The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-09-20
THE HARRIS ARREST.
His Antecedents and the True Story Of
the Troubles

Yesterdays Boston Herald says The arrest
Of James W. Harris at Portland, Me-, Sun
day, while in the act of opening post office
box in that city, has been subject of inquiry
by Herald reporters. Mr. Harris is chronicled
in the Boston Directory under the firm name
of sJames w. Harris & Co., commission brok-
ers, No. 13 Dock Square, and visit to that
locality showed that such place existed, and,
so far as outward appearances are concerned,
the business seemed to be legitimate. Con-
signments of butter, honey from Presque Isle,
Me-, and other produce are there, and there
are an office, set of books and other necessary
paraphernalia. such as are used by produce
commission merchants. Mr.. Harris personally,
has been well known in Boston and New Eng
land for many years. Years ago, with his
brother, he embarked in a lottery scheme
which caused the firm to pay heavy fine to
the United States authorities and, subsequent
ly, both engag ed in an opposition fight to the
sewing machine monopolies, finally succeed
ing, with outside help. in breaking down some
patents and preventing the renewal of others
Their circulars to members of CongI ess in those
days stated that it required but $40 to manu-
facture such a machine as was retailed at $50
by some dealers. Whether this statement
was true or not the price OF sewing machines
was soon decreased to about the present figures
The Messrs. Harris then went into business as
cider and vinegar dealers on Water street, be-
ing burned out in the fire of 1872. The part
nership was thereafter dissolved. and since the
brothers have worked each for himself. Jas.
u ,.<1I h,,as oI..oa
missioner broker at No. 26 Washington street,
and afterward at No. 10 Dock Square. There
were charges fled against him during that
PERIOD to the effect that he had not been strict
ly honorable in his dealings with consigners
and purchasers, but no proof was ever afford
ed of sufficient strength to warrant prosecu-
ton, and Mr. Harris has since continued in
business unmolested.
"The Herald then substantially repeats the
story of the affair here as published in the
PRESS. 1t further adds: sit is alleged that
the post office box in question contained letters
in response to advertisements of what is called
the dollar swindle, wherein certain advertisers
offer to send $40 worth of goods for 81 in
money, and that such business has been estop-
ped in measure by the refusal of the post
office authorities to deliver mail sent in re-
Spouse to such advertisements. The fact that
the box in Portland was hired only fortnight
since tends to give credenee to this statement;
but even if there be no doubt of the fact, the
friends of Harris do not believe that he had
any guilty knowledge Of the transaction Unit
ed States Marshal Marble returned to Portland
yesterday afternoon, afGer fruitless search for
the man who gave Harris his post office key,
but does not despair of getting the real culprit,
Harris having furnished all the information
he could to facilitate the work Of the officers"
Harris was brought before Commissioner
Rand yesterday morning, waived examination
and was bound over until Thursday morning.
MUSIC AND TEE DRAMA.