The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-12-23
A NEW "sATCnELY GAME.
Paris Is Having an Experience With
Clever SwindIers.

Paris Correspondent of London Telegraph.
People are talking a good deal about
the capture of a gang of clever swindlers
called Ia brande DIES aristos," as it was
composed of individuals of gentlemanly
appearance, who kept to themselves, had
no dealings with other and less pretenu-
Gus groups of the same character and
worked on a very ambitious scale. These
men, who treated themselves without stint
to titles, and who professed to be very
wealthy, took note in their headquarters
in this city of estates which were for sale
in the provinces, and, after obtaining in
formation as to the idiosyncrasies of their
intended victims, started boldly on their
campaign.
One of them called, as if by the merest
chance, to look at the property in ques-
ton, explaining that he thought that it
would just suit a friend, who might wish
to run down there now and then. An APP
pointment was made, and in the course
of a few days an accomplice appeared in
company with the original visitor, and
was introduced as the likely purchaser
The bargain was discussed over good
dejeuner, and then il was suggested ty
one of the strangers that so many thous-
and francs should be put down as guar
antee in the event of the buyer eventually
changing his mind, like sum being de-
posted by the seller who would also for
felt it if he determined, after all, on re-
tanning the house and grounds.
In not a few cases the proposition was
gladly accepted, the money was placed by
the owner OF the estate in cash box,
which, in its turn, was enclosed in a small
portmanteau, which one of the visitors
volunteered to leave with him, and which
was specially arranged for the trick. The
strangers then bade their host farewell,
with many protestations of friendship, but
as they were leaving the house the owner
of the portmanteau suddenly remembered
that he needed some articles of clothing
which ii contained The key was handed
60 him by the proprietor, the object mem
toned removed and at last they were off
for good and all. When the fortnight,
which had been agreed upon as the inter-
val during which the arrangement must
be duly ratified, had rolled by, the would
be seller opened the cash box to find, to
his horror, that it was full of worthless
paper. 1t was not his own, but another
like it, and he had been deceived by the
resemblance.
Extraordinary to relate, this ingenious
band had worked for months without
being once baffled, the money of which it
contrved to possess Itself being estimated
at upward OF $4,000. The ringleader, a
man about So years of age, had provided
himself with a rare show of French and
foreign aliases, and with a marvellous ar
ray of titles to boot. He is accused OF
having appropriated through these nefarl-
Gus transactions sums varying from 3 to
over 100000 francs, and at his abode divers
tools used for the manufacture of the Won
derful Valises have been discovered. An
other, who is charged with having enrich
ed himself under similar conditions, had
a fair amount of capital deposited in two
banks. Six members of the gang and a
woman who lived with one of them are
now securely under lock and key, and the
police officials are being warmly comp.i-
mented on their capture, which has been
effected after long and patient investi-
cation.