The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-12-06
PLANT OF A SLEUTH
A WOJLD-BE SHERLOCK HOLMES
THINKS HE HAS BEEN BITTEN.
Pittsburg Police to Investigate the
anapOiis-Scheme of the Concern.
Special to the Indianapolis Jourpal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal
PITTSBURG, Pa, Dec. 5.-The police Of
f1cials OF Pittsburg are investigating the
National Detective Bureau. of indianapolis.
Clyde b. Kerns. young man of Port
Perry. Pa, called at the department and
complained he had paid money into the
bureau, In return for which he was to be-
come a member Of the bureau and receive
employment a professional sIeuth hound,
The certificate OF membership has been re-
ceived. but Kerns has derived neither ben
eft nor employment from it. The bureau
advertises extensively in Pittsburg and
other papers for agents to represent them
in every town. Kerns, being out of en-
ployment, and as he is of the age and dis
position that aspires TO detective work, an
swereI one of the advertisements. The
bureau sent him a letter and application
blank, with a request for fee of So. The
latter, IL stated. was to pay for his
detectives badge, certificate of membership,
card OF introduction. etc. He was advised
TO buy copy OF How to Become a De-
tective'' from the Detective Publishing
Company. of Indianapolis, for ST. The book,
1t was claimed. would give him all the nec-
essary instructions about identifying GRIM
inals and running them down. The bureau
promised him any work ii would have for
experienced sleuths in Port Perry. The lat
ter is small village of few hundred in
habitants. The certificate that accompanied
the letter is signed ''Chas. Ainge, Supt."
The badge is a nickel-plated affair. Kerns
says he has written several times for en-
ployment but received no answer The po-
lice say many persons have been victimized
by fake detective agencies, and that they
hox haan Ill
down the schemes. Superintendent of Po-
lice O'Mara has written to indianapolis ask
ing for information about the bureau.
Know Nothing About Them.
The city officials receive inquiries almost
daily regarding the several detective agen-
cies with headquarters in this city, and the
answer they make TO all such letters is that
they know nothing at all about them
Mayor Denny has made inquiries regarding
their manner of doing business. Superin-
tendent Powell has also investigated them,
but nothing unlawful has been found in
their operations. 1t is we'll known how
some of these agencies live. They csperd
on the dollars of the detective-struck young
men who more frequent in the small
towns than in the cities. Great induce
ments are held out to these credulous ones
and after reading the circulars sent out by
the agencies they dream of great riches
They can acquire wealth if sought-for-crim-
inals and lost people chance their way.
The badges sent out by the agencies are
worthless. and more than one young man
has got into trouble by wearing one No
police department in the country recognizes
them. The agencies send their agents a
paper containing the pictures and descrip-
tions of persons for whom the reward is
offered and for whom the legitimate detec-
tives of all the great cities are looking
An agents salary depends on his ability to
run down the persons sought. Occasionally
green hand is found who has some nat
ural ability, and he generally makes some
thing out of 1t. But while the thousands
Of agents or private detectives are watch
ing and waiting. the agency has the thou
sands Of entrance fees.