Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-03-24


on the look out not only for cOunterfeiters, but
to check Sny attempts to tamper with the
money OF the land, although there may be no
intent to defraud. Every now and then they
run across some advertising device in imitation
o! money, and put a stop to its further circula-
ton il 1t can be shown TO be illegal. The latest
they have picked up Is the silver dollar l,cket
most ingenious device, although intended
rather as curiosity than as an advertisement.
1t cannot be told from good dollar except by
the sound. There is nothing counterfeit about
It, in fact 1T takes two silver dollars to make one
OF these lockets, and this fact, together with the
care and labor necessary to construct the device.
shows conclusively that there is no intent to
counterfeit. One side of a silver dollar is care
fully followed out, and the side of another
dollar Is fitted on with q concealed slide and
hinge, SO delicately and accurately inserted
that an expert cannot tell that the standard
dollar has been tempered with: Only by touch
ing a concealed spring can the locket be opened.
jewelers. now offer these curiOsities for sale ut
seven or eight dollars piece.
REFERRED TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
When the attention of the secret service
officials was brought to the matter steps were
taken to test the question whether the device
could be classed as counterfeit. The question
was referred to the Attorney General, who de-
clined TO render an opinion on the ground that
1t was case for the courts to decide when il
should come before them. There seems to be
no doubt OF the manufacturers right to make
them, but person who should pass one of them
might be liable to arrest for passing counter
q.
however, that one would be passed.
ACCIDENTALLY DISCOVERED
1t was through mistake of that kind that
the device was discovered by the officials.
About a year ago Mr.. w. p. Lawrer, the assayer
OF the Treasury department, happened to be In
the lobby OF one of the hotels, when man ap-
preached the cigar stand and dropped a silver
dollar 10 pay for some cigars. 1t didn't have
the right ring, and the cigar man refused ito
take counterfeit money" The purchaser was
Indignant, but his protestations were in vain.
Mr.. Lawrer asked permission to look at the
coin. He was satisfied 1t was coined at the
mint, but was unable to tell what was wrong
offer was accepted. He carried the doubtful
coin In his pocket for nearly year. unable TO
solve 81 , the mystery connected with it.
and no doubt about its seal coinsse
but 1t would not sound right. Last February.
when the case Of the italian counterfeiters was
as an expert witness. One day be was i'm the
eo ",, was being discussed. 'By the
pocket and drawing out his mysterious pocket
piece, there is q coin that has puzzled me. /
can't what Il wreoE about IT, but
around for examination. One gentleman
dropped 1t on the table and 1t accidentally
ana the mystery was explained.
THE MANUFACTURES ENJoINED
The manufacturers of the device have been
enjoined by the government from making them
until the question as TO legality has been set
tied. jewelers. In this city have readily dis
posed OF number Of them at 81 each, but can
NOT Ontaln any more at present They are moi
al alike. some have the secret spring under
one Oh the letters on the coin, while others may
head, &c. The lockets are designed for bic
ture, and young men DESTROYS Of carrying the
image OF their best girl about them without the
chasers. -