The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-01-12

AN ADRo1T SwINDLER-His Eaploits, De-
lection, and Arrest.-The city is filled with
people who make Il living by swindling.
Almost every day we have to chronicle
some new mode Of procedure. The last
case of this kind was brought to our notice
to-day. For some time past young man
named Edward Day, alias 4. Colgate, alias
Frank Lee, has been in the habit of answer
ing advertisements for book-kccpers, and
taking the position for the purpose of rob-
bing his employers. He has been acting in
concert with another man, named King
man. The latter generally hires an office
and claims to be cotton broker, or
engaged in some other such business.
Day, in answering an advertisement, always
referred to Mr.. Kingman, who gave him an
excellent "characler." Day entered the
employ of Hoe Il Co., in Liberty Place,
where he staid only short time, leaving
without attempting to play any of his tricks.
The above firm name Day also used as q
reference, and being Il very good penman,
had little trouble in getting a situation.
We next hear of him in the employ of Eel
lows & Co., jewellers, ut No. II Maiden
lane. After being there some time and
working himself into the good graceS of
the firm, he was sent to the bank with
5000 in drafts and 81 900 in cash. Day
pockcted the $1,000 in cash, made out
another "ticket" for the 5000, which
he banked" This latter amount of
$500 was entered on the book belonging to
the firm by the bank official. Before taking
the book back, Day placed the figure "l'
before the nine, making it 81, 900. The firm,
Of course, did not see anything wrong, and,
in fact, did not suspect their book keeper of
dishonesty. Day remained some time longer
with this firm, but finding no chance to
again play the same game, he left the
firm in August. Day next turns ur
in the employ of Hayland & Co.,
china dealers, ut No. - Barclay street.
While in the employ of this firm he was
known aS Frank Lee. \ gentleman who
knew him is Edward Day called on the firm
and told them that he was there under a
false name. The head Of the firm asked
Day about this matter. Day told him that
it was only a little family difficulty that
made him change his name for the present,
made Mr.. Haviand believe that what
he sad was the truth. Day did not,
howercr, feel very safe in this place,
and left after three weeks, taking with
him between $500 and S400. Notice was i'm
mcdiately given to the officials at the Gem
trail police office, with Il description of
the rascal. The case was given to Detect
ives Walling and Clapp. They set to work
to find out the hauntS Of Mr.. Day, but his
tracks were so well covered that it was
with difficulty they could trace him. Success
crowned their efforts, however. Last even
inSa they were going through Centre street,
they espied the man they were after. They
Immediately went up to him and told
him that he was their prisoner. Day ap-
peared very much surprised, and wished to
know why he was arrested. The detec-
tivcs very politely requested him to allow
them each TO take one of his arms, and they
would explain rs they went along. He will
be taken to court to-day, when no doubt
many more parties whom he has tlecced
will present themselves with their COM
pMints.-NeC York Comm mcrcidl.