The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1894-01-04
DENOUNCED IN COURT
Queer Business of the Mutual
Land and Building Syn
dieate.

"a bunco steering racket for the unwary
and unwily,n "Roper's gang of thieves" :"
were the terms nsed by Counsellor John A..
DENIM, this morning, in describing befoIe
Judge Puster in the Fist District Court, the
peculiar method employed by the Mutual
Land and Building Syndicate of No. Al
Montgomery street
From the evidence it would seem that the
company is type of the ever-famous Anglo
Bengalee Loan and Disinterested Trust Com
pany. One thing is certain that innumer-
able complaints have been made about
its transactions and only few days
ago lawyer named Sullivan came from
Denver, Col, to investigate the Mutuars
affairs He called on well known lawyer
accusations against the company.
This morning an Italian woman named
Vicenza Capuano of No. 30 Railroad avenue
told q story bearing out what the lawyer
had said.
THE ITALIANS STORY.
Mrs. Capuano and her brother-ln- law
Lonenzo went to the company's offices in
November last and wished to borrow the
one $1,000 and the other $500. A man
named Blumenthal behind the desk of the
company made out some forms and collected
S11040 from one and $96. go for the other s'as
security that they would take the loans. "
But when the loans were paid these sums
would be returned
Blumenthal said that the loan would be
made in ten days, and asked about the secur-
ity The Capuanos offered two houses on Rail-
road avenue, which Agent Blumenthal said
would be sufficient The ten days elapsed,
but no loan was granted, and when applica-
tion was made by the Capoanos for the re-
turn of the $110.40 and S96.60, the officers OF
/ |. 1ax,r bo1 OF ham
ployed Lawyer Jno DENIM, who interviewed
Mr.. Roper. Secretary of the company who
said he didn't know Mr. Blumenthal; that
he wasn't an agent of the company and that
he had no authority to make any promises
On behalf of the company, Blumenthal gave
receipt for the money on an official form
of the company with the word agent" at
the bottom.
All this Capuano and Mr. DENIM testi-
fed to.
MR. RoPER's TESTIMONY.
Some witnesses were examined when Ex-
Judge r.. B. Seymour, counsel for the
Mutual Company put Mr.. Roper on the stand.
Mr.. Roper is little quiet, sleek looking
man who might at first be taken for priest.
He spoke in an undertone and glibly told
what a nice company he is secretary for.
The sCapuanos he said, had subscribed
Then Mr.. Denim tackled him upon bis
salary as secretary and who the directors
were and what they did. Raper squlrm-
ed and tried to avoid answer
ing the question because it was
his private business. He admitted that he
gave his whole time to the affairs of the
company but said he didn't receive any sal
ary.
Counsel could get nothing satisfactory out
of Roper as to the manner of running the
companys concerns and finally gave it up.
Mr.. Seymore summed up for the company
and claimed it was an honest one doing busi-
ness in a legitemate manner
Mr.. DENIM indicated the methods of the
company aad made Roper turn all colors of
the rainbow when be used the expressions
appearing above.
JUDGMENT FOR THE ITALIANS.
Judge Puster in rendering his decision
said TT is perfectly clear to the Court
that Blumenthal was the agent
of the company, and that they
knew he was at their office
transacting business for them and making
those representations to secure loans. Judg-
ment shall be entered for the amount
claimed y
Counselor DENIM lost no time when judg-
ment was entered. He at once placed con-
stable in possession of the Office at No. AZ
Montgomery street
Mr.. DENIM says that he will bring the
matter to the attention of the Grand Jury.