The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1883-12-01
From the Daily Of Thursday.
ON THE BEAT,
A Formerly Prominent Merchant
In Montana Charged with
Confidence Opera
tions.

some eight years ago no hrm stood
higher in this section of Montana
than that Of Osborne 4 Dennee, at
Deer Lodge. Their business was
large and their liabilities promptly
met, and when their business was
closed up in 1873 they paid dollar for
dollar, but an atmosphere of uncer-
tain reputation always pervaded the
character Of the junior member of
the firm, and ugly stories were spread
about regarding some Of his former
transactions, in which it was alleged
he did not scruple to take unfair ad-
vantages by Misrepresentation and
sharp practices in his business deal
ings. Since the disruption of
tie firm at Deer Lodge. Dem
nee has operated in various
sections Of the northwest country
and now and then stories have been
circulated regarding crooked tran
sactions In which he was charged
with being implicated. 1t seems by
the following which appears In the
Portland Nesy West Of Nov. 18th,
that he has about run his race and
is about to be brought to a full stop
on account of croCkedness recently
perpetrated at Spokane Falls: ''Wm.
NICK. Dennee, who beat several per-
sous In this city out of various sums
Of money, has been at Spokane, and
left debts behind him there.
Mr.. Denuee used to he a member
of the firm Of Osborne h Dennee, of
Deer Lodge, Montana, house that
did very extensive business. Their
purchases in San Francisco amount
ed sometimes to as much Is $4,000
in one bill, and their obligations
were always met when due. The
firm, however, closed out some time
since, and very shortly afterwards
Dennee got into some swindling diff
ficulty, particulars Of which are not
necessary at present.
He came here very recently. and
pressed his intention to buy proper
ty in Seattle, having, so he said, a
quantity Of effects Of value, and quite
sum of money. By these repre-
sentations and means Of q telegraphic
dispatch, which 1t Is now supposed
be forged, and which said that 81 900
had been sent to him by a bank In
Deadwood, he
GAINED THE CONFIDENCE
of several people here. Besides, his
appearance was such a. would in
spire one with faith, he being we'll
dressed, business-like, polite and
genial man. about SO or IS years Of
age.
Before it was disclosed that he was
a confidence operator, he announced
to an old friend of HE, formerly a
merchant on Battery street, in San
Francisco. who used to furnish him
with goods when he was In business
in Montana, that he was going to
Spokane for a few days. This friend.
who is now a resident of Oregon, do
ing an extensive business In this
city, thereupon gave Dennee letter
of introduction to Charles Sweeney,
a Spokane merchant.
Yesterday the Portland friend re-
ceived telegraphic dispatch as fol-
lows:
"On your letter and draft he gave
me ON you, advanced him 500 and
sold him goods.
CHARLES SWEENEY
Thi, makes one more victim to this
operators schemes, the others, as fal
as heard from, being Shoaf & Ora
ham, $40; the Esmond Hotel SIS, and
a commercial traveller from San
Francisco, $40. Undoubtedly there
are others who have been victimize0
but who have not cared to make
| known their losses.
| Dispatches have been sent to Spo
| kane to have him followed and ar
rested, and he will, doubtless, b
| o,.,o1;l.- brourhf fn i71.fica ~