The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1888-04-12

cOguOm0u OF ne western OulOu MOTT
gage and Construction company" with
headquarters at 175 Dearborn street,
Chicago, and with branches purporting
to be at the First National bank, Fort
Worth, and I6 and 20 Broadway, New
York is flooding the country with circulars
that are eminently calculated to mislead
the innocent.
LOOKS LIKE FRAUD.
The company claims that their office is
the headquarters of the state bureau of
immigration and that they have
periodically organized to prevent immi-
grants from being deceived. They fur
ther say they are Texas institution,
com posed of Texas men of sterling
worth, and are in Chicago to represent
things just as they are in a straight
forward, honest, business-like manner.
SEDUCTIVE LETTER.
The following is a specimen of one of
the private letters sent ont by the firm, a
copy of which was sent to Secretary
Onilton:
CHICAGO, ILL.,, March 20, 1888.
Dictated by j. T. VI
Dear Sir-Your name has bsen forwarded to us as
the representative of the state of Texas our Oces
being the headquarters of the state bureau of III.
migration, we have maps and plots of lands whose
titles guarantee and have registry of all lands
for sale in the state or exchange for northern or
eastern property. We have organized our company
that intending emigrants might not be deceived in
their location purchase of land having had years
of experience in trading Texas lands, loaning of
money, and placing all Texas securities on the
markets.
Our company is composed of Texas business men
of sterling worth and strict integrity who have, in
organizing desire to keep land sharks and those
w would intending IMMIGRANT
OF the market, and have to do only with men of
responsibility and whose character is beyond
reproach. That is why we are here, and why the
state has made Chicago its headquarters. Another
reason is this city bein more central and easy of
access for information, ETC.
This company have over 100 square miles of
land in Archer county for settlement, which are
now being offered at very low figures. Although we
would like to dispose of our lands yet we, through
our extended influence in the state of Texas, can
secure for those DESTROYS of investing, any lands
they may require in the best locations of the state
we guaranteeing titles perfect, and the quality of
the soil as desired by the emigrant
We shall be pleased to answer all questions
regarding Texas, which may be propounded to us,
being Texas institution and here to represent
things just sas they are, in a straightforward,
honest, business-jike manner. Therefore, awaiting
your reply, we are Yours, respectfully,
WESTERN UNION NJ. and G. Co.
F. A. Roof, Assistant Secretary.
ILLUSTRATED LITERATURE.
The company has also sent out an illus
trated leaflet entitled, "How 81 Week will
Secure Home" and Glow 81 Week,
Without Interest, Buys Fruit Farm in
Texas" The leafet says:
"The Western Union Mortgage and
Construction company will sell a limited
number of five and ten acre fruit farms
for 500 and 5000 each, payable 81 and
| 81 week until paid, without interest or
taxes. Learn what club of ten persons
can do. The farms described are a few
alternate five and ten acre sections extern
sions on leading streets in the new towns
of "Archer" and "Windsor Park" which
| towns are now being laid out for select
northern colonies by The Western Union
Mortgage and Construction company.
The adjoining farms, of the same size,
are to be held by the company at an ad-
vanced price or subdivided into CITY lots.
Send your address, at once with
first payment Isl for five acres and So for
ten acres) and secure contract for deed,
map, etc. In case the whole number has
been allotted, the money will be returned"
| The leafst further says that the "Western
Union Mortgage and Construction COM
pany, real estate investment securities, has
a capital stock of $1,000,O00, fully paid up,
and possessions of over 100 square miles
of rich agricultural lands in Archer
county for settlement; rich mines of
coal, iron and copper; the towns OF
Archer and Windsor Park.
"Offices at New York, Chicago and Fort
Worth"
Secretary Chiffon was seen this morning
about the matter, and he says the whole
thing is fraud so far as claiming to
represent Texas and the State bureau of
immigration is concerned. He says there
are no such towns in Texas as Archer and
Windsor.
He will prepare and issue a circular de,
nounciug and exposing the concern which
bears upon its face evidence of fraud.