Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1894-05-14

dlVldual named George 5. Howard.
calling himself q doctor, located in low
or Fairfax and soon made numerous &C.
qualntances. He said he was Brah-
min, theosophist, an ex-member of
| the Confederate army and, in short.
like the Bagdad barber in the Arabian
Nights Entertainment, an adept in
everything pertaining to science and
philosophy, or things terrestrial or celes-
tial. He said he hailed from Missouri,
and it is alleged he induced two sons Of
eX-Gov. Price, of that State to come
to Virginia. it being understood the
doctor, was to establish a colony
which would be the hub from which
his wisdom was to radiate and enlight-
en- the world. The more sober
class of the neighborhood, however,
soon suspected Howard of being
a mysterious character His career
has long since been subject
OF comment in lower Fairfax. His IL
fluence over both men and women
seemed to be growing stronger every
day, and the doctor" was supposed to
be enriching himself at the expense Of
the susceptible Howard had been ior
some time visitor at Gunston Hall,
the home OF Mr.. Joseph Specht, into
which he had iusnuated himself, and
Mrs. Specht was said to have drank in
his teachings with avidity, Towards
colloquial powers and magnetism exer-
cising powerful influence over
her too susceptible nature. On
Saturday last Mr.. Specht left home
for short time, and while absent the
Brahmin, theosophist, &C., proceeded
10 Gunston Hall and, as he supposed,
found Mrs. Specht alone. After engag-
ing the lady in conversation for while,
it is said, he produced a note purporting
to come from Mr.. Specht in which the
! latter was made 10 request his wife To
send nun five thousand dollars imme-
diately by Howard. Howard further
told her her husband was in Washing
ton, and having urgent need OF Il e
money had sent him for it. Mrs.
Spechr, il is said produced the money,
and Il lew minutes later Howard
was rapidly lengthening the distance
| between himself and GunSton Hall.
Mr.. Specht, upon his return home, was
informed by his wife OF the transaction,
and, rs may be supposed, was nc little
incenscd when lie realized he had been
swindled out OF fve thousand dollars.
He came 10 this city yesterday and had
an interview with Chief of Police Web
ster, and every means was resorted TO
ia order to apprahend the sWlndler.
The boats leaving this port were
searched and the Washington authori-
ties notified to keep a sharp lockout
| for Howard, but 50 far his whereabouts
have not been ascertained People we'll
acquainted with Howard think he has
not run away and that he only borrow
ed the money. He lives on the Gun
ston place, where he keeps fine horses
and dogs.
The PENlARY.-The democrats Of
this city will hold a primary election
tomorrow TO nominate candidates for
| the offices of Commonwealth, AttOr
ney, City Treasurer, Clerk of the Courts,
Commissioner of the Revenue, City
Sergeant, an Aldermen from the Third
ward to fill vacancy and Magistrates
and Constables in all the wards. For
the five State officers first named the
present incumbents have no opposition,
nor will there be much interest taken
in the election of Magistrates and Con-
stables. The contest in the Third ward
for Aldermen, between Messrs. L. V.
Risheill and L. NJ Davis, will be quite
animated, out will be conducted in a
most friendly manner All the candi
dates express the wish that, notwith-
standing the fact that so few of them
have opposition, all democrats will turn
out and vote and make the primary as
large as possible.