The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-02-05
ART VERSUS LAW.
Chief Brooks of the Secret Service
Outwitted.

New YORK Word.
Chief Brooks of the secret service
elm bed up to Louis Leserman's artrooms,
on the upper floors of 10 Cortlandt street,
last week Thursday and announced himself
as a buyer Of pictures. He spoke of several
works in oil which were displayed in
showcase near the street, and asked If there
wasn't a painting of a 500 bill among them.
Mr.. Leserman said there was.
That's for sale, isn't it?" asked the de-
tective.
The art-deaer said he would sell any
thing about his establishment, and brought
up the greenback picture for inspection. 1t
was framed, and to all appearances was a
perfect 500 bill. A strong magnifylng-
glass was required so show that every line
inside the gilt frame was made by paint
er's brush. Mr.. Brooks asked the price. 1t
was $50.
The picture was lying on counter, and
Mr.. Leserman rather thought he was going
to make a sale. The detective picked up
the painting in both hands as il to inspect It
again. Then he said coolly:
"Ithink I'll seize this picture"
II think you WON'T" retorted Mr.. Lesser
man, whose head reaches about to Mr..
Brooks waist. Quick as fash he grabbed
the picture from the detectives bands and
threw it into desk behind the counter. He
turned the key in the lock and had the key
in his trousers pocket before the big detec-
tive chief knew what had happened.
Pm Brooks" announced the detective,
throwing open his coat. Here's my badge.
Give me the picture"
How DO l know who you are?" asked
the picture-deaer. Anybody can wear n
badge"
Mr. Brooks said he was willing to go TO
Kennedy's hatstore. on the floor below. and
1t..l
him, and as they entered the store Mr.. Ken
nedy looked up and exclaimed:
Hello. BrOoks!"
Pm satisfied" said Mr.. Leserman.
"Now we'll 90 back and get the picture"
said the detective.
mo. we won't" replied the art-dealer., 81
don't think it's In the market, anyway. I'm
going to put il in my private collection"
81 shall seize it," said Brooks.
"Where's your search warrant?" ret0rted
Leserman.
The big detective admitted that the little
art-dealer had outwitted him and went
away. Mr.. Leserman consulted his lawyers
and carried the picture to his house, PIT
West Forty-ninth street.
The next day Chief Brooks came around
again and was told that the painted bill
was in Mr. Leserman's private collection,
aud that IL was going to stay there
Brooks went to the United States District
Attorneys Office for consultation aud ad-
vice. and Leserman was invited to 90 over
to the Federal building and listen to the law
on couuterfeits. An Assistant District At
torney read him good many pages. with
cOpous references TO other sections and
chapters.
Now you've heard the law" said Brooks.
land you'd better let me have the picture
without any more fuss"
II haven't heard the law" returned the
doughty Leserman. what do | know
about all those sections and chapters re-
ferred tos"
Brooks was at his wits end. He made
daily visits to Leserman and at last CON-
promise was effected Leserman agreed to
surrender the painted bill for the inspection
of the experts at Washington provided
Brooks gave him receipt for il. The
transfer was made last Thursday.
ut was not a seizure" said Mr.. Lesser
man yesterday. "Mr. Brooks may be a
very big man. but he can't seize any of my
works of art if Pm around. Pm perfectly
willing to abide by the decision of the au-
thorities at Washington and | expect to get
MY picture back"