The morning call., 1893-01-26
A SMOOTH SWINDLER.
Selling Worthless ChrOmos as Works
of Art

Selling Worthless ChrOmos as Works
of Art.
No one but man who makes it busl-
ness to live upon or by his wits would
imagine that profitable venture would be
the laying In of a stock of cheap chromos 10
sell to the general public as works of art in
the line Of oil and water coors, painted
TO order aud left on the artists hands by
derelict patrons. but glib young man,
passing under the name OF Cogswel, is one
Of those who has sharpened his wits TO an
extent mat numerous victims are anxious
Tor more Intimate acquaintance with him.
One OF the young mans shady transac-
tons Will serve TO illustrate his modus
operandi and at the same time operate to
warn prospective victims against his machi-
nations. One day last week he entered the
drugstore of J. c. Vote on Golden Gate
avenue, and, showing that gentleman two
pictures gaudily framed, explained that he
as an artist had received an order for their
painting from a gentleman who had been
suddenly called to New York. leaving them
on his hands unpaid for. Unfortunately
the artist had Endorsed for friend some
paper which he was called upon TO pay.
Being short of money Re was compelled to
sell his works OF art at once, and although
they were worth sos, ard were dirt cheap at
that. under the circumstances lie would dis
pose OF them at the Insignificant price OF
SO The prevailing drug war had not put
Vote IN frame Of mind to purchase speci-
mems OF art at any price, so he promptly de-
clined to do business with the man, nor
would he even examine the offered treas
ures. To rid himself of the mans impOr-
tunities Vote happened TO think of a
friend who was just furnishing q house
In the vicinity, gave him the name
of Walter ID. BurIIngame, assistant cashier
n tirRry tell bat
tleman might possibly desire something in
the line Of art. Cogswell was prompt to
act upon the hint, and finding Mrs. Bur-
lingame at home alone Informed her that
her husband had purchased the pictures
for $40 and authorized him TO deliver them
70 his wife and collect from her the amount.
But the lady was suspicious and refused TO
pay till her husband came home, telling him
that II be was In so great a hurry for his
money he would have 10 90 back to her bus
band. Not discouraged Coeswell ap-
preached Mr.. Burlingame and told him the
wife had made the purchase and sent him
TO the husband for pay. This the latter for
a time declined TODD. but finally accepted the
proposition to pay So down and the balance
tie next day, providing the pictures satisfied
both husband and wife. comparison of
notes when the couple met in the evening re-
suited in an artist being called In who pro-
nOunced the pictures and frames dear bar
gain at 81 30. When an agent called at the
house next morning to collect the S. bal
snce he met with quite a warm reception,
and COgswell so far has failed to accept the
invitation conveyed TO him to call person.
ally and get his pay.
DIR. Brown, City Physician, who heard
his friend Buringame relate the occurrence,
remarked: 'Why, that must be the same
fellow who sold me some Of his leftover
works of art"
Cogswell. who claimed to have a studio in
the st. AIMS building. is a stout young
man about 80 years of age. neatly dressed
in black frock SUIT, derby hat and wears
dark brown mustache. he is good looking,
a very smooth tsIker and apparently is
rosted in art technicalities judging from Lis
language.