Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-10-07
HOW BOODLERs" OPERATE.
The Way Would-be Rogues Are swindled
by More Accomplished Villains
An Interesting Tale by a Gov
eminent Detective.
Mon Fleeced and Reflected by the Dealers in
Alleged Counterfeit Money.


Mem Fleeced and Reflected by the Dealers in
Alleged Counterfeit Money.
Systematic Scheme Of Fraud That Defes
Read that circular" said a prominent gov
eminent detective to STAR reporter pushing
1t, as he spoke, across the table. "Read that,
and will tell you something of the operations
OF what we call the 'boodlers,' II you have
never heard of them"
COnfessing his ignorance, and expressing q
desire to hear what the officer might care to say
on the subject, the reporter picked up and pc
rused the printed circular. TIC describe it's con-
tents in few words, it was an invitation to
purchase "the green articles" at price
equal to about ten per cent of their face value,
the name of the sender. and full address being
attached, together with directions for RENTING
money and other particulars.
In answer to a look of inquiry. the officer
continued: eyes, he boldly makes an offer to
furnish counterfeit money. Perhaps it would
surprise you to learn that there are over
ONE HUNDRED SUCH CONCERNS
in New York city, Gor that is the grand center
lions, yes, actually millions, of these circulars
every year. They get their names from direc-
tories, from subscription lists of papers, and in
other ways. will take one Of these circulars
that may chance to fall upon cOngenial soil, and
follow it in its course John Smith gets it. He
Is farmer perhaps and not averse to increasing
MS capital suddenly. He believes the OppOrtu-
nifty for passing it is good, SO he ventures to
write for better description Of the green ar
nn Nh 0I,rv,
Is too old fisherman to pull in sprat where
ne might land whale. Mr.. Smith receives
letter with newspaper clipping enclosed The
latter is an account Of an arrest made in New
YORK city OF person charged with passing
counterfeit money. The prisoner is arraigned in
court and boldly denies the falsity of the money,
and upon strict examination the money is de-
ciared TO be genuine and the prisoner discharged
Inat Chipping never was part of newspaper
although the Imitation has been carried to such
perfection that the slip includes letters appar-
emily forming part of words OF the columns on
either side, anfh advertisements on the back.
me letter enclosing the clipping explains to Mr..
Smith that through the accident described in
the newspaper clipping the writer has been COM
pelled from fear Of discovery, to suspend his
business Tor a time. He calls the attention of
MI Smith to the excellence Of the counterfeits
(nis own manufacture) which could pass so
rigid test, and declares that the arrest was
caused by gross carelessness on the part of the
prisoner in attempting to pass sums as large as
S5OOO at one time. In conclusion, the writer
agrees to inform Mr.. Smith when he may renew
negotiations. Now, it is only natural that this
enforced delay should make the would-be knave
more than ever anxious to get some of the
green articles, so that when he receives another
letter IN a few weeks saying the way is clear he
sends on his cash and receives in return-a
block OF wood or bundle Of neatly cut paper
ANOTHER WAY OF WORKING IT.
OF loffo
serve pressing invitation from the confidence
man to MIR. Smith to call upon him at his place
OF business and inspect the notes before DUR
chaslng He recommends him to q certain ho-
tel-here is the card-[pushing across the table
an advertisement of third-rate hotel located
In the lower part Of the city, and gives him a
number Gin the circular here it is 36) by which
he is to be recognized. Now, we will suppose
that Mr.. Smith, being rascal and naturally of a
suspicious mind, decides upon going on and ex-
amlning the notes. instead of sending his money
through the mail, and trusting to the honesty Of
the 'boodler.' Shortly after his arrival at the
hOtelhe receives card, and afaultlessly-dressed
genticnau Ol nne appearance Is ushcred i1stu mis-
room. The password 49, Is exchanged, and they
are soon engaged in pleasant conversation
.Oh, no. says Mr. Sharp, in answer to an INQUIRY
from his rural customer, we won't talk bust
ness to-day. Not word; leave that for to-
morrow: ! am going to show you the sights to-
aa gay, ana an ne does, making it very pleasant
Wlthal 1or his new acquaintance, and seeing
him comfortably housed at night He calls
1or him the next morning and CONVEYS
him In carriage to large business block.
and up several flights of stairs, into neatly
iurnshed Office Behold the abode of the
oooders. 1t does not look so terrific; few
fine DESKS couple of clerks, large safe. and
communicating room. ALI is business now.
the gentleman is introduced to the clerks. the
sale is opened and negotiations begin. Drawer
after drawer slides back. disclosing great piles
OF crisp, new notes, of different denominations
Mr.. Smith knows good note when he sees t.
and he declares that the counterfeit is perfect
80 1t Is, says the Narrator smlingly: so it
is, Ior the notes are genuine Treasury bills
Inc amount desired by the purchaser is counted
out and wrapped up. under his watchful ewes.
upon tables or he is allowed to wrap up the
package himself. Now, while this is going on.
let us look into the second room. The door
stands slightly ajar and reveals a number of
small hand-satchels of exactly similar appear
ance. confederate stands within this room
and hearing the amount of the purchase named
proceeds to wrap up bundle of cut paper of a
size corresponding with the package then being
made IN the adjoining room, and encloses it in
one OF the satchels. As Mr. Smith finishes
wrapping his parcel. one Of the clerks presents
him with satchel, and the package is placed
IN lt, the satchel locked, and the key safely
dropped in Mr.. Smiths pocket. At this
moment Mr.. Sharp, who has been idly drum
luiuS WITH MS myers upon the window
pane starts back with an exclamation: There
is that officer again. and he hurriedly explains
to the alarmed victim that private detective is
Swallowing the house. 1T would never do
Tor him to nab you here says Mr. Smith. 1t
would ruin my business, and send YOU to the
penitentiary. We buy these fellows body and
soul, but they would follow you and arrest YOU
as soon as you got out of the neighborhood.'
short consultation is held, and one of the clerks
comes to the rescue with suggestion: eThe
express office is on the next block. Let Mr.
Smith express his satchel to his home. and Won
MI. Sharp, who have subsidized the detective
go with him and carry the satchel' The victim
is already in mortal fear of arrest and Jumps at
the idea, which isto him like straw to drown
ing man. Now, watch this piece of neat rascality.
where one rogue overmatches another Mr.. Sharp
picks up the valise and partly opens the door
J ust at this moment clerk calls him suddenly.
The exclamation causes both the sharper and
his victim, who is following him, to look back
into the room. AS the 'boOdler' turns. his
hand carrying the satchel swings out of the
partly opened door and the confederate. who
stands outside holding the duplicate satchel,
MAKES AN EXCHANGE
In the twinkling Of an eye, and slips back
through the hallway, into the second room.