Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1872-12-08
FROM THE PACIFIC.
Progress OF the Investigation iatO the
Diamond SWindle-Stin Taking
TestimOny-AmOunts
Involved.

SAN FRANCISCO, December III. B.
COoper's statement to the Executive
C0mmitte and Lieutenant Harpending,
of the Diamond Company, was to the
following effect: Was bOOk-keeper Of
the Diamond Drill Company here:
knew Arnold six years. Arnold knew
much about diamonds, but learned more
cf Cooper about the way in which they
were deposited, and the nature and
kind Of ground; thought be could
produce diamonds by artificial means.
Cooper said that diamonds were
generally found in the beds Of ex-
tinct rivers, in tropical countries
and in gravelly soil. Arnold said that
in Arizona be saw an Indian Chiefs
wife with bracelets and sparkling
stones. He obtained them from
her. He said be would 20 back
and look for natural deposits. On his
return he told Cooper what he had in
view, also that Slack and himself were
the only persons who knew the secret,
and offered Cooper great inducements
for him 10 enter the scheme. In 1871 he
made trip with Arnold and Slack to
New Mexico, collected quite a number
Of rubies, returned to this city and de
cided 70 get a large capitalist interested
in the plans. Arnold suggested over
tures TO Harpending, a gentleman of
high standing in money matters. Ar
mold then wrote Harpending in London,
asking cooperation in developing the
diamond mines. Arnold and Slack, in
New York, enlisted Barlow When
Lieutenant Harpending reached that
city, from London, Arnold exhibited
gems. A council was held with Lieu
tent Harpendiug, who came 70 San
Francisco 10 form a COMPANY Arnold
raw that he might make a bold strike
and accordingly took fifty thousand dol
lars and crossed the Canada line. He
sailed from Quebec to London, and in
London made the acquaintance Of two
American sailors, to whom he paid five
hundred dollars each and bound them
under an oath of secresy, to keep con-
cealed his business. He ordered them
70 go to different jewellers in London and
buy diamonds, and procured in that
manner thirty-seven thousand dollars
worth. Sailing for Quebec, be crossed
the border and went to st. Louis, and
from thence 60 Arizona, where he bought
a large lot Of rubies, garnets, and sap
phires. He then returned to San Fran
cisco and cOunseled with Cooper, Rob
erts and Slack. The result was Lieuten- !
ant Harpending, Arnold and Dodge
went to New York, but Wall street |
brokers were shy OF them, and they did
not meet with tile success there they
were warranted 10 expect. The New
York men wanted some one in whom
they could place confidence, and Janin
was suggested. Janin was consulted
and permitted TO test some Of the dia-
mOnds. Janin then accepted the
offer 10 90 to the fields, and Slack
and Arnold were tC 60 ahead to Denver
and pilot them nom that place to the
fields. They went on and selected Mesa,
near the DOnner mountain. On few
acres were scattered diamonds and other
precious stones. The party was then
piloted into the fields, who hunted dia- |
mOnds until the close Of each day. Ar
mold would tell Janin the value Of the |
gems found, who made report, and the /
party left for San Francisco. Slack Ru- |
berry remained behind to watch the |
claims. This Is all that was ELECTED /
from the witness, Cooper.