Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-08-10

- 7'''''
One Of the greatest scourges Of Boston aud
other large cities is the class Of swindlors
who deal in employment and " chances for
business Young men, fresh from some bu-
siucss college or other influence that fills their
minds with concet and unreasonable ambi-
ton, 60 to the city in search for work. and
after some disappointmontapply in despair to
the intelligence Offices where they are usual
ly picked up by some sharper and thoroughly
hooced. W. II Baldwin the President Of
the Boston Young Mems Christian Union,
and well ownphlanthropist, has met with
so many of these cases that he is moved to
address a letter to the Jouvnal, begging young
men to stay at home or at least to use more
caution, and gives these examples Of iui-
guilty
An honest, faithful young man, who, by
hard work and economy, had laid up $1,000
as mate Of vessel, determined that he would
engage in some employment on shore, so that
he, with his wife and child, could have a lit
tie home, which they had anticipated they
should so much enjoy Visiting this city, he
made inquiries Of an employment agent, who,
after learning his circumstances, came to the
conclusion that he knew real estate agent
who was anxious to secure the services of an
honest man in his office, and possibly might
hire him. lie introduced him to the agent,
who was very polite, said he was doing large
business, wanted an honest man to assist him,
but much preferred to take some one as part
ner, as his furnishing business demanded so
much attention Books were shown, which
had they contained actual transactions, would
have been full evidence of an active, paying
business two or three pretended customers
were in the Office, and everything indicated
that here was good chance to engage in bu-
siness. A copartnershp was offered him,
which he accepted, and paid over 81 1000, the
savings Of years In less than twenty.lour
hours he discovered that he had been swindled.
| The seniors politencss had vanished, the ac.
count books disappeared no customers about,
and he realized the terrible fact that every
dollar Of his hard earnings had gone, which
to him were sacred from love of those who
we're dear to him, and for whose happiness
and comfort he had hoped to add to his little
capital. He plead with the one who had
wronged him, he took legal counsel, but with
out success, and, discouraged and dishearten-
ed, determined that he must again leave shore
and family for life upon the seas.
Another instance which occurred soon az
ter the above, was that Of young man from
the country who was swindIed in a somewhat
similar manner Of $3.50 all the funds he
possessed in the world Quito recently a
smart, intelligent young man, stranger to
the city called upon business agent The
young man was very kindly treated agent
thought he knew real estate agent, doing a
large business, who wanted young man to
hunt up property for him, would introduce
him. did so, found real estate agent very much
pressed with business, needed assistance, but
thought he should not hire any more help, q,
he had been unfortunate in having young men
who would drink, and had determined that
should he take young man again he must
have cash guaranty that he would keep So
Der and attend to business Was willing &c
try him on this basis, viz. pledge of 5000
on which he would pay him interest, anC
would give him So per week for his services
The young man told him he had but $40 il
the world, and offered to engage with him az
proposed, provided this amount would be sat
isiactory The amount was accepted an(
money paid over. 1t took but very short
time to convince the young mau that he haC
been victimized, aud he found there were
those who could sympathize with him, as tw,
young men appeared at the office who ha,
been deceived and swindled by the same par
ty, Soon the real estate operator disappeared
Young men who are driven to the city il
search of work, fany such there are woulC
do well to call on the employment committee
of the Young Mems Christian Association
and Christian Union, the former being al
Evangelical organization aud the latter Lib
eral Christian. There are also committees oil
board and lodging who are ready to direc
young men to decent and respectable board
ing places, all of which service is rendere,
freely, without money and without price