New-York tribune., 1896-05-25
HE WAS AN EASY VICTIM
HOW VAN RIPPER LOST THOUSANDS OF
DOLLARS TO HIS THREE FRIENDS.

DEGREES THAT COST MoNEY-s2247 FOR MEDALS
AND slsoco FOR INsURANCE-poILcIEs on
PEOPLE HE NEVER SAW MADE PAY
ABLE TO HIM-AND FINALLY
5000 FOR JOB
Paterson, May "a (SpeciaD.-The arrest OF Dr.
Enoch Mather. who is a local physician and
manufacturer of patent medicines; Fletcher J. EN-
ley and Francis A. Thompson In this city, yester-
day. on charge OF conspiracy to defraud Daniel
Romaine Van Ripper out of several thousand dollars
created a sensation Later details. given out by ex-
Prosecutor William p. Gourey. counsel for Mr.. Van
Ripper make 1t appear that his client was an easy
victim The complaint upon which Mather. Emley
and Thompson sent to jail in default OF $500
bail recied that Thompson represented himself
general manager for New-York and New-Jersey Of
the United Central Life Insurance Company OF
Cincinnati. Emley introduced as the general
superintendent of the company for the States. II
was agreed that Van Ripper should receive ap-
pontment as manager for the New-Jersey district
provided he paid over cash security in the sum OF
5000. Thompson not the general manager OF
the company and this fact was known to Maher
and Emey. They were charged with aiding and
abettng the scheme 10 swin1le Van Ripper, and with
participating joint benenciaries in the money ex-
tored.
Romaine Van Ripper. the alleged victim. is middle
aged and a member of old and wealthy New
Jersey family. For a number of years he was
painter in oil and water-colors combining this with
photography. His studio at his home in
Straight-st. and Hamilton-ave. DR.. Mather opened
a medical institute next door about year ago, and
In this way the two became acquainted. DR.. Mather
is not recognized by his brother physicians. lie
poses q cancer specialist and advertises several
patent exirs warranted TO cure almost any COM
paint.
STRICTLY BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS.
hat he engaged
strictly business ctons with Van Ripper on his
own account. His influence was exerted TO secure
recognition of his negh5or by various medical col
leges and other institutions throughout the country
Van Ripper received the degrees of Bachelor Of Arts
and Master of Arts: medals and diplomas were
showered upon him, all for consideration. Mr..
Gourey exhibited twenty-seven checks given by
Van Ripper for these tokens Of esteem. His title
A. NJ is painted on his office door in the Romaine
Building with a score Of medals that cost him
s2247.
Mr. Gourley makes It appear that Van Riper has
been feeced on many pretexts. Several months ago
he introduced to Frank A. Thompson. who per-
suadcd him into insuring his life heavily. Van Ripper
not good risk and had previously been rejected
by several companies with whom he tried 10 place
policy. He had trouble whatever in passing the
examiner before whom he was brought. Heavy pre-
mums were paid. upon which. II is alleged Thomp
and Dr. Mather divided large commissions II
became difficult 10 secure more policies on Van
Riper's life even with the assistance of comp.acent
examiners, and then his new-made friends began TO
urge upon him the advantage OF nsuring the lives Of
other people In that he would not have TO
die to win. They induced Van Ripper to insure the
lives Of persons he never the death claim being
made payable to himself II Is not positively
serted that policies gotten ont for people who
never existed but Mr.. Van Ripper has paid out $4,000
within a few short months for insurance. He has
policies for people he has never met DR.. Mather
policy his life. II made payable
TO Van Ripper. and he paid for it.
Van Ripper did not pay the amounts called for
tirey in cash but gave notes instead which were
placed in the hands of innocent parties discounted
at once In January Van Ripper was gradually made
cognizant OF the large commissions and salary paid
10 the State manager OF a reputable life insurance
company. Thompson decided that he wished 10 pay
more attention 10 his New-York business He urged
Van Ripper to make effort to the Jersey
district. Dr. Mather. as n common friend, believed
Il was golden opportunity.
Fletcher J. Emley here appears Thompson de-
clared he had deposited $4,000 cash security and
before he would agree to hand over the Jersey
agency he must receive $500. Van Ripper was then
taken TO NewYork City and introduced TO j. VI.
Pattison. president Of the United Central Life In
surance Company" He formally appointed to
the agency and handed over his personal check for
5000
TOO GOOD TO KEEP
In his exuberance Van Ripper related the details
OF his appointment, to an old family friend, who
made inquiries and advised Van Ripper to consult
counsel. Van Riper stopped payment the check
instead. When Thompson called for an explanation
he compromised and paid $50 giving promissory
notes for the balance Mr. Gourley then ad-
vised about the entire transaction. President Patti
son OF the United Central Life communicated
with Immediately He declared that he did not
know Van Riper He had never met him in New
York. Emey was an agent employed by his COM
pany; Thompson was not connected with it
manager or In any other capacity.
Van Ripper. acting under instructions. arranged a
meeting. The whole transaction was discussed. In
an adjoining room was q senographer employed by
Mr.. Gourey. Next meeting was arranged at Dr
Mathers house yesterday morning Finley de-
manded that certain notes assigned 10 him be paid
peared to arrest the three men. when arraigned
before Recorder Senior the trio declined 10 make a
5000 bail they were committed to JAIL - '''A'
When seen to-day by a Tribune reporter the men
l?s Amity-st Brooklyn. and Emley said he lived at
No. iSS West Eghty-hfth-st, New-York When
first TO say anything. DR.. Mather consented to talk
later lie said:
THEY SAY THEY ARE INNOCENT
Van Ripper has distorted perfectly honorable
and legitimate transaction into a deep-lad and in
famous swindle. l am innocent. and believe the !
men with me have acted any business men would !
have acted under similar circumstances. My con- |,
nection with this case began after Van Riper had |
made a business deal with Thompson He wanted |
be appointed general agent for the State OF New
Jersey for the United Central Life Insurance Com
pany OF Ohio Van Rlper anxious to get into |
the insurance business. and j was asked |
Thompson and find out If he represented matters |
truly. Thompson had an option on the place. Ny !
Office used as meeting place for the parties. |
and know that Mr.. Thompson insisted that Mr. |
Van Plper take three days to consider the matter |
had an understanding with them that be |
appointed medical examiner under the new deal
Van Riper closed the transaction by handing a |
check for 5000 to bind the bargain. The bank |
would not ash ii, and Van Ripper gave notes in |
stead with $3.50 in cash. When the first note came |
due for 81, 400 paid It and took the note The dis
count note heavy and at Van Rlper's request |
| took from him number OF smaller notes Mr.. |