The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-02-01

EXTENSIVE SwINDLE-THE SECOND AND
THIRD NATIONAL BANKS NICTIMIZED.-4es-
terday afternoon q well-planncd swlndle
was successfully carried out in this city, the
victims being two Of our most substantial
banks, and the amount to be deducted from
their next annual dividend reaches the
handsome sum Of $500. On last Tuesday
morning, some hours alter the opening OF
the Third National Bank, corner Of Virgin
alley and Wood street, a couple of respect
ably-drcsScd and having all outward APP
pcarance Of men engaged in a commercial
business. entered the bank, and, approach
ing the desk, made known to the proper Of
fccr his desire Of opening a running &C.
count with the bank-that is, to make de-
post Of funds and draw the same from the
institution at his pleasure b. checks bear
ING his signature. lie gave his name as Is.
Cutherwooi, which lie registered, and then
deposited tic sum Of one thousand dollars.
The men. it appears, then departed for
the Second National Bank at the corner OF
Ninth and Liberty streets, where they ex-
pressed similar desire to the officer in
attendance as they did in former instances.
One thousand dollars was here deposited,
and the strangers departed. On the same
afternoon checks were presented at both
banks, bearing the signature Of Carthcr-
wood for various SUMS OF money. These
were paid % presented, and rs is usually
the case placed on file. Tie checks con-
rinucd to come in until yesterday morning,
when the bank officers discovered that the
81 900 had been paid out. 1t may be proper
to state here that the officers of the Third
National Bank did not know that the men
were having business relations with the
Second National Bank, but they afterwards
ascc,tained that fact, as will be seen from
the following:
About o'clock yesterday afternoon Ca
therwood appeared in person ct the Third
National Bank and presented check for
$1,000 drawn on the Corn Exchange Bank
of New York by II. L. Ronth & Son to his
(Catherwood' order. The check was re-
ceivcd, as the banks here were glad to nego-
tiatc eastern exchange, and 5000 paid to
Catherwood, he stating that he desired to
use that amount Immediately. The balance
could be paid when he wanted it.
Elnboldened by the success Of his effort
at .swindling, Catherwood next went to the
Second National Bank, where, as stated, he
had a running account, and presented a
similar check 10 the one offered at the Third
National, and for like amount. lie only
needed s.. 500 on the note, and would leave
the balance on deposit subject to his order.
The S., 500 was promptly paid him, and he
departed. Soon after telegram was sent to
New York city, and the amazement OF the
bank cashiers can be imagined on receiving
dispatch stating that Fl. L. Routh l. Son
had not drawn any such cheeks on the Corn
Exchange Bank. Thcreupon the cashiers
of the banks, Mr.. Robert Stowey of the
Second National, and Mr.. Livingston of the
Third National, hurried to the Mayors
Office to notify the authorities OF the swim
die. The two gentlemen here met, and this
was the first iutimation they had of more
than one bank having been swindled.
Officers started in pursuit, but though it
has been continued up to this afternoon,
not trace of the sharpers have been dis
covered. The bank officers could identify
them II they were apprehended, but it is
hardly likely they will be afforded the OPP
portunity.-Pihs5urg Mail, 2sth.