Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1869-05-21
IOWA CORRESPONDENCE.
Down the River--A German Fleeced
OF s270--nIusoatine, Iowa--Ths Crop
Prospect.
MrscArISE, Iowa. May 8. 1889.

MuscArISE. Iowa, May 8. 1889.
EDS. Notwithstanding from
your pleasant town on the fine passen-
ger steamer Tom Jasper, we wend our
way downward / will not attempt TO
give description of our voyage, rs it
would be of no interest to your readers,
as we are borne down the lucid blue
waters of the Mississippi. Our trip was
very pIeasan: one. aud, as we advance
toward the south, green grass, trees and
shrubbery begin to show their new dress
the flowers watt their sweet perfume,
borne by the gentle wind that sweeps
from the shore, making us feel at once
that summer is rapidly approaching.
A pretty sharp confidence game was
played on German passenger, which
vas as follows: At Clinton three men
came aboard the boat, two of them
going in the cabin and the other one
on the boiler deck. He there formed
the acquaintance of one John Martin, of
Trempeleau, who Informed him that he
had just sold his farm in Wisconsin for
81 500. and was going to Missouri to
look after some land. The sharper then
told him that there was where he was
going. and for the same purpose. The
unsuspecting Teuton, in the course of
conversation, informed him that be had
on his person some 1910; whereupon
he invited the German TO 90 ON the hur
ricane de k and they would talk over the
prospects of Missouri. They had only
been on the upper deck a few minutes
before suindlers Nos. 2 and 8, passing
around that way,-both appearing to be
strangers to swindler No. took out a
little box, and offered to bet that No. I
could open it. Whereupon No. said
that he would bet $500 that he couldn't
open 1t. The box WAS at once transferred
to No /. who opened it without any
trouble. He lost. but had nothing but n
check on the Springfield Bank for $3.50.
and aske1 if he would change that
Being answered in the negative. turned
round to the German and asked the
loan of S270. he having change enough
to make up tho deficiency, and offered
the check as security, until he GO to ST
Louis then he would pay him two for
one. The German handed him the
money. takin- the bogus check rs securi
v Swindler No. l paid it over to No.
2, and cancelled the debt. When the
boat arrived at LIE Claire, Iowa, No.
and 8 disembarked. No. crossed over
Port Byron, ILL.,, where be, just as the
boat was showing out, jumped ashore,
and this VAS the last seen of him. and
the poor Dutchnan was left to mourn
over his lost money.
Arriving at our place of destination.
We are greeted un every hand by the
smiling countenances of old scquain
tainces. We would not over reach IN the
least il, in our opinion. we say that the
business in this city was yer lively on
yesterday, at least, more 40 than it is
in the northern cline; although We are
told that it WAS very dull day.
The crops are all in the most abundant
condition. Wheat enough is raised for
home consumption. and then they apply
themselves more to stock raising They
do not have to feed the stock here more
than two months. and this makes it very
profitable to the owners. The weather
here is very fine and warm, and the
grass is high enough TO furnish good
feed. More anon. c.Ds.