Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-01-15
THE TWO OI.n SINNERS.
No Doubt That They are Both Confidence
Men.

No Doubt That They are Both Confidence
Men.
Detectives Raft and Carter have received ad-
ditional information concerning the arrest OF
John, alias Joseph Thomas and John Brown,
the two old men arrested yesterday, and there
is no doubt that they are genuine confidence
men. Thomas has lengthy criminal record.
his career as a .'con' man extending back some
years. They were both released from .he
Bridewell prison near Baltimore about a month
ago, after having spent year there for a con-
fidence game in Baltimore.
Detective Raft left here this morning for Bea-
yer county. Pennsylvania, to find the colored
witness, Peter Pettis. who was relieved of his
money at the baltimore and Ohio depo. Tues
day afternoon.
THE USE OF CHALK.
In the satchel which Thomas had Was found,
among other things, piece of chalk, which
the officers suspect be had for use. Professional
confidence men in working their game often
use chalk to make sure Of their prey. The way
they work the game is this: The VIC
tim is selected when ne is seen either
at the ticket Office or some other place
to take roll Of money from his pocket, and
sometimes for fear Of the failure on the pal
of the one who picks him out TO identify HIM.
chalk mark is made on his coat Then the
thieves enter into conversation with HIN and
gain his confidence previous to discovering the
necessity Of securing some cash money 20 set
tie an imaginary bill before they can go out
and get q check cakhed.
The two prisoners were taken 10 the Police
Court today, but owing 10 the absence Of the
prosecuting witness the case went over until
Saturday.
Damages Awarded.
In the Circuit Court, Judge Cox. this morn
ing the case Of Geo. +. Erdman against d. W.
Hereof was tried and verdict for plaintiff
for SIS and costs rendered. Ii was claimed that
in July last the defendant sent to Erdnsn's
stable to borrow his carriage and the plaintiffs
boy refused e. let il 60, and then sent snother
boy whose horse he would hire for the carriage,
and the boy got il and hitched up. but the horse
ran away, smashing the carthage Suit wac
fhereupon brought FOR the damage 90 the car
ria0e and the defense was that the carriage was
damaged before il was delivered 70 him ana he
was not therefore responsible. Mr.. Fitman APP
peared for the plaintiff and Mr.. Lipscomb for
the defendant
Real Estate MatterA.
S.P. Smith has purchased for 4.00o of Ann
z Davidson subs - and i02, square 80, each
fronting HISS feet by s6-5e feet in alley be-
tween z, r, North Capitol streets and New Jer>
sey avenue northwest
Adds b. Browne has purchased for s7syeoe OF
A. T. Brittcn IN undivided half interest In sub
lots Is and 26. square -. s.a6s feet, fronting
e feet II inches on Y between 9Th and 7th
streets northwest.
b. D. Stone and T. r. Burkef. trustees. have
bought for &c, 500 Of Il. l. Irvine parts II and
Is, square o19, ISL feet front ON Ilfh between
O and II directs northwest
r. n johnson has bought for fl0.00o Of @.
". Taylor sub O., square 634, fronting - feet
on Eev Jersey avenue between B and G streets
northwest
C. A sautter has purchased for 80. 90 Of
Emma ). Eex sub s.. square SIS. - BY 81 feet
On tn between ID and Z streets southwest
naags sfths 1AsDs0ssr
M fon0wing were Ne readings ~ she dgnd
once today: Q an, n; . pa- -; nAKinnn.