Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1868-11-11
A SHARP GAME.
4 New Orleans Banker SWindIed out OF
9IS mn 'itl

About two weeks ago solid looking
gentleman, with clerkly air and bus
iness habits, arrived in this city from
New York, accompanied by his good
lady. His visit was specially directed
TO a young, high-tOned, and popular
merchant who lately advertised in the
New York papers for a partner with
capital to engage in lucrative branch
of business. There was an air about
the new conner peculiarly attractive,
a frankneSs of purpose, a scorn of all
show and sham, devotion TO strict
Office habits, and an exhibition of
Guickness and aptitudewell calculated
to impress even the most wary. He
stated to our young friend, in the short
est and most business-like terms, that
he was out of employment, had seen
the advertisement, examined the ref
erences and enterprise, liked it, con-
cluded TO go in, and-here he was.
Perhaps his capital was too limited,
but it was all he had, consisted of
| thirty-five thousand dollars, already
due, gilt-edges, etc, and-there it was.
If upon reflection our friend thought
they could make terms, why so; if on
reflection he thought differently, why
so, also; no hurry, he would call again
tomorrow, and-gOod morning. The
next days sun brought, punctual to
the appointed time, the commercial
candidate. Victim had decided to en-
tertain the proposition favorably.
Here again the systematic merchant
shone forth. OF course a proper
knowledge of each others private and
commercial standing was the main
necessity. He had already satisfied
himself upon those points with regard
| to mis- New Orleans friend before he
packed a shirt TO come here-trust
him for that-he now begged leave to
refer to his own credentials and-tbere
they were in the shape of about fifty
| letters, all speaking in the highest
terms of the bearer, and all stamped
with the printed headings of the
writer's firms, some of which were
among the most prominent in New
York city. As if these were not
enough, he proceeded to pile Pelion
on Ossa by the production of one from
Gov. FentOn, of New York, exhibit
ing the closest intimacy with that
official, and a confidence in his integ-
rity, capacity and honesty, rather rare
for the diamond cut diamond age we
live in. The greatest apparent latitude
was allowed for the detection of inn
posture, suppOsing any existed, but so
neatly and unblushinglyw was the game
played that not the least suspicion was
awakened either in the mind of the
victim nor the older and more disin-
terested heads, whom he very rightly
consulted. Unlike the course OF true
love. this union ran smooth; the bans
were published under the usual CO.
partnership head an expensive office
was engaged in opposition to the
younger and more prudent merchant,
whose ideas of economy were further
outraged by New York insisting up
on having the Office carpeted. He in
tended TO introduce ''new wrinkles"
into business here; he saw no reason
why he shouldn't be comfortable
He did introduce new wrinkles, and
became decidedly comfortable, as fol-
lows: After a day or two elapsed he
manifested his readiness TO call at the
bank and arrange the financial basis
of his business. Thither the partners
went the letters were here exhibited
anew, the bills of exchange sealed and
deposited. he not desiring to use them
until trade had fairly commenced.
The president was equally charmed
with him. Thoroughly posted upon
the mysteries of finance, rs he was
with the details of trade; personally
acquainted with some of the corre
spondents of the bank, as well as with
the nature of its business, he speedily
established a confidence in the mind
of the astute financier, far more profit
able, as afterward proved, than that
with the young merchant. Before
leaving he showed letter from New
York firm of well known standing, re-
uuesting the President in question TO
pay for them the fifteen thousand dol
lar note, if requested by the bearer,
and draw at sight, with commissions
and exchange, as usual. He stated
that he might probably require the
money in few days, and would they |
accommodate him, or rather his New