The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-01-16
MARLEY AN OLD CROOK.
HIS swINDLING OPERATIONS IN
SAVANNAH YEARS AGO.

In Jail Here q Long Time for Passing
Bogus Checks on Fathers O'Hars aud
Schlencke, but Released on Account
of Sicknsss-To be Brought Here for
Trial When the Florida Courts Get
Through With Him.
"Gen. W. Z. Maxley," the notorious
swindler. who Is now behind the bars at
Jacksonville awaiting trial for defrauding
the convent school Of that city by means Of
9 bogus check, has made his living for
years by sUindling converts, schools, clergy
men and churches. He relied upon the
good nature and desire to avoid notoriesy,
of those who were duped to escape prose-
ton, and in most instances he was success
full.
People 10 religious life seldom care to
figure in courts or newspapers. and gsner-
ally when they are caught by characters Of
"Maxley'' stamp, they prefer..to accept the
results In silence. But this time the adroir
confidence man carried bis scheme to ex-
tremes in one section, and his chances for
tasting the sweets OF convict life and wear
zebra suit ars the best in the world.
TRIED IT HERE BEFORE.
"Maxley's" recent unsuccessful swindling
visit TO Savannah was not his first. When
Justice Frank McDermott read the account
in the MORNING News a few DAYS ago of
"Maxley's" escspade here 10 at once carried
his recollection back seven years When he
arrested a man for defrauding Rev. Thomas
j. O'Hara, the then pastor OF st. Patriok's
church, OUT of s25, and Rev. Henry
Schleucke of Columbus out of the same
amount by means Of worthless checks.
That man gave she name Of "Dobbins,n but
as the description OF "Mexleyn and Dob
bins" are identical Justice McDermott is
satisfied they are one and the same man.
THE SYMPATHY PLAN.
His method of operation at that time,
however, was on the sympathy plan. He
called at Father O'Hara's residence and ex-
planning that he was a siok Catholic on his
| way to Florida, asked the reverend gentle
| man to accommodate him by cashipg q
| check for $25, as he had run short OF funds
"Dobbins" had such a plausible address
| that Father OHara's svmpnthies were
| aroused and he accepted the check. Next
| day when he presented IL for collection at
| the bank he was told that 10 was worthless
The matter was placed in Justice MoDer-
| motifs hands, and Ia q few hours he capt.
ured "Dobbins" Ia South Broad street
saloon taking a drink preparatory TO lesv-
ing the city.
1 IDENTIFIED BY THE PRIEST.
The justice carried his prisoner to Father
| O'harab house for9 Identification, and as
soon as the priest entered the room Dob
bins" began a long tale Of excuses for bis
act, claiming be had not intended anything
criminal and proposed sending the money
back as soon as he reached Florida and
| could secure a remittance from home. The
fellow put up such pitiful plea that Father
| O'Hara was about to order his release when
| Father Sohlencke Of Columbus arrived at
the house. The moment his eyes rested on
''I)obbins" he took In the situation. and in
| q ocular manner he said: "Ah, Mr.. Dob
bins, how is my S25 which l gave you for q
check a few days agop
SICK AND LET GO.
The fellow saw he was trapped aud Of
| fered no more excuses. Father O'Hara
| took out a warrant for him and he was
placed in jail to await trial. but after sew
eral months confinement he became very
| sick, and as 10 was thought his time on earth
was short nolls prosequi was entered in
| his case and he was allowed to 20. Justice
| McDermott had supposed the swindler long
since dead, until he read Of Maxlsy in the
| MORNING NEWS.
II the Florida courts should fail to con-
| vict him Sheriff Roman will bring May
| ley" 20 Savannah for trial. Under the
Georgia law the passing or attempting to
pass bogus check Is felony punishable
like forgery.