Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-05-02

the press while he was working off the
notes. These sheets, of course, retained
perfect impressions Of the plates, and it was
only necessary to make electrotypes from
them in order to obtain absolute copies Of the
originals, all ready to print from. Doyle, who
was caught with the bonds in Chicago, was
merely employed as shower and in that
line he was something Of genius himself. In
appearance he resembled . cattle drover-a
very big and jolly looking man-with a per-
ceptlbly rural air and q manner that was
hearty and taking. His method was to drop
into bank, extract half dozen 81, 900 bonds
from huge wallet, shove them across the
counter and say that he wanted few thousand
no; ne guessed not. So he would get the cash,
shake hands with the cashier and walk out.
The bonds would be locked up safely in the
vaults where nobody could see them and all
was WE'LL II he had sold them they would have
circulated and their numbers might have be-
trayed them az duplicates.
THEY MAY BE CROOKED NOW.
"You ask what security exists that Smith and
Brockway are not at present once more in
cahoots and engaged in the production of new
counterfeits2 My answer is that we cannot be
sure that such is not the case. The best that
can be done Is to keep a sharp eye upon them
1t would be very. difficult for Charley Smith to
accomplish anything in that line now without
getting caught. You must remember that his
security in times past lay in the fact that he
was beyond suspicion. 1t has been surmised in
some quarters that Smith is responsible for this
new 81 silver certificate, but do not believe it
Tor moment, simply because the work upon
IT ID not at all up to his standard. Brockway
has likewise been suspected, possibly with JUS
tlce My opinion is, however, that such bust
ness would be too small game for him. He and
Smith have been the aristocrats Of the pro-
fossion. Neither of them would be likely
to fly SO low. And now, as to this same So
L 10 eriv- haiti
to most erroneous impression that has gone
abroad. In the first place, it is not a photo
graphic counterfeit. Secondly, it is not a very
dangerous counterfeit. With the notes issued
by Smith and Brockway it bears no COMPARE
son Whatever. Not only is it untrue that we
have been unable to discover any flaws in it.
but the banks and the experts at the treasury
recognized it as a forgery before it was ever
submitted to our judgment at the bureau Of
engraving and printing. We ourselves could
not nave been for a moment deceived as to its
character. 1t is a dangerous counterfeit GER
talnly because what we call its general effect
Is good; but 1t will not bear examination at all
PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES NOT DANGEROUS.
much excitement has been occasioned lately
by the dangers that were alleged to threaten us
in the shape of Photographic processes, by which
forgers could copy Uncle Sans money with abb
solute accuracy. 1t is all bugaboo. None Of
the processes now in existence will produce a
dccently successful counterfeit. The reason
why this is so will explain to you presently.
1T Is only as an accessory that the most
sklllful counterfeiter is able to utilize mechan-
zeal processes OF any sort. One plan that he
ink by soaking it for a while in q weak solution
OF potash and lay the piece Of paper money
down nat upon steel plate that has been pre-
viously covered with very thin film of white
wax. Then he subjects it to pressure, and,
upon removing the note, the imprint of its de,
sign in every detail is left upon the wax. Now
ne proceeds TO go over every line and dot Of
this imprint with a sharp pointed tool that
scratches, through the wax, the steel plate be-
meath. Finally he removes the wax and there
on the steel Ia his design for the counterfeit all
marked out. But here the mechanical part Of
the performance ends and he must 60 ahead
and finish 1t by hand with craving instruments.
ANOTHER PLAN USED.
Another plan OF the forger's ID to coat his
steel plato with the thinnest possible film of
varnish. On this he lays the real note that he
wants to copy and applies pressure. Next,
taking the plate out Of the press, he moistens
the note, which sticks to the varnish, and
until nothing of it is left save the ink design
on the varnish. Over this he goes with steel
point, removing with it the varnish wherever
the ink is. Finally he applies acid, which eats
out the steSi Wherever It has been exposed and,
removing the varnish, he has Q tracing Of the
design on the plate. But hero again there is
only guide and he must make his engraving
with hand tools.
''Yet another process ID to make in camera
an ordinary glass negative of the note design,
plate covered with a gelatine aim and etch il
with acid, thus producing what is called . pho
togravure. But this, in like manner, is only .
beginning and must be completed by ordinary
engraving methods. So you see that, however
you 60 about 1t, you always find yourself con-
fronted with the necessity of making an en-
craving by hand; and, inasmuch q human
hands can never perfectly initiate the engraving
work OF human hands, . counterfeit Of United
States note that shall be beyond detection 10 An
are the skilled engrsvers, who, in very rare
cases, may adopt criminal practices fortu-
nately engravers - Q rule are mon of high char.
acter. On the other hand, our great protection