The evening times., 1899-11-16
SEARCHING FOR A swINDLER
A Silk Weaver Relieved of All His
Money.


William A. Baker, Howard county,
Md, silk weaver, who was induced to part
with his entire cash possessions, amount
ing to s62, by smooth, ,tongued "bunco'
man last night, is still in the city hoping
against hope that the local police will be
able to recover at least a portion of the
money he lost.
Baker spent the greater portion Of the
day in company with Detective Herndon
in visiting certain sections of the city
where 1t was thought the "bunco'' man
might visit. In the afternoon both went
out to the race track in the hope that pos
sibly the i'll gotten wealth might be in
vested there. AT a late hour, however,
nothing had been seen of the "steerer"
and present indications are that Mr.. Baker
will continue to be out of pocket. He
stated this morning that he had had his
first and last experience with smooth
tongued strangers.
The money he parted with was his all,
and the loss of it leaves not only himself
but wife and four children in destitute
condition. Baker informed the police that
a position awaited him in Danville, Va,
and that he preferred going there to ac-
cept il rather than 10 return to his family
in d penniless condition. 1t is understood
that the police will furnish the man with
transportation to Danvilie tonight. In the
meantime every effort will be made to
locate the swindler.
According to the story told the police by
Baker he met the stranger while a pas
senger on a train from Leicester, Nd. The
two grew very friendly and Baker related
his circumstances, the fact that he was
fp anrvirl tn q
Furthermore confided that he had in his
possession s62. The stranger was affable,
and his politeness and solicitude grew until
he finally offered Baker position in Wash
ington. Names were exchanged, and Mr..
Baker felt honored at being the protege
OF Mr. Hastings, a son Of the former Penn
sylvania governor, for such the stranger
announced himself to be. He informed Ba-
ker that when they arrived at Washington
they would be Quartered at the Arlington
Hotel, which hostelry, Hastings" explain
ed, was owned by his father.
Baker was gullible, and seeing visions of
an elegant position which would pay s45
per month with such perquisites as board
and room for himself and family and all
expenses he abandoned his intention OF
going to Danville to labor as a weaver in a
mill.
Arrived here Hastings" and Baker re-
paired to the Arlington. The former gov
ernor was not at home, and his sons inn
personator explained that it would be bet
ter to 60 to Cobb's hotel for the night. Both
men registered at the hostelry and Hast
ings'' paid In advance for rooms. He in
formed Baker that it would be advisable to
leave his money at the hotel as he, Hast
ings," had ample funds for their needs
while sightseeing, pleasure suggested by
Hastings" Baker was not anxious to car
ry his money about his person and turning
it over to his new found friend asked him
to deposit it with the hotel clerk.
Hastings took the money, enclosed it
in an envelope and, instead Of depositing
it with the clerk, put it in his pocket, of
course, without the knowledge of Baker.
Hastings then suggested a shave and
hair cut for Baker. remarking, Il want to
clean you." While Baker was in charge of
the tonsorial artist, Hastings" went to get
a drink, saying he would return Immediate
ly. Needless to say, "Hastings'' did not
return and Baker, after waiting for some
time became uneasy and related his expe-
rience to the barber. That gentleman
smiled blandly. He recognized the game
and hustling Baker off to No. Police Sta
ton told him to make complaint against
his friend and furnish good description
Of him. The police then started an inves-
tigation.