The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-08-16
tFLOrd BeresfOrd'' Who SwindIed
Atlanta Society
So Completely Has Now ssDOne
Up" Americans
N CITY OF MEXICO.
Takes In Railroad President
and the Son
Of the U. S. Minister, Bankers
and Others.

and Others.
Mexico City. Aug. 16.-sidney Las
celIes, better known as Lord Beresford,
whose swindling tactics made him so
famous throughout Georgia, is in Mex
leo City, where he has been engaged in
similar games to those practiced
throughout the south.
Early in December of last year Beres-
ford made his appearance in Mexico
City. He adopted the name of Robert
Turnbull of New York" He was ac-
companied by his wife. It was the same
Beresford that Georgia knew, with the
exception that his long blonde mus
tache, which had been one of the great
est charms, was missing, but his grace
ful movements and smoothness of
tongue were not lacking. Immediately
on arrival he took apartments at Mex
ico's swell hotel, the SAM, where he
was housed as a prince. Nothing was
too good for him and he spent his
money like water. He soon gained the
confidence of every one that he met.
At first he paid his hotel bills promptly.
He had few letters of introduction to
wealthy people and was introduced at
the Jockey and American clubs. The
Jockey is very exclusive He began
gambling heavily at baccarat,t the favor
ite game, and lost $4,000 in one night.
He then commenced to make drafts
on New York banks. His suaVe man
ner, good bearing and reputation for
paying bills promptly coupled with in
geniOuS explanations similar to those
employed in Georgia and elsewhere,
made it easy matter to get drafts
cashed. Among those who took the
drafts were several prominent people,
including Joseph HampsOn, president Of
the Mexico, CuernaVaca and Pacific
railroad; William J. Crittenden, Jr.,son
of the United States minister to Mexico;
the American Security bank; Parker
S6ToOn0hR manager of the American
bank, and in addition a number OF
prominent MeXicans.
The Story He Told Them.
Several days before the drafts became
due Beresford called on some of the
parties and told them that the drafts
were not good. He said, however, that
his wife's father was dying in Georgia
and would leave a big estate to her
If he was arrested they would get nOth-
ing; if let alone he would soon pay an
debts He convinced his creditors that
what he said was true and they con-
Sented to wait.
In the meantime he was shadowed by
detectives to prevent his departure u,L
from Mexico. The management of the
SAM made him leave the hotel, ms OH
having run up to large proportions
Shortly after this letter reached his
wife. addressed to Mrs. Sidney Las
celIes" which made people suspicious
that Turnbun was sailing under false
cOlOrs The name attracted the atten-
ton OF an AIldnIldn anu 14G 4AeAO us
suspicions aroused. However, nothing
was done until it could be seen whether
or not he intended paying debts. MRS.
Turnbull, in the meantime, left for the
states, her exact destination not known
to try to get money from her father s
| estate who was supposed to have dled,
leaving his fortune to her.
She returned with some money put
not enough to settle the debts. This
was three months ago and since thaC
time they have been constantly on the
move from one hotel to another, leaving
unpaid bills at every place possible. IN
every case Turnbulls smooth tongue
succeeded in getting matters Stralgnt-
ened out by telling that all bllls Would
be paid when his Wifes estate was set
tied Three OF four weeks ago, Iurn-
buI and wife had an interview with the
American consul, in which they deslred
to have some papers witnessed oetore
him as is required by law. The exact
nature of these papers IS not knOWlls
as Consul Barlow is absent from the
city but there is no doubt that they
| referred to his Wife'S property. Inese
papers were made out in the name OF
| Mrs Sidney LascelleS and they We're
/ signed by both Turnbull ana WlIe as
Sidney Lascelles and Mrs. Sidney Las
! celles.
The fact of these papers being signed
| was made known to creditors ana one
| Of them casually mentioned the name to
/ a Georgia man. The name was IN
| stantly recognized as connected with
/ the BereStOTQ IT1al anu AS SOAAtAAA~-AN~~
| Investigations, with the result thaG
! identity was absolutely established
| Beresford's mustache has grown out
| and he presents the same appearance
! of former days. 1t is impossible that
| a. mistake could have been made Ihe
| fact was made known to several or ms
! creditors and one of them accused nm
/ of being the man wanted. Turnbull
| nracticaIIy acknowledged his identity
| with the notorious lord" but said II IL
! vras known in Georgia officers would be
| sent for him and that no one in Mexico
| would get a cent. On this account the
| effort was made to keep the nlaIIer
! from Georgia until the money had been
| paid here. 4ro+
A peculiar part of the story is that
| two weeks ago one of the real LoIu
| Reresfords who is largely interested IN
| Mexican property, was shown Iurnouit
| and told that he was the man VINO iae.
| been inpersonating himself. Lore
Beresford was so enraged that ne WIZ wiz
| ed to attack him at once ana Woulu
/ probably have done so had ne not pc Deel = !
] told of the net that was belng WOtllle. -.
! about the bogus lord. TurnDuii ; d ~ 80 ?
| in Mexico viii amount to fully @z0V9y'
| besides various small gambling ueotat ueot :
| He gambled heavily and was a Lfeq -
| a+fendant at the Spanish ball game
| where he was a heavy loser. II Is IN III
| possible for him to leave AeElco - C.I+
| until his debts are paid, as ne Is 80 clo'l -
| watched and the moment ne leaves ~
! will be arrested.