Chariton courier. (Keytesville, Chariton County, Mo.) 1878-current, 1878-07-13
in the field. He had scarcely got fairly

in the field. He had scarcely got fairly
started in his furrow when his daughter
came running to him, telling him that
the barn and house were all covered
with men, and they were putting iron
all over them. The surprised German
made quick tracks for the scene, and
protested; but, while he was arguing
with the glib-tongued agent, the job was
finished, and bill presented for $3.50,
with note ready to be signed. He re-
fused to sign, when the gang proceeded
to tack on the mechanics lien, which
was magnifed into big lawsuit in the
United States Courts at DesMoines, big
costs, lawyers fees, and bulldozing
generally, until the German farmer, to
save trouble, signed the note. Aneigh-,
Dor, by the same process, was induced
to sign memorandum for 50. 85, and
subsequently, note for over $50.
Wherever they go, they rope in their
victim in like manner, and they got lots
of them.
The following is copy of the So
called memorandum-tha portion down
to the word Mr.. -" being in very
small type:
1t is expressly understood by the signer of
this order that he signs the Same upon his
own judgment, after due defiberation by him,
without any undue influence having been
by the agent, other than written or printed in
this order. In this order 500 may be added
as liquidated damages for failure to comply
with the conditions of this order, and notice
of suit may be issued by publication.
NAME OF COMPANY.]
This order can not be countermanded with
out the signer paying the profits on the job.
ORDER FOR THE ERECTION OF LIGHTNING
RODS. .-
Ut is agreed by the signer of this order to re-
ceive said work within 80 days from date
-s of order.)
Mr.. -, as agent or said Company:
You will please erect, or deliver at your
earliest convenience, or cause the same to
be done, on my (hoase,- barn building)
Company in accordance with the rules and
regulations set forth on the back OF. this ore
der, of fye-eighth rod, with which 1 am well
satisfied. will upon the execution Of this
order settle or pay for the same in cash, pay.
able at -, or by note due in--months,
at the rate of - cents per foot for the rod,
and - dollars and e cents for each point,
and - dollars for each ball, and - dol
of rod for each brace. No extra charge for
inspection or repairs for ten years.
Dated at -, Is7
But few persons would trouble them
selves to read the small type, and yet it
is very adroitly drawn contract, waiv-
ing all damages for fraud or misrepre-
sentations of agents. The agreement
following, it will be seen, gives the
right to put up the rods without any linn
itation whatever-the victim simply
agreeing to pay for all put up.
On the back of this agreement is
printed in small type the following in
structions, which, the victims are told,
are simply to guide the workmen in
properly putting up the rods, when, as
a matter of fact, they are perpetuation
of the fraud: -~.
/ Erect rods in circuit form, with view to
| ornamentation as well as protection. Place
points and negative spheres on each gable,
| and intermediate spaces on roof, not exceed
| ing twenty feet apart; connecting them di-
rectly and uninterruptedly with rods to the
| ground. Arrange the circuit points so as TO
promote the constant discharge of negative
it the
| ings not properly rodded. This will afford
full protection from lightning; All ground
moisture. ooi VI " e'-'''-''
When once a buI1dng Is rouaoa
der this contract, it strikes the average
man that the " "ornamentation" is more
conspicuous than the protection"
In some cases, agreements are made
that payment of the note will not be
demanded for two years. A case of that
kind appeared in this county. The note
was not to be due for two years, and
the second year to draw interest at 10
per cent; with the further proviso
that, if not paid when due, penalty of
5 per cent. was to be added. The note
was written due in one year, to which
the maker objected, when the lightning
rod man consented to make it all right
by indorsing on the back of the note
that it was not to be presented for pay
ment until two years from date. That
satisfied the maker and he signed it;
but, becoming uneasy about it, he con-
suited friend, who investigated the
matter, and found the stipulation was
written on the back of the stub of the
note, and when the note was torn of,
of course there was no stipulation.
Another gang are going about the
State selling a patent hay-fork. They
propose to some prominent farmer to
take the agency for the township, and,
as an inducement, if he takes four he
may keep one and sell three. For all
sold afterward he will receive COM
mission. The thing appears plausible.
Nearly every farmer thinks he can dis
pose of three forks in his town, which
will give himself one free. The bargain
Is made, when he is requested to sign
receipt for the forks, that it may be
forwarded to the Company. Two Ce-
dar County farmers recently signed
these receipts, and they soon after turn
ed up in the possession of banks, where
they had been sold, regular iron-clad
promissory notes for $40 and 5000, re.
spectively. 1t will not be long before
at other places similar notes will turn
up as they become due; and they viii
have to be paid, as the courts decide
that such notes in the hands of third
persons, innocent purchasers before ma
turity, are good against the makers
and the makers must pay Hence it is
part of the game of these swindlers to
sell these notes to- banks as soon as pos
| ,;l>lo a ftar tbov orat thoun