New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-10-22
BELMONT'S NAME FORGED.
FORMER BUTLER HELD
AIbert P. Mitchell Also Complainant
Petty Crimes Charged.

John Reid. the former butler Of 0. H. P Bel
mont and Albert P. Mitchell of No. s West 10Th
st, was arrested yesterday in the act of pass
ing check purporting to be signed by Mr..
Mitchell. Reid according to the police, is also
known Won Roven and Reitsch. He is twenty
five years old. He lives at No 257 West 14th-
St For several years, it is alleged, he has lived
on the names of his one time employers, affixed
to checks, which both Mr.. Mitchell and Mr.. Bel
mont declare they never signed. Detectives
Rein and Beck, of the Central Office made the
arrest just Reid was about to pay for some
cut glass in Higgins & Settlers china and glass
store, in 22d-st.
The detectives say they have been looking for
Reid for several weeks
Informed by the Detective Bureau that the
man was in custody both Mr. Belmont and Mr.
Mitchell declared last night that they woul1
prosecute the man whose alleged petty forgeries
has annoyed them for some time None Of the
alleged forgeries amounted to more than $50
Reid called at the store of Higgins & Setter
and said ne was the butler for Mr.. Mitchell, and
asked to see some cut glass ware With great
care he selected several pieces, and presented an
order from Mr.. Mitchell, apparently and q
check for $50
Just as the cashier paying the change
from the check the detectives who had been
| talking with the manager of the store. warning
him of Reid's methods. saw the young man.
They arrested him at once.
Reid consented readily to accompany the de-
| tectives 70 the Detective Bureau. declaring that
it was all a mistake.
Mr. Mitchells home was called up on the tele-
phone. Mr.. Mitchell declared he had sent no
one to order glassware for him, nor had he
drawn check to the order of Higgins & Setter
Mr.. Belmont was then called up and informed
of the arrest of his former butler. He entered
complaint charging forgery
1t was only a few days ago. according to the
detectives that Reid went to Haskell & Haskels
haberdashers, at 4Oth-st. and Broadway. and
ordered an automobile coat to be sent TO Mr..
Belmont. and received the change from a $50
check, purportng to bear the signature of Mr.
Belmont
Mr.. Belmont it is said, was much surprised
to find automobile coat added to his ward
robe by his valet, and was mystifed as to who
had given it to him. When the forged check
appeared among his vouchers he was enIight-
ened and informed the police
According to the detectives. Reid went to the
Fourteenth street Bank and presented a check
for $780, explaining that his EMPLOYER Mr.
Mitchell whose forged signature was afixed TO
the check was in need Of soma small bills and
was unable TO go or send to his own bank.
knowing that Mr.. Mitchell lived near by in
West 19th-st-, the paying teller cashed the check
According to the records of the Detective Blu
reau, Reid is No. 1875 in the Rogues' Gallery.
He has served, the detectives say, three sen
tences for petty .forgeries of his employers
names.
His first offence for which he was sentenced
was the forgery of the name of J. NJ. Palmer of
No 517 Madison ave, TO an order for some sill
verware.
Coming out of Jail. he passed forged check.
for which he again sentenced. Shortly after
he gained his liberty. it is alleged he forged a
check in the name of F. Mccoy, and got $50 on
il. Released in November last, he began to use
the names of Mr.. Mitchell and Mr.. Belmont on
his checks It IS charged.