The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-10-09
SHORT CHANGE MAN ARRESTED Three Victims Identify
 Circus Attache. GAME IS AN OLD ONE Verberg, Arrested .Mau,
 Makes Denial. One Man Accuses Him of Taking s1oo in Gold-others the
 Victims of Short Change

George H. verberg, an attache Of Mains circus, was arrested yesteroay afternoon in the circus tent. charged with stealing five $2o gold pieces from A countryman and handing -everal inno- cents short change for their money.
 Attention was first called to Verberg yesterday during the parade, as 1t pass ed the corner of Alabama ana Union Streets. A crowd of whites and negroes were standing on the corner, with eyes upon the pageant. In this crowd was L' o. Thomas, a farmer from Coosa county MT. Thomas was eagerly watcning the parade when a we'll dressed young man stepped up and started a conversation.
 When the caliope had passed with It's screeching whistles and the young farmer was just turning to go to town for dim ner, before repairing to the circus tent. the young man apparently having just seen some money in his hand, asked, "Is that gold?" "Yes, sir" replied Thomas. It's $1OO in $2o gold pieces" Let me look at it," said the stranger. Il haven't seen any gold for some time.' The coun- tryman acceded and in a few seconds the gold was in the hands of the engaging stranger.
 Hardly had 1t reached the mans hand when a negro standing near slipped up and took the money from it's holder. The farmer did not see the action. Stop, v cried the stranger. Did you see that nigger7 We'll. he's got your money and am going after the scoundrel." Away tho unknown went and before Thomas could collect himself. the man had dived be- he taa rad
 Gladden. Harrison, prvate secretary to the Chief of Police. came up about this time Harrison was doing police work among the crowds and on hearing the farmers story, closely questioned all the bystanders. Many had seen the money pass between the stranger and the, ne'' gro and were convinced that 1t was by prsconcerted action. Harrison had him self seen the negro.
 A close watch was kept for the man all day but nothing developed until after the circus performance mad begun.
 George verberg Is a candy seller at- tached to ths circus and yesterday after noon he loudly proclaimed his peanuts, lemonade, bananas and sweets. A squad of police In citizens cIothes were watch ing for fiim-fiam games and experienced had taught them that circus vendors as
 
 tab kept on him.
 After the show had progressed for some minutes. he was seen to approach a coun' tryman and ask him for bills or silver ci the larger denominations for small silver and nickels. He explained that he had so much change that he wanted to get rid of some of 1t. The astute farmer refused Another one was approached and c sim liar conversation took place. Tn like manner he went on down the row of seats. Some gave him the change and the officers, who were watching him closely by this time, noticed him palm some of the money as skilfully as Her mann could wish. When he had finished the row he stepped down to the ringside.
 The police detail under direction of Captain Taylor watched him and Mount ed Patrolman Ed Jackson went to an old farmer, whose money, the butcher had changed and said, How much money did that fellow give you for that 8 you gave him. '" Three dollars of course" was the reply. Let me see the money?" asked the officer. Now. don't you do it. said his wife, that man might snatch 1t. :" These words ot wisdom had due effect dressed party, and he. tightly clasped the change the man had given him. Madame, playing his badge. The mystic silver pidleu was all OpeH bSSdinC lO the pocket of the countryman and he counted out the money. Well I be blessed if I ain't SIPS short" he said, where's that rascal?" Jackson made a sign and in a couple of seconds Verberg was in the iron clutches of Captain W H. Taylor. and Patrolmen Miles Smith, Ed Graham and Lon Taylor.
 He was taken to police headquarters, where he was put in Cell No. l. Captain Taylor and the detail. MT. Crossland and WIlliG Rell q who had hApn touched for $2.50 followed.
 At the police station was Thomas. the young Coosa County man, who had lost his $100 in the morning.
 Why I believe that's the man, who buncoed me-" he gasped as Verberg was brought to the desk and a warrant was sworn out against Verberg under the charge made by the Coosa County man. farmer had come in. He asked to see Verberg and on going to the cell said, Son. If you'll tell me how you got that money dt I'm n blessed Sost if dSnt give calmly questioned Verberg. Mir. Cross- land turned away.
 Both MT. Crossland and young Bell swore out warrants against Verberg The Montgomery on the Washington Ferry Road and young Bell is from Banner.
 MT. Crossland says that the game was worked on him in such manner as tnTOW OH LII SHdQOWB OI buSDlClOn. He said that Verberg approached him and asked for some large money for change. giving the excuse mentioned above. He produced g bill and $1 In silver and he thought that the candy seller handed him nine quarters and the remainder in change. Verberg then said that he thought he was a nickle shy and asked to count the money again. This was done and nickle was handed him and apparently the rest of the change poured in his hand. But Verberg had held nearly half of the money in his palm and after thanking Mir. Crossland turned and proceeded down the row.
 The statement of young Bell was sub stantially the same with the exception of Verberg's being kind enough to give him a bag of lemon drops, which he thank fully received. After being subpOenaed for court this afternoon both of the mar rowly escaped victims departed.
 Hugh Harris. the head of one of the departments of the circus explained that these vendors were not paid by the management, but paid the management royalty for the privilege for selling their goods. He stated that they come and go every week and he did not even know the name of the prisoner.
 Verberg had about $7 In his pockets at the time of his arrest. He Is tall young man about 22 years old and bore himself coolly during his examination.