Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-03-05
ANOTHER VICTIM.
An Ex.Confederate General the Victim
Of Bunko Men. ~ -.lI.s.

An Ex.COnfederate General the Victim
Of Bunko Men. ~ ajax.
NKw York, March "A wealthy ex-
confederate General, who has been stop
ping in this city for the past few days, was
on Thursday swindled by bunko men out
of$1,S7o. The victim is q man of expert
ence, and has travelled considerably, AMI
considers himself well posted on things in
general. About 10 o'clock in the morning
be started for a stroll up town. he walked
q considerable distance when he grew tired
and hailed a passing hack. The driver
dropped his fare by mistake al the corner
of Fourteenth street. and Broadway, and
the passenger, who desired to 60 still fur
ther, was about 70 re enter the vehicle
when a well-dressed, gentlemanly-looking
young man approached and ex-
claimed: why, General l am de-
Looked in Amusement
Mt the Young man, but politely accepted his
hand. Really" said he, you have the
advantage of me-" why, you don't know
me; well, you know my uncle" aud the
young man named a prominent banker
doing business in the city from which the
General hailed II know your uncle well"
said the General. They then conversed
about different matters. The young man
seemed to be thoroughly posted about the
Generals affairs. Suddenly he happened
to think of some elegant pictures he had
purchased while in Paris an ! which GER
tainly must have arrived by this this time.
A friend of his around the corner was to
look after himself by coming little out OF
his way to see them. He could acquaiut
the Young mans uncle OF the purchase
upon his return South.
The General Consented
to 90 with bis newly discovered friend and
was led into a place about 50 feet off Broad
way, The person they called on was very
sorry, but the pictures had not arrived. 1t
was owing to the young gentleman's own
negligence, he said. But then you need not
feel entirely disappointed, =" added the gen
ial store-keeper; Il have good news for
you" "How's that? asked the young
man. "Why, that ticket you bought when
$500" The usual game was then played on
the unsuspecting stranger, who first lost
his cash amounting TO $270 and then
check for 81, 800. Even then he had not
the slightest idea he was the dupe OF his
young friend. As the pair stepped into the
street the young man cautioned the Gener-
al not to mention the circumstance OF their
loss to his uncle. II the affair were E-ade
known, he said, it would ruin his repata'
ton. The General
Promised to Keep Silent
and they separated. Several hours after
ward be began to think the whole matter
over, and the more he thought the more he
was convinced he was victim of q party
OF confidence. He made the facts known
to friend and was advised to acquaint
the police with the whole proceedings.
This be did and Inspector Byrnes sent out
a couple of detectives to investigate the
case and capture the swindlers. 1t is un-
derstood the men were found and COM
PEELED to disgorge. Swindlers have been
obtaining sums of money from wealthy
citizens on the pretense of collecting
funds for the new life saving corps. The
fire commissioners are investigating the
matter. Printed subscription lists we're
circulated by the rogues, the names OF
prominent men with large amounts APP
pended filling the sheets The names OF
VIM. II. Vanderbilt and one OF his sons
were written on the lists. a wealthy lady
being applied 10 gave $50 on the strength OF
NsnderbiltS name.