 
 Court for the District of Columbia, iu case of M. A. Dauphin vs. D. M. Key, 
 P. M. Gen'l. 
 
THE LOUISIANA STATE LOTTERY. 356 
 
 more than the Yalue obtained by chance, it is gaming within the statute, nor 
 wOl any name or defcice take it out of their operations. 
 
 What lie further says as a political reason, appeals with great 
 force to every patriot of to-day. Are there not men of moral 
 courage sufficient, to come forth and join hands, and strike down 
 this evil that is warring against the best interests of this country ? 
 
 Head carefully what Judge Catron says : 
 
 The presumption of law is that every man has acquired his property hon- 
 estly ; and it is the policy of every tvell regulated Government that he shall not ie 
 deprived of it without a fair equivalent. This is particularly the case in Repub- 
 lics, where all should be independent in the means of subsistence. Reduce a 
 man to want, by gaming or otherwise, and he is no longer free to exercise the 
 elective franchise, but dependent upon the hand that furnishes himself and 
 fiimily with bread. Not only ruin and beggary, but drunkenness is almost 
 uniformly the effect of gaming. The two vices combined, are more likely to 
 sap the foundations of our institutions than all others put together. Destroy 
 freedom of thought and independence of action in voting at primary elections 
 of the people, and the idea of governing by majorities is a farce, the popular 
 will a delusion bowing to the dictation of the wealthy minority. 
 
 The patriot, anxious for the prosperity of his country, and the durability of 
 her institutions, repines at the thought of seeing the haggard, hungry and 
 naked gambler, or the besotted drunkard, dragged to the polls and forced to 
 vote at the beck of his, I might almost say, master, and he a champion of the 
 loo table or faro bank. In pecuniary means a political power, knavery rises 
 upon the ruins of honesty and independence. Wheresoever, in these Repub- 
 lics, gaming is in any shape tolerated, pauperism supported by the Govern- 
 ment is, in nine instances in ten, the consequence of it and its kindred 
 vice, drunkenness. 
 
 These are a few of the political considerations going to influence legisla- 
 lation wholly to suppress every species of gaming. Let us look to some 
 other reasons, partly moral, and still more conclusive of the correctness of the 
 policy. 
 
 There is implanted in the nature of man an inclination to gamble, which 
 of all others is most difficult to bring within the restraints of law. The In- 
 dian will stake his wife, and the ancient German would stake himself, to 
 gratify the passion (Facitus, ch. x : 24). From these Sir William Blackstone 
 (4 Com. 171) supposes our ancestors, the English, must have inherited it, and 
 entailed it upon their descendants. 
 
 The Judge paints a picture that can be found to-day in real 
 life, without the necessity of probing very deep to discover it. 
 This evil has stricken its deadly fangs into the body politic, and 
 
366 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 paralyzes the arm of justice, so that the laws are no longer en- 
 forced. He I 
 
 Like other passions, which agitate the great mass of the community, it lies 
 dormant until once aroused, and then, with the contagion and fury of a pes- 
 tilence, it sweeps morals, motives to honest pursuits and industry, into the 
 ■Cortex of vice; unhinges the principles of religion and common honesty; the 
 mind becomes ungovernable, and is destroyed to all useful purposes ; chances 
 to successful gambling alone are looked to for prosperity in life, even for 
 the daily means of sustenance ; trembling anxiety for success in lotteries, at 
 the faro bank, or loo table, exclude all other thoughts. Expectation is dis- 
 appointed ; more losses are sustained ; the highly excited and desperate feel- 
 ings are kindled by drunkenness, from which arises a wretch with a reckless- 
 ness and desolation of feeling that the genius of a Shakespeare, or a Milton, 
 could not, nor can any man, describe. 
 
 Swindling, forgery, theft, every crime that extreme necessity and outcast despera- 
 tion can suggest to man lost to all the moral ties, though guarded against, are likely 
 shortly to follow in the train. 
 
 We ask him who has known the world and ways of men as they are, not as 
 they should be, are these not truths ? 
 
 Have you seen the poisoned arrow pierce the devoted victim ? Have you 
 seen him driven to desperation, and end his misery in self-destruction? 
 Have you yourself felt the sting of this deadly passion ? If you have known 
 and felt these, you can, and do, understand us. 
 
 Then referring to the individual and the efEects upon the mind 
 and habits, he says : 
 
 Gaming in any and every shape lays itself at the root of industrious habits, 
 
 Where is the man, or the woman, who will labor at home or abroad pa- 
 tiently to earn a few shillings by the day, when excited by the hope of 
 winning $10,000 or $100,000 in a lottery ? All rest in anxious expectation of 
 the highest, or a very high, prize. 
 
 Where is the professional man or mechanic who will toil at his vocation, 
 and acquire by shillings, when his mind is diseased by similar hopes? 
 
 We know he abandons his calling, and relies upon gambling chance for 
 his own, and his family's support ; the man is a vagrant in mind and conduct, 
 and must beg, swindle, steal or starve. 
 
 Gaming is a general evil, leads to vicious inclinatLons, destruction of 
 morals, abandonment of industry and honest employments, a loss of self- 
 control and respect. 
 
 Frauds, forgeries, theft, make up the black catalogue of crime, the closing 
 scene of which generally ends in highway robbery, or murder. The Amer- 
 ican and European journals are full of cases of the most distressing nature; of 
 bankers, merchants, clerks of banking institutions, men in almost every de- 
 
THE LOUISIANA STATE LOTTERY. 357 
 
 scription of trust, public and private, becoming bankrupts and thieves to 
 the ruin of themselves and others. 
 
 Look for the source of their misfortune; you find it in lotteries, loo, faro, 
 thimble, dice, and the like. 
 
 Judge Catron then defines tlie different gambling games, and 
 compares the lottery with them. He clearly shows how the in- 
 terest in property obtained by purchase in common is clearly 
 within the description of gaming as laid down and explained by 
 him, and especially in raffling, cards, faro, and other gambling 
 games. 
 
 He then adds : 
 
 Lotteries are more extensive in their consequences, and at least equally 
 pernicious with gaming at cards, in corrupting the morals, prostrating the 
 industrious and steady habits, and wasting the property, and that, too, of a 
 credulous portion of the community, little inclined to gamble otherwise; 
 hence the additional penalties. 
 
 It was stated in argument as a notorious fact, in the two counties from 
 which these cases come up, young and old, male and female, black and white, 
 had been and now were gambling together in lotteries. 
 
 Lotteries are gambling, and odious gamhUng. 
 
 The master and mistress from the parlor, the cook from the kitchen, the 
 ostler from the stable, the boarding-school miss, the boy at his grammar, the 
 apprentice boy; every age, color, and condition of men, women, and children, 
 are found gambling together. 
 
 It draws in the young and unwary, associates them with Idle and vicious 
 vagabonds, degrades them inevitably. It may be, and no doubt generally is, 
 attended with the grossest cheats, practiced upon the giddy and helpless ticket 
 holders. The seller of the lottery ticket may give them something or nothing, 
 at pleasure, keep everything worth having himself, or award it to friends. 
 To tali; of honesty and /air dealings in such transactions icould ie worse than idle. 
 
 Hon. A. A. Freeman, Assistant Attorney-General for the Post- 
 Office Department, in his able argument before the Supreme 
 Court of the District of Columbia, in the suit of " M. A. Dauphin 
 m. the Postmaster-General," most admirably answers one of the 
 arguments used by these men. He says : 
 
 We are told, however, that all governments have, at one time or another, 
 not only authorized, but encouraged lotteries. We have seen, however, that 
 this policy was resorted to as a means of raising revenue. Were it otherwise, 
 however,.the argument would be entitled to but little weight. There are but 
 
358 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 few practices, however monstrous, that have uot, at some age of the world, 
 received recognition. 
 
 It is to be remarked, however, that the promoters of this system, conscious 
 of their inability to challenge criticism of an enlightened public sentiment, 
 have almost invariably endeavored to purchase the absolution of the Church, 
 and the commendation of the State, by sharing their plunder with a public 
 charity, or devoting a portion to some public improvement. 
 
 Eecurring now to the Louisiana State Lottery, we consider the 
 oft-harped-on string, the legality of the enterprise. Yes, the 
 Louisiana Legislature did legalize this Lottery, and, in the very 
 words of the Act itself, not only branded the lottery system a 
 fraud, but stated, in so many words of plain English, that the 
 citizens of the State having been robbed by others, the State 
 sanction was now given to a scheme whereby others might in turn 
 be robbed by the citizens of Louisiana. Here are some extracts 
 from the Act of Aug. 11th, 1868, establishing the Louisiana State 
 Lottery : 
 
 Section I. — Be it enacted T>ij the Senate and Souse of Bepresentatives of the State 
 of Louisiana in General Assemhly convened : That, whereas many millions of dol- 
 lars have been withdrawn from, and lost to this State by the sale of Havana, 
 Kentucky, and Madrid, and other lottery tickets, policies, combinations, and 
 devices, and fractional parts thereof, it shall hereafter be unlawful to sell, 
 offer, or expose for sale any of them, or any other lottery, policy, or combina- 
 tion, ticket or tickets, devices or certificates, or fractional parts thereof, ex- 
 cept in such manner, and by such persons, their heirs, executors, assigns, as 
 shall be hereinafter authorized. * * * 
 
 Section II. Article II. — The objects and purposes of this corporation are, 
 First, The protection of the State against the great losses heretofore 
 incurred by sending large amounts of money to other States and foreign 
 countries for the purchase of lottery tickets, and devices, thereby impoverish- 
 ing our own people. 
 
 It will be seen by this, that the Legislature of this State pro- 
 nounces against every other lottery except one of their own 
 choice ; and the price that the people of the State of Louisiana 
 are to receive is, $40,000 a year, for twenty-five years, or so long 
 as this lottery exists. 
 
 Nothing can exceed this bold and bare record of one State 
 officially proposing to legalize a system of wholesale plunder upon 
 its sister States; but of the same species of effrontery is the 
 
THE LOUISIANA STATE LOTTERY. 359 
 
 brazen demand of the managers of this wholesale pillaging scheme, 
 that the United States government make its postal service an aid 
 in carrying out the fraud, even to disseminating throughout the 
 various States the very tilings against which these States have 
 legislated ; that is, that the Louisiana State lottery tickets must 
 be carried through the mails and thrust upon tlie community in 
 defiance of public and private morahty, and the law, of the land. 
 
 One State says to all the other States, lotteries are frauds, and 
 none of you shall sell any tickets of any lotteries in your States 
 within the bounds of this State, but we will defy your laws, and 
 send our tickets into every State in the Union regardless of your 
 laws. We believe in State rights, we do ! 
 
 But halt ! stand, and answer ! Is the Louisiana Lottery illegal 
 and fraudulent ? Head the following, and then answer the ques- 
 tion intelligently. They illegally advertise in New York, in the 
 newspapers. They say : 
 
 THE LOUISIANA STATE LOTTERY 
 
 Is tlie Ouly Legalized Lottery in this Country. 
 
 It was "voted on by the people of Louisiana and became a part of the Con- 
 stitution of that State, and has been approved by the Government of the 
 United States. 
 
 This is a fraud on its face, if the following act of The General 
 Assembly of The State of Louisiana means anything. This 
 was approved March 28, 1879, and reads : 
 
 A:S ACT. 
 
 Section 1. Be it enacted hy the Senate and Souse of Eepresentafives of the State 
 of Louisiana in General Assembly convened, That the following acts, to wit: 
 "An act entitled an act to increase the revenues of the State and to authorize 
 the incorporation and establishment of the Louisiana State Lottery Company, 
 and to repeal certain acts now in force," being act No. 25 passed at the first 
 session of the First Legislature begun and held on the 29th day of June, 1868 ; 
 also an act entitled " An act relative to the unlicensed sale of lottery tickets 
 in the city of New Orleans, and conferring on the police courts the power to 
 suppress the same," being act No. 9 of the second session of the Third Legis- 
 lature, begun and held on the 5th day of January, 1874 ; and an act entitled 
 " An act relative to crimes and offences, to declare the sale of illegal lottery 
 tickets, or the drawing of any illegal lottery, a misdemeanor, and to provide 
 
360 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 for tlie punislimeiit of the same, and to regulate tlie evidence to he received 
 upon the trial of such offences ;" and any and all other laws upon the same sub- 
 ject matter passed in the interest of the Louisiana State Lottery Company, 
 be and the same are hereby repealed. 
 
 Section 2. -Be it further enacted, etc., That the Louisiana State Lottery 
 Company be and the same is hereby abolished, and prohibited from drawing 
 any and all lotteries, or selling lottery tickets either in its corporate capacity 
 or through its officers, directors, stockholders, members, or agents, directly 
 or indirectly. 
 
 Section 6. Be it further enacted, etc., That this act shall take effect from 
 and after the thirty-first day of March, A. D. (1879) eighteen hundred and 
 seventy-nine. 
 
 Note the further provisions of same act, to wit : 
 
 Section 3 provides a penalty of both fine and imprisonment, for selliiig, bar- 
 tering, exchanging, giving or otherwise disposing of lottery tickets. 
 
 Section 4 provides the same penalty for setting up or promoting any lottery 
 in the State of Louisiana. 
 
 But it is claimed that the Constitutional Convention that met 
 July 23, 1879, at the city of New Orleans, passed upon this lot- 
 tery, and that " It was voted upon by the people of Louisiana, 
 Dec, 1879, and became part of the constitution of that State." 
 
 Let us see what the facts are. Article 157 of the Constitution 
 of 1879 says : 
 
 Art. 157. No power of suspending the laws of this State shall be exercised 
 unless by the General Assembly or its authority. 
 
 The logical conclusion then is, that the General Assembly is the 
 only law making and law suspending power. We must look to 
 the General Assembly then for authority of law, for a reinstating 
 of this charter and power to revive and resurrect this "lost 
 cause." 
 
 Another article provides as follows : 
 
 Art. 172. Gambling is declared to be a vice, and the General Assembly 
 shall enact laws for its suppression. 
 
 All lotteries are gambling. See decision of the United States 
 Supreme Court already quoted, also Judge Catron's opinions in 
 this chapter, where he says, " Lotteries are gambling, and odious 
 gambling." We have then, a duty deifined, and an obligation 
 laid upon the General Assembly to enact laws for the suppression 
 
THE LOUISIANA STATE LOTTERY. b61 
 
 of gambling. It does not say " Faro," " Black and red," " Policy," 
 or " Lottery;" it is fair to suppose then, that it means all gamblvng 
 of every kind and grade. 
 
 Then follows an authorization to the General Assembly, to 
 "grant lottery charters" or privileges; ^provided $40,000 per 
 year be paid annually into the treasury of the State. It further 
 provides for the disposition of the $40,000, and then says, " and the 
 charter of said Company is recognized as a contract binding on 
 the State for tlie period therein specified except its monopoly 
 clause, which is hereby abrogated." 
 
 We print below the entire section, but before coming to it, I 
 want the reader to pause one moment and see if this Lottery Co. 
 had such a charter at that time ; or if the General Assembly had 
 deputed power to any one to grant a charter. Clearly no. 
 
 The Louisiana Lottery Co. had no charter at this time. Proof 
 — The act of March 28, 1879, passed and approved /bM?" months 
 previous to the Convention, and nine months prior to the vote of 
 the people on the adoption of this constitutional question, had 
 positively repealed their charter. 
 
 Their right to thus repeal this charter, and the constitutionality 
 of this act of the General Assembly is affirmed in most positive 
 terms by the United States Supreme Court, May, 1880. "What 
 follows ? Why if the act of the General Assembly of March 28, 
 1879, was constitutional, this Company had no charter according 
 to law. 
 
 Again, Sec. 157 says, No power of suspending the laws of this 
 State shall he exercised unless ly the General Assembly or its 
 authority. Clearly then it requires an act of the General As- 
 sembly to suspend the act of March 28, 1879, and until that is 
 done this pretentious Company has no charter. I do not pretend 
 to be wise in law, but have common sense enough to understand 
 that a mule cannot draw a load that he is not hitched to. 
 
 JSTow we are ready to read the section above referred to, that 
 they claim reinstates them. At this time, in law, there was no 
 such thing as the Louisiana Lottery Company. But there were 
 stringent laws against any and all lotteries. 
 
362 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Art. 167. The General Assembly shall Iiave authority to grant lottery 
 cliarters or privileges; provided, each charter or privilege shall pay not less 
 than forty thousand dollars per annum in money into the treasury of the 
 State; ani provided further, ihat all charters shall cease and expire on the 
 firat of January, 1895, from which time all lotteries are prohibited in the 
 State. 
 
 The forty thousand dollars per annum now provided by law to be paid by 
 the Louisiana State Lottery Company, according to the provisions of its 
 charter, granted in the year 1868, shall belong to the Chan ty Hospital of New 
 Orleans, and the charter of said Company is recognized as a contract binding 
 on the State for the period therein si>ecified, except its monopoly clause, which 
 is hereby abrogated, and all laws contrary to the provisions of this article are 
 hereby declared null and void ; provided, said Company shall file a written 
 renunciation of all its monopoly featores in the office of the Secretary of State 
 within sixty days after the ratification of this constitution. 
 
 Please refer back to tliis section a moment where it says, " The 
 forty thousand dollars per annum now provided ly law." They 
 evidently ignore the act of March 28, 1879, but I submit, reader, 
 that this repealing act, backed by the decision of the U. S. Su- 
 preme Court, is better law than the absurdities of this constitu- 
 tional enactment. 
 
 I have examined this new constitutional enactment with care, 
 and I cannot discover a single other reference to this subject. I 
 submit that in law and izifaet this gamMing scheme is unlawful 
 in every State in the Union but one, and especially unlawful in 
 the State that first gave it hirth. 
 
 A business branded by the Legislature of every State but one, 
 by the Congress of the United States, and the decisions of the 
 highest courts in the land, requires something more than the 
 respectability of two ex-confederate Generals, to commend it to 
 any sensiljle man or woman. And as it derives all its respect- 
 ability from these two gentlemen, I submit it is time for them 
 to withdraw in the interest of the thousands of poor deluded 
 wretches in all parts of our land who are yearly ruined by the 
 seductive and lying advertisements when it says, " only legalized 
 lottery in this country," and "approved by the government of the 
 United States." Eather a peculiar kind of legality in act of 
 March 28, 1879, and a very questionable approval in the decision 
 of the U. S. Supreme Court, already quoted on page 353. 
 
THE LOUISIANA. STATE LOTTERY. 363 
 
 Is not tlie newspaper a mighty power for evil, when it sells it- 
 self for money to become the agent for such devices to rob and 
 oppress the poor ? 
 
 During the month of October, 1880, a representative of a very 
 reputable firm in New York city came to my ojBQee with a young 
 man, a former employee who for years had held a trusty and 
 honorable position. This young man was the victim of this and 
 the twin evil, policy. His story was as follows. Last Thanks- 
 giving he got drunk and lost thirty dollars belonging to his em- 
 ployers. In a moment of despair, he visited one of these gambling 
 hells where policy is run and lottery tickets are sold. He invested 
 and was almost beside himself because he made a small "hit." 
 He then entered that seeming delectable state where his fortune 
 was sure. He made $15 and had enough to repay half of his 
 loss. But he must have all, and so he staked his money and lost. 
 So sure was he of gaining that he again helped himself to a small 
 sum from his employers, in the vain hope of replacing all. He 
 lost, and at last he confessed to having stolen $1,300 cash, every 
 doUar of which he had lost and $500 besides. 
 
 This is the fruit of this cursed seed-sowing. This is lighting the 
 gambling torch that quickly fires the imagination of our youth, 
 burning out self-respect, seK-control, honesty, disposition to hon- 
 est labor, affection for friends and that love or respect for God, 
 which holds a man back from evil. These schemes curse our youth. 
 
 But to return to our new constitution. Bead what the U. S. 
 Supreme Court says about grants or charters to lotteries, coming 
 under the head of " Police power," etc. ; then read the f oUowing 
 section of the Constitution of Louisiana : 
 
 Art. 235. The exercise of the police power of the State shall never he abridged, 
 nor 80 construed as to permit corporations to conduct their business in such 
 manner as to infringe the equal rights of individuals or the general well-being 
 of the State." 
 
 What say you, reader? Is " the only legaKzed lottery in the 
 country" legal? 
 
 Is it not a good deal like a stubborn Irishman, who was driving 
 a mule attached to a loaded truck, and when some one came along 
 
364 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 and unhitched his mule, he sat down and stoutly maintained that 
 his mule shoidd " be af ther drawing the load any way," at the 
 same time failing to hitch his mule to his truck ? It certainly 
 looks as though this lottery mule had been knocked out of the 
 traces by the law-making power, and now the managers purpose 
 to make it draw just the same as before, notwithstanding it is not 
 legally hitched up. The Irishman, mule, and cart were all pres- 
 ent, but so long as he did not harness his mule to his truck it was 
 no go. So, here, the Act of the General Assembly and the Con- 
 stitution both mention this lottery, still they do not jibe. The 
 repealing Act is about like hitching the mule to the wrong end 
 of the truck. 
 
 And now what have we ? The Lothsiana Lottery is said to 
 be respectable ; and the following certificate has been repeatedly 
 published in connection with their advertisements, as their char- 
 acter. 
 
 KXTRAOEDINARY DRAWINGS, 
 
 Under the personal supervision of 
 Generals Gr. T. Beauregard, ajstd Jubal A. Early. 
 
 Now the ordinary reader of this advertisement supposes that 
 these two gentlemen supervise all these drawings. Not so, how- 
 ever; only the two "Extraordinary" ones. There is no sponsor, 
 no security, no references for the other ten where the poor man, 
 from the low price of tickets, is most tempted to deposit his dollar. 
 
 Before going farther, let us consider the receipts and disburse- 
 ments of the Louisiana Lottery Company, basing our estimates 
 upon the figures they themselves furnish, and supposing that they 
 fulfill their published business programme. 
 
 According to the advertised plan of the Louisiana Lottery 
 Company, they claim to seU in each month, for ten months of the 
 year, 100,000 tickets at $2 apiece, or, $2,000,000 per year; and 
 for two months (extraordinary drawings) 100,000 tickets each 
 month at $10 each, or, a total of $2,000,000. The total receipts 
 for the twelve months are therefore $4,000,000. 
 
 One per cent, of this, or $40,000 is paid to the State of Louis- 
 iana, as provided by the Legislature in the Company's charter. 
 
THE LOmSLimA STATE LOTTERY. 
 
 365 
 
 The offices are at New Orleans and TTew York. Supposing the 
 rent of the home office to be $20,000 per year, and of the New 
 York office to be $5,000, a very large estimate in each case, the 
 total paid for rent is $25,000. 
 
 Then allow $500 a day for advertising, or $187,500 per year, 
 and allow 20 per cent, of the entire receipts, as agents' commis- 
 sion, clerk hire, office expenses, etc., another total of $800,000. 
 
 The Company claims to pay an average of about $100,000 in 
 each of their ordinary drawings, and $562,000 each in the two 
 extraordinary drawings, a total of $2,124,000. The whole is as 
 follows ; 
 
 RECEIPTS. 
 
 1,000,000 tickets a $2 $2,000,000 
 
 200,000 tickets a |10 2,000,000 
 
 Total $4,000,000 
 
 DISBURSEMENTS. 
 
 One per cent, of receipts | 40,000 
 
 Office rent 25,000 
 
 Advertising 187,500 
 
 Commissions and incidentals. 800,000 
 Prizes paid 2,124,000 
 
 Total $3,176,500 
 
 Balance 823,500 
 
 $4,000,000 
 
 Thus allowing these men everything that they claim, the profit 
 would be $823,500 per year, or $2,623. 11 per day, a very fair 
 reward for systematically robbing the public. 
 
 Query. Who furnishes the money for expenses and prizes? 
 Ticket buyers. 
 
 Bu'c no sane man of intelligence believes this concern conducts 
 its affairs as it claims to conduct them. Remember, there are 
 each month to be counted 100,000 tickets, each individual one of 
 which must be in the wheel at the time of the drawing. 
 
 Who insures that this is done ? Do Messrs. Beauregard and 
 Early ? Who certiiies for them ? Educated by the Government 
 of the United States at West Point, did not these men take the 
 solemn oath of allegiance to their country ? And what became 
 of these oaths when the Civil War came ? Can they be trusted 
 with the poor man's earnings and the widow's mite, who thus 
 
366 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Yiolated their high oaths of office ? In all sincerity I repeat, who 
 vouches for them ? 
 
 Let it be remembered we are considering the security, the refer- 
 ences, the bonds, if you please, of this company. In all mercan- 
 tile business, if bonds or security are offered, the investor has a 
 right to examine as to their face value ; and upon this basis alone' 
 we aslr the reader, and especially the purchaser of lottery tickets, 
 to consider the worth of these securities, as above. The oath 
 administered to the graduate of West Point is binding through 
 life. 
 
 While preparing this a friend says, " Tou will be charged with 
 waving the ' bloody shirt !' " If so, let it wave. Let the shouter 
 examine it carefully, and he will find it is a garment made out of 
 finest and most costly fabric ; the warp is principles more grand 
 and glorious than the everlasting hills— principles that our fore- 
 fathers sacrificed home, friends, and life itself to secure ; and our 
 fathers and brothers fought, bled, and died to perpetuate and 
 defend. There is not one syllable to hint, or pretence made, that 
 this garment is not spotless, save the crimson stain. Look again, 
 shouter, and you wiU. find the bloody stain trickles down from 
 over the heart, which was pierced by the bullet of rebellion. 
 These institutions thus created, perpetuated, and defended, mean 
 the concentration of principles that exalt a nation and insure 
 peace and harmony, freedom of thought, freedom of speech, 
 freedom of press, freedom to vote according to the dictate of our 
 consciences, and then the right to have our votes counted as cast ; 
 and over all, freedom to worship God. I am not ashamed of 
 these principles or this position. I cannot say wrong is right, 
 even for the sake of being considered popular. 
 
 But it will require more respectability to make lottery gamb- 
 hng fair, honest, or desirable as an investment, than can be pro- 
 duced or guaranteed from the broken oath of allegiance to their 
 country, by these two Confederate generals — god-fathers to this 
 heartless monster. Before they lay claims to high-toned respect- 
 ability, let them first show that they respect the laws of the land 
 by obeying them, and cease to defy the laws by allowing their 
 
THE LOUISIANA STATE LOTTERY. 367 
 
 agents to openly yiolate them. Let these gentlemen at least pro- 
 test against their agents sending their circulars through the mails 
 in violation of United States laws, or selling tickets, or advertis- 
 ing in newspapers, contrary to the laws of every State in the Union 
 but one. 
 
 Eespectability that does not honor the laws of the land suffi- 
 cient to obey them, is a poor guarantee or recommendation for 
 this kind of robbery, that deprives widows and children of their 
 natural protection and support ; breeds gamblers, and unsettles 
 the welfare of a community by turning honest trade and occupa- 
 tion into gaming and unhealthy speculation. 
 
 Lotteries are no more respectable than Faro, Banco, Eed and 
 Black, or Policy. Yet the potent influence and power of this cruel 
 system is so great that politicians bend their necks to carry the 
 yoke, and officials violate their solemn oaths of otEce, and there- 
 by consent to place themselves on the level of the perjurers in 
 order to aid, abet and protect this outlawed and illegal traffic. 
 
 The official who thus violates his oath of office, and screens and 
 protects those who openly defy the laws, is more to be censured 
 than the managers of these schemes. No ; let the man who 
 swears to do a certain thing do it, or else let him step down and 
 out of office, and cease to fill a position he has already dishonored. 
 
 Laws should be enforced in the interest of the people and not 
 the party. The politician in office is there not to line his own 
 pockets, or secure future position for himself, but is there to serve 
 the People during his entire term of office. 
 
 It is not pretended, even by those who claim to know, that the 
 ex-Confederate Generals Beauregard and Early certify to other 
 than the two " Extraordinary Drawings." Who then looks after 
 the large interests of the dupes in the ten other drawings ? 
 Twenty-six hundred dollars is a very large profit to come daily 
 into the hands of a concern like this. Men with such an income 
 seldom bother about the dollar of the poor. Just try to imagine 
 these men every month counting over and checking off each of 
 the 100,000 tickets ! It is absurd. Ko sensible man for a mo- 
 ment believes it. 
 
368 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Where then are the interests of the ticket holders secured? 
 "Who is to look after the rights of the tens of thousands of delud- 
 ed individuals throughout the North and the East, who invest 
 their savings in this gambling scheme ? 
 
 Yerily, the fools are not all dead yet ; and so long as their hosts 
 increase so long will these lottery schemers fatten upon their cre- 
 dulity. Is it not time that wise men took the fools into their 
 keeping, and protect them by stamping out these infamous, out- 
 rageous frauds, aU lotteries ? 
 
 We have now given them just what they lay claim to in their 
 printed circulars and advertisements, to wit : that every ticket is 
 sold, and that all the prizes are drawn each time. 
 
 The way they get over this matter of selling every ticket is 
 this. Every agent, and every gambling hell, of which some fifty 
 places sell or formerly sold their tickets in the city of New York, 
 is obhged to pay for these tickets when they are taken from the 
 office of the Northern manager ; but aU tickets that remain in the 
 hands of the agent on the day of drawing may be returned to the 
 manager, and the price that he paid for them is returned to him, 
 so that these tickets come back into the possession of the manager, 
 and he, or his employers, has the benefit of these numbers, and 
 the prizes that they draw. 
 
 Now for argument sake we say, there are 75,000 tickets sold; 
 that is $150,000 worth disposed of. About 60 per cent, of these 
 tickets are sold at the North, perhaps more. 
 
 In the city of New York, a careful estimate showed that more 
 than fifty different places sold these tickets, many of which run 
 a Policy shop, or Gambling Hell. 25,000 tickets remain unsold, 
 the 100,000 numbers are put in the wheel. The managers of the 
 Louisiana Co. have 25,000 chances to every one ticket held by the 
 poor man or poor woman. Where is the fairness or justice in 
 this? 
 
 " But," some one says, " there are some prizes paid. I know 
 some one who drew a prize." Yes. Of course there must be 
 some showing or the business would die out. It is the best kind 
 of an advertisement, and while one man gets a prize, hundreds 
 
THE LOUISIANA STATE LOTTERY. 369 
 
 lose all they invest. Thoughtless men read over tho list of 
 prizes they see published each month, and see a number opposite 
 each prize, and thoughtless and ignorant ones say, " "Why that is 
 all square, every prize is drawn." Just stop and answer this one 
 question. How many numbers of those published belong to the 
 managers ? 
 
 One of the principal men in this concern in the North said to 
 me when I asked him as man to man, what chance a poor man 
 had of drawing a prize in this Lottery, " Not one in a thousand." 
 
 It is notorious, and has frequently been reported to me, that 
 Policemen in uniform have been seen frequently guarding the 
 line of men entering, the office of this Company on Broadway, 
 keeping the line of ticket buyers in order while these men vio- 
 lated the law directly under their nose ; and thronging these dens 
 win be mechanic, apprentice, cletk, servant, seamstress, working 
 girl, wife, mother, aU classes, all grades, depositing their monthly 
 contribution towards enriching a few men, who manage by this 
 monstrous enterprise to rob the people, to breed gambling — and 
 enrich themselves. 
 
 Men are either afraid to publish these facts, or else it pays 
 better to keep quiet. 
 
 It is enough for m.e to know that these institutions are not 
 only conducted in bold and open defiance of law, but at the same 
 time they are demoralizing the community. 
 
 Let our Legislatures in State and Congress look to it, that 
 every weak place in laws now existing is strengthened to govern 
 and punish the sworn officer of the law, who dares to permit 
 outrages like tliis to exist, to eat out and destroy the moral life 
 and purity of our young men. 
 
 "While heathen countries are becoming aroused to the enormous 
 evil, let not enlightened America be in the background. Let tax 
 payers and philanthropists see to it, that the laws are rigidly 
 enforced, and these black spots blotted out of existence, and it 
 wiU be money in their pockets, as against the large sums neces- 
 sary now to provide prison accommodation for those who are 
 ruined, and food and clothing for those who are made paupers. 
 24 
 
370 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 STAETLING FACTS. 
 
 The very latest ! After this chapter had been put in type, and 
 the week following the above incident of a youth stealing $1,300 
 to gamble with, a mother came into my office, and bursting 
 into tears, asked if I would not help her ? I assured her I would 
 if in my power. She then drew from a paper a picture of an 
 only son, her " baby " boy about 17 years of age, saying he was 
 missing and begged me to find him. Then with breaking heart 
 she told of robberies committed in different places ; then of his 
 running away and consorting with thieves; closing with an 
 agonizing prayer that I would hunt up and return her boy. 
 
 And this, is another name added to the steadily growing list of 
 those in honest pursuits, of respectable parentage, who become 
 crazed by these infernal gambling games. 1 wonder sometimes 
 that lightning does not descend from heaven and destroy these 
 worse than vampires, who fatten themselves on innocent youth. 
 The parent's anguish, the employer's interests, the youth's welfare, 
 the peace and happiness of home, the livelihood of wives and 
 children, the best interests of society, and the future prosperity 
 of the community, all are disregarded by those who run the 
 gambling dens of the city of New York. Why are not these 
 dens closed ? Ask the Governor of this State, whose high office 
 it is to see these laws enforced ! Ask the Prosecuting Attorneys, 
 who permit indictment after indictment to be filed in the courts 
 and remain untried, while the criminal year after year openly 
 continues to violate the law ! 
 
 Ask the 2,500 "best police in the world" who daily walk by 
 the 600 dens (or thereabouts), with doors open for any one to 
 walk in, and yet who fail to make an average of one arrest a day 
 out of all the six hundred open violations of law ! 
 
 Ask the Mayor of this city, why it is, that places that he per- 
 sonally knew to be gambling heUs and lottery shops, more than 
 one year and a half ago, still continue on unchecked, and that the 
 great battalion of policemen imder him persist in not enforcing 
 these lawsi , 
 
THE LOUISIANA STATE LOTTERY. 371 
 
 Ask the mercliaiit, lawyer, minister and layman, — business 
 men of all grades, — who, bound up in their business or calling, 
 sit criminally indifferent while these laws are violated and put 
 in contempt, thus leading tender youth to ruin ! 
 
 Yes, ask the citizens of this great commonwealth, at whose 
 hands the blood of the hundreds of youth who perish each year 
 must be required in the last great judgment day, why it is, that 
 something is not done at once to check the evils that are crowd- 
 ing our jails with criminals from the better walks in life. 
 
 We hear the stereotype excuse of the Courts for not trying the 
 vender of obscenity, the gambler, lottery and policy man, " We 
 must try prison eases first." " The city prison is full of those 
 awaiting trial." 
 
 What are the prison cases ? The advancing army of young 
 criminals in the main. The recruits enlisted into crime in the 
 gambling hell, rum-shop, concert saloons and open dens of in- 
 famy in this city, and those cursed by Eoil Reading ! 
 
 WHO AEB THEY? 
 
 Fathers, mothers, Christian and law-abiding citizens, hear the 
 answer. In many instances young men from tlie counting room, 
 the store, the hank and the school room, seduced, crazed am,d led 
 to swift destruction T)y the above influences. 
 
 WHY IS THIS PEESnTTED? 
 
 That a few men may roll in wealth by the moneys secured. 
 That a few politicians may find favor with the criminal class. 
 What do politicians care for the community, so long as they are 
 helped into position and affluence by the votes of the votaries of 
 these dens ! 
 
 It is possible to close these dens. It is official corruption alone 
 that protects and makes them possible. 
 
 The evil of obscene publication has been suppressed in the 
 main ; and what remains is driven into dark corners and narrow 
 limits. How has this been done? By the rigid enforcement of law. 
 
 Let the police do their duty, and not a place would be open 
 twenty-four hours. Take for example the pool rooms in Barclay 
 
372 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Street. Here, within a stone's throw of Broadway, are large 
 rooms open in broad daylight, free to all, where the police can 
 walk in at their sweet will ; and these dens are thronged con-> 
 stantly with young men and clerks, beardless youth and boys. I 
 know it from personal knowledge. Who is to blame ? The cap- 
 tain of that precinct. Then the Police Board who do not remove 
 liim for neglect of duty. Then the Mayor of this city, who fails 
 to see the laws properly enforced. ISText the Governor of the 
 State, and then the people. I shall be abused for writing the 
 above. But it is true; and this is also true: our young Tnen 
 under twenty-one years of age, Wke autumn leaves, are falling 
 on every side, and the man who keeps silent is worse than a 
 coward. 
 
 See what a low state of public morals makes possible. 
 
 The following is a record of gamblers and lottery men who 
 have been arrested, and who remain untried ; also some wlio were 
 sentenced in Sept. and Oct., 1880. Let thinking men stop and 
 fonder. 
 
 B. Frank Moore, alias H. L. Plum, alias M. A. Dauphin, the 
 agent and manager of one lottery, was arrested in the United 
 States court Nov. 26, 1878, Nov. 11, 1879, and Oct. 8, 1880. 
 He or his clerks have been several times arrested in the 
 State courts besides, and yet he has never ieen tried in either 
 court. Proof of his guilt positive. 
 
 W. K. Porter was arrested Nov. 26, 1878, Nov. 10, 1879, in 
 the United States court. Notwithstanding repeated raids on his 
 office and arrests of his clerks since, in the State courts, his adver- 
 tisements in newspapers appeared continually, his office was, and 
 is, constantly open, and he has wilfully defied the law all these 
 years. He has never heen tried on either of these charges. 
 
 G. Upington, the manager or cat's-paw of Simmons & Dickin- 
 son at their main office, was arrested Nov. 11, 1879, and Oct., 
 1880, and yet continues his unlawful business on Broadway, 
 within rifle shot of police headquarters. This office has fre- 
 quently been raided in the State courts. He has never heen 
 tried. 
 
THE LOUISIANA STATE LOTTERY. 373 
 
 John Duff, a constant advertiser and open violator of law, 
 was arrested in the State courts March 9, 1877, Feb. 13, 1880, 
 and in the United States courts March 9, 1877, Nov. 27, 1878 
 and Nov. 10, 1879, iut never tried. 
 
 Max Borger was arrested Nov. 11, 1879, in the United States 
 court, and March 9, 1877, in the State court, but never tried in 
 either court. Continues in the business. 
 
 Thos. J. Taylor, arrested March 9, 1877, in State court, was 
 never tried. Has a den, open daily within a stone's throw of the 
 Court of General Sessions, and in full view of City Hall police 
 station, where he runs a gambling hell. 
 
 O. A. Jackson was arrested and convicted in United States 
 court and received the full penalty of the law, $500 fine and 
 costs, in 1877. Since then he has been arrested as follows : Dec. 
 10, 1878, U. S. court ; Nov. 10, 1879, State court ; Jan. 23, 1880, 
 . State court ; and although he has advertised almost daily, and kept 
 his place open in bold defiance of law, yet he has never been 
 tried for any of these offences, not even indicted on the last ; nor 
 have I been permitted to go before the Grand Jury. The den is 
 still open where he has been all these years. He is father-in-law 
 of one of the managers of the Kentucky lottery fraud. And so 
 I might add on a long list of such outrages upon the people. 
 
 I present a list of persons who have been sentenced since Sep- 
 tember 17, 1880. Judge Cowing tried the first cases while on the 
 bench in September, and set a grand example by sending the two 
 first men to the penitentiary. If this had been followed up no 
 lottery would dare run in this city. He sentenced N. Sherman 
 Eead to 90 days and J. Emerson to 60 days imprisonment. Then 
 the plea was set up that these were "old indictments," "first 
 offence," " that the laws had not been enforced," and other spe- 
 cious arguments. The following cases were disposed of in Sep- 
 tember by fine : Peter Miller, $25 ; Jas. H. Sturges and Charles 
 Tunis each $15 ; 'William Armatage, James Brown and Daniel 
 Murphy, each $10. 
 
 Jolin Barrows was arrested in the State court March 13, 1877, 
 also U. S. court Dec. 13, 1879, Oct, 9, 1880, and yet never tried 
 
374 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 on either charge, but Oct., 1880, was allowed to plead guilty and 
 was, fined $5 in General Sessions Court. This is not what a boy 
 clerk would steal at one time from his employer after he had 
 been crazed with the idea of drawing a prize by this lottery fraud. 
 A stock clerk would carry out in his pocket more than this in 
 value at one time of stolen goods from the notion, lace, hosiery, 
 ribbon or white goods department of his employer's store, in 
 order that he might invest in this gambling device. They pre- 
 tend to sell 100,000 tickets a month ia this scheme. This is 
 $100,000. Barrows and his brother William were principals. 
 His brother was also fined $5. Here, we have two men engag- 
 ing in a business which makes thieves of young men, fined $5 
 each, while if the clerk who robbed his employer, under the 
 pressure of temptation to risk his chance for a prize, this judge 
 would send this poor victim of lottery mania to State's prison for 
 a term of years. 
 
 I clip the following from the Commercial Advertiser, October 
 29, 1880. 
 
 MOKE LOTTERY DEALERS FIXED. 
 
 Henry Abbott, Wm. Gill, and Thos. Case, of PliiladelpMa, were arrested on 
 the 7tli of August last at No. 319 Broadway, on the complaint of George K. 
 Clarke, of No. 134 East One Hundred and Nineteenth street, for selling lottery 
 tickets to him. They pleaded guilty to the charge to-day before Eecorder 
 Smyth in the Court of General Sessions, and were lined $5 each. 
 
 This place (319) was and is the office of B. Frank Moore, and 
 these men are agents of the Louisiana Lottery whose managers 
 receive $4,000,000 per year. The manager pays the fines of the 
 clerk or agent whenever they accumulate an amount large enough 
 to make it an object for the agent to make out an account of them. 
 Five dollars is too insignificant an amount to put in a claim 
 for. The Judge encourages the unlawful traffic, and protects the 
 poor manager with this paltry income of $4,000,000 per year, by 
 a merciful sentence of $5. But the mercy is all for the criminal, 
 and none for the people. 
 
 The following persons were sentenced in October, 1880, for 
 violation of Lottery and gambling laws, in General Sessions Court : 
 
THE LOUISIANA STATE LOTTEEY. 
 
 Oct. 
 
 375 
 
 1 — Jose Frederick 
 
 $12 50 Oct. 19- 
 
 -Conrad Casper... 
 
 $10 00 
 
 1 — Louis Norman 
 
 10 00 
 
 ' 19- 
 
 -Robert Bauher... . 
 
 10 00 
 
 2 — John Farley 
 
 10 00 
 
 ' 22- 
 
 -Henry Williams. . 
 
 10 00 
 
 2— Charles Carlton... 
 
 5 00 
 
 ' 22- 
 
 -Alexander Jones. . 
 
 10 00 
 
 4 — John Barry 
 
 10 00 
 
 ' 27- 
 
 -Peter J. Conlan... 
 
 10 00 
 
 6 — Chas. B. Barrows.. 
 
 5 00 
 
 ' 27- 
 
 -John Trioh 
 
 5 00 
 
 6— Wm. M. BaiTows-- 
 
 5 00 
 
 ' 29- 
 
 -Charles W. Davis . 
 
 5 00 
 
 11— Theo. Zschoch 
 
 25 00 
 
 ' 29- 
 
 -Henry Abbott 
 
 5 00 
 
 13— Edmund T. Zsohoch 
 
 15 00 
 
 ' 29- 
 
 -William Gile 
 
 5 00 
 
 14 — Annie O'Neil 
 
 5 00 
 
 ' 29- 
 
 -Louis Carl 
 
 5 00 
 
 18 — William Jellorris.. 
 
 5 00 
 
 
 
 
 19 — John Edwards 
 
 10 00 
 
 
 
 $202 60 
 
 19 — John. Davis 
 
 10 00 
 
 
 
 
 A teacher punishing a disorderly boy with a rattan, after tlie 
 boy has placed a sheet-iron shield under his jacket, is no more 
 ludicrous to the rest of the scholars who are in the secret, than it 
 is for any magistrate to sentence a man with a $4,000,000 income 
 back of him to a fine of $5, and then call that punishment under 
 the law. 
 
 The high duty of a judge on the bench, is, to mete out such a 
 sentence to criminals as shall punish the offender sufficiently to 
 deter him from future violations of the law, be a warning to 
 others tempted to or violating the same laws, and protect the in- 
 terests of the community. 
 
 I do not hesitate to say that, when a judge enforces the laws 
 against the sale of liquor, obscene publications, disorderly houses, 
 gambling hells, or lottery gambling — indeed, any offence tliat 
 leads young men to commit crime or seduces them from paths of 
 virtue — so as to protect these offenders, encourage their work of 
 destruction and breeding criminals, or allows them to escaj)e the 
 penalty of the law by a technical dodge, to continue right on in 
 their unlawful traffic, such a judge is no longer worthy to hold 
 the scales of justice, nor the office of judge. Such conduct de- 
 files the ermine of Justice ; such acts, persisted in, must impeach 
 the character and integrity of the one guilty of these outrages. 
 
 Another evil is growing steadily in this connection, I con- 
 demn it as jeopardizing the highest interests of the community, 
 and as subversive of individual rights and personal interest ; to 
 
376 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 wit, tliat a magistrate should permit, before trial, a prisoner or 
 his friends to approach hiin in private, and talk over his case and 
 arrange matters beforehand. My ideal of a magistrate in this re- 
 spect was the late eminent United States judge for the Eastern Dis- 
 trict of Pennsylvania, John Cadwallader. He sat to hear and try 
 the case according to law and evidence, and he held that the only 
 proper place to secure even-handed justice, for people and accused 
 alike, was in open court, with both present, the facts being pro- 
 duced and weighed according to law and the rules of evidence. 
 
 Wliat hope for justice is there outside of this ? I have had 
 over 450 cases in court, and I speak from personal experience; 
 When a criminal lawyer, who scruples at nothing to win his case, 
 can have access to the ear of the Court and try his case in private, 
 without the presence of complainant and prosecution, there is 
 little hope of justice. This is a growing evil, and a danger that 
 menaces the future jurisprudence of this State. 
 
 It will therefore be seen that the business man's interests are 
 at the mercy of the wild, frantic, desperate condition, that is 
 awakened by these schemes and dens, in the minds of his young 
 employees. They become infatuated, then step by step demoral- 
 ized. Their limited salary, or funds are soon exhausted, and then 
 they turn to the employer's stock, or the parent's purse, for funds 
 to buy tickets, gamble, and visit the low gilded palace of lust 
 and shame. 
 
 Honesty is not a thing that lasts long in the character of 
 the mind crazed with drawing a prize. The argument is, I will 
 just borrow this from my employer or parent, and return it be- 
 fore it is missed, out of my winnings. 
 
 H merchants along the business thoroughfares of this city but 
 knew the throngs of young men in the gambling hells in their 
 vicinity ; if they could watch the clerk slip out and run to some 
 policy or gambling hell, or lottery office, there are few merchants 
 but would require bonds of every employee from stock clerk and 
 office boy to salesman and confidential secretary. 
 
 Then in this connection take the worst of these Hells that 
 exist, where young maidens, with the rosy flash of youth yet fresh 
 
THE LOUISIANA STATE LOTTERY. 377 
 
 on their faces, may be seen in the midst of scenes of lewdness 
 and shame; where beardless youth, who under pretence of 
 " working at the store to-night," or " going to call on some friend 
 up-town," slip out of their homes, with a lie on their lips, to de- 
 ceive their devoted parents, only to frequent these stepping 
 stones down to a' speedy life of shame and disgrace. If Satan 
 should visit the earth in person and seek to secure a place to 
 open an entrance, or avenue direct to the infernal regions, no 
 more appropriate place could be found than in some of the dens 
 1 have had to visit in my official capacity, during the present 
 week. I have seen halls crowded with young girls smoking 
 cigars, drinking wine and beer with up-town rich men's sons. 
 Minors of both sexes, sat in the midst of scenes that made my 
 blood boil. Satan must get a new name for his province, as he 
 has many rivals in this city, and " hell " seems very tame when ap- 
 plied to these places. 
 
 Let respectable men cease finding fault with Kev. Dr. Talmage 
 for giving vent to his righteous indignation, and his earnest effort 
 to touch the manhood of his hearers, and cause them to do some- 
 thing against this rapidly growing evil. The bottomless j)it cam, 
 'oomit forth nothing fouler than some of these dens ! And yet 
 our young men are fascinated. Some young men sneak into 
 these places from curiosity, some from a love of it, and others 
 talk it over as something smart, because they frequent such 
 places. Kich men, and their sons, support these places in the 
 main. 
 
 A short time ago, a lady high in society came to me, praying 
 me to save her daughters from disgrace by stopping her husband 
 visiting these places, saying, her husband would go to these re- 
 sorts, and would spend $200 to $300 a day treating the gangs 
 that gathered there. And three times she had gone to a den of 
 infamy after midnight and dragged her husband out and took 
 him home, for her daughters' sake. This " beast " once stood 
 high officially, and even tow is accepted in society as a repre- 
 sentative man of wealth. Heaven save the mark ! 
 
 These are startling facts. But they are facts. I cannot 
 
378 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 withhold them, even thougli I lose public favor. I could not 
 wash my hands of, or free my conscience from the blood of our 
 beloved youth if I remained silent. This inanimate pen would 
 cry out against me as an arrant coward, if it were possible, it 
 seems to me, were I for personal consideration to remain silent. 
 No. Let critics assail me, and doubt my word. Let the news- 
 paper reporter or editor write his sarcastic article, and ridicule 
 and deride. Yes, let the father of lies himself howl and roar. 
 These are facts, and, being facts, I am more than justified in 
 recording, what from personal experience I know to be true. I 
 am sick, tired and disgusted with this namby-pamby sickly sen- 
 timent, that sits down and does nothing to resist and check these 
 evils. What are we spared to grow up to be men for, if not to 
 1)6 men — to act- manly, and do a man's work in a straightforward 
 and heroic manner ? Out upon those who say there is no danger, 
 and whine, " Well, these places will always exist ; there's no use 
 trying ; public sentiment is against you," etc. PubHc sentiment 
 cannot buy a Tnan. It is not rich enough to buy a true man, and 
 ought not to be ever thought big or important enough to frighten 
 a man from the path of duty. Public sentiment for the right is 
 a mighty power, and is a grand and noble thing ; but arrayed on 
 the side of wrong, it is a thing so contemptible, that the man who 
 bows the knee to it soon loses his self-respect. 
 
 An honest, true man, has just one thing that makes him richer, 
 braver, and in every way superior to a popular clamor for the 
 wrong, or a public favor that he must needs truckle and crawl to 
 secure — a clear conscience. 
 
 O ! that our young men could sit at their home tables as they 
 gather at the family meal, and, looking into their mother's or pure 
 sister's faces, say, " I am clean and pure, worthy of such a home, 
 such a mother, such a sister !" But many cannot. Their lives are 
 hollow. Their faces are made out of the brass of deceit ; and 
 within there is no peace, because they are leading unclean lives ; 
 they are the votaries of the gambhng hell and dive of iniquity. 
 
LAWS CONCEENING LOTTERIES AND GAMING. 379 
 
 CHAPTEE XXII. 
 
 LAWS CONCEENING LOTTERIES AND GAMING. 
 
 "We give in tliis connection the laws of the State of New York. 
 Many people are ignorant of the laws, and cannot be made to feel 
 that there are strict laws now in force against these crimes. 
 
 The publication of these laws we deem very important, as thsy 
 show the people where the fault lies. Nearly all, if not every 
 one of the persons openly advertising in the daily papers are, and 
 have for more than a year been under indictment under tliese 
 statutes. 
 
 The following is taken from Article Third of the 
 
 REVISED STATUTES, 1875. 
 Of Betting and Gaming. 
 
 5 40. Penalty for keeping a place for gambling. 
 
 § 41. Penalty for keeping gambling apparatus, &c. 
 
 § 42. On complaint, magistrate may issue a search warrant. 
 
 § 43. Officer may issue warrant authorizing a forcible entrance to seize 
 gambling apparatus, &c. 
 
 § 44. Persons inviting others to gambling houses liable for money lost, and 
 fine and imprisonment. 
 
 § 45. Officers whose duty it is to inform against and prosecute offenders; 
 penalty for omission. 
 
 J 43. Penalty for permitting gambling on a boat. 
 
 Penalty for 5 40. If any person shall keep a room, building, arbor, booth, 
 place'for shed, tenement, boat or float, to be used or occupied for gambling, 
 gambling, or shall knowingly permit the same to be used or occupied for 
 gambling ; or if the owner, superintendent or agent of any room, building, 
 arbor, booth, shed, tenement, boat or float, shall rent the same to bo used or 
 occupied for gambling, he shall, on conviction thereof, be fined in any sum not 
 less than fifty nor more than five hundred dollars.^ 
 
 Penalty for § 41. If any person, for gambling purposes, shall keep or exhibit 
 
 keeping ^^^ gambling table, establishment, device or apparatus, or if any 
 
 devices. person or persons shall be guilty of dealing "faro, "or banking for 
 
 others to deal "faro," or acting as "look-out" or game-keeper for the game of 
 
 3 "An act mere effectually to suppress gambling," passed July 10, 1351, p. 943, as 
 amended by Laws 1851, cb. 504, § 1. 
 
380 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 "faro " or any other banking game, where money or property is dependent on 
 For selling the result, or if any person shall sell or vend what are commonly 
 
 tfeketl known as or are called lottery policies, or any writing, card, paper, 
 or document In the nature of a het, wager, or insurance upon the drawing or 
 drawn numbers of any public or private lottery, or if any person shall indorse 
 a book or any other document for the purpose of enabling others to sell or 
 vend lottery policies, he shall be taken and held as a common gambler, and 
 upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to not less than ten days' hard 
 labor in the penitentiary, or not more thau two years' hard labor in the state 
 prison, and he fined in any sum not more than one thousand dollars, to be paid 
 into the county treasury where such conviction shall take place, for the use 
 of the common schools therein, to be divided among the school districts in 
 that county, in the same manner as the school money of the state is divided 
 among said districts, and in default thereof shall remain imprisoned until 
 such fine be remitted or paid.* 
 
 Duty of J 42. If an afiSdavit shall be filed with the magistrate or police 
 
 "'''Son justice of any town or city, before whom complaint shall have been 
 complaint ma^o of an offense against any provision of this act stating that 
 the affiant has reason to believe, and does believe, that the person so charged 
 iu such complaint has upon his person or at any other place named m such 
 affidavit any specified articles of personal property, or any gambling table, 
 device or apparatus, or any lottery policies public or private, the discovery 
 of which might lead to establish the truth of such charge, the said magistrate 
 or justice may in his discretion by warrant, command the officer, who is 
 authorized to arrest the person so charged, to make diligent search for such 
 property and table, device, or apparatus, and if found to bring the same be- 
 fore such magistrate or justice; and the officers so seizing shall deliver the 
 same to the magistrate or justice, before whom he takes the same, who shall 
 retain possession of said property, and be responsible therefor until the dis- 
 charge, or commitment, or letting to bail, of the person so charged, and in case 
 of such commitment or lotting to bail of the person so charged such officer 
 shall retain such property, subject to the order of the court before which such 
 offender may be required to appear, until his discharge or conviction. And in 
 case of the conviction of such person the gambling table, device, or apparatus 
 shall be destroyed, and the household property and other fixtures belonging 
 to such gambling place shall be held liable to be sold to pay any judgment 
 and costs which may be rendered against such person ; and after the payment 
 of such judgment and costs, the surplus, if any, shall be paid into the trea- 
 sury of the county where such prosecution shall take x)lace, to be divided as 
 provided for in the preceding section ; and iii case of the discharge of such 
 person by the magistrate or court, the officer having such property in his cus- 
 tody, shall, on demand, deliver it to such person.' 
 
 ■• Laws 1851, oh. 504, § 2, as amended by Laws lS5o, ch. 214. 
 ' Laws 1851, ch. 504, § 3. 
 
LAAVS CONCERNINOt LOTTERIES AND GAMING. 381 
 
 Warrants, § 43. It shall bo lawful for any justice of the l^eace, police JU3- 
 aniTliow *'''''' chief magistrate of any municipal corporation, or judge 
 issued. . of any court of record, upon complaint upon oath that any gam- 
 bling tables, apparatus, establishment or device is kept by any person for the 
 purpose of being used to win or gain money or other property, or by any 
 other person, or any lottery policies of any lotteries, to issue his warrant com- 
 manding any sheriff or constable to whom the same shall be directed within 
 the proper jurisdiction after demanding entrance to break open and enter 
 any house or place wherein such gambling table, establishment, apparatus or 
 device shall be kept, and to seize and deliver the same to the mayor of the 
 city, president of the village, supervisor of the town, or clerk of the county 
 where such seizure shall be made, who shall keep the same until the term of 
 the court at which the case shall be tried ; and the court shall then, if there 
 be no necessity of keeping the property to be produced on the trial of an 
 offender against this act, have a j ury sworn to try the fact whether the prop- 
 erty taken was or is used for gambling, and if the finding shall be that the 
 property was used for gambling, the court shall order such property to be 
 broken up and sold by the sheriff of the county and the proceeds shall after 
 the payment of costs go into the treasury of the county, for the use of the 
 common schools therein in the same manner as is provided in the second sec- 
 tion of this act.^ 
 
 Penalty for 5 44. If any person shall, through invitation or device, persuade 
 persons to or prevail on any person to visit any room, building, arbor, booth, 
 ^houses^ shed, tenement, boat or float, kept for the purpose of gambling, he 
 shall upon conviction thereof, and: upon proof that the person so invited has 
 gambled therein, be held responsible for the money or property lost by such 
 person so invited or persuaded by reason of such invitation or device, and in 
 addition thereto he shall be fined and imprisoned according to the provisions 
 of |the second section of this act.' 
 
 Duties of J 45. It shall be the duty of all sheriffs, police officers, 
 other^'^ constables and prosecuting or district attorneys, to inform against 
 ofiioers. and prosecute all persons whom they shall have credible reason 
 to believe are offenders against this act, and for refusal so to do, they shall be 
 guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine of not more than five hun- 
 dred dollars.' 
 
 Penalty for § 4f5. If any commander, owner or lessee of any boat or float 
 gamblingf shall knowingly permit any gambling for money or property on 
 such boat or float, and shall not upon his knowledge of the fact immediately 
 prevent the same, he shall upon conviction thereof be held responsible for the 
 money or property so lost, and fined in any sum not more than five hundred 
 doUars.' 
 
 For the benefit of clmrch festivals, armory and cathedral fairs, 
 we give the following Article of the Revised Statutes entire. 
 
 SLawslSSl, oh. 504,|4. »Id., §5. *l(i. §6. § ' M. § 7. 
 
382 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Wlaile these laws remain intact on the statute books of the 
 State, Christian people— members of our churches, at least, ought 
 to respect and obey them. 
 
 To violate them is to breed a spirit of gaming in our children, 
 and awaken the latent fires of speculation in our youth — to ini- 
 tiate in our youth within the sacred precincts of God's house, a 
 spirit of gambUng, the first steppings to dishonesty. Beware of 
 such seed sowing! 
 
 ARTICLE FOUKTH. 
 
 Of Baffling and Lotteries, 
 
 § 47. Penalty for setting up money or property to be raffled for. 
 
 J 48. Ealfling prohibited. 
 
 5 49. Contracts made and securities given on account of raffling, void. 
 
 § SO. Mouey paid for any interest in a raffle may be recovered bade, 
 
 § 51. Unauthorized lotteries declared unlawful, and common nuisances. 
 
 § 52. Penalty for setting up, drawing, &c., uuaiithorized lotteries. 
 
 $ 53. Penalty for printing, publishing, &c., notices of illegal lotteries. 
 
 § 54. Penalty for soiling, procuring, &c., tickets in illegal lotteries. 
 
 § 55. Penalty for offering for sale any property, dependent on drawing of 
 any lottery. 
 
 § 56. Property so offered for sale, forfeited ; how recovered and applied. 
 
 § 57. Purchasers of tickets, &c., in illegal lotteries, may recover double the 
 sum paid. 
 
 § 58. Prizes drawn in illegal lotteries, forfeited ; how collected and applied, 
 
 5 59. Offices for registering numbers of tickets in illegal lotteries, pro- 
 hibited. 
 
 § 60. Selling of chances in illegal lotteries, §nd insurances respecting their 
 drawing, prohibited. 
 
 § 61. Insuring tickets in any lottery, and publishing notice thereof, pro- 
 hibited. 
 
 § 02. Penalty for violating either of last three sections. 
 
 § 63. Transfers of property pursuant to an illegal lottery, &c., void. 
 
 § 64. Certain evidence not necessary in prosecutions under this article. 
 
 § 65. Forgery of lottery tickets, &c., how punished. 
 
 § 66. Grand juries to be charged to inquire into violations of this article. 
 
 665 vol. 1. ? 47. (Sec. 22.) No person shall set up or propose any money, 
 
 ^Be'tting up^ goods, chattels or things in action, to be raffled for, or to be dis- 
 
 moiiey,&c., tributed by lot or chance, to any person who shall have paid or 
 
 fled for. contracted to pay, any valuable consideration for the chance of 
 
 y^^y'glg' obtaining such money, goods or things in action. Any person 
 
 241. ^ offending against this provision shall forfeit three times the sum 
 
 65Barb!i433! of money, or value of the articles so set up, together with the sum 
 
LAWS CONCERNING LOTTERIES AND GAMING. 383 
 
 often dollars, to be recovered by and in the name of the overseers of the poor 
 of the town where the offense was committed.' 
 
 ^oS- * ^^- ^^'"'- 23) ^° P«™°° sl^'ill raffle forauy sum of money, goods 
 ed. or things in action, or become interested in the distribution of any 
 
 money, goods or things in action, by lot or chance. Whoever offends against 
 this provision shall forfeit ten dollars, to be recovered as directed in the pre- 
 ceding section.' 
 
 ^Acro'S^' * *^- (^^''- 2^-) ^'1 contracts, agreements and securities given, 
 ^raffl^n °^ ^^^^ °^ executed, for or on account of any raffle or distribution 
 
 "^"void^' of money, goods or things in action, for the payment of any 
 money, or other valuable thing, in consideration of a chance in such raffle or 
 distribution, or for the delivery of any money, goods or things in action, so 
 raffled for or agreed to be distributed as aforesaid, shall be utterly void.' 
 fo?"c1fanoes ^ ^'^- (^^"^ ^^'^ ^^^ P<=rson who shall have paid any money or 
 bf r' ™v^ valuable thing for a chance or interest in any such raffle or dis- 
 
 ed back. tribution as is prohibited by the preceding sections may sue for 
 and recover the same of the person to whom such payment or delivery was 
 made.' 
 
 Lotteries § 51. (Sec. 26.) Every lottery, game or device of chance in the 
 " &c.," ' nature of a lottery, by whatever name it may be called other than 
 
 66 N.Y. 424. such as have been authorized by law, shall be deemed unlawful 
 
 and a common and public nuisance." 
 
 sftttnlup," * ^^- ^^^"^^ 2^-) ^° P®''^°'^ unauthorized by special laws for that 
 drawing,' purpose shall within this state open, set on foot, carrv on, nro- 
 thorized ™°*^ °^ draw, publicly or privately, any lottery, game or device 
 ^totterie^^ of chance of any nature or kind whatsoever, or by whatever name 
 83 Wend.,' it may be called for the purpose of exposing, setting to sale or 
 3 Denio, 88. disposing of any houses, lands, tenements or real estate, or any 
 4B'art)'°3l4' ™''^'^^' goods, or things in actioh. Whoever offends against this 
 7 N. Y.', Ml. provision shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on con- 
 viction shall be subject to a fine equal to the amount of the whole sum or 
 value for which such lottery, game or device was made ; and if such amount 
 cannot be ascertained then to a fine of two thousand five hundred dollars 
 or to imprisonment not exceeding two years, or to both in the discretion of 
 the court.' * 
 
 Penalty tor § 53. (Sec. 28.) No person shall, by printing, writing or in any 
 publishing, other way publish an account of any such illegal lottery, game or 
 ot illegal device, stating when or where the same is to be drawn, or the prizes 
 eee' vol^l therein or any of them, or the price of a ticket or share therein, or 
 3Denio,8l2, where any ticket may be obtained therein, or in any way aiding 
 IN. Y., 184. or assisting in the same. Whoever offends against this pro- 
 
 ' 1. E. L., 222, §7. = Laws of 1819, p. 268, § 1. = lb. p 259, §§ 2 and -3. 
 
 * The Constitution, art. 1, § 10, prohibiting any lottery, or the sale of any lottery 
 tickets, to be allowed within this State, the qualification, " unauthorized by special laws 
 for the purpose," is now an impossible one, and the section has become absolute in its 
 provisions. 
 
384 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 vision shall lie deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction be subject 
 to a fine not exceeding one hundred and fifty dollars or to imprisonment not 
 exceeding three calendar months." 
 Penalty for 5 54. (Sec. 23.) No person within this state shall vend, sell or 
 
 selling, barter, furnish, supply, procure, or cause to be furnished or pro- 
 procuring, ' ! ±-r J) ± I 
 
 &c., tick- cured, or offer to vend, sell, barter, furnish, supply, procure, or 
 
 ^'tuegal"^ cause to be furnished or procured, to or for any person or persons, 
 
 lotteries, ^ny ticket or part or share of a ticket, or any paper or instrument 
 3Denio,101. -^ ^ \ -, i 
 
 4 Barb.,314. purporting to bo a ticket or part of a ticket, or to be u, snare or, 
 1 N. Y., 180. j^^m.^g| jjj j^jjy ticket^ or any certificate of any share or interest in 
 any ticket or in any paper purporting to be a ticket of any such lottery, device 
 or game of chance not exjiressly authorized by law ; nor shall any person be 
 aiding, abetting or assisting in the commission of either of the said offenses. 
 Whoever shall offend against either of these provisions shall be deemed guilty 
 of a misdemeanor, and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding 
 five hundred dollars or to imprisonment not exceeding one year, or to both 
 in the discretion of the court. ^ 
 
 Penalty tor s 55. (Sec. 30.) No person unauthorized by special law for that 
 
 ofiferingfor i \ / ir ^ r 
 
 sale any purpose now existing shall offer for sale, distribution or disposition 
 
 Jependent iu fiuy way any real estate, or any money, goods, articles or things 
 
 on drawing j^ action, or any interest therein, to be determined by lot or chance 
 
 of any ^ j j -j 
 
 lottery. that shall be dependent upon the drawing of any authorized or 
 7 N Y 240 
 
 '84i! ' unauthorized lottery within or out of this state ; nor shall any 
 
 person sell, furnish or procure, or cause to be sold, furnished or procured in 
 
 any manner whatsoever, any chance, share or portion or any interest of any 
 
 kind whatsoever, in any property so illegally offered for sale, distribution or 
 
 disposition as aforesaid, or any ticket or other evidence of any chance or 
 
 interest in such property, to be determined by any di'awing as aforesaid, or 
 
 any instrument purporting to be such ticket or evidence. Whoever offends 
 
 against either of these provisions shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, 
 
 aud on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars 
 
 or to imprisonment not exceeding one year." 
 
 Property so § 56. (Sec. 31.) All property so offered for sale, distribution or 
 
 sale forfeit- disposition, against the provisions of law, shall be forfeited to 
 
 ^covered^ the people of this state, as well before as after the determination 
 
 and ap- of the chance on which the same was dependent ;• and it shall be 
 
 7 n!y., 240, the duty of the respective district attorneys, to demand, sue for 
 
 5 Sand 633 ^^^ recover, in behalf of this State, all property so forfeited, and 
 to maintain the proper actions for the same after demand made, and to pay 
 the proceeds of the sale of such property, and any moneys that may he 
 667, vol. 1. collected in any such suit, into the county treasury, for the 
 benefit of the poor." 
 
 Purchasers § 57. (Sec. 32.) Any person who shall purchase any share, inter- 
 Ac., to re- est, ticket, certificate of any share or interest, or part of a ticket, 
 
 > Laws of 1819, p. 259, §§ 2 and 3. a Laws of 1837, p. 329, §§ 6 and 12. 
 
LAWS CONCEENING LOTTERIES AND GAMING. 385 
 
 double^'the *"" '^^^ V^V^i or instrument purporting to be a ticket or share or 
 sum paid. interest in any ticket, or purporting to be a certificate of any share 
 R.N.S'.,^6. °' interest in any ticket, or in any portion of any illegal lottery, 
 may sue for and recover double the sum of money and double the value of any 
 goods or things in action, which he may have paid or delivered in considera- 
 tion of such purchase, with double costs of suit." 
 
 Prizes in § 58. (Sec. 33.) Any prize that shall he drawn in any lottery 
 
 ter^s for- forbidden by law, shall be forfeited to the use of the poor ; and it 
 feited. ghall be the duty of the o\erseer3 of the poor of the town where 
 the person or persons drawing such prize, or any of them, shall reside, to sue 
 for the same iu their names; and they shall recover the same in au action for 
 money had and received, founded upon this statute.' 
 
 Register- § 59. (Sec. 34.) No person shall open, set up, exercise or keep bv 
 
 ing offices ,. ,„ , ,, JT ; r; sf J 
 
 prohibited, bimselt, or by any other person or persons, any office or other 
 place for registering the numbers of any ticket in auy lottery not authorized 
 by the laws of this state; nor shall any person by printing, writing or other- 
 wise, publish the setting up, opening or using of auy such office or other 
 place.'' 
 Selling § 60. (Sec. 35.) No person shall sell the chance or chances of any 
 
 insur^g ticket in any lottery not authorized by the laws of this state; 
 &c. nor shall any person insure for or against the drawing of any such 
 
 lottery.' 
 Prohibi- 5 61. (Sec. 36.) No person shall insure or receive any considera- 
 
 *'°" . tion for insuring for or against the drawing of any ticket or tickets 
 suring in any lottery whatever, whether authorized by law or not; nor 
 anylottery, shall any person receive any money or goods, or thing in action in 
 ^'?'l consideration of any agreement to repay auy sum or sums, or to 
 
 publishing deliver the same or any other goods or thing iu action, if any 
 thereof ticket or tickets m any lottery whatever shall prove fortunate or 
 *°- unfortunate, or shall be drawn or not drawn on any particular 
 
 day, or in any particular order, or otherwise howsoever; nor shall any person 
 promise or agree to pay any sum of money, or to deliver any goods or thing 
 in action, or to do or forbear to do any thing for the benefit of any other person 
 or persons, with or without consideration, upon any event or contingency 
 dependent on the drawing of any ticket or tickets, or the number or numbers 
 of any tickets in any lottery whatever; nor shall any person publish any 
 notice or proposal for auy of the purposes aforesaid.^ 
 
 Penalty for J 62. (Sec. 37.) Whoever shall offend against any of the provisions 
 ftreelaft contained in the three preceding sections, shall be deemed guilty 
 668°*'°f^i of a misdemeanor; and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not 
 exceeding one thousand dollars, or to imprisonment not exceeding one year.^ 
 Certain § B3. (Sec. 38.) Every grant, bargain, sale, conveyance, or trans 
 
 of™°operty fer of any real estate, or of any goods, chattels, things iu action, 
 a\^^' a OH any personal property which shall hereafter be made in pur- 
 
 >2ELpl89,§4. 2 Laws o£ 1819, p. 860, § 6. »Ib.,§7. 
 
 25 
 
3S0 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 65 Barb.432. suance of any lottery not authorized by the laws of this state, or 
 
 n^(T&^C) for tli^ purpose of aiding and .^assisting in such lottery, game or 
 
 18. ' ' other device to be determined by lot or chance, are hereby declared 
 void and of no effect.'' ' 
 
 Evidence 5 64. (Sec. 52.) It shall not be necessary in the trial of any suit 
 
 in proseou- ^^ prosecution under the provisions of this article, to prove the 
 
 tions undf 1' -*^ *■ . t i t- f 
 
 this article, existence of any lottery in which any ticket, share or pare ot a 
 
 ticket purports to have been issued, or the actual signing of any such ticket 
 or share, or of any pretended ticket or share, of any pretended lottery ; nor 
 that any ticket, share or interest was signed or issued by the authority of 
 any manager, or of any person assuming to have authority as manager; but 
 in all cases, proof of the sale, furnishing, bartering, or procuring of any ticket, 
 share or interest therein, or of any instrument purporting to be a ticket or 
 part or share of any ticket, shall be conclusive evidence that such ticket, 
 sliave or interest was signed and issued according to the purport thereof. 
 Forgery of § 6.5. (Sec. 53.) If any person shall falsely make, alter, forge or 
 lof^KVytiek- counterfeit, or cause or procure to be falsely made, altered, forged 
 672, vol. 1. or counterfeited, or "willingly act or assist m the false naaknig, 
 altering, forging, or counterfeiting any ticket of any lottery, or other game or 
 device of cbance, or any share or interest, or any certificate of any share or 
 interest in any ticket of any lottery, or other game or device of chance, "with 
 intent to defraud any person or hody coporate whatsoever, or shall utter or 
 publish as true, or shall sell or exchange, or offer for sale or exchange any 
 false, altered, forged or counterfeited ticket of any lottery or other game or 
 device of chance, or of any share or interest, or of any certificate of any share 
 or interest in any ticket of any lottery , "with intention to defraud any person or 
 body politic or corporate whatsoever, knowing the same to be false, altered, 
 
 4 lb., p. 259, § 4. 
 
 =* As the sections from 39 to 51. both inclusive, relate exclusively to licenses to sell tickets 
 in lotteries authorized by the laws of this state, and as all such lotteries have ceased, and 
 none can hereafter be drawn within this state, (Constitution, art i., §10, and Laws of 1833, 
 ch. 306, p. 4S4,)these sections have in effect been repealed by the legislature, and are there- 
 fore omitted. The following' is ch, 306. 'An act fixing the period for closing all the lot- 
 teries authorized to be drawn within this state," passed April 30, 1833: 
 
 Whereas John B. Yates and Archibald Mclntyre, assignees of all the unsatisfied lottery 
 grants made by this state, have executed to the people thereof an agreement, bearing 
 date the twenty-fifth day of January last, that all lottery grants heretofore made by this 
 state, shall cease and determine from and after the close of the present year, and releas- 
 ing and acquitting the people of this state from all right, title and claim to continue or 
 draw any lotteiy within this state, after the last day of December next, providing the 
 legislature will pass an act declaring that the lotteries authorized by this state, may be 
 continued until the close of the present year; Therefore, 
 
 The People of the State of Neio York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as 
 folio jus: 
 
 § 1. The lotteries authorized by law to be drawn within this state may be continued until 
 the close of the present year: after the end of which period, it shall not be lawful to con- 
 tinue or draw any lottery within this state; but all and every lotteiy heretofore granted 
 or authorized within this state, shall absolutely cease and determine. 
 
 § 2. That the said agreement and release of the said John B. Yates and Archibald Mcln- 
 tyre, shall be filed and recorded in the office of the secretary of state. 
 
LAWS CONCEENING LOTTERIES AND GAMING. 387 
 
 forged or counterfeited, then any such person being thereof convicted, shall 
 be subject to imprisonment as prescribed by law.' 
 
 Grand jii- § 66. (Sec. 54.) It shall be the duty of the presiding judge of 
 
 charged re- every court of oyer and terminer, and of every court of sessions,' 
 thsart^fe specially to charge every grand jury to inquire into all violations 
 of the laws against lotteries, and against the unlawful selling of tickets in 
 lotteries. 
 
 ' Act concerning Revised Statutes of Deo. 10, 1828, §13; see chapter 1, 4th part, K. S., 
 
 tleS. 
 
 ' " General sessions of the peace," in the original. 
 
 title 3 
 
388 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTEE XXIII. 
 
 THE FIGHT AGAINST OBSCENE LITEEATUEE. 
 THE " LIBEEAL " FRAUD. 
 
 At some time prior to 1840, there landed in this country a man 
 named Plaines, who was an Irish surgeon of marked ability and 
 skill, and a graduate of one of the English universities. This 
 man, it was said, was obliged to leave England after his marriage 
 to a certain nobleman's daughter, because of having been untrue 
 to his marriage vows. He came to this country, and prostituting 
 his powers for good, engaged shortly afterwards in the publica- 
 tion and sale of the most obscene and indecent books. He was a 
 most foul-minded and licentious man, and a ready writer. He 
 is said to have himself written most of the books he published. 
 Account books seized from his widow after his death, disclosed 
 his business as far back as 1842, or two years before the writer's 
 birth. This man was publisliing at the time of his death, in 1873, 
 some twenty-five different books. 
 
 Another man, named George Ackerman, had published for 
 over twenty-two years prior to his death in 1874, some twenty 
 diflEerent books, besides making most beastly transparent cards. 
 
 StiU another man, named Farrell, published about 109 different 
 books. He had been at it about sixteen years, at the time of his 
 death in 1873. 
 
 Then there were some four thousand dealers scattered through- 
 out the country, who not only sold the books published by these 
 men, but also sold the thousands of other vile things which make 
 up a part and parcel of this nefarious business, which was, and 
 is, ihe greatest curse to the youth of this country. It is a deadly 
 poison, cast into the fountain of moral purity. This business and 
 intemperance are twins ; but they are twin-devils. Intemper- 
 ance strikes down the flower of the land, openly and publicly. 
 The bleared eye, the bloated face, and the reeling step, mark the 
 
THE FIGHT AGAINST OBSCENE LITEEATT^^m;. 389 
 
 drunkard's downfall. This cursed business of obscene literature 
 works beneath the surface, and like a canker worm, secretly eats 
 out the moral life and purity of our youth, and they droop and 
 fade before their parents' eyes. 
 
 This subject is one that none of us like to contemplate, and yet 
 it is of most momentous consequence. "When we stop and con- 
 sider that the men and women of the next generation are to come 
 from the boys and girls of to-day, we will find an unanswerable 
 argument for keeping pure and good the youth and children of 
 the present. 
 
 In 1872, when I undertook the great and all-important work of 
 suppressing by legal process this hydra-headed monster, what did 
 I find ? I found a business systemized and systematically carried 
 on. I found newspapers teeming with the advertisements of 
 these bold and shameless criminals. I found laws inadequate, 
 and public sentiment worse than dead, because of an appetite that 
 had been formed for salacious reading ; and especially because 
 decent peoDle could not be made to see or understand the neces- 
 sity of doing anything in this line. In 1868 Congress had passed 
 a law prohibiting the transmission of obscene books and pictures 
 through the mails. But when in 1872, an effort was made to en- 
 force this law, it was found inadequate. The Legislature of the 
 State of New Tork had also passed a law, but like the United 
 States law, it only covered a small part of this accursed traffic 
 in human souls. 
 
 What was the animus of these men, you ask ? I reply, money. 
 Books that sold for $2.50 to $5, cost about 25 cents to make. 
 " But what a business ! Who could enjoy money procured in 
 such a manner !" you exclaim. Not so fast, reader. I have ar- 
 rested orer four hundred of these creatures, and every one nearly 
 makes large pretensions to respectability, and say they "must 
 
 live." 
 
 We can acknowledge the daring of the midnight burglar, who 
 creeps into the window of some beautifid home and robs it, or of 
 some highwayman, who, presenting his revolver at the head of 
 his victim, demands " Tour money or your life." We can even 
 
390 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 admit the cunning of the sneak thief, who, watching the thresh- 
 old of the house, creeps in and gathers up his spoil ; but how 
 can we find any single saving trait of character in the wretched 
 scoundrel who secretly poisons, debauches and curses the Tnvnds 
 of our hoys and girls ! 
 
 It was because of the fatal character and far-reaching extent of 
 this monstrous traffic, and the destruction of young men within 
 my own circle of acquaintances, that I was led, under Providence, 
 in 1872, to undertake the thankless task, so far as it lay in my 
 power, of suppressing this many-sided evil. 
 
 I desire to dwell particularly a moment on the history of the 
 Act of Congress of March 3d, 1873, or what the " Liberals " call 
 the " Comstock Law." 
 
 This is important on account of the constant cry of the 
 " Liberal " press, that this most important law is " unconstitu- 
 tional " and " was rushed through without any consideration by 
 the Forty-second Congress." 
 
 As the " Liberals " and the writer, in this chapter, are to come 
 directly face to face, we might as well be candid at the start, and 
 talk plainly, and therefore I am very emphatic when I pronounce 
 this claim inaliciously false. 
 
 First. It is malicious, because the United States Supreme 
 Court has, in the case of O. A. Jackson, declared, " that Congress 
 has the right to legislate as to wliat shall and shall not be carried 
 in the mails," and these men who printed these accusations knew 
 of that decision at the time. 
 
 Second. It is false, because there is not a word of truth in it. 
 The facts are, that in the fall or winter of 1872, Hon. Clinton L. 
 Merriam had introduced a biU upon this very subject in the 
 House of Eepresentatives, where he was then a member ; again, 
 Hon. Benj. F. Butler of Mass., had introduced another biU on 
 the regulation of commerce between the States ; and certain gen- 
 tleman in Washington had stiU another bill in the House, all bear- 
 ing on this very subject. 
 
 These measures had all been before the House, and were before 
 the Committees of the House, when I went there in January, 
 
THE FIGHT AGAINST OBSCENE LITERATURE. 391 
 
 18T3. As I liave said, the law of 1868 did not meet tlie require- 
 ments of the case. I had prepared a bill, the provisions of which 
 were designed to meet the systemized business which I had found 
 flooding the land through the mails. 
 
 The mail of the United States is the great thoroughfare of 
 communication leading up into all our homes, schools and col- 
 leges. It is the most powerful agent, to assist this nefarious 
 business, because it goes everywhere and is secret. It surely 
 needs no argument here to convince the most exacting of all 
 decent men, that no department of Government should be prosti- 
 tuted to serve this infamous traffic, nor become party to it, by 
 continuing to serve these loathsome creatures after the character 
 of their hellish business, with our youth, is known. 
 
 When we came to consider the bills that were then before the 
 House of Representatives we found that none of them as drafted, 
 comprehended the wants of the case. Each of the gentlemen 
 and committees were consulted, and all agreed to allow these 
 measures to remain at rest, and give their support to another 
 bill, which was prepared from my rough draft, and which was 
 introduced in the Senate, and referred to the Judiciary Com- 
 mittee. 
 
 Then came such an opposition as few bills ever met. " Free- 
 dom of the Press is endangered," was the newspaper cry, and 
 they rung the changes on this warning note. One quack in ISTew 
 York, through his clerks, sent to nearly every member of Con- 
 gress a letter signed by diSerent parties, but all evidently in the 
 same handwriting, calhng especial attention to the law, and that 
 it was peculiarly objectionable and ought never to pass ; and this 
 letter contained the most infamous libels against myself. I was 
 immediately sent for, and confronted with these base attacks. 
 But when it was found that members of each House had received 
 the same letter from different sources, members examined the 
 bin more carefully. I was called repeatedly before the Com- 
 mittee. I went before large gatherings of Congressmen, and I 
 am positive I personally presented the full facts to a large ma- 
 iority, both in the Senate and House; and after more than a 
 
392 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 month's consideration, this bill passed the Senate twice unani- 
 mously ; first on its original passage : then, after going over to, 
 and passing the House by a minority of but 30, it was sent back 
 with an amendment, and again voted on without a single dissent- 
 ing voice. 
 
 I repeat, this law wos, fully and carefully examined, and passed 
 after z,full statement of facts had been presented. 
 
 Down to December, 1877, there had been about three hundred 
 and fifty persons arrested. Many of them had been convicted 
 and sentenced. The quack who sent these base and cowardly 
 letters, had been convicted and sentenced under this law ; and 
 something must be done by those whose nefarious business was 
 being so surely broken up. I have been particular about the 
 passage of the law and its uses, because it plays a most interesting 
 and important part in one of the most diabolical schemes to re- 
 peal a righteous statute, and ruin a man's good name and re- 
 putation by fraud and deception, that has ever come under the 
 writer's attention. 
 
 It was really a conspiracy of "smut-dealers;" but as it was 
 operated by a leading so-called " Liberal," and as one hundred 
 and forty out of one hundred and sixty-four Liberal Leagues 
 have arrayed themselves against this work, espousing the cause 
 of the smut-dealer and abortionist, we propose to gratify them 
 by calling the whole movement a 
 
 and explaining how the " Liberals " manage, when opposing the 
 legal enforcement of righteous laws, and how they endeavored 
 by lying conspiracies, deceit, and fraud, to repeal these laws. At 
 the same time it will illustrate the absolute worthlessness as legis- 
 lators, of those who advocate no God, no law, no restraining of 
 the libertine and renegade, but a licensing of each individual to 
 follow out his own base designs and purposes. 
 
 Surely the blasphemer has found his level ; and the adage that 
 " birds of a feather fiock together " is proved true. 
 
 It is a noted fact, that no sect nor class, as a sect or class, has 
 
THE FIGHT AGAINST OBSCENE LITERATURE. 393 
 
 ever publicly sided with the smut-dealer, and defended thin ne- 
 farious business, except the Infidels, the Liberals,* and the Free- 
 Lovers. The latter are of course in their natural element, and I 
 make no exception for them ; but I would be doing violence to 
 the truth and to the golden rule if I did not make some ex- 
 ception to the first two. There are many infidels who abhor this 
 cursed traffic, and several of their papers which for a time were 
 deceived, afterwards came out and openly condemned in strong- 
 est terms the acts of these conspirators, and expressed their 
 utter abhorrence of the vile traffic they sought to aid and defend. 
 The same is equally true of many Liberals. 
 
 In 1878, the Liberal League while in Convention at Syracuse 
 split on this very subject. The strong, pure, and clean men, 
 those who were honest, and brave enough to stand for moral 
 purity and common decency, under the leadership of Francis 
 E. Abbot, placed themselves emphatically outside the circle of 
 the venders of obscene publications and their sympathizers, by 
 seceding and forming The National Liberal League of America, 
 or what is now known as anti-repealers of obscene publication 
 laws. There were 24 leagues of the strongest men of this fra- 
 ternity, who left the howling, ranting, blaspheming mob of re- 
 pealers. For their convictions these men have been ridiculed 
 and maligned by the leaders of these friends of nastiness. 
 
 But to return to the fraud. 
 
 The basis and motive of this fraud consists, as will be seen, in 
 revenge, avarice, and innate depravity. It possesses not only all 
 the lying and deceit that characterizes these other frauds, but as 
 will also be learned, the conspirators who operated this scheme, 
 
 * Just here I desire to explain wlio I mean as " Liberals." It is those mem- 
 hers of the Liberal League, who at Syracuse in 1878 and at Cincinnati in 
 1879, advocated the repeal of obscenity laws, and became sympathizers and 
 defenders of dealers in obscene publications— the blatant infidel, the free 
 lover, the erratic free thinker, the quack, the smut-dealer, and the criminals, 
 who train with these leagues, all of whom call themselves Liberals. I do not 
 include that large class known as liberals, which includes the Unitarian, the 
 Universalist, or the decent infidel, etc. ; these latter all are opposed, with 
 few exceptions, to this kind of infamy. 
 
394 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 sunk to the level of tlie slanderer and the blackguard, while de- 
 fending one of the most infamous crimes known to civilization. 
 
 While it can hardly be said that this scheme was gotten up 
 for the purpose of enriching these parties who originated it, 
 yet their publications and figures show that they took good 
 care of their own personal interests. Under the thin guise 
 of defending "Freedom of Press," "Free speech," "Free 
 thought," and "Personal Liberty," they entered into a most dia- 
 bolical conspiracy to repeal the Act of Congress of March 3, 
 1873, which prohibits obscene publications and articles for inde- 
 cent and immoral use passing through the mails : and at the same 
 time they sought to crush and ruin the officer who had dared 
 to enforce those laws. In other words, their own nefarious 
 business was endangered because of these righteous laws, and 
 in order to give a decent showing to an indecent and foul busi- 
 ness, they sailed under false colors : and plotted to capture that 
 large class who, believing in no God, are ready to array them- 
 selves against anything good and pure. Liberty means license 
 with them, and freedom of press and speech, means that they 
 may, without let or hindrance, blaspheme and deride the holiest 
 things, while any one opposed to their views is to be held to 
 strict accountability. They pay no respect to that very consider- 
 able majority, who bow to a Supreme Being, and respect sacred 
 things. These conspirators further sought to show that the 
 proper enforcement of these laws was religious persecution. Here 
 is what the ringleader said in his weekly paper : 
 
 The Christian Church has greatly increased in America within the century 
 that has passed over the life of this nation and has become rich, powerful, 
 intolerant. And now one Anthony Comstock has come upon the stage and 
 has constituted himself a knight-eri:ant to champion and defend the im- 
 perious system of religion said to have been handed down from the meek 
 and lowly Jesus; to fight her battles, to defend her interests and crush her 
 enemies to the earth. So long as he was clerk in a dry-goods store he con- 
 ceived the idea of making a great man of himself and becoming the valorous 
 defender of the dominant church. He became a member of the powerful 
 but Jesuitical organization known as the Young Men's Christian Association, 
 which contains many men of wealth and iniiuence, many who are designing 
 and cunning. He has organized "The Society for the Suppression of Vice" 
 
THE FIGHT AGAINST OBSCENE LITERATURE. 395 
 
 and become its active agent and motive power. It cannot be denied that 
 his motives in part were Rood and that he has performed work that was 
 commendable, but he has greatly overstepped the bounds of propriety and 
 has become the persecutor and prosecutor of men as much above him in 
 everything that is noble, honorable and honest, as the sun is above the 
 earth. 
 
 Corastock became ambitious. He wished more power that he might be 
 able to bring certain parties more entirely under liis control, and wished 
 the laws to be changed so as to increase the facility with which he could 
 compel offenders to trial and punishment. As a representative of the Young 
 Men's Christian Association and the agent of the " Society for the Suppres- 
 sion of Vice" he visited Washington many times and had numerous inter- 
 views with members of the Post-office Committee, Representatives, and 
 Senators, until by persistent intrigue and finesse, in 1873, he procured the 
 passage of a law making it an offense punishable with a fine of from $100 
 to |5,000 and with imprisonment at hard labor from one year to ten years, 
 to send through the mails any book, print, or publication of any kind of 
 an obscene or indecent character, the obscenity and indecency to be decided 
 by the U. S. Courts and jury before whom the offender might be tried ; and 
 Anthony Comstock was appointed, with a salary, by our postal department, 
 as special agent to watch the mails. 
 
 The Society for the Suppression of Yice had not been thought 
 of at this time. I never received one penny salary from the Post 
 Office Department. Again he says : 
 
 It is proper to state that besides getting this unjust law passed by Con- 
 gress (which was done in spite of the protests of Messrs. Hoar* of Mass., 
 Chittenden of New York, Conger of Mich., and Gen. Garfield of Ohio, who 
 opposed the bill and saw in it a covert blow at the personal liberties of 
 the people — Congress hurriedly passing it at the instigation of the religious 
 societies, represented by their agent, Comstock, many of the members after- 
 wards confessing that they were really unacquainted with the tenor of tlie 
 bill), the irrepressible obscenity hunter went to Albany, the capital of this 
 State, and had similar laws enacted by the legislature. So by the intriguing, 
 wire-working industry of this bad man the statutes of the United States and 
 the great State of New York are disgraced by unconstitutional laws that 
 really would be a blot upon the escutcheon of Turkey or Patagonia. 
 
 Again he says : 
 
 It would doubtless be a lively fight between Christianity and intolerance 
 on the one hand and Rationalism and personal rights on the other, and if in 
 the contest we had lain in prison a few months more or less, it is not at all 
 unlikely that Christianity, our intolerant foe and oppressor, would have been 
 
 * Messrs. Hoar and Garfield were some of the warmest friends of this bill in 
 1873, and Chittenden was not a member of Congress at the time. 
 
396 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 greatly injured in the contest, and tbe cause of Liberalism and freedom of 
 thought and speech would have gained a decided victory. 
 
 The expense of this effort they sought to, and did secure out 
 of the pockets of those they set about to deceive. They seemed 
 to reason, that if they would only make martyrs of the venders 
 of obscene matter, and disguise their business and make it ap- 
 parent that the parties vi^ere arrested on account of some peculiar 
 religious belief, or more properly because of a lack of any relig- 
 ion, or religious belief, that, then it would be an easy matter 
 to capture the so-called Liberals and Infidels of the country. 
 
 The ringleader in this fraud had been arrested a short time 
 previously, for sending obscene matter through the mails. He 
 immediately began, a poor-mouth cry, and to make himself a 
 martyr to the cause of blaspheming obscenity (as his publications 
 consisted of blasphemy and obscenity commingled), and appealed 
 for money and pledges to conduct his defence. He published a 
 weekly paper, and this paper was the mouthpiece of these moral 
 cancer planters. When pledges, etc., were received, he would 
 acknowledge them as follows : 
 
 PLEDGES AND DONATIONS 
 
 To assist in defraying the expenses of the Comstock-Bennett trial. 
 
 PLEDGES. 
 
 Henderson & Brown $25.00 
 
 "W. P. Sleushy 25.00 
 
 Crocker & Colyer 25.00 
 
 George C. Cowart 25.00 
 
 Dr. E. B. Foote 15.00 
 
 H. J. Woodhouse 10.00 
 
 John Flint 5.00 
 
 Margaret Flint 5.00 
 
 James Methven 5.00 
 
 L. O. Bass 5.00 
 
 PAID. 
 
 Joseph Sedgebeer |10.00 
 
 Mi'o and Sallie Miner 5.00 
 
 E.M.Davis 5.00 
 
 S. Berendsohn 5.00 
 
 A Friend 5.00 
 
 Julius Samson 3.00 
 
THE FIGHT AGAINST OBSCENE LITERATURE. 397 
 
 M. D. Cohn $2.00 
 
 A.J 2.00 
 
 J. B. Fenerty 1.00 
 
 F. J. Freese 1.00 
 
 Theodore Berendsolin 1.00 
 
 A. Folck 1.00 
 
 Z. T. French 1.00 
 
 Thomas W. James 1.00 
 
 A. A. Lewis 1.00 
 
 James Quinn 1.00 
 
 Joel Stokes 1.00 
 
 Lester B. Reading 1.00 
 
 C. W. Sylvester 1.00 
 
 Benjamin Griffln 1.00 
 
 We return our most sincere thanks to the kind friends who have so prompt- 
 ly come to our relief and who have shown so much sympathy in our favor and 
 for the liberality evinced in our behalf. It is a great consolation to know 
 that we have warm friends in all parts of the country and it gives us the as- 
 surance that despite the failings we doubtless have, on the main issue we are 
 correct, and that we are sustained hy men and women as upright and honor- 
 ahle, as can he found in this or any other country. We can give in this issue 
 hut a part of the sympathetic letters we have received. We again thank all 
 our kind friends. The publication of pledges and donations will be continued 
 in our next. 
 
 Crocker & Colyer printed the paper and circulars of the fraud, 
 and Foote had been convicted under this law. 
 
 They published, almost weekly, appeals for contributions to re- 
 peal laws, which they represented as being unconstitutional. 
 
 Most infamous and libelous statements were made concerning 
 the law, and the officers who executed it ; and by these base mis- 
 representations, hundreds of dollars were collected, to be expended 
 in paying these men for books and papers, which they issued in 
 their own name and, I have no doubt, to their personal profit. 
 
 There were five men especially engaged and interested in this 
 conspiracy. Three of these men had made attempts upon the 
 life of the writer, and had failed. Each of the five had been ar- 
 rested, and four out of the five have served sentences of imprison- 
 ment, or been fined. 
 
 To come down to the story : the Congress of 1868 had passed a 
 law declaring it unlawful to mail obscene publications. 
 
398 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 In 1S72, an effort was made to enforce these laws, in order to 
 protect the children and youth in the schools and seminaries, 
 throughout the country, from being debauched by the miscreants 
 who made a living by sending out secretly through the mails, the 
 most degrading and debasing publications. 
 
 The alarming extent of this nefarious business, which was, as 
 we have said elsewhere, systematized and systematically carried 
 on, led to the enactment in 1873 by Congress, of a more stringent 
 law, regarding the transmission of this matter through the mail. 
 
 Under these laws a large number of persons had been arrested, 
 tried, convicted, and sentenced ; and the disposition of all decent 
 men to crush out a business that was sowing broadcast, seeds of 
 moral and spiritual death among our youth, was so pronounced, 
 that this devilish business was in jeopardy. 
 
 The Liberal League in its convention, at Philadelphia in 1876, 
 had espoused the cause of nastiness, and had considered means, 
 to aid and help the venders of obscene publications. And tJiis 
 inovement, was started directly in the line of the favor shown this 
 subject at that convention, and was iaclced hy the would-he leaders 
 in that organization. 
 
 These five conspirators conceived the plan of capturing that 
 large class in the community, who, believing in no God, seemed 
 lost to all sense of decency and morality. They well knew the 
 proclivity to believe whatever might be said against religion, 
 moral purity, or any object that makes men wiser, purer, and 
 better. 
 
 But this scheme was to be a national affair. It was intended 
 to reach all the editors, publishers, booksellers, etc., in the coun- 
 try. 
 
 The first move was to capture the press. Then the press 
 would manufacture public sentiment for them. 
 
 To this end they prepared a document manufactured from lies 
 made out of whole cloth. 
 
 This document we print as they issued it. 
 
THE FIGHT AGAINST OBSCENE LITEEATUEE. 399 
 
 DOCUMENT. 
 
 To the Publisliers, Boolcsellei-s, Editors, Importers, Druggists, Artists, Physicians, 
 and tAe Lovers of Liberty and Justice in the TJiiited States: 
 
 Friends and Countrymen: Enclosed is lauded you one or more copies of 
 a carefully worded, well considered Petition of whicli it is urgently desired 
 that not less than ten thousand copies be signed by fully one million of tlie 
 freemen of America, 'witb a yiew of laying the same before Congress early in 
 its present regular session. 
 
 During the years 1872 and 1873, certain acts and statutes were, by hasty 
 and ill-considered legislation urged on by narrow-minded persons and influ- 
 ences, passed by Congress, and thus became laws of the United States and 
 were placed on the statute books of our country. The statutes are found to 
 bear with great injustice upon certain interests and avocations, as will soon 
 appear ; they are subversive of the grand principles of personal and universal 
 liberty upon which our government was founded. For one hundred years our 
 country got along prosperously and happily without the laws here complained 
 of, and whose existence is found inimical to the rights and liberties of many 
 law-abiding and well-disposed citizens of the United States. 
 
 (1) In this connection the unconstitutional statutes alluded to, as taken 
 from the Eevised Statutes of the United States, are given. It will be seen 
 that they are capable of being easily construed so as to bear with excessive 
 severity upon many of the best and most loyal citizens of the country. In 
 proof of this it is only necessary to state that under the provisions of these 
 statutes, Publishers for sending strictly scientific and physiological works 
 through the mail, have been arrested, their reputation and good name 
 blackened as senders of obscene literature, have been subjected to excessive 
 inconvenience, heavily fined and sometimes imprisoned for committing no 
 offense at all against justice or morality; that Physicians and Authors, for 
 imparting in their publications such scientific and legitimate information as 
 the people ought to have placed before them, have been arrested, placed 
 under heavy bail, forced as criminals, at a very heavy expense, to defend 
 themselves before the Courts of the United States, and some have been heav- 
 ily fined, their business greatly interfered with or entirely broken up. 
 
 (2) One unfortunate individual was arrested, put in prison, subjected to a 
 criminal trial in the U. S. District Court of this city, found guilty of sending 
 obscene matter through the mail and sentenced to two years' imprisonment at 
 hard labor, and yet his only offense was sending by mail a print of Power's 
 Greek Slave, whose original had been viewed with enlightened pleasure by 
 hundreds of thousands of the best people of Europe and America. 
 
 (3) One well-meaning dealer in this city was arrested, tried, condemned 
 and imprisoned two years for simply selling, with the best intention in the 
 world, a female syringe of hard rubber. It was proved in court that the 
 instrument was an excellent one, that it was useful, etc., but because, undfer 
 the letter of the law, it was adapted to, or capable of being used for, an 
 
400 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 immoral purpose, the poor man had to suffer two years' imprisonment, his 
 business destroyed and his reputation hlaokeiied for life. 
 
 (4) A publisher of a paper in this city (neither immoral nor indecent, and far 
 less obscene than much that is published in the papers of the country every 
 day,) was arrested, placed in prison, and under the strict construction of the 
 law, was found guilty, torn from his wife and little children, sentenced to 
 hard labor in the Albany Penitentiary for eighteen months and fined foOO! 
 A greater injustice has been rarely perpetrated, for the man had really com- 
 mitted no offense. His name is John A. Lant. 
 
 (5) Artists in this city and elsewhere have been raided upon and their stock 
 in trade taken by force when it consisted merely of negatives and prints of 
 classical and unobjectionable statuary. 
 
 (6) A man by the name of Simpson is now serving out a sentence under 
 these statutes, often years' imprisonment at hard labor for simply sending 
 through the mail a semi-humorous, semi-suggestive card, not immoral nor inde- 
 cent, but rather instructive, conveying a salutary warning to young people. 
 
 (7) Several persons in this city, Boston, and elsewhere, are now under 
 arrest and awaiting trial for sending through the mail strictly moral, scien- 
 tific and physiological works, some of them containing the anatomical plates, 
 etc., usually used in medical works. These arrests are chiefly made by an 
 officious individual who acts in the capacity of detective or special mail 
 agent, who gets a salary of several thousand dollars per year, with f 2,500 for 
 mileage, lesides several thousands made liy blackmail, but who seems to lack 
 the judgment to know what scientific and physiological works are and should 
 be, who calls every book obscene which contains regular anatomical plates, 
 and who seems incapable of judging what is obscene and what not. It is a 
 great misfortune to the country when the administration of its laws is placed 
 in the hands of a fanatic or a bigoted member of a religious sect. 
 
 A learned jurist has said that no legislative body in making laws should use 
 language that has to be defined and construed by others. Every crime should 
 be so clearly defined that there can be no mistaking it. Murder, homicide, 
 arson, larceny, burglary, forgery, etc., are so defined that they cannot be mis- 
 understood. It is not so with obscenity ; the term is left to be construed by 
 judges, lawyers, juries and whoever chooses to decide what is obscene and 
 what is not. If obscenity is a crime punishable by fine and imprisonment, it 
 at least ought to be correctly defined so that it may be known in what it 
 consists, and so, that an accused person shall not be at the mercy of a man or 
 a number of men who construe what is obscene, what is indecent and immoral 
 by their own particular opinion or notion of morality and immorality. What 
 is obscene to one man may be as pure as the mountain snow to another, and 
 one man ought not to be empowered to decide for other men. 
 
 Here follow some of the sections of the statutes alluded to : 
 
 TITLE XIX. — ^PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO SEVEKAL CLASSES OP OFFICERS. 
 
 Section 1785. Whoever, being an officer, agent, or employ^ of the Govern- 
 ment of the United States, shall knowingly aid or abet any person engaged in 
 
THE FIGHT AGAINST OBSCENE LITEEATUEE. 401 
 
 any Yiolation of any of the provisions of law, prohibiting importing, advertis- 
 ing, dealing in, exhibiting, or sending or receiving by mail, obscene or 
 indecent publications, or representations, or means for preventing conception 
 or procuring abortion, or other articles of jndocentorimmoraluseortendeucy, 
 shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall for every offense be pun- 
 ishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars, and not more than five 
 thousand, or by imprisonment at hard labor for not less than one year nor 
 more than ten, or both. 
 
 TITLE XXXIII. — DUTIES UPON IMPORTS. 
 
 Sec. 2491. All persons are prohibited from importing into the United States, 
 from any foreign country, any obscene book, pamphlet, paper, writing, adver- 
 tisement, circular, print, picture, drawing, or other representation, figure, or 
 image on or of paper or other material, or any cast, instrument, or other 
 article of an immoral nature, or any drug or medicine, or any article whatever. 
 for the prevention of conception, or for causing unlawful abortion. No 
 invoice or package whatever, or any part of one, in which any such articles 
 are contained, shall be admitted to entry, and all invoices and package.^ 
 whereof any such articles shall compose a part, are liable to be proceeded 
 against, seized, and forfeited by due course of law. All such prohibited arti- 
 cles in the course of importation, ahall be detained by the officer of customs, 
 and proceedings taken against the same as prescribed in the following sec- 
 tion : Provided, That the drugs hereinbefore mentioned, when imported in 
 bulk and not put up for any of the purposes hereinbefore specified, are 
 excepted from the operation of this section. 
 
 TITLE XLVI. — THE POSTAL SERVICE. 
 
 Sec. 3893. No obscene, lewd, or lascivious book, pamphlet, picture, paper, 
 print, or other publication of an indecent character, or any article or thing 
 designed or intended for the prevention of conception or procuring of abortion, 
 nor any article or thing intended or adapted for any indecent or immoral use 
 or nature, nor any written or printed card, circular, book, pamphlet, adver- 
 tisement, or notice of any kind giving information directly or indirectly, 
 where or how, or of whom, or by what means either of the things before men- 
 tioned may be .obtained or made, nor any letter upon the envelope of which, 
 or postal card upon which indecent or scurrilous epithets may be written or 
 printed, shall be carried in the mail ; and any person who shall knowingly 
 deposit or cause to be deposited, for mailing or delivery, any of the herein 
 before-mentioned articles or things, or any notice or paper containing any 
 advertisement relating to the aforesaid articles or things, and any person who, 
 in pursuance of any plan or scheme for disposing of any of the herein before- 
 mentioned articles or things, shall take or cause to be taken, from the mail 
 any such letter or package, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and 
 shall for evei-y offense, be fined not less than one hundred dollars, nor more 
 than five thousand dollars, or imprisoned at har^ labor not less than one 
 year nor more than ten years, or both. 
 26 
 
402 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 TITLE rxX. — CRIIffBS. — CHAPTER THKKB. — CRIMES AEISING WITHIN THK MAR- 
 ITIME AND TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Sec. u389. Every person who, within the District of Columbia, or any of the 
 Territories of the United States, or other place within the exclusive jurisdic- 
 tion of the United States, eeUs, or lends, or gives away, or in any manner 
 exhibits or offers to sell, or to lend, or to give away, or in any maaner 
 to exhibit, or otherwise publishes or offers to publish in any manner, or has 
 in his possession, for any such purpose, any obscene book, pamphlet, paper, 
 writing, advertisement, circular, print, picture, drawing, or other representa- 
 tion, figure, or image on or of paper or other material, or any cast, instrument, 
 or other article of an immoral nature, or any drug or medicine, or any article 
 whatever, for the prevention of conception, or for causing unlawful abortion, 
 or who advertises the same for sale, or writes or prints, or causes to be written 
 or printed, any card, circular, book, pamphlet, advertisement, or notice of 
 any kind, stating when, where, how, or of whom, or by what means, any of 
 the articles in this section hereinbefore mentioned can be procured or 
 obtained, or manufactures, draws or prints, or in anywise makes any of such 
 articles, shall be imprisoned at hard labor in the penitentiary for not less than 
 six months nor more than five years for each offense, or fined not less than 
 one hundred doUaxs nor more than two thousand dollars, with costs of court. 
 
 There are features in the foregoing sections that are positively a disgrace to 
 the laws of this free country and transcend in their severity anything of the 
 kind that can be found on the statute books of any nation in Europe. They 
 are diametrieally opposed to the fundamental provisions of the American 
 Constitution and subversive of the personal liberties to which every citizen 
 is entitled. When crimes and offenses are described or defined in sucli indefi- 
 nite or ambiguous terms that they can be subverted to the uses of religious or 
 class persecution, no person is safe. Penal laws should not be so worded that 
 they can be twisted to the oppressive uses that a designing prosecutor sees fit 
 to give them. 
 
 The provisions of the foregoing statutes will be found to be si)ecially 
 oppressive to Publishers, because much that they put forth, and which is 
 perfectly legitimate to be published, can be forced to come within their scope; 
 to Authors, because they place an embargo upon their scientific, physiological 
 and anatomical productions ; to Booksellers, because tbey prohibit them from 
 sending to a customer through the mail any books that he may sell over his 
 counter with impunity ; to Druggists and medicine dealers, because they 
 make it punishable with heavy fines and imprisonment to sell or prescribe or 
 give the slightest intimation where any remedy can be obtained that will 
 prevent conception or an undue increase of population [by its provisions a 
 Druggist may be fined $5,000 and imprisoned ten years for selling and sending 
 through the mails a female syringe, an ounce of alum and many other articles 
 of a similar character] ; to newspaper men, because they make them punisha- 
 b?e to the same extent for publishing advertisements for a class of medicines 
 
THE FIGHT AGAINST OBSCENE LITEKATUEE. 403 
 
 that are as essential to the public, and as much demanded as any other class 
 [who shall say that a wife or mother shall not have the right to use a proper 
 and scientific remedy to prevent an undue accession to her family, and shall 
 notbuy or read a book giving her the necessary information upon the sub- 
 ject ?] ; to artists who simply wish to make pictures of classic and beautiful 
 statuary ; to every citizen of the United States, because they deprive him of 
 using the mail for such purposes as originally designed by the founders of oar 
 government. The mail is an institution for the people and belonging to the 
 people and should by no means be controlled or dominated by any sect, cre^d 
 or church. No censorship of the mail should be tolerated in this country. It 
 is far better that some objectionable matter should be carried by it than that 
 the greater evil of the destruction of the personal liberties of the people should 
 be perpetrated. The people can send such letters through the mail as they 
 please, whether plotting treason, incendiarism, robbery or murder, and even 
 this is better, as the New York Methodist justly observed, than that the people 
 should be deprived of their legal mail facilities. Who shall say that third 
 class mail matter shall not go as freely as the first class ? Why has not an 
 American the same right to send a small parcel or a book by mail as by express 
 or otherwise ? Who shall insist that the mail is more sacred than all other 
 modes of conveyance, and that it does not belong equally to the people indi- 
 Tidually as well as collectively ? 
 
 It is not desired by any good citizen that lewd and lascivious books should 
 be tolerated in the country, but in discriminating against them special care 
 should be exercised that the rights of the people are not destroyed. If in the 
 foregoing statute, the personal liberties of the people are infringed upon, the 
 EIGHT OF PETITION is still left us, and this right let us exercise like 
 freemen. 
 
 It is earnestly requested that each person to whom this petition is sent will 
 interest himself or herself in obtaining all the signatures possible to it both of 
 ladies and gentlemen. Let none neglect his duty in this instance. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 Wood & Holbrook, Publishers and Booksellers. 
 Murray Hill Publishing Company. 
 McKesson & Eobbins, Wholesale Druggists. 
 
 E. S. Newton, M.D., Professor in the New York Eclectic Medical College. 
 Charles Winterburn, M.D. Wm. McLaury, M.D. 
 
 John P. Jewett, Publisher, [who originally brought out "Uncle Tom's Cabin."] 
 New York News Company. 
 A. L. Eawson, T).D. LL.D., Author and Artist. 
 Warren, Barnes & Co., Paper Dealers. 
 
 Crocker & Colyer, Printers. A. G. W. Carter, Ex-Judge. 
 
 J. W. Nioholls, Photographer. E. M. Maodonald, Printer. 
 
 J. W. Bouton, Publisher and Bookseller. 
 D. M. Bennett, Publisher and Bookseller. [All of New York.] 
 
 When the Petitions are fully signed they may be forwarded to D. M. 
 
404 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 B., Eighth street, New York, who will see that they are sent, iu bulk, 
 
 to the proper parties in Washington, and that atlditional efforts are made 
 for the repeal of the obnoxious statutes. He pledges himself to present to 
 the party obtaining the largest number of signatures to any one petition, 
 books of his publication to the amount of |25.00; to the one obtaining the 
 second largest number, $15.00; to the third, $10.00. Let each Petition 
 returned be marked with the number of signatures upon it. Applications for 
 blank Petitions, or inquiries pertaining to the business, may be addressed to 
 the same. 
 
 This circular was gotten up and sent out to the number of 
 15,000, if one of these ex-convict's papers is to be believed. 
 
 It will be noticed that the note at the bottom, while it does not 
 exactly offer a chromo, does offer as a prize to the party obtain- 
 ing the largest number of signatures, that which was much more 
 obnoxious, to wit : some of the infidel books of this person's pub- 
 lication. 
 
 These circulars were accompanied by a petition demanding the 
 repeal of the righteous laws quoted therein. 
 
 The reputable names signed to this circular, were placed there 
 without authority, in order to give weight and influence with 
 those to whom it should be sent, and were intended to endorse 
 the lies, misrepresentations, and libels in the circular. 
 
 For the sake of convenience, we have placed numbers opposite 
 the articles which we purpose to explain. 
 
 No. 1. Is an absolute falsehood. 
 
 No. 2. If possible, is more false than No. 1, and is made up of 
 whole cloth. 
 
 No. 3. In this case there was a man arrested for sending a 
 substitute for an immoral article through the mail. This substi- 
 tute was for an immoral and indecent purpose, and was con- 
 demned by physicians of highest standing in New York and 
 Brooklyn. It is presumed that this case is the one referred to, 
 as it is the only one that has any semblance to it. But in this 
 case, the man was fined $750, so that No. 3 is also without founda- 
 tion of truth. 
 
 No. 4. A man named Lant was indicted, for sending out a 
 grossly indecent and obscene paper, doing it after he had been 
 once convicted in Toledo, Ohio, warned a second time from an- 
 
THE FIGHT AGAINST OBSCENE LITEEATUEE. 405 
 
 other place, in Ohio, and then coming to New York, had 
 openly defied the law, by announcing that his paper had been 
 suppressed by the U. S. Court in Toledo, Ohio : and then he re- 
 published the same matter in this city. He was warned here, but 
 persisted in violating the law, and was arrested. 
 
 No. 5. Is an absolute falsehood, and no such case has ever 
 occurred. 
 
 No. G. Is an absolute, and malicious falsehood, because Simpson 
 was notoriously one of the worst dealers in obscene publications 
 that ever lived in this country. 
 
 A word in reference to his case, will show how monstrous the 
 statements these (now) ex-convicts presumed to make in their de- 
 fence, of the grossest and most infamous business known to any 
 civilized conntry. 
 
 Simpson had been once arrested and convicted, and sentenced 
 to pay a fine. He paid his fine, returned to his place, and con- 
 tinued the same business, was again arrested, and hundreds of 
 obscene books and pictures found in his possession. After much 
 delay he was again convicted and sentenced to one year's imprison- 
 ment on Blackwell's Island, and $1,000 fine. 
 
 While serving this sentence, his business was carried on by his 
 wife and a clerk. His clerk was arrested and indicted for sell- 
 ing these same obscene and filthy things. 
 
 Simpson served his time, came out of jail, got up a hundred 
 varieties of wood cuts and photographs of the most indecent and 
 infamous character, and began to advertise and send them out 
 through the mail. He was arrested, and held in $5,000 bail, but 
 continued the same nefarious traffic, and before trial was arrested 
 again ; again indicted, and at last for the third time convicted 
 and sentenced to the full extent of the law. And yet this is the 
 innocent man "sentenced to ten years' imprisonment at hard 
 labor, for simply sending through the mail, a semi-humorous, 
 semi-suggestive card, not immoral nor indecent ; but rather in- 
 structive, conveying a salutary warning to young people," while 
 his family starved on $20,000 which he had made in this business, 
 and left behind him. 
 
406 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Tlie circular then charges blackmail, that I received $2,500 for 
 mileage, and recites gross outrages done ; all of which are basely 
 false, and known to these men to be false. 
 
 If standing between the hellish business carried on by these 
 men, with its debauching and corrupting influences, and the inno- 
 cent children and youth of this country be a crime, then am I 
 guilty. 
 
 But when I am charged with any ofience in connection with 
 my work, unbecoming a faithful officer and a Christian gentleman, 
 I plead not guilty, and I challenge every black-hearted wretch 
 that says to the contrary, and 1 brand him as wilfully falsifying. 
 
 I go further, and say, that not a single case has been prosecuted 
 in seven years, either under the United States or State Laws, 
 where the facts do not Tnore than warrant any action that has 
 been taken. 
 
 The second move was to secure an enoi-mous list of names to 
 the petition that these conspirators sent out. "We give some of 
 the appeals as made from week to week. 
 
 Comstock, in the power lie commands, is insidious, ambitious and exacting. 
 Let iiini crusli out the free works of medicine, pliysiology and theology, let 
 him succeed in crushing this paper, and other Free Thought publications must 
 follow suit. When these are once suppressed, such houses as the Appletons', 
 who dare to publish the writings of Darwin, Spencer, Huxley, Tyndall, Proc- 
 tor, Haeckel, Draper, Fiske and others will be summarily squelched, and no 
 literature will be tolerated save that which bows down to all the old myths 
 and fables of the dark past. When the principle of American liberty is de- 
 stroyed, we cannot expect that any modification of free and untrammeled 
 thought and utterance will be allowed to remain. 
 
 Friends of Liberty, we have here hurriedly held up to your view some of 
 the traits of Anthony Comstock and some of the workings of the odious laws 
 which he caused to be placed upon our statute books. There is much more 
 connected with the subject which we would like to say but time and space 
 forbid. We will recur to them again from time to time as necessity dictates. 
 We have not aimed to say a word that is not strictly true, and only a part has 
 been told you. You know not the oppressive evils that are hanging over and 
 bearing down upon the people of this country. But let us not supinely sit 
 with fetters upon our limbs and become willing and suppliant slaves. Let us 
 arise as one man, from Maine to California, fi:om Michigan to Texas and throw 
 off the bondage that is crushing out the personal liberties for which our 
 fathers fought and to preserve which our government was established. 
 
THE FIGHT AGAINST OBSCENE LITERATUEE. 407 
 
 In a few days we -wiU draft or cause to lie drafted a suitable petition to 
 Congress for the repeal or modification of the odious and oppressive laws we 
 have spoken of. We will print five thousand or ten thousand of them, or 
 whatever number may be necessary, and send them into every state, every 
 county, every town and every hamlet throughout the laud, not omitting Squan 
 Village. Let the same be signed by every liberty-loving person in the country 
 and let them pour into Congress at Washington during the ensuing winter, 
 and let every possible influence upon members of Congress, the Post-oface 
 Committee, etc., be exerted, and before the ides of March are upon us the de- 
 testible Comstock and these odious Comstockiams will be wiped from the 
 statute books of our fair country. Let those petitions be forwarded to us aud^ 
 we will see that the same are placed where they will do the most good. 
 
 Let all who feel disposed to exert themselves to obtain signatures to peti. 
 tions calling for this greatly needed reform write us and we will forward 
 them blank petitions for the purpose. Let us give a long pull, a strong pull, 
 and a pull altogether, and in a few short months we will no longer be troubled 
 with the officiousness of the pitiable Anthony Comstock in our post-offices, 
 and he will be allowed to exercise his choice whether to return to the sale of 
 dry goods, or to spend his time in Association Hall In saying his prayers and 
 chanting his own praises for his valorous zeal in suppressing obscenity. 
 
 Again: 
 
 We hope friends will not slacken their diligence in obtaining signatures to 
 the petition to Congress for the repeal of the odious Comstock laws. It is 
 necessary to make a formidable impression upon Congress early in January 
 when it reassembles. Those wishing copies of the petition will please notify 
 ns and they shall be forwarded at once. The petitions when signed should 
 be forwarded to us immediately after New Years. Let us, friends, shpw that 
 some things can be done as well as others. 
 
 If the following extracts are true, some of the " Liberals" were 
 badly frightened. They have my full sympathy. 
 
 Hundreds of people are afraid to sign the petition to Congress, fearing that 
 Comstock might not like it and might get after them, perhaps after they had 
 gone to bed. Even some of our Liberal papers, and especially those of tho 
 Spiritualistic persuasion, are troubled with the same fear and trembling, or else 
 they are afflicted with an over amount of respectability. Although nearly 
 six weeks have elapsed since we were arrested in a high-handed manner, they 
 have not yet found courage enough to mention the fact in their columns, nor 
 to denounce this outrage upon Freethought and the freedom of the press. 
 
 Again he says : 
 An appaUing fact that has struck us [wonder if it hurt him ! ] with more and 
 
408 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 more force as this case has developed is the fear of Comstock under which al- 
 most everybody appears to he laboring. 
 
 In our intercourse with various parties in connection with the efforts we 
 are making to have these odious laws repealed or greatly modified, we find 
 that a general fear or apprehension of Comstock's power seems to hang like a 
 terrible nightmare over the entu-e community. Publishers are afiaid of 
 him, and dare hardly have their names used in connection with the move- 
 ment for the repeal of the laws. Druggists are afraid of him, and almost 
 tremble lest he pounce down upon them. The publishers of the daily papers 
 seem to be in fear of him, and dare not open their columns to a word of criti- 
 cism on his rascality. We have tried some of them and know whereof we 
 speak. They were ready enough to traduce us as a " Freelover," and to say 
 to their readers that we had been arrested for sending out obscene and inde- 
 cent books, but they were not willing to make the proper correction, or to 
 print a word in opposition to Comstock. 
 
 He then counts his chickens before his eggs are hatched, and at 
 the same time he outlines what he has in store for the " Agent." 
 
 With thousands of these petitions laid before Congress, backed by the 
 efforts that will be made by persons of influence, with an exhibit of the das- 
 tardly and villainous conduct of special agent and representative of the Y. M. 
 C. A. Anthony Comstock, we have reason to believe that he will not only be 
 not suffered to continue his high-handed reign of terror, but that he will be 
 allowed to step down and ou t to private life, so far as the public mails of this 
 country are concerned. If we are able to help bring about this state of 
 things and can live to see it accomplished, we shall feel that we have not 
 lived in vain. 
 
 Each week appeals were made for help, and especial zeal was 
 manifested to get-the "Liberals" to subscribe for his paper, lie 
 representing that the whole and prime effort in the arresting him 
 for sending obscene matter through the mail was to suppress him 
 and his paper. A falser statement could not he made. 
 
 Nothing was more untrue. I accord to every man the fullest 
 scope for his views and convictions. He may shout them from 
 the housetop, or print them over the face of every fence and 
 building for all I care. But the common law and statutes both 
 declare he must do it in a decent and lawful manner or not at 
 all. I am sworn to enforce these laws — this and nothing more. 
 In the same manner a man may buy poison, but he may not feed 
 it to his neighbor's cattle or fowls, much less to his children. So 
 a man may think, write, and speak as he pleases by hiniself, but 
 
THE FIGHT AGAINST OBSCENE LITERATURE. 409 
 
 he must put his public utterances into decent language. The 
 law says no obscene hook shall he fuhlislied ; therefore if he 
 writes a book he must not make it obscene, as it is unlawful, and 
 if he does so make it, he must take the consequences of his own 
 acts. 
 
 Common Law decisions are clear on this subject, and declare 
 that 
 
 The courts are guardians of the public morals. 
 
 Again : 
 
 An indictment at common law may Tje maintained for any offence which is 
 against public morals or deceniy. 
 
 Under this head may be comprehended every species of representation, 
 ■whether by writing, by printing, or by any manner of sign or substitute, 
 which is indecent and contrary to public order. 2 Archibald Cr. Pr. and PI., 
 p. 217. 
 
 Peace includes good order and government, and that peace may be broken 
 in many instances without an actual force, to wit : 
 
 I. If it be an act against the constitution or civil government. 
 II. If it be against religion. 
 
 in. If it be against morality. Rex vs. Curl ; 2 Strange Reports, p. 788. 
 
 The question of obscenity of publication is for the jury. 
 
 To justify publication, it must be made for a legitimate and useful purpose, 
 and not from any motive of mere giiin, or with a corrupt desire to debauch 
 society. 
 
 A mistaken view of the prisoner, as to the character and tendency of the 
 publication, if the latter be itself obscene, will not excuse his violation of the 
 law. Commonwealth vs. Landis ; 8 Phila. Reports, p. 453. 
 
 Then again the test of o'bscenity, as laid down by the highest 
 courts in England, and approved of by every court in America, 
 when the question has come up under common law, is as follows : 
 
 Whether the tendency of the matter charged as obscenity, is to deprave 
 and corrupt those whose minds are open to such immoral influences, and into 
 whose hands a publication of this sort may fall. 
 
 "We find then that even if there were no statute, the common 
 law prohibits obscene -publications, and settles all the mooted 
 questions of these defenders of obscenity. 
 
 The following tsken from .one of his papers, shows the dupli- 
 
410 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 city of this scamp. One day he is so poor that he must needs 
 have help from the liberals to defend himself in IT. S. Court on 
 the charge of sending his obscene things through the mails ; and 
 next we find him doubling the size of his paper at just " half the 
 cost of the present eight." 
 
 THE END 01" THE VOLTTMB. 
 
 ODemore number of tlie * closes 1877 and volume IV. After that time 
 
 the paper, as has been announced, will be enlarged to twice its present size, 
 containing sixteen pages in place of eight. As the additional eight pages 
 will he furnished for half the price of the present eight, it will be seen at a 
 glance that the enlarged paper will be furnished twenty-five per cent cheaper 
 than now. 
 
 "We trust it is the purpose of all our patrons to continue on with us, and we 
 earnestly hope to have still many new ones. The enlargement will double 
 our expenses, and we need also to double the number of our patrons. We 
 wish every friend of the paper and every friend of the cause of truth and men- 
 tal freedom to exert himself or herself to send us the names of new sub- 
 scribers. Does not almost every reader know some person who does not take 
 this paper, but ought to, and can be induced to subscribe ? Oh, that every 
 one would make a determined effort in this direction ! Much can be accom- 
 plished if the effort is generally made. 
 
 Another paper says : 
 
 We have great reason to be pleased that the names of trial subscribers con- 
 tinue to come in freely. We still hope the inward flow will not cease. Let 
 our list grow to magnificent proportions. If the trial of the United States 
 rersiis Bennett comes off, it is hoped that the services of Col. Robert G. luger- 
 soll can be secured to defend him, in which case lively times and a full repOTt 
 in these columns may be expected. It is better for us to receive yearly sub- 
 scribers than merely for two months, at 20 cents, and we trust those who have 
 hearts and pockets big enough to afford the paper for a year will not be 
 bashful about doing so. The names, however, are welcome, whether for two 
 months or twelve. 
 
 Again this poor begging obscenity dealer says : 
 
 We wish to send out thousands of copies of the initial number of the new 
 volume. Will not friends send us the names of such persons as they think 
 will like such a paper ? If they feel like sending five cents, or bo, for each 
 party to whom the paper is to be sent, it will help us to bear the expense and 
 pay the postage. Is not a word to the wise suiScient ? and may we not ex- 
 pect a good response from our numerous friends ? 
 
 * Name of his paper, which we purposely omit. 
 
THE FIGHT AGAINST OBSCENE LITEEATUEE. 411 
 
 How urgent is tlie case ! " Oh, that every one would make a 
 determined effort," &c. 
 
 After the petition began to circulate, then the plot gradually- 
 developed. Now for the agent's good name and. character. 
 " "We must silence him. We must prevent the facts within his 
 knowledge from being made public. We must head off these 
 facts by foulest slanders and lies." Well, they planned and 
 plotted. I was called the " great Inquisitor of the Nineteenth 
 Century "—the courts " Inquisitions." I give one chapter of 
 their attack upon me, in full, as follows : 
 
 Incidents in xhb Life and Public Acts of Anthony Comstock. 
 
 BY one who knows HIM. 
 
 This infamous person — ^fit representative of the Y. M. C. A., Secretary and 
 agent for the N. Y. Society for the Suppression of Vice, and special mail agent 
 of the United States Goverument, who is bow imitating the career ■which 
 brought the notorious Jonathan Wild to the gallows more than a century ago, 
 is supposed by the majority of people to be a religious fanatic, but he is in 
 reality a hypocritical fraud, as will be clearly shown in the following brief 
 statement of facts. 
 
 Comstoclc was born and raised in New Britain, Connecticut, where his 
 father, who was postmaster of that place many years ago, came to grief, it is 
 said, for helping himself to other people's money by pilfering from letters in- 
 trusted to his care. If this is true, the hopeful son of a worthy father seems 
 to have come honestly by his disposition to interfere with and intercept other 
 people's mail matter. The worthy son was always known in boyhood as a 
 sneak and an informer, and one who, under the pretence of piety, would 
 do the meanest actions for the sake of a few pennies ; and this trait is now the 
 most prominent one in his character. 
 
 During the late war between the Northern and Southern States, Comstock 
 was acting as sutler's clerk to a Connecticut regiment, ftom which position 
 he was ignominiously expelled in consequence of being caught cheating the 
 soldiers and robbing his employers. At the close of the war he earned a pre- 
 carious living by peddling various articles whose quality and value he Could 
 misrepresent to his unwary customers ; and in the year 1872 we find him in 
 the employ of Messrs. Cochran & McLean, dry goods merchants, 464 Broad- 
 way. This firm, who at first were not aware of the character of Comstock, 
 got rid of him as soon as they discovered what kind of a man he was. 
 
 While in the employ of this firm, Comstock conceived the brilliant idea of 
 distinguishing himself and making fine sums of money by breaking up the 
 trade in obscene literature and possibly monopolizing the business all to him- 
 self. This he readily accomplished through the aid of the Young Men's 
 Christian Association, who indorsed all his propositions and sent him on to 
 
412 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Washington, where, through the instrumentality of the pious hypocrite, 
 Schuyler Colfax, Vice-President, a very stringent law was passed by Con- 
 gress, making it cruniual to use the U. S. mails for any purpose that might be 
 construed to he immoral or indecent. 
 
 Grant, Tvho then occupied the White House, gave his word never to pardon 
 any individual convicted by Comstock, and he never did, although it is well 
 known that any Government thief could get pardoned for stealing by 
 approaching Grant in the right way. [He nevertheless did pardon John A. 
 Lant on the last day of his official term. — Ed. T. S.] 
 
 Having had this law passed, without publicity, by Congress, Comstock set 
 to work laying traps for his victims, who were all ignorant of the passage of 
 any such law until they found themselves behind the prison bars. Comstock 
 boasted in print, through the column of the New York Times, that he had 
 seized over sixty tons of " immorality," in the shape of type, plates, prints, 
 books, pictures, etc., and had captured over one hundred persons engaged in 
 the obscene publication business, " several of whom," says this pious man, 
 " have since died, and their friends call me their murderer ; but be that as it 
 may, I glory in it, for the world is better off without them." Truly a nice 
 sentiment for a professed Christian to utter, and this is but a mild expression 
 in comparison with some that this profane hypocrite has given utterance to 
 since he began to run his religious muck through the States of this Union ; 
 for although he can pray like a saint when in church, he can curse like a 
 sailor when he is out on a carousal. 
 
 Comstock's sole object in this world is to make money. At the present 
 time he owns property at 354 Grand avenue, Brooklyn, and at Squan Beach, 
 New Jersey. He is, or was, in receipt of twenty-five hundred yearly, as post 
 office agent, and liberal donations from the Y. M. C. A., $4,000 for acting as 
 Secretary to the Society for the Suppression of Vice, besides picking up a 
 large amount of money annually in the way of blackmail, and by his share of 
 the profits from his partners who are in the obscene literature business with 
 his connivance. By these nefarious means Comstock has succeeded in realiz- 
 ing a handsome little fortune in fi.ve years, for he was as poor as Job's turkey 
 in 1872. 
 
 I shall now endeavor to give a faithful account of several cases which came 
 under my notice since the advent of this hypocritical upstart. 
 
 DATED MASSBY'S CASE. 
 
 Mr. Massey was a St. Louis merchant, who, having failed in business, came 
 to New York and accepted a clerkship with the firm of Eogers & Co., 737 
 Broadway, New York, in 1872. Comstock sent a decoy letter containing 
 money to the firm, requesting them to send him some obscene pictures. Mr. 
 Massey sent a letter containing some pictures that were not in the least de- 
 gree obscene, but Comstock having a stock on hand, substituted vulgar pic- 
 tures for those which Massey had sent, and then arrested and convicted him 
 of violating the mail laws. Massey was sent to Ludlow street jail for one 
 year with a fine of five hundred dollars. 
 
THE FIGHT AGAINST OBSCENE LITERATUEE. 413 
 
 In this case Comstock had to perjure himself in order to convict Massey. 
 Eogers & Co. , knowing that no mercy or justice would he shown them hy Judge 
 
 Benedict, wisely kept out of the way and gave a power of attorney to Dr. S , 
 
 who endeavored to get the mail matter helonging to them, hut could not suc- 
 ceed, as the Superintendent at Station D told him that the letters (some 
 seven or eight hundred in numher, and containing as many dollars) had heeu 
 sent down to the general Post Office. There the Dr. was informed that the 
 letters had heen sent to the dead letter office at Washington, but this was 
 denied hy Postmaster-General Cresswell. The letters were never recovered, 
 and there is no doubt whatever that they were opened and destroyed, after 
 their contents had heen stolen, by Comstock and his thieving associates. 
 
 Poor Massey made an effort to obtain a pardon by the intercession of his 
 sister with Mrs. Grant, with whom she was a. school girl companion in St. 
 Louis, some thirty years ago, hut her entreaties were disregarded, and she 
 died from the effects of the cruel disgrace which had been cast upon her 
 brother by the mercenary and perjured Comstock. 
 
 There are large numbers of other cases which we will relate in the chapters 
 to follow. 
 
 [To ie continued.'] 
 
 This is written by a scoundrel, whom I caught in the act of per- 
 forming an abortion upon a young woman 17 years of age, and 
 caused to be arrested. He swore at the time he would kill me, 
 and afterwards made an attempt on my life, by coming behind 
 me, as I came out of the Court room, spitting in my face, and 
 then as I turned attempting to split my head open with his cane. 
 As the result he dropped the cane and laid down, and was handed 
 over to an officer. I have almost a duplicate of the above article, 
 in this scoundrel's handvn-iting, which he personally took to an 
 editor to have printed, and hence I say I know who wrote it. This 
 editor brought the matter to me and made affidavit that this man 
 had brought the same to him to get him to publish it. This docu- 
 ment I still have in my possession as proof of what I say. 
 
 This article to me is very amusing, and I never read it over 
 without laughing at the terrible strait to which these criminals 
 are driven, in order to attack me, and the absurdity of attempt- 
 ing to crush an innocent man in the path of duty, by such base 
 and monstrous lies. Now I was not bom in New Britain. My 
 father never was connected with any post office in his life, and 
 never lived in New Britain. 
 
414 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 I will cheei-fully pay $1,000 to any charity that any person can 
 name, who will show I have ever received one dollar outside ol 
 my salary from the Society I represent. I have paid over to our 
 treasury more than $6,000, personal fees, moieties, gifts, etc., dur- 
 ing the past seven years. And I surrendered a good business 
 prospect to do this work, and I have earnestly tried to be true 
 and faithful, to God and man. 
 
 I was neither a sutler's clerk in a Connecticut, nor any other 
 regiment at any time, and no truer. 
 
 I was never a peddler, and the remainder of the story is just 
 as true as what I have already referred to. 
 
 One issue of this man's paper contained some forty or fifty 
 cases of dealers and ex-convicts, where these worst dealers in that 
 which was vilest and most infamous, were lauded and made to 
 appear as martyrs illegally torn from their families, while their 
 families were left to suffer, etc. There was much printer's ink 
 expended in creating sympathy for these bereaved families ; and 
 the law was characterized as cruel and the prosecution heartless, 
 because these miscreants, these moral cancer planters, these worse 
 than ghouls, were legally stopped from scattering their venom 
 among the youth of our land. In order to illustrate the method 
 adopted in each of the convict's cases, which these parties defended 
 as so very correct, and where gross outrages were charged in the 
 enforcement of the laws, I beg the indulgence of the reader while 
 I give the facts in the Massey case above described. 
 
 At the time referred to, there appeared a very broad advertise- 
 ment over the name of SUas Eogers & Co., 737 Broadway. As it 
 was my duty (and pleasure), I investigated this case to discover 
 that, once or twice a day, some unknown person would sneak into 
 the building aforesaid, and creeping up stairs to the top floor, 
 would watch around till no person was looking, and then dart into 
 a vacant room, furnished with — just a tin letter-box on the inside 
 of the door. The door to this room was always locked, and the 
 carrier would drop the letters into the box: through a little hole 
 cut in the door. 
 
 In investigating this case I did it, aa I do in all cases through 
 
THE FIGHT AGAINST OBSCENE LITERATURE. 415 
 
 tlie mails, by cori'espondence. I received their oirctdar adrer- 
 tising obscene things, and I sent money for what they advertised 
 in precisely the manner they invited the public to send. I did 
 business with them exactly as they desired: and in reply to letters 
 I received the most foul and obscene matter from them. A 
 warrant was issued in due form, and accompanied by a marshal 
 I visited this place. We found it as described above. We 
 waited, concealed, until he had gone in and had received his 
 letters, and then we arrested this man Massey. It was the going 
 afterwards to the den of this scoundrel above referred to, whom we 
 were satisfied was the real proprietor of this business, to seize the 
 obscene matter that Rogers & Co. were sending out, that we 
 caught him, committing the heinous offense attributed to the 
 author of this base libel. He is one of the leaders of the " liberals" 
 in this crusade against decency and morality. His imprint is seen 
 in various ways. He was a frequenter of the office of and friend 
 to the ringleader, and from his hand came many of these grossest 
 attacks upon me. 
 
 And what did they defend ? A business that, from its char- 
 acter, was worthy of such base and infamous schemes in its 
 behalf. The men, the scheme, and the nefarious business were 
 well matched. There was a striking affinity, and an appropriate- 
 ness of the union, that helped to make a complete whole. 
 
416 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS. 
 CONSPIEACT CONTINUED. 
 
 The efEect of this cursed business on our youth and society, no 
 pen can describe. It breeds lust. Lust defiles the body, debauches 
 the imagination, corrupts the mind, deadens the will, destroys the 
 memory, sears the conscience, hardens the heart, and damns the 
 soul. It unnerves the arm, and steals away the elastic step. It 
 robs the soul of manly virtues, and imprints upon the mind of 
 the youth, visions that throughout life curse the man or woman. 
 Like a panorama, the imagination seems to keep this hated thing 
 before the mind, until it wears its way deeper and deeper, 
 plunging the victim into practices that he loathes. 
 
 This trafiic has made rakes and libertines in society — skeletons 
 in many a household. The family is polluted, home desecrated, 
 and each generation born into the world is more and more cursed 
 by the inherited weaknesses, the harvest of this seed-sowing of 
 the Evil one. 
 
 And these monsters — these devil-men, or men-devils — caught 
 in this cursed traffic, and prosecuted legally, and legally placed 
 where they cannot longer strike their deadly fangs into the vitals 
 of the youth, are made martyrs of, and the so-called "liberals" of 
 this land rally to their defence ! and, at the beck and call of this 
 band of ex-convicts and co-conspirators, a combined effort is made 
 to repeal these laws ! 
 
 There is a mawkish sympathy for criminals, among even good 
 men, that is all for the prisoner, and nothing for the victim. The 
 burglar who enters the house at night and terrifies helpless women 
 and children, or cripples for life the master of the household, if 
 arrested, is an object of special sympathy. Poor fellow ! to be 
 shut up behind the bars and deprived of his liberty ! The vender 
 of obscene publications, or the keeper of the gambling hell and 
 
OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS. ! .7 
 
 the rum sliop — these fellows who mahe criminals, who bring dis- 
 grace on the family and sufEering on helpless women and children 
 — are especial objects of sympathy; while not a thought is 
 bestowed upon the youth cursed for life, the wife widowed, the 
 child orphaned, the family disgraced, pauperized, and destroyed. 
 My sympathy is for the family of the prisoner, but not to that 
 extent that I am blinded to the lasting curse the prisoner is daily 
 inflicting on other families in the community. 
 
 Let the artist paint a picture, if he can, that shall fully describe 
 the anguish of the parent who wakes up to the knowledge that 
 the beloved child is debauched. 
 
 For instance, what pen or brush can picture the awful sufEering 
 of the father of that once beautiful girl, who recently died in one 
 of the infernal dens in the upper part of our city ? On a bright 
 day she left her home and the quiet village on the eastern end of 
 Long Island, where she lived, ostensibly to visit friends in New 
 York. l!fever a word of suspicion had been raised against her 
 moral character. It is said that she was a favorite in the home, 
 church, and society. As she left her home, she was to her beloved 
 parents a pure, spotless child. Imagine, then, the anguish of the 
 father when, a few days afterward, having been summoned by 
 telegraph, he starts with his wife to go to his daughter's sick-bed, 
 and on the cars, when the l^ew York papers are brought in, the 
 first thing to catch his eyes is the death by malpractice of his 
 beautiful child. He has presence of mind sufficient to throw the 
 paper out of the window, as though he had lost it, so that his wife 
 may not know of it, till he learns if it indeed be true. He then 
 goes up to this abortion den, and there finds all that is left of his 
 lovely child lying in a filthy haU-bedroom, taken there by the son 
 of a respectable family, whose mind had been debauched, and 
 who, after ruining this maiden, failed to marry her, but took her 
 to this place of human butchery. And what a death ! Helpless, 
 alone in a cold, cheerless room, without friends, neglected, bru- 
 tally murdered by a worse than murderess ; for, after inflicting 
 the deadly stab, the victim is tortured by neglect, and left to die 
 in a condition of which the details are too loathsome for publiea- 
 27 
 
418 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 tion. Is It any wonder that tliis helpless maiden, in her last 
 agonies, threw her fair arms about the neck of a godless coroner, 
 and besought him to pray for her ? 
 
 And there is more mawldsh sympathy for the young man who 
 led this fair maiden to her ruin, and for the wretch who tortured 
 her to death, to save them from the just punishment the law in- 
 flicts for these crimes, than for the large circle of friends made 
 to hang their heads in shame ; or for the home worse than deso- 
 late by this terrible event. 
 
 You ask for my sympathy, and talk of mercy for these men, 
 who sow the seeds of such ruin ! First, put these foul creatures 
 legally out of the community, where they can do no more harm 
 to tender youth, and let them repent and turn from their cursed 
 traffic, and give evidences of sorrow and repentance. 
 
 My sympathy is with the children and youth, who are liable to 
 be thus debauched and cursed for life. Away with this sym- 
 pathy for criminals ! Talk of judgment and justice first. We can 
 better afford to support by public charity every friend of each 
 criminal, than allow a single person to go unpunished who offends 
 against these laws. 
 
 Up to the time of this "Liberal" struggle in 1877-78 there 
 had been more than 250 persons arrested, and 20 tons 
 weight of matter had been seized and destroyed. Yet the im- 
 perative demand of these so-called " Liberals " was, these laws 
 must he rejpealed. The campaign was well planned by these 
 enemies to moral purity. The conflict was to be a determined 
 one. It was to be bitter and relentless. It was to be a 
 Gettysburg. Having distributed their 15,000 circulars and 
 blank petitions, the conspirators were all exultation at the 
 ready response of money, and signatures to their petitions, by 
 the infidel and lawless class. These moneys enabled the shrewd 
 editor to enlarge his paper, and send specimen copies of it to 
 persons whom he sought to secure as subscribers. The following 
 win show the progress of their scheme printed in one of the 
 liberal papers, published by the leading conspirators. 
 
 Again -we want to assure our many kind friends that we feel very grateful 
 
OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS. 419 
 
 for their renewed proofs of trust and sympathy, and ■we hope we may ever 
 proye worthy of the confidence so kindly bestowed. We have been using the 
 fUnds that have been sent us in making the best defense that our judgment 
 dictates — ^the sending out of thousands of blank petitions for signatures in 
 all parts of the country. As before remarked, we shall send out nearly 
 20,000, the postage alone on which will be almost $20,0. If these are generally 
 signed and are presented to Congress in bulk, they will have a marked eifect 
 upon that body. We hope our friends will all sign and persuade as many 
 others of their friends to do the same as possible. Let us make a strong and 
 nnifced attack upon the enemy's works. 
 
 Friends, again we thank you, and please be not offended because we cannot 
 take the time to write separately to all, acknowledging your kindness. 
 
 In anotter issue lie publishes the following lie : 
 
 When Dr. Foote was in trouble, it pleased the good Comstockto occasionally 
 insert a notice in our dailies beginning "An Abortionist Thwarted," etc. It 
 is hardly presumable that a really good and honorable man would stoop to 
 the mean and villainous conduct of basely traducing an unfortunate man he 
 had already grossly injured. 
 
 Neither in this or any other ease, has such a thing been done. 
 But the bigger the lie the better it pleased this slanderer. He 
 then continues: 
 
 Advertising us as a free lover was oontemptably mean. From the time Corn- 
 stock was a small boy we have lived faithfully with the wife of our bosom, anil 
 we have never, either in public or in private, advocated the doctrines of free 
 love. But Mr. Comstock, after pouncing upon his victim, goes to work to 
 blacken his good name so that the public will condemn him eveu before be has 
 a trial, and that a conviction may be easy. 
 
 The correspondence of this man which was afterwards print- 
 ed by a so-called " Liberal " paper shows, beyond a question, that 
 he was corrupted and led from his boasted path of virtue, by the 
 book he afterwards was sentenced to 13 months imprisonment for 
 sending through the mails. He attempted to put in practice the 
 very theories, doctrines and precepts of this book, and that, too, 
 in letters so gross, sent to a young lady, who was strong, pure 
 and brave enough to repel his bestial advances, that they could 
 not be printed even in zja infidel paper. 
 
 Query : If this blatant infidel and blasphemer of all that is 
 pure and holy, could be corrupted and made disloyal to the one 
 to whom he professed to have been true up to 1877, what shall 
 
420 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 be said when it is known that the author of this nastiness, before 
 he was sent to State's Prison for sending it through the mails, 
 advertised for " boy and girl " agents to sell this book, proclaim- 
 ing that " women were most successful." 
 
 The one-thousandth part of the facts have never been published 
 of the tricks and devices to deceive the pubKc, and create preju- 
 dice against the officer who enforced these laws. No stronger 
 argument can be presented against the book, or in defence of my 
 acts, than the fact that this book was so gross and insidious as to 
 corrupt and debauch (if possible) the mind of this individual, and 
 to lead him to attempt the ruin of a fair young woman. Heaven 
 save our children and youth from such hellish influences. 
 Though I stand alone, let me stand for the moi-al purity of our 
 children — ^but let no man stand in his own strength, but alone in 
 the strength and by the grace of that Infinite one, this man and 
 his followers revile and blaspheme. I have trusted in and 
 prayed thus far to Him, and for seven years He has never once 
 deserted me ; but in the very midst and presence of these most 
 monstrous slanders, and in the face of the blackest revilings of 
 the basest men, my reputation has been preserved, and friends 
 have continued to be raised up for the cause and for myself. 
 Conscious of my integrity, I will not down for the venom of the 
 scoffer or slanderer. 
 
 In addition to the above, several books and pamphlets were 
 also published, all of the most libelous character, wherein every 
 act was distorted and misrepresented ; statements made that were 
 utterly false ; incidents reported as occurring that never occurred ; 
 words quoted as having been spoken that were never uttered ; 
 indeed every possible thing done, to break down the word, char- 
 acter, and standing of the man who had dared stand for the 
 moral purity of the young against the operation of those these 
 conspirators defended. 
 
 Tee eepeal of these laws was sought in the inteeest of 
 the dealees est obscene mattee. 
 
 The foul business was defended for itself and nothing else. As 
 t/iere never had ieen a man arrested under these laws, except for 
 
OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS. 421 
 
 sending obscene and immoral articles or advertisements of the 
 same through 'the mails, tJiere was hut one reason why tJiese laws 
 should he repealed, and that was, because it interfered with their 
 infamous traffic, and prevented these scoundrels from using the 
 m/iils of the United States for their base purposes. 
 
 But they were cunning and shrewd. They well knew that no 
 decent person would defend them if the facts were known. They 
 therefore dealt in falsehood and misrepresentation. Facts were 
 suppressed. 
 
 THE PETmON OF 70,000 NAMES. 
 
 By thus each week, printing and circulating their gross state- 
 ments, they succeeded in securing as they claimed 70,000 names 
 to the petition to Congress to repeal the laws. This petition was 
 ■arranged on an immense reel, and the different papers pasted 
 together. It was conveyed to Washington, and in February, 
 1878, introduced by General Butler, to the House of Eepresenta^ 
 tives, and referred to the Committee on the Revision of Laws. 
 
 AN ASSOCIATED PEES8 DISPATCH 
 
 was sent over the country announcing "that 70,000 Freemen, 
 headed by Col. Kobt. Gr. IngersoU, had petitioned Congress to 
 repeal the laws known as the ' Comstock ' Law, on account of its 
 unconstitutionality and the outrages committed under it by 
 Anthony Comstock." 
 
 A National Defence Society was started with an ex-convict 
 president, to defend dealers in obscene publications ; and sub- 
 scriptions were solicited. 
 
 New appeals were made for funds to work with, which was in 
 fact to publish Infidel works by the co-conspirators, and, in 
 addition, print attacks upon the agent who enforced these laws. 
 
 While this petition was slumbering before the committee, the 
 most diabolical thing was done by these conspirators (and the 
 contributors may be able to see where some of their money went). 
 A foul book, called 
 
422 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 "ANTHONY COMSTOCK: HIS CAEEEB OF CETJELTY AND CEIMES, 
 
 was published. This matter first appeared in the Infidel paper, 
 and was distributed free, and afterward was bound up in book 
 form, and advertised, a sample chapter of which we have already- 
 given. 
 
 Query : "Were these publications and advertisements legitimate 
 expenses in Bennett's defence before the Court, and did the 
 " Liberal " contributors pay for the same ? Were their contribu- 
 tions expended in- this manner ? "Who got the profit on the books 
 and papers sold ? 
 
 At last after six weeks of lobbying, the matter was brought up 
 before the committee in the House of Eepresentatives. The in- 
 fidel, the free-lover, the smut-dealer, and the friends of nastiness 
 were out in full force. 
 
 The first warning I received, was from the following Press 
 Dispatch, the last week in March, 1879. 
 
 [N. Y. Times.] 
 J. B. Wolff, of New York, appeared before the Committee on Eevision of the 
 Laws to-day ou behalf of the 50,000 signers to the petition presented a few 
 days ago by Representative Butler, protesting against what is known aa the 
 Comstock law. He held that all such laws are unconstitutional, an InYasion 
 of persona] and State rights, dangerous and subversive of society itself; that 
 Congress has no power over the moral quality of mail matter ; that all ques- 
 tions of common morality and crime belong to the States, except those ex- 
 pressly prohibited in express terms ; that the law itself is ambiguous, and 
 dangerous in the hands of such men as Comstock ; and that the whole nation 
 is responsible for every falsehood told and injustice done under this law ; and 
 thus, by the infamous methods of Comstock and his confreres, wholesale crime 
 is committed to punish a few harmless enthusiasts, or a few hardened crimi- 
 nals. He massed all the facts bearing on the subject. State and National, to 
 show the progress already made towards a censorship of the press, and a prac- 
 tical union of Church and State, and the danger of placing it in the power of 
 any man, or set of men, to say what is indecent or immoral in mail matter. 
 
 The following day I visited Washington, to discover that the 
 committee met each Wednesday, and that the next week this 
 matter would then come up again. These repealers knew well I 
 would be present. They had secured the assistance of the Press, 
 and had found many representatives of respectable papers ready 
 to do their bidding. 
 
OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS. 423 
 
 The most important thing for them, in order to insure the 
 success of their cause, was to so blacken " Comstock," that he 
 would not be believed. 
 
 It would never do to have the facts, which he would doubtless 
 present, brought before the committee. Therefore, as he was 
 bound to appear and oppose their efforts, he must be made in- 
 famous. So they reasoned and planned, so they attempted to 
 execute. But " man proposes and God disposes." The God they 
 blasphemed I prayed to ; the Sovereign they cursed I revered and 
 sought to honor ; the Almighty one they distrusted was the centre 
 of my hope, my trust, my all. Their efforts had the effect of 
 temporarily making lukewarm and distant many whom I had 
 counted as friends. Many who were friendly to the cause had 
 not moral courage to stand by or for the reviled agent. No, the 
 things in public print were too infamous. The 70,000 petitions,, 
 the movement at Washington, and the tone of the Press all were 
 against me. 
 
 These obscenity-mongers and repealers, now brought out their 
 heaviest artillery — their Columbiads. Heretofore they had used 
 small field pieces compared to what was in waiting when once the 
 matter was publicly before 
 
 A CONGEESSIONAL COMMITTEE. 
 
 As I have said, knowing that unless prevented I would surely go 
 before that Committee with facts, these repealers had their plans 
 laid ; and knowing (some of them at least) that plots to put me 
 out of the way had failed, as I had, but a short time previous, 
 taken one of the men who was to assault, and run a knife into 
 me, while alone with me in my office, 
 
 A PEISONEE WTTH MT EEVOLVEE, 
 
 and had locked him up : and that I had been on to Washington 
 and ascertained when the matter was to come up again, they then 
 disclosed the balance of their plot, and fired the heaviest gun 
 tliey had. This, their " swamp angel," was expected to effectually 
 demolish me, and blow me to atoms by the prejudices it would 
 
424 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 arouse against me, and the infamy it would attach to my good 
 name and reputation. 
 
 This consisted in the following dispatch, sent all over the 
 country by Associate Press, and published by the Washington 
 Post: 
 
 ANTHONY COMSTOCK IN TEOTIBia!. 
 
 Antbony Comstock, who claims to T)e Special Agent of the Post Office De- 
 partment for the Suppression of Vice, etc., is being made a martyr of in five 
 cities to the tune of eleven indictments by the Grand Juries, one United 
 States District Attorney alone having fifteen separate and distinct counts in 
 one indictment for violation of the Postal Laws and Acts of Congress. It is 
 alleged that Comstock opened too many letters for the good of the public ser- 
 vice, and got caught in his own trap set for others. Only think of Madame 
 Eestell of New York and Anthony in the same Sing Sing at the same time. 
 
 It seems folly for me to say that the whole thing is without a 
 scintiUa of truth. Yet, the record would be incomplete without 
 it. There never has ieen an indictment against me in any 
 Cov/rt. 
 
 BEFOEB THE COMMITTEE. 
 
 In the face of all this, by the grace of God, I visited Washing- 
 ton, and went before the Committee the next Wednesday. 
 Everything looked black. I was alone. As I strolled through 
 the vestibule and rotunda of the Capitol, the Senate Chamber, 
 and Kepresentatives Hall, I found on each Congressman's desk 
 a copy of the vile paper, of which eight pages were devoted to a 
 pretended account of the " Life and Crimes of Anthony Com- 
 stock." These papers were scattered everywhere. The Commit- 
 tee room was filled with them. As I entered the Committee room, 
 I found it crowded with the long-haired men and short-haired 
 women, there to defend, obscene publications, abortion imple- 
 ments, and other incentives to crime, by repealing the laws. I 
 heard their hiss and curse as I passed through them. I saw their 
 sneers and their looks of derision and contempt. But one man, 
 he a member of this Committee, in aU that audience, had the 
 moral courage to rise up and in the face of this tremendous op- 
 position speak to me, and greet me pleasantly. It was a brave act, 
 and I shall always honor the memory of Hon. Rush Claek of 
 
OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS. 425 
 
 Iowa, for daring to speak a kind word to me in the darkest hour 
 of my experience. 
 
 It was not the blackening of my reputation that weighed me 
 down, so much as the possibility that one of the most righteous 
 laws ever enacted should be repealed or changed. This law is a 
 barrier between the youth and moral death, between the home 
 circle and shame, between the best institutions of learning in the 
 land and disgrace, between the souls of our children and the 
 most subtle enemy we have to deal with. I knew of the horrors 
 that had been scattered broadcast over the land, through the 
 maUs, and that would again flood the country, if this law was 
 repealed. 
 
 Whatever all the world besides might do, there was but one 
 thing for me to do, as a man and a Christian. I must stand firm. 
 There was but one safe path for me, and that was the path of 
 duty. In that supreme moment of trial, one thought comforted 
 me, " He is able, He is willing." " My grace is sufficient." 
 These blessed thoughts cheered me. They strengthened my 
 faith. In the midst of it all I was comforted and sustained. 
 
 One of the Eepealers announced to the Committee that I was 
 present, and that as he supposed I would have something to say, 
 he would like to have me speak before he did. I submitted, the 
 fairness of their side being allowed to close first, as I was the 
 only one to speak on behalf of the law, especially as they had al- 
 ready occupied one day, and besides there were several speakers 
 on their side. 
 
 The Committee decided in my favor, and Alfred Giles, who 
 had itif ormed me that one Heywood, the leading free-lover, and 
 an ex-convict (of sending obscene matter through the mails), had 
 telegraphed for him while he was South, and that he came there 
 to represent him, took the floor first. He therefore attempted to 
 defend this ex-convict's book. 
 
 I replied to him, when I spoke, by reading extracts from this 
 book, untn one of the Committee stopped me, and asked him if 
 that was the book he referred to in his remarks ? and when Giles, 
 evidently supposing he had a point in his favor, exultingly 
 
426 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 answered in the affirmative, I was informed that they had heard 
 enough, with more than an intimation that the sentence was ]ust 
 in this man's chent's case. Giles's whole plea may be summed 
 up, as is the character of the hook, free lust. 
 But next came a 
 
 PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDENT 
 
 named E. B. Foote, jr., from the city of ]S"ew Tork, the son of a 
 man convicted under these very laws. He was a young man, and 
 if he lives long enough and improves his opportunities, he may 
 learn wisdom. He showed sadly a lack, and also an utter disre- 
 gard for the truth in what he said before the Committee. He 
 said in substance as follows : 
 
 I am a physiological student. I am here to represent the physiological side 
 of this subject. This law is no good, there has never been any good accom- 
 Xilished under it. There have been great outrages committed. I know of a 
 reputable physician in the city of New York, who was convicted for sending 
 a purely medical work through the mail. I know the men who are back of 
 this business and who back this man Comstoct ; they are fanatics and bigots. 
 I am a graduate of one of the medical colleges, and I know these men well. 
 I have seen their names to papers presented to the Legislature of our State, 
 where I have had occasion to go to have the laws changed that they helped 
 pass. 
 
 Others spoke besides these two, and all dealt in the most bitter 
 personalities against me, feelings doubtless, assured that no person 
 would listen to me after what had been said and done. 
 
 At last the suspense is over, the time came for me to speak. I 
 had but one simple duty. Every interest paled before that, *. e. 
 To show the Committee reasons why the law should not le 
 changed. 
 
 I commenced by calling upon the " physiological student " to 
 witness that what he had said " about no good being done," was 
 untrue ; that the first thing accomplished after the signing of the 
 law in 1873 by President Grant, was to oblige his father, Mr. E. 
 B. Foote, of Lexington ave., to suppress several thousands of 
 circulars, advertisements, and books that he was sending through 
 the mails. That the reputable physician who he said had been 
 
OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS. 427 
 
 unjustly convicted for sending " a purely medical work," etc., 
 was Ms own father, who was convicted not for sending a medical 
 work, but advertisements of an infamous article — an incentive to 
 crime to young girls and women, and that his own clerks testified 
 that the nefarious business was conducted in connection with cer- 
 tain other things they advertised — that the contraband goods 
 were in violation of the laws of the State of New York as well, 
 and that consequently they stored the goods at South Norwalk, 
 Conn., where twice a month a confidential clerk went and filled 
 orders by express ; that E. B. Foote received |4.75 out of every 
 $5.00 received through the mails for this infernal article. 
 
 The bigots and fanatics he referred to, I showed to be the most 
 eminent physicians in New York city and Brooklyn, who had 
 protested against any change in our laws in the interest of this 
 crew. I then showed from the advertisements I there had, the 
 physiological side of the question, which this " physiological stu- 
 dent", said he was there to represent, to be articles for mal- 
 practice, and other infamous things sold in connection with 
 obscene publications, leading the youth to speedy and positive 
 ruin. 
 
 I then presented facts why the laws should not be changed. 
 I showed how catalogues of schools are collected for the sake of 
 children's names and addresses ; how different devices are i-esorted 
 to, to collect the names of our youth in order to send secretly by 
 mail to them, the most demoraUziag articles, giving details and 
 sad instances coming within my own knowledge, where many 
 youth of both sexes have been ruined. 
 
 I then came to the exposure of the great fraud which had been 
 perpetrated in the collecting of the names to this "Liberal" 
 petition. I took out a copy of the circular printed in this chap- 
 ter, and gave a synopsis of its contents, reading the names of the 
 signers thereto. I then read the endorsements which had been 
 placed on the back of one of these circulars, samples of which we 
 print below, as showing the forgery resorted to in order to have 
 the benefit of reputable names to their disreputable scheme. 
 Some of the names signed were of persons whom I had arrested. 
 
428 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 I have not been to such. I wonld not have their recantation. 
 Mr. Jewett I did not visit at all, as he was then employed by E. 
 B. Foote, and as Mr. Foote has arrayed himself with his brother 
 ex-convicts to repeal these laws, T felt it beneath me to go to him 
 or any of his employees. 
 
 Before I had called upon the first named they had published 
 the following : 
 
 UNAUTHORIZED, AND A FORGERY. 
 
 [New York Triljune, Dec. 29th, 1877.] 
 
 The public are respectfully iDformed that the use of our name in connection 
 ■with a circular petition, issued by one D. M. Bennett, is wholly unauthorized. 
 
 It is a matter of regret that our laws provide no suitable penalty for offences 
 of this kind. (Signed) McKesson & Eobbins, 
 
 Wholesale Druggists, 91 Fulton st., New York City. 
 
 Dec. 17th, 1877. 
 
 The use of the name of the New York News Co. on this circular is entirely 
 unauthorized, and we pronounce same a forgery. 
 
 The New York News Company, 
 
 (Signed) J. W. Ehoudbs, Treasurer. 
 
 Dec. 21st, 1877. 
 
 The use of the name of Crocker & Colyer was used in this circular unauthor- 
 ized by us. (Signed) Crocker & Colyer. 
 
 We, the undersigned, never read the above until printed. Mr. Bennett said 
 to us he was getting up a circular, and would we sign it ? We answered we 
 would sign anything reasonable, and that is all that ever passed between us 
 on the subject. The matter in it is quite different from what we expected, 
 and we disclaim any part or participation in it. 
 
 (Signed) Wood & Holbkook. 
 
 We, the undersigned, never gave our permission to Mr. Bennett to use our 
 name in connection with this petition. (Signed) 
 
 Warren Barnes & Co., 69 Duane st. 
 
OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS. 429 
 
 Jan. 3d, 1878. 
 Mr. Bennett used my name without consulting me, saying to me afterward, 
 that lie presumed I would not be offended. (Signed) 
 
 A. L. Eawson, 34 Bond st. 
 
 Jan. 3d. 
 
 The use of my name at the TDottom of the accompanying circular is entirely 
 unauthorized by me. (Signed) J. W. BouTON. 
 
 I then said to the Committee as I say to the world, " I have 
 sought faithftdly to do my duty. I have been zealous and 
 earnest, and expect to be in the future, to keep a legal barrier 
 between this cursed business which debauches and destroys the 
 youth, and the children in our schools, colleges, and homes. / 
 chaUenge the closest scrutiny into aU my official acts. I am ready 
 to meet any charge, from any person, of any act unbecoming a 
 faithful officer; and if any member of this Committee has a 
 suspicion that I have done any improper act, I ask them to make 
 a most searching investigation, and do it in the most public 
 manner." 
 
 The above in substance, was my reply to the slanders of these 
 repeal conspirators. 
 
 "When I was through, several of these men wanted to speak 
 again. 
 
 One venerable member of this Committee moved that "the 
 debate now close." 
 
 This was one whom I thought was seriously opposed to me, as 
 during all my speech never once did he look up into my face, 
 but sat there perfectly stolid. 
 
 As these repealers urged to be allowed to speak, this old Judge 
 says, " "We've heard enough ; I move the debate close and the 
 room be cleared." It was so ordered. 
 
 Then came the complete rout of the enemy ; then came the 
 answer to prayer ; then came vindication ; then came light and 
 joy; then came a perfect victory; then came positive proof 
 that it is better to trust God, than put confidence in men— better 
 to walk alone with Him than go with the multitude ; and as I 
 
430 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 went out of the door, the last to go out, I heard the following 
 unanimously carried : 
 
 " I move you that we report unanimously against any repeal or 
 change whatever." 
 
 KEPOET OF COMMirTEE. 
 
 The following is the report of this Committee to the House of 
 Kepresentatives, May 1, 1878 : 
 
 The Committee on tlie Eevision of the Laws, to whom -was referred the peti- 
 tion of Robert G. Ingersoli and others, praying for the repeal or modification 
 of sections 1785, 3878, 3893, 5389, and 2491 of the Revised Statutes, have had 
 the same under consideration, and have heard the petitioners at length. 
 
 In the opinion of your Committee, the post-office was not established to 
 carry instruments of vice, or obscene writings, indecent pictures, or lewd 
 books. 
 
 Your Committee believe that the statutes in question do not ■violate the 
 Constitution of the United States, and ought not to be changed ; they recom- 
 mend, therefore, that the prayer of the said petition be denied. 
 
 No other person appeared before this Committee in behalf of 
 this law save Mr. Samuel Colgate, of New York. He went on at 
 his own expense, and voluntarily went before this Committee. 
 
 After this report had been made by the Committee and printed 
 in the records of the House, the following dispatch was sent out 
 by the associated press, and published in many of the daily 
 papers. Could anything be more unfair or unjust ? 
 
 [Tribune, June 1, 1878.] 
 
 IMMOKAL LITBRATURE IN THE MAILS. 
 
 The House Committee on the Eevision of the Laws, in resjronse to the peti- 
 tion of Robert G. Ingersoli and others, has reported favorably a bill to repeal 
 that section of the Revised Statutes which relates to the sending of obscene 
 literature through the mails. This is the law commonly known as the Anthony 
 Comstock Law, and the section under which alone he obtains the exceptional 
 powers which he exercises. The Committee have been induced to favor the 
 repeal of this bill on the grounds that it is unconstitutional, and that in many 
 instances it has been executed in a tyrannical and unjust manner. 
 
OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS. 431 
 
 [Commercial Advertiser.] 
 
 The Honse Committee ou the Eevision of the Laws has favorably reported 
 the bill to repeal that section of the Revised Statutes vrhich gives Mr. Anthonj 
 Comstock the extraordiaary powers he has over the mails. It is supposed 
 that this action vfiW be the signal for an attack on the Committee. It caunot 
 be denied, however, that Mr. Comstook's privileges should be abridged. 
 
 Pray, what are his privileges ? To enforce these laws accord- 
 ing to law, and in a legal manner — simply this and nothing more. 
 
 [N. H. Herald, Jime 4, 1878.] 
 
 The United States Supreme Court has recently rendered a decision which 
 will effectually check Mr. Anthony Comstock from searching the United States 
 mail hereafter, unless he is able to swear to the objects to be seized. Mr. 
 Comstock has certainly done most commendable work in the past, but the 
 power he assumed over the United States mail was as unwarranted as it was 
 extraordinary. 
 
 The above is a fair comment on the charges that liad been 
 made by the defenders of obscenity, but as no power ever existed 
 to search the mails as above implied, and as I never have assumed 
 any such right or power, it makes this article harsh and unfair. 
 I have never known a single instance in seven years' connection 
 with the P. O. Dept. where a letter not belonging strictly to 
 myself has ever been interfered with — all other charges and 
 insinuations to the contrary. 
 
 So strong was the feeling created by these conspirators against 
 me, that some papers would not correct this error, even when so 
 requested. 
 
 This law still stands, and is in full force, notwithstanding that 
 after this. Col. Eob. G. IngersoU made efforts in the Senate to 
 revive the matter there, and repeal or change it. This has been 
 denied. 
 
 But this is true. A petition demanding the repeal or change 
 of this law, bearing the names of Kobert G. IngersoU and others, 
 was presented to the U. S. Senate, and referred to the Judiciary 
 Committee. I personally went before this Committee, and both 
 the chairman and clerk informed me that Col. Kobert G. Inger- 
 soU had been or sent personally, to have a time fixed when he 
 could be heard on behalf of the petitioners, and it was arranged 
 
433 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 the very day of this grand triumph in the House Committee, that 
 I should be notified when Ingersoll was to be before the Senate 
 Committee, so I could be present also. Eut the defeat in the 
 House was so complete, that the matter was not brought up after- 
 wards, and no action was taken. 
 
 , THE LAW. 
 
 One word about the law. It prohibits obscene matter and 
 articles of indecent and immoral use, from going through the 
 mails, and punishes the person who deposits any of these things 
 for mailing and delivery. 
 
 The question of obscenity, is one that has been defined, and a 
 legal rule established under the common law, by the highest 
 courts in the United States and England, and was so laid down 
 and established long before this law was passed. The United 
 States Supreme Court has declared the absolute right of Congress 
 to pass these laws. 
 
 Now nothing remains but to legally enforce them, and because 
 that has been done, these men are mad. 
 
 As one grand result of enforcing these and the laws against 
 swindling, more than 24 tons of unlawful and contraband matter 
 has been seized, and nearly 450 persons have been arrested ; and 
 these are the reasons why these fi-iends of nastiness are hot 
 happy. They refuse to be comforted so long as I insist upon dis- 
 charging my duty according to the dictates of my conscience, 
 under my oath of office, and pei'sist in enforcing these laws in a 
 legal manner. 
 
 Here, however, the loss and gain have changed, and what is 
 their loss, is the infinite gain of the community. 
 
 One thing it is safe to count on. By the grace of God, these 
 laws are more than an unknown factor, — they are an active, 
 known element and force against the reeking nastiness of the men, 
 who delight to violate them, and who joy in thus defending their 
 nefarious traffic, and assailing these righteous laws. They must 
 and shall he enforced. It is a crime not to make them effective 
 for good, and defend them wJien assailed. 
 
OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS. 433 
 
 The lot of the man who shall thus enforce them, or prevent 
 their repeal, is to be vilified, maligned, assaulted, misrepresented, , 
 and lied about. 
 
 His reputation shall be torn into shreds ; his footsteps dogged 
 by the skulking assassin ; his office and home poisoned bj the 
 virus of disease thrust upon him ; and his life put in jeopardy. 
 
 These are trifles, if a faithfiil doing of each day's duty se- 
 cures pure men and women for the future generation by keep- 
 ing clean and sweet the youth of to-day ; or if, on the other 
 side of the dark river, some soul shall be foimd who was saved 
 from the foul debauchery of this devil seed-sowing, there wiU 
 be ample reward for all it costs to keep this barrier raised be- 
 tween this nefarious business and the minds, bodies and souls 
 of our youth. 
 
 Each week brings new complaints from some parent or teacher 
 where the footprints of this curse have been discovered. Eternal 
 vigilance is the price of moral purity. Parents and teachers 
 need to watch and sacredly guard the young ; ministers of the 
 Gospel should more earnestly preach the "Word of light and life ; 
 while all good citizens should see that perfect laws are enacted 
 in every State, and then rigidly enforced. ITo man can com- 
 pute the harm one obscene book will do a community. Who 
 then will declare the force for evil in 24 tons, or hundreds of 
 thousands of these debauching influences ? 
 
 There are those who cry, " there is no danger," but I am not 
 of that number. There is great darvger. This evil is found 
 everywhere. Like the plagues of Egypt it has crept up into 
 our homes ; the mails were formerly literally loaded down with 
 these devil-traps for the young. 
 
 Without any boasting we can say that much has been done. 
 But much remains to do. We want a healthy public sentiment. 
 Shop-windows and news-stands need purifying, so that our child- 
 ren can pass them without having their minds defiled by what the 
 eye rests upon, in the rakings of the news scavenger who sweeps 
 the sinks of crime, to get a subject for a sensational article. 
 Some of the weekly papers seem to run a muck rake through the 
 28 
 
434 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 slums of crime, in order to fill tlieir columns with foul stories, 
 and illustrations of sickening details of scenes, that should be 
 kept from the knowledge of every boy and girl in the land. 
 
 We ought, in this enlightened country, to have enough of de- 
 cency and moral courage to protect our youth from these con- 
 taminating influences, and enough Christianity to protect and 
 sustain any organization engaging in such a noble crusade against ' 
 the powers of darkness as has been waged by the officers and 
 members of the New York Society for the Suppression of Yice. 
 There ought to be enough honesty and fairness to protect a man, 
 engaged in suppressing this monster evil, from being branded as 
 a criminal, and maligned by insinuations and base charges, in 
 reputable papers. No man outside of a very limited circle knows 
 of the faithful and heroic conduct of the officers of the Society 
 that has dared to confront this evil. Leave me entirely out of 
 the question, but bestow all praise upon the business men who 
 year after year have stood firmly by this work, in the midst of 
 obloquy, slurs and abuse. The list of officers that have served 
 since the charter of this Society was granted in 1873, is a list of 
 names of brave, noble men ; and with great deference I pay a 
 grateful tribute to their fidelity, their uniform kind and patient 
 treatment, and their wise counsel. 
 
 There are others who have shared none of the official duties, 
 but who, from the earliest inception of this work, have been 
 ever kind and true to me — men who have trusted me, and I 
 would cut off my right hand before I would knowingly do a 
 single act to abuse the uniform trust and confidence which they 
 have always shown me. I may be pardoned, if in this con- 
 nection I present the names of the present officers of the New 
 York Society for the Suppression of Yice. 
 
 President — Samtjei, Colgate, Esq. 
 
 Vice Pres'ls—kLEB.TSD S. Barnes, Esq., William E. Dodge, Jr., John Paton. 
 Treasurer — Kilian Van Eenssalaer. 
 
 Executive Committee— J . M. Cornell (Chairman), William F. Leb, Z. Sttles 
 Ely, George Brown, Thomas Dennx, Kilian Van Eenssalaer, Sidney 
 _E. .Morse. 
 
OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 435 
 
 What have these gentlemen braved the odium of misrepre- 
 sentation and public abuse, to accomplish ? 
 
 Let the foUowiug answer this interrogative : 
 
 TABULAR VIEW OF RESULTS. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 TOTAL TO 1880. 
 
 Persons arrested in U. S. Courts 
 
 " " State Courts 
 
 Discharged by Committing Magistrates 
 
 " " Juries 
 
 Convicted or plead guilty 
 
 Sentenced 
 
 Prisoners absconded 
 
 " re-arrested 
 
 Disagreement by Juries 
 
 Convicted on second trial 
 
 Bail bonds forfeited 
 
 Years of imprisonment imposed 
 
 Amount of fines imposed 
 
 Convicts pardoned 
 
 STOCK CONEISCATBD. 
 
 Boois and sheet stock seized and destroyed 
 
 Obscene Pictures and Photo's 
 
 Microscopic Pictures for Charms, Knives, etc 
 
 Negative Plates for making Obscene Photographs 
 
 Engraved Steel and Copper Plates 
 
 Wood Cuts and Electro-plates 
 
 Stereotype Plates for piinting Books, etc 
 
 Number of different Books 
 
 Lithographic Stones destroyed 
 
 Articles for immoral use, of rubber, etc 
 
 Lead Moulds for making Obscene Matter 
 
 Establishments for making same closed 
 
 Indecent Playing Cards destroyed 
 
 Boxes of Pills, Powders, etc., used by Abortionists 
 
 Circulars, Catalogues, Songs, Poems, etc 
 
 Newspapers containing unlawful Advertisements or Obscene 
 
 Matter 
 
 Open letters seized in possession of persons arrested 
 
 Names of Dealers, as revealed by Account Books of Publishers 
 
 Obscene Pictures, framed on walls of Saloons 
 
 Figures and Images seized and destroyed 
 
 Letters, Packages, etc., seized in hands of Dealers, ready for. 
 
 mailing at the time of arrest 
 
 Names and P. O. addresses to whom Circulars, etc., may be 
 
 sent, that are sold as matters of Merchandise, seized in 
 
 hands of persons arrested 
 
 Obscene Plays stopped, or places of Amusement closed 
 
 Miles travelled by Agent outside N. Y. City 
 
 205 
 
 203 
 
 20 
 
 8 
 
 200 
 
 180 
 
 9 
 
 16 
 
 12 
 
 5 
 
 $38,000 
 
 yrs. mos. days. 
 
 146 23 
 
 $51,300 
 
 17 
 
 24,225 lbs. 
 
 202,679 " 
 
 7,400 
 
 1,700 
 
 352 
 
 536 
 
 14,420 lbs. 
 
 165 
 
 50 
 
 64,094 
 
 700 lbs. 
 
 5 
 
 6,072 
 
 4,185 
 
 1,316,088 
 
 22,354 
 
 70,280 
 
 6,000 
 
 26 
 
 565 
 
 3,421 
 
 901,125 
 
 4 
 
 139,675 
 
436 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 To the above may be added, the suppression of a great num- 
 ber of advertisements that formerly filled the columns of a large 
 class of newspapers. The streets of New York have been cleared 
 of venders of indecent images, and sellers of pamphlet obscenity. 
 Shop windows have been purged until it is partly possible to pass 
 down Nassau and Ann streets, and up the Bowery without being 
 outraged in mind by lewd pictures that formerly flaunted them- 
 selves to public gaze. 
 
 Confectionery stores have paid respect to an aroused public 
 sentiment, and indecencies that once stared the children in the 
 face now no longer exist. Where 165 grossly obscene books were 
 pubhshed, plates for printing and illustrating 163 of these books 
 have been seized, and the other two voluntarily suppressed by the 
 owner thereof. We call especial attention to the following ex- 
 tracts from their 
 
 SIXTH ANNUAL KEPOKT. 
 
 In presenting tlieir Sixtli Annual Eeport to ttis Society, the Board of Man- 
 agers -would first make grateful acknowledgment to AlmigMy God for the 
 hlessings of the past year. His favor has followed the elCforts of this Society 
 in a marked degree ; and new fields of usefulness and hroader opportunities 
 for good have continued to open before us, while each new effort has heen 
 crowned with success. 
 
 Public sentiment has changed wonderfully in the interests of our work. 
 Publications that were sold openly, especially certain hooks and papers for 
 boys and girls, have had to retreat before public indignation, while indecent 
 shows with their foul posters in various cities have been suppressed by the 
 arousing and quickening of public conscience. 
 
 This Society has, during the past year, sought, through its Secretary, to 
 reach centres of influence throughout the land. Public meetings have been 
 held, and facts presented which have effected great good in repressing the 
 wide spread evil of criminal and indecent publications. Eegarding clergymen 
 especially, as centres of influence, every opportunity was seized to place facts 
 before them. Our Agent addressed a large and representative meeting at 
 Saratoga of the delegates to the " General Assembly of tbe Presbyterian 
 Church " May 17, at which the following resolution was passed : 
 
 " That we recognize the great importance of the work of the Society for the 
 Suppression of Vice, in its efforts, through the faithful execution of existing 
 laws, to suppress publications designed to corrupt and degrade the youth; 
 and that we rejoice in the successes thereby accomplished by Agencies of this 
 Society." 
 
 He also addressed the Conference of the Methodist Church at Swanton, Vt. 
 
OBSCENE PXJBLICATIONS. 437 
 
 Each of these meetings ■was marked hy a most profound interest, and resolu- 
 tions of thanks to the speaker -were unanimously passed. 
 
 Public addresses on " Evil Eeadiug, a source of Vice and Crime " have also 
 been made during the year at Middleboro and Boston, Mass ; Providence, E. 
 I. ; Clear Lake Camp Meetings, Iowa ; Thousand Island Park, in the St. Law- 
 rence ; Rochester, Syracuse, Keeseville, Buffalo, Brooklyn, and Ellenville, N. 
 Y.; St. Louis, Mo.; Cincinnati aud Toledo, O. ; Detroit, Mich., and other 
 places. As results of these meetings, new laws hax e been passed in Massachu- 
 setts and Connecticut by thoir Legislatures'; also City ordinances in Eock 
 Island, Cleveland and Wairen, O., and efforts have been made in favor of 
 ordinances in other places. 
 
 boys' papers. 
 
 The Board are deeply impressed with the importance of guarding the youth- 
 ful mind from the debasing influence of what are called Boys' Papers. Facts 
 that have come to our knowledge force us to do all that lies within our power 
 to check this growing evil. 
 
 We call special attention to a few illustrations of the influence of the Boys' 
 and Girls' papers of to-day. We dwell upon this subject because of the little 
 care paid to it by parent or teacher, and because of their demoralizing influ- 
 ence upon the young mind. 
 
 These papers are sold everywhere, and at a price that brings them within 
 the reach of any child. They are stories of criminal life. The leading char- 
 acters are youthful criminals, who revel in the haunts of iniquity. Many of 
 these stories are written with a vein of licentiousness throughout, debasing 
 the mind of youth as totally as the baser sort of books and pictures. Bead 
 before the intellect is quickened or judgment matured sufficient to show the 
 harm of dwelling on these things, they educate our youth in all the odious 
 features of crime. These publications are the offspring of some of the weekly 
 journals, that seem to run a muck-rake through the haunts of sin, and from' 
 the Police Court and slums of society gather weekly the sickening details of 
 crimes that never should be put before the eyes of adults, much less children. 
 What is the result? The knife, the dagger and the bludgeon used in the sinks 
 of iniquity, and by hardened criminals, are also found in the school-room, the 
 house and the playground of tender youth. Our Court rooms are thronged 
 with infant criminals — ^with baby felons. 
 
 The following are a few facts that have been brought to the attention of the 
 Society : 
 
 Our Agent arrested a young man 19 years of age, for advertising and send- 
 ing through the mails, under about a dozen aliases, the most obscene matter. 
 While searching for this vile trash in his sleeping room in his father's house, 
 the Agent found a mass of these Boys' Papers piled up in one corner. No 
 sooner had they been discovered than the prisoner started hack, exclaiming 
 with great force, " There, there's the cause of my ruin— that has cursed me 
 and brought me to this !" 
 
438 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Another case : 
 
 A young lad had been for months employed by a gentleman in Brootlyn, 
 who had reposed all confidence In him, and showed him every kindness. After 
 a while he began to miss sums of money varying from 10 cents to 15 dollars. 
 When questioned he assumed the role of innocence as pictured in the story 
 when the thief is caught and accused of his crime. Then he threatened, then, 
 defied, then wept — injured innocence — and at last confessed (unlike the story). 
 When asked what papers he had been reading, he named two, and said he 
 never thought of doing wrong till he read these stories. 
 
 Ai^other : 
 
 A lad about 16 years of age in Bufialo, from reading these stories, as he 
 afterwards confessed, conceived the idea of robbing his employer's safe. In 
 accordance with the description of the story, he makes an impression of the 
 safe key, takes the same to a locksmith, orders it made. The locksmith know- 
 ing the lad, informed his employer. He then makes the key, leaving it imper- 
 fect. The lad takes it, tries it, and coolly brings it back to be altered. He 
 tries agaia and is arrested. Then, defiantly informs them that it is lucky they 
 caught him as they did, or he would have had his fortune and been off. 
 
 Another : 
 
 Two boys were recently arrested in this city trying to steal a lide West on 
 the railroad. One had robbed his employer of some 15 dollars. They had 
 armed themselves, one with an old rusty revolver, and another With a dirk, or 
 knife, and were starting West to seek their fortunes. 
 
 Again : 
 
 A boy 10 years of age was arrested and convicted for burglary. He was 
 sent to a reformatory institution, and pardoned out by Gov. Eobinson on 
 account of his age. He had been out but a few days when he and two other 
 boys about his own age, were arrested in the act of another burglary. 
 
 Repeated instances have occurred within the last few years where boys have 
 become brigands, and have banded themselves together with an oath of secrecy, 
 to plunder and pillage, having a rendezvous in some cave, or deserted house, or 
 some underground saloon. 
 
 The principal of a large boys' school in this State noticed a manifest disorder 
 in his school, and upon a thorough investigation he discovered that the boys 
 had these story papers ; and the coarse joke and the slang expression, the low 
 trick and the spirit of deceit and disobedience, characterizing the story, was 
 acted out in every day life. He called the best of the boys together, asking 
 them what they thought of these papers. They were unanimous, saying, 
 " they are not fit for anybody to read, and they are full of slang and coarse 
 language." 
 
 In Paterson, N. J., last fall, three young lads under 20 years of age killed an 
 old man in the public streets. They first assaulted him with their fists, 
 knocking him down, then one of them shot him. 
 
 The same day, in one of our large business houses, two young employees 
 engaged in a dispute, when one drew a knife and stabbed the other. 
 
OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS. 439 
 
 In Syracuse, a young man 22 years of age, maddened by lust and jealousy, 
 shot and killed a young lady. 
 
 November 27tli, in this City, a young lad 16 years of age stabbed another 
 young man, because of a fancied insult to his sister. 
 
 In November last a bright, handsome boy ran away &om a good, respectable 
 home and became a thief. 
 
 HOPEFUL RESULTS. 
 
 What the law does not reach, under the present administration, we have 
 sought to reach and crush, by creating public sentiment against lawbreakers. 
 Several of these vile papers have been stopped within the past year, and are 
 no longer published. As a result, largely from the Thousand Island Park 
 meetings, the Canadians have sent a solemn protest to our Post Office Depart- 
 ment against sending the vile Police Gazette through the mails across their 
 lines. Western cities are legislating in their councils against it, and will not 
 permit it to be sold in their limits. 
 
 Another result : Many colleges and institutions of learning have been per- 
 suaded not to publish catalogues with the students' names. We sent out dur- 
 ing the year about 2,500 Annual Reports, with a letter of warning to as many 
 institutions of learning. This has made«those in charge watchful to mark the 
 existence of the most corrupt influences sent secretly to their schools. 
 
 One lady principal, from a Western seminary, sends a foul circular, adver- 
 tising most infamous articles, sent her girls, and says, "not only has this 
 scoundrel sent to the girls of the present term, but also to the names of those 
 who were here last term," showing he must have both catalogues. 
 
 The same circular was also sent young ladies in another seminary, one fall- 
 ing into the hands of the daughter of the President. Another President of a 
 female seminary sends vile circulars sent his students, and saying, "these 
 scoundrels must either think I have a harem, or else are trying to make, 
 one of my school." He is very earnest to have the parties sending them ar- 
 rested. 
 
 The President of one of the New England universities writes, " that he is 
 daily forced to see and realize the demoralizing effect of these vile publica- 
 tions on the minds of the young," and most cordially endorses every legal 
 effort to suppress the same. 
 
 A Professor over a female college in New England called at our office in 
 April last, and informed us of three young ladies he knew of, in one of our 
 most celebrated female colleges, who were ruined by the vile things found iu 
 their possession. This is a common story and all too true. But the teachers are 
 becoming more and more watchful. 
 
 A Professor in charge of a leading high school told, in one of our meetings 
 in the West, of an incident occurring iu his own school, where a colored man iu 
 livery was driven in an elegant carriage to the door of hia school, who alighted 
 and entered bearing a tray with some 15 or 20 handsomely addressed enve- 
 lopes, purporting to be wedding cards, and for the same number of the young 
 ladies, daughters of some of the first families in that city. After the man had 
 
440 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 gone, lie opened one of these envelopes and found most obscene and seductive 
 matter, to poison their minds aad ruin them body and soul. 
 
 In the Spring, we assisted in bringing to justice a scoundrel in Brooklyn, 
 who was sent to prison for six months for an indecent assault on a little girl 
 13 years of age. He kept a news stand, and would go around to the public 
 school with the advance sheets of the story papers and pass the same through 
 the pictets of the fence to little girls to induce them to visit his stand, where 
 in open day he assaulted them. 
 
 A President of a Western college sa;fs : " I do not dare to publish a catalogue 
 on account of these scamps, and one Professor at Salt Lake does not want any 
 list of pupils published, the pupils being already overrun with documents they 
 ought not to have." 
 
 A sabbath school superintendent writes of Boys' Story Papers, " I believe 
 that this kind of literature does as much, if not more, damage than the baser 
 sort, * * and I believe it is read to an alarming extent." 
 
 Another college president, from our own State, writes, after stating that he 
 has followed the suggestiou in our letter of warning : 
 
 " Our most serious problem has been to anticipate by am ounce of preven- 
 tion, if possible, the pernicious eifect of trashy literature. Eight years ago 
 dime novels were an unsufferable nuisance. We have practically put a stop 
 to it by opening a reading room, "well supplied with interesting periodical 
 literature, and by keeping college library open during hours of vacation.'' 
 
 In another city, not far away, a school commissioner for many years, told a 
 few gentlemen gathered to discuss this subject, " that formerly they had great 
 trouble in their schools ; that the children in some cases had the worst books 
 and read the same secretly, and often in school hours ; but that for the past 
 two years they had not been discovered, that the action of this Society had 
 abated this great evil. 
 
 Many more cases could be cited. It will suffice to say, that there have been 
 received of all kinds more than 300 complaints during the past year. 
 
 These complaints impose an immense amount of labor upon the agents of 
 this Society. To capture one of these vile creatures requires much more time, 
 labor and ability than ever before. We rejoice to say, that never in twenty 
 years has there been as little done by those dealing in obscene publications. 
 
 That there is vastly less of this basest sort at the present time, is a matter 
 of profound gratitude to God. 
 
 The effect of these publications is thus spoken of by professors in colleges 
 and others. One writes : 
 
 " The corrupting literature which you are so sedulously seeking to suppress, 
 is a great curse in producing the ruinous habit of self-abuse among the youth 
 of our country. From such meagre statistics as I have been able to gather, I 
 am forced to the conviction that not less than 75 per cent, of our youths from 
 12 to 18 years of age, are more or less the victims of this soul, mind and body 
 destroying vice." 
 
 A prominent citizen of Cincinnati, speaking of the effects of these books and 
 pictures on the mind of the youth, says : 
 
OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS. 441 
 
 " Self-aT)use is a thousand times worse where it is occasioned Tjy obscene 
 plates." * » <i wiien tlie excitement is made on the mind hy obscene 
 plates, it is indelible, and the images remain through life. * * I cannot 
 write out my feelings of disgust on those damnable creatures in human shape 
 who vend or deal in obscene literature. Their infernal trade destroys the 
 manhood and womanhood of millions of oiir race, annually, over the earth." 
 
 The result of this literary poison, cast into the very fountains of social life, 
 is found everywhere. It is infecting the pure life and heart of our youth. 
 They are becoming weak-minded, vapid, sentimental, lustful, criminal. Par- 
 ents are mourning over the distaste of their children for all that is sensible 
 and useful. The teacher finds study to be irksome to them ; romantic tales, 
 narratives of love, lust, hate, revenge and murder are to their taste. They 
 assimilate what they read, and so down, down our youth go, weaker and 
 weaker in all the menial and moral elements of true manhood and womanhood. 
 
 Corrupt thoughts, desires and aims supplant native innocence. Virtue flies 
 out of the window ; vice flies in and takes full possession. We condemn the 
 man who deals out liquid poison to the unhappy drunkard. He stands a 
 nobleman far above the miserable miscreant who supplies the youth with the 
 demoralizing venom contained in many dime novels, flashy periodicals, sport- 
 ing newspapers and other obscene publications. Let fathers, mothers and teach- 
 ers watch closely over the pockets, desks and rooms of their children. Be sure 
 that the imagery and seeds of moral death are not in your houses and schools. 
 
 Again I may be pardoned if I refer to one other gentleman, 
 who first sought me out and promptly furnished the means to 
 work with — giving the first $650 to this work — Morris K. Jesup, 
 Esq. I owe him a debt of gratitude I never can repay. Never 
 for one moment since, has his interest waned or his zeal faltered. 
 
 Still another : Henry E. Jones, of Brooklyn, the first year by 
 personal effort raised $2,500 to carry on this work. And though 
 sickness prostrated him so that he had to give up his business, 
 his interest in this work has never ceased. I owe, him too, a 
 weighty debt of gratitude I never can repay. 
 
 But, of all that ever helped, cheered, and comforted me, none 
 excelled the faithfulness of my beloved pastor, Rev. William Ives 
 Budington, D.D., deceased. 
 
 The sacred memory of that revered friend is an inspiration in 
 trials, a comfort in affliction, and an incentive to perseverance in 
 doing faithfully the wiU of Him, whom he, by kindest counsel 
 and a sweet, pure life, taught me to love and serve. To do a 
 misdeed in presence of such a friend, and the host of others still 
 
442 FEATIDS EXPOSED. 
 
 living, is to outrage every feeling of trust and gratitude that they 
 have shown and inspired in me. "With all the kindness, sym- 
 pathy, and assistance rendered me by these more than friends, I 
 would indeed be a base wretch if I would turn aside from the 
 Master's work, or intentionally stoop to do a mean thing. Above 
 all, I owe it to God to be faitliful. He it is who has faithfully 
 performed all His promises in His holy word ; who has brought 
 light out of darkness ; who has raised up these staunch friends ; 
 who has provided means to work with ; who has protected me 
 from the assaults of the enemy ; who has said to the assassin's 
 knife and bludgeon, " So far and no farther !" and beyond that 
 point none have been permitted to reach ; who has never left me 
 to go alone ; who has preserved my life, my good name, and 
 reputation ; and I rejoice to say. One who is able to keep all we 
 may commit to His hands. This kind Heavenly Father has a 
 right to require of me, in all the future, that same faithful service 
 that I have earnestly sought to give in the past. Misrepresenta- 
 tions or lies against my methods and acts I cannot prevent, while 
 the father of lies lives and his horde of followers inhabit the 
 earth. Ignorance of facts breeds prejudice, and the latter pre- 
 pares the minds of even good men, to receive as true, everything 
 that a foul and gossiping tongue chooses to hurl against the one 
 they seek to malign. 
 
 For the encouragement of the youth, let me here add : Dare 
 to do right. Let no enemy or army of foes drive you from the 
 path of duty. It is not pleasing men, but doing God's will, that 
 brings peace, joy, courage, and at last, through Jesus Christ, 
 eternal rest. From out my seven years of conflict with the emis- 
 saries of the Evil one, I witness that God is faithfid ; His pro- 
 mises are sure ; He never deserts one who puts his trust in 
 Him. 
 
 The peace that God gives in return to those who earnestly seek 
 to serve Him, more than compensates for aU the trials that man 
 may inflict. And though you stand alone in the world. He can 
 turn the hearts of His servants to befriend and shield you. 
 
 Such has been my experience. 
 
INFIDELITY WEDDED TO OBSCENITY. 443 
 
 CHAPTEE XXV. 
 
 INFIDELITY WEDDED TO OBSCENITY. 
 THE SPOUSE OF THE NATIONAL LIBEEAL LEAGUE. 
 
 Is the National Liberal League the defender and sympathizer 
 of those who deal in obscene matter and articles of indecent and 
 immoral use? 
 
 Did Eobert G. IngersoU advocate and favor the repeal of the 
 laws known as the laws against obscene literature ? 
 
 Has he since denied it ? 
 
 Has the IS^ational Liberal League publicly endorsed the efforts 
 to repeal these laws, or expressed sympathy with convicted deal- 
 ers in obscene matter ? 
 
 Do infidelity and obscenity occupy the same bed ? 
 
 Are they appropriately wedded ? 
 
 Is the ^National Liberal League opposed to those principles and 
 doctrines that make men better and that keep the community 
 pure ? 
 
 To all of the above I answer emphatically in the affirmative. 
 
 That infidelity is no guarantee of good citizenship needs no 
 proof. Yet incidentally this wiU be proven in this article. 
 
 The infidel of to-day, as represented by the JSTational Liberal 
 League, is opposed 
 
 To the Lord God Almighty, maker of us aU ; 
 
 To Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, the Saviour of manldnd, 
 the sinner's best friend, and the way of eternal life ; 
 
 To the Word of God, and all the precious promises therein con- 
 tained, and to the ordinances and commandments of God, made 
 for the elevation of mankind, and designed to advance the highest 
 interest of the human soul ; 
 
 To laws and their proper enforcement ; 
 
 To moral purity ; 
 
 To the Christian Sabbath ; 
 
444 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 To the sinner's using common sense and being on the safe side, 
 repenting of sin, believing in Christ Jesus, and thus making 
 sure of his eternal salvation ; and 
 
 To principles that restrain corrupt appetites and passions. 
 
 The J favor what ? 
 
 Elasphemy of the name of the Most High, and the ridiculing 
 of the most sacred things ; 
 
 That license which allows appetites arid passions to have full 
 sway, which throws off all moral restraint, and says to the criminal, 
 " It is right for you to do as you please, only don't get found out ;" 
 
 The traffic in obscene publications as organized and systematically 
 carried on by some of the basest men of the 1 9th century ; 
 
 The repeal of laws made to suppress this cursed business ; and 
 they sympathize with and lionize the men convicted of sending 
 obscene matter through the mails. 
 
 The above are the several counts of the indictment upon which 
 the Infidel and Liberal are arraigned, to all of which they will 
 plead " not guilty ;" therefore, we enter their plea on this record 
 and produce the evidence to make good this indictment. 
 
 "We' shall call their representative men, and those who once 
 were of their number, to the witness stand. This league, as a 
 body, and their leader, Col. Eobert G. Ingersoll, must testify. 
 Those who were once with them will be important witnesses, as 
 they are prejudiced against the prosecution, and therefore unwill- 
 ing witnesses, and hence, whatever they say in favor of the cause, 
 will add pecuUar weight. Col. Ingersoll has made contradictory 
 statements out of court, and has denied advocating or favoring the 
 repeal of the obscenity laws in Washington. The jury (the 
 pubKc) will be justified in taking his utterances, outside of court, 
 with many grains of allowance. They must not remark, if, when 
 he comes before them on the lecture platform, his face colors and 
 he shows symptoms of feeling bad, since the evidence is so 
 abundant and damning of his sympathy with these scoundrels, 
 and his efforts for the repeal of the law in their interest ; all of 
 which he has since denied. And ^\-hen he stands before an 
 audience of citizens, and for the sake of policy denies these facts. 
 
INFIDELITY WEDDED TO OBSCENITY. 445 
 
 lie is guilty of perpetrating — if not a fraud — a sclieme to deceive 
 the people very like one. 
 
 His great boast is that his home is so pure and his family so 
 clean ! And he is adored and lauded by his followers, because 
 of these things. I would not detract one single iota from the 
 beauty and glory of his home. I extend most cordial congratula- 
 tions, and sincerely hope no one of his pure ones may ever fall 
 under the baneful influence of impure thoughts, especially, as 
 awakened by the foul things he and his followers defend. 'No 
 man in this country has suffered more trials than I have to keep 
 the homes of the land pure. It is absurd for him or any one 
 else to boast of the purity and safety of his own home and say, 
 " Oh, yes, I believe in ithis," and then, turn the hell-hounds of 
 obscene literature loose upon the thousands of other homes than 
 his own, or break down the barriers that the Congress of the 
 United States of America, has raised between the innocent thou- 
 sands in these homes and this hydra-headed monster. "With tweri- 
 ty-four tons of contraband and corrupting matter, seized in less 
 than seven years, as evidence of its existence over the land, it is 
 too late in the day, for any decent man to defend this hellish trade 
 in human souls, or publicly sympathize with those who spread 
 the contagion. 
 
 In presenting the following evidences of what I have outlined 
 above, I shall tell the simple story, and produce the proofs in my 
 possession, without regard to the order of my questions. 
 
 INFIDELITY IS PEOPEELY WEDDED. 
 
 The infidel expects to extract from this world the full enjoy- 
 ment of every lust of his nature ; he seeks and expects nothing in 
 the future ; he dies as dies the beast — he stops breathing — and 
 that is the end of him. "We find him, then, in his natural element, 
 when he defends the unbridled sway of his desires and opposes 
 all legal restraint. He has no respect for the views of others, but 
 utters the most shocking things to outrage the finer, holier, and 
 most sacred feelings of the Christian community. There are no 
 rights that the very large and highly respectable majority of 
 
446 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Christian people possess, in their reverence for God and their 
 worship of holy things, that the yery small minority of Lea- 
 guers feel bound to respect. It is not a strange thing, then, that 
 of all ilie different religious or irreligious todies, as a class, 
 the only ones that shield and defend the smut dealers, and 
 oppose the laws for their suppression and punishment, are the 
 National Liberal League, its auxiliaries, and the Free-lovers. 
 The latter, of course, are in their proper place ; we would look 
 for them nowhere else. For instance, on one occasion I went to 
 arrest a Massachusetts obscenity dealer, and I found him presiding 
 over a convention of Free-lovers, and arrested him there. 
 
 The IS'ational Liberal League held a convention July 1 to 4, 
 1876, in Philadelphia, and there proclaimed the bans between 
 Infidelity and Obscenity, in the following resolutions : 
 
 Hesolved, That this League, ■while it recognizes the great importauee and 
 the absolute necessity of guarding hy proper legislation against obscene and 
 indeceiit publications, whatever sect, party, order, or class such publications 
 claim to favor, disapproves and protests against all laws which by reason of 
 indefiniteness or ambiguity, shall permit the prosecution and punishment of 
 honest and conscientious men for presenting to the public what they deem 
 essential to the public welfare, when the views thus presented do not violate 
 in thought or language the acknowledged rules of decency ; and that we de- 
 mand that all laws against obscenity and indecency shall be so clear and ex- 
 plicit that none but actual offenders against the recognized principles of 
 purity shall be liable to suffer therefrom. 
 
 Mesolvcd, That we cannot but regard the appointment and authorization 
 by the government of a single individual to inspect our mails with power to 
 exclude therefrom whatever he deems objectionable, as a delegation of au- 
 thority dangerous to public and personal liberty, and utterly iucousistent 
 with the genius of free Institutions. 
 
 These resolutions were the deliberate action of the more 
 prudent men — the first beginning of what afterwards culminated 
 at Syracuse. 
 
 1^" Be it understood, and especially noted, that up to this 
 time, there had ieen no arrest or conviction of any person, 
 under the law protested against, excepting such as were guilty 
 of flagrant crimes agavnst decency ami moraUty, am,d where 
 their crimes were clea/rly within the purview of these laws. 
 
INFIDELITY WEDDED TO OBSCENITY. 447 
 
 Neither was there any just ground for the assault thus 
 made upon these laws. 
 
 Nor anything^ in all that had heen done, to warrant the in- 
 sinuations of this second resolution. 
 
 Again, as has been already shown by the laws themselves, 
 and further hy facts concerning them in the preceding chapter, 
 there is no such delegation of power as that complained of. 
 
 Therefore it must follow, and I charge, that they defended 
 obscenity for the love of it. 
 
 In 1878, the following invitation to tlie wedding was issued. 
 We give only such portions as bear upon this question, and as 
 showing how this matter was first introduced to this body. 
 
 CALL. 
 
 Boston, Sept. 13, 1878. 
 The second Annual Congress of the National Liberal League, organized at 
 the Centennial Congress of Liberals, Philadelphia, July 1-4, 1876, will be held 
 at Syracuse, N. Y., on Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27, 1878. 
 
 In addition to the hearing of reports, election of officers for the ensuing 
 year, and other ordinary business, questions of the utmost practical import- 
 ance to the liberal cause will come up for decision at this Congress. Among 
 them the following may be specified : 
 
 4. How can the rights of free malls and a free press be most effectively de- 
 fended, and how can the wrongs of persons unjustly punished under the so- 
 called Comstook laws be most effectively righted ? 
 
 5. Shall the National Liberal League abandon the stand it originally took 
 on the " obscene literature" question at Philadelphia, July 4, 1876, or shall it 
 continue to defend equally the cause of public morality and the cause of free 
 mails and a free press ? Shall it now demand the toial repeal of the existing 
 laws on this subject, and thereby practically protect and foster the circular 
 tion of obscene literature ? Or should it continue to demand the radical re- 
 form of those laws, in such manner as shall protect freedom of thought to the 
 uttermost without protecting obscenity in the least ? 
 
 The last two of these questions are peculiarly important at this time, and 
 will inevitably come up for settlement by the Congress. ****** 
 
 lu order, therefore, that these vital questions may be fairly and wisely de- 
 cided, it is recommended that all Local Leagues elect their delegates with 
 special reference to it. The Congress will not be an irresponsible mass meet- 
 ing, but a convention composed of delegates and members duly accredited, 
 and seats for them will be reserved. 
 
 Liberals are urged everywhere to organize themselves into Local Auxiliary 
 
448 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Liberal Leagues and elect good delegates, in order to send to this Congress a 
 large local constituency and an influential delegation, and thereby to increase 
 the weight of its decisions -with tlie general public. » * * * 
 
 By order of the Directors, 
 
 Francis E. Abbott, 
 William H. Hamlen, President. 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 This was the cautious call of their wiser and more judicious 
 leaders. 
 
 That there was a secret plotting to capture this convention 
 their president knew, and he sought by every means at his com- 
 mand to prevent it. In the same paper in which this call was 
 priated, we find him quoting from a private letter as follows : 
 
 And the danger is, that, from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, in all 
 of which cities, as I think, the Free-love doctrine has obtained among Liberals 
 a considerable foothold, the convention may be overborne and svramped. 
 Then there is more or less of an infusion of this virus all through the country. 
 
 The editor then calls especial attention to the " Call " and its 
 principles, and also to a platform of principles in " A Card," in 
 which the then directors offered themselves for re-election. 
 
 A CAED. 
 
 We, the undersigned, Directors of the National Liberal League, offer our- 
 selves as Candidates for re-election at the Second Annual Congress of the 
 League, on the following platform of principles : 
 
 1. The right of absolute individual freedom of thought, of speech, aud of 
 the press, on all political, religious, social, or other questions, and the right of 
 being wholly uninterfered with by the courts, no matter what opinions as 
 such may be advocated or promulgated. « 
 
 2. The right and duty of Congress and State Legislatures to pass, and the 
 right and duty of the National and State Courts to enforce, laws to suppress 
 the circulation of obscene literature, including the exclusion of such literar 
 ture from the United States mails; provided, that the offence known as 
 "Obscenity" shall be so strictly defined in the Statutes as to render impos- 
 sible the prosecution or punishment of any one for the expression of his 
 honest opinion on any subject. 
 
 3. The flagrant wrong of intrusting the execution of the laws for the sup- 
 pression of obscene literature to any official or officials who shall not scrupu- 
 lously confine their action within the limits here cleaxly defined. 
 
 4. And we decline to be candidates for re-election if the principles of the 
 
INFIDELITY WEDDED TO OBSCENITY. 449 
 
 above platform shall fail to be approved by the National Liberal League at 
 this Congress. 
 
 Francis E. Abbott, President. 
 
 William H. Hamlen, Secretary. 
 
 J. A. J. Wilcox, Treasurer. 
 
 D. G. Ckandon, Chairman Fin. Com. 
 
 There had been a rumbling of a discordant strain among the 
 more respectable portion of the then members of this League. 
 [I desire just here to emphasize again what I say of " Liberals " 
 and " Liberal Leagues." It applies only to the National Liberal 
 League of to-day, after it was purged of its most decent and 
 orderly element at Syracuse, and in contradistinction to the then 
 "The National Liberal League of America," that seceded, or 
 what is now known as "7%e I^ew National Liberal League," as 
 represented by the anti-repeal Liberals. I desire t a do no person 
 an injustice, and therefore I am very particular to define my posi- 
 tion. That there are clean men, and honest in their views, among 
 the latter, I cannot doubt, and I accord to every man the broadest 
 scope of difference of opinion. All I ask is the same liberty of 
 speech and representation for the truth, that is claimed, demanded, 
 and exercised for the scoffer's lie or the blasphemer's reviling.] 
 
 The war of conquest, commenced shortly after the adjournment 
 of the League at Philadelphia, headed by the man who claimed 
 to be a leader, who certainly was considered a leading spirit, and 
 who pubKshed a paper in New York claiming the largest circula- 
 tion as a " Liberal " paper, by the first 
 
 CONSPtEAGT TO EEPEAL THE LAWS. 
 
 The story of this " Liberal " movement is told elsewhere, and 
 we shall only refer to that record in the trial of this case ; lut it 
 is to he considered in evidence in this connection. 
 
 That the resolutions adopted at Philadelphia, July 4, 1876, were 
 covert and designed to deceive the public, and throw dust in the 
 eyes of the people, and, while pretending to be opposed to ob- 
 scenity, meant rather, that it was a cover under which they might 
 resort to most unscrupulous measures to repeal these laws in the 
 interests of it, the story of the conspiracy clearly proves. 
 29 
 
450 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 October 26 and 27, 1878, was the date of the ceremony at Syra- 
 cuse. When the Convention canne together, there were found some 
 leading, honorable spirits there, who had not a proper wedding ap- 
 parel — i.e., they were neither tase nor nasty enough; therefore they 
 must become as the majority or else leave. They chose the latter. 
 As they, nor their Leagues, are referred to in these chapters as 
 defending obscenity, we bid them a final farewell, with a hope 
 that, ere death o'ertakes them, they may see how much wiser it 
 would be, to be sure of heing on the safe side for eternity, by 
 that sincere repentance and faith, necessary for their soul's salva- 
 tion. Take the Bible and read it carefully on bended knee, by 
 the help of earnest prayer to God, for Jesus' sake, to give you the 
 grace necessary to make the blind to see and the deaf to hear, and 
 then tell me, doubting ones, whether or no, one who differs from 
 you in religious matters, is far wrong, in thus expressing what he 
 believes to be for your highest interest and happiness. 
 
 Repeal was the wae ckt. JSTo compromise. The hlachflag 
 of obscenity was hung out. One Free-love paper published 
 at the head of its editorial columns, as 
 
 OuK Present Platform, 
 
 Immediate, unconditional, and permanent repeal of all laws against obscenity, 
 whether Municipal, State or National. 
 
 August 1, 1878, at a meeting of Liberals at Fanenil Hall, 
 Boston, a lawyer, named T. B. Wakeman, arraigned the Supreme 
 Court of the United States, because they had declared that Con- 
 gress has the right to say what shall and what shall not be carried 
 in the mails, thus affirming the constitutionality of the law. This 
 decision was a severe blow to the "Liberals," and this man 
 thought to bolster them up by his silly talk. 
 
 He argued, [so says The Index, September 28, 1878,] that the Constitution 
 simply confers on Congress the power to establish "post-offices and post- 
 roads" together with the incidental powers "necessary and proper" to exe- 
 cute this purpose ; that rightly construed, this grant only empowers Congress 
 to make such regulations as are necessary for the mere safety, efficiency, and 
 conyenience of the postal system, hut no such regulations as establish dis- 
 tinctions between mailable an J non-mailable matter on any other grounds; 
 
INFIDELITY WEDDED TO OBSCENITY. 451 
 
 that to prohibit the mailing of obscene publications as such, or to exclude 
 anything else from the mails "for non-postal purposes and reasons" is ii 
 " sheer usurpation on the part of Congress." * » * * « Qn these grounds 
 Mr. Wakeman demands the total repeal of the Comstock laws.'' »*»»*• 
 
 He voiced the feeling of this Convention, and they endorsed 
 his views. 
 
 Mr. Wakeman, addressed a letter to the editor of the paper 
 which pubhshed the above, in which he says : " I ask you to insert 
 the enclosed letter from a historian and liberal, whom I believe 
 we all love and honor, James Parton." 
 
 Newbukypokt, Mass., Sept. 29, 1878. 
 
 My dear Friend, — I think those Comstock laws, as they are properly called, 
 ought to be totally repealed, * * * 
 
 Yes, I go for immediate and unconditional repeal. And this has been my 
 
 feeUng ever since reading your masterly speech delivered in Fanueil Hall last 
 
 summer. 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 (Signed) James Parton. 
 
 In The Index, Nov. 20, 1879, appears the following, from the 
 President of the National Liberal League (Pres. of Kepealers), 
 objecting to his name longer standing upon the list of non- 
 repealers. 
 
 Boston, Nov. 13, 1879. 
 Mb. F. E. Abbott, 
 
 Pres. Nat. Lib. League of Am. : 
 Dear Sir — I notice that my name still appears in The Index as one of the 
 Vice-Presidents of the "National Liberal League of America," though it is 
 pretty well known that I am in favor of the total repeal of the wnconsiitutional 
 postal (or " Comstock") law, and consider the secession at Syracuse uncalled 
 for and foolish. * * * * Please have my name erased from your list 
 of Vice-Presidents, as soon as convenient, and oblige. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 Elizur Wright. 
 
 Says Mr. Wakeman, in a letter to the Third Liberal League of 
 New York, dated Aug. 8, 1878 : 
 
 We are told that if you dare to oppose these laws you will " fall into the 
 trap" of allying yourselves and all liberalism with "obscenity." But sup- 
 pose you do not oppose them 1 Do you not then ally Liberalism with bigotry 
 
452 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 and fatal betrayal of Liberty ? Is not the latter " t^p " the worst of the 
 two? 
 
 And so Mr. "Wakeman pronounces for obscenity under cover of 
 this thin and specious argument of " liberty." 
 
 What will this obscenity defender do about the State laws, 
 and, going back of them, with the Common Law, which prohibits 
 obscene publications ? Is not he lawyer enough to know that the 
 Common Law decisions are all against obscenity, and that the 
 '■'■Test of obscenity''^ was established long before either of the 
 present statutes became law, by the highest court in England; 
 and further, that that decision has been universally adopted and 
 sustained in America, in every one of the 400 and more cases 
 arrested uiider our laws. Our books are fuU of Common Law 
 decisions on this point, and this man ignores them and assumes a 
 false position, or else he is ignorant. I never saw him defend 
 but one case in court in my life, and that was of a vender of 
 obscenity, and his client was convicted. 
 
 In speaking of the efforts of the " repealers " prior to the Syra- 
 cuse convention, President Abbot, of the ]S[on-repeal League, says, 
 Nov. 20, 18T9 : 
 
 For some time they (the repeal element) had looked with longing eyes at 
 the National Liberal League, whose growing size and importance began to 
 make it a prize in their estimation. 
 
 The cunning demand for " repeal " of the postal law, originally inspired by 
 Wakeman, and industriously echoed by Bennett and his free-love associates, 
 was exactly what they needed to carry their point. By a year of such m»j- 
 scrupulous falsification as ive never saw equalled, and such as can be appreciated 
 only by those who have waded through it, the vicious and sensual type of 
 liberalism contrived most absurdly to identify itself in myriad credulous 
 minds with the love of liberty ; the higher type of liberalism remained apa- 
 thetic and Indifferent to clear and repeated warnings ; and the consequence 
 was that the National Liberal League, with all its splendid possibilities of 
 service to the liberal cause, was suffered to fall into the hands of the free-love 
 ring by the mere abstention of those who ought to have been present. From 
 that day it sank lower, until now it threatens to render Us name of " liberal" a 
 hissing and a hy-word for years. 
 
 The conclusion at the close is about right ; no sane man will 
 dispute the truth of this assertion. 
 
INFIDELITY WEDDED TO OBSCENITY. 453 
 
 This action of the " Liberals," developed the readiness of those 
 tending to liberalize all things, to fall into their W£),ke. They 
 found defenders and apologists, among those to whom we looked 
 for better things, those claiming great respectability. We give 
 a single illustration, where an editor prostituted his position to 
 attack our efforts to protect the young, and at the same time 
 afforded comfort and encouragement to the side of free lust. 
 
 Mr. Oliver Johnson concludes one of several articles opposing 
 us, in the Heywood case (he belongs to the class that, without a 
 knowledge of facts, plunge ahead to criticise and raise obstacles 
 to a just and holy cause, instead of first getting the story in full 
 and then deducting their conclusions), by saying in his paper 
 Orange Journal (IST. J.), Aug. 24, 1878 : 
 
 The tares of error must be left to grow in tlie same field with the wheat of 
 truth, " until the harvest "—that is until they hear their natural fruits, and 
 their true character reveals Itself in actual deeds, — when they may he rooted 
 up, in the persons of those who illustrate them, and cast into the fiery furnace 
 of the law ! 
 
 If these words mean anything, spoken in the connection and 
 defence of a smut convict, then they mean in this case, " let these 
 men sow their vileness among the young, and give them unre- 
 strained liberty to do it under the law (repeal the laws) ; but if, 
 after they have scattered their moral poison among the young, 
 you shall find any of them, who,, through weakness or peculiar 
 temptation, yield to their base, corrupting, and degrading influ- 
 ences, then punish all such. Give every man a right to corrupt 
 and debauch the minds of the young, but if the young are de- 
 bauched and led to practice these vices, then punish the young." 
 
 In the same article he says : 
 
 Having read Mr. Heywood's pamphlet, we are prepared to say that, while 
 its doctrine of " free-love " ia unspeakable revolting, and while there are in it 
 phrases of an indelicate and vulgar character, it does not, in our humble 
 judgment, properly come within the true definition of obscenity. 
 
 If the reader will consult "Webster" or "Worcester," he 
 wiU find the true meaning of obscenity to fall within the measure 
 
454 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 of Mr. Jolmson's expressions of " unspeakable revolting," " indel- 
 icate," and " vulgar." 
 
 Two courts, at least, had declared the book he defended legally 
 obscene, and that, too, after an appeal to the highest TJ. S. court 
 in JSTew England-— the IT. S. Circuit Court, sitting at Boston, with 
 a full bench, Hon. Justice Clifford, the senior member of the 
 U. S. Supreme Court, presiding. 
 
 If he (Johnson) defends his position and arrays himself as an 
 advocate of this kind of nastiness, simply behind his " humble 
 judgment," I can say to him that, in my humble judgment, he 
 has a very weak defence, and poor excuse for taking a position so 
 decidedly against, the protecting of the morals of the young, from 
 tliese degrading influences. 
 
 The groaning, howling, and frantic raving of that convention 
 at Syracuse, over this question, if the " Liberal " papers are to 
 be believed, was most remarkable. The intense excitement that 
 existed is vividly described by some of them. 
 
 Let it be remembered that this pitting of the Leagues in favor 
 of obscenity, this hugging of the vile creature to their hearts, the 
 rolling of this putrid mass under their tongues like a sweet morsel, 
 was after the defeat of their onnspiracy to repeal the laws. They 
 had had time to gain the facts. The leader of the seceders had 
 faithfully and bravely told them of some of the lies put forward 
 by the conspirators to deceive and capture the Liberals of the 
 land. But they would have none of it. They cared not. Lie or 
 no lie, they wanted repeal, and repeal they would have. 
 
 We give a synopsis of a report, of what occurred at Syracuse, 
 as taken from the principal " Liberal " papers. 
 
 As this question is one of historic and intrinsic value, in order 
 that it may be clearly established, we give, in the following chap- 
 ter, a very full report, written by the presiding olEcer of the 
 League, and published in The Index, Nov. Y, 1878. 
 
THE SYRACUSE CONGRESS. 455 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 THE SYRACUSE CONGRESS. 
 
 The Second Annual Congress of the National Liberal League convened at 
 Syracuse, N. Y., Saturday, Oct. 26, 1878, at 10 o'clock, a. m. According to tbe 
 report of the Committee on Membership, it was composed of twelve charter- 
 members, one life-member, two annual members, and one hundred and 
 twenty-three delegates representing thirty-two Local Auxiliary Liberal 
 Leagues, making one hundred and thirty-eight members in all. 
 
 SATURDAY MORNING SESSION. 
 
 The President made brief introductory remarks, welcoming the delegates, 
 and expressing a hope that harmony and courtesy would prevail throughout 
 their deliberations. He stated that the Directors had endeavored, in all their 
 arrangements, to secure perfect fairness and justice to all ; and with this ob- 
 ject in view he submitted to the consideration and free action of the Congress, 
 on behalf of the Board, the following resolutions : 
 
 1. Besoh'ed, That the proceeding of this Congress shall be governed by tbe 
 general rules of parliamentary law. 
 
 a. Resolved, That the Committee on Membership are hereby instructed to 
 report a complete list of the members of this Congress, classified respectively 
 as delegates, charter-members, life-members, and annual members; and to 
 add to the name of each delegate the name of the Local League which he 
 or she represents. 
 
 3. Resolved, That, in order to secure the prompt and orderly transaction of 
 the important business of this Congress, all resolutions, after being read, shall 
 be referred to the Committee on Resolutions without debate. 
 
 4. Resolved, That the general order of business for tlie several sessions of 
 this Congress shall be as follows ; 
 
 Saturday, Oct. 25. Business Session, at 10 a. m. 
 
 1. Reading of Records of last Congress by the Secretary (if required;. 
 
 2. Appointment of Committee on Membership. 
 
 3. Address by T. B. Wakeman, Esq., of New York; being his speech on Con- 
 stitutionality of the Comstock laws, delivered at Faneuil Hall, Boston, Aug. 1, 
 1878. 
 
 4. Address by Hon. E. P. Hurlbut, of Albany, on " The Liberty of Printing." 
 
 5. Report of the Committee on Membership. 
 
 6. Appointment of Committees on Resolutions, on Nominations, and on 
 Einance. 
 
 7. Report of the Directors. 
 
 8. Report of the Treasurer. 
 
 9. Temporary Adjournment. 
 
 Business Session, 3 p. m. 
 
 1. Report of Committee on Resolutions. 
 
 2. Debate and Vote on the Resolutions concerning Freedom of the Press 
 and Obscene Literature. 
 
 3. Temporary Adjournment. 
 
456 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Public Session, 8 p. m. 
 
 1. Addresses by Invited Speakers. 
 a. Temporary Adjournment. 
 
 Sunday, Oct. 27. Business Session, 10 a.m. 
 
 1. Debate and Vote on the remainder of the Report of the Committee on 
 Resolutions. 
 
 2. Temporary Adjournment. 
 
 BusiisTESS Session, 3 p. m. 
 
 1. Report of the Committee on Nominations, and Election of Ofacers for 
 the ensuing year. 
 
 2. Report of the Finance Committee. 
 
 3. Miscellaneous Business. 
 
 4. Free Conference ; short speeches, etc. 
 
 5. Temporary Adjournment. 
 
 Public Session, 8 p. m. 
 
 1. Addresses by Invited Speakers. 
 
 2. Final Adjournment. 
 
 The spirit of the " repeal " party immediately revealed itself in the objec- 
 tions made to the above order of business. Nobody could find any fault with 
 the order itself, or even attempted to do so ; it vf as on its very face too fair, 
 systematic, and in every way proper, for any reasonable objection. But it 
 was declared to be an " undemocratic " attempt to tyrannize over the Con- 
 gress, to prevent it from managing its own affairs, etc., regardless of the fact 
 that it was simply submitted for approval, and could be amended or changed 
 in any manner the Congress saw fit. A fair, orderly, and expeditious course 
 of proceedings was evidently not desired. After long and profitless wrangling, 
 the first three of the resolutions were adopted ; on motion of Mr. H. L. Green, 
 the fourth was amended as follows, and then adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That a committee on order of business be appointed by the Con- 
 gress, and that such committee nominate the members of the standing com- 
 mittees and officers of the League, subject to the approval of the Congress. 
 
 On motion of Mr. T. B. Wakeman, it was then 
 
 Resolved, That this committee consist of one member to be appointed by 
 each Local League represented, and one by the life and one by the charter- 
 members, with power to appoint sub-committees. 
 
 The entire remainder of the morning session was wasted in the election of 
 this committee, which had only to do over again in a bungling and loose 
 manner what had already been weU done by the Directors beforehand, with a 
 self-evident purpose to save time and trouble for the Congress and facilitate 
 its business. Great confusion of course followed the destruction of this well- 
 laid plan ; and the sincere efforts of the President to reduce it to a minimum, 
 and to help the Congress out of the snarl in which the mere perversity of the 
 majority had entangled it, were necessarily to a considerable extent neutral- 
 
THE SYKACUSE CONGRESS. 457 
 
 ized by the want of support. The Directors had proposed an Order of Busi- 
 ness ; the majority preferred a Disorder of Business ; and the latter had their 
 way. 
 
 During the interval between the morning and afternoon sessions, the gene- 
 ral committee elected the following sub-committees : 
 
 Ore Resolutions, Messrs. E. P. Hurlbut, C. D. B. Mills, B. F. Underwood, 
 T. B. Wakeman, J. E. Oliver, T. C. Leland, F. Kivers — four for " reform,'' and 
 three for " repeal." 
 
 On Nominations, Messrs. J. H. W. Toohey, J. McArthur, G. E. Gordon, D. H. 
 Clark, T. L. Brown — three for " reform," and two for " repeal." 
 
 On Membet-ship, Messrs. D. G. Crandon, J. H. W. Toohey, H. L. Green, Mrs. 
 Amy Post, Mrs. L. N. Colman — one for " reform," three for " repeal," and one 
 doubtful. 
 
 Some changes appear to have been subsequently made. These sub-com- 
 mittees, however, -were not even reported to the Congress for " approval," as 
 required by the vote — ^much less elected. Nothing could be conceived more 
 "undemocratic" than the mode in which these committees were appointed; 
 but, nevertheless, a majority in each of the two leading committees was 
 opposed to " repeal." 
 
 SATURDAY AFTERNOOK SESSION. 
 
 Pending the report of the Committee on Resolutions, the general committee 
 reported through Mr. Rivers, the chairman, as the order of business for the 
 afternoon, the addresses by Mr. Wakeman and Judge Hurlbut, with a sub- 
 sequent discussion of fifteen-minute speeches on the main question. This 
 report was adopted, with an amendment limiting the speeches to ten min- 
 utes. If the original order of business submitted by the Directors had been 
 adopted, these addresses would have been made in the forenoon, thus giving 
 opportunity for a full and fair debate in the afternoon. As it was, many 
 hours had been squandered in getting the convention started, and nothing 
 remained but to repair the blunder as well as might be, by crowding into the 
 afternoon the forenoon's work. 
 
 Mr. Wakeman then read his Faneuil Hall Speech on " The Comstock Law 
 considered as to its Constitutionality." It was an ingenious, plausible, but 
 narrow and sophistical plea for " repeal," ignoring distinctions which exist, 
 and inventing others which do not, and raising a cloud of empty technicalities 
 which a small circle of personal followers mistake for solid and substantial 
 arguments. 
 
 Judge Hurlbut next delivered his address on " The Liberty of Printing," 
 which we shall next week be permitted to lay before our readers in full. His 
 venerable and dignified appearance, his impressive and deliberate manner, his 
 wit, brilliancy, and epigrammatic pungency, lending to his resistless logic a 
 popular effectiveness which we never saw surpassed by any other public speak- 
 er, carried the audience by storm, and fairly convulsed them with alternate 
 laughter and applause. The address, though not at all controversial, left not 
 an inch of standing-room for Mr. Wakeman's specious argument ; it was de- 
 
458 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 monstration, impregnable and complete, and conv inced every close reasoner 
 in the hall that the cry of "unconstitutionality" is mere whistling against 
 the wind. If " repeal " had not been a foregone conclusion with the majority, 
 resting on grounds with which reason has nothing to do, the debate would 
 have ended then and there with a unanimous vote against it. More than 
 thirty years ago. Judge Hurlbut published in Edinburgh and London his 
 Essays on Buman Eights and their Political Guaranties, with a preface and notes 
 by the famous George Combe— a work which gave its author the highest re- 
 putation as a philosophical jurist and a champion of human liberty in its 
 noblest sense ; while his little treatise of 1870 on Religion and the State is one 
 of the noblest and most powerful contributions to the literature of political 
 secularism ever made. "When such a mind as this ponders, digests, and de- 
 liberately rejects the legal theory to which " repeal " is now clinging with 
 desperate determination— when it delivers its calm, judicial decision in favor 
 of the constitutionality of the so-called Comstock law— those who know the 
 ultimate invincibility of reason will know what fate awaits the pert un- 
 sorupulousness of " repeal." 
 
 Judge Hurlbut closed his magnificently victorious paper with a draft of 
 such a statute as the United States may constitutionally enforce for the exclu- 
 sion of obscene literature from the mails, without infringing in the slightest 
 degree upon the freedom of the press : 
 
 A Law to prevent the fonvarding and distribution of ohscene literature ly the 
 
 mails* 
 
 Sect. I. Be it enacted, etc., That there shall not be forwarded by the mails, 
 nor distributed by any deputy postmaster, any obscene print, picture, draw- 
 ing, or printed composition, manifestly designed, or mainly tending, to con-upt 
 the morals of youth. 
 
 Sect. II. If any person shall deliver at any post office, with intent to have 
 forwarded, or distributed, any obscene print, picture, drawing, or j)rinted 
 composition, mentioned in the preceding section, he shall be fined, for the 
 
 first offence, not exceeding dollars, and for the second or any subsequent 
 
 offence shall be imprisoned not exceeding months. 
 
 Provided, however, that no printed book, argument, essay, treatise, or dis- 
 quisition, put forth in sincerity and good faith, and in which no obscene 
 words, phrases, or pictures shall be employed, althougli its doctrines or sen- 
 timents, if carried into practice, would have a bad influence on society or gov- 
 ernment, shall be deemed obscene within the meaning of the law. 
 
 In connection with this draft of a statute submitted by Judge Hurlbut to 
 the Congress itself, we add here the draft of some resolutions on the same sub- 
 ject which we personally wrote and submitted to the Committee on Eesolu- 
 tions, in order that the public may understand how earnestly and practically 
 the "reform" party at this Congress strove to protect liberty to the utter- 
 most, yet without denying the nation's indubitable right to refuse to be made 
 an involuntary accomplice in the crime of circulating obscene literature : 
 
 * The amazing absurdity of these proposed laws needs no comment. Post- 
 masters, carriers, and other postal clerks may deliver these things, but 
 deputy postmasters are prohibited. What absurdity I In the light of facts, 
 what criminality ! 
 
THE SYRACUSE CONGRESS. 459 
 
 On Freedom of the Press and Obscene Literature. 
 
 1. Sesolved, That the freedom of the press which is guaranteed by the United 
 States Constitution includes freedom to publish, and freedom to circulate 
 by all customary channels, all theoretical opinions on all literary, scientific, 
 political^ social, moral, religious, or other subjects; that no indecencies of a 
 merely incidental or occasional character, however reprehensible and de- 
 serving of public censure on moral or literary grounds, cause a forfeiture of 
 this freedom, or constitute a just reason for legal prosecution or punishment ; 
 and that any narrower rules of judgment on this subject must compel legal 
 condemnation of many of the most precious works of human genius, including 
 the Bible. 
 
 2. Resolved, That by " obscene literature " we understand such writings or 
 publications as do not appeal to or seek to elevate eitlier the intellectual, 
 moral, or aesthetic condition of their readers, but show on their face that they 
 were composed with unmistakably base motives, in order to poison the 
 imagination, inflame and pervert the passions, and incite to vicious practices; 
 that it is justly made a crime at common law to circulate such literature in 
 any manner; and that it is an outrage on common decency to claim for such 
 literature the freedom of the press. 
 
 3. Resolved, That, while we recognize the supreme importance of extin- 
 guishing as far as possible the demand for obscene literature by educational 
 and moral means, we also recognize the practical necessity of legislation 
 against the crime of circulating it; and we maintain the right and duty of 
 both Congress and State Legislatures, each in its appropriate province, to 
 enact laws for the punishment of this crime. 
 
 4. Resolved, That, owing to the absence of definition in the United States 
 statutes on this subject, and the abuse of power by the officers appointed to 
 execute it, great wrong has been done to individuals, and dangerous viola- 
 tions of the freedom of the press have been consummated ; and we seriously 
 and earnestly protest against these wrongs and violations. 
 
 5. Resolved, That, in order to prevent these evils for the future, the follow- 
 ing safeguards should be secured : (1) the amendment of the United States 
 laws concerning obscene literature, in accordance with the principles enun- 
 ciated in the foregoing resolutions ; (2) the right of appeal and writs of error 
 from the circuit courts to the Supreme Court of the United States in all 
 criminal cases under these laws ; and (3) a new legislative provision requiring 
 that the entire publication alleged to be obscene, for circulating which 
 through the mails any person shall be hereafter prosecuted in the United 
 States courts, shall be set forth in the indictment. 
 
 6. Resolved, That a commission should be appointed, composed of able and 
 influential citizens of the highest character, who shall be charged with the 
 duty of devising, adoptiug, and carrying into execution such measures, as iu 
 their judgment, shall be best calculated to obtain from Congress the above- 
 mentioned safeguards ; and the Directors of this League are hereby empowered 
 and instructed to select and appoint the members of said commission, and to 
 co-operate with them in all possible ways. 
 
 7. Resolved, That, in order to enable the Directors to discharge the duty im- 
 posed upon fhem by the preceding resolution, we hereby appeal to all citizens 
 who love equity and prize the freedom of the press to contribute liberal dona- 
 tions towards a fund of five thousand dollars, said fund to be paid to the 
 Treasurer of this League, and appropriated by the Directors to the sole pur- 
 pose of defraying the expenses of the said commission. 
 
 These were the practical measures for the protection of liberty which the 
 " reform " party were desirous to carry into execution. The advocacy of 
 those principles and measures was the avowed reason, and the only reason, 
 why the old Board of Directors was dismissed with an evident but impotent 
 purpose to make the dismissal disgraceful. The inference was forced upon 
 
460 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 tlie minovity at Syracuse, and is now forced upon the public, that the 
 " repeal " party are seeking sometliing more than the effectual protection of 
 liberty ; and the question is moat pertinent — TVlmt is that more f Let thought- 
 ful minds answer that question for themselves. 
 
 SATURDAY EVEOTNG SBSSION. 
 
 During the afternoon, it had leaked out that the majority of the Committee 
 on Resolutions were in favor of " reform,'' not "repeal." This was a most 
 vexatious circumstance to the majority. In order to overcome this almost in- 
 superable obstacle to the success of the " repeal" programme, Mr. Courtlandt 
 Palmer very unexpectedly moved the adoption oi two resolutions, as follows: 
 
 Resolved, That the Committee on Resolutions be instructed to report a reso- 
 lution in favor of the repeal of the Comstock postal laws. 
 
 Resolved, That they be also instructed to report a resolution in favor of the 
 practical enforcement of constitutional and State laws against obscenity. 
 
 After a necessary suspension of the order of business by vote, these resolu- 
 tions were declared in order. 
 
 Mr. R. P. Hallowell, of Boston, moved to amend them by substituting the 
 following : 
 
 Besolr.ed, That total separation of Church and State is the sole purpose of 
 National Liberal League. 
 
 Resolved, That the platform adopted at our last annual convention, whereby 
 this League merged into an equal civil, political, and religious rights associa- 
 tion, is hereby repealed. 
 
 Dr. John Winslow, of Ithaca, moved to amend Mr. Hallowell's amendment, 
 by substituting the following : 
 
 Resolved, That, however its members may differ as to questions of constitu- 
 tionality, the National Liberal League fully recognizes the necessity of sup- 
 pressing obscene literature by such legislation as shall be proper and con- 
 stitutional, and shall also protect absolute freedom of discussion upon all 
 subjects. 
 
 The evening was consumed in debating these amendments and others, and 
 in getting out of the parliamentary snarls in which the Congress entangled 
 itself. The "reform" side were accused of "filibustering" by their oppo- 
 nents ; but, if that epithet was deserved, the " repeal " side earned their 
 share of it. Neither side intended to filibuster; the amendments offered 
 were finally disposed of by substituting Dr. Winslow's for Mr. Hallowell's, 
 and then appending it to Mr. Palmer's as a third resolution. At this point, 
 when a vote might have been reached. Dr. E. B. Foote, Jr., of New York, 
 moved to amend the series of three resolutions then before the Congress, by 
 substituting therefor some new ones of his own, as follows : 
 
 Resolved, That we believe the United States postal law concerning obsce- 
 nity to have been enacted without due deliberation ; that there are high pre- 
 cedents and good reasons for doubting the constitutionality of such legisla- 
 tion ; that it is certain that unjust prosecutions have been made under this 
 law, and, as it stands, it should be repealed. 
 
THE SYRACUSE CONGRESS. 461 
 
 BesolveS, That the present laws for tte suppression of obscenity in the 
 varions States are so construed as to be dangerous to the liberties of the 
 people and the press by their failure properly to define obscenity, and must 
 be so modified as to render them sufficient for the total suppression of obsce- 
 nity without endangering the liberty of the press. 
 
 Motions to adjourn (it was nearly eleven o'clock) had been several times 
 made and lost. But Dr. Foote's amendment was too much for the patience of 
 the Congress. It was moved and voted to refer this new amendment to the 
 Committee on Resolutions ; the President ruled that the amendment neces- 
 sarily carried with itself the resolutions it was to amend, and that thus 
 the eptire batch of resolutions was removed from the Congress to the Com- 
 mittee. This result, though apparently exasperating to those who wanted 
 to force through a vote for " repeal " that evening, was a mistake of the 
 "repeal" party itself, and had to be digested. The adjournment was then 
 effected. 
 
 We frankly confess we regretted that amendment after amendment should 
 have been made to Mr. Palmer's resolutions instead of meeting squarely the 
 issue forced on the Congress, and debating the merits of the question. The 
 majority was clearly on the "repeal" side ; they hungered and thirsted for a 
 decisive vote ; but, with all their eagerness and their evident collusions to 
 carry their point, they were wretched tacticians, and did not know how to do 
 it. It was a blunder to spring Mr. Palmer's resolutions on the Congress that 
 evening, contrary to their own order of business ; if these resolutions had 
 passed, no committee would obey such instructions against their own self- 
 respect. The "repeal" party, moreover, should have respected their own 
 order of business, which permitted discussion, but not action, on the main 
 question that night ; and they only betrayed a reckless disregard of fair 
 play, in attempting to overrule in advance the report of their own committee 
 on resolutions. Notwithstanding all this, we regretted the failure to meet 
 the issue on its merits. 
 
 STJXDA.Y MOENIXG SESSION. 
 
 The Syracuse Standard of Monday morning said: 
 
 The Sunday morning session was in some respects a quiet one and in others 
 rather troublesome to the New York party. During the recess the majority, 
 who had sought to force the Congress to express an opinion in favor of the 
 repeal of the law, had become frightened. Rivers, of Boston, now resting 
 under indictment for the sale of obscene literature, urged a square expression 
 of the Congress in favor of his views. He wanted the United States autlior- 
 ities rebuked for what they had done. Wakemau, of New York, a supporter 
 of Rivers, was more politic, and hesitated about giving the Abbot party such 
 open cause for disruption. He, and others who stood with him, feared the 
 odium which would fall upon them if the Abbot party should secede, on the 
 ground that they could notlive with those who sustained and fostered the sale 
 of obscene literature and sought to repeal the laws making the sale ■>; crime. 
 Wakeman believed the majority had better make concession rather than be 
 comp(3lled to stand alone before the public; and hence the Committee on 
 Resolutions fixed up a compromise that the Comstock postal law question 
 should not be touched by either party. ^ ^ ., f T.„„„i„ n^*^ 
 
 At the opening of the morning session, J. H. Adamson, of Passaic City, 
 
462 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 N. J., alleged that he would show up the New York party in its true light: 
 he had facts to back him. 
 
 Cries from the New York faction — " Give us the facts !" /. i i • 
 
 Adamson— "I'll give 'em to you fast enough!" Mr. Adamson fixed Ins 
 
 papers, and was proceeding to tell how Bennett, of the , by letter had 
 
 offered his League a bribe often dollars to vote with the New Yorkers. 
 
 That made the New York party frantic, and Bennett called for the letter he 
 had written ; he didn't want his letter produced in a garbled manner. 
 
 Adamson went on to read that his League had refused to be bribed, when 
 he was called to order, and the Chair was asked to rule that Adamson must 
 produce the letter. 
 
 Adamson said he had not the letter with him, but he would willingly send 
 for it and have it published ; and then he averred he had some more bottom 
 facts which he could give, but the New York party cried him down, and the 
 President finally ruled him out of order unless he produced the letter. 
 
 Mr. Courtlandt Palmer, of New York, on behalf of the Committee on Reso- 
 lutions, submitted the following partial report as a measure of conciliation 
 and honorable compromise : 
 
 Mesolvecl, That this Congress does not, at the present session, express any 
 judgment in regard to the Comstock postal law question, but that it hereby 
 recommends that the members of the League and all liberals inform them- 
 selves, as far as possible, as to its constitutionality, with a view to decisive 
 action at the next Congress. 
 
 Eesolved, That the freedom of the press, which is guaranteed by the United 
 States Constitution, includes freedom to publish and freedom to circulate 
 by the customary channels all opinions on literary, scientific, political, so- 
 cial, moral, religious, or other subjects. 
 
 Eesolved, That while we recognize the supreme importance of extinguish- 
 ing, as far as possible, the demand for obscene literature by educational and 
 mon,l means, we also recognize the practical necessity of legislation by the 
 proper and constitutional authority against the crime of publishing it, and 
 laws for the punishment of the same. 
 
 The first of these resolutions was urged upon the Congress by Mr. Wake- 
 man as an act of extraordinary " magnanimity" on the part of the majority. 
 According to the Standard, he "said he appreciated the position of Mr. Pal- 
 mer, who did not wish to force a conscience not prepared for conviction, 
 referring to the Abbot party. He regretted, however, to be obliged to go 
 home while two League members lay under arrest, and the arrest instigated 
 by church authorities. He believed the aiTested parties were guilty of no 
 wrong whatever ; and yet he thought, before generally asking the Congress 
 to favor the repeal of the Comstock postal laws, they had better take another 
 year to fully think the matter over. He had yielded this much to save heart- 
 burnings." 
 
 Eev. Mr. Gordon emphatically opposed any proposition to leave the League 
 a whole year under the disgrace of not knowing [its own mind on this sub- 
 ject. This was not a constitutional question ; it was a moral question, and 
 could not be too soon decided. 
 
 The President asked and received permission to express his opinion on the 
 resolutions. He stated distinctly that he understood this to be a proposition 
 to leave the League for another year exactly as it was left at Philadelphia ; 
 that that position was in favor of " reform," and against " repeal " ; that he 
 
THE SYRACUSE CONGRESS. 463 
 
 himself, with all the rest of the League, had heen perfectly satisfied to hold 
 that position for two years, and desired simply that it should not be changed 
 at all now ; that he could not oppose these resolutions, since they proposed to 
 leave that position wholly unchanged ; that he appreciated the " magnani- 
 mity" of the majority in not exercising their evident power to force a vote 
 for " repeal," and was in favor of the resolutions, not as a compromise— which 
 it was not — ^but a complete postponement of the whole question for a year. 
 
 And thus the " reform " party fell into the trap. The resolutions passed, as 
 did also the following, presented by Mr. Underwood on behalf of the Com- 
 mittee on Resolutions : 
 
 Resolved, That it is inexpedient at this time to nominate candidates for the 
 Presidency and Vice-Presidency of the United States, and that it must remain 
 inexpedient to take this step until the local constituency of the National 
 Liberal League is vastly increased. 
 
 Mesolved, That the sinister and ruinous bearings of the Edmunds' constitu- 
 tional amendment upon the cause of State secularization are dangerously 
 misunderstood and disregarded by nearly the whole people, and especially by 
 liberals ; that notwithstanding the excellence of the major part of this amend- 
 ment, the proviso that it shall not have the effect to exclude the Bible from 
 the public schools would indirectly but completely Christianize the now 
 secular Constitution, by recognizing the Bible as having a divine right to be 
 read in public schools, which is superior to the ri<;ht of Congress and of the 
 people, and would thus plant the nation unawares on the foundation prin- 
 ciple of orthodoxy ; while the further proviso that this amendment shall not 
 have the effect to impair the rights of property already vested is designed 
 to secure the perpetual exemption of church property from taxation, with all 
 the growing evils of that mountainous injustice. 
 
 Mesolved, That we earnestly counsel all Local Leagues to hold frequent 
 public meetings for the purpose of enlightening the people as to the unspeals;- 
 able importance involved in this still pending attempt to Christianize the 
 Constitution by stealth, and as to the paramount necessity of defeating the 
 proviso now attached to this proposed amendment. 
 
 SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION. 
 
 The report of the Committee on Nominations was the first business in order 
 on Sunday afternoon. It was divided ; the majority report of three proposing 
 the re-election of the old list of of&cers without change, while the minority 
 report of two proposed that " the chief officers of the past year be dropped, 
 and men known to be for the repeal of the Comstock postal law be elected in 
 their stead." As finally made up and elected, this latter list was as follows : 
 
 President, Hon. Elizur "Wright. 
 
 Vice-Presidents, as before, bat dropping the names of Hon. E. P. Hurlbut, 
 R. P. Hallowell, and B. F. Underwood, and adding the names of Mrs. James 
 Parton, Miss Jane P. Titcomb, Francis W. Titus, Mrs. A. C. Bristol, J. H. "W. 
 Toohey, Dr. J. R. Monroe, Prof. J. E. Oliver, Mrs. C. Neymann, Henry 
 Damon, and Hon. S. Brewer. 
 
 /Secretary, A. L. Rawson. 
 
 Aasistant-Secretari/, Mrs. A. C. Bristol. 
 
 Treasurer, Courtlandt Palmer. 
 
 Exemtive Committee, H. L. Green, chairman, and the rest as before. 
 
 Finance Committee, Mrs. L. N. Colman, Frank Rivers, J. S. Verity. 
 
464 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 The Board of Directors was tlitis composed exclusiyely of persons known or 
 believed to be strongly in favor of " repeal," as opposed to " reform," of tbe 
 postal law of 1873. K the new Board had been constitnted of persons in favor 
 of "reform," so that the attitude of the League might remain unchanged on 
 this question, there would probably have been no withdrawal ; certainly we 
 should not have withdrawn. But the mutual agreement of the two parties 
 to " express no judgment" on the question at this session, and to postpone 
 for a year "decisive action" upon it, was flagrantly violated by this total 
 sweep of the chief offices and the election of a new administration unani- 
 mously pledged to "repeal." The minority saw, as the outside world sees, 
 that the League can "express its judgment," and take " decisive action," just 
 as effectively by a change of administration as by a mere formal resolution ; 
 they saw that the agreement had been broken and that they themselves had 
 been treacherously deceived. 
 
 The two reports of the committee were received, and the Congress pro- 
 ceeded to elect oflicers for the ensuing year. We called Vice-President Brown 
 to the chair, which we vacated for that purpose. A motion was made by Asa 
 K. Butts, one of the leading spirits of the '' repeal" party, to cut off all de- 
 bate on the subject of candidates ; but it was voted to allow half an hour of 
 debate, limiting the speeches to five minutes. The speeches made showed un- 
 mistakably the animus and purpose of the proposed cliange ; it was meant to 
 punish the old Board for their position of " leform," and to make a new Board 
 whose position should be for " repeal." 
 
 The vote for President was taken by ballot. Hon. Elizur Wright had 76 
 votes, and F. E. Abbot 51 ; and Mr. Wright was declared elected. Let us say 
 here that Mr. Wright is one of our best and most honored personal friends, 
 who, if he had been present, would have been disgusted at the spirit, tactics, 
 and proceedings of those who used his name without authority. As to his 
 real position on the Comstock postal law, it is not for us to speak ; he was 
 claimed to be in favor of "repeal," and as such elected. It was not till after 
 we had taken our seat in the body of the house that Eev. G. E. Gordon rose, 
 and said: "I wish to say, that as the minority are out of sympathy with this 
 League, I invite them to meet me in the parlors of the Syracuse House, iu 
 order that we may advise together as to what course we shall take to defend 
 
 OURSELVES." 
 
 That was the purpose of the withdrawal — to " defend ourselves" from the 
 treacherous action of the majority iu pledging the League to "repeal" after 
 they had agreed to "express no judgment" and take no "decisive action" 
 for another year; and to save the liberal cause from public shame. The 
 withdrawal was neither suggested nor headed by us ; we simply followed Mr. 
 Gordon with the rest. If a new Board had been elected which, like the old 
 one, stood four to one in favor of " reform " and against " repeal," we should 
 have refused to withdraw and remained witt the old League, a contented 
 and satisfied member. 
 
THE SYRACUSE CONGRESS. 465 
 
 THE PIIffiNIX RISING OUT OF THE ASHES. 
 
 Wliile the Congress remained to conclude its session, the minority as- 
 sembled at 4 p. M. in the parlors of the Syracuse House. Rev. Mr. Gordon 
 called the meeting to order, and suggested the election of a Chairman and 
 Secretary. Hon. E. P. Hurlbut was elected Chairman, and Mr. R. P. 
 Hallowell Secretary. It was voted to apijoiut a committee of five to draw- 
 up a statement of reasons for the withdrawal, and to report one tour hence. 
 This committee was elected as follows : Rev. G. E. Gordon, Mr. C. D. B. Mills, 
 Mr. B. F. Underwood, Hon. E. P. Hurlbut, Mr. R. P. Hallowell. 
 
 At 5.15 P. M., the meeting was again called to order, and the committee 
 made the following report : 
 
 Whereas, The Congress of tbe National Liberal League, assembled at Syra- 
 cuse, October 26 and 27, 1878, to which we were delegates, was radically 
 divided into two parties, one favoring total repeal, and the other opposed 
 to such repeal, of certain laws of the United States relating to the circulation 
 of obscene literature ; and 
 
 Whereas, The whole question was, by the proposition of the majority and 
 the consent of the minority, dropped from the consideration of the present 
 Congress ; and 
 
 Whereas, The subsequent nomination and election of the chief executive 
 oiificers for the ensuing year, including the President, were made by the ma- 
 jority dependent upon their expressed opinion on the question which liad 
 been thus disposed of, to the surprise and deep disappointment of the minor- 
 ity ; and 
 
 Whereas, The minority cannot but regard this action of the majority as a 
 breach of faith and an unjust act toward the mioority ; therefore, 
 
 Mesolred, That we, the undersigned, protest against the animus, aims, and 
 results of such proceedings, .ind hereby withdraw from the session of the Con- 
 gress to talie such action as we may in the future deem advisable. 
 
 liesolved, That we believe that the existing United States laws against 
 obscenity need to be reformed and amended, being nowin several xiartiunlars ' 
 oppressive in the modes of administration and in the penalties; yet we are in 
 favor of proper laws, by State and National Governments, against the publica- 
 tion and circulation of obscene literature, tending to corrupt the morals of 
 youth. 
 
 The Syracuse Daihj Standard of October 28 had these plain-spoken words to 
 Bay on the events of the two preceding days : 
 
 The Congress of Radical Thinkers, held at AVieting Opera House, Saturday 
 and yesterday, must have furnished much food for thought to those who have 
 any regard for the decency of society and the purity of mankind. But one 
 question arose for consideration, and that related exclusively to obscene lite- 
 rature. By persistent as well as quiet effort, a majority of the League was 
 composed of Free Lovers and dirty literature defenders, and from first to last 
 they were determined upon making a point in favor of its free circulation. 
 Their remarks sometimes almost polluted the atmosphere of the opera house, 
 and one who said that "if they should be left alone, they would stink them- 
 selves to death," -was not so far out of the way as he might have been. 
 
 The decent element was compelled to leave ; it had uo other refuge th.in in 
 the organization of a new association. The League in Syracuse represented 
 by Messrs. C. D. B. Mills and John W. Truesdelf repudiated the perfumers 
 and joined the new association. The one represented by Mrs. Colman re- 
 mained. 
 
 The seceders .are entitled to the commendation of all defenders of morality 
 for the course they took. Such a spectacle was never presented in Syracuse 
 
 30 
 
466 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Tsefore, as that when men and women rose in their places and openly advo- 
 cated the uprooting of principles of morality. The Journal was severely 
 criticised by tliem for calling things by their right names. In place oi 
 "socialistic privileges," it said "free love"; instead of "radical publica- 
 tions," it said "obscene literatnre." The adherents of immorality should 
 thank the Journal rather than blame it for not speaking yet more plainly, and 
 sinking not a few members of the disgraceful combination to a level beneath 
 that of brothels. 
 
 It were well if the League had never met hero. It were better if only the 
 conservative portion of it had come. AVhile the minority did not hold to 
 Orthodox ideas, its defence of the principles of morality was able and earnest. 
 It would make no compromise with debasing influences, and therein showed 
 an honesty and sincerity of purpose which will be respected by all decent- 
 minded people. 
 
 That the gentlemen who seceded as above described, were 
 honest in their convictions no man can doubt. And if any of them 
 had unwittingly been on the other side, it was doubtless because 
 of the impositions, deceits, and falsehoods, practiced upon them 
 by the leaders in this movement. But with the great majority 
 it was different. They had combined and conspired, after the 
 convention of 1876, to repeal the laws ; had plotted, and in most 
 unscrupulous manner sought to overthrow these safeguards to 
 our youth, and had been most ingloriously defeated. A new 
 dodge was necessary, and was at once resorted to. 
 
 The champion of obscenity, Bennett, and his co-conspirators 
 had not been idle. This would-be-a-martyr, found it paid well 
 to be charged with sending obscene matter through the mail. In 
 order to defend what had been most fully defined in two courts 
 as obscene, and to positively secure his arrest, this leading " liberal " 
 had openly and most flagrantly defied the laws. He commenced 
 the advertisement of a grossly obscene book. 
 
 In September, 187Y, at Watkins, he and three others had been 
 arrested, and indicted by the Grand Jury of Schuyler County, 
 for selling this same obscene book. But, this did not satisfy. 
 Tlxis arrest had been done by the local authorities imder the State 
 law. The IST. Y. Society for the Suppression of Yice, nor its 
 agent, had had anything to do with it. It gave him no new 
 ground for attacking them. He would force an issue. He must 
 be a martyr now, as the "liberals" would all make his their hon- 
 ored name, and place him on a lofty pinnacle, and he could make 
 a larger „amount of money. So he evidently planned and 
 
THE SYRACUSE CONGEESS. 467 
 
 reasoned. He came to 'New York, and immediately commenced 
 to advertise as follows, in his own paper. 
 Under date of Sept. 7, 1878, he says : 
 
 "We -will hand tliem to the purchaser, or send them by mail, or express as 
 desired, Anthony Comstocls:, Fred Davis (District Attorney), Waxren Hurd, 
 Oliver P. Hurd (County Judge, Schuyler Co.), and all the citizens of "VVatkins 
 and Schuyler Co. to the contrary notwithstanding. 
 
 Let those who wish copies of * send in the sum of fifteen cents and 
 
 they shall be supplied. 
 
 Again Sept. 14, 1878, he said: 
 
 THK TRINITY. 
 
 W'hile we w ere in Watkins some one facetiously styled Miss Tilton, U. S. 
 Bell, and ourselves " The Trinity," " Father, Son, and Holy Ghost," and sug- 
 gested that wo have photographs of the three on one card. We acted upon 
 the suggestion, and had a quantity made with the trinity. Those who wish 
 copies of the same can be supplied at 15 cents each. Either of the trinity 
 
 singly on a card, 10 cents. If a copy of the trinity and * are ordered, a 
 
 pamphlet of sixty pages, containing T. B. Wakeman's great speech at the 
 Faueuil Hall Heywood meeting, and his arguments against the Comstock 
 Postal Law will be added gratis, and sent by mail, all for 30 cents. 
 
 The following will show how the seceders regarded his tricks. 
 This is taken from The Index, edited by one of the most honor- 
 able of the " Free Keligionists " of the day. He is one of my 
 prejudiced witnesses. His testimony therefore will be valued. 
 The great burden on his mind up to this time was that " outrages 
 had been committed," an abuse of power existed as he understood 
 it. If he hadJcnown the facts, he would have known just to the 
 contrary in each case. 
 
 Head carefully what these unwilling witnesses testify to, as to 
 the character and acts of this ex-convict ; and bear it in mind as 
 you consider the further action of Liberals in his behalf, the reso- 
 lutions of sympathy ofEered at Cincinnati by Kobert Gr. IngersoU, 
 and the speeches of the leading Liberals, who accorded him a 
 public reception on his release from State's Prison, where he had 
 been sent for sending obscene matter through the mails. 
 
 * The title of his obscene book. 
 
468 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 He says in his paper, 'Hot. 20, 1879 : 
 
 WHY DID BENNETT CRY "PERSECUTION?" 
 
 No candid person, who has made himself familiar with Bennett's trial, can 
 for a moment admit that any effort was made to try him or to punish him for 
 his lieresy. 
 
 As the writer has already shown in an article on Bennett's " Pretence of 
 Persecution," the prosecution did not seem to care what Bennett had been, 
 what he thou was, or what he believed, disbelieved, or practised. The judge 
 carefully cautioned the jury not to allow the prisoner's beliefs, opinions, prac- 
 tices, or tmbeliefs to have any influence u]>on their minds ; that they were 
 there only to answer as to his conduct in sending (title of boot which we 
 omit) through the mails. Hence, Bennett was not prosecuted for his anti-the- 
 ological opinions, whatever they may have been. 
 
 Why, then, did he seek to convey the idea that he is imprisoned on account 
 of his heresy in theological matters ? Because he has been playing a game of 
 fraud all along, and did not dare to allow his readers and patrons to know the 
 truth. How much money would he ever have received by way of donations 
 to his " Defence Fund," if the truth had been known in regard to his motives 
 subsequent to his Watkins arrest ? Not one dollar where he did receive a 
 hundred. 
 
 His first arrest, in 1877, was a surprise to him, and he was badly scared for 
 a time. But his appeal for help brought in so much money, that when that 
 case was settled, he said, — and we have the statement of two reliable persons 
 to whom he spoke in his own office,—" This martyr business pays. We must 
 get up something else in that line." In a short time came the second arrest, 
 at AVatkins, and then the more frantic appeal for money. He came from 
 Watkins with a matured plan of action, as his subsequent course clearly 
 
 shows. He announced that he had not hitherto sold many copies of , 
 
 but that henceforth he should sell all he could to everybody who wanted it, 
 and he would send it through the mails. 
 
 If, now, he had no object in view other than to announce that he would 
 ksep this pamphlet for sale, he would have said nothing about sending it by 
 mail. For, certainly, it would have been the part of prudence to have kept 
 silent upon that point. That he did not do so shows that he had a " peculiar " 
 motive. 
 
 What was it ? To tempt, taunt, defy, and aggravate Comstock into arrest- 
 ing him as he had done Heywood. To this end he defies the law, as in his 
 paper of Sept. 7 and 14, 1878. At length he succeeds in inducing Comstock to 
 attack him. If Bennett has been sincere, why does he not now try to draw on 
 himself a prosecution for publishing heresy instead of mailing a dirty work 
 which he is continually saying he does not like ? Because he knows that he 
 cannot coax, taunt, or drive Comstock to attack him on a question of heresy; 
 and hence, while he has been publishing and mailing matter very offensive to 
 believers in Christian theology, he is obliged to ignore his own previous pub- 
 
THE SYRACUSE CONGRESS. 469 
 
 lications, and hitch his fortunes to this Limburger pamphlet, the production 
 of an individual who is his rival for fame and public charity. He was obscene 
 enough himself, but he did not possess sufficient ability to get his vulgarity 
 into salable shape, and so had to handle Heywood's stock-in-trade on com- 
 mission. 
 
 Having got himself arrested and the way prepared for a trial in a United 
 States Court, he turns with wailing and lamentation, not ouly to his patrons, 
 but to all who love freedom of conscience and American liberty, constitutional 
 government, etc., etc., to come immediately forward and help him to make the 
 fight, not between obscenity and protective laws, which was the real case, hut, 
 as he fraudulently put it, between the bigotry of the Church in the person of 
 Comstock, and the right of all to think, believe, and worship according to 
 conscience, in his person. He said : — 
 
 " I have sacrificed much in my reputation and my means to make this fight, 
 for it seemed to fall upon me to make it ; but I pray you not to let me make it 
 without your reasonable aid and approval." 
 
 Having deliberately and designedly drawn the prosecution upon himself, he 
 has been enabled thereby to get his plan of attack upon the public purse into 
 successful operation, without ever being suspected, generally speaking, of his 
 design. It was not a " deep " game, but it was a successful one. It succeeded 
 so easily because it was played upon many people widely scattered, and peo- 
 ple, too, for the most part, very credulous and ready to be imposed upon by 
 anything or anybody, that appealed to their prejudice against the Church. 
 But it was, from the first, a game, a plot, a fraud, and a humbug. Bennett 
 never once supposed that he would or could be prosecuted as a heretic. If 
 that, or something like that, had been tried in the matter of the " Open Letter 
 to Jesus Christ," which was offensive, not on account of its heresy, but its 
 blackguardism, the quashing of that case left him no room to hope, that he 
 could get up any notoriety on anything that he could publish against theology. 
 He knew also that, if the people once supposed that he was simply using ob- 
 scenity as a means of exciting the agents of the law against him, so that ho 
 could have a groundwork for his claim of persecution, he never could have 
 obtained their sympathy or, what was his real object, their money. Hence 
 Bennett must have been conscious all the time of playing the jjart of a 
 hypocrite and an impostor. He knew that he could not obtain public sympa- 
 thy honestly in the prosecution that he had succeeded in bringing upon him- 
 self; he knew that without that sympathy he could get no money. But money 
 was his object. For that he left his former occupation and became a " Re- 
 former " (Heaven save the mark ! ) ; and money he must have, or go back to 
 the old business of selling quack medicine, perhaps. And he went into Lud- 
 low Street Jail as happy as a school-boy going fishing, because he knew that 
 he had secured his hold on the sympathy of his deceived public, and believed 
 that the President would not dare to refuse him a pardon. If any one doubts 
 this, let him read Bennett's editorial announcing his conviction. And behold 
 his joy over every letter that came to him containing pecuniary proofs of the 
 success of his plan : — 
 
470 FKAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 " My spirit is cheered by the reception of numerous sympathetic . . ■ • 
 letters : . . . many of them contain remittances of greater or less magnitude 
 ... I feel very grateful to such friends, and cheerfully acknowledge such re- 
 ceipts ... If I get out of prison, I -will puUish the entire list." 
 
 " How doth the great hig husy B 
 Improve each shining hour, 
 And gather money every day 
 From every gull-i-flower " 
 
 of credulity ! Send in your cash, dear sympathizers, and get your names 
 printed in the immortal list of those who would buy fame by honoring fraud 
 •under the fair guise of martyrdom. 
 
 Put yourself in his place. Conceive that you have written and published 
 very low, vulgar, and vile attacks on popular theology ; that you have failed 
 to get the Church to prosecute you on the ground of your heresy; that you 
 have taken up another man's publications which a United States Court has 
 pronounced " obscene ;" that you have succeeded in getting yourself arrested, 
 prosecuted, convicted, and advertised ; and that you want to make money out 
 of the operation through an appeal to public sympathy, — what would you do ? 
 Would you dare to toll the truth ? No! There is but one chord upon which 
 you could strike with any hope of success, and that is the prejudice of the 
 unchurched people against clergy. Church, and theology. 
 
 That is just what Bennett did ! He had published more or less stuff against 
 these, and so had prepared the " Liberal " ear for his note of " persecution for 
 heresy." There is no other note which he can strike ; and he rings that out 
 loud and clear, with the bold, brazen, unhesitating voice of one who seems to 
 have learned by a long practice that, to make a humbug successful, conscience 
 must be throttled, and falsehood pushed forward with all the coolness and 
 assurance of self-reliant truth. 
 
 Once more he was successful. His mock terror at the prison that yawned 
 before him, his hypocritical whine about a long life of purity, honesty, and 
 devotion to humanity and the dear wife of his happy home, — whom he was 
 even then driving by his abuse away from her home, so that he could bring in 
 a younger mistress, — took root in the credulity of his admirers ; their hearts 
 were touched, their pocketbooks were opened, and from then until now the 
 money has continually iiowed in to fill his coffers. Had it not been for the 
 thorough exposure of Bennett's real character, conduct, and motive in running 
 a public paper, he would have come out of the Penitentiary a rich man, — rich 
 with money, every dollar of which would have been obtained under false 
 pretences, and been a premium upon vice and a monument to libertinism and 
 falsehood ! Never in the history of the human race has there been made an 
 exposure of dishonesty where the offender deserves less charity at the hands 
 of the public than does D. M. Bennett ; and, in putting an end to his success 
 as an impostor, we are doing a worlc which should receive the commendation 
 of every honest man and woman in the world. The ExposeK. 
 
THE SYRACUSE CONGRESS. 
 
 4^1 
 
 [It is absolutely necessary, however disagreeable the means, to open the 
 eyes of those deluded liberals who have been deceived and fleeced by this 
 cunning cry of " persecution." We therefore append here the article above 
 referred to, which we quote from the Chicago lidigio-FMlosopliical Journal of 
 November 1. We cannot do this without saying that Col. Bundy, its editor, 
 has earned the lasting gratitude of all true liberals by his fearless exposure of 
 iniquity that has cloaked itself under the name of liberalism, and brought 
 incalculable damage and disgrace to its cause. — Ed.] 
 
 Col. Bundy says : 
 
 THE PRETENCE OF PERSECUTION. 
 
 As Mr. Bennett has ever since his conviction been harping on this string of 
 persecution for his opinion's salie, doubtless we shall be added to the number 
 of those who are said to be joined with his Christian enemies, and who are 
 down in his black list for future punishment, i. c, when he comes home again. 
 And as we do not propose to do anything for which we cannot give good rea- 
 son, so, in our relation to this would-be martyr, we will not trespass one inch 
 upon the ground of uncertainty. We believe that he has not been persecuted 
 for his anti-theological opinions, and shall so maintain, notwithstanding 
 Bennett himself has said : 
 
 " The fight is not one ef obscenity, but one of liberty of opinion. It has 
 always been the fate of advanced opinions to be under the ban of the major- 
 ity.'' (For specimens of his " advanced opinions," see his love-letters recently 
 published in the Journal.) 
 
 " It matters not what we have done or what we have not done, we were an 
 infidel, . . . and that was sufficient.'' 
 
 " It availed us nothing that we showed an unblemished character.'' 
 
 " The charge of obscenity was a mere pretext upon which to send to prison 
 an objectionable, outspoken heretic and infidel to the current system of 
 theology. The case was prejudged before the trial. It was a foregone con- 
 clusion that the prisoner must be condemned, and the judge acted the part of 
 prosecutor rather than of a fair, impartial, and just judge." 
 
 Placing this language in the light of Bennett's real character as shown in 
 his exposure, it is seen to be only buncombe, with a design in it. Bennett is 
 like the apostle Paul, "crafty," and so seeks to catch his unsuspecting 
 gudgeons with " guile." It is the desperate effort of a man who is intriguing 
 for one last grand opportunity to wheedle or swindle the public before his 
 final exposure comes, for he must have known that it was coming sooner or 
 later. It is a well-matured plan to fleece, through a fraudulently obtained 
 sympathy, that dear humanity which he has been coddling so tenderly in his 
 beneficent arms and cramming so generously with his reformatory pap of 
 promiscuous promises of health, wealth, wisdom, freedom from superstition, 
 and all the ills that poor human souls and bodies have become heirs unto 
 through the blighting influence of aU religion save the new religion of his 
 own new dispensation. From his quiet country home on i western prairie, 
 where he seems to have matured his plan of action, he goes to New York,— 
 
472 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 humljug-like, making a IboM stroke at the start,— and, under the imperial 
 Eegis of ,* essays to become the supposed God's-tongue of a new reve- 
 lation unto mankind. He defiantly attacks everything that is held sacred 
 among the religions and religious worshippers of the present day, and 
 advances to his work of demolition and destruction, with the language and in 
 the spirit of an outlawed border rufBan. And people who have been long 
 hoping for some divine prophet of "Liberalism" to arise, begin to suspect 
 that there is something wrong with this man, that the afflatus which floats hitn 
 to battle is anything but divine. Soon the more keen-sighted among them 
 have measured their man and taken their position. They look on aghast and 
 disgnsted to see this mountebank, who has stolen their good name, go tearing 
 into society like an infuriated bull in a china shop, as a " Reformer," toss- 
 ing, tearing, trampling everything in his way, and are not at all surprised 
 wlien society rallies in self-defence, and, instead of following the reformer, 
 drives him into " pound." 
 
 Hereafter the cry that he is persecuted heeause he is an unbeliever in the 
 Christian or any other religion, can only be the wail of a defeated impostor. 
 Bennett has never been and never will be persecuted, or even prosecuted 
 because he does not believe in the Orthodox Trinity or the vicarious atone- 
 ment ! When he was brought to trial for sending obscene matter through the 
 mails, his counsel took every precaution to guard against the possibility of 
 his client's suffering from the bigotry and prejudice of the jury. To every 
 man drawn as juror the following questions were propoundad by Mr. Abram 
 Wakeman. 
 
 " Assuming the doctrines or principles of the pamphlet in question to be, in 
 your opinion, erroneous, are you under the influence of any social oi: religious 
 views or opinions which will tend to prevent your acting impartially as a 
 juror in the trial of this case ?" 
 
 "Assuming the defendant to be a Free Thinker and an unbeliever in the Chris- 
 tian religion, are you under the influence of any religious views or prejudices 
 which will tend to prevent your acting impartially as a juror in the trial of 
 this case?" 
 
 No mau sat in that jury who did not, under oath, answer these questions 
 unequivocally in the negative. 
 
 Then they heard the evidence. The prosecution introduced his paper for 
 Sept. 7th and 14th, and Dec. 21, 1«78, and Feb. 22, 1879, to prove— what f 
 That Bennett was an infidel or even a free-lover? Ko! Simply to prove 
 
 that he had declared that he would sell and send * through the mails to 
 
 anybody who would send the money to pay for it, and that he did so sell and 
 
 send it. That was all. In the 1 of Feb. 15, 1879, is matter tha* would 
 
 make a stronger case of obscenity than can ever be based upon * and the 
 
 prosecution knew it ; but they had no other case, sought no other issue, with 
 
 D. M. Bennett, than that of sending * through the mails. Twice or three 
 
 times when Bennett's witnesses were swearing that they had known him for 
 
 His obscene book. I His newspaper. 
 
THE SYRACUSE CONGEESS. 473- 
 
 thirtiy and forty years, and that he had always borne an "unblemished char- 
 acter," had always lived most happily and devotedly with the one wife of his 
 early and only love, the prosecution, in cross-examination, asked, " Do you 
 know Mr. Bennett to be the author of ' An Open Letter to Jesus Christ ?'" 
 He did not ask any witness, " Do you know Mr. Bennett to be a free-thinker, 
 an infidel, or u, free-lover?" He did not once attempt to introduce any 
 evidence even tending to prove that Bennett was anything either good, bad, 
 or indiiferent. The prosecution cared so little about Bennett and his beliefs, 
 unbeliefs, and opinions and practices, that it did not even attempt to investi- 
 gate the defendant's claim of life-long good character. Prosecutor and court 
 both admitted without question Bennett's claim to good character, which 
 shows two things unmistakably : first, that the prosecution knew nothing 
 about the evidence which we have since produced against Bennett, proving 
 him to have been one of the vilest impostors of modern times; and, second, 
 that they did not care to know anything about him, either as to his character 
 or his opinions ; and, therefore, it was antecedently improbable that they 
 should, would, or could do the first thing towards a prosecution or persecu- 
 tion of him on the ground of his being an infidel and a free-lover. 
 
 Furthermore, the judge, in his charge to the jury, who had sworn to give an 
 impartial verdict, said : — 
 
 "This is not a question of religion, nor a question of the freedom of the 
 press. . . . This defendant may entertain peculiar views on the subject ol' 
 religion; he may be an infidel ; he may have peculiar and improper notions 
 on the marriage relation ; he may be a free thinker ; he may be whatever he 
 pleases ; that should have no eifect upon your deliberations. ... If you 
 should find a verdict against this man hecause you do not like Ms doctrines in 
 respect to religion, . . . you would do an injustice to the man. . . . All men 
 in this country, so far as this statute is concerned, have a right to their opin- 
 ions. They may publish them. This man may entertain the opinions 
 expressed in this book, or he may not. Free lovei's and free thinkers have a 
 right to their views, and they may express them, and they may publish them, 
 but they cannot publish them in connection with obscene matter, and send 
 that matter through the mails." 
 
 We defy anybody, even Bennett himself, or his most enthusiastic apologist, 
 to pick out of this language anything that can be even tortured into an 
 attempt on the part of either prosecution, judge, or jury to try Bennett for his 
 MJibelief in the popular Christian theology. 
 
 And, therefore, we maintain, that the cry of " persecution " for opinions' 
 sake, that has been raised hitherto, is only one of the " artful dodges " by 
 which Bennett seeks to retain his hold upon the public purse through mis- 
 placed sympathy. We disclaim all personal feeling in the matter, and write 
 only in defence of truth and decency, both of which lie has so egregiously 
 offended. And the evidence compels us to say that Bennett is an obscene man 
 whose opinions, while they have not, as we have shown, drawn any " perse- 
 cution " upon him thus far, and are not likely to do so, yet cannot be expected 
 to command the respect of decent people.— i2. P. Journal. 
 
474 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 If any person is so simple as to believe this man was convicted 
 because of inlidel views, let bim read tbe judge's charge to tbe 
 jury, as quoted by Col. Bundy. It was unqualified obscenity 
 that he was convicted on, and the "Liherals" may twist and turn 
 as they please, it is this they defend. My reply to Mr. Abbot's 
 criticisms is that, when it was found that both the State and 
 United States laws were thus most outrageously defied, . and 
 brought into contempt, we did what our oath of office required 
 us to do, we legally arrested this man Bennett. 
 
 I see no argument against the proper enforcement of laws, in 
 that it is said the prisoner wants notoriety. The question for the 
 ofiicer, under his oath of office, is : Are the laws defied and 
 violated? Is this scoundrel sowing broadcast seeds of moral 
 destruction ? Shall he sit quietly by and see all these outrages 
 and do nothing, because he may be unfavorably criticised if he 
 does his duty ? I do not so apprehend duty. 
 
 After his arrest he began new appeals' for money. The 
 "Liberals" responded magnificently. It required nearly two 
 columns of his paper to acknowledge the receipts of money. He 
 was cheered on by letters of endorsement from all parts. He 
 even printed letters "from the Devil," and he so proclaimed 
 them. These letters of support and sympathy often filled two 
 and three pages (four columns each) of his paper, from week to 
 week. Where one letter was received from decent men sus- 
 taining, cheering, and helping on the prosecution, or sympathizing 
 with tlie Agent (doing his duty faithfully) on account of the per- 
 secutions of the enemy, this scoundrel received hundreds of 
 letters and thousands of dollars. I do not complain of this, but I 
 affirm its truth. 
 
 About this time they organized the National Defence Associa- 
 tion. 
 
THE NATIONAL DEFENC3 ASSOCIATION. 475 
 
 CHAPTEE XXVII. 
 
 THE NATIONAL DEFENCE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 The prime object of this association or combination of 
 "Liberals" and ex-convicts was, to defend persons arrested, and 
 create adverse public sentiment against our Society, and espe- 
 cially against the Agent. As I have already stated, funds were 
 called for and liberally received by this new organization. A man 
 named A. L. Eawson, an ex-convict thief, and bigamist, was 
 made president. He was also the secretary of the National 
 Liberal League. As he is a representative man, and, after his full 
 exposure, was re-elected the secretary of the National Liberal 
 League, we give a few extracts from llr. Abbot (my unwilling 
 witness) in evidence of his true character. 
 
 Mr. Abbot had made charges against this man. Elizur "Wright, 
 president of the JSTational Liberal League, had taken him to task 
 for thus exposing the crookedness of his pet secretary. Mr. 
 "Wright is reported by Mr. Abbot, in his paper, as writing to him : 
 
 As your friend, I am exceedingly pained at your position witli Eawson. 
 His card fairly tlirows the burden of proof upon you, and I think your hest 
 friends will hold you bound in honor, either to show who the previous wife 
 was, that is referred to in the decree, or make him an apology. 
 
 Just here, I desire to stop and say one word as to my reasons 
 for perpetuating the names of "Wright, Bennett, Eawson, Inger- 
 Boll, etc., in this book. All are convinced that they are utterly 
 unworthy of favorable notice, because of their true character! 
 Ah ! reader, that is just the point, " true character." That is just 
 what I desire and aim to establish, in contradistinction to what 
 they and their cohorts would have the public believe. These 
 men are put forward as leaders in a great " Liberal " movement 
 ao-ainst the restraints of law and religion, promising grand results 
 in the future, and immediate deliverance to their followers! 
 Deliverance from what ? The sweet influences of religion ; the 
 peace that comes from a sense of sins forgiven ; the health that 
 
476 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 follows from appetites and passions restrained; tlio protection 
 that flows to the community from a proper enforcement of laws 
 against the criminal class ; the comfort to the afflicted that the 
 Bible furnishes ; the strength to the fainting soul that the pro- 
 mises of God afford; the sweet rest and meditations of the 
 Sabbath of rest ; the light and hope to the soul that the future 
 home inspires ; the reverence for God and holy things ; the moral 
 purity of our youth and children ; the bonds that unite the family 
 circle, and dot our beautiful land with stiU more beautiful homes. 
 And so we might go on, till we make this life on this beautiful 
 earth one unrestrained License to appetite and passion, the turning 
 loose of all the baser elements of human nature to grovel among 
 the worms, without a single upward tendency to noble living for 
 principle, or to sacrifices or labors of love for others. It is 
 because their lives are hollow and rotten at the core, because they 
 offer themselves to the world as such manly fellows, so self -exalted 
 and clean, and to-be-patterned-after, that I give them a place suf- 
 ficient to show to the world they have nothing in them to lie 
 coveted, nothing to he desired. 
 
 If I were writing a litany, I woidd add a prayer — from all such 
 " deliver us." 
 
 Mr. Abbot apologizes as follows : 
 
 AJSr OPEN LETTER TO ME. WEIGHT. 
 Hon. EuztTR Weight, President of the National Liberal League : 
 
 So be it: I accept the "burden of proof" which you put upon me. I will 
 now proceed to lay before you and the public the essential evidence on which 
 the Eeferee made his Eeport and the Court its decree. In turn, I am con- 
 strained to say that I think your best friends will hold you bound in honor 
 either to prove this evidence false, or else to confess its conclusiveness public- 
 ly, cease your defence of a now proven rogue, and indignantly repudiate all 
 further connection with him. 
 
 The fact that A. L. Eawson is Secretary of the National Liberal League, 
 and also Secretary of the " National Liberal Party" which was organized at 
 Cincinnati, Sept. 13 and 14, with the avowed intention of acting as an inde- 
 pendent party in the Presidential campaign of 1880, renders his record a mat- 
 ter of public concern, in view of the inevitable scrutiny to which it will be 
 subjected by political journals of all parties. It is above all important to the 
 
THE NATIONAL DEFENCE ASSOCIATION. 477 
 
 liberals, if they desire to be represented by men wbo can pass nnscatlied 
 through tliat merciless ordeal, and not to see the liberal flag trailed in the 
 dust. I am opposed to any such political movement next year, but still 
 more opposed to the folly of upholding such representatives as Eawson this 
 year. 
 
 The decree of the Supreme Court of New York, held at Syracuse, May 31, 
 1864, Hon. W. J. Bacon being the presiding j udge, was as follows (we repub- 
 lish it from The I\dex of October 2, in order to correct a slight clerical error 
 of the copyist, the copy of which we now malie use being certified by Mr. 
 Thos. H. Scott, Clerk of the Court) : 
 
 THE DBCKEE OP THE COUET. 
 
 Mart D. Eawson ) June 1, 1864. 
 
 ag. > Sedgwick, Andrews & 
 
 Albert L. Eawsox. ) Kennedy {Attys). 
 
 The cause having been brought on to a hearing, upon the complaint filed 
 herein taken as confessed, and the report of Levi w. Hall, the referee herein 
 at a special term of this court held at the Court House in Syracuse, the 31st 
 day of May, 1864, whereupon said Court made and filed its decision whereby 
 judgment "was ordered for tlie plainliffl', declaring the marriage between her 
 and the said defendant void, on the ground that the said defendant at the 
 time of said marriage between him and the said plaintiff had a wife tlien liv- 
 ing, and also on the groimd that said marriage between the plaintiff, Mary D. 
 Eawson, and the defendant, Albert L. Eawson, was procured to, be solemnized 
 by the fraud of the said defendant, and also that the said marriage between 
 the plaintiff and defendant was entered into by the said plaintiff in good 
 faith, and in the belief on her part that the first wife of the said defendant 
 was dead : 
 
 Now, on motion of Sedgwick, Andrews, and Kennedy, Attys. for said 
 plaintiff, it is adjudged and decreed, and the Court, by virtue of the power 
 and authority therein vested, and pursuant to the statute in such case made 
 and provided, doth adjudge that the marriage between the said plaintiff, 
 Mary D. Eawson, and the said defendant, Albert L. Eawson, is null and void, 
 aud that the same be dissolved on the ground that at the time of said mar- 
 riage the said defendant had a wife by a former marriage then living, and 
 from whom he had not been in any manner divorced, and also on the ground 
 that said marriage between said plaintiff and defendant was induced by the 
 fraud of the said defendant, etc. [In the closing portion of the decree, the 
 two children born from this marriage of A. L. Eawson and Mary D. Eawson 
 are adjudged to the custody of the plaintiff. ] 
 
 In The Index of Oct. 16 we promptly published the "Card" of A. L. Eaw- 
 son, with such comments as were proper in our ignorance of the detailed evi- 
 dence on which the decree was based. We now republish it here, that he 
 may have the full benefit of it (if there is any benefit in it), and that the 
 public may compare it with, the testimony laid before the Court. 
 
 A. i. eawson's defence. 
 
 To THE Editor of the : 
 
 Sir, — Mr. Abbot, editor of The Index, of Boston, gives space, in the issue 
 of Oct. 2, to a part of the decree of divorce of my wife from me in Syracuse, 
 N. Y. in 1-864. He evidently does not know the whole story, for he gives less 
 
478 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 than half. I -will tell the rest. I -(vas then made the victim of religions 
 bigotry, intolerance, and hate, and my wife aud children taken from me by 
 those who persuaded her that I was totally unfit to be the protector and 
 teacher of her children, because I was "an infidel," and "going rapidly down 
 the road to hell." She and her family were members of the Episcopal Church 
 (Bev. Mr. Hill, High Church). She was influenced to and did bring a suit tor 
 separation against me on a totally false charge, which I denied by proper 
 answer. Thus the suit hung for several months over my head, the newspapers 
 being employed meanwhile to "write me up," so as to make public opinion 
 agaiust me on the charge of having cruelly treated my wife. Having too 
 many friends, and living, as I always do, without concealment, that charge 
 was known to be false and had to be abandoned. But by it, the work of 
 alienation had been effected. Finding there was no hope of a reconciliation, 
 on the advice of my counsel and of friends who had known me from child- 
 hood, I agreed to withdraw my defence and allow my wife to get an absolute 
 divorce. E\en then no divorce could have been obtained, for want of facts; 
 for there was no adultery nor cruelty. In order to get the divorce, the friends 
 of my wife had an amended complaint filed to the effect that I had a wife liv- 
 ing when married. To this complaint, in order to enable my wife to get the 
 decree she desired, I never put in an answer, and so let the matter go by de- 
 fault, or be " taken as confessed," as the law-term is. I never by word or 
 deed said or confessed that there was any truth in that charge. In fact, 
 there was not a single word of truth in it. It was simply a fraud out of 
 whole cloth. 
 
 I had not been married before. Somebody, probably, committed a perjury, 
 and a fraud was perpetrated on the court; for a decree of divorce was ob- 
 tained and published. After tbat, I continued to live there for months. 
 Everybody who knew me or my wife knew that the charge was false. Then 
 was the time to test the matter. If I had been in fact the bigamist charged, 
 then would have been the time to have arrested aud sent me to prison. If I 
 was the bigamist Mr. Abbot seems to think I was, it is because the fraud on 
 the court in Syracuse really did not undo the marriage with that wife. That 
 question is one I leave for Mr. Abbot and bis church party to settle. 
 
 I cannot see how my private affairs affect the principles of the platform of 
 the National Liberal League. The League in re-electing me as its Secretary 
 did not endorse my private opinions, nor my past conduct, nor anything be- 
 side my official record. If Mr. Abbot has anything to say about my official 
 conduct as Secretary of the League, I will cheerfully answer any charges that 
 may be brought against me. 
 
 The motives of a "Liberal" (?) who digs np an old record of this kind and 
 publishes it without first asking if there is no explanation, I leave for the 
 reader to appreciate. 
 
 A. L. Eawson. 
 
 From the officially certified copy of the Judgment Roll now on file in the 
 Clerk's Office at Syracuse, we proceed to condense the essential evidence on 
 which the Court made its decision, omitting the legal forms and repetitions 
 and some collateral statements which are superfluous here. 
 
 THE plaintiff's COMPLAINT. 
 
 The complaint of Mrs. Mary D. Rawson, a copy of which was personally de- 
 livered to A. L. Rawsou hy Deputy Sheriff E. Hurd on Feb. 11, 1864, and to 
 answer which the usual twenty days were granted him, states that she was 
 married to the defendant on June 30, 1860, at Syracuse; that she separated 
 from him about Oct. 5, 1863 ; that she is informed and believes that at the 
 time of said marriage he was a married man and had a wife then living in 
 
THE NATIONAL DEFKNCE ASSOCIATION. 479 
 
 Massacliusetts or some other of the New England States; that she is informed 
 and believes that this previous Tivife is named Sarah J. Eavpsou and is still 
 living, and that A. L. Eawson ■svas never divorced from her ; that a, child 
 named Arthur Eawson was bom of this first marriage, and is still living. 
 The complaint further states that the plaintiff, Mary D. Eawson, at the time 
 of her own marriage with A. L. Eawson, had no knowledge of this previous 
 marriage; that she has not lived with Mm since she learned of it ; and that 
 she married him in good faith and in ignorance of any impediment to the 
 union. 
 
 The complaint states that, prior to this second marriage, "the said defend- 
 ant represented himself to the plaintiff as a man of good moral character and 
 respectability " ; that she was induced to marry him by reason of her faith in 
 these representations ; that she now believes that he had previously been ar- 
 rested and indicted for larceny, had pleaded guilty, had been sentenced to the 
 New Jersey State Prison, and had served out his sentence, or nearly so ; that 
 this conviction and sentence were had in New Jersey on or about Sept. 18, 
 1851 ; that she is informed and believes that "the character of the said de- 
 fendant after his discharge from the State Prison aforesaid was very bad in a 
 moral point of view " ; that from IS.'SS to 1858 he lived in the vicinity of 
 Boston ; that be had concealed from her these facts laxid some similar ones 
 which we forbear to state, since they are not covered by the testimony 
 taken], and thereby had induced her to marry Mm; and that, "had she 
 known or had information of the previous criminal acts and moral depravity 
 of the said defendant, she would not have entered into said marriage." 
 Wherefore she demands judgment that the said marriage be declared null and 
 void on the ground of the previous marriage and of the defendant's fraud in 
 her own marriage, and that her own children be entitled to the legal advan- 
 tages of legitimacy and given to her own custody at all times. 
 
 :.\ 
 
 the defendant s silence. 
 Mary D. Eawson. 
 
 ar/t. 
 
 Albert L. Eawson 
 
 It appearing by affidavit of Charles Andrews, one of the attorneys for the 
 plaintiff, that this action is for an absolute divorce, and that more than 
 twenty days has expired since the service of the summons and complaint 
 herein, and that there is no appearance, and no answer or demurrer on tlie 
 part of the defendant hereiu, it is, on motion of Sedgwick, Andrews & Ken- 
 nedy for the plaintiff herein, ordered that it be referred to Levi W. Hall, Esq., 
 to take the proof of the material facts slated in the complaint, and report 
 the same and the evidence to the Court. 
 
 Copy. 
 
 E. S. Payne, Cleric. 
 
 THE referee's report. 
 
 On May 31, 1864, Levi W. Hall, Esq., the Eeferee, reports that he has taken 
 proof of all the material facts in the case and submits them to the court as 
 part of his report, and adds : 
 
480 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 And I do further certify and report, as required "by said order, that m my 
 opiuiou all th& material facts charged in the complainant's bill in this cause 
 are proven and true, and that the said defendant has been guilty of the sev- 
 eral frauds charged in the said [sic] bill of <;omplaint. All of which is respect- 
 fully submitted. 
 
 L. W. Hall, Beferee. 
 
 Dated May 31st, 1864. 
 
 THE PROOFS OP RAWSON'S BIGAMY. 
 
 Appended to the Referee's report were several sworn depositions. The first 
 three of these were depositions by the mother and two sisters of the plaintiff 
 whose names we leave unmentioned in order to spare these injured and un- 
 fortunate ladies all unnecessary publicity. 
 
 The plaintiff's mother testified that her first acquaintance with A. L. Eaw- 
 son was in the summer or autumn of 1859 ; that his attentions to her daughter 
 continued from that time until their marriage on June 30, 1860 ; that she 
 " had never heard that he, the defendant, had been convicted of felony," until 
 the first (Monday 1) of October, 1863. She further deposed : 
 
 During the period of his addresses to my daughter he represented himself 
 as a man of good moral character. During the time of his addresses to my 
 daughter and previous to bis marriage and uj) to that time from the first, he 
 represented himself as a single man and a widower. He said he had had a wife 
 who was dead ; that her maiden name was Sarah Lord. He said he had one 
 ' child by said marriage, a son who was living with his grandparents ou the 
 mother's side. I had no knowledge that the Sarah Lord whom he called 
 his wife was living at the time of the marriage of my daughter with the de- 
 fendant. ... 
 
 An elder sister of the plaintiff deposed that she first became acquainted 
 with A. L. Eawson in the fall of 1859, at her mother's house, and that she fre- 
 quently met him there. She further deposed : 
 
 During this period he represented himself as a widower. He stated the 
 maiden name of bis former wife as Sarah Lord, a relative of Dr. Lord, of Buf- 
 falo. He made no other different representations up to the time of the mar- 
 'riage. . . . While defendant was paying his attentions to my sister, and he- 
 fore their marriage, he stated to me that his first wife was dead, and gave me 
 the particulars of her death. Up to the time of the marriage of the plaintiff 
 and defendant, I supposed the defendant to be a widower and first wife to be 
 dead. Prior to the separation of the plaintiff and defendant, I had no in- 
 formation that the defendant was a convicted felon. He passed himself off 
 always up to the time of his marriage as a man of the highest moral charac- 
 ter, and claimei I to be a religious man. 
 
 Another elder sister deposed to the same effect, as follows : 
 
 I frequently met Mr. Eawson at ray mother's house during his attentions to 
 my sister. He represented himself as a single man, a widower. lie said the 
 maiden name of his first wife was Sarah Lord. He stated to me the patticu- 
 lars of her death ; that his wife died of consumption about three years pre- 
 vious to tbat time. He said he had a son living with the father and mother 
 of his said wife at Medford, Mass.; that his name was Arthur Eawson. I 
 knew of the time of the separation of the plaintiff and defendant. She has 
 resided in her mother's house ever since. Uuriug the time of my acquaintance 
 vith defendant and up to the time of his marriage, he represented himself to 
 
THE NATIONAL DEFENCE ASSOCIATION. 481 
 
 be highly moral and upright in his character. I never heard during my ac- 
 quaintance with defendant, and up to the time of his separation, that he 
 had been convicted of felony, nor did I ever know that his first wife was 
 living. 
 
 By virtue of a commission issued by the New York Supreme Court, de- 
 positions were taken as made at Cambridge, Massachusetts, May 9 and 11, 
 1864, by William H. Titcomb, of Cambridge, and James H. Lord, of Dor- 
 chester ; and these depositions also were included by the Referee as part of 
 his report. 
 
 William H. Titcomb deposed as follows, in answer to interrogatories which 
 may be omitted : 
 
 I reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts. My age is forty years. My occupa- 
 tion is artist. I know the defendant, Albert L. Kawson. I have known him 
 for about thirteen years. I do not know the plaintiff. I know Sarah J. 
 Eawson. 1 first made her acqnaintance about ten years ago in Cambridge. 
 She was introduced to me by Albert L. Eawson as his wife. The said Albert 
 L. Eawson and Sarah J. Eawson lived together as man and wife when I first 
 made her acqnaintance. They continued to live together in that relation for 
 some four or five years. They had one male child. I do not know its name. 
 He did not at any time rent a house of me. I did not at any time live in.the 
 same house with them. During the time of my acquaintance with the said 
 Sarah J. and Albert L. Eawson, the said Albert L. Eawson did introduce the 
 said Sarah J. Eawson into society as his wife, and she was received and 
 treated as such by her neighbors and acquaintances. I do not know where 
 she now resides. They removed from Cambridge to Medford, aud resided at 
 Medford the last that I knew of her residence. I first became acquainted 
 with Albert L. Eawson about the year 1850. He was then a single man, 
 boarding with a Mr. Beebee in Cambridge. In the fall of 1850 he went to 
 Chelsea, and was married in the spring of 1851 to Sarah J. Eawson. Soon 
 after that he wen t to the West, and returned to Cambridge about the year 
 1853. I am acquainted with the handwriting of Albert L. Eawson, and have 
 seen him write. I have examined the several schedules annexed and the 
 commissions herein, marked respectively schedule "A," " B," "C," "D," 
 "E," and "F," and I think them all to be in the handwriting of Albert L. 
 Eawson. Wm. H. Titcomb. 
 
 Examination taken, reduced to writing, subscribed by the witness, and 
 . sworn to by him, this 9th day of May, 1864. 
 
 John A. Goodwin, Commissioner. 
 
 James H. Lord deposed as follows, in answer to similar interrogatories not 
 necessary to be published : 
 
 I now reside in Dorchester. I am aged thirty-two. I am conductor on a 
 city railway in Boston and Dorchester. I am the brother of Sarah J. Eawson. 
 I understand that she resides in Lawrence, in Massachusetts. I last saw her 
 in September, 1863. I know Albert L. Eawson. I have kuown him about 
 thirteen years. The said Albert L. Eawson and Sarah J. Eawson did live to- 
 gether as man and wife. They so commenced to live together about the 
 month of May, 1851, at my father's house in South Eeading, Massachusetts. 
 My sister Sarah J. was previously residing at Chelsea; they came to my 
 fathei-'s house, and passed as man and wife, and were received iu the family 
 and treated as man and wife. They resided in my father's family in this 
 manner for about three months, and left and went to New York. They re- 
 turned from New York, and commenced keeping house in Medford, where 
 they remained two or three years. I last saw Albert L. Eawson at Medford 
 
 31 
 
482 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 about 1857. During all this period he always treated Sarah J. Eawson as Ws 
 wife, and she was received and recognized by our family and their neighbors 
 as his wife. The said Albert L. and Sarah J. Eawson lived together in my 
 father's family and at Medford, and I understand at Cambridgeport. I visited 
 them at Medford. I have no recollection of ever hearing Albert L. Rawsou 
 say he was married to Sarah J. Eawson. Tliere was one male child born to 
 the said Sarah J. and Albert L. Eawson, I thinli: in Eoohester, New Yorly he 
 now lives in Lawrence with his mother. His name is Arthur Eawson. I am 
 familiar with the handwriting of Albert L. Eawson. I have examined 
 schedule " C " annexed to the commission herein, and have no doubt it is the 
 handwriting of said Albert L. Eawson. Sarah J. Eawson, a few days before 
 she and Albert L. Eawson came to my father's house to live, told me that 
 they were married. This was about April or May, 1851. 
 
 J. H. Lord. 
 
 Examination taken, reduced to wriring, subscribed by the witness, and 
 sworn to by him this eleventh day of May, 1864. 
 
 John A. Goodwix, Commissiona: 
 
 The schedules referred to included two original letters written by Albert L. 
 Eawson, — one dated "Pittsford, Vfc., June 2d, 1856," beginning "Dear Sarah^" 
 and addressed at the close to " Sarah Jane Eawson," — the other dated "New 
 York, April 2d, 1857," beginning " De.ar Sarah," and addressed at the close to 
 " S. J. Eawson, Medford." Can any reasonable being believe that A. L. Eaw- 
 son had not another wife, still living and not divorced, when he married 
 Mary D. Eawson at Syracuse, June 30, 1860 ? 
 
 proofs of kawson's larceny. 
 
 The Eeferee, after the depositions of the mother and two sisters of the 
 plaintiff, states in his report : 
 
 Plaintiff here puts in evidence an exemplified copy of a Eecord of Convic- 
 tion of Albert L. Eawson for a felony, as follows : " At a Court of Oyer and 
 Terminer and General Jail Delivery, held at Hudson City in and for the 
 County of Hudson, State of New jersey, on the 15th day of Sept., 1851," 
 which is hereto annexed and marked Schedule A. The plaintiff also reads in 
 evidence the deposition of William Titcomb and James H. Lord, taken under 
 and by virtue of a commission issued in this case out of the Supreme Court, 
 by John A. Goodwin, Commissioner, which said Commission and depositions 
 are hereto annexed and marked schedule B. All of which is respectfully sub- 
 mitted. 
 
 L. W. Hau., Eeferee. 
 
 The substance of " Schedule B" has been already given above. " Schedule 
 A" is as follows : — 
 
 The State of New Jersey to all to whom these presents shall comb, 
 Greeting : — 
 
 Know ye that we, having searched the records of our Court of Oyer and 
 Terminer and General Gaol Delivery, holden at Hudson City in and for the 
 County of Hudson in the State of New Jersey, do find a record in the words 
 and figures followins, to wit : 
 
THE NATIONAL BEFENCE ASSOCIATION. 483 
 
 Court op Oyer and Terminer and 1 
 
 General Gaol Delivery, \ 
 
 Monday, September 15, 1851. ) 
 
 The Court met at ten o'clock, pursuant to adjournment. Present — 
 
 The Hon. Henry W. Green, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nero Jersey. 
 
 Cornelius Van Winkle, ] Judges of 
 John Griffith, ( the Common Pleas 
 
 Stephen Gaustron, and C and Justifies af 
 George Thomas, ) this Court. 
 
 The State 
 
 A' 
 
 agt. ^ Indict for Larceny. 
 
 Albert Rawson. 
 
 Tbe defendant's appearance to this indictment is entered by order of the 
 Court, he the defendant being at the bar. The Court further order that he 
 be charged on the Indct. and plead thereto. Therefore, being charged, he 
 pleaded Guilty, and was remanded for sentence. 
 
 September 18th, 1851. 
 Present— The Hon. Henry W. Green, Ch. Jus. 
 Cornelius Van 'Winklb, ) Judges of 
 Stephen Gaustron, > the Common 
 
 John Griffith, ) Pleas. 
 
 The Court order that all the defendants Tried and found Guilty, and also 
 those who pleaded Guilty, be now set to tbe bar to receive sentence. 
 
 The following named persons were then put to the bar and were sentenced 
 by the Court as follows, viz. : — 
 
 Albert Eawson, Indicted for Larceny. 
 Plea, Guilty. 
 
 Sentence. — One Year to the State Prison at hard labor, and to pay the costs 
 of prosecution. 
 
 AH which we have caused to be exemplified under the seal of said Court of 
 Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery. 
 
 In witness whereof we have caused these presents to be signed by Robert 
 Gilchrist, Clerk of said Court, and the seal of said Court to be hereto affixed, 
 this ninth day of December, eighteen hundred and sixty-three. 
 
 : L. S. : N. Gilchrist, C'/fc. 
 
 Here follow documents of some length attesting the genuineness of the 
 above copy of record, signed by B. Dayton Ogden, Presiding Judge of the 
 Court of Oyer and Terminer, and Whitfield S. Johnson. Secretary of State of 
 the State of New Jersey. There is no occasion to occupy our space with these 
 merely formal matters. 
 
 In the light of the above crushing and annihilating evidence, read over 
 again the tissue of falsehoods put forth by this precious " victim of religious 
 bigotry, intolerance and hate," and judge for yourself whether it can be suc- 
 cessfully palmed off upon the public as tbe truth. Judge for yourself whether 
 any organization or party which tolerates in office such men as Bennett and 
 Rawson, or any man who, in face of tbe revelations made in this number of 
 The Index, dares to lisp one syllable m their defence, can stand for an 
 
484 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 instant against the torrent of public wrath. If there is any lightning left in 
 the conscience of mankind, it will flash forth now with consuming fires. 
 
 If the great liberal body, organized and unorganized, is already too far cor- 
 rupted by the poison of free-love to care for these revelations,— if it feels no 
 burning, immediate necessity of speech and action in defence of its own 
 purity and good name,— if it lazily or stupidly consents any longer to be rep- 
 resented by the Bennetts and the Eawsons who have thrust themselves for- 
 ward before the world as our saints and " martyrs " and " victims of religious 
 bigotry,"— then its damnation is coming swiftly, and I care not how soon it 
 comes. 
 
 You have expressed your disapproval of the division of the National Liberal 
 League at Syracuse last year. It was time to divide. It was time to know 
 whether self-respecting liberals would consent to serve under such leaders as 
 A. L. Eawson, D. M. Bennett, and the others, no better than they, who plot- 
 ted with them to capture the organization and prostitute it to the cause of 
 free-love and total repeal of the postal laws against obscene literature. You 
 were not present ; I was, and know what I am saying. 
 
 Of all men, you can have least sympathy with such characters as Eawson 
 and Bennett are now proved to have. You have spent a long and faithful 
 life in battling with iniquity; and now that the veil of concealment has been 
 withdrawn, you must be filled with indignation at the hideous hypocrisy. 
 Surely the scales must now fall from your eyes. When you remember that 
 these men have found their most potent means to deceive the simple and mis- 
 guide the careless in your consent to stand officially at their head, it will 
 need no hint of mine to convince you that, unless you can overthrow this 
 mountain of proof, your only effective protest against their guilt must be 
 resignation of the Presidency of the National Liberal League. If you continue to 
 stand as the official head of such men, it will be useless to disclaim their 
 deeds. No man can lift them up ; they can and will drag any man down 
 who hesitates to cut loose from them. But this you inow as well as I: 
 forgive me if, through you, I make appeal to all who honor and trust you as 
 does Your friend, 
 
 Feancis E. Abbot. 
 
 Notwithstanding this manly, urgent appeal, Mr. "Wright still is 
 the Chieftain and President, and Kawson Secretary. Phew! 
 what a mess ! 
 
 Eawson, the sweet-scented representative of this National 
 party, expended their money, as President of the National De- 
 fence Association (Bennett seems to have received much of it, as 
 he did the publishing), in issuing tracts containing most infa- 
 mous libels against the officers of our Society, the laws, and partic- 
 idarly myself. He amused us, by coming to our annual meet- 
 ings, and giving out these tracts at the door as the audience was 
 
THE NATIONAL DEFENCE ASSOCIATION. 485 
 
 passing out, after our meetings. Thousands of them were also 
 distributed free about the streets. 
 
 In the mean time, this man Bennett had been brought before 
 his Honor Charles L. Benedict, Judge of U. S. Circuit Court, 
 New York, and after a full and fair trial before a Jury of his own 
 choice [as he did not exhaust all his peremptory challenges, so there 
 was no excuse for having any person on the panel whom he ob- 
 jected to], he was convicted. 
 
 A stay of sentence was had, and his case was taken before the 
 fuU Bench, the highest U. S. Court for this district, where his 
 counsel made elaborate arguments against the law point questions 
 of obscenity, and rules of evidence as laid down by the Court, 
 etc., after which this full Bench sustained the proceedings of this 
 learned Judge, and Bennett was sentenced, to 13 months impris- 
 onment at hard labor in Albany penitentiary. 
 
 This was more than he bargained for. His counsel and friends 
 boasted they would have him pardoned in 10 days, and had him 
 detained in Ludlow street jail for nearly or quite a month, so sure 
 were they of accomplishing this, to them, much desired end. The 
 glory of the martyr seemed to fade, and the lustre dim as the 
 prison door and garb di'ew near. Again, " Man proposed but 
 God disposed." 
 
 Hearing the boast, I was forewarned, and forearmed. I went 
 immediately to "Washington and saw the President. I found him, 
 as he is, a thoroughly upright man, and a most conscientious and 
 faithful President, but, with many of the specious arguments and 
 popular prejudices against our work before his mind. One thing 
 impressed me, that he desired to know/aofe .• and then, whatever 
 was right and consistent he would do at all hazards. Pie sent for 
 the pardon clerk, ex-Judge Gray, who, when asked if a petition 
 for Bennett's pardon had been received, reluctantly admitted that 
 "he believed some paper had been informally sent to the At- 
 torney General's office to that effect." 
 
 The secret was this : the Massachusetts free-lover had been 
 pardoned. The President told me, that it was represented to him 
 that he had sent but one book, and that he had been induced to 
 
486 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 send this by my letter, and on that showing he had been pardoned. 
 In this connection let me say I am simply recording facts. 
 
 I then informed the President, that this man, at the time of his 
 aiTcst, was making a business of sending his vile books throngh 
 the mails, of advertising for "boy and girl agents," and boasted of 
 being on his twentieth edition ; I also informed him that I had 
 sent a full report in affidavit form, to the President through the 
 Post Office Department, backed by a protest signed by our officers 
 and some of the best men in the country. Judge Gray, denied 
 that Heywood ever so advertised, and I took one of the books 
 which I then had with me, and read the advertisement calling 
 for "boy and girl agents" which appeared on every book, as 
 well as his other advertisements. 
 
 Heywood had been arrested because he was making a business 
 of sending obscene books through the mails, and especially, 
 because he made unusual efEorts to send the same to children and 
 youth. 
 
 He was pardoned because facts were suppressed. This was not 
 by the Post Office Department, for the papers were placed in 
 Judge Gray's hands. I do not say he suppressed them, or even 
 insinuate that he did. I have the President's word for it, how- 
 ever, that he never had seen our protest up to the time of my first 
 interview. 
 
 I firmly believe Heywood never would have been pardoned, if 
 the facts had not been suppressed and the President thereby 
 deceived. 
 
 Upon the release of their Chief Free-lover, or more properly 
 free-luster, what did the Liberals do ? How did they receive the 
 man they helped release from the penalties of the law ? 
 
 Let the following report of the Paine Hall reception de- 
 clare. 
 
 January 2d, 1879, in Paine Hall, Boston, the Free-thinkers, 
 Free-lovers, and Liberals extended a reception to ex-convict Hey- 
 wood. "We quote from one of the leading Liberal papers, as 
 showing the gist and sense of that gathering, the following 
 remarks and resolutions : 
 
THE NATIONAL DEFENCE ASSOCIATION. 487 
 
 Mr. Hull read the following resolutions, -whicli were applauded during the 
 reading, and unanimously passed afterwards : 
 
 Sesolced, That with joy in our hearts and praise on our lips, we, as friends 
 of freedom, welcome back to freedom a sufferer for freedom's sake, and that 
 we meet here to-night not only to congratulate a friend, but to celebrate the 
 vindication of a principle. 
 
 Mesolved, That this principle — the freedom of the press — was struck down 
 on Tuesday, the 25th day of last June, when E. H. Heywood was sentenced, 
 by a judge of a United States court, to pay a heavy fine and endure a long 
 imprisonment, for having taken the liberty to express his thoughts in print ; 
 that the fortitude with which he has suffered for the cause so near our hearts 
 entitles him to our profoundest gratitude ; and that we hail his release from 
 prison, even at this late day, as an evidence that those in authority have not 
 lost all regard for the rights of the people. 
 
 Resolved, That this release, highly valued as it is, in no wise lessens the 
 necessity for a jealous guardianship of our liberties ; that the pending prosecu- 
 tions of D. M. Bennett, Josephine S. Tilton, W. S. Bell,* and George Mosher, 
 show how bitterly and persistently bigotry will continue the battle ; and that 
 we renew with increased earnestness the demand/or the entire repeal of the infamous 
 ohscenity postal law of 1873, and the ignominious removal from office of the equally 
 infamous informer, Anthony Comstoclc, who is intrusted with its enforcement. 
 
 Resolved, That to the National Defense Association of New York, for its timely 
 inauguration of the movement for Mr. Hey wood's pardon, and for paying the 
 expenses of the same ; to its embassador, Mrs. Laura Kendrick, for her 
 services in presenting the claims for pardon upon the authorities at AVashing- 
 ton; to Attorney-General Devens, for recommending pardon to the President; 
 to President Hayes himself, for signing the pardon; and to the many others 
 who in various ways have aided the good work, we tender, one and all, our 
 heartiest thanks. 
 
 As expressing tlie views of another Liberal leader, we quote 
 from a letter written by Parker Pillsbury, whicL. was read at the 
 above reception of this ex-convict dealer in filth : 
 
 Concord, N. H., Jan. 1st, 1879. 
 Dear Friend — I need no invitation to a meeting to welcome Ezra H. Hey- 
 wood, with honor and thanksgiving, back to his family, his friends, and his 
 work. In spirit, in sympathy, and in written utterance, I shall be with you 
 on that occasion. The atrociously unjust arrest and imprisonment of our 
 brave friend is but the beginning of a conflict for liberty of speech, press, and 
 locomotion, mail transportation, right of suffrage, of conscience, and worship; 
 indeed, of every civil, social, and religious right and privilege pretended to bo 
 constitutionally secured to every citizen. The statute under which that 
 
 * These all had been arrested at Watkins, N. Y., under the State laws, by 
 the local authorities. I had nothing to do with it. 
 
488 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 outrage was perpetrated was designed to trample on every one of those sacred 
 rights — every one of them. !-*»#«» 
 
 But this law was intended for no such purpose. It is a spawn of the Church, 
 was instigated hy the Church. It was intended as auxiliary to that daring 
 conspiracy against civil and religious bigotry known as the " God-in-the-Consii- 
 tution Society." » * » Tallc of amending such a laio as this ! 
 
 Rather tear it from the statute hook it so disgraces, and let it he burned hy 
 the common hangman at the front of every court-house in the United States! 
 And let all the people say Amen ! »»#»*» 
 
 And now, wishing our fiieud Heywood and his household a long, prosperous, 
 and happy life, with just as much peace and persecution, joy, sorrow, and suf- 
 fering, as inevitably attend a true, noble, and heroic warfare iu tlie cause of 
 man, woman, and child, I subscribe, dear friend, faithfully and fervently, 
 yours and his, to the end that can never come. Parker Pillsbdry. 
 
 " The letter was loudly and earnestly apj)lauded." 
 
 I tell you, reader, " blood will tell," " birds of a feather will 
 flock together." " A man is known by the company he keeps." 
 
 Do the infidel and smut dealer occupy the same bed ? 
 
 Do the Liberals sympathize with the venders of this cursed 
 business of obscene publications ? 
 
 Do they espouse this cause ? 
 
 The Syracuse Convention and Bennett's conviction and sentence 
 are things of the past. 
 
 Let this one thing not be forgotten. TJie Liberals in 1876-77 
 had taken up, defended, and assisted the vilest men in this most 
 hellish traffic. They published some forty cases by name in 
 Bennett's paper, and again in the books they disseminated. 
 
 What was in the then living present for the Liberals to do, in 
 order to manifest their lively interest, and demonstrate to the 
 world that they were true to their cause ? Had not they entered 
 into bonds in Syracuse, " till death do them part ?" Certainly ! 
 
 What then ? 
 
 Eelease Bennett by all means. How? By " liberal " lies. By 
 gross misrepresentations. By distortion of facts, and perversion 
 of everji;hing that stood for morality and decency. 
 
 The f ollomng petition was circulated among and by the Liberals 
 for signatures. It is reported that 200,000 names were thus 
 secured. Who secured these names ? Liberals. How ? Read 
 
THE NATIONAL DEFENCE ASSOCIATION. 489 
 
 the following, which was telegraphed from the Pacific coast as an 
 item of news : 
 
 [N. Y. Tribune, July 23, 1879.] 
 San Francisco, July 22.— The petition of Deboigiie M. Bennett, convicted 
 of sending obscene matter through the mails, ostensibly signed by 130,000 
 persons, is believed to be fraudulent as far as San Francisco is concerned. 
 Nothing is known of such a petition having been circulated here. The Jiulletin 
 intimates that the petitioners utilized the City Directory. 
 
 PETITION. 
 
 To His ExceUencij, Eutherford B. Hayes, President of the United States : 
 
 Sir — We, the undersigned citizens of the United States, regard the conviction 
 
 and sentence of D. M. Bennett, editor of the , (for sending by mail 
 
 the pamphlet called " " in the regular course of his book business 
 
 to a decoy name used by Anthony Comstock,) as a grievous wrong upon him 
 committed under the forms of law, and as an outrage against the freedom of 
 the press and the constitutional right and privilege of every citizen. 
 
 We, therefore, respectfully petition that a pardon may be issued to him 
 ■without delay. And as good citizens we will ever pray, &o., &c., &c., &c. 
 
 But what else ? 
 
 The ISTational Liberal League held another convention, the first 
 annual celebration of the nuptials with filth, called by their presi- 
 dent, Elizur Wright, and A. L. Eawson, secretary. This was ac- 
 companied, as published in their papers, by a card of invitation, 
 signed by their chosen leaders. 
 
 The " call " said : 
 
 The question debated at the Syracuse session in 1878 and laid over for a 
 year for further consideration, concerning the Comstock Postal Law of 1873, 
 as to what action, if any, the National Liberal League should take in the 
 matter, will come up in due order. 
 
 The card, as printed in the same paper, signed by Robert G. 
 LfGEESOLL, James Pabton, Paekee Pillsbuet, was headed — 
 
 A CONVEXTION FOR A FREE PEOPLE TO MAKE A FREE LAND. 
 FREE THOUGHT, FREE SPEECH, FREE BALLOT, AND FREE MAILS MUST BE SE- 
 CURED BY A SECULAR REPUBLIC EMANCIPATED FROM CHURCH DOMINATION. 
 
 The Convention met in Cincinnati, September 13 and 14, 1879. 
 
 The opening address was a speech by Elizur "Wright : and lest 
 
 he shall deny having defended this smut-dealer-convict, whom he 
 
490 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 came from Boston to New York to support by his presence during 
 his trial, let me produce what he said as printed by the Cincinnati 
 Commercial : 
 
 "And yet to please this powerful religious persecutor, an obsequious Grand 
 Jury, at tlie dictation of a zealous assistant District Attorney (well named 
 Fiero), liad declared the book 'so lewd, obscene and lascivious that the same 
 would be offensive to the court and improper to be placed upon the records 
 thereof.'* Thus the constituted authorities of the United States stand aside 
 with averted eyes and allow a nineteenth century Star Chamber to usurp 
 their sacred functions, and to do it under a veil of hypocrisy thinner than a 
 cobweb. And when the Administration, waked up by the protest of a hundred 
 thousand indignant citizens, is ashamed of this conviction of an innocent 
 man on judicial rulings that would make half our literature, including the 
 'Holy Book' itself, unmailable, there comes upon it an avalanche of high ec- 
 clesiastical influence, and it backs down with the silly plea that to release 
 Bennett would reflect on the Court." 
 
 Just here I call especial attention to the action of the courts 
 on this particular book. 
 
 Every court that it had heen hefore had decla/red it obscene. 
 
 The U. S. District Court in Boston had, as has already been 
 shown, and the Circuit Court there, with full Bench, had main- 
 tained its rulings. The State court of Massachusetts had declared 
 it obscene, and sentenced a vender of it to one year in Dedham 
 jail. 
 
 The Grand Jury of Schuyler County, N. T., at "Watkins, had 
 "unanimously indicted this very Liberal-pet-martyr. He had 
 also been indicted by the Grand Jury and convicted by the 
 petit jury of the U. S. Circuit Court in New York, and the 
 findings of this court, where the same questions were involved, 
 were taken before the full bench of the U. S. Circuit Court 
 here, and this high court unanimously sustained the lower 
 court. 
 
 * The body thus so contemptuously referred to by this President of obscen- 
 ity defenders was composed of twenty-four men, and in order to find a bill, 
 sixteen of them must agree. We have it then that sixteen good men and true 
 upon their oaths, say that this book was " so obscene " as not to be proper to 
 be spread upon the records of the Court. How about spreading it before the 
 community and placing it in the hands of the young ? The Liberals say yea. 
 All decent people thmiderno! 
 
THE NATIONAL DEFENCE ASSOCIATION. 491 
 
 There can be no question but that the findings of these courts 
 were correct, and therefore the duty of law-abiding citizens is to 
 submit and obey. Neither can it be questioned that ihe hook 
 was grossly oiscene and demoralizing. 
 
 In view of these facts, the action of this Convention will be 
 read with interest. 
 
 The same paper reports further, as follows : " A speech from 
 the hero of the occasion. Col. K. G. Ingersoll, was the leading 
 feature of the session (the afternoon session of the first day)." 
 
 Col. IngersoU said : 
 
 We have become what we are in spite of the Gods of the Bible and the 
 affairs of Christendom ; that we have an Infidel Government, and he gloried 
 in it; 
 
 and several variations of this idea. 
 
 The speech elicited immense applause, and storms of approval 
 greeted the slightest appearance or word of Col. Ingersoll. 
 
 Again Col. Ingersoll said : 
 
 The postal laws of the United States were an engine of oppression ; • * * 
 that he wanted to live in no relation to a God he held in contempt. 
 
 The same paper further reports : 
 
 The President of the Convention, Elizur Wright, spoke of the Bennett 
 affair, and asserted that " Congress had no right to make that law regu- 
 lating the dissemination of obscene literature." 
 
 THE SECOND DAT, 
 
 the first hour was to re-elect the infamous Kawson by a unani- 
 mous vote as their Secretary. Proof of this is the record of 
 one of their own papers, which I do not choose to advertise by 
 mentioniag, which says : 
 
 The officers of last year were elected unanimously. 
 
 After a speech by Mr. "Wright, the same paper says: 
 
 KESOLUTIONS OP SYMPATHY. 
 
 The following resolution was offered by COL. INGERSOLL : 
 Resolved, That we express the deepest sympathy with D. M. Bennett and 
 his family, for the reason that he has been convicted by religious bigotry and 
 
492 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 ignorant zeal, and has been imprisoned, and ia now languishing in the cell of 
 a felon, when, in truth and in fact, he has committed no offence whatever 
 against any law of this country. 
 
 The resolution -was received with the utmost applause, and the audience 
 broke into three enthusiastic cheers for " President" Ingersoll. 
 
 Query. Of wliat is Mr. Ingersoll " President " ? Do tlie Libe- 
 rals propose the name of Ingersoll as a future President of the 
 United States ? 
 
 But this was not all that was done, at this Convention, to show 
 the tendency of their sympathies, and mark their efforts against 
 moral purity. A National Liberal party had been called by the 
 card above referred to. 
 
 THE LIBERAL PARTY CONVENTION. 
 
 The Delegates of the League and members of the audience assembled, 
 without leaving their seats, immediately on adjournment of the League re- 
 solved themselves into a Liberal Party Convention. 
 
 As soon as the National Liberal League Congress had adjourned, the 
 Secretary of the League, Mr. Eawson, called the assembly to order, in pur- 
 suance to the call for "A Convention for a Free People in a Free Land," 
 issued by E. 6. Ingersoll and others. 
 
 So says another Infidel paper. 
 
 The ex-convict thief and bigamist was elected Secretary. 
 
 Of this last Convention says the " Vineland Independent " : 
 
 A new party, called the National Liberal, was born recently at Cincinnati, 
 Col. Ingersoll and other radicals being the responsible authors of its exist- 
 ence. The party was organized principally because of the refusal of President 
 Hayes to pardon D. M. Bennett, now imprisoned in the New York peniten- 
 tiary for circulating " obscene " literature through the mails. Mr. Ingersoll 
 was very much incensed because of this refusal to pardon Bennett, and, it ia 
 said, he swore vengeance on the administration for the refusal to heed the 
 petition of the radical multitude. 
 
 The following report of this Committee on Resolutions, of 
 which Eobert G. Ingersoll was Chairman, was adopted first by 
 the " League Congress " and afterwards by the " Liberal Party 
 Convention " : 
 
 Sesolved, That we arc in favor of such laws as will allow the free trans- 
 portation through the mails of the United States of all books, pamphlets, and 
 papers, irrespective of the religious, irreligious, political, and scientilic views 
 
THE NATIONAL DEFENCE ASSOCIATION. 493 
 
 they may contain, so that the literature of science may he placed upon an 
 equality with that of superstition. 
 
 Of this first resolution by Ingersoll, Rey. Joseph Cook, in one 
 of his brave and masterly efforts against Infidelity, has likened 
 this, to a letter formerly brought in a perfumed handkerchief to 
 the Queen of Spain by a messenger. The silken scarf was loosely 
 arranged about the letter, and behind it the assassin concealed 
 his stiletto, which he drew as he took the letter out to present 
 to the Queen. He said : 
 
 So Infidelity seeks, under universal suffrage, to use the sacredness of the 
 mails as a stiletto-sheath, through which to destroy the youth of the land. 
 
 Mr. Cook has clearly grasped the essence and purport of this 
 effort at concealment and deception. 
 
 Beaohed, That we are utterly opposed to the dissemination through the 
 mails, or hy any other means, of ohscene literature, whether "inspired" or 
 "uninspired," and hold in measureless contempt its authors and disseminators. 
 
 Resolved, That we call upon the Christian world to expunge from the so- 
 called sacred Bible every passage that cannot be read without covering the 
 cheek of modesty with the hlush of shame ; and until such passages are ex- 
 punged, we demand that the laws against the dissemination of ohscene liter- 
 ture be impartially enforced. 
 
 It must be borne in mind, that the published utterances of the 
 Liberals are no index for their acts. As proof, take the covert 
 resolutions passed at Philadelphia, and then the monstrous con- 
 spiracy that followed. 
 
 The last plank of the platform of this Liberal party, as adopted. 
 
 4. The reform by which woman shall be politically and practically eman- 
 cipated, and be given the control of herself and her destiny. » » » « • 
 
 9. That good morals and habits can be better fostered by education, per- 
 suasion, industry, and healthy amusements, than by force and governmental 
 interference. In this view we favor the repeal of all Sabbath, sumptuary, and 
 temperance laws, and demand that every phase of government and State 
 education should be secular in spirit and practice, and emancip.ated from all 
 ecclesiastical or clerical control and influence. That to this end this Con- 
 vention adopt in substance the platform and principles of the National Liberal 
 League. 
 
494 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Speaking of the Book and tlie action of this League, The Cin- 
 cinnati Commercial says : 
 
 If society were based upon the principles taught in Bennett's book, which 
 the Liberals are so anxious to have placed on a par with the Bible, there would 
 be a good-sized hell in every household and a very big hell in the community. 
 This is a point Col. IngersoU has probably overlooked in his fury about 
 an Orthodox hell. 
 
 Again, it says : 
 
 The Liberal League, as we predicted on Saturday, has shown itself largely 
 a Bennett aid league. It plants itself on the platform of unrestricted dissemi- 
 nation of obscene publications. Col. IngersoU, who is so virtuously and 
 violently indignant against all who charge him with favoring the obscene, pro- 
 posed a resolution yesterday fully endorsing Bennett, which was of course 
 adopted. The doughty Colonel attempts to prove his consistency by affirming 
 that Bennett was illegally convicted. The United States Court thought 
 differently. 
 
 "WTio, and what was the character, of the man thus sympathized 
 with, befriended, and supported by this Liberal Congress ? 
 
 Was there a principle at stake, or was he their Apostle of Nas- 
 tiness ? "Was he one of their kind ? 
 
 I desire to answer these questions with all sincerity, as its an- 
 swer must have weight in the consideration of all decent 
 men. Did this gathering of Free-Thinkers, Free-Lovers and 
 Liberals have a clean brother to defend ? Was their enthusiasm 
 bom of high-tone sentiment, or was it the foul, loud-mouth 
 ravings of a horde of base men ? 
 
 What did they, defend ? 
 
 Let it be remembered that this was a representative body, made 
 up of delegates from other Leagues from all parts of the country. 
 The leading and representative men were present. They repre- 
 sented a constituency of nearly 170 Leagues, and they defended, 
 
 First. A convicted vender of obscene books. 
 
 Second. A base crime committed by a stiU baser man. 
 
 Tliis creature of their " own heart " had been for years pub- 
 lishing the most infamous and blasphemous articles, many of them 
 in tract form. No man in this country had in a single instance, 
 so far as I have been able to discover, presumed or dared to pub- 
 
THE NATIONAL DEFENCE ASSOCIATION. 495 
 
 lish the awful utterances of this man. He had mingled blasphemy 
 and obscenity, associating the same with most sacred things. 
 Aye ! more ! He had not only printed, but gloried in these base 
 things. If any one douUs this, I am ready, documents in hand, 
 to prove and verify what I say. 
 
 But as to his true character, further than this, I leave others to 
 tell the story. 
 
 I leave it now for the reader to say whether, adding what 
 is to f oUow to what has already been established, if, in all Chris- 
 tendom, a more despicable character can be found, or a better 
 representative of that ranting mob, than this scoundrel Bennett ? 
 
 The facts in the following story are fully established by letters, 
 and, since the exposure, this man has openly admitted the authen- 
 ticity of these letters. 
 
 I feel pained that in order to bring out the truth, and establish 
 the true character of this liberal-obscenity-martyr, it becomes 
 necessary to defile these pages with the following authenticated 
 account of him. But this is the man whom the Liberals support 
 and defend, the infidels sympathize with, and he is the special 
 pet of Ingersoll. The Liberals combined to secure a pardon for 
 him ; the Cincinnati Convention of the National Liberal League 
 endorsed and sympathized with him; while Ingersoll's ISTew- 
 Obscene-Liberal-Party sent back the echo by passing the same 
 resolutions. And all combined to extend a pubhc reception to 
 this ex-convict-obscenity-vender on his release from prison. As 
 a matter of history it is important ; and in the interest of truth 
 alone, I present what otherwise I would gladly omit, and what 
 we aU must turn from with disgust. 
 
496 FKAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 INFIDELITY AND OBSCENITY.— ANOTHER IMPOSTOR UNEAETHED. 
 
 The Eeligio-Philosophical Journal, Sept. 25, 18Y8, says, in an 
 
 article headed 
 
 ANOTHER IMPOSTOR UNEARTHED. 
 
 THE WOULD-BE MARTYR A FOUL-MOUTHED LIBERTINE. 
 D. M. BENNETT, THE APOSTLE OF HASTINESS. 
 
 PROFESSING DEVOTION TO HIS 'WIFE, HE TEACHES FEEE-LOVB. 
 
 The true inwardness of a filthy concern, never iefore puMished, and noiu exposed 
 only in the interest of truth and decency, ty a special agent of tlie lieligio- 
 Fhilosophical Journal. 
 
 The facts are, that while Bennett was laying claim to his right to be consid- 
 ered a public teacher of better morals than the Christian religion aiforded, he 
 was endeavoring, with a beastly persistence, to obtain control of the person 
 of a young woman who had touched his fancy and who had been induced to 
 accept a salaried situation in his office, evidently under the design, on his 
 part, to obtain her consent to become his mistress. 
 
 But in spite of her repeated protestations against his course, she was made 
 the object of attentions that assumed the character of a villainous persecu- 
 tion. He boldly proclaimed to her that his home and wife were distasteful to 
 him, that his love there had long since died, and that she alone of women was 
 the object of his undying love. 
 
 It only added to his unholy desires that she who refused to listen to him 
 bore an unblemished reputation. 
 
 From amass of letters written by Bennett to this young woman, abundant 
 evidence may be obtained to prove that while he persecuted her under the 
 vilest impulses of his lewd nature, he still knew her to be pure; and the testi- 
 mony of friends who knew her before, during, and since her business associa- 
 tion with him, is all strong in her commendation. But if it were not so, if 
 she had been like himself, it would not in any way change the evidence 
 against him, or lift the black cloud from his character. 
 
 Here followed a long list of letters too fonl to reproduce here, 
 ■which were vouched for as being verbatim copies ; reference was 
 also made to others that even that paper would not publish. 
 
 Then followed the following extracts : 
 
INFIDELITY AND OBSCENITY. 497 
 
 la one letter Bennett says : I have no reverence for the ceremony mouthed 
 over by a priest, and because a man and -woman joiu themselves together 
 under a mistaken belief that they are fitted to each other, it does not follow- 
 that they are compelled to spend their days together. The ceremony makes 
 no difference one -way or the other. 
 
 After persecuting, iusulting, threatening and seeking in most dastardly 
 manner to coerce this pure young woman, and failing, he suddenly turns 
 upon her like a jackal to rend her character in pieces. He goes cringing to 
 her to get back his infamous letters, the evidences of his infamy. He fails. 
 
 He -went in person and-begged and -whined and scolded, but got them not. 
 He sent a la-wyer, or one who pretended to be such, and he plead and threat- 
 ened, but returned empty-handed. " Sam" (one of Bennett's pimps) forced 
 himself unannounced into her room at night and begged, and when refused 
 swore that he would take them. Two women were alone with* an unprinci- 
 pled desperado, Bennett's " heavy " artist, general plagiarist, and man of 
 ■'many parts," who swore that he would have the letters by force, if they 
 were refused. The room was dimly lighted by a lamp, and the woman was 
 equal to the occasion. Seizing a broken water pipe fawcet that lay on the 
 mantel, she presented it at his head, boldly advancing upon him, and ordered 
 him to leave the room or she would shoot him like a dog that he was. " Sam," 
 seeing that the weapon had a large bore and must carry a terrible ball, saw 
 nothing more, and with a bawl for mercy turned and fled. But the girl had 
 been so harassed by Bennett's jackals that she left the city and sought refuge 
 among friends in another State. 
 
 Bad men and bad women have been among his nearest friends and counsel- 
 lors. He has been mixed up with a class of people calling themselves " Spirit- 
 ualists " and " Materialists," who have stolen the names to hide their real 
 practices, which have been those of free-lovers, prostitutes, and women who 
 advertise as " mediums," to give " brain rest by magnetic treatment," etc. * 
 * * * * When he found that this "little woman "had at last 
 exposed him to some of his friends and held a weight of evidence that would 
 pulverize him in the mortar of public opinion, and he could not by coaxing, 
 crying, pleading, threatening, or theft, obtain possession of it, he showed him- 
 self to be a calculating villain through and through. He attempted to 
 blacken and destroy the girl's character among those who had been her best, 
 friends and among whom she had been intimate all through her association 
 with him. He wrote a letter in which he unmasked himself and laid bare his 
 devotion to the work of improving the intellectual and moral condition of 
 humanity in a language and with a design that can be found only among 
 persons who have been secretly or openly blackguards for years. Such de- 
 pravity is not possible on the spur of mere chagrin at the defeat of a darling 
 project. 
 
 Remember that this letter was written and mailed by Bennett to this lady 
 in care of the friends with whom she was living, unto wihom she had fled for 
 safety. He sent this letter open, sealed and cut &pen at one end, (and addressed 
 32 
 
498 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 in a disguised hand wliich any expert can detect as Bennett's) so that they, it 
 so disposed— or so it seems — could read it before it reached her hands, and 
 thereby so prejudice them against her that in their first shock of disgust they 
 should turn her away from their doors. Once he Lad destroyed the girl's 
 reputation among her friends, he would at the same time have destroyed 
 credence in her story of his persecutions and diabolism. But his plan did not 
 succeed. „»,-><, * , » 
 
 To this young lady whom he has been besieging for many months he turns, 
 with the suddenness of a weather-cock under the frowning blackness of a 
 squally sky, and hisses his -venom forth in a vile and oiscene letter signed 
 "Humpty Dumpty." 
 
 This letter is so low, -vile and filthy, and so utterly shocking to all sense of 
 decency and propriety, that it is unfit for publication in detail in this paper. 
 It could be conceived and written only by a libertine of the lowest character 
 and of the vilest propensities. It would not be possible for any person, not 
 accustomed, both in thought and practice, to the lowest depths of lewdness to 
 use the expressions with which this letter is filled. 
 
 The foregoing are the published evidences of this man's charac- 
 ter. Various other papers have copied this same article from 
 which the above extracts are taken. 
 
 Remember, Bennett has since openly acknowledged the authen- 
 ticity of these letters. 
 
 "With these facts before them, what do the liberals do ? repudi- 
 ate the wretch ? No ; they honor him with a public reception, 
 on his release from jail, and thus fully endorse him and his acts. 
 " Like father like child," holds good in this case. Any organiza- 
 tion that could re-elect Eawson, can consistently fold this putrid 
 moral monster to their bosoms. 
 
 "Was Bennett pardoned ? No, not even with the most extra- 
 ordinary petition of 200,000 names. "Why ? We have a clean 
 man for President. It needs no word of mine to sound his 
 praise. But I say this, that a person of less character, less moral 
 courage, would have been influenced by, not the petition simply, 
 but the combined efforts of Liberals, aided by prominent men, 
 congressmen, politicians, and others ; men who, if they had known 
 the facts, would have spumed this man and his friends ; but 
 being deceived, were found lending themselves to this cause. 
 
 There were counter petitions. Boston sent one of over 500 
 names of jDrominent and leading men. Norwich, Conn., under 
 
INFIDELITY AND OBSCENITY. 499 
 
 the leadership of (and originating with) Eev. Leonard "W. Bacon, 
 D.D., sent another. Clear Lake, Iowa, Sunday-School Convention, 
 and Thousand Island Park Camp-Meeting, each sent their petitions 
 of over 1,000 names each ; and from different parts of the country 
 came also these protests against the release of this prisoner ; but 
 these came after the great pressure had been felt and heroically 
 resisted by one brave man (the President), who dared stand for 
 the right in face of prejudice and a certain public sentiment that 
 then existed in this convict's favor. 
 
 The Cincinnati Convention, then, had this poor blaspheming 
 convict and would-be martyr and libertine, as the special object of 
 its care and sympathy to rock in the cradle of obscenity. Faith- 
 fully they have perfornied their part ! 
 
 JS^ote what the more reputable seceders say. The Index, Nov. 
 20, 1879, says : 
 
 With the kind permission of Judge Hurlbnt, we now publish, the following 
 extracts from a private letter received from him several weeks since : 
 
 " I would that I could never see, hear, or smell the " Liberal League" again. 
 It has become an offensive corpse, and should be buried straightway. I can- 
 not consent to any further connection with the name, though a hundred ' of 
 Americas' were used to overcome the taint. . . . It is a pity that so fine a 
 plan, so well begun, should have been overwhelmed in two days' dirty work 
 at Syracuse; but the deed was done, and the victors have met their doom at 
 Cincinnati, while Bennett is learning au honest trade in our penitentiary. 
 . . . Ingersoll is a man of wonderful genius and unsurpassed eloquence, 
 but far from being a politic leader ; and he must by this time see that he 
 made a great mistake in ' calling spirits from the nasty deep ' — who were only 
 too glad to come. So the Liberal League has been twice captured — once by 
 the obscenists, and again by the mephitio subterranean or ' digger' 
 radicals." 
 
 Says the same paper, in a subsequent letter Judge Ilurlbut 
 wrote : 
 
 "I consent to stand in the gutter of the ' Liberal League,' to be pelted with 
 'obscene' missiles, until time enough shall have elapsed to have a name 
 adopted which shall remove us as far from the name of the Free-lovers and 
 Communists as we are from their natures. No man has reputation enough to 
 endure the weight of that miUstone for an indefinite period." 
 
 TJp to this time there were but eight Leagues known as non- 
 
500 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 repealers. What does tMs argue for infidelity? Only eight 
 Leagues, out of nearly two hundred, for decency and moral 
 purity ! 'But this large majority pronounced for obscenity, and 
 on the side against laws made to prevent its dissemination. Who 
 would be a Liberal on such terms ? Do you wonder that this 
 venerable man, for more than half a century a " Liberal," spews 
 them out of his mouth ? 
 
 In the same paper from which the above letters are copied 
 appears the following, from the pen of Mr. F. E. Abbot, of 
 Boston. He says : 
 
 How are the unconvinced and unpersuaded likely to regard Liberalism, as 
 it now allows itself to be represented to the general public ? . , . . The 
 answer which will be given to that question }>y ilw public at large will deter- 
 mine the fortunes of the Liberal movement as a whole for many long years. 
 What is that answer likely to be, when libertinism, shameless and proved, 
 commands the open support of numerous "Liberal" organizations, journals, 
 officials, lecturers, etc., and when the rest seems almost universally paralyzed 
 by indifference, inappreciation, or fear ?....'' 
 
 Now, let it be remembered that this convict was imprisoned 
 for knowingly sending obscene books by mail ; he had been fully 
 exposed and justly repudiated by his former associates ; and, with 
 a full knowledge of these facts, this wi'etch is received with open 
 arras by this fraternity, and extended a reception on his release 
 from State prison, where he served his time. 
 
 And such a reception ! such a crowd ! such honors ! every 
 decent man would run from. 
 
 Perhaps it will be needless for me to say I was not there. I, 
 therefore, offer as evidence on that subject the New York Times 
 of May 3, 1880. 
 
 After announcing that Elizur Wright presided, and that Ben- 
 nett had just been released from State prison, and that his 
 appearance was warmly greeted, it says : 
 
 There were on the stage, besides the president, Elizur Wright, and D. M. 
 Bennett, and Heywood (ex-convict), the author of the pamphlet, a number ot 
 members of and sympathizers with an association called the Liberal League, 
 and others, among them Stephen P. Andrews, Moses Hull, Amelia Colby, Mrs. 
 D. M. Bennett, and Eugene McDonald. The meeting lasted for more than 
 three hours, and during that time the speakers exhausted the deepest comers 
 
INFIDELITY AND OBSCENITY. 501 
 
 of the unabridged dictionary in throwing epithets at the Creator, the ministry, 
 the Christian religion, and the Eepublican party. 
 
 In that brief time Chickering Hall made perhaps its first acquaintance with 
 the indecent matter that is not sent through the mails, but comes out of men's 
 mouths. Bennett, the hero of the evening, bore his honors modestly, and was 
 comparatively moderate in his remarks, going no further than to boast of his 
 
 infidelity ; while Hey wood, the author of the pamphlet called , said 
 
 he was lately from Dedham jail, and proved his title to a full convict's suit 
 by making as dirty a speech as ever a filthy-minded man was allowed to do 
 before an audience of New York women. 
 
 ElizuT Wright having been introduced, said : " We meet in the name of 
 common sense and common humanity. We meet as friends of law, to protest 
 against law perversion, and to express sympathy with a man, and to advocate 
 free thought and free speech Congress cannot abridge the free- 
 dom of the mails ; this would murder freedom of thought, on which the hap- 
 piness of the nation depends. Paper and ink have no moral character of their 
 own, and can do no harm while in the hands of the Government, in the mails. 
 Under what is known as the Comstock law, a man is in effect tried before an 
 ecclesiastical court. It would be treachery to law itself not to stand by the 
 victims of such injustice." 
 
 Did ever man stand before an audience and utter baser false- 
 hood ? Comment is needless ! Yet the man that followed was 
 more absurdly and senselessly false and infamous. 
 
 It then says : 
 
 Letters of regret were then read from Cortland Palmer, Charles Bradlaugh, 
 and James Parton, and the quartet sang another song. 
 
 Thaddeus B. Wakeman was then introduced. "The danger," he said, 
 " arises from Calvinism— an attempt of a few who imagine themselves elect 
 to manage the morals of many. This is an effort to substitute Calvinism and 
 an ecclesiastical vigilance committee in the place of the law. That would be 
 an end of civil liberty. 
 
 " Comstock legislation is a confusion of the temporal and spiritual powers. 
 It is the attempt of a few to control ordinary justice. We want to be respon- 
 sible to proper tribunal, not to a church committee," etc. » • ♦ 
 Mr Bennett was then introduced, and three cheers and a bouquet were im- 
 
 ,.,,.,-, » * * » * » * 
 
 mediately given nim. 
 
 The following resolutions were then given. 
 
 I have read over these resolutions to shorten this, perhaps now, 
 too long article ; but they all seem important to the subject of 
 this chapter, as showing the endorsement of this creature, and as 
 the avowed sentiments of this organization, which lays such great 
 claims to " liberty" and " freedom" of mails, thought, and speech. 
 
502 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 I call especial attention to the " third," to their " highest type 
 of a true citizen." 
 
 These resolutions were received with cheers and unanimously 
 adopted, Mr. Wright in the chair. 
 f 
 
 EESOLUTIONS. 
 
 1. Resolved, That in the assault upon D. M. Bennett the liberties of every 
 citizen of the land have been assailed. 
 
 2. Resolved, That we do hereby protest against the corruption in office, the 
 hypocrisy in the pulpit, and the dishouesty on the bench, which have com- 
 bined to perpetrate this outrage upon Mr. Bennett. 
 
 3. Resolved, That in E. M. Bennett we recognize that highest and noblest 
 type of a true citizen — a patriot ; for, while the loyal obey, the patient endure, 
 and tyrants execute bad laws, none but the patriot risks life and liberty to 
 defy and break them. It was his defiance of uujust laws that made Washing- 
 ton a traitor to his King and Government and gave us liberty. 
 
 4. Resolved, Tliat the principle of freedom is never so adequately and abso- 
 lutely vindicated as when it is rigorously applied in a sense running counter 
 to our own prejudices ; as in a case, for example, where we do not sympathize 
 with the act done, and where, even, we strenuously disapprove of it ; but 
 we intelligently and firmly stand for the equal rights of all others to judge 
 for themselves, and for their civil right to do precisely that which we most 
 vehemently disapprove and condemn — short of actual and obvious encroach- 
 ment; that this idea of freedom for what we cannot approve, because we 
 approve of freedom, is Americanism pure and simple, and the most diificult 
 lesson which the devotees of arbitrary authority, ecclesiastical, political, or 
 social, have ever to learn, but one which must be learned, and laboriously in- 
 culcated at all hazards 
 
 5. Resolved, That any other doctrine than this incurs the necessity, and 
 entails the curse on our people of a censorship of the press ; of an organized 
 and perpetual body of Government spies, and of the whole machinery or 
 religious, political, and social repression which we in the past have been hap- 
 pily rid of, and the reintroduction of which will be the rapid and complete 
 subversion of the most advanced and benign system of institutions which the 
 world has ever seen, and with the continuance of which the well-being of 
 
 .humanity is most closely united. 
 
 6. J?eso?!)erf, That we deliberately denounce the Comstock legislation, as to 
 its hidden and real animus, which is the suppression of free thought and the 
 freedom of the press ; and the rulings of Judge Benedict in the case of Bennett ; 
 and the refusal of President Hayes to interfere, as a legislative, a judicial, and 
 administrative outrage, and that we pledge ourselves to continue to do what- 
 soever true men and true women may rightly do to reverse this whole current 
 of procedure. 
 
 7. Resolved, That if it were not too melancholy and dangerous, it would be 
 
INFIDELITY AND OBSCENITY. 503 
 
 comically ludicrous to behold' the gigantic machinery of the United States 
 Government invoked to punish by 10 years' imprisonment, aud $5,000 fine, 
 some thoughtless or angry boy or man who has said a naughty word on paper, 
 through the Post Office, to some one who, to protect himself, has only to 
 decline to read what is sent him, or throw it into the waste-basket ; and that 
 this great country is now afflicted and disgraced, through the activity of a 
 few over-zealous bigots, by a new edition of the Connecticut Blue-Laws, so 
 ridiculous that the people almost refuse as yet to believe in their existeace. 
 
 8. Resolved, That amending " God" into the Constitution openly urged, and 
 the Comstock law secretly enacted, originate in one aud the same source, and 
 are parts of one and the same policy of the ecclesiastical party, namely, to re. 
 establish the union of Chm-ch and State, and to regain the priestly power so 
 vigorously denounced by the fathers of the Eevolution, and so determinedly 
 rejected by the framers of the Constitution. 
 
 9. Resolved, That though, religiously, Anthony Comstock is the creature of 
 the Church, politically he is the product of the Republican Party, and that 
 his law is the wort of a Republican Congress ; aud that as the " God-in-the- 
 Coustitution " proposition came within two votes of receiving a two-thirds 
 majority of the Senate in a, late Congress (1876), 28 votes, all Republican, 
 being cast for it, and 16, all Democratic, against it, these measures aud this 
 action of the respective parties should be taken into careful consideration by 
 every voting Liberal, and unless the party dismiss Comstock, 
 
 10. Resolved, That all other questions now agitated by the great political 
 parties are not worth a moment's consideration in comparison with the new 
 questions of human freedom lately and so suddenly sprung upon the people, 
 and that all other questions should be adjourned till this one of freedom of the 
 press and personal liberty be fought out over again, and finally settled so that 
 it will stay settled. 
 
 Now, reader, have I proved eacli count in my indictment against 
 this nest of reeking, ranting, blaspheming band of Liberal frauds ? 
 
 Do infidelity and obscenity assimilate and form one perfect 
 union ? 
 
 Are they not well and truly wedded ? And there they must 
 he, "till death doth them part." 
 
 They wiU doubtless rant and howl, malign and curse me, and 
 say " we are, and always have been opposed to obscenity." I for 
 one know it is false, and it matters not what they say. I demand 
 on this case, as clearly proven out of the mouths of unwilling 
 and prejudiced witnesses, their former friends, the unanimous 
 verdict of " Guilty on all the counts of the indictment " at the 
 opening of this chapter ; and I now move their just sentence 
 
504 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 from out the moutli of civilization, of banishment from civilized 
 society, and forever barred from the communion of decent men, 
 until they show signs of genuine repentance, and turning from 
 their low, execrable, nasty, obscene and every way infamous views 
 and living. 
 
 And it is further ordered that this sentence be executed at once 
 by sending the whole mob up " Salt Eiver," and but 30 seconds 
 (instead of 30 days as in Bennett's case) will be allowed them to 
 wait for a pardon. 
 
 The ravings of the Liberals against these laws are on a par 
 with a fool who deliberately throws himself over a high precipice, 
 and while in mid air howls and raves against the laws of gravitar 
 tion, because they do not save him from the natural penalties of 
 his voluntary violation of the same. The trouble is not in the 
 law. The law is good, and right, and proper. So long as the 
 fool stands on terra firma he is perfectly safe, and so long as the 
 Liberals are decent and not obscene, they are safe from the penal- 
 ties of the laws they so hate. If, however, they deliberately throw 
 themselves over the precipice, they may as surely expect to have 
 the penalties of the outraged law meted out to them, as does the 
 fool when he intentionally and purposely violates the laws of 
 gravitation. Neither of these laws will be set aside to please the 
 Liberals of the day. Never. 
 
 m CONCLUSION. 
 
 It is constantly asserted that Col. E. G. IngersoH is opposed to 
 obscenity, and those who have spoken to the contrary have been 
 severely taken to task for writing " false statements." Several 
 clergymen have been publicly criticised, and roundly abused by 
 him and his friends for charging that he favored obscenity. I 
 assert, without fear of contradiction, that R. G. IngersoH has 
 favored obscenity, advocated the " repeal " of these laws, and 
 sympathized with some of the vilest men convicted of the exe- 
 crable crime of dealing in obscene publications. 
 
 I offer in proof : 
 
 First. The petition with his name attached, presented to the 
 House of Eepresentatives in 18T8. 
 
INFIDELITY AND OBSCENITY. 505 
 
 Second. Duplicate of the same petition presented to the Senate, 
 and his personal efforts before the Judiciary Committee of the 
 Senate, as already referred to in this book. 
 
 Third. The following from the report of the Committee on 
 the Eevision of Laws, in the House of Representatives, May 31, 
 1878, showing that they officially recognized his efforts for 
 " repeal." 
 
 Mr. Bicknell, from the Committee on the Eevision of the Laws, suhmitted 
 the following 
 
 BEPORT. 
 
 " The Committee on the Kevision of the Laws, to whom was referred the 
 petition of Roht. G. IngersoU, and others, praying for the repeal or modifica- 
 tion of sections 1785, 3873, 3893, 5389, and 2491, of the Revised Statutes, have 
 had the same under consideration, and have heard the petitioners at length," 
 etc. 
 
 Fourth. The Card, calling the "Liberal Party Convention" 
 in 18Y9, and the resolutions offered by him in the Liberal 
 League Congress in this chapter, and adopted by both the 
 Congress and the Convention at Cincinnati. 
 
 Fifth. The resolution of sympathy as offered by him at the 
 same time for D. M. Bennett, the convicted smut dealer, and his 
 endorsement of this creature. 
 
 Sixth. The fact that he continues as the leading spirit of the 
 National Liberal League, and associate of such men as Eawson 
 and Bennett. 
 
 Seventh. The fact that Bennett has in his paper for years, 
 especially defended the vilest and most infamous of all the 40& 
 persons arrested for dealing in the grossest kind of books and 
 pictures. Bennett even going so far as to defend these men by 
 name, after they had been convicted and sentenced for this nefa- 
 rious traffic, and printing pages at a time in their defence. 
 
 At the time of this conspiracy of the liberals to repeal the laws, 
 this leading liheral jpaper, claiming the largest circulation of any 
 similar publication in America, had at one time a score and more 
 of these convicts, with a history (as he claimed) of their eases. 
 Not one of these men dealt in any "liberal" books, but out and 
 out obscene ones, or articles of indecent and immoral use. 
 
506 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 And it is peculiarly significant that this same paper, wMcn 
 thus defended these worst criminals in their nefarious business, 
 constantly lauded IngersoU, reported and gloried in his scoffing 
 lectures, advertised his books, and most zealously backed his 
 petition to repeal these laws. 
 
 It was in the office of this paper, that the petition to repeal 
 these laws was published and sent out to the number of 15,000 ; 
 and where the conspiracy was organized and executed, wlrieh 
 backed IngersoU's petition. In other words, the records all prove 
 that IngersoU headed this movement — liis name at the head of 
 the petition — backed by the monstrous conspiracy already de- 
 scribed in previous chapters. 
 
 I offer my apology to you, reader, for presenting the facts in 
 these pages. But the good of the community and of the country 
 demands that these pestilent fellows shall no longer be allowed 
 to deceive tlie public, nor dran^ into their capacious maw the 
 souls of our youth. They bait their traps with — respectability. 
 That's their cry ! 
 
 Can we expect anything biit blasphemy, ridiculing of holy 
 things, outraging all the most sacred feelings of the respectable 
 and Christian community, from those who defend such nastiness ? 
 
 Is it not a surprise that such men can have any influence upon 
 others by what they say? Is not the fact that they say there is 
 " no God " most positive proof of the text that says : 
 
 The fool liath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt ; they 
 have done abominable works : there is none that doeth good. 
 
 And do not they, in all their lives, prove and confirm that 
 "WoED, which they delight to deride, distort, pervert, misrepre- 
 sent, and blaspheme ? 
 
 As a dog tuineth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. 
 
 But it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. 
 
 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes ; but he that hearkeneth unto 
 counsel is wise. 
 
 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work te pure, and 
 whether it he right. 
 
 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment ; and a babbler is no 
 better. 
 
INFIDELITY AND OBSCENITY. 507 
 
 A fool also is fall of words ; a man cannot tell what shall he ; and what 
 shall be after him who can tell him ? 
 
 Now, if my case is clearly proven, let me close by asking one 
 more question of you personally, reader. Can decent and "respect- 
 able people, to say nothing of professing Christians, consistently 
 sit in the gatherings of these men, or listen to the lectures of 
 these scoflEers ? 
 
 Latest. (After above was set up in type.) 
 
 Truly we live in a progressive age ! The pen of the historian 
 must be that of a ready writer ! "With the completion of the 
 above chapter, another cycle of time has been measured off; 
 another turn of the wheel been made ; another year has rolled 
 round since the Cincinnati Convention met, and another Con- 
 vention of Liberals has been held in Chicago, Illinois. A slight 
 knowledge of their efforts to defend obscenity has been brought 
 before the public. Public speakers have called the attention of 
 their hearers to the facts, while certain newspapers have shown 
 up this action of the Liberals in unmeasured terms of contempt. 
 There has been an odium attached to this "Liberal movement" 
 in the recent past, which is exceedingly annoying to some of these 
 men, and has caused a gradual thinning of their ranks among the 
 more politic leaders. But, while here and there one secedes, the 
 great mass of Liberals remain intact, and the league, as a body, is 
 loyal to its spouse. 
 
 I intend to do injustice to no man, and especially do I desire 
 to carry out the adage of "give the devil his due." But for 
 absurdities and tricks, the saying of one thing and meaning 
 another, the professional "liberal" of to-day stands pre-emi- 
 nent. To talk about the National Liberal League's not favoring 
 obscenity, and not conspiring to repeal laws against it, and their 
 only contending for freedom of speech for the liberal party, and 
 the protecting of their own literature, or to further contend that 
 they only protect " honest, high, pure-minded " men, as IngersoU 
 said at Chicago, is ludicrous in the extreme. 
 
 It is downright hypocrisy and lying. Bead Ingersoll's resolu- 
 tion of sympathy for Bennett, which he offered and the " Liber- 
 
508 PEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 als " adopted at Cincinnati, then consider Bennett's time character. 
 Then read his flowery talk at Chicago about " honest, high, pure- 
 minded" men. 
 
 The National Liberal League, held its fourth Annual Congress 
 September 17, 18, and 19, 1880, at Chicago. 
 
 The first duty, the second day, was the appointing of a Defence 
 Committee. I quote from a liberal paper, which certifies and 
 says " the report is that of our official stenographer." This official 
 report says : 
 
 Reports of Committees were called for, and Mr. Green proceeded to deliver 
 that of tlie Committee on Nominations. The first recommendation was that 
 Prof. A. L. Eawson, of New York, act as Chairman of a Defence Committee, 
 whose duty, as defined by the Constitution of the League, is "to defend 
 through the Courts, by tlie combined efforts and means of the Liberals of the 
 country, any American citizen whose equal, religious or moral rights are de- 
 nied, or who is oppressed ou account of any opinions he may have held or ex- 
 pressed on the subject of religion or morals." The report was adopted. 
 
 Practically speaking it means, defend such men as Bennett, 
 Heywood, and those whose cause they have so zealously espoused 
 — those dear obscenity dealers who are named in the publica- 
 tions of Bennett and Kawson, in their efforts to change public 
 sentiment in their favor — Simpson, Massey, and others. 
 
 This official Keport then says : 
 
 The Committee ou Eesolutions then read their report, as follows : 
 
 L "We afiSrm and declare the main purpose of the National Liberal League 
 
 to be the realization in the States, and general government, of the objects 
 
 stated in the standard platform, to wit : 
 
 I. The total separation of Church and State, to be secured nnder present 
 laws, and proper legislation, and finally to be guaranteed by amendment of 
 the United States Constitution ; including the equitable taxation of church 
 property, secularization of the public schools, abrogation of Sabbatarian laws, 
 abolition of chaplaincies, prohibition of public appropriations for religious 
 purposes, and all other measures necessary to the same general end. 
 
 Then follows sections II. and III. of the old platform, followed 
 by these additional resolutions, to wit : 
 
 II. We claim it to be the duty of every citizen, man or woman, to extend to 
 all others every right and liberty that he claims for himself; that there should 
 be, therefore, no legal, political, or social disabilities, discriminations, or 
 
INFIDELITY AND OBSCENITY. 509 
 
 ostracisms against any person on account of religious belief, or of any absence 
 of such beliof ; that all laws of the States or general government making any 
 so-called religious tests in order to qualify any person to vote, or to hold 
 office, or to testify, or to sit on a jury, or to do any public or governmental 
 act, should be repealed as relics of barbarism, and that all laws in regard to 
 marriage, which should be a civil contract, and in regard to divorce, births, 
 and burials, should be placed on a purely secular and scientific basis, and 
 have their justification only in their use to society. 
 
 III. We deem it expedient for the Liberals in all portions of our country to 
 act or to co-operate with others, as a political organization for the accomplish- 
 ment of the objects of the above platform, and to nominate candidates for 
 office for that purpose as soon as they have organized in sufficient num. 
 bers, and have developed sufficient political agreement to do so effectively; 
 that such nomination should be first made in Assembly and Congressional 
 districts, and that we hope and urge that four years from this time we shall 
 have a Presidential ticket in the field. In the mean time we mutually pledge 
 each other that we will cast our votes and use our political influence for such 
 candidates for office as we honestly believe will most effectively further the 
 objects of our League. 
 
 IV. In the spirit of our platform we also demand such State and United 
 States laws as will securely guard the freedom of the press and of speech, and 
 the inviolability of the mail, and will allow free circulation, by mail or other- 
 wise, of all books, pamphlets, papers, and letters, irrespective of the religious 
 or other views they may contain, so that the literature of science and general 
 knowledge, and thought, and the expression of thought, may be placed in no 
 restraint except to answer for any abuse or injury done by it before regular 
 courts and juries of our people. 
 
 V. While we demand equal rights for all, and the consequent freedom of 
 the press and of speech, and the inviolability of the mails, we do not do this 
 to aid, abet, or encourage obscenity, lotteries, financial frauds, bogus medical 
 diplomas, nor any form of immorality, crime or wrong-doing whatsoever ; on 
 the contrary, we are utterly opposed to the dissemination through the mails, 
 or by any other means, of obscene literature, whether inspired or uninspired, 
 and hold in measureless contempt and disgust its authors and disseminators, 
 and we therefore call upon the so-called Christian world to expunge from the 
 so-called sacred Bible every passage that cannot be read without coveriug the 
 cheek of modesty with the blush of shame ; and until such passages are 
 expunged we demand that the law against the dissemination of obscene 
 literature be impartially enforced. We are in favor of enforcing, and we 
 guarantee our efforts and influence to enforce reasonable and effective laws 
 in aid of the common law against obscenity, lotteries, bogus diplomas, finan- 
 cial and other frauds ; but we believe that such offences should be and can be 
 effectively punished and repressed in the same way that other offences are, 
 that Is by the common criminal laws and the courts, aided by police and 
 detective officers, who shall be responsible to the people or their elected 
 officers, and not to churches or amateur theological or criminal societies. 
 
510 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 VI. irpon the grounds before stated we are unable to approve of tbe 
 BO-called " Comstock legislation," in either the States or general government, 
 and we believe its results have proved it to be fraught vrith serious danger to 
 the equal rights and liberties of the people. 
 
 1. The incorporation within the several States of amateur semi-criminal, 
 semi-theological societies, and the employment of their agents in no way 
 responsible to the people to make accusations and arrests under laws enacted 
 at their instigation, is an exhibition of theological assumption and govern- 
 mental interference hostile to the impartiality and equality of secular and 
 popular government, which should be of the people, for the people, and by 
 the people ; that such laws and administration of criminal affairs practically 
 deprive the citizen of his common law right of liberty until he injures 
 another's person, or property, or is accused in the first instance by a grand 
 jury of his peers. 
 
 2. The general government as the agent of the States and the people, in 
 providing the postal service, holds in time of peace substantially the relation 
 of a common carrier; that to admit its right to discriminate as to the mean- 
 ing of matter which it would carry, would admit of a power that may be used 
 arbitrarily for the suppression of particular classes of thought on political, 
 religious, social, and moral subjects, and would, therefore, be inconsistent 
 with the total separation of church and state, which is the prime demand of 
 the National Liberal League. 
 
 We, therefore, urge the repeal of the present United States Postal laws, 
 known as the Comstock laws, for these, among other reasons. 
 
 The difficulty in dealing with the National Liberal League, is 
 tha.t it constantly puts forth some new, or reaffirms some old, plat- 
 form, or passes voluminous resolutions, which on their face appear, 
 to say the least, to be plausible, while their acts are at variance 
 with the highest interests of the people, which they -would have 
 the public understand by their platforms and utterances they are 
 so zealous to guard. These resolutions are the battlements be- 
 hind which they seek to operate most villainous schemes, and 
 under cover of which monstrous outrages are to be perpetrated. 
 It is a veil which they hold before the eyes of the public, and 
 behind which diabolical attempts are made to overthrow aU the 
 benefits of rehgion and morality. A party without a high stand- 
 ard of morality is no safe guide for our youth, or safeguard to 
 a community. A Government without morals and religion for 
 a basis will soon go to pieces. 
 
 If any one doubts what I say about the published utterances 
 
INFIDELITY AND OBSCENITY. 511 
 
 of the Liberals, let them read the plausible resolutions of the 
 Liberals passed at Philadelphia ia 1876 ; and then, note the 
 monstrous and most unscrupulous conspiracies to repeal the laws 
 that immediately followed. 
 
 If they believe these men are sincere and honest, and doing 
 all they can, as they would have the world believe, to elevate 
 man, let them recall the blasphemy and scoffings of their favorite 
 leader, Ingersoll, in his efforts to rob the community of the bene- 
 ficial results, that come from following the teachings of God's 
 "Word, the observing of sacred things, or his frantic efforts to 
 outrage the most holy and sacred thoughts and feelings of the 
 Christian community. If they believe him sincere in his pro- 
 testation against his ever having encouraged repeal, let them 
 read the petition he signed for the repeal of the laws against 
 obscenity, and in the same connection consider his personal 
 efforts before the Committee of the Senate. 
 
 At this Convention (Chicago), if rumor is to be believed, 
 Ingersoll resigned. Eesigned from what ? Tiie Vice-Presidency 
 of the League ; hut not as a member. The " official stenographer " 
 reports Ingersoll as saying : 
 
 Col. Ingersoll — Now I differ with the League on this one thing ; in all other 
 things I agree with the League ; hut this one thing is of so much importance 
 to my mind that I can't act with the League. I do not wish tliem to he my 
 enemies, and I do not wish it to he deemed as a threat, hut I simply wish 
 to resign as Vice-President to allow somebody else to he elected in my place. 
 
 That he did bravely contend against the passage of certain res- 
 olutions offered by repealers, I think, is established ; lut that 
 he remained a member of the League after they adopted those 
 resolutions is equally true. And these resolutions are a part of 
 the " standard platform " of this League, as then adopted. 
 
 It is impossible to be on both sides of a fence at one time. 
 The fence that Mr. IngersoU is trying to stride is one made 
 of a principle as high as the arch above our heads, and in- 
 volves the best interests of the future of this country and the 
 highest possible weKare of the youth of the land. To unloose 
 the tongue of the libertine to befoul the air with his infamies ; 
 
512 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 to permit the rake license to publish a history of his experiences ; 
 to defend the books put forth by Free-lovers to reduce society 
 to their level ; or to defile the home, and debauch the youth — 
 is advocating and defending practices that must subject the 
 nation to the level of the brothel, poisoning the moral atmos- 
 phere of the community, until the JSTation shall be like Sodom 
 and Gomorrah, and the people of America shall become a by-word 
 and hissing to Heathen nations. The controlling of the baser 
 passions, the restraining of the libertine and rake from poison- 
 ing the minds of our youth, is not a crime. The Common law, 
 Statute laws, and Moral and Divine laws — all sustain the pro- 
 tecting of our youth from licentious and corrupting influences. 
 The law says that " no obscene hooh, picture, etc., shall ie pub- 
 lished.''^ The liberal says : " Provided we are permitted to do 
 exactly as we please. We claim the right, as liberals, to utter 
 and publish that which corrupts and affects the morals of the 
 young, no matter whose child is debauched, or whose home is 
 rendered worse than desolate ! We are liberals — we are ! We 
 believe in free speech, free press, and free crime — we do ! What 
 care we for the decisions of the courts ? Of common laws in all 
 civilized countries, or the U. S. Supreme Court, or any other 
 courts in this country? The right and duty of the courts to 
 protect the morals of the community we object to ; and although 
 that right is inherent in the law in all civilized lands, we are op- 
 posed to it !" 
 
 Deplorable indeed would be the condition of any community, 
 if there be no higher standard of law to govern crime, or any 
 other defence necessary under the law, than as laid down in the 
 argument of Col. Ingersoll, when he says at this Convention : 
 
 " And the question, and the only question, as to whetlier they are amenable 
 to the law, in my mind Is, Were they honest ? Was it their effort to benefit 
 mankind ? Was that their intention ? And no man, no woman should be 
 convicted of any offence that that man or woman did not intend to commit. 
 Now then, suppose that some person is arrested, and it is claimed that a wort 
 written by him is immoral, is illegal. Then, I say, let our Committee of 
 Defence examine that case, and if our enemies seek to trample out free 
 thought under the name of immorality, and under the cover and shield of our 
 criminal laws, then let us defend that man to the last dollar we have." 
 
INFIDELITY AND OBSCENITY. 513 
 
 It will thus be seen, that this great Liberal legal light would 
 require no other defence under the law, on the part of the crim- 
 inal, than for him to say, "I did this with some object other than 
 violating the law." The thief may plead, " I took this coat from 
 its owner in order to get food for my wife and children ; I did 
 not intend to have it larceny under the law." The burglar breaks 
 into a private house at night and robs it, because winter was ap- 
 proaching and he needed a new suit of clothes. A highwayman 
 knocks down and robs his victim, because he was a little " hard 
 up " for money and wanted to go to a horse race ; but he did not 
 intend to commit a robbery under tlie law. And so, a low, foul- 
 iilinded creature of some Free-love fraternity, may write a grossly 
 obscene and indecent book, and a book which, if circulated among 
 the young, would curse and ruin many of them ; and yet, if the 
 author only says he did not intend to harm the young, although it 
 is manifest the harm is done by his book, he must not be stopped 
 by the proper enforcement of laws designed to protect the morals 
 ,of the community. 
 
 This blatant infidel and scoffer seems to be as ignorant of Com- 
 mon Law decisions on this point, as he is devoid of moral and 
 religious principles. He is as eloquent against morals as he is 
 against his Maker and religion. There is not one word under 
 this law, that worries this Liberal League and Col. Lngersoll 
 .so much, which permits of a construction that can he tortured 
 into any interference with so-called Liberal utterances. I go 
 further, and say it cannot be construed in any 7nanner, and never 
 has been either, as affecting any publication, however violent in 
 blasphemy, or base in the attaching of holy and sacred things,, 
 except it be " obscene, lewd, lascivious, or indecent." 
 
 It is exceeding absurd for any lawyer to plead as this man does. 
 If they do not like obscenity, why do they wear it hke pearls 
 about their neck, and display it continually in public ? Why do 
 they sympathize with ex-convicted obscenity venders, or con- 
 stantly oppose the legal enforcement of righteous laws? I 
 present, for Mr. Ingersoll's information, some decisions and uni- 
 versal principles of law, as laid down by the highest court in 
 33 
 
514 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 England, the Queen's Court, full bench, the Lord Chief Justice 
 presiding, on this question of intent. I am ready to present him 
 American authorities in support of these, if he desires. 
 
 The Liberals, and Col. IngersoU, may as well understand that it 
 is not a hard thing to prick the bubble of their dirty trick to 
 deceive the public. Laws, decisions of courts under the Common 
 Law, and morals are all against you. Your business of the 
 defence of obscenity mongers is infamous, and your practice 
 damnable. 
 
 " I hold that, when a man publishes a -work manifestly obscene, he must be 
 taken to have had the iutention which is implied from the act ; and that as 
 soon as you have an illegal act thus established, 'quoad the inteution, and quoad 
 the act,' it does not lie in the mouth of the man who does it to say: 'Well, I 
 was breaking the law, but it was breaking it for some wholesome and salutary 
 purpose.' The law does not allow that ; you must abide by the law, and if 
 you would accomplish your object, you must do it in a legal manner, or let it 
 alone. You must not do it in a manuer which is illegal." 
 
 The Queen vs. Hecklin. 3 Eng. LawEeports (Q. B.) p. 373. pr. Cockburn, 
 Chief Justice. 
 
 Again in same case it says : 
 
 " I take the rule of law to be, as stated by Lord Ellenborough, in ' Eex vs. 
 Dixon,' (3 M. & S. p. 15,) in the shortest and clearest manner. It is a univer- 
 sal principle that when a man is charged with doing an act of which the 
 probable consequence may be highly injurious, the intention is an inference 
 of law resulting from the doing the act. 
 
 "And although the appellant may have had another object in view, he must 
 be taken to have intended that which is the natural consequence of the act. 
 If he does an act which is illegal, it does not make it legal that he did it with 
 some other object. That is not a legal excuse, unless the object was such as, 
 under the circumstances, rendered the particular act lawful." 
 
 If this law is good enough for Great Britain and the United 
 States of America, it ought to be good enough for a handful of 
 mongrels calling themselves Liberals ! It certainly defends and 
 protects our youth from their indecencies, and whether they like 
 it or not, these laws will be enforced. Every household has a 
 right under the law to defend and keep pure its circle. There 
 is no interest dearer, or more important to any man, tlian the 
 
INFIDELITY AND OBSCENITY. 515 
 
 moral purity and spiritual welfare of his cliildreii. The Liberals 
 demand that the legal barriers, that protect and keep our children 
 pure, be broken down. By the Grace of the Everliving God, 
 and in the name of this great American people, their demand 
 shall not be allowed. And " so say we all of us." 
 
516 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 OFFICIAL LIST OF FKAUDS. 
 
 The following is taken from The United States Official Postal 
 Guide of May, 1880. 
 
 FRAUDS. 
 
 List of persona conducting fraudulent lotteries and other schemes to de- 
 fraud the public, to whom payment of money-orders and the delivery of 
 registered letters has been prohibited by order of the Postmaster-General, 
 under the authority conferred by sections 3929 and 4041 of the Eevised 
 Statutes (375 and 1043, Postal Laws and Regulations, edition of 1879). Post- 
 masters at any office at which money-orders or registered letters arrive 
 addressed to any person or company against whom orders have been issued 
 by the Postmaster-General, under the provisions of sections 875 and 1043, 
 Postal Laws and Regulations, the list of whom is published in the Guide 
 from month to month, should refuse payment and delivery of the same, and 
 treat them as provided in the sections referred to ; and postmasters are 
 hereby forbidden to pay money-orders or deliver registered letters addressed 
 to any person who they are satisfied is acting for any of the persons or com- 
 panies hereinafter named, until they have communicated the facts to, and 
 received the instructions of, the Postmaster-General. 
 
 NAME. DATE OF ORDER. PLACE OF BUSINESS. 
 
 All&n. H. D. P Dec. 11, 1878. . .New York, N. Y. 
 
 American Coral Co July 6, 1877 Pittsburgh, Pa. 
 
 Arizona Lottery May 27, 1879 . . .Prescott, Ariz. 
 
 Bartelle, B. C. & Co Oct. IB, 1877 .. .Gloucester, N.J. 
 
 Baxter & Co Jan. 7, 1880.... 7 & 17 Wall St., New York, 
 
 N. Y. 
 
 Benedict & Co Jan. 9, 1880. ...New York, N. Y. 
 
 Benningrton, A. B. & Co., alias Jace Marks July 19, 1877. ..Lansing, Iowa. 
 
 Benton, D. V June 29, 1876. .. Laramie City, Wyo. 
 
 Bishop, L. D. S July 2, 1875 .... Cincinnati, Ohio. 
 
 Bogart, Moses..! Alias ? „^^ .. ,„„„ ( 84 Nassau St., New York, 
 
 Borger, Max....tWaschmann&Co. 5 JNov. 14, IH^J. .. -j jj y. 
 
 Bornio & Bro Feb. 18, 1880. . .New Orleans, La. 
 
 ( Alias ) 
 
 Brain, John C. -^ Excelsior Mfg. Co VDec. 11, 1878. . .New York, N. Y. 
 
 ( Sheffield Fire-arms Agency., j 
 
 Bristol Piano Co June 11, 1879. . .New Bedford, Mass. 
 
 Burrow, John Aug. 11, 1876. .. Bristol, Tenn. 
 
 Burtnett, H. A April 22, 1879. . .New York, N. Y. 
 
 Burton, B. H. & Co Jan. 10,1880 ...123 Clark St., Chicago, 111. 
 
 Carr, E. N. & Co . . i E. J. Mel & Co . . t April 12, 1880. . . \ ^^S''^" ^o""' ^ew York, 
 
 ( Emery & Co 1 j JN. Y. 
 
 Chase, A. & Co Got. 10,1879 ...New Haven, Conn. 
 
 Olark &, Co., alias Silver Mining Co June 5, 1878. . .New York, N, Y. 
 
 Clute, J. J. & Uo.. ) 1 „„n „,,„„„ ,, „ , 
 
 Clute! Jacob [ Deo. 1, 1879....-^^"° ^wa.y. New York, 
 
 lUute, John ) j iN. Y. 
 
 Cole. N. M. & Son Nov. 3, 1879.... Detroit, Mich, 
 
 Conlon, J. P Jan. 13, 18S0...699 Broadway, New York. 
 
 N. Y. 
 
OFFICIAL LIST OF FRAUDS. 
 
 517 
 
 DATE OP ORDER, 
 
 Creighton, W. C. 
 
 Cosmopolitan Stamp) puuadelphfa Stamp Co. ioct. 23, 1875 
 
 I Giovanni Patroni ) 
 
 " ■ ' ■ ~ " " " -te 
 
 I 
 
 J 
 
 ( Alias ) 
 
 ..-(E. Field &Co.. V 
 
 ( Field & Co ... . . ( 
 
 Crest, John. 
 
 alias B. H, Porter & Co Nov. 13, 18r9 
 
 Alius ^ 
 
 W.J.Hill , „ 
 
 C. H. Walker., r Oct. 13, 1878. . 
 
 . C. Wade 
 
 Alias 
 
 Field &Co.. V Dec. 20, 1879 
 
 Field & Co 
 
 Alias 
 Arnould, Jas., 151 Eldridge St... 
 
 aS'D^vidV. 1 133 Division St. 
 
 Clark, M. , 50 Delancey St 
 
 Clemens, M.. 1681 1st Ave 
 
 Frenks, Andreas, 151 Eldridge St. 
 Hudson, Jas., 1681 1st Ave 
 
 .L^be^^rV; 1^3 Suffolk St 
 
 Muller, James, 50 Delancey St. . . 
 
 .K|''tLs.^8 Allen St _ 
 
 DSff:j.&Co::| Nov.14,1879. 
 
 Duffree, Manning, alias Bell, C. & Co Nov. 14, 1879. . 
 
 Eastern Manufacturing Co Aug. 21, 1878. , 
 
 Dayton, John 
 
 Doe, John. 
 
 PLACE OP BUSINESS. 
 
 J Philadelphia, Pa. 
 j Camden, N. J. 
 
 New York, N. Y. 
 
 Elkhart, Ind. 
 Augusta, Mich. 
 Battle Creek, Mich. 
 
 ) 1313 BVay, New York, 
 
 'i N. Y. 
 
 Feb. 16, 1880 . . .New York, N. Y. 
 
 ( 48 Nassau St., New York, 
 
 1 N. Y. 
 
 1215 Broadway New York, 
 
 N. Y. 
 Boston. Mass., Rockland, 
 
 Me., Chicago, 111. 
 .Camden, N, J. 
 Webster. Mass. 
 
 Edgerton & Co March 12, 1876. 
 
 Edmunds, J. E. & Co Aug. S, 1879 . . . 
 
 Eggleston, Edward A May 28, 1879 . . .Rosita, Colo 
 
 Eixmer, Theodore, alias Waschmann & Co Nov. 14, 1879 ... 84 Nassau St. , New York, 
 
 N. Y. 
 
 Elias, Em§ H., alias Russell & Co Dec). 1877 New York. N. Y. 
 
 f ISOBroadway, New York, 
 J N. Y. 
 ■ 1 35 Fulton St., New York, 
 
 I N. Y. 
 .New York, N. Y. 
 
 Emerson, Joseph.. 1 xr„_ u ,070 
 
 Emerson &GOSS.. f '*°^- 1". 1«79.. 
 
 Evarts, Barnes & Co Jan. 9, 18S0. . , 
 
 ( Alias 1 
 
 Excelsior Mfg. Co.-j Sheffield Fire-arms Agency [-Nov. 27, 1878. . 
 ( John C. Brain j 
 
 Florence Jewelry Co July 6, 1377... 
 
 Foxwell, Charles & Co Jan. 9, 1830 . . . 
 
 Franklin, G«o. W April 38, 1878 . 
 
 Garcia, I April 12, 1880 . 
 
 .Chicago, 111. 
 
 , . Pittsburgh, Pa. 
 
 .New York, N. Y. 
 
 .Louisville, Ky., and Glas- 
 gow. Ky. 
 
 .187 Exchange Place, New 
 Orleans, La. 
 
 George. Jas. W. & Co April 17, 1875 ..New York, N. Y. 
 
 Glore, W. Scott •. Feb. 17, 1880. . .Louisville, Ky. 
 
 Goldwater, Michael June 21, 1879. ..Prescott, Ariz. 
 
 Giant, S. A., aiias Denver Land Co ..Nov. 3, 1879 Denver, Colo. 
 
 Great Western Distribution J jj^^^^-^'^'^ Co. . . il^*-^/!,? 
 
 ^° 1 Kunnecke & Co. ) ^°^- '^' l"*™' 
 
 Gustavus, E. & Co., alias F. E. G. Lindsay. . . . Dec. 9. 1875 . . .Holston, W. Va. 
 
 Hall, H. J. &Co Jan. 31, 1876. ..Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Hall, J. H. &Co Jan. 24, 1879. ..New York, N. Y. 
 
 Hamilton. J. B. & Co June 10, 1876. , .New York, N. Y. 
 
 Heister, Charles E., aliasV. S. Syndicate Aug. 12, 1879... New York, N. Y. 
 
 Henly, A., dJias Michael & Co Feb. 2, I8811. .. 
 
 Henry, J. C. & Co., aiias Clarence W. Miller.... April 13, 1876. 
 
 ^ Cheyenne, Wyo. 
 
 Herrick, D. P. & ( 
 
 Atlanta. Ga. 
 Glens Falls, N. 
 
 Chester, Pa. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 
 Y., and 
 
 iCo Feb. 18, 1880. 
 
 r Alias 1 
 
 Hetsch, J. J. J People's Literary Journal , j^ jg 1379. ..Newport, Ky. 
 
 & Co j Kentucky State Journal ,' ' r 1 j 
 
 I Newport Paper and Printing Co. J 
 Hill, W. J., alias C. W. Whitney & Co Oct. 12, 1878. . 
 
 Ind., Augusta, 
 and Battle Creek, 
 
 Hull, H. H., alias United States Agency Jan. 13, 
 
 t, Chas. E. . ' 
 Hunt, Nettie W, 
 
 Hunt, Chas. E.. . ! Dec. 11 
 
 1880. 
 1879. 
 
 Elkhart, 
 
 Mich. 
 
 Mich. 
 Mount Winans, Md. 
 
 .Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
518 
 
 FEATJDS EXPOSED, 
 
 HATE OP ORDER. 
 
 ,.Sept. 8, 1S77 
 Nov. 14, 1S79. J 
 .July 30, 1878 
 
 PLACE OF BUSINESS. 
 
 .Chicago, 111. 
 82 Nassau St., 
 
 N. Y. 
 Hopkinton, Mass. 
 
 Ashland. Mass. • 
 
 South Framingham, Mass. 
 
 New Orleans, La. 
 Covington, Ky. 
 Topeka, Kans. 
 
 NAME. 
 
 Hurlburt, Wm. H.. alias Western Gun Co.. 
 Jackson. A. Orlando . . ( 
 
 Jackson & Co J 
 
 Jones, A. & Son 
 
 Harry J. Littleton & Co i c 
 
 Union Turchasing Agency. . '|.Dec. 3, 1878. . < 
 
 Union Publishing Co * 
 
 Magnetic Watch Co J 
 
 Jorda & Puig. March 31, 1880. 
 
 Joyce, John P Nov. 28, 1S?9 
 
 Kansas Land Co ..Dec. 15, 1879... 
 
 Alias 
 
 Ashman, L. A 
 
 Bay State Organ Co 
 
 Eastern Gun Works 
 
 Enterprise Publishing Co. 
 
 Home Delight Co 
 
 Hub Manufacturing Co. . . 
 
 Hub Watch Co 
 
 Kendall, L. A. -j Inventors' and Manufacturers' [■ Oct. 17, 1879 . . .Boston, Mass. 
 
 Association 
 
 Japanese Curiosity Co 
 
 New England Scientific Co 
 
 New England Manufact'neCo.. 
 
 Paris Art Co 
 
 Parisian Photograph Co 
 
 People's Paper Publishing Co. 
 
 (.The Welcome Guest 
 
 Kennucke. F ) 
 
 Kennucke&Co V Nov. 28, 1879,. 
 
 Kennucke, Tlie Messrs. ) 
 
 Kentucky Land Co June 5, 1879. . . 
 
 ( Alias 1 
 
 1 Adams. Brown & Co. . 
 Lawrence & Co. . -j Allen, Jordan & Co. . . 
 Barnes. Garrison & Co 
 
 VDuff, Wm. D 
 
 ( Alias 
 
 Leavitt & Co. . ■{ Russell & Co 
 
 ( Sunbeam Publishing Co. 
 Lindauer, Chas. F 
 
 New York, 
 
 Cheyenne, Wyo. 
 Louisville, Ky. 
 
 !■ Dec. 30, 1879. . . New York, N. Y. 
 I April 18, 1879 . .New Bedford, Mass. 
 
 ...Dec. 1, 1879... 
 
 Lindsey, F. E. G Dec. 9. 1875... 
 
 Lindsey, F. E. G June 1, 1876. . . 
 
 Littleton, Harry J. & Co Dec. 3, 1877. . . 
 
 Long Island Shirt Co Aug. 7, 1879.. 
 
 McCall, W. P Dec. 11, 18T8. 
 
 McCaulav.S. A., 35 Broadway Feb. 16, 1S8D. 
 
 McKay,Hugh 1 of St. Stephen, New |„ „, .„™ pai-i. Me 
 
 McKay, Hugh & Co \ Brunswick f JNov. <!o, IbfJ. . Calais, me. 
 
 Magee, John W June 29, 1876. . 
 
 Magnetic Watch Co Dec. 3, 1877. . . 
 
 Magnetic Watch Co Dec. 3, 1877 . 
 
 Marcotte & Co March 11, 1880 
 
 . 184 Mercer St., New York, 
 
 N. Y. 
 Holston, W. Va. 
 Abingdon, Va. 
 Ashland, Mass., and South 
 
 Framingham, ] 
 Brooklyn. N. Y. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 
 Marks, Jace July 19, 1877.. 
 
 Martin, B. H. & Co Feb. 25, 1880 . . 
 
 Massich & Cossulith April 12, 1880. 
 
 Miller, Clarence W April 13, 1876 . 
 
 Miller, Clarence W April 13. 1876 . 
 
 Murray, Trance & Co Nov. 21, 1879. . 
 
 Nathan, B Nov. 13, 1879. . 
 
 National Art Co Aug. 26, 1S7S. . 
 
 National Banking Co Dec. 11, 1878.. 
 
 Noelke, Chas. D.J Nov. 14, 1879.. 
 
 Paris Novelty Co Aug. 21, 1879. . . 
 
 Parsons, F. H March 24. 1880 
 
 Patroni, Giovanni Oct. 22, 1875 . . 
 
 Patroni, Giovanni Oct. 82, 1875.. 
 
 . Laramie City, Wyo. 
 .Ashland, Mass. 
 .South Framingham, Mass. 
 .22 New Church St., New 
 
 York, N. Y. 
 .La Crosse. Wis. 
 .123 Clark Street, Chicago, 
 
 III. 
 .159 Common Street, New 
 
 Orleans, La. 
 .Chester, Pa, 
 Glens Falls, N. T. 
 Louisville, Ky. 
 .179 & 838 Broadway, New 
 
 Y'ork, N. Y. 
 Cincinnati, Ohio. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 .238 Grand St., New York, 
 
 N. Y. 
 Boston, Mass., Bockland, 
 
 Mass., Chicago, 111. 
 We.stbnrough, Mass. 
 Philadelphia. Pa. 
 Camden, N. J. 
 
OFFICIAL LIST OF FRAUDS. 
 
 519 
 
 KAME. DATE OF ORDER, 
 
 Pattee, J. M. manager Oct. 8, 1876 
 
 Philadelphia Stamp Co Oct. 22, 1875 . . . 
 
 Pliiladelphia Stamp Co Oct. 22, 1875 .. . 
 
 Pike, Marshall S Sept. 15, 1876 . . 
 
 Pike, Marshall S Sept. 15, 1876 ., 
 
 Hassans, S Aprill2, 1880 . 
 
 Porter,'W 1 
 
 Porter, W. E )■ Alias J. Tator 
 
 Porter, B. H.& Co.... ) 
 
 Premium Art. Co July 6, 1877 . . 
 
 Eeade & Co June 23, 1878. 
 
 Eemis, I. G. & Co Oct. 29, 1879 . 
 
 Eoarty. John A Dec. 11, 1879. 
 
 Eoyal Manufacturing Co May 19, 1879. 
 
 Eoyce, J. M June 12, 1876. 
 
 Eussell & Co Dec. 1, 1877 . . 
 
 Eussell & Co April 18, 1879 
 
 Eussell. Hopping & Co June 1, 1877 . 
 
 Sheffield Fire-arms Agency May 27, 1S78. 
 
 Sherman & Co Feb. IB, 1880. 
 
 Silver Mining Co June 5, 1878 . 
 
 SiDe, L. D., alias L. D. S. Bishop July 2, 1875 . . 
 
 r Alias ^ 
 
 Agents* Union 
 
 American Book Co . . . 
 
 Crameo, E. G 
 
 Eastern Manufactur- 
 ing Co 
 
 Eels & Co 
 
 Eels, D. P. & Co 
 
 Paris Novelty Co 
 
 Eoyal Piano Co 
 
 Solar Watch Co 
 
 Sciagraph Watch Co . . 
 
 Star Manutactur'g Co. 
 
 Suydam, D. P 
 
 Williams, P. W. & Co. 
 Smalley & Gale Feb. 19, 1880 
 
 PLACE OP BUSINESS. 
 
 Cheyenne, Wyo. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 Camden, N. J. 
 Cheyenne, Wyo. 
 Topeka, Kans. 
 .153 Common Street, New 
 Orleans, La. 
 
 Slocumb, E. Ellsworth. 
 
 Nov. 13, 1879. . .New York, N. Y. 
 
 .Pittsburgh, Pa. 
 .New Haven, Conn. 
 .Chicago, 111. 
 .Philadelphia, Pa. 
 .Brooklyn. N. Y. 
 .Grafton, W. Va. 
 .New York, N. Y. 
 . New Bedford, Mass, 
 .Eiverside, N. J. 
 .Chicago, III. 
 .Marshall, Mich. 
 .New York, N. Y. 
 .Cincinnati, Ohio. 
 
 Aug. 21, 1879. . 
 ■ Sept. 3, 1879 . . 
 Sept. 4, 1879 . . 
 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Chicago, 111. 
 Eockland, Mass. 
 Brockton. Mass. 
 South Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 .35 Broadway, New York, 
 
 N. Y. 
 .Covington, Ky. 
 .Philadelphia N. Y. 
 .New Bedford, Mass. 
 .New York. N. Y. 
 .Dennison, Tex. 
 .New York, N. Y. 
 .New York, N. Y. 
 .iai5 Broadway, New York, 
 
 N. Y. 
 
 Smith, Geo. E Feb. 16,1880.. 
 
 Stewart, Frank Nov. 6, 1875... 
 
 Sunbeam Publishing Co April 18, 1879. 
 
 Taylor & Co Nov. 18, 1879. . 
 
 Texas Gift Concert Association Sept. 23, 1875 . 
 
 Thatcher, Belmont & Co Jan. 9. 1880... 
 
 Toralinson, James A June 10, 1876. . 
 
 TuUy, J. F., aijas Bell, C. & Co Nov. 18, 1879,. 
 
 1 Alias "I 
 
 American Coral Co I 
 Florence Jewelry Co V July 6, 1877 ... . Pittsburgh, Pa. 
 Freshman & Co 
 Premium Art Co J 
 
 Union Publishing Co j. jjec 3 1877 
 
 Union Purchasing Agency. . i ' '■' 
 
 Union Silver Plating Co Aug. 26, 1878. . 
 
 United States Syndicate Aug. 12, 1879. . 
 
 ( Alias I 
 
 Veadero, Ciricaoo . J. Martinez & Co J- Deo. 20, 1879 . 
 
 Castillo, Emilio M ) 
 
 Wade, C, oiitw 0. H. Walker Oct. 13, 1873 . . 
 
 J Ashland, Mass. 
 ( So. Framingham, Mass. 
 Cincinnati, Ohio. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 
 C 69, 71, 73 Broadway, New 
 i York, N. Y. 
 
 Ind., Augusta, 
 Battle Creek, 
 
 Wagner, M. V.. o!tas Sherman & Co Feb. 18, 1880. 
 
 Waterson, Henry G. I Nov 25, 1879 . 
 
 Waterson, F. G !' ' ' 
 
 C Alias I 
 TIT , 1 cj 1 Wilson, Wm. S . . 1 jt„„ ja 1379 
 
 Webb, Samuel. . \ vVilson, Sara'l. . . f JNov. 14, ib/a. 
 
 |.Luthy&Co J 
 
 ( Alias } 
 
 Webber & Co. ... -^ National Art Co V July 30, 1878 . 
 
 j Union Silver Platmg Co ) ..,„.„ 
 
 Western Gun Co Sept. 8, 18.7 . 
 
 .Elkhart, 
 
 Mich., 
 
 Mich, 
 .Marshall, Jlich. 
 
 . Calais, Me. 
 
 f 126 Broadway, New York, 
 J NY. 
 " I 267 Broadway, New York, 
 L N.Y. 
 
 .Cincinnati, Ohio. 
 
 .Chicago, 111. 
 
520 
 
 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 NAME. DATE OF ORDER. PLACE OF BUSINESS. 
 
 Whitney, C. W. & Co April 13, 1876 . . Glens Falls, N. Y., Chester, 
 
 Pa. 
 
 Wight, T. Potter & Co Dec. 30, 1879. ..New York, N. Y. 
 
 Wilcox & Co Dec. 21, 187.5. . Windsor, Ohio. 
 
 Williamson & Co Nov. 13, 1879... 559 Broadway, New York, 
 
 N. Y. 
 '23 Park Row, New York, 
 
 Z choch, Theodore Nov. 13, 1879. .. .| gg^^^.^^^^y jfg.„Ypr^._ 
 
 N.Y. 
 
 The following parties have since been added to the above list, 
 by the action of the Postmaster-General : 
 
 Postal Guide, August, 1880. 
 
 NAMES. DATE OF ORDER, 
 
 Ballard, P July S3, 18S0... 
 
 Benedict&Co Jan. 19. 1880 , 
 
 Brookes, Charles O May2r,1880 
 
 Alias 
 National Eclectic Medi- 
 cal Association 
 
 Eclectic Medical College 
 
 of Pennsylvania 
 
 American tJniversity of 
 
 Philadel 
 
 University College of 
 
 Pharmacy ^ 
 
 Chichester Rifle Co May 94, 1880. 
 
 Fichett, W. N May 24, 1880 
 
 Harris, James May 27, 1880 
 
 PLACE OF BUSINESS. 
 
 260 Grefenwich St., New- 
 York. N. Y. 
 
 ..New York, N. Y. 
 
 ..128 West St., New York, 
 N.Y. 
 
 Buchanan, Prof., 
 John, M.D 
 
 June 14, 1S80. ..Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 Kratzpr, D. A July 22, 1880. . 
 
 Lee, Wm May 27, 1880 . . 
 
 l.ee, Wm May27, 1880.. 
 
 Martin, Geo July 22. 1830 . . 
 
 Murray 
 James, 
 
 Rev. J r 
 1, D.D.") • 
 
 .Jersey City, N. J. 
 .Jersey City, N. J. 
 .Care of Mr. Gramppg, 253 
 
 E. Church St., New York, 
 
 N.Y. 
 .Burlington, Iowa. 
 Care of Mr. Stephens, 272 
 
 E. Third St., New York, 
 
 N.Y. 
 Care of Mr. Huff, 187 
 
 Broome St., New York, 
 
 N, Y. 
 171 Franklin St., New York,' 
 
 N. Y. 
 
 Alias. 1 
 
 j The Livingtou University of V . .June 14, 1880 . .Haddenfleld, N. Y, 
 
 f America ) 
 
 Perkins, Howitt May 27, 1880 .. 
 
 Rand B May 27, 1880 . . 
 
 Rand, S May 27, 1880 . . 
 
 Wilson, J. C, alias A. J. C. Wilson June 15, 1830 . . ? 
 
 11 Park Row and 297 Green- 
 wich St., New York, N. Y. 
 
 62 Harrison St., New York, 
 N. Y. 
 
 Care of Mr. Warren, 78 
 Chrystie St., New York, 
 N.Y. 
 
 Ladonia. Texas. 
 Austin, Texas. 
 
 The act of Congress which authorizes the Postmaster-General 
 to return money orders and registered letters to the sender, reads 
 as follows : 
 
 Section 300. That the Postmaster-General may, upon evidence satisfactory 
 to him, that any person, firm, or corporation is engaged in conducting any 
 
OFFICIAL LIST OF FRAUDS. 621 
 
 fraudulent lottery , gift enterprise, or scheme for tlie distrilDution of money, or of 
 any real or personal property, by lot, chance, or drawing of any kind, or in 
 conducting any other scheme or device for obtainingmoney through the mails, 
 by means of false or fraudlent pretenses, representations, or promises, forbid the 
 payment by any postmaster to any such person, firm, or corporation of any pos- 
 tal money-order drawn to the order or in favor of him orof them, and may pro- 
 vide by regulations for the return to the remitters of the sums named in such 
 money-orders. And the Postmaster-General may also, upon like evidence, in- 
 struct postmasters at any post offices at which registered letters shall arrive, 
 directed to any such person, firm, or corporation, to return all such registered 
 letters to the postmasters at the offices at which they were originally mailed, 
 with the word "fraudulent," plainly written or stamped npon the outside of 
 said letters ; and all such letters so returned to such postmasters, shall be by 
 them returned to the writers thereof, under such regulations as the Postmaster- 
 General may prescribe : Provided, Tliat nothing in this act contained shall be 
 so construed as to authorize any postmaster or other person to open any 
 letter not addressed to himself. 
 
 In the light of the facts exposed in this book, is this a wise 
 provision of law ? The Liberals (and especially the great legal 
 mind that reviews the United States Supreme Court) say no. 
 Every intelligent mind, and every honest man, says yes ! Here we 
 have an act, that this would-have-you-beheve-me-smart lawyer 
 Wakeman says is another of the " Comstock laws." Poor fellow, he 
 has a hard time of it ! He shows his ignorance of law and facts 
 in aU his arguments. But if any one thing is a recommendation 
 for a leather medal, his pretended interpretation of these laws and 
 citations of facts, as above illustrated, are conclusive. He says 
 this is one of the " Comstock laws." It is about as near as he 
 generally states facts on these subjects. 
 
 That law was in existence long before I ever dreamed of it. 
 It was a long time after my appointment, as a special agent of 
 the Post Office Department, before I knew of it at aU. 
 
 But every one who has any knowledge of this law or the work- 
 ings of the Post Office Department, knows that the frantic 
 ravings against these laws are all in the interest of criminals and 
 law breakers. 
 
 There are insinuations and charges constantly made of some 
 wrong done, or some person interfered with unlawfully. 
 
 "Who makes these charges ? Is it the merchant, banker or 
 
622 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 business man engaged in an open, legal traffic ? Is it in the inter- 
 est of law and order ? Is there any foundation for these base 
 insinuations and charges ? 
 
 I reply, emphatically, no. And I call upon every man in legiti- 
 mate business, and every honest postmaster to contradict me with 
 facts, if they can. 
 
 The postal service requires no defence from my hands. It is 
 efficient, and, in the city of New York where, out of 50 of 
 the largest offices nearly one-third of the entire quantity of mail 
 matter is received or sent out, (as shown by a careful estimate 
 recently made,) never for years has the service been more perfect 
 or the workings in any office more complete. 
 
 The charges made in the papers, and by these Liberal croakers, 
 are exaggerations, misrepresentations, and often lies made out of 
 whole cloth. 
 
 Penal statutes have been enacted by Congress to guard the 
 sanctity of the seal, and to punish tampering with the mails, or 
 delaying correspondence. Every employee is required to take 
 a solemn oath to obey and respect the laws. 
 
 !N"o higher duty is imposed, than to guard sacredly and forward 
 promptly all matter committed to their care. Every man is a scout, 
 to watch for depredations, and it is a sacred duty, under their oaths 
 of office to expose all violations of law. We have, then, a large 
 army of honorable, intelligent, reliable men, who are zealous for 
 the postal service, scattered throughout the land, under bonds, 
 pecuniarily and otherwise, to a faithful performance of duty. 
 
 Every postmaster and postal clerk is bound to keep securely all 
 mail matter. A letter received at one office is speedily forwarded 
 to its destination at another. The postal service becomes the 
 agent of the sender. 
 
 Just here I desire to say : I speak now on, from a moral 
 standpoint. What I say about agents does not apply as in the 
 light of legally being responsible to the sender if a letter is lost ; 
 but, while the law does not hold the postal service responsible, 
 and while in law and fact the sender loses control over his letter 
 when once properly in the mail, and it must go to the party ad- 
 
OFFICIAL LIST OF FRAUDS. 523 
 
 dressed, yet also, in fact, it is the sender's interest that is at stake ; 
 for if the money sent in an ordinary letter is lost, while the party 
 addressed has the right and title to the letter, still the sender is 
 the one upon whom the loss falls. Up to the enactment by Con- 
 gress of the wise provisions of the above law, all letters had to 
 be delivered to the party addressed, no matter how infamous a 
 swindle he might have been laiown to have been operating through 
 the mails. 
 
 If the letter contains money, and is stolen or lost, it is of so 
 much moment that at once the country is searched from one end 
 of the route over which it passed to the other to find it. The Mail 
 Depredation Department, manned by experienced and shrewd 
 men, at once take up the clue, and they will follow a trail from 
 Maine to California, rather than fail to secure the lost package. 
 So important are the letters committed to the care of the postal 
 service ! 
 
 Now, if all these laws are passed, to so sacredy guard mail 
 matter, and if such severe penalties are inflicted, as heavy fines 
 and imprisonment imposed for an unlawful conversion of matter 
 in transit in the mails, and such time and expense gone to, to re- 
 cover the lost, what consistency is there in the Post Office Depart- 
 ment expending all the above in order to protect in safety a 
 letter en route, and preserve the valuables enclosed for the sender 
 thereof, and then delivering the same to a known thief, or 
 swindler ? 
 
 "We are the agent of the sender of the letter ; and when we know 
 by ^c>s^7^■ye fe^aZiSTO^ence that some sharper is defrauding every 
 man, woman and child that he can, by his lying circulars, induce 
 to send money to him by mail, why in the name of all that is 
 honest, right or just, should we be forced to pay over the sender's 
 money ! 
 
 I say nothing of ordinary letters. No person is presumed to 
 Tcnow or suspect the contents of a sealed letter sent in ordinary 
 
 mail. 
 
 But the registered letter is always presumed to contain valuables. 
 The Post Office Department insures its safety for an additional 
 
524 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 fee of 10 cents. The writer of the letter sends by his agent, the mail 
 service, his money, and pays extra fees for safety and security, 
 and he is the one most interested in the money so entrusted to the 
 care of the mails. It is his money that the above law sends back 
 to him, under this law or through the Dead Letter Office, and 
 prevents the thief from taking. Does he complain at this ? No, 
 no. It is the thief and his friend that complain. Why ? Because 
 their plan to swindle and rob is thwarted. The same may be 
 said of the money order system. That branch of the Post Office 
 Department receives money in trust to pay over ; and when a 
 known thief or swindler calls for it, and from a knowledge of his 
 business we know the sender will lose every cent if placed in his 
 hands, what is there in law and equity to prevent the sending of 
 the money back to the party who entrusted the same to our safe 
 keeping ? I^ot to do this, is to make the postal service the agent 
 and tool of the thief, swindler and smut dealer. 
 
 To take an extra fee for safety of valuables entrusted to this 
 Department, and then to pass them over to a thief, is a mockery 
 of all public policy and justice. As well may a clerk in a store 
 pass over merchandise he is there to sell, to any vagabond who 
 asks for it without paying for the same, or a bank pay out 
 funds placed in their charge for safe keeping, to irresponsible and 
 thieving applicants. 
 
 The postal service has a moral and legal responsibility. ISo 
 department of government should become a tool or agent to as- 
 sist a thief and swindler in deceiving, robbing or defrauding the 
 honest and credulous ones. 
 
 Honest men have rights in the morals of their children, and 
 the hard earnings of their daily toil, that government should re- 
 spect. 
 
 If an official violates a law punish him severely. But let no 
 fears that some one may do a wrong, prevent righteous laws 
 from being enforced. 
 
 The howl about these may-possihly-le outrages, or " somebody 
 might do a wrong by violating a law," are about on a par with a 
 man who shall, on a severe winter's night, forbid his family having 
 
OFFICIAL LIST OF FRAUDS. 525 
 
 a fire in liis house, because if he had a fire by which his family could 
 be protected and made comfortable from the inclemency of the 
 weather, somebody might, if they were so inclined, heat a poker 
 and run it into a keg of powder, or take a live coal and run out 
 to the barn and set it on fire ; or a druggist should never be al- 
 lowed to keep any poisoned drug, for fear some clerk might, by 
 lieglecting his duty, make a mistake and do up that which m,ight 
 endanger the life of another ; or arsenic should not be sold by any 
 person to poison rats with, for fear some neighbor's cat, on a mid- 
 •night marauding expedition, m,ight possibly get hold of a dead 
 l-at and be poisoned thereby. 
 
 There is as much reason and sense in the above, as there is in 
 all this twaddle we read and hear against the legal enforcement of 
 laws made in the highest interest of the people. 
 
 I know our Postmaster-Greneral requires legal and positive 
 evidence of a business being unlawful and fraudulent be:f,ore he 
 acts, and then, I am happy and glad to know, he dares do his duty 
 "under the law and his oath of office, regardless of public clamor, 
 or political intriguing on behalf of the offenders. Legal evidence 
 against these schemers is the first essential. The chapter on 
 " How the laws are enforced " discloses how this is secured. 
 
526 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTEE XXX. 
 
 HOW THE LAWS AEE ENFORCED. 
 
 " LYING," " DECEIT," " DECOY," " INDUCING MEN TO COMMIT CBOIE," 
 
 ETC. 
 
 We now come to deal with some of the specious arguments 
 advanced in opposition to the enforcement of laws against the 
 crimes outlined in this book. 
 
 I ask a careful consideration of this chapter, and feel sure that 
 any thoughtful mind will see that the laws concerning the trans- 
 mission of contraband matter through the mails can be, have 
 been, and should be, (and by the grace of God will continue to 
 be,) legally enforced. 
 
 The constant cry of "tampering with the mails," protests 
 against " spies invading the mails," " opening other people's 
 letters," " inducing men to commit crime," " decoying to ruin," 
 etc., has been kept up until many honestly believe that all these 
 slanders and misrepresentations must be true. At least, they 
 say, there must be fire when there is so much smoke. These are 
 the efforts of the evil one, against moral purity and truth. I 
 have for more than seven years been obliged to enforce these 
 laws, and I have never seen an unlawful act done in this corir- 
 nection. 1 maintain that a man can fight the devil and do good 
 service to both God and man, in this line. 
 
 The question more often asked than any other perhaps, is How 
 do you find out these crimes in the mail ? and some are so foolish 
 as to ask, How do you know which letters to suspect, or how do 
 you find which letter has contraband matter in it ? Another one 
 wiU wonder how these criminals can be caught and not interfere 
 with other people's letters ; they say, " Why, with the best, of 
 motives, I should think you would sometimes get hold of the 
 wrong letters, and thereby meddle with letters that belong to 
 other persons than the criminal," etc., etc. 
 
HOW THE LAWS AEE ENFORCED. 627 
 
 All sucli simple ones are surprised to learn that we never fall 
 into any such blunder, as no officer has occasion to do any of the 
 things implied. No person could remain one day in the Post 
 Office Department, or be retained in service one hour by the 
 New York Society for the Suppression of Vice, who would be 
 guilty of such tampering with the naails. How is it then ? I 
 will explain. 
 
 THE LAW 
 
 says aU obscene publications, and articles for indecent and immoral 
 purpose are non-mailable ; also, that no letter or circular concern- 
 ing lotteries or other schemes to defraud, etc., shall be carried in 
 the mails ; and provides a penalty against any one who shall 
 deposit or cause to be deposited any of this non-mailable matter 
 in the mails. 
 
 Other laws, equally binding, punish with equal severity all 
 persons who tamper with the mails, and especially who shall 
 intercept and open a letter belonging to another. 
 
 There is no one obligation more sacredly imposed, and binding 
 on an employee of the Post Office Department, than to preserve 
 unsullied the sanctity of the seal. 
 
 Absolute security, and rapid transit of all letters to the party 
 addressed, are equally binding. 
 
 I have always held this, that notwithstanding that the law says 
 " No obscene book shall be carried in the mail," and that I am 
 sworn to see that law enforced, yet, if I shall stand by and see a 
 man do up in a sealed package, and address and put the necessary 
 letter postage on, a book that I see and know to be obscene, and 
 see him after thus sealing it put it in the mails, neither have I, nor 
 has any other officer or person, a right to interfere with that book 
 after it is placed in the inside of a post office or mail receptacle. 
 
 There is but one thing to do. It is sealed, and no person is 
 presumed to know its- contents ; it must go to the office of desti- 
 nation. A case like this, however, has never occurred in my 
 experience ; so I may say that, if such a thing were done, aU that 
 I as an officer could legally do, in my opinion, would be to go to 
 the office of destination with a subpoena from a United States 
 
528 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Court, and as soon as the book went from the custody of the 
 Post Office Department into the hands of the party addressed, to 
 subpoena the party and book into Court. This, however, is not 
 practicable. How then have the hundreds of persons been 
 arrested for violation of these laws ? I reply. 
 
 By doing business with them, precisely as they invite the public 
 to do by their printed advertisements and circulars. The news- 
 paper and the mails are the most powerful agencies these men 
 have, who make a business of debauching the minds, or robbing 
 the public. The mails go everywhere; and many newspapers 
 wUl print any advertisement for money, so long as it is not too 
 gross. Altogether the most dangerous fraud, is the one that 
 shuns the newspaper, and skulks behind the secrecy of the mail. 
 The mails take all sealed packages that come properly addressed 
 and stamped. The law does not contemplate meddling with 
 sealed packages while in the mail in transit ; but does intend 
 punishing any person discovered sending any thing which Con- 
 gress says shall not be deposited or carried in the mails, if 
 detected, whether sent in sealed or unsealed wrappers. 
 
 Now the fraud or smut-dealer must advertise his schemes and 
 wares in order to be successful ; and it is by these circulars, etc., 
 that the officer of the law gets his clue. A complaint comes 
 from some parent or teacher, that the enclosed circular (which 
 he sends) was received by some beloved child, and the earnest 
 appeal is made, "cannot something be done to suppress this 
 nefarious traffic ?" Yes ! but how \ Are they willing to have 
 their child brought into Court to testify ? 'Eo. The very first 
 sentence of this letter is oftentimes an appeal, not for any consid- 
 eration to let the name of the child, or of the complainant be 
 known. And this we always respect. 
 
 How then are the laws enforced % By correspondence. 
 
 Do just as the scoundrel invites you to do — send the amount 
 set opposite the article he has for sale as he directs, and he says 
 he will send the article in return. Now, we so send, following 
 the rules of evidence as laid down by " Greenleaf in evidence," 
 and " KusseU on crimes," and what do we accomplish ? 
 
HOW THE LAWS ARE ENFORCED. 529 
 
 First. If what is advertised is obscene, or unlawful, and the 
 scoundrel does as he says he will, we secure legal evidence of his 
 guilt, and then — we secure the scoundrel. 
 
 He is taken before a United States Commissioner, who exam- 
 ines to see if there is legal evidence to prove that a crime has been 
 committed, and probable cause to believe the prisoner did it. If 
 held, the matter goes before the Grand Jury, and then before a 
 petit jury for trial. 
 
 On both the examination and the trial, these men can, them- 
 selves or by counsel, bring up and ask me anything to my dis- 
 credit. Why are not these charges brought up then ? If I am 
 guilty of aU these monstrous charges of " tampering with the 
 mails," " inducing men to commit crime," of " blackmail," etc., 
 why do not some of these criminals show it in open court, 
 before a jury? Why is it left for a "ISTew York Pastor" to 
 insinuate, misrepresent, and distort facts, and do what a shyster 
 lawyer dare not do in court? or for the infidel, the foe of 
 religion and decency, to proclaim it without proof of facts ? In 
 a recent trial, one of the counsel for the prisoner asked the judge 
 to charge the jury that, by writing to these men, I had induced 
 these men to commit a crime. The judge decKned, saying there 
 was nothing in my letter to that effect. 
 
 Let me further illustrate and nail these lies about 
 
 ETC. 
 
 In Stamford, Conn., a few years ago, a man advertised a 
 " Musical Album for 50 cents." I had reasons to suspect him, 
 and so wrote for the album. In reply I received, not an album, 
 but a circular of obscene books, on which was a slip saying the 
 musical album was only a pretence to enable him to send a cata- 
 logue of his fancy books ; that if I chose to order, I should deduct 
 the 50 cents from the price of what I wanted and send the 
 balance, and he would forward the book. Well, I chose to order, 
 and then, after getting the book he advertised, which proved to 
 be an obscene book, I chose to arrest him and send the scamp to 
 jail. Is this inducing a man to commit a crime ? Never ! 
 34 
 
530 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Now, suppose here was a party advertising a musical album, 
 and actually doing no other business, and I had sent money to 
 him, and asked him to please get me such-and-such a book and 
 send by mail, and had sent more than the price of the book, so 
 that he could have made a handsome profit and a bonus besides. 
 This is inducing a man to commit a crime, and any person who 
 would do such a thing and then arrest the party, should be sent 
 to State prison in his place. It is Kke the absurd charges of 
 " conspiracy," that the rum-seller raises against men who waUc 
 into his place, which he keeps open for the public, and buy what 
 he keeps to sell in violation of law, and then prosecute him, in 
 order to oblige him to desist from violating the law. The rum- 
 seller, the smut dealer, the gambler, and the lottery men are 
 ghouls who fatten on the weaknesses of their fellow-men. Surely, 
 it cannot be a crime to prevent them from destroying fresh vic- 
 tims, by the legal enforcement of the laws they boldly set about 
 to violate. And if a sworn officer of the law gives them an oppor- 
 tunity to carry on the business which they are daily and constantly 
 engaged in, they must not complain. They have the stock on 
 hand in violation of law ; they know it is against the law ; but 
 they take their chances, and they sell every opportunity they get 
 at a profit to themselves, and they take their risks of being sharp 
 enough not to get caught. 
 
 The letter placed in the mails to test whether there is a thief 
 along a certain route of carriers, or a dishonest railway postal 
 clerk, or some outsider that is sending unlawful matter through 
 the mails, is 
 
 NOT A DECOT. 
 
 It is a test letter. Any person has a right to put a hundred 
 letters, or a milUon if he chooses, into the mails. He may take 
 envelopes and fill with blank papers, or he may put in marked 
 biUs if he please, or he may write to every advertisement he sees 
 in a particular paper if he take the notion ; and if he addresses 
 them and puts the necessary stamps on them, the carrier and 
 postal clerk must forward. ISTow, the fact that the thief steals 
 one of these letters is not a crime the party maiUng the same can 
 
HOW THE LAWS ARE ENFORCED. 531 
 
 in any manner be responsible for ; neither can it be held that he 
 induced the thief to steal because he sent this letter. The letter 
 was properly in the mails, but the thief improperly took it out. 
 Now, the defenders of obscenity have not one word to say by way 
 of " protesting " against children writing to the advertisements in 
 newspapers, or circulars, thrust upon them by the venders of 
 obscene pubKcations. No! the child may write, and these 
 scoundrels may advertise and set their traps for the feet of the 
 unwary and the ruin of the morals of our youth, all along that 
 great thoroughfare of communication, the mails, which lead up 
 into all our homes and schools ; but no sworn officer of the law 
 shall be allowed to do what these brutes seek to seduce the child 
 to do — write for what they have to seU — lest, perchance, evidence 
 of their hellish business be secured, the scoundrel exposed, and 
 his monstrous traffic legally stopped. 
 
 I repeat, there is but one practical method of enforcing these 
 laws— 5y correspondence. Suppose, in the case of a parent send- 
 ing a circular advertising obscene books, as above described, the 
 officer could prove the handwriting on the envelope, and could 
 further prove, by a clerk who put the letter in the mails, that the 
 writer of the address actually gave the envelope to this boy to 
 mail. Then, I hear some one say, you have a complete case. 
 ITo, we have no case at aU. There is no legal evidence to show 
 that the circular, which is the gist of the offence, was in the 
 envelope when it was mailed. The boy did not see it ; all he 
 knows is, that he identifies its envelope as one he mailed. To 
 prove the case legally we must bring the child into court, to prove 
 the circular was in the envelope when it was received. It will 
 thus be seen you have no case without the child.. There are 
 three reasons why the child should not be called into court. 
 
 First. It would be a gross hardship and outrage to oblige a pure, 
 sweet girl to go into court to testify against a scoundrel who has 
 most infamously insulted her by sending the vile circular to her. 
 
 Secondly. To do it would be to proclaim to the world that here 
 is a girl who has seen obscene things, and many mean people 
 would insinuate base things to her injury ; as many would say, 
 
532 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 " Well, I never got such a thing while away at school, and I know 
 
 no decent girl would have such a thing sent unless she ■ 
 
 Yes, reader, keep right on and spin out this insinuation as long as 
 you can, and then you will not catch up with the slanderer who 
 would thus traduce the fair name of an innocent girl. 
 
 Thirdly. To do it would be to disgrace the child, bring shame 
 on the family and scandal on the home and school. 
 
 By the system, that I feel sure every decent man will endorse, 
 above outlined, it is possible to secure legal evidence to punish 
 the worse-than-thief engaging in this cursed business, and at the 
 same time, by a strictly honorable course, stand between the youth 
 and disgrace, the family and shame, and shield the home and 
 school from scandal. 
 
 In the trial of more than two hundred cases, evidence thus 
 secured has resulted in the conviction of the noiscreants so offend- 
 ing. 
 
 I repeat, then, with emphasis, that where an officer, in the dis- 
 charge of his duty, and for the purpose of properly enforcing the 
 laws, writes to the violators of these laws, he is not a s^y, does not 
 induce men to commit a crime, and these letters are not " decoy " 
 but test letters. By this strictly legal method he tests and ascer- 
 tains if the laws are violated and who the offender is. To twist, 
 distort, pervert and insinuate mean things is the occupation of 
 the shyster and slanderer, and beneath the position of an honor- 
 able person. From decent citizens the public servant looks for 
 sympathy and support, especially after he has faithfully done his 
 duty. 
 
 One difficulty, and one of the greatest too, in the prosecution 
 of our work, is that we cannot publish the facts. If we coidd we 
 could create not only sympathy, but more — an intense indigna- 
 tion that would drive the miscreants we arrest out of any civilized 
 country. A father discovered, a few weeks ago, where his child 
 had been outraged by one of these men. He came for assistance 
 to our office, and in telling over the facts he said, " I dared not go 
 home last night for fear I should see this monster and kiU him." 
 This is a feeling often awakened where the facts are known. 
 
HOW THE LAWS AEE ENFORCED. 533 
 
 Suppose some person should take the catalogue of one of the 
 leading female Seminaries in the land, and send by mail to each of 
 the young lady students a box containing a scorpion, or a venom- 
 ous serpent, which, when the box was opened, should spring out 
 and sting or fasten its deadly fangs into the delicate flesh of these 
 fair ones. Is there any one so senseless as to stop to split hairs 
 as to about how the man should be caught, and after being caught, 
 as to whether he be hung by a silk cord or a grass rope ? 
 
 Suppose some person should go about some morning and drop 
 a deadly poison*into the milk cans at the houses in one of our 
 large cities ? "Would there be much stopping to consider how the 
 officer should arrest him, or fault found because the officer had 
 cotton gloves on his hands instead of kids ? 
 
 And yet, when we come to deal with the monsters that make it a 
 business to collect the names and addresses of the fairest and purest 
 in the land, and then send secretly, unknown to teacher, parent 
 and " Pastor " alike, this that destroys all noble instincts, corrupts 
 all that is pure, eats out the virtues of youth, the innocence of 
 childhood, and blasts the future prospects of the man or woman, 
 then the officer must not move to test this case or secure legal evi- 
 dence to punish the vampire, lest some one say, " it is a decoy," or 
 he "induces men to commit crime," etc. There is no middle 
 ground here. There is but one name for such folly — ^ignorance. 
 
 But of late, we have a new gospel, another argument, used 
 ia the interest of the criminal and against the cause, to wit: 
 That I should go to these vampires, and in a manner " childKke 
 and bland " inform them that they are violating the laws, and give 
 them a chance to reform. This is the latest school of ethics, and 
 it has some few followers. This seems too ridiculous to one 
 familiar with the facts. 
 
 In the first place, every man engaging in tliis business knows 
 it is against the law and guards himself against its consequences. 
 
 One party formerly issued a circular in which he said : " It is 
 against the law to send these things [that he advertised on this 
 same circular] through the mails, and there is a certain man, 
 named Comstock, who is after those in this business^ and therefore 
 
634 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 we have to be very careful," etc. Another instance : A villain, 
 sending infamous wares through the mail in Cleveland, O., in- 
 formed me at an interview I had with him, that he could do a 
 big business in his line only for a certain special agent who was 
 after these things, and that therefore he had to be very careful 
 how and to whom he sent ; that he was formerly in Detroit, and 
 
 while there that special agent (leaving off the 
 
 adjectives) came near catching liim, and would have caught him, 
 only that he was a little too sharp for him ; but that he never 
 would get him, as he was posted. A moment later I called a 
 marshal in and did get him, and he found himself better posted. 
 
 In Brooklyn I found a man selling obscene cards. He kindly 
 volunteered the advice to me (he did not know me), that I had 
 better look out, as there was a fellow named Comstock around 
 after fellows deahng in this kind of matter, and that he would 
 nab me if I did not look out. He then gave me the valuable in- 
 formation that he had been two years in this business and had 
 never been caught, and never would be either, as he was too 
 
 smart for that Comstock. He was caught in about one 
 
 minute afterwards. 
 
 To go to such men as these, or even to such a one as was re- 
 cently arrested in Nassau street, N. Y., wliere a large stock of 
 the vilest things was on hand constantly for sale, and where rich 
 men's sons could supply themselves, and attempt to reason with 
 them and tell them they are wrong, is simply to afford them a 
 good laugh at my expense after I am gone, cause them to add to 
 their crime by lying and saying they never were in the business ; 
 and make them aU the more careful and shy in the future, and 
 render detection more difficult. 
 
 It is worse than casting " pearls before swine," and that we are 
 not to do. 
 
 Suppose one of this new school of protectionists should go out 
 some day on to a lawn where children were playing. They are 
 having high glee over their games, all unconscious of danger. He 
 sees a venomous serpent gliding noiselessly along toward them, 
 or perchance, unseen by these dear ones, preparing to strike its 
 
HOW THE LAWS ARE ENFORCED. 535 
 
 deadly fangs into their tender limbs. What would be thought 
 of this man if he should stop at a safe distance and address this 
 serpent as follows: "Good morning, Mr. Serpent! you are a 
 venomous reptile, and your bite is deadly. You are the one who 
 yesterday bit a beautiful child in my neighbor's yard, causing her 
 deatli after a few hours of most terrible anguish. Now, sir, won't 
 you please crawl ofiE into the next yard, and not bite any of these 
 children ?" 
 
 Or suppose again, he should say, " You are a very bad, ven- 
 omous serpent, and I am justified in killing you, but that might 
 hurt you, so I advise you to get out of this yard at once." 
 
 And yet is this any worse twaddle than what is proposed to do 
 to men, especially when they are intelligent, who deliberately 
 engage in a trafiic that destroys the mind, body and soul of our 
 youth ? 
 
 Now suppose this man who finds the deadly serpent upon his 
 lawn, among his children, says not one word for or to the 
 children, but addresses himself to the snake ; " Inasmuch as you 
 are the serpent that destroyed my neighbor's beautiful cliild, and 
 brought desolation and lasting grief and sorrow upon his family, 
 I am going to kill you unless you crawl o£E and hide yourself 
 from public view." 
 
 Is it any less preposterous to allow a man who for years has 
 secretly defied the laws of the land, to be informed that he has 
 been discovered, and that there are proofs of his infamy and 
 instances of lasting injury he has done to tender youth, and 
 then letting him go un whipped of justice, and leave him in the 
 community to adopt new methods to evade the laws, while he 
 continues the awful curse upon the young ? 
 
 It would be rather risky work for an officer to go to a man 
 suspected of dealing in these matters, and warn him. He would 
 be liable at once to the charge of an attempt at " blackmail." 
 Without a fuU knowledge of facts an officer could not safely or 
 consistently move ; and with those facts, his duty is to move in 
 the courts, accordiug to law. 
 
 Another mistake these men (and many good men fall into this 
 
536 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 error), is of supposing that every officer is a pardoning bureau. 
 This is not so. The officer's duty is to detect crime, and secure 
 legal evidence to punish offenders. 
 
 Laws are made to punish criminals, and thus restraining crime, 
 protect the community. The courts are guardians of the pubKc 
 morals. The Judge on the bench interprets the law, holds the 
 scales of justice with closed eyes (or is supposed to, but some- 
 times the eye nearest the criminal or his party gets a "leetle" 
 open), and imposes such sentence as the case merits, after all the 
 facts have been laid before him. 
 
 ■ The President of the United States, or the G-overnor of the 
 State, is the pardoning power. This seems a wise arrangement, 
 and I believe will best serve to secure a wholesome enforcement 
 of law. I accept the situation, and shall not assume the functions 
 of either of my superiors, however much I would like to gratify 
 the criminal and his friends. 
 
 But imagine the man again addressing the snake, and saying, 
 " I have made up my mind to kill you. JSTow you play around 
 among the children, while I go and get a pillow for your head to 
 rest upon, and some chloroform to make you insensible, and then 
 when you are thus affected, I will cut your head off." 
 
 On a par with this is the proposition that the officer must 
 introduce himself, or write under his own name to the criminal, 
 especially if it be one of these "moral cancer planters" he is 
 dealii:g with. The merchant who wants a clerk, the bank that 
 wants a cashier, the lady who seeks a servant, all advertise as 
 
 "A. B." or "John Smith, P. O. Box , Post Office," or any 
 
 other name or initial they choose, in order to secure new help 
 without thronging the place of business or home. There are 
 wise reasons for this course, and no one objects. The merchant 
 desires to prevent the change contemplated, till arrangements are 
 made. 
 
 The post office laws and regulations sanction and provide for 
 the delivery of letters to parties, even though the address be 
 fictitious. ISTow, what commercial practice and custom sanctions, 
 and the law permits, is not a heinous offence for an officer of the 
 
HOW THE LAWS ARE ENFOECED. 537 
 
 law to do, when lie is after a new head of the hydra-headed 
 monster — obscene publications. 
 
 In this connection, let me add some things I condemn and have 
 never practiced nor permitted. 
 
 First. To send money to an innocent party, or one not in the 
 business, for him to get unlawful matter. I send only for what 
 a man advertises he has for sale, and as he has it. 
 
 Second. To ask the party to send by mail. I send for the 
 matter he advertises, leaving him free to send by freight, by 
 messenger, by express, or as he chooses. If he sends by mail he 
 does so at his own option and risk. He does it knowing it is 
 unlawful ; but he thinks he is safe, therefore he takes the risk 
 of being caught. 
 
 I have thus dwelt upon these offences, methods, objections, 
 etc., because the cause is one that appeals to the best impulses of 
 the human heart. Because of ignorance many are offended. It 
 must needs be that offences come, unless people will put them- 
 selves in the way of getting facts. I bow with respectful 
 deference to the person who honestly doubts, and who uses 
 rational means to secure the facts. A mighty interest, a great 
 and important cause has been, in a measure, committed to my 
 hands. I have sought to execute and defend laws and measures 
 necessary for the successful carrying forward of this great work. 
 I have found my best efforts misrepresented, my good name tra- 
 duced, the highest interests of this effort for good hindered, and 
 the way almost hedged up, by the misrepresentations of the Press. 
 I have seen the intrigues of the politician thwart the just and 
 proper enforcement of laws. I have felt the keen edge of the 
 assassin's knife, and the keener edge of the slanderer's tongue. 
 I have seen the interests of this cause wax and wane. Through 
 sunshine and cloud, through seasons of depression, and sur- 
 rounded by an atmosphere fiUed with the horrors of disgusting 
 things, worse than dead men's bones, I have pursued the work 
 God gave me to do. I have been called " radical," " fanatic," 
 "inquisitor," "spy," "blackmailer," "thief," "robber," every- 
 thing almost that vile men could manufacture and hurl against 
 
538 FRA.UDS EXPOSED. 
 
 me, and yet I have, by the grace of God, been sustained to this 
 hour ; and as I look back, I see these bubbles that burst at the 
 touch of truth, and in them I behold the goodness of God, who 
 through all has sustained me ; and I now rejoice that at least some 
 little good has been done in His name. 
 
 These trials seem hard as we pass through them. Once by, and 
 they are triiles light as air, if we but bear them as we ought. It 
 matters little what men say. I presume this book, written to 
 warn, assist, protect, and help others, wiU share the same fate. If 
 so, it will be only a type of the seven years' experience, but no 
 argument why the book should not have been written, or the 
 good work have been done and still continue. 
 
 I long to say one word to young men in closing. Throughout 
 all the gloom, through all the trying scenes, in all the dark and 
 lonely paths, the blessed promises of God have sustained, cheered, 
 strengthened, and kept me. No brighter light shines on human 
 pathway, than from out the promises of His Word. No surer 
 guide to youth, no safer hand to lead' than the hand of Jesus 
 Christ. And no joy of earth can compare with the conscious- 
 ness of having done the Master's will — whatever we find to do, 
 doing all for God. 
 
 A safe and sure help is a prayer in the morning, that we may 
 please Him to-day ; eaA then going to work, " doing with 
 our might whatsoever our hands find to do, as unto God, and 
 not unto men." 
 
 I am not perfect ; I am conscious of much that is weak and 
 wrong in my own life ; but I live and pray and struggle with the 
 hope of some day overcoming and realizing the preciousness of 
 the promises in the following texts : 
 
 Ebv. ii : 7.—" To him that overcometh -will I give to eat of the tree of life, 
 which is in the midst of the paradise of God." 
 
 Ebv. ii:ll. — " Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: * * 
 * * be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." 
 
 Also Eev. iii : 5, 12, 21. 
 
 Not yielding to weakness, temptation, and sin, but fighting and 
 praying to overcome and get the victory over our appetites, our 
 
now THE LAWS AEE ENFORCED. 539 
 
 passions — over temptation and sin — this is living, and doing, if 
 all be done for Christ's sake. 
 
 The sentimental story paper, the dime novel, the boys and girls' 
 papers, the sensual weekly journals, are each in their way warring 
 against our youth, leading them to become vapid, sentimental, lust- 
 ful, and criminal. The Infidel press is breeding blasphemers, and 
 seeking by all in its power to turn men from God and holy 
 things, against laws, against all that makes men wiser and better ; 
 and these all exist openly. Surely then, there ought no argument 
 be necessary, to defend or advocate the enforcement of laws, 
 designed for the protection of the morals of the young, and 
 which are opposed to the crimes referred to in this boolf. Before 
 censuring, ridiculing, or condemning, wiUnot the public read the 
 facts in this book, and then let their sympathies go with their 
 judgment, toward the prompt and efiectual enforcement of these 
 laws ? 
 
540 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 INSINUATIONS VERSUS REPUTATION. 
 A LIE LOSES NOTHtNG ON ITS TRAVELS. 
 
 I feel constrained to insert this chapter, although it was not 
 contemplated at the outset. I had purposed to deal only with the 
 frauds, by which persons were deceived and defrauded of their 
 money and valuables. But as there is nothing so dear to a man 
 as his reputation, I feel justified in adding this chapter, in order 
 to open the eyes of those who are disposed to believe every thing 
 they see in print. As this book is made up from personal 
 experience, I may be pardoned, if I present in this chapter, inci- 
 dents that are personal and have occurred while this book has 
 been in preparation. I cannot better illustrate and expose a 
 growing evil. Because I have suffered in my good name is no 
 reason why I should not save others, and help others bear the 
 attacks of the slanderer. The meanest kind of a man is the person 
 who, ignorant of any facts against a man's reputation, makes 
 statements that insinuate and imply something wrong, and in that 
 way takes an unfair advantage of the victim of his libels. An 
 open charge one can meet. An insinuation always implies more 
 than he who speaks it dares uttei', and cannot be met without 
 adding an unmerited dignity to the falsehood by noticing it. 
 
 There are different grades of slanderers, and some, from their 
 position in society, require an answer, while others are not to be 
 meddled with ; just as about the farm there are certain animals 
 which commit depredations, devour poultry, suck eggs, destroy 
 growing crops, etc. Of these, the fox, the weasel, the mink, the 
 farmer shoots on sight ; but there is another kind he gives a 
 wide berth. To meddle with it, is to make the air offensive, while, 
 if let alone, it may destroy a brood of chickens or do some slight 
 injury, and then quietly walk off without serious results. 
 
INSINUATIONS VERSUS REPUTATION. 541 
 
 Tlie slanderer delights ia misrepresentations, and in anything 
 that detracts from the good name and reputation of his victim. 
 
 The following simple statement of facts, precisely as they 
 have recently occurred before the public, are carefully repro- 
 duced here in concise form, and will illustrate the following : 
 
 I. A lie never loses anything on its travels. 
 
 II. It is easy to have matter detrimental to a man's good name, 
 published in respectable papers. 
 
 III. These false statements are read, and create injust preju- 
 dices against a person, in the minds of respectable people, and 
 thus hinder the prosperity of a good cause. ' 
 
 In the New York Tribune of March 1st, 1880, there appeared 
 the following card : 
 
 Anthony Comstock's Wokk. 
 
 a baptist doctor of divinity protests agaxnst it i>f strong terms. 
 
 To the Editor of the THiune : 
 
 Sir — ^As a citizen, a taxpayer and a clergyman, Hiaving a numerous pariali, 
 I wish to protest against tlie work of Anthony Comstock and his associates. 
 I protest against his lottery raids, hecause they are heartless and persecuting. 
 Clerks and buyers are locked up under oppressive laws, enacted hecause of a 
 popular prejudice. I hold that the hest cure for lottery gamhliug is to let 
 buyers sicken of the business just as outsiders do of stock buying, by reaping 
 a crop of disappointment. At any rate do not tell us that the United States 
 mails are to be invaded by spies. There is neither morality nor honesty in 
 seizing money in lottery offices. To give it to the poor savors of the methods 
 of old-time English footpads who robbed from the rich and gained safety by 
 subsidizing the poor. 
 
 I protest against the whole system of spies and the lying thereby enacted. 
 It is a disgrace to try to commit the Church to these methods. If it be a 
 crime to appeal to the cupidity of the wicked and cheat them under promise 
 of gain in investing in lotteries, etc., is it not equally a crime to appeal to the 
 cupidity of the wicked by pretending to be a bona fide buyer of a ticket only 
 to lead the seller to ruin ? 
 
 I protest against the pretentious and futile raids on disreputable houses 
 ■which only disturb public morality by lifting the curtain and dropping it 
 after the innocent have seen. Well might a fallen woman say, " They raid 
 us or they tell us to leave our business. If we promise to reform, Christians 
 pray over us, sing to us ; out of meetings, shun us. We get only hymns, 
 slii'-hts and hunger. Our associates in sin and death are our only true friends. 
 To'leave our present life is drudgery or hunger. There is no way for a fallen 
 woman to get up and back." 
 
542 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Why is not some method devised to stop the fall beforehand, and to recover 
 the weak girl hy offering her a home and work such as she could do, such as 
 she did before the fall ? She tries to reform, and nine cases out of ten she is 
 asked to go to heavy domestic service to compete with the hrawny Irish emi- 
 grant. 
 
 I protest against the law and the proceedings under them of Anthony Com- 
 stock, wherein he attempts to regulate and prohibit the sale of certain things 
 hitherto commended by prxrdent physicians as harmless and yet invaluable to 
 sickly and overburdened mothers. I am aware of the fact that some of those 
 who have favored these prohibitions, buy and use what they denounce. 
 Common sense is a jewel, and there ought to be laws, if we are going to in- 
 vade the privacy of homes, to discourage the bringing into existence of weak- 
 lings ; also to guard the mothers from burdens that prevent them from caring 
 for the children they have. 
 
 Finally, I protest against the obscene, so-called, "exhibitions'' given by 
 the said Comstock. Hundreds of clergymen, deacons and other men have 
 been invited to see the tools, pictures and such things that this man has 
 forcibly taken from the owners. Not only have these degrading things been 
 fre(][uently shown to large gatherings of men, but scores have been invited to 
 private views. These shows have been given frequently for years. " The 
 elect" behold them ! The pretence is that this will awaken public opinion 
 against them. Very well. Let us hold to the line. If gathering men to look 
 at them will make them hate them let us have them on sale for men every- 
 where. I deem the whole thing impertinent folly ; as a remedy, shabby ; in 
 the light of justice, dishonesty and fraud ; in the line of government, the set- 
 ting up of a dangerous precedent and the establishing of principles that un- 
 dermine our liberty and put us back toward despotism. 
 
 A New York Pastok. 
 New York, February 12, 1880. 
 
 This was a cowardly onslaught on another man's reputation, 
 and all the more infamous because, as will be seen in its author's 
 own published apology, he intended to attack me not as a 
 man open and frank, but he says : " It was intended to make the 
 nom de plume ' so general and indefinite ' as to point to no par- 
 ticular person, and yet indicate the profession of the writer." 
 
 Is that the calling of a " Pastor," or the right use of the posi- 
 tion we all respect, of a Minister ? It is because of this gentle- 
 man's position that his case is noticed ; and further, and over all 
 other reasons, because he is unjust and uncharitable, and persists 
 in not knowing facts, that it has become necessary for the writer 
 to so present them. 
 
INSINUATIONS VEESUS REPUTATION. 543 
 
 I am unwilling to do this gentleman an injustice, and, there- 
 fore, as I am the one injured and misrepresented, I am also 
 conscious of being right, and hence, I can afford to be liberal. I 
 have no doubt that the "New York Pastor" thought at that 
 time he was doing a right thing. He had been deceived, for if 
 he had known the facts, and not the convict's side of the story, 
 he would never have " protested against the work of Anthony 
 Comstock and his Association." If he had responded to the fol- 
 lowing invitation, he could have learned the facts. I did two 
 things to afford him an opportunity to inform himself. 
 
 First, I called upon Mr. Whitelaw Eeid, of the Tribune, and 
 asked for the Pastor's name. He politely informed me that to 
 give it was against the rules of the office, and asked what I 
 wanted it for. I replied that this gentleman was misinformed 
 and some one had deceived him, and that I would be glad to fur- 
 nish him an opportunity to investigate fully for himself. 
 
 Mr. Eeid wrote the Pastor for permission to give me his name, 
 and received the following reply. 
 
 I -want under the general rule of your office to continue unknown. There 
 is an effort to make this personal, that does not argue the question. I do not 
 know Mr. Comstock. I don't want to meet him. There is a wide-spread feel- 
 ing among good people that the zeal of his organization is working on towards 
 persecution. I think a dignified protest in order. I have tried to make it. I 
 don't want to pursue the matter further. If you allow him to reply I hope 
 you will keep him in the strict line of fairness and propriety. 
 
 If such a " wide-spread feeling " exists it is because of false- 
 hoods, base insinuations and misrepresentations that the slanderer 
 has uttered, and not from actual facts or deeds done to our dis- 
 credit. 
 
 Secondly, failing to secure the name of the author of the above 
 libel, I addressed each of the Baptist clergymen of the city, a 
 letter, copy of which I present in full. 
 
 New York, March 5th, 1880. 
 Eev. 
 
 Dear Sir — I have the honor to ask if you will please inform me if you are 
 the author of a letter published in the New York; Tribune of the 1st inst., 
 signed a " New York Pastor ?" If so, will you kindly select three gentlemen 
 
544 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 who shall be fair-mincled and unbiased, and allow me to go before these three 
 gentlemen Avith you, and you submit any and every evidence you m;iy have 
 bearing upon any act of mine, to these gentlemen, for them to decide, after 
 they shall hear both sides, -whether I am right or wrong in the course I have 
 pursued under my oath of office. 
 
 Further, I will cheerfully place at your disposal the Record containing the 
 particulars of every case I have passed upon. If they shall find me wrong let 
 them denounce me. If you are wrong, you to publicly apologize for the gross 
 charges and insinuations in the card referred to. 
 
 Nothing in this letter is personal, but is sent to all alike in the name of 
 truth, justice, and morality. Believe me, 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 Anthony Comstock. 
 
 Eeceiving kind and cordial replies from nearly all, save the 
 supposed " New York Pastor," I wrote liim the following letter, 
 which is presented in full, because of his subsequent action, and 
 references to these two letters. 
 
 New York, March 24th, 1880. 
 Rev. 
 
 Dear Sir — On the 5th inst. I addressed a letter to you in reference to an 
 article published by a "New York Pastor" in the Tribune. In this letter I 
 asked, if you -were the author of that communication. This "was a general 
 letter addressed to all of the Baptist clergymen of this city. Failing to receive 
 a reply from you and thinking perhaps that my letter may have miscarried, 
 I vrould respectfully ask a reply to this, and also if you know who the author 
 of the published letter in the Tribune is ? If so, wOl you have the kindness to 
 communicate the fact to me ? 
 
 It has been intimated to me that you know the author of that letter. If so, 
 will you extend to the gentleman in question, a most pressing invitation from 
 me, to appear before the officers of this Society and make a statement of his 
 grievances to them in my presence ? 
 
 In simple justice to my cause first, and afterwards on my own personal 
 behalf, I make this request. 
 
 Yours &c., 
 
 Akthont Comstock. 
 
 Instead of accepting the open and frank offer in my letters, or 
 replying, as all the other gentlemen had done, on April 6th, 1880, 
 after these false accusations and insinuations had stood against 
 my good name for more than a month, the following was pub- 
 lished in the Tribune : 
 
INSINUATIONS VERSUS REPUTATION. 545 
 
 Anthony Comstock's Work. 
 
 the ■rev. dr. w., pastor of thb church, refers to his first i.ettbr 
 
 that raised a breeze among his fellow-cleegymen. 
 
 To the Mditar of The Tribune : 
 
 Sir — Some time since there appeared in youi paper an article signed " A 
 New York Pastor." It was intended to make the nom de plume " so general 
 and indefinite " as to point to no particular person, and yet indicate the pro- 
 fession of the writer. I am advised that an odious interpretation has been 
 put on part of that article in some quarters, that its authorship has been 
 attributed to different individuals, and further, that it has been construed to 
 give aid and comfort to certain offenders who ought not to be permitted to 
 claim for a day that they have an unknown religious teacher as their cham- 
 pion. 
 
 In view of these facts, and also because part of said communication, by 
 somewhat mixed, sweeping conclusions, does injustice impliedly to some very 
 worthy persons, I see no course left open to me but to say frankly I am re- 
 sponsible for that letter, having procured its publication. 
 
 I had supposed that at this time the Society for the Prevention of Vice was 
 managed by a single individual, but I learn that it is backed and controlled 
 by many very worthy men, whose character is a warrant for upright doing. 
 I regret it if my article has injured them in any way. Of Mr. Comstock I 
 claim to know nothing, except as concerns his public acts. I never saw him 
 except once, and that was years ago. I have no personal issue with him. I 
 have no reason to suppose that he does not act according to law aud his oath 
 of ofSoe. I judge that he acts conscientiously as he views his duty. 
 
 My intention was chiefly to criticise those laws under which he acts. I do 
 not believe a " special officer" should be permitted by law to exercise judicial 
 functions, and at will seize suspected letters in transit through the maUs. 
 This should be done rarely, and only for high causes on the particular order 
 of a competent Court. I oppose the seizing of money in a lottery office to 
 feed the poor. If it cannot be returned to the sender, let it alone. The law 
 authorizes seizing it, but I do not believe Christian ethics do. I do not be- 
 lieve that the Church can consistently countenance the acting or telling an 
 untruth to catch even a veiling law-breaker. I do not believe Mr. Com- 
 stock's society ought to expect the Church to approve the paying of a bad 
 man for his wares, thus inducing him to commit a crime in order to secure his 
 conviction. 
 
 I see no profit nor propriety in displaying obscene trophies to anyone in 
 order to stimulate public opinion against vice. This latter is largely a ques- 
 tion of taste on which good men differ. I beg to waive the discussion of one 
 ether point, merely saying that fairness will not force an unintended con- 
 struction on words meant to guard against a nameless crime fearfully in- 
 creasing among the half-crazed and over-burdened. 
 
 Of the rest of my letter I would say it had no application to the society 
 35 
 
546 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 mentioned or its agents, except as to a part of the conclusion ; and that was 
 too sweeping. I believe the ahove society has accomplished much good. As 
 the father of a growing family, I am interested deeply in every means for its 
 protection, and must be heartily in accord with every proper effort to suppress 
 vice. 
 
 Finally, in order that this communication may have its full force, I desire 
 to say that no one asked, advised, nor procured it. No one except the editor 
 of The Tribune had any sure means of determining the writer of the former 
 article. Neither did the writer lay himself liable to any possible pressure 
 other than his sense of justice. Regardless of consequences, I admit cheer- 
 fully, from a sense of perceived duty, the wrong done by some of my former 
 hasty sentences, at the same time maintaining the opinions reaffirmed, un- 
 popular though they be. I bow to the castigation in store for him that gets 
 into print over his own signature on controverted subjects, and leave my plea 
 to the judgment of my friends and all fair-minded men. A. S. W.* 
 
 New York, April 3, 1880. 
 
 Here, we have a minister of tlie gospel, dealing in the meanest 
 kind of insinuations, which he must have known would reflect 
 upon the reputation of a man he did not know. But if his 
 victim is allowed to reply, he hopes " he will be kept in the strict 
 line of fairness and propriety." This is good ! He evidently did 
 not intend me to follow his example. Take a few of his protests, 
 charges, and insinuations, and examine them by themselves, and 
 see how sharply and cunningly he has drafted them. " I protest 
 against the work of Anthony Comstock and his associates." We 
 do not complain at this. To protest is every man's fight. Our 
 work is the ' legal enforcement of laws that are designed to 
 protect the morals of the youth in the community. He thus 
 arrays himself against this work ; but in whose interest ? Not 
 of youth and children debauched, but on the side and in the in- 
 terest of their debauchers. He may not have designed this ; but 
 there he is. " I protest against his lottery raids, because they are 
 heartless and persecuting." Here is a charge. But as I have been 
 
 * It will be observed that this person does not hesitate to use my name, 
 and place it in print before the public. Conscious of my integrity, I do not 
 seek to punish him, or revenge myself, but rather vindicate my good name. 
 I therefore omit his name. Those who have seen the card and interviews 
 know who is meant, and others shall not know it from me; neither will I 
 perpetuate his name in connection with this offence by naming him here. 
 
INSINUATIONS VERSUS REPUTATION. 647 
 
 present at eacli arrest or raid, I, from personal knowledge, say 
 this is not true, as none but guilty men have been arrested, and 
 they always legally. It is neither " heartless nor persecuting " to 
 legally enforce laws against gambliag hells ; and all lotteries are 
 gambling, and odious gambling. 
 
 " At any rate, do not tell us that the United States mails are to 
 be invaded by spies." This is an insinuation. It implies some- 
 thing wrong. An officer who legally discharges his duty, and 
 detects crimes in the post office department, is no more a spy 
 than the Chief of Police or Sheriff. To correspond with the 
 men who are violating the laws (to detect their crimes and bring 
 them to justice), precisely as they invite the public to do, is not 
 " invading the mails ;" nor is it any more just, to charge that the 
 officer who does his duty, under his oath of office, is a spy. 
 
 " If it be a crime to appeal to the cupidity of the wicked, and 
 cheat them under promise of gain in investing in lotteries, etc., 
 is it not equally a crime to appeal to the cupidity of the wicked 
 by pretending to be a hona fide buyer of a ticket only to lead 
 the seller to ruin ?" 
 
 Another crazy insinuation, absurd ! preposterous ! The officer 
 who secures legal evidence by which to enforce the laws, com- 
 pared to the blackleg that runs one of these gambling hells, or the 
 sharper that runs one of these lottery swindles ! Pray, what of 
 the wife and children of the victim of the gambler's deceit and 
 robbery ? Is there no law to shield them ? "Why not one single 
 hint, or at least a protest, in t^e interests of families ruined and 
 youth cursed ? 
 
 He protests against tbe " pretentious and futile raids on disre- 
 putable houses." What makes these raids futile? From what 
 class are these plague-spots recruited « City dens of infamy, which 
 you are so tender of, "Pastor," are recruited largely from the 
 homes of the country— by young girls— by somebody's daughters, 
 some person's beloved sister and child ; and these raids are futile 
 because well-dressed and would-be reputable men support and 
 protect these dens. Would you give them free license to exist 
 and thrive? I say, crush them out by the iron heel of the law 
 
548 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 and by every legal measure, even though every "pastor" in the 
 land protests. If there were no dens, girls could not occupy 
 theTTi / neither could our young men throng them. 
 
 "I protest against the laws and proceedings under then> of An^ 
 thony Comstock, wherein he attempts to regulate and prohibit 
 the sale of certain things hitherto commended by prudent physi- 
 cians." * * "I am aware of the fact that some of 
 tliose who have favored these prohibitions buy and use what they 
 denounce." The laws he protests against prevent the abortionist 
 selling, or sending his vile incentives to crime through the mails. 
 The insinuation of what he " knows," printed in this connection, 
 is beneath the contempt of the meanest man living. 
 
 I have a protest in this connection. I protest against any 
 decent citizen, arraying himself on the side of the abortionist 
 and against these laws, until we are able to accomplish what we. 
 have long fought for — the prevention of the smut dealer and 
 abortionist from sending their incentives to crime to the youth in 
 our schools and seminaries. In my judgment, based on my seven 
 years' experience, these things indiscriminately circulated lead to 
 the ruin of more young women, dragging them from the home 
 circle to fill the dens of infamy this " pastor " does not want to 
 see raided, than any other cause. Evidently this pastor is either 
 crazy, stupidly ignorant, a very bad man at heart, or else he has 
 a very poor way of expressing himself so as to make people under- 
 stand his meaning. 
 
 Then his last sweeping protest against "obscene exhibitions." 
 He was never in my office ; he misrepresents and misstates the 
 facts. Never has an exhibition such as he insinuates been made. 
 There is a record kept of every case, and when the officers of this 
 Society are present, or some person interested in some case calls, 
 these records are consulted, but never from prurient curiosity, and 
 not frequently. In his apology, he insinuates, that special officers 
 seized letters in the mails that are suspected as being violation of 
 laws. I never knew such a thing to be done. It would be a 
 violation of law, and certainly it would not be safe for me or any 
 other officer to do such a deed, as it would be sure to cost us our 
 
INSINUATIONS VERSUS REPUTATION. 649 
 
 case before a jury in the trial of a prisoner, and our positions in 
 the Post Office Department. There is not a better postal service 
 in the world, nor one where a person's mail is more sacredly 
 guarded from all meddling than our service. Look at the con- 
 stant detection and punishment of dishonest employees of the 
 Post Office Department ! What does this argue ? "Watchfulness 
 and zeal for the people — a perfect system. 
 
 I have specified these things, because of the persistent eflort of 
 this pastor to assail my acts and reputation in this underhand and 
 malicious manner, and because he persists in not knowing the 
 facts, and yet continues his base slanders. I cannot but feel that 
 he is deceived by ex-convicts and smut dealers, whom he is so un- 
 fortunate as to know and associate with. 
 
 On the 29th of June, 1880, the following appeared in the New 
 York Sun : 
 
 A preacher's view of COMSTOCK. — THE BAPTIST MINISTERS REFUSE TO 
 PASS A RESOLUTION ADVERSE TO THE AGENT. 
 
 The Baptist Ministers' Conference met yesterday in 9 Murray street, for the 
 last time before the annual summer vacation of two months. The Essay of 
 the day was by the Rev. J. J. Brower, of the North Baptist Church, in this 
 city. The essay was on the early days of the Conference, from about 1830 to 
 about 1840, when the ministers met with long pipes and " to the winds blue 
 Monday sent." Before the Essay was read, the Rev. Dr. A. S. W., of 
 
 the Church, in West street, asked permission to speak to a 
 
 resolution which he held in his hand. Permission was unanimously given. 
 Dr. W. has been known as the author of a letter in which he sharply criti- 
 cised the methods of Anthony Comslook as agent for the Society for the Sup- 
 pression of Vice. The letter -was denounced in open session of the Conference, 
 on the day after it appeared, as contrary to the views of the majority of the 
 Baptist ministers in and near New York City. To gi\'e the ministers some 
 notion of the nature of his work, Anthony Comstock was invited to read an 
 essay before them, and an essay was read before the Conference on May 22d 
 last. It was some weeks before it leaked out that Dr. "W. was the author 
 of the letter. 
 
 Dr. W. was pale when he stood before the ministers yesterday, but the 
 paper in his hand did not tremble, nor did his voice waver. He said that 
 since the publication of the letter, and the opposition that it had aroused 
 among his brethren he had been too busily engaged in other affairs to come 
 before the Conference and face Comstook's statements. Comstock had de- 
 nounced the letter and said that its view of his work was like that taken by 
 a criminal who had felt the hand of the Society for the Prevention of Vice. 
 
650 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Dr. \V. said that he did not look at Comstock's work through the eyes of 
 a criminal. He looked at it through the eyes of Judge Gildersleeve. Corn- 
 stock took some woman before Judge Gildersleeve, and it was shown in the 
 trial, that Comstock had paid the women at a low haunt |14.50 to he in- 
 decent, and after viewing the sight for two hours had taken them before 
 Judge Gildersleeve who held that Comstock was a participator in the crime. 
 The speaker named private citizens who agreed with him as to the immorality 
 of Comstock's work, and added in a sarcastic tone : " Oh yes, it's all right to 
 go to young men and say, ' Buy obscene pictures and we will pay you for your 
 trouble.' " You should write a new beatitude, " Blessed are ye when ye use 
 all manner of deceit and turpitude to get others to do wrong, who when they 
 get a chance will snatch you bald headed." Then Dr. W. read the following 
 resolution, which he said he hoped to see voted on and passed : 
 
 Jiesolved, That the vote of thanks given by this Conference to Anthony 
 Comstock for his Essay, be not understood as an approval of all of his work 
 as an Agent of the Society for the Suppression of Vice, or as an approval of 
 the gross and covert attack on one of the members of this body of Ministers. 
 
 The Rev. Amon G. Lawson, of the Greenwood Baptist Church, was oil his 
 feet in an instant. He hesitated to shut off debate on any subject before the 
 Conference, he said, because this was not a Baptist custom, but he felt com- 
 pelled to move an indefinite postponement of the resolution. Half a dozen 
 Ministers seconded the motion, and Dr. W., who had begun to talk hur- 
 riedly to the Rev. Dr. Miller,- of Greenpoint, turned toward the Rev. Mr. Law- 
 son and said, " I consent, I can stand it as well as you can. I got my say, 
 that was all that I wanted." 
 
 The motion to postpone was unanimously carried. Dr. W. immediately 
 went from the room and the house. 
 
 He says, " I had my say, and that was all I wanted." 
 
 Here, then, we have a foul slander uttered publicly, as coming 
 from a clergyman. He neither denies its authenticity, nor af- 
 fords his victim a chance to show him that he is misinformed. 
 
 Now what are the facts ? I stand by the facts in each of my 
 cases, whether they are disagreeable or no. There are often ex- 
 ceedingly disagreeable duties for a man to perform. The break- 
 ing up of this den referred to was one of the most trying duties 
 1 ever had to discharge. The facts are as follows : 
 
 Numerous complaints came to our office against a most dis- 
 gusting and obscene exhibition that was given by beastly women, 
 to the ruin of hundreds of thoughtless young men. These exhibi- 
 tions were given almost nightly. At first, I felt such a disgust 
 and abhorrence at the descriptions I received in these complaints, 
 
INSINUATIONS VERSUS REPUTATION. 5i,l 
 
 that I was inclined to be cowardly and not act. My conscience, my 
 whole being as a man cried out against this cowardice. I knew 
 well what it would cost me. I humbly and earnestly prayed for 
 grace to do my duty, and then I went forward. The first es- 
 sential to a successful effort is legal evidence. The momentous 
 question then arose how to get it ? There was but one legal way. 
 That was to get it legally. To do it, some one must see this ex- 
 hibition in order to prove what it was, and identify the parties 
 carrying it on. I could not send young men there ; to do that 
 would have been dastardly, after I had been informed of its 
 character. I could not make a strong case without most positive 
 proof, as it is difficult to conceive of anything more horrible. 
 For two years this place had existed and thrived in the rear of 
 the 15th Precinct Police Station, the yards adjoining. Conse- 
 quently I could not go there for help. "What then ? I went to 
 the Mayor's squad and selected six of the truest and best men I 
 knew on the Police force — some of them Christian men. We 
 visited this den, and I saw the party who kept the house, and so 
 doubtful was I of the truth of what I had heard, before any- 
 thing else I asked if exhibitions were given there ? This 
 
 matron replied, " Oh yes. This has been the headquarters for 
 more than two years. There are six exhibitors, and a regular 
 programme, and the performance lasts about an hour." She 
 further informed us, " that some of the exhibitors were absent, 
 but that it would make no difference, as the same programme 
 was always enacted." Here then I had official and reliable in- 
 formation from the mouth of the proprietress of this exhibition, 
 that it existed, as it had done for Tnore than two years previous, 
 and with a regular p^'ogramme. Here then is a pit-faU for the 
 feet of young men ! Shall I close it ? Here is a hell-trap for the 
 souls of our youth ! Shall I allow it to exist ? Here is an exhi- 
 bition given by women that beggars description — so gross that 
 even a reference to it brings a blush. — Shall it continue ? No I 
 no ! By all that is in us as men, no ! But, you will be mahgned, 
 and blackguarded in court, you wiU be attacked in a vile man- 
 ner by the press, your enemies wiU say mean things of you. 
 
552 TEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 Yes, I knew all that. I have been through all that many times. 
 But if it had been told me that a Minister of the Grospel would 
 have assailed me, as has been done in the foregoing article, I 
 would have declared, no, it is impossible ! But I see " all things 
 are possible." 
 
 After securing a corroboration of the truth of the complaint, 
 would I be worthy of the coniidence of good men if I liad 
 turned my back on this den and allowed it to exist ? No ! 
 There was but one thing left. Close this hell-hole up at once, 
 by all means ! you say. Not so fast. The vilest have rights. 
 Whatever an officer of the law does, he must do legally. First 
 get the evidence, and then forward. After getting further light 
 from this proprietress, we then did precisely as those frequenters 
 of the vile exhibition formerly known as the " Black Crook," 
 (that sent thousands of youthful souls to perdition,) did ; we paid 
 our admission fee, and went into the hall where the performance 
 was nightly given. Here we, sworn officers of the law, remained 
 sufficiently long to secure two things, and no longer, to wit: 
 
 First. — Legal evidence of an indecent exhibition. 
 
 Second. — Proofs that there was a regular programme regularly 
 enacted. 
 
 Having obtained these, I immediately went out, and hav- 
 ing secured the keeper of this den first (and one thing that 
 delayed was, that she had gone over to one of her other dens of 
 infamy, for she had two or three in this precinct), we arrested 
 the occupants of this hell-hole. The principal was held for trial 
 on a complaint for " keeping a disorderly house." The exhibit- 
 ors, for an "indecent exhibition." 
 
 Not one cent was paid any person except the regular fee to 
 enter this exhibition room, and this to the owner and not to the 
 exhibitors ; and we had no legal right to interfere until we had 
 legal evidence, or right to enter till we had purchased admission. 
 
 Now what of the trial that Mr. "W. says he takes his cue from. 
 
 There was no such action taken, or word uttered by Judge 
 GHdersleeve, as Mr. "W". is charged with saying. The exhibitors 
 had been jointly indicted with the keeper of the house, "for 
 
INSINUATIOKS VERSUS REPUTATION. 553 
 
 keeping a disorderly house," instead of " for an indecent exhibi- 
 tion," as the complaint specified, upon which they had been 
 arrested and held for trial. 
 
 Here let me add, that I had reliable information that one, at 
 least, of these exhibitors had previously served a sentence of one 
 year in the penitentiary for the same offence. 
 
 The Assistant District Attorney, of course, had to nolle prose- 
 qui the indictment against the exhibitors, and then, although the 
 case had closed so far as the testimony went, he asked an adjourn- 
 ment in the case of the principal. He then came into court the 
 next day, and stated he had been informed that it was a con- 
 spiracy to injure the Captain of Police of that precinct. I, in 
 open court, declared such a statement false. I had, the previous 
 day, asked him to call some of the officers of that precinct to 
 prove that this was a disorderly house. He said no, that the 
 case was fully made out, and yet the judge granted a motion the 
 next day, made by this officer, to dismiss. The motion was 
 granted, on the ground that the Assistant District Attorney had 
 moved it, because, as he said in open court, if this woman is 
 convicted, charges might be preferred against the captain of this 
 precinct and he be dismissed. The court ruled it was the duty 
 •of the courts to protect the police, and the case was dismissed. 
 These are facts within my own knowledge, as I was present ; and 
 all the records of our Society and witnesses prove the same 
 thing. 
 
554 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 CHAPTEE XXXII. 
 
 INSINUATIONS VERSUS EEPUTATION.— ConiinaefJ. 
 
 The following report shows what Mr. W. was troubled about : 
 
 [Examiner and Chronicle, March 25, 1880. ] 
 
 Mr. Anthony Comstock occupied the hour at the Ministers' Conference on 
 Monday, and his doing so was one of the fruits of the ridiculous attacks made 
 on him and his work through the Triiune, by a reputed "Baptist Dr. of 
 Divinity." Mr. Comstock vindicated both himself and his work, in a way 
 that brought conviction and enthusiasm to the hearts of all present. They 
 not only gave him the warmest demonstration3 of satisfaction as he passed 
 along, but gave him also, at the close of his statement, a hearty vote of 
 thanks for the work he is doing. The meeting was very large and the vote 
 was unanimous. 
 
 A few days later in another paper appeared the following : 
 
 ANTHONY'S WICKED WAYS. 
 
 The AiLEGED Manner ix which He JTntrapped Messes. Sabin & Son. 
 
 £ev. A. S. W. describes Tony's various methods. Mia ignominious ejection from 
 
 a jury room,. 
 
 A reporter called on the Eev. A. S. W. last evening, and interviewed him 
 on several cases of persecution undertaken by Comstock. 
 
 " Will you first tell me what you know about the Sabin case ?" the repre- 
 sentative asked. 
 
 " Well, sir, that is a very delicate matter to handle indeed. Mr. Sabin is a 
 very old and dear friend of mine, and a member of my congregation. By 
 giving you all the particulars of the prosecution his case might be prejudiced. 
 However, I don't suppose that there will be any harm in relating the outline 
 of the case. 
 
 " In the first place, you must remember that Mr. Sabin was one of the wit- 
 nesses in the Heywood trial. He went on the stand and testified that the 
 book was not properly called obscene. . Anthony Comstock never forgave 
 him this, a fact the sequel has fully proved. 
 
 '' Now Mr. Sabin himself is as honorable, upright and moral a, man as ever 
 trod on God's earth, and Anthony well knew that all the decoys in the world 
 would never succeed in leading him astray. So what did the agent of the 
 
INSINUATIONS VERSUS REPUTATION. 555 
 
 Society for tbe Suppression of Vice do ? He detailed Ms man Britton to work 
 upon Mr. Sabia's sou, a young and comparatively inexperienced man, and to 
 induce him to commit himself. 
 
 *" Britton one day watched his opportunity while the elder Sabiu was out, 
 and entering the bookstore, engaged in conversation with Sabin's son. He 
 told him that he (Britton) needed a few illustrated ribald hooks as curios- 
 ities, such as ' ,' for instance; merely to study the prints, ho 
 
 added. The young man assured the customer that no such books were in the 
 store, upon which Britton begged him to procure them, promising to pay a 
 good price. More to oblige the man than from any other motive, young Sabiu 
 promised to do his best in the matter, and without telling his father, who he 
 knew would object, he obtained the obscene books from some third parties, 
 and sent them to the address Britton had left. The following day Anthony 
 Comstock, on the strength of Britten's affidavit, caused the elder Sabin's 
 arrest. As you see, this prosecution is the outcome of an infernal conspiracy 
 to ruin the reputation of an honorable firm. Poor Mr. Sabin was greatly 
 broken down by it all, I assure you." 
 
 " Were no obscene books ever sold by that firm prior to this event ?" 
 
 " No, sir, I can warrant that no obscene books ever left the hands of Mr. 
 Sabiu, or even of his son, before Britton's decoy letter." 
 
 " Could you now tell me why and by whom Anthony Comstock was ejected 
 from a jury room some time ago?" 
 
 "You are referring to the Baxter case, sir. Mr. Baxter was a large furni- 
 ture dealer, who for something or other had aroused Mr. Comstock's ire. This 
 induced the latter to set Britton on the track looking for heads of indict- 
 ment. In the meanwhile Baxter got into pecuniary difficulties, and was 
 arrested for fraudulent bankruptcy. While the case was bein,o- tried, Anthony 
 Comstock made his way in the jury room, and attempted to prejudice the jury 
 
 * In this case Mr. Britton is mentioned. Who is this person thus libeled and 
 outraged ? He is a young man, I think not as old as either of the Sabin sons. 
 The one of tender years, that Mr. W. would have it appear is young and un- 
 sophisticated, is about six feet tall, twenty-eight years of age and has been in 
 business for years. He is older than Mr. Britton. 
 
 Mr. Britton is a young man of humble parentage, bom and reared, under 
 very unfavorable circumstances, in New York. He has been a special agent 
 of this Society for more than five years, and in that time has never once shown 
 the white feather. He is brave and fearless, sharp and shrewd, and because 
 he cannot be bought, sold or frightened off, and has been loyal to this cause, 
 he must needs share the fate of every faithful officer, be maligned, misrepre- 
 sented and denounced. I have seen many unjust and infamous attacks made 
 upon him, and he has been slandered and maligned, vilified, lied about, and 
 called mean names, but he stands, to-day, above those who have traduced 
 him. He has rendered valuable assistance, and is entitled to kind considera- 
 tion, and his service to recognition, by the public he has so long served. 
 
656 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 against tlie prisoner, in order to be able to secure his subsequent conviction 
 more easily. My trustee being the Foreman of the Jury, he summarily tUs- 
 missed Comstock with a warning not to put in an appearance agaiu on the 
 spot." 
 
 " Who was that gentleman ?" 
 
 " Well, I prefer concealing his name at present, as I do not know whether 
 he would be willing to let it be published. He is not in New York city now, 
 but in the country." 
 
 " Do you intend to continue your campaign against Comstock ?" 
 
 " I certainly do, and will bring up enough evidence to crush him in the eyes 
 of the Baptist community, before the Conference meets again." 
 
 With these words the Rev. gentleman, who is a middle-aged man, with a 
 frank open countenance, put on his hat to go out on a visit. 
 
 He assured the reporter before leaving that he would always be ready to 
 give all the particulars he might learn concerning Anthony Comstock. 
 
 Of all the obscene and infamous things I have ever seen in all 
 the 24 tons of matter seized, and that has passed through my 
 hands, I have never seen more beastly and infamous matter, 
 than is contained in the first book purchased in Sabin's store, 
 the same being parodies on "Kock of Ages" and the Long 
 Meter Doxology. 
 
 Here are charges, insinuations, conclusion of facts "by this 
 pastor, with not one single Kne of truth in them. I have read 
 and reread it several times, and I will challenge him, or any one 
 else, to prove one single one of his accusations against me as true. 
 Here are two criminals defended by a " New York Pastor " by 
 the use of basest misstatements and falsehoods. 
 
 I hold myseK ready to prove the absolute falsity of these 
 statements in both cases in most positive manner. It is enough 
 to say that when Sabin Sons were arrested, over 500 of the 
 grossest books and pictures were found in their possession, were 
 seized, and are now in the hands of the proper officer, as evi- 
 dence. The book Mr. W. refers to was not purchased till 
 the third lot of obscene stuff was purchased. Mr. W.'s " honor- 
 able " and " very old dear friend of mine " said to me, after 
 he had positively denied that any such matter was ever in his 
 store, that " you would be surprised at the standing and position 
 of men who come in here and buy these things just for their 
 own use." This was after I had seized the stock, which was 
 
INSINUATIONS VEESUS EEPUTATION. 657 
 
 after his solemn declarations, that there was no such article in the 
 store. 
 
 I never knew that Baxter was ever tried for Fraudulent 
 Bankruptcy, and was never near a jury room in his, or any other 
 case of any name or nature, as above charged. 
 
 The officers of The !N^ew York Society for the Suppression of 
 Vice invited Mr. W. to appear before the Executive Committee 
 July 6, and make good his charges. He declined to do so unless 
 permitted to come with his counsel, and failed even with his 
 counsel to appear. 
 
 What a spectacle! a "New York Pastor," a " D.D." and 
 " taxpayer," making statements affecting a man's reputation and 
 good name, and afraid to meet that man face to face. If he is 
 the good citizen he professes to be, his duty is to prove these 
 charges ; if an honorable man, he will make no charges publicly 
 he cannot prove privately ; if he has been falsely represented by 
 these papers, he owes it to himself to set himself straight, and not 
 to allow his position as a minister, to be used as a cloak for the slan- 
 ders and libels contained in these published utterances. As a 
 Minister of the Gospel, his proper position is on the side of de- 
 cency, morality, and moral purity. 
 
 On the 7th day of July I sent him the following letter : 
 
 Nbw Toek, July 7, 1880. 
 Rev. a. S. W. : 
 
 Sir—Seveial monthB ago you took occasion, as a "New York Pastor," to 
 attack my reputation and bring discredit on our work. In doing this you 
 arrayed yourself (and the Baptist denomination as far as you could) against 
 the work of this Society, and on the side of the abortionist, the vender of 
 obscene matter, and the gambling hell. 
 
 The Baptist Denomination, through the Monday Ministers' meeting of 
 March 22d, practically by a unanimous vote, refused to endorse your assaults, 
 and did endorse the work of this Society and its agents. 
 
 About that time, I made an offer in the broadest manner to you, to furnish 
 you every opportunity to ascertain the facts in any case in this ofBce, and 
 a, further offer to have a Committee appointed to whom all the facts should 
 be submitted— we to abide by their decision. Neither of these offers you 
 accepted then or since; but you were obliged publicly, over your right 
 name, to apologize in the Tribune of April 5, 1880. 
 . The last Monday in June, you saw fit to again traduce my good name and 
 
558 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 reputation, by a most atrocious attack, and, as I am informed by the New 
 York Sun report of what you said, you there made statements that are abso- 
 lutely untrue, and insinuations that are as base as they are false. 
 
 Since then you have been interviewed by a paper, that from its start, has 
 publicly defended criminals, and attacked the oiScers of this Society most 
 grossly. If this interview is correctly reported, you again assail me with tlie 
 grossest misstatements, and I now renew my offer to go before a committee of 
 five prominent men, two to be chosen by you, two by myself, and they four to 
 choose a fifth; or else before the Baptist ministers publicly ; or else before the 
 Executive Committee of this Society ; and there you shall make good your 
 charges and insinuations, or else you shall fully and publicly apologize. 
 
 A Christian minister is not justified in attacking any person in the unchar- 
 itable manner in which you have assailed my reputation, unless he has heard 
 both sides and knows what he is saying to be true. 
 
 Now, sir, will you meet me like a man, and meet the issue flat and square, 
 not behind my back and over an alias, but face to face, with facts, and not 
 the slander of the convict or smut dealer ? 
 
 At your service for the truth, 
 
 Anthony Comstock. 
 
 On the 14th of July I received this answer : 
 
 N. Y., July 13, 1880. 
 Mr. Anthony Comstock : 
 
 Dear Sir —Yonv abusive letter is at hand. As your address before the Con- 
 ference and your former letters, it is characterized by misstatements. You 
 KNEW, when you penned your last, that I was incorrectly reported in recent 
 papers. If you wrote the last, as I believe you did the other two letters, in a 
 round-about style, for purposes of decoy, permit me to say that you waste time 
 pursuing that line with "your humble servant." You may think as you said 
 before the ministers, that I "see yovir work through the eyes of a criminal," 
 "must be a fool," " an ass," etc., etc. But I assure you you will live to find 
 your generous opinions at fault. What I said is susceptible of being reproduced 
 with CERTIFIED exactitude, and for the same I hold myself responsible. No 
 more, no less. Now, sir, I accept your challenge contained in your first letter. 
 Being backed by men better than either of us, I willingly meet the issue as 
 you requested. While I am one willing to ask pardon of a sick mouse, if 
 justice demanded it, I might as well suggest to you that I am not moved by 
 bluff'! Do not try it any more. Say also to those friends who with you 
 decided that "something must be done to silence that minister at all hazards, 
 and that swiftly," that that can be easily done, but not by the machinery 
 applied to criminals, and which, from force of indiscriminating habit, you so 
 naturally employ. I am glad you appreciate open, frank, " flat square " action 
 when your own rights are involved. God help you to pursue such lines more 
 while hounding out the erring! My record on the anti-vice matter is well 
 known, and does not rest on your offensive statement of my position. I have 
 
INSINUATIONS VERSUS REPUTATION." 659 
 
 spoken to thousands at Sea Cliff, on Fourth of July occasions, to my own con- 
 gregation, and elsewhere, commending in highest terms the aims of your 
 Society. When you were out, my voice was raised to denounce what I then 
 believed to he an outrage. That I and multitudes of good men now detest the 
 system of decoying pursued is not wonderful. YOU KNOW my position at 
 present in regai'd to your work. You seem set to force a fight with me, I suppose 
 for the sake of notoriety ; I shall rejoice in heing a martyr at your hands for so 
 good a cause as I advocate. You can excel me in epithet, I agree ; but, sir, 
 you must in future use gentlemanly terms in writing to me, or else I'll "tell 
 your executive committee " to appoint somebody else to write to me. 
 
 Now, sir, seeing through you and yours in this crusade, I subscribe myself, 
 Yours for the truth, in peacBj or war, as you may elect, 
 
 A. S. W. 
 
 I tten addressed the following letter in the hope of bringing 
 
 this ''Pastor" to his senses, and showing him how wrong and 
 
 unjust he was, at the same time desiring to afford him the fullest 
 
 opportunity to make good his accusations against me, to which 
 
 he replies, by wanting to know, if I said something about him in 
 
 a certain paper. "With these letters we drop his correspondence, 
 
 with a renewed offer for him to come to the front with facts, il 
 
 he has any, and meet me face to face, as I have invited him to do 
 
 so often. 
 
 New York, July 28th, 1880. 
 Rev. a. S. W.: 
 
 iSir,— In reply to yours of the 14th inst., I would say that I do not care to 
 go hack of the apology of yours of the 5th of April. What I propose is this : 
 you to come before either one of the following : 
 
 " The Baptist Conference," 
 
 "Our Executive Committee,'' or 
 
 "The Committee of Five " (to be appointed as I suggested), and then meet 
 me /ace to face, and you to prove ly legal evidence any act of mine unbecoming a 
 faithful ofacer and Christian gentlemen. I will cheerfully bring the Record 
 of all cases arrested, and place it before this Committee. It is simple 
 justice I am after. No fight ; no. Life is too short, and my cause requires 
 all my time and strength. 
 
 Now please lay aside all invectives, insinuations, conclusions, suspicions, 
 and let us examine into the facts like Christian men. All I ask is that you 
 prove the insinuations against me in your public apology of April 5th, in your 
 statement before the Baptist Conference of June 28th, and in reported inter- 
 views with Reporters of the Press, especially The " ." 
 
 Which of these will you select? When and where will yon meet ? Now 
 please let your reply be Christian and civil. Do not distort, insinuate, or 
 
560 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 quote from imagination. We do not want to " silence tte minister." No, no. 
 You are most cordially urged to prove by legal evidence (not tlie word of the 
 slanderer), anything to my discredit. Now this surely is easy to understand. 
 There is nothing covert, this letter means just what it says. 
 
 Yours, etc., 
 
 Anthony Comstock, Sec. 
 
 New York, July 29th, 1880. 
 Mr. Anthony Comstock: 
 
 Dear Sir, — Before answering yours of 28th inst. fully I would he glad to 
 
 hear from you concerning reported interview with a Representative of . 
 
 Is what was published in said paper July 25th a correct statement of what 
 you said concerning me ? Especially these things : " TF. favored obscenity, 
 nastiness, gambling hells and abortions." Also, " Were it not that ' W.' is Ike 
 Pastar of a Church, and as such entitled to some consideration, I would pass him 
 l»j as being utterly heneath contempt." 
 
 I am going West and can be addressed as above. If you cannot answer 
 before 5th, address me as usual and the letter will reach me by middle of 
 August. Truly, 
 
 A. S. W. 
 
 New York City, Aug. 17, 1880. 
 Rev. a. S. W. : 
 
 Sii — My reply to yours of 1st inst. is, that I renew my offer of giving you a 
 chance to be heard, and an opportunity to prove your base charges and insin- 
 uations against me. We do not want "to silence the minister," you see. 
 No, no ; we want you to come up in a frank and manly manner and make 
 good these slanders. I am ready to try this issue as I have indicated. When 
 and where shall it be ? 
 
 Now, no more dodging or side issues. After you make good your charges, 
 etc., and when you meet me face to face like a man, I will frankly answer all 
 questions about the interview you refer to. Yours, etc., 
 
 A. Comstock, See. 
 
 Here then we have a man occupying a position of trust and 
 confidence, assailing the reputation of another as earnest, true, 
 and faithful in the work lie believes the Master has given him to 
 do, as though he was at the head of a church. "Why I must sit 
 quiet and allow these men to tear my reputation in shreds, to 
 vilify, misrepresent, and malign me, I cannot see. I have personal 
 rights which no man can take from me. When I make mistakes, 
 no man shall be more ready to correct them than I am. But I 
 have a trust committed to my care and keeping. The cause 
 
INSINUATIONS VEKSUS REPUTATION. 561 
 
 demands my liighest and best powers and ability. It is my duty 
 to be right, and I owe it also to the cause of moral purity to seem 
 to be right, when I know I am right. These base insinuations 
 and misrepresentations make me, no matter how true, how earnest, 
 how wise, or however faithful I strive to be, to appear in such a 
 light that good men, seeing tliese charges, cannot give their sup- 
 port and sympathy to my work, or their confidence in my 
 integrity. 
 
 I have sought so to be governed by such circumstances and facts, 
 that good men of all denominations, if they knew all the facts, 
 would not be offended or turned from a cause, that is one of the 
 most important known to this present day. The individual is 
 nothing ; the cause of moral purity among the young is every- 
 thing. 
 
 To run is cowardly, to falter is sin, to give a vantage to the 
 enemy, by allowing false charges to go on record in print uncon- 
 tradicted, is a crime. Must I, because I have borne all the odium 
 of this work, the open attack of the slanderer, the brutal assaults 
 of assassins, the constant anxiety for seven years tliat follows 
 such a prosecution as this work, be pursued and hounded down, 
 and my good name blasted by corrupt men and the breath of 
 malicious scandal ? I ask no favors personally ; I ask men to 
 come forward like men and prove their charges face to face. 
 
 I have made statements of facts in this book ; I make specific 
 charges, and I have ample documents and other evidence to prove 
 them. There is much difference between saying and proving a 
 thing ; between that knowledge which satisfies a mind and legal 
 evidence in court. Nor can a person ignore facts and say, I don't 
 beKeve what is presented from a reliable source, and take up the 
 defence of a criminal just because he does not want to believe it, 
 and is anxious to stand by his friends. This man persisted in 
 making these utterances, after he had been assured that his views 
 were incorrect. 
 
 His apology, in the Tribune of April 5, was accepted as suffi- 
 cient notwithstanding the insinuation about tampering with the 
 mails, which I have already referred to. But the arrest of the 
 36 
 
562 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 son of his " very old and dear friend " was too much. He wrote 
 the President of our Society and afterward called, and was in- 
 formed of the facts in Sabin's case. His " old and dear friend " 
 has not been arrested. Mr. W. insisted that the case should be 
 dismissed. This could not be done. The next week I was called 
 by a subpoena before the Grand Jury, and the two sons (the 
 ones who sold the obscene books and pictures, and received the 
 money therefor), were indicted. The week following Mr. W. 
 made his onslaught upon me before the Baptist Conference. 
 
 AHOTHEE SLANDEE EUN DOWN. 
 
 About the same time another circumstance occurred, that is 
 proper to present in this connection. I have not oue word to say 
 against the two gentlemen below referred to. They have allowed 
 themselves to be interviewed, and permitted their names and posi- 
 tions as public officers, to be used against me in newspapers, one 
 of which has a large circulation. They certainly will not deny 
 me the right to quote their interviews and state simple facts, even 
 if by so doing, I shall show that they have done me a gross wrong 
 and injury in the minds of good men. I have written both these 
 gentlemen, offering to prove all I said as true, and neither have 
 rephed ; neither have they denied or modified their published in- 
 terviews, and as, in Mr. Jasper's case, one interview confirms the 
 other, I am justified in supposing them correct^ reported, and 
 as intending to have what they are reported as saying stand 
 against me. I have no doubt that both of these gentlemen fill their 
 positions as pubKc officers with fidelity; but they have made an 
 unjust mistake, at least, in attacking me as they have. 
 
 A certain low sheet had, for months, unjustly and maliciously 
 attacked me in the interest of the criminal class. Most monstrous 
 lies had been pubhshed, and then editorial notices of these lies, de- 
 nouncing me in consequence, had followed. A few days before, 
 more than a column had been filled with an account, headed : 
 
 " Tony Trading on ' Tide' Why several tradesmen in Brooklyn remember 
 Comstock." 
 
 " Benevolent JButcliejs and Green Grocers who would like to have him step 
 up and eetHe.'' 
 
INSINUATIONS VERSUS REPUTATION. ^63 
 
 And charging, that for years I had swindled certain butchers and 
 grocers, going to first one and then another, and serving all alike, 
 even going so far as to name parties, giving the street and num- 
 ber of their store. 
 
 In all these articles, there was not a scintilla of truth. It was 
 base fabrication. The parties named I do not even know. But 
 rather, for ten years nearly, I have dealt with one grocer, and for 
 six years with one butcher, and they are my references, if any 
 person desires to prove the truth of what I say. 
 
 Now let it be remembered that all these scandals, Hbels, etc., 
 occurred about the same time. One dove-tailed into the other. 
 The effect can be imagined. I have experienced what I am 
 talking about, and therefore I know how it is. But I am not 
 dead yet ! 
 
 A representative of the paper that had so maligned me, called 
 to interview me in order to publish a retraction. At this inter- 
 view reference was made to our work ; and for the purpose of 
 showing this reporter (who was very polite and gentlemanly), the 
 necessity of our work, I referred to some facts that were incent- 
 ives for us to keep on, no matter what occurred in the shape of 
 opposition ; and also as showing the imperative need of the work 
 being continued. While he did not correctly report what I said, 
 yet what is quoted in the Herald article following, is substan- 
 tially true. The following is as it appeared in the New York 
 Herald, June 29, 1880 : 
 
 MR. COMSTOCK CONTRADICTED. 
 
 His Alleged Discovert of Obscene Literature among School Chil- 
 dren Characterized as "The Creation of his own Disordered 
 Fancy." 
 
 In an interview publisbed yesterday, Mr. Anthony Comatock, Agent of the 
 Society for the Suppression of Vice, is thus quoted : 
 
 " Why, sir, in one school up town, I found in the possession of fifteen boys, 
 pictures and books that I would blush to show you. In another school I 
 found a number of girls from ten to fifteen years old, whose minds had been 
 debauched by these obscene books and pictures ; and when I find such things, 
 I go to their fathers and tell them about it, but even they refuse to believe it, 
 until I show them the very books and pictures I have taken out of their chil- 
 
564 FRAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 dren's hands ; and when I make charges against these men, I cannot take the 
 young hoys and girls out of the schools and put them on the witness stand. 
 No ; I take their place and appear as the complainant." 
 
 These statements are of such an extraordinary nature that a reporter was 
 instructed to show them to Mr. Jasper, City Superintendent of Schools, and 
 obtain his answer to them. Mr. Jasper said :— " Let me see, Mr. Comstock 
 says he found these things in the schools. Now, no person has any authority 
 to visit a school and search the children, and he could not have found these 
 books unless he had made such search, and I don't think that any Principal 
 would permit such search. I know of no anthority for any one to grant such 
 permission. Ho said he showed the books to the fathers of the boys. If his 
 statements are true, why did not Mr. Comstock make a verbal or written com- 
 plaint to me, giving the number of the school ? Why did he not complain to 
 the Principals of the schools, if he found such a state of things existing? I 
 don't believe a word of it." 
 
 "Would there be any impropriety in your ofScially calling upon Mr. Com- 
 stock to supply you with the number of the schools ?" asked the reporter. 
 
 " I do not see that there would be, and I guess that is what I shall do. He 
 oughtto show authority for his statements. If he made a search of any school 
 it is without authority, and if he has not made such a search, he states what 
 is untrue, and I do not think any such state of affairs exists in any school. If 
 any Principal allowed Mr. Comstock to make a search it was an insult to the 
 children and their parents as well." 
 
 Commissioner Manierre was very indignant at the statements of Mr. Com- 
 stock. "You may state," said he, "that there is no truth in them, for neither 
 Mr. Comstock nor any other person is permitted to go into a class-room unless 
 in the company of a principal, a teacher, or a school officer, and when the 
 children are in the play-ground, at recess, they are always accompanied by a 
 sufficient number of teachers to preserve order and see that nothing improper 
 is done. You cau say, further, for me, that the Principals and teachers are 
 always on the watch to see that nothing improper is introduced into the 
 schools, that no books, pictures, or papers of an obscene character could by 
 any possibility be in the hands of the children without it being discovered, 
 and that the statements made by Mr. Comstock are simply the creation of his 
 own disordered fancy. I will say more, there is no authority or right for any 
 search of the children in our schools. If any Principal or teacher permitted 
 it, I would at once vote for his or her dismissal. This is sufficiently explicit, 
 is it not ?" 
 
 The vile sheet that first published the quotations, again, June 
 30, 1880, said: 
 
 When Anthony Comstock told onr reporter of the vast quantity of " evil 
 reading" and pictures he had seized &om little children in a School up town, 
 we could not resist the impression that he was rather too serenely confident of 
 our innocent credulity. Now the Superintendent of Schools says this remark 
 
INSINUATIONS VERSUS EEPUTATION. 565 
 
 of Comstook's was all " lilow," and that he intends to call upon Mr. Comstock 
 ofiflcially to designate the school. We imagine that the vice suppressor -vrill 
 find it harder to point to chapter and verse in this affair, than he does when 
 he addresses Sunday Schools on his life work. 
 
 Again the same sheet says : 
 
 If the Rev. S. W. is correct in his estimation of Anthony Comstock's prose- 
 cution of the Sabin case, it is the most scouudrely piece of business Comstock 
 ever undertook. The character of the books he bought of Sabin was such, 
 that it seemed notliing could be said in defense of Mr. Sabin. It is due to 
 Comstock that he be heard before opinion be formed, but if it shall finally 
 appear that to revenge himself upon Mr. Sabin for once having been witness 
 against him, he induced that gentleman's son, to buy him these books, on the 
 plea that he was an amateur collector of prints, as the Baptist clergyman 
 charges ; no punishment known to the law would be too severe for this man 
 who professes to be engaged in the work of purifying public morals. 
 
 The next day the following appeared in the same paper : 
 
 TONY'S LAPT WHOPPER. 
 
 Sis onslaught on little school children Indignanthj resented. 
 The Sapej'intendent of tlie School Board challenges his statements and proposes to 
 
 make him eat them. 
 
 A few days ago Anthony Comstock stated in conversation with a re- 
 porter that he had found in the hands of many school children books of the 
 most obscene nature. He even went as far as to say, that he had taken some 
 of these books away and shown them to the children's parents. These state- 
 ments appearing in , aroused a veritable sensation, and since the com- 
 mencement of the week the matter has been vehemently discussed by the 
 daily papers. 
 
 In case of Comstock's charges being true, they would naturally reflect 
 more on the management of the schools by the Board of Education, than on 
 
 the children themselves. A reporter then called on Mr. John Jasper, 
 
 Jr., the City Superintendent of the Board yesterday afternoon. 
 
 Mr. Jasper was found in his ofiSce reading yesterday's copy of this paper, 
 containing charges against the Special Agent of the Society for the Suppres- 
 sion of Vice made by the Eev. S. W. 
 
 "I should very much like to hear your opinion concerning Mr. Comstock's 
 allegations about obscenity among school children," the reporter remarked 
 after introducing himself. 
 
 " I shall be most happy to give you any information in my power," replied 
 the Superintendent, politely tendering the visitor a seat, "and the more so 
 because I admire the bold and independent manner in which has ex- 
 posed and denounced the very questionable methods Mr. Comstock indulges 
 in. To give you my opinion of his manner of proceeding in this particular 
 
566 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 case, I think it looks rather queer, that when aware of the fact of school 
 
 children possessing obscene books he should have informed • reporter 
 
 first. The right way to proceed it seems would have been to write me a 
 letter of warning, a letter entering into details, and pointing out the partic- 
 ular schools in which the chUdren were obscene. By first stating the fact, 
 if fact it may well be called, to your reporter he allows the inference that he 
 intended calumniating the Board, and the teachers." 
 
 "Do you think that a possibility exists of his statements being correct V 
 
 "No, sir, I do not. How in all the world are children to find time for read- 
 ing obscene literature while in school? The classes commence at 9 in the 
 morning and finish at 3 in the afternoon. At 13 o'clock the scholars have one 
 hour's recess, for their dinner, during which time by far the greater portion 
 return home. In their absence they are naturally out of our control, hut 
 should they return to the school premises before the recess is over at one, 
 they remain constantly under the eye of the teachers, and have positively no 
 chance of reading anything obscene. During class-time, on the other hand, 
 they have even less opportunities for this sort of thing. About thirty pupils 
 are taught together in a room measuring 20 feet by 15, the teacher being placed 
 in a prominent position from whence he can control all their movements. 
 Under these circumstances it would be impossible for them to use any but 
 their school books." 
 
 " Has Anthony Comstock been allowed to enter school-rooms and search 
 the pupils ?" 
 
 "No, sir; that is a privilege nobody has, not even I myself. Anthony 
 Comstock may have hinted that he made such a search, but I declare this 
 to be not the case. Why, sir, it would be direct insult to the parents of 
 the children were they thus searched in public, and I do not believe any 
 teacher would be guilty of allowing an outsider like Anthony Comstock to 
 encroach upon the rights and lower the dignity of the scholars. If a teacher 
 acted in this manner, and it came to my ears, he would be severely re- 
 primanded, if not discharged." 
 
 " What would you do in case you suspected a scholar of carrying obscene 
 literature about his person ?" 
 
 "I should call him to my private room, and with closed doors would ques- 
 tion him on the subject, but never would I institute a general search and in- 
 sult the feelings of my wards." 
 
 "Do you think that when Anthony Comstock declared having taken 
 away books from school children, that he did so in the open street 1" 
 
 " I do not know ; but if he acted thus, he made himself liable to be arrested, 
 a fact he must know better than anybody else, considering he is always 
 dabbling in the law courts." 
 
 "However, I do not mean to say that no school child ever read or perused 
 obscene hooks, but I assert that there are no means for such books being 
 read at school under the present system; and if Mr. Comstock has really 
 come across one or two school children with such books about their persons 
 he is anything but justified in casting reflections on the scholars in general. 
 
INSINUx\.T10NS VERSUS REPUTATION. 567 
 
 " You must remember that, excluding the evening schools, there are 274 
 educational establishments under the supervision of the Board, and it is a 
 very serious thing to throw mud on such a large body as this without more 
 base to work on than has Mr. Comstock." 
 
 " Do you intend taking any steps in the way of refuting Comstock's argu- 
 ments ?" 
 
 " Well, sir, that gentleman has attacked us at a very busy time. To- 
 morrow, as you know, the vacation begins, and should I call upon him to 
 prove his statements and point out the schools where those abuses exist, 
 there would be no means of investigating the matter. After the vacation in 
 September, however, I shall certainly challenge Mr. Comstock to express 
 himself thoroughly." 
 
 The Superintendent concluded by stating that many reporters had visited 
 
 him to see whether first statements were founded on fact. "They 
 
 seem rather vexed at having been beaten on this point by your little one- 
 cent sheet," he smilingly remarked. 
 
 The reporter thanked the Superintendent for his affability, and took his 
 leave. 
 
 This illustrates that " a lie loses nothiDg on its travels." Here 
 is a public officer, "happy to give any information," and "the 
 more so because I admire the bold and independent manner in 
 
 ■^liich has exposed and denounced the very questionable 
 
 methods Mr. Comstock indulges in." Here is a blackguard 
 sheet, commended and endorsed by a public officer, who pre- 
 sides over more than 200 schools, because this paper attacks, by 
 basest lies and insinuations, the very man that has done more 
 than any other man in this city to protect these children, and 
 by all that in him lies, to screen them from the most insidi- 
 ous of foes. Mr. Superintendent, the destruction of 24 tons of 
 obscene matter, and the preventing of this terrible influence for 
 evil from being disseminated among the youth and children of 
 this city and land, entitles the one who has done it to at least 
 fair play; and a decent consideration by parents and teachers 
 alike. The mistake he made, was taking what he saw in print, 
 as having been spoken by a public officer as untrue, and then at- 
 tacking this man's reputation without first going to the man he 
 slandered, and discovering if it was true or no. 
 
 It will be seen how easy it is to manufacture public sentiment 
 against a man. There is not one word that mentions " Pullio " 
 
568 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 schools in what I said, as quoted by the Herald, — but " schools ;" 
 and Mr. Jasper makes the mistake of supposing there are no 
 other schools, save those which he, no doubt, ably superintends. 
 I would not say one word against either of these men. If it 
 affords them pleasure to thus rush into print, against the word 
 of a man they could at any time have found, and have discovered 
 whether his statements were true or not, I can stand it. I know 
 the following facts are true, and I am ready to prove them at any 
 time. This Superintendent may now learn, that the officer who 
 legally enforces the laws which protect the morals of our chil- 
 dren in these cases, has "dabbled in the courts" to some purpose, 
 if he will look a little into facts, before he again rushes into print 
 in a scurrillous sheet. Vacation is past and I accept the " chal- 
 lenge to express myself thoroughly." 
 
 In one school in New York I found sixteen boys who had, or 
 had had according to their own confession, most obscene pic- 
 tures, and I seized a quantity of the same in their possession, 
 and the President of the Board of Education can see them at any 
 time by calling at our office. 
 
 In another case in ISTew York I found a janitor of a school, 
 who roomed in the school building, and I seized about 1,000 
 obscene pictures, and 100 negatives for making the same, in his 
 room, and that janitor got three years at hard labor in State's 
 prison, and the facts were published in all the papers at the 
 time. 
 
 In another instance I arrested a French Professor who for 
 months had debauched the boys of some of our best families, 
 while teaching them in some of the most select schools, and that 
 scoundi-el is now serving a sentence of six years in State's prison. 
 
 Tlie facts in his case were also published. 
 
 In another school (and a Public school, too), I found two boys, 
 within the present year, who had stolen and robbed a satchel in- 
 trusted to another boy to convey down town ; and going to the 
 home of one of these boys I found where the satchel had been 
 broken open and gutted of its contents; and these boys had 
 found a lot of obscene and filthy matter, which, after having it 
 
INSINUATIONS VERSUS REPUTATION. 569 
 
 around awhile, they at last sold to a junk dealer, and I there seized 
 the same. 
 
 In another school referred to (outside of New York, as I told 
 the reporter at the time), I found where more than one-third of 
 a department of fifty girls under sixteen years of age, then had, 
 or confessed to having had, the most debauching matter. 
 
 These are not " disordered fancies," but awful facts. "With 
 such facts as these, and hundreds of others, it is a fraud on the 
 community to say, there is no danger to the young in our schools. 
 There is terrible danger, and these men, instead of attacking me 
 and attempting to belittle me before the public, ought to sound 
 the note of warning. I can neither run nor crawl. I must stand 
 up and fight when these issues are forced upon me. 
 
 N^o specious argument, by these gentlemen, can remove the 
 fact, that many, many youth have been discovered with most de- 
 moralizing matter secreted in their pockets. They sit in school, 
 at the family table, and in the parlor circle, with these vipers 
 concealed from teachers and parents alike. And parents and 
 teachers alike, have been horrified by the discovery of these cor- 
 rupting influences, in the possession, oftentimes, of their most 
 trusted children. In one school in Brooklyn, I found many 
 bright noble boys, who had for weeks had a most obscene book, 
 loaning it around among themselves. 
 
 Yesterday's mail (Nov. 19, 1880), a package of the foulest 
 matter came to me that had been sent a lad sixteen years of age, 
 in a private school. Am I to be denounced, or my good name 
 traduced, because I shall legally bring this vampire who sent 
 this matter to justice ? If so, let it come. But save our boys, 
 we must at all hazards. It is a cause worthy of our steel. 
 
 Our office is open, and I can at any time be found. Let men, 
 instead of stabbing me in the back, come to the front and get the 
 facts like men. No ! the man who attacks me does not want the 
 facts. If he has them he is disarmed, and cannot attack me. 
 There is a great amount of malice covered by a thin veil of 
 respectability and a showing of virtue, in these attacks. 
 
 And now, reader, am I justified in reproducing these attacks, in 
 
570 FEAUDS EXPOSED. 
 
 preseutiiig tlie truth leside the published lie, and defending my 
 good name and reputation, against the venomous tongue of the 
 slanderer « If so, then learn in the future to apply a little charity 
 to any person you see maligned, and until you hear both sides, 
 condemn no man. 
 
 Must these charges stand in print, opposite my name, and I 
 not be permitted to copy the same, and piit the Truth beside 
 them ? When I go down to the grave, must I leave these iman- 
 swered iies as a heritage to my friends ? or have I the right of 
 self-defence ? 
 
 This book is written with malice toward none, but with an 
 earnest desire to save the credulous from being swindled, tlie 
 poor from being robbed and oppressed, the youth from being de- 
 bauched, and to help the weak ones. 
 
 There are grosser e^vils that must remain uncovered. We have 
 attacked those evils that dread the light of day. The Fraud can- 
 not bear the* light. Inform the public of his schemes and his 
 business suffers. This is wonderfully illustrated by a single 
 attack published in the Wew York Times, last Fall, upon the 
 bogus firm of Lawrence & Co., reducing their receipts in one 
 month about $11,000, as was stated by the manager of that con- 
 cern to me. 
 
 There are grosser evils that it is hard to refrain from denouncing, 
 and yet these evils, if publicly attacked, thrive the best, and to 
 disclose their secret methods or name them is to advertise them. 
 The prudent way is to effectually suppress the evil according to 
 law, and then warn the public. This I have tried to do. 
 
 But let it not be supposed that all the schemes have been dis- 
 closed by which men swindle the public. No, reader, we have 
 only taken some of the most prominent ones. It is a good rule, 
 never to send money to strangers, especially if they offer you 
 gold dollars for ten cents, or in other words, propose to send you 
 more than fair value for money sent them. Kemember that no 
 man can sell goods for less than cost, and pay for clerks, rent, 
 advertising, living expenses, etc., out of what he is to receive, and 
 do it honestly. 
 
INSINUATIONS VERSUS REPUTATION. 571 
 
 Put your money in savings banks or government bonds until 
 you can invest it safely in some legitimate business. 
 
 Above all, keep the minds of all our children pure, for 
 " Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Tou 
 cannot have a pure heart if the mind is impure. 
 
 THE END. 
 
 A CARD TO THE PUBLIC. 
 The writing of this book has been like a side play. The importance of 
 carrying on the work cannot be overestimated. To do this successfully, two 
 things are requisite. 
 
 First. We require a knowledge of the operations of the scoundrel, before 
 we can secure legal evidence. Therefore we appeal to every reader to co- 
 operate, by sending any knowledge or information in the shape of circulars, 
 letters, or otherwise, of any scheme to rob or defraud the people, or debauch 
 the youth, to the Author. 
 
 Second. This work requires to be constantly maintained. It takes money. 
 All money sent for this purpose, goes into the Treasury of our Society, and 
 will be acknowledged by oux Treasurer. All disbursements are made by 
 order of our Executive Committee. 
 
 Address, 
 
 Anthony Comstock, Sec'y, 
 150 Nassau St., N. Y. 
 
 The Executive Committee of the New York Society for the Suppression of 
 Vice suggests to large-minded men who are planning for the wise use of their 
 possessions after they are gone, that the permanent usefulness of this Society 
 would be secured if such means were put at its disposal as should enable it to 
 employ every needed agency in the prosecution of its work. 
 
 FORM OF BEQUEST. 
 I give and bequeath to The New Yokk Society for the Suppression op 
 Vice, incorporated by the Legislature of New York, May 16, 1873, the sum of 
 
 I to be applied to the purpose for which it 
 
 was instituted. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 Since this book has been in type, another turn of the wheel 
 of justice has been made against the Kentucky Lotteries, that is 
 of especial significance in considering that subject. The follow- 
 ing decision speaks for itself. Its Importance is great, not as 
 showing the illegality of these lotteries : that is already proven ; 
 but as showing the infamy of those who boldly perpetrate and 
 defend these villainous schemes to deceive the people and curse 
 the poor. In the light of these damning proofs against the 
 standing of these lotteries, consider the fact that 600 places, at 
 least, in the city of New York alone, are open for the sale of 
 these tickets and (the still worse curse to the poor) — Policy. 
 
 The following able decision rendered in the Court of Appeals 
 of the State of Kentucky by Judge Edwards, December, 1880, 
 in the cases entitled Simmons & Dickinson 'VS. Murray, France 
 & Co., The same vs. Barrows and others, forever settles the 
 standing of aU Kentucky lotteries extant. It says : 
 
 These actions are heard together on demurrer to the answer of E. S. 
 Stewart in each case. 
 
 The demurrer raises the question whether the petition states facts suffi- 
 cient to constitute a cause of action against E. S. and Owen Stewart ; and if 
 so, does their answer state facts sufficient to constitute a defense thereto ? 
 
 It had already been held by Chancellor Bruce that the petition in each 
 case is insufficient as against the defendants, other than said Stewart, who 
 did not interpose any demurrer, but who have answered since the demurrer 
 interposed, by their co-defendants, were sustained. 
 
 E. S. and Owen Stewart were made defendants by amended petition, and 
 it is insisted that the judgment on the demurrer filed by their co-defendants 
 does not bind them. 
 
 The action of Chancellor Bruce is the ruling of this Court, and I am not 
 inclined to rule differently until a higher court holds his ruling to be erro- 
 neous; but as the Court of Appeals has delivered some opinions touching the 
 
APPENDIX. 573 
 
 questions considered on the former demurrers, I will now consider the suffi- 
 ciency of the petitions as against said Stewarts. 
 
 The General Assembly, by section 18 of an act approved March 16, 1869, 
 authorized the Board of Councilmen of the City of Frankfort to raise by way 
 of lottery |100,000, for the support of the city school of Frankfort. 
 
 By an act approved March 18, 1372, the city of Frankfort was authorized 
 to sell and convey this lottery privilege. Pursuant to that authority, that 
 city did, on December 31, 1875, attempt to sell and convey said privilege to 
 E. S. Stewart as an entirety, and by the provisions of that contract authority 
 was attempted to be conferred on or vested in him to operate a lottery. 
 
 If the act of March 18, 1872, was valid, and the said contract was made 
 pursuant thereto, E. S. Stewart by the purchase became invested with the 
 legal title to the franchise, and thus obtained the exclusive right to manage, 
 operate, and conduct a lottery, strictly in conformity to the terms of the 
 contract and the authority granted. 
 
 Id the proceeding of the Commonwealth vs. E. S. Stewart and the City 
 of Frankfort, in the nature of quo wan'anto, the Court of Appeals held the 
 acts, supra, were valid, and that said city was thereby authorized to make 
 sale of the franchise, and hence the sale to E. S. Stewart must be considered 
 valid. 
 
 It is the duty of*the Court to construe all such power strictly, and therefore it is 
 considered that when said city made the sale to Stewart, it exhausted the power of 
 sale under the authority granted. 
 
 Was the privilege thus vested in E. S. Stewart destroyed by the repealing 
 act of March 30, 1878? 
 
 See Gregory vs. Trustees of Shelby College, 3 Met. p. 589. 
 
 Webb vs. Commonwealth, not reported. 
 
 Commissioner of the Sinking Fund t)s. Green and Barren River Navigation 
 Company, recently decided by the Court of Appeals. 
 
 If the law of Kentucky, as expounded in these oases, deprives the State of 
 the power to repeal or destroy a franchise of the kind in question, after third 
 parties have acquired vested rights under such power or franchise, it follows 
 that E. S. Stewart's rights were not destroyed or impaired by the said act of 
 1878. The original petition in these actions alleges that E. S. Stewart at 
 various times sold and assigned to different persons fractional parts or undl^ 
 vided interest in and to said franchise, and that plaintiffs, by purchase, were 
 entitled to ninety-two one hundredths of these undivided parts of the whole, 
 and that the remainder of the privilege had been assigned to defendants 
 Holmon, Glore, and Pepper, and by Pepper assigned in bankruptcy to defend- 
 ant Barrow. 
 
 The plaintiffs, in an amended petition, make E. S. and Owen Stewart de- 
 fendants, and charge that they purchased the whole of said privilege, and that 
 it was so conveyed to them. 
 
 Chancellor Bruce held that the sales and assignments of interests in the lottery 
 privilege were void, because foriidden iy paragraph 5, chapter 23 of General Stat, 
 utes. 
 
574 APPENDIX. 
 
 In his language, " There is no statute conferring upon Stewart autJiority to sell 
 the prtrilege. Tlie general law forhids it, and the Court cannot, hy strained con- 
 struction infer it, especially in view of the character of the franchise and the general 
 legislative j>olicg of the State in reference to such enterprises. 
 
 Then it follows that all the sales and assignments of interests in this lottery fran- 
 chise made by E. S. Stmoart are null and void, and that E. S. Stewart is the sole 
 owner of the franchise, with the exclusiTe right to manage and operate a 
 lottery in strict accordance with the provisions of the original grant and in 
 conformity with his said contract without any power of sale of the privilege, 
 and hence all his eiforts to make assignments thereof, either in parts or as a 
 whole, or to make a lease thereof, or in any way to confer power or authority 
 on any person or persons to conduct and operate a lottery, are null and void. 
 
 I will say, however, that I incline to the opinion that as the sole vendee 
 and owner of the privilege obtained pursuant to the enabling act of 1872, 
 supra, that he would have the right to sell the franchise as an individual 
 whole, but certainly not in parts. But, as hereinbefore indicated, I am inclined 
 to follow the ruling of Chancellor Bruce. Besides, the allegations of the original 
 petition to the effect that plaintiffs only claim to own 92-100 of the privilege 
 are wholly inconsistent with the allegations of the amended petition on that 
 subject, and no snfScient explanation is given of that inconsistency. 
 
 Therefore, the demurrer to the answer must reach back ta the petition in 
 each action, and the petition is held to be insufficient. Counsel may prepare 
 proper judgment. 
 
 (A true copy.) John H. Wau.er, Cleric. 
 
 (Attest) By John T. Sweeny, D. C. 
 
 I do not desire that anything in this book shall unjustly reflect 
 upon any United States or other Court. While the cases named 
 in the United States Courts have not been tried, yet there may 
 be good and sufficient reasons therefor of which I do not know ; 
 but this is equally true, the United States Courts, by meting out 
 the full penalties of the law ($500 fine and costs) to a few par- 
 ties who have been convicted for sending circulars concerning 
 lotteries through the mails, have driven out of the business a 
 large number of persons who formerly advertised in the daily 
 Press. This action of the Courts has narrowed the business 
 through the mails, down to a very few of the leading men — the 
 men who doubtless feel secure, because they have not been tried. 
 It must be remembered, that the U. S. Courts only sit to try 
 criminal cases at stated periods, and then generally but for a short 
 term, and where any important case is taken up, the term is ex- 
 hausted before the calendar is cleared. I have no apology to 
 
APPENDIX. 575 
 
 offer for the facts which I pubhsh further than the above. It 
 would seem as though the State Courts in the city of ISTew 
 York had given up the city to this class of lawbreakers. What 
 I say about the judges is not personal, but is said because they 
 are facts which I am discussing, and facts, too, that are presented 
 in the highest interests of the community, and the future welfare 
 of our State and Country. The gamblmg hells of New York 
 are training a race of gamblers and thieves, and the proper en- 
 forcement of laws against these schemes is all that is required to 
 stop the great majority of them. 
 
 Dec. 14, 1880, I was present at a raid which I caused to be 
 made upon a gambling hell in "West Broadway, when a little boy 
 came in with sixteen cents in one hand and thirty cents in the 
 other, with the policy slips he was to play for his mother. "We 
 sent for the mother, and then learned from her own lips that she 
 had sent this child, eight years of age, to gamble for her. This 
 place was in full blast with a policeman in charge ; as were also 
 two other places which we raided the same day. In one place 
 we found the oihcer in the back room reading the newspaper, 
 and the policy man, named Hulse, with his policy book secreted 
 under the cushion of his chair in his front office. Afterward we 
 found the book in his pocket, where he vainly endeavored to con- 
 ceal it. 
 
 Nov. 22, 1880, the police pretended to raid 200 Broadway, the 
 place where the defaulter Haws confessed to losing the bulk of 
 his $35,400. They arrested one m.an, and before they could 
 have reached the station house with their prisoner, this place was 
 in full blast, and two of my assistants went in and played, and re- 
 ceived policy slips. It is reported to me, on good authority, that 
 the proprietor of this den within fifteen minutes afterward, was 
 heard to say, " "What do we care for the police ? H'U ! they don't 
 do any hurt, but when that d — d Comstock comes he takes every- 
 thing." That he said this, I have no doubt ; for on the second 
 day of December, 1880, I personally visited this place with police 
 officers, and although policemen had been stationed in this place 
 for weeks, to prevent gambling, we seized the policy books, for 
 
576 APPENDIX. 
 
 the entire montli of ISTovember, and down to the hour in which 
 the raid was made, Dec. 2. "Who is responsible for these dens? 
 My answer is, those whose sworn duty it is to enforce the laws. 
 
 In one precinct, some 25 arrests were made in one day, of par- 
 ties found in offices fitted up for gambling purposes, — ^Iveeping 
 and maintaining a room for the purpose of gambling, — and yet, 
 although the books, blackboards and paraphernalia for gambling 
 were seized, and the prisoners in many instances caught in the 
 act, yet of the entire number but one man was held, and that, 
 too, on his own confession. He gave $500 bail, to return, I have 
 no doubt, to the same business. 
 
 Is it any wonder that the halls of justice are thronged with youth- 
 ful criminals 1 that prison cells are filled with prisoners waiting 
 trial ? that reformatory after reformatory for the young springs 
 into existence ? while penitentaries and State prisons are crowded, 
 until each year the State is taxed to make room for more ? and 
 still they come. Our youth ! our youth ! for them these facts are 
 recorded, these appeals made. These dangers are real. Law- 
 abiding citizens, what_ shall be done ? Shall our laws be trodden 
 under foot by the gambler and blackleg? Shall the poor be ren- 
 dered poorer ? innocent women and children subjected to addi- 
 tional privations ? and our youth crazed, and driven in their mad 
 infatuation to criminal deeds, in order that a very few sharp, 
 shrewd, unprincipled scoundrels may grow rich in this accursed 
 business? 
 
 What shall the harvest be of such seed sowing ?