The Saint Paul globe., 1904-12-14
CON[R
SAYS HE'S REFORMED
Munroe Calls on Capt. Lawrence
to Declare His Innocence of
Making Bogus Money

.I called just to assure Cap Law
renee that had nothing to do with the
making of the counterfeit gold pieces
that poor devil in Minneapolis has
been arrested for pushing an old man
told the postoffice inspectors in the
federal building yesterday afternoon.
You see, the caller continued,
Capt. Lawrence got me twice for
counterfeiting, and while have re-
the efficacy of my reformation. 1
thought I would drop in on him this
afternoon to assure him that 1 had
nothing to do with the making of the
counterfeit money in Minneapolis. Tell
him. the old fellow frankly said. that
I have quit the business for good and
am living at the old stand. Just say
to my old friend Lawrence that his
old friend, Dick Munroe, is living,
and living honest, at 202 Hennepin
avenue, Minneapolis
Munroe a few years ago was one of
the most notorious counterfeiters in
the country but two terms in the
Saltwater penitentiary, following con-
victions in the federal courts, con-
vinced him that the occupation was too
hazardous to be profitable. He an
nouneed yesterday that he had re-
formed and reformed for good, unless
the fever" as he expressed it, should
break out again. Not finding Law
renee in his office, he had sought him
in the office next door, which is occu-
pied by the postoffice inspectors.
Lawrence Knows Him
Capt Lawrence will know who
/ am when you tell him that Dick
Munroe called to see him." he told the
postoffice inspector in charge Not
SO many years ago was in the busi-
ness myself. and Capt. Lawrence
chased me all over the country. was
prior to 1894, and my speciality was
silver. 1 made bushels of dollars,
halves and quarters and put them out
among the people. But they got me,
and / did two years at Saltwater. Then,
after my release, they got me again,
and 1 served another two years But
/ became convinced that it was too
expensive to pay the fiddler for the
music at the dance, and 1 quit the
business. I have told Lawrence that
I have quit for good, but he doesn't
seem to believe me, and when this
trick was turned in Minnea polls I nat
ura1ly thought that Lawrence would at.
once think of me- came over this
afternoon to tell him that l had Moth
ing to do with the making of the gold
coins. just tell him that 1 am at
the old place, 202 Hennepin, and he
will understand"
Munroe is man nearly sixty years
of age. He is thin and a quick nerv-
Gus movement of the eyes and limbs
indicates a highly sensitive nature.
Slightly bent, with a ragged beard, he
looks older than he may really be. His
frankness was refreshing, for, after
telling the postal authorities of his
determination to live an honest life,
he readily communicated little bits
of history of his past, and compared
present opportunities for successful
counterfeiting with the conditions
years ago.
Counterfeiting Is Risky Now
'T don't pretend to any extraordi-
nary honesty" the old man said. "But
conditions have changed in the last
thirty years. When I first began to
make bogus coins, nearly thirty years
ago, escape from detection and pun
ishment was comparatively easy. But
in recent years he>government has
been hot after us fellows and they
never overlook any points in working
up case Detection and punishment
are now almost certain. and it is alto
gether too risky business for me.
But these secret service men never
believe in the reformation of a coun-
terfeiter, and Capt. Lawrence, who
has twice landed me in the pen looks
in my direction whenever a turn is
pulled off in town anywhere near
my vicinity. The fever of counterfeit
ing is in the blood, but 1 am going to
keep straight until the fever breaks
out again.
Munroe is a man with history, and,
it is said, is a graduate of Oxford.
England. He has, it Is said, been all
over the world and has been one of
the most successful men in his line in
the United States.