Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-25
INSURANCE SHARPERS.
REMARKABLE CONSPIRACY FORMED TO
DEFRAUD COMPANIES.

DissoIute Printers Paid Sums of Money to be
dition to Pass Examination-Fun Expose
of the Scheme.
NEW YORK, October 24.-The Chronicle,
an insurance journal of this city, in its
issue of the 23d inst, contained an interest
ing account OF a conspiracy to defraud life
insurance companies, from which the fol-
lowing particulars are taken:
Some time before the close of 1889, the
Chronicle received information to the effect
that certain person in the city of New
York was engaged in insuring the lives OF
dissolute printers. This person had re-
tanned in his interest one or more compost
tors having large personal acquaintance
among the craft, who were willing, for
consideration, to secure subjects for in
surance." Among these "procurers" was
a man named Caldwell. The plan of the
conspirators was a very simple one, viz, to
bribe dissolute printers to insure their lives
and afterward assign the policies to a per-
son who goes by the name of Jones. The
subjects OF Insurance., pending the issuance
of the policies. were taken care of, lib
orally fed and provided with all things nee
essary to their body comfort. In some
cases the insurances were effected through
suburban agents; in other cases through
New York City agents.
At the earliest possible moment the
Chronicle began a systematic investigation
of the fraud. A ter obtainining the names
Of several printers who had bargained with
the conspirators, one OF them, named Regau,
was located, and from him was obtained
full written statement of his own experience.
In an affidavit Regan says that he was in
sured by Jones in October, 1889. Being
out of work and hard pressed for money, he
he told Caldwell, who was very near to
Jones, that he was willing to become in
sured. Caldwell introduced him to Jones.
Jones said he could not insure him then, as
he had case on hand, but would take him
later. Regan kept sundry appointments
with Jones before Jones was ready for him,
receiving money In small amounts every
time. About the middle of October he
again met Jones, who bought him a COM
plete outfit of clothes. Caldwell was pres
ent and took Regan to Turkish and elec-
trio bathing establishment. Jones left when
they went to take the Turkish bath.
Caldwell and Regau then proceeded to a
suburban town in New Jersey, where they
put up at a good boarding house. Jones
visited them about twice week, and left
money each time. During his first weeks
stay there Regan was given only enough
liquor to strengthen his nerves. and while
taking it bracing medicine was added. Aft
erward he took beef tea and no liquor until
he passed the first examination. which he
did with ease. and his life was insured in a
big New York insurance company for
$1,000.
1t was then suggested that be should enter
another company for more money to him, to
which he did not object. He was in good
condition at that time, and, he says. did not
need much training. The second examina-
tion was also successful, and he was insured
for g., 500. When the policy was delivered
Jones was present. He took Regan before
a notary public, and the policy was trans
ferred to Jones, who paid him $40 so, max
ing in all about SIS in cash which Regan
received.