Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-08-09
IS 1T HARVEY BLAIR2
Supposed Arrest of Crook Who Robbed
n Richmond Man of 5000.

There seems to be little doubt that
Horace d. Baker who was arrested In
vineland. N. j.. some ten days ago, is
the same man who worked" a Richmond
Christian Endeavorer out Of $500 about a
year ago. and subsequently attempted to
get much larger amount from the First
National Bank on d forged draft.
From the description Of the man Chief
of-Police Tpe, Officers Tomhnson and
Hall, and Cashier Burnett, Of the bank in
question, all concur in this opinion.
Several days ago Major Poe received a
picture from the Pfnkertons who wanted
10 know If IL was Il likeness of Blair.
The Chief showed II to a number Of
persons who met Blair when he was
htSe and they failed to recognize II.
A second photo was written for, but
this differed very little from the first.
1t was shown Mr.. Burnett. who thought
IL might possibly be picture of the
long-sought-for without his beard. BY
covering the lower portion of the face
with hts hand Mr.. Burnett said that
the likeness became quite apparent. The
cashier Will probably leave to-day for
Vineland 10 see If he can identify the
man held there. In the mean time Major
Poe has written to the Pinkertons,
through whom the arrest was made, for
third picture Of the prisoner, and its
arrival. which is expected In a day or
two, will probably decide the question
positively.
IN THIS CITY.
Blair first came to Richmond in the
spring OF 1892. He made himself very
agreeable TO the Coed Templars. and
promised 10 use his influence with the
rich temperance people North to have
them contribute towards a hall for the
Templars In this city. He returned q
year later and began TO cultivate the
Christian Endeavorers. His conduct was
that of an exemplary young man. He
showed a wonderful familiarity with the
Bible. was well up In the Christian En-
deavor work, and led numerous prayer
meetings. Blair was a man Of good adj
dress and always wore good clothes.
Giving as an excuse that he wanted to
make a donation Of $50 to the good cause
he induced leading Christian Endeavorer
to have draft cashed for. him. This
piece OF accommodation cost the gentle
man $500.
BIG GAME.
But II was on Mr.. Burnett. cashier Of
the First National Bank. that Blair con-
centrated his Establishments. He began
by taking board In the same house with
that gentleman. Mr. Burnett was sick
for while and Blair played the Good
Samaritan, bringing him flowers, etc.
There was something about the young
mans actions. however, that made Mr..
Burnett just q little bit suspicious and
SO when the former came to the bank and
opened an account. saying that he was
representing . syndicate that was going
into large transactions here that would
lead to their placing thousands upon thou
sands to their credit, Mr.. Burnett deemed
II necessary to be cautious.
Al HxOcr Apnrcry,r
When Blair thought he was solid with
the bank officer he presented an, out-of-
town draft and wanted an advance'on II.
While Mr. Burnett was In telegraphic
communication with the bank upon which
the draft was drawn. the police were cali
ed In. Sergeant Tomlinson was In the
bank here ready to arrest Blair. but the
officials Of the institution told him to
wait Ne did 20. and Blair. becoming sus-
picio,is left.
Blair next went to Petersburg, where ne
levied tribute TO the extent OF several
hundred on = prominent Presbyterian
divine.
Several times II was thought Blair had
been arrested. and on one occasion his
Richmond victim went a. far az Peoria.
H.. In an attempt 70 identity him.
The specific offence for which Blair was
arrested IN vineland was that Of obtain
ing money on fraudulent drafts from the
Hartford National Bank. Of Hell Air. Nd.