Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-07-25
PENSION FRAUDS.
METHODS ADOPTED BY DISHONEST AGENTS In
WORKING BOGUS CLAIMS.

METHODS ADOPTED BY DISHONEST AGENTS IN
WORKING BOGUS CLAIMS.
Washington sp -cial: In an interview
published here to-day Pension Office exam
iner throws some light upon the methods
adopted by interruptions claimants snd
claim agents in working up bogus claims.
He saye, among other things; "There are
more tricks prscticed in the procurement OF
pensions than in the wbole Of the other de-
partmens put together. Many of the bogus
claims are colored cases. Not that colored
people a-e given to fraudulent practices, but
many of them sre easier victims 10 desigDipg
lawyer, and it s less difficult to p, rsonate a
dead negro than dead white man. As soc n
as a colored case comes before the Office it is
subjected 10 an extra amount of scrutiny. A
large portion of the colored widows drawing
pensions have remarked, and quite a large
number of claim ants are not the relicrs of
soldiers at all, but mere dummies put up by
wicked lawyers and others in place OF the
widows who have long sgo remarked and re-
linquished their claims"
allow IL this fraud msnaged?" was asked
"Easlly enough. A decent time Ia allowed
10 elapse after the marriage and the wom an
frightened into honest abandonment of her
claim. Then smother colored m an is obtain
ed, who makes the necessary affidavit before
a convenient notary, who certIfss TO her
| identity, and the rest is simple, straigbtfor-
ward work, which 10 frequently put in the
hands of decent attorney to carry through
| in all good faith. When a WON an is about
to remarry who is likely 10 iormslly re-
| nounce her rights, a member OF the gang will
prefer her his services to make the an
| nouncement in due shape, so as 10 leave her
| free TO contract the new relation safely.
| This is the prelude TO the proceedings / have
! spoken of. She receives n sham permit 10
msrry from the Pension Office, with peru aps
/ small extTa Payment that has bee M prom.
| isei as a result OF having the thing done
| properly. Many OF the dishonest lawyers
have three, four and sometimes FIVE so-called
| firms. One will open correspondence with
a would-be pensioner, or one who de-
sires his allowance increased. After ob.
tanning half the fee in advance for necessary
expense a long delay ensues. Then here
comes a circular from another member OF
the ring, stating that he has special facilities
for procuring the passage of The claim
| which is represented TO have been hopelessy
shelved. In case of favorable response the
next circular in the series is ssnt to him by
the third conspirator, and 30 on until the lis
is exhausted or the pensioners patience give
out. As matter Of fact there is no neel
for attorneys services to procure pensions
Every facility is offered by the office, ant
/ the applicant mas only 10 MI tne Dlanks ina
are sent him and tell the truth in his stor,
of reasons for asking the bounty. He mus
give this certified in accordance With in
structions, and then his case will 60 through
and be ac,ed on just IS speedily as though
he had hired a dozen lawers. OF couree, ig
porant men sometimes fail to cemprehen'
the simplest instructions, and much della
! and trouble is caused. Hence, the EN-
pIoyment Of a lawyer is rather favored b
ihos. who have the cases 10 pass upon, q
less labor is involved as a rule in the case
prepared BY professional hands,"
.Does all this exhaust the possibilities c
fraud by sttorneysP
"By no means. Men will go into snna
town and, after getting the signatures of
number of leading citizens, look up the ws
, records for that neighborhood. Among th
latter are sure to be found the names OF me
entitled to pensions who have never apple
for them. Applications will be m ade out
these names ami he signatures of the nece
sary nnmber Of leading men of the plse
forged 10 the certificate of service, etc. I'll
E resi of the process is easier than with
: | genuine cssen