The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-21
CAPTURE OF B. F. GARDINER.
lie Is Found in st. Louis, Working Another
Fraudulent Scheme.

telegram was received from ST. Louis by
United States Marshal Foster. Yesterday. stat
ing that B. F. Gardiner had been arrested there
Gardiner was convicted in the federal court
mere, less than year ago. of using the mails for
fraudulent purposes, and while serving his
sentence in the Hendricks county Jail, escaped
last spring. Since then his whereabouts
have been unknown until he was found
in st. Louis few days ago by a
postottice inspector engaged in his old business.
The st. Louis Globe Democrat yesterday con-
tanned the following regarding his movements
and operations there
The charge upon which Gardiner is wanted is
that he has been sending matter through the
mails for the purpose of fraud, and that he has
also been sending out obscene matter. He is
wanted in Indiana on an old case he having
escaped from Jail at Danvie seven months ago
While he was confined on the charge of using the
mails for purposes of fraud. Mr.. Gardiner who
comprises the st. Lous Stamp and Minette
Company, is alleged TO have come to this town
three months ago and meeting Mrs. Hattie
Schwab at picnic. succeeded in getting into her
confidence and bank account to the extent of
about $780, with which he started the Stamp
and Miuette Company. The company proposes to
furnish to parties sending for them stamps Of
photographs or pictures upon receipt of certain
amount OF money tie was taken to his
boarding house presided over by Mrs. Hattie
Schwab, and when she learned that Gardiner
was arrested. and what he was arrested for, she
fell off into dead swoon, that the detectives
had quite lively time between holding the
prisoner and resUscitatng the woman. The
place where the company did business was
searched very thoroughly, and there were found
a number of circulars addressed to ladies only,
setting forth the advantage Of certain articles.
number of nude photographs and semlnu
ones were found some of them in envelopes
with the name of Genelli thereon. The photo
graphs have been turned over to Special Agent
McAfee. of the Society for the Suppression of
Vice, and the Stamp aud Minette Companys
Office, No. no Olive, was given over to the
charge of the United States marshals
The arrest was made through the eXertions of
Detective Erskine to whom the postal authori-
ties are indebted for great deal Of very valuable
gratuitous work Some days ago Mr.. Erskine
met Gardiner on the street, and Gardiner said:
"Well, know you want me-"
"Oh. no, don't want you very bad l know
you're wanted Indiana, though" said Mr..
Erskine.
How much will you get to take me inl" the
man asked.
II won't get anything" said Mr.. Erskine,
whereupon Gardiner offered Mr.. Erskine money
and he refused to take it. Gardiner said he
could see him during the week at
his Office. and Erskine Immediately in
formed Inspector Ward. Several visits
were paid to his place, but he was out, and it
was learned that he transacted all his business
at his boarding house That is how he came to
be captured. Gardiner. alias Gordon, was
convicted in November, 1884, of sending matter
through the mails for fraudulent purposes
While in Jail at Danville. according to his
admission to Mr.. Erskine, the keys were put
near his cell Intentionally, and he opened his
door and skipped out. He was then under
sentence. He was engaged in sending out
directions to how to do gold, silver and nickel
plating A victim got set of prescriptions for
a dollar, and found that the materials could only
be purchased of the Stamp and Minette Com
pany.
Detective Erskne has been directed by United
States Marshal Foster to bring Gardiner to this
city, and he will probably arrive this evening.