The Washington herald., 1907-04-22

Philadelphia. April 21.-Detectives from
New York and Washington arrived here
yesterday in search OF Can't. William
Plumb Williams. former army officer and
promoter Of startling schemes TO build
railroads, the Panama Canal. and Of other
tremendous undertakings.
Capt. Williams is sought on a warrant
issued BY Magistrate Mayor. Of the West
Side Police Court, New York. charging
him with having defrauded the Longacre
Hotel out Of beard bill for dzGu This
is only one Of many actions. both civil
and criminal. that the dashing captain
will have to defend himself against when
once he is arrested.
During the last four years Capt. VIII
Jams has launched chimerical plans for
digging the big canal. running railroads
all over Long Island. aad various other
iprojeets-all without a cent OF capital.
and depending chiefly upon tie creduIity
lof a speculative public His father. Mai
William II. II. Williams. was also identi-
fed with him, but usually in a smalsway
Capt. Williams started upon his military
career as cadet al West Point. Before
stuck the American Surety Company.
Of Broadway, New York. which was on
his bond. for nearly $1,000 This repre-
scented his shortage as an assistant quar-
iermaster. Williams in his examination
for the army. told the officials in WASH
ington that DE was born in Bridgeport.
Conn, and that his forefather was that
distinguished Puritan Roger Williams.
Who was one Of the first governors OF
Massachusetts.
FiOated Railroad scheme.
Among other amazing feats in phantom
finance. Capt. Williams foated Se0Oe.oo1
scheme TO operate a railroad system in
Long island on rights Of way that were
later declared absolutely worthless. He
organized company that issued s55o8j
OF gold bonds IN another railroad enter
prise. Bonds were repuaIated, but WI
liams cieane5 up a Heag sasu. Then 81
tried 10 secure financial backing for a
concern to dig the Panama Canal. but
The people Of Washington, where he tried
the scheme, only nibbled gently at the
bait.
Not discouraged in the least. and with
his most convincing way. Can't. Williams
started a railroad company with $500 oy9
capital stock and ran his partners into
debt The partners, of course, lost. but
Capt Williams Jared much better, and
came cut ahead
He organized a company with dummy
directors. ana operated il with the aid ef
MS wife. The company failed. but Can't.
Williams, as usual. came out Of the deal
with more money than he took in. It is
alleged that he swindled hotel keepers.
merchants, and friends. including his
brother officers, by giving worthless
checks He ran I'D heavy bills in hotels
and restaurants. and paid only with his
charming manners and brilliant conver-
sation.
short with Government Funds.
lie was short something Ike $500 in
accounts with the government while in
charge of a United States transport. and
the bonding company was compelled 10
make good. He also hypothecated WORTH
less stock 10 pay eHmorous creditors. He
used the names of prominent fnanciers.
August Belmont among others. without
their consent and trust companies as
well. 10 give prestige 10 his schemes. The
profits from his various sham enterprises
are estimated at more than S5000o0.
Although Capt Williams is believed to
be in Philadelphia. the detectives have
found no trace OF him.