The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1907-03-13


bogus bills Of all kinds and denomina-
tions we're floating around the United
states. and many a time it was toss
ND as to whether or not a bill was
good or bad, SO perfect were the imi-
tations.
The secret service at this time was
not in the best Of shape; it was openly
bruited about that many Of the opera
tives were in sympathy with the gang
Of counterleiters. Evidently this gang
had a central or national organization,
because every time a counterfeiter
was arrested the best legal talent In
the country was employed to defend
him. Bail to the extent Of $4,000 or
SIS, 900 was readily furnished many
times for men totally unknown in the
city wherein they were caught Then
when the case was called the accused
would not appear, bail would be de-
cIared forfeited, and Immediately paid
without waiting for its collection to be
enforced by the slow process OF law
The gang was strongly fortified with
two kinds of money green goods" or
counterfeit, which was circulated
among the dear public, and shake
down" OF real money, which was used
in the defense Of those unfortunate
enough to be caught.
Finally. SO bold and general did the
gang become, that the entire subject
was laid before cabinet meeting in
Washington and drastic measures de
termined upon. It was Secretary
Boutelle who recommended that Col
H. C. Whitley be appointed chief OF
the secret service and given special
instructions to stop the counterfeiting.
Whitley was consulted and, after
much deliberation, agreed to accept
the position, provided he was given q
free hand as to men and expe-Ne
Politics and pull were to be eschewed;
he was to choose his own operatives
and run the department as his judg-
ment dictated.
Whitley obtained the desired re.
suits. The gang was broken up, and
many of its members sent to Jail or
compelled to remain in hiding. There
were OF course, a great many curious
and exciting cases which were carried
to a successful conclusion, but one Of
the most interesting was that of the
Traders Flves," so-called because Of
q counterfeit five-dollar bill of the
Traders National bank of Chicago
The spurious bill was well-nigh per
feet, but, as is usually the case, there
was slight difference in the details
Of the bill. The cashiers signature
had curve Of the letter made
slightly unlike the original; the let
ter Of TRADERS" barely crossed a
given line, taking almost microscope
to detect it.
AS soon as its existence became
known the secret service men in Chi
cago were placed at work on the case.
No headway was made. Outside help
was called in; still no clew as to the
Identity Of the gang uttering this bill.
Chief Whitley, at Washington, was
chagrined, and at long distance began
TO direct the case. The Chicago opera.
tives had about given up in despair
when, one day, Charles Mason, in
charge of the local office, received an
order from Whitley directing him
(Mason) and one other man to be at
Shenandoah, Ia, two days hence. They
were to arrive after dark, and al
eight o'clock the same evening they
were to board train leaving Shenan
doah for st. Joseph, Mo. At the first
station south of Shenandoah two
strange men. one carrying sole leath
er valise, were to board the train
These two men Mason and his partner
were to watch-not for one instan
were they to lose sight Of them. A
st. Joseph the two strangers woulC
leave the train and be joined by |
third party, who would be awaiting
them at the station. AS soon as thi
meeting took place all three Of then
were to be arrested, and full repor
made by wire to Washington. ES
traordinary care was to be taken t
get the leather valise.
Mason studied these instruction
very carefully. They were specifl
and to the point. He was somewha
puzzled as to who to take with hin
Most Of his men were busy on in
portant cases and to take any one c
them off at this time might work hart
Col. Jack Cheney was warm pc
sonal friend of his; they had worke
on many case together; perhaps b
would 60. True, Cheney was the hea
Of a big detective service compan,
and could command big prices for b
services, but there ran IN mis- yeiI
that always unsatlsfied longing for a
ton and excitement. If he could tai
Cheney, Mason felt assured Of su
cess. and he wanted success for tv
reasons: he admired Whitley al
then, too, he was ambitious and a
plred to q higher position In the ser
ice.
When Mason's nasre was brought
10 Cheney BY the faithful JEFF he vi
quite busy, but he put everything ASH
and bade his old friend welcom
Mason explained his mission Al
added:
That's the whole story Cheney a
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