The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1870-12-21
The Great Fool Fishery.
Odd Fish IN the Net,

Since the arrest and conviction of Logan
& Co. for 'larceny by trick and device, "
and there sentence to BlackwelPs Island
many of the documents of the firm have
came into the possession of New York
Sun reporter. An inspection Of these pre-
sents very clear insight into the mode by
which these swindlers first sought out their
drpes, and then hooked them.
HOW THE NAMES ARE OBTAINED.
The names OF persons throughout the
country to whom the circulars are address
ed are obtained in a worry adroit manner
Dealers in patent medicines, obscene books,
and other refuse, SO extensively advertised
in rural newspapers, drive profitable bus
mess in the sale of the names of their Gus
toners. The latter, it is safe to say, for the
most part, comprise the simple-minded, the
most gullible and dishonest portion of the
community. The original letters from these
nostrum vendors are preferred. From them
the character of the writer's may be easily
judged. As high as So per thousand has
been paid for such letters. Among the con-
trsband captured from Logan & Co., were
several communications addressed to per
sons likely to have names and addresses to
sell
N.
Croix; disreputable advertiser at Coving-
ton, KY:
Let me know if you have any names and
addresses to sell. will give SO per thous-
and for the original letters. | want to send
out circulars of patented articles.
WM. Brooks,
lao Fulton st.
THE DIRECTORY TRICK.
But this is not the only method by which
the work of collecting names is conducted,
The ingenuity of the swiudlers is equal to
the discovery of a worcestershire plan.
To every postmaster in the country, ex-
cept those of the larger cities, q most pre-
tentious printed circular is addressed This
circular is headed United States Directory
company" and invites the postmaster to
assist the company in it's preparation Of "A
very formidable work. The extravsgant re-
Enumeration of ten cents per name is offered,
and the circular is so wsrded as to Danish
from the minds of the post masters all sus-
picion that the demand does not come from
q respectable, bona fide publishing house.
The success of this scheme is proved by the
fact that nearly eight hundred postmasters
forwarded lists to the United States Direct
DRY company which was of course none other
than successful munipulators of sswdust and
shayings.
BATTING THE VICTIMS.
The names thus secured, the rest of the
work Is Comparative easy. Autographed
circulars are sent out by the hundred thou
sand. The person addressed is at once put
upon his sense of honor-that is, his sense
Of that virtue as practiced between thieves.
In glowing language is pictured the ease
with which the victim may make his fortune
by buying counterfeit money. The "oueer"
can be received by them with perfect safety.
and the communication urgently invites the
victim to come to New York and examine
the stock before buying. OF course, this 4
impossible in ninety nine cases ont of hun. |
dred. owing the distance between the swind-
iers and their willing game. But the cor
DIAL invitation served useful purpose It
10 strong indication to the rustic sheap-heads
that the swindlers really mean business
They nibble at the hook, send for goods G.
". ", pay their money, and, upon discover
ing the cheat, dare not "squear' because
low. "oufo ioa-