Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-21
GLE A so N T HE
COUNTERFEITER
By Colonel H. G. Whitley
Former Chief United States Secret Service
Drawings by Howard Giles


TOR nearly decade during and following the
Civil War forgers and counterfeiters carried on
their business with effrontery that would
have appeared ludicrous in any other country.
There were millions of counterfeit Government
curities and counterfeit currency af1oat. Some of
these issues were almost perfect facsmiles of the
genuine. The history of the crime of counterfeting
in this country during that period could it be written
in its completeness would be marvellous revelation
of the denorazing effects of war, and money when
possessed by unscrupulous men.
1t is probable that crime of this character
had its origin in New York than in all other cities in
the United States put together. The men furnishing
the capital to carry this dangerous traffic, though
few in number, were the principal offenders and the
most difficult to convict
Frank Gleason was known for many years among
detectives of the most subtle and successful
counterfeiters that ever attempted to vitiate the
nal managed to elude the vigilance of Government
detectives and to shield his many crimes from the
public gaze behind the mask of pretended piety and
good citizenship. His personality was shrouded in
impenetrable mystery. Ever elusive and impossible
to locate he succeeded in leading the officers weary
chase AS criminal, he credited to New York
city, but the officers were not quite sure of his
permanent abiding place his home might have been
elsewhere.
Preparing for the Capture
THE arrest of Perry Randolph, an oldtime
terfeiter, at White Pigeon, Michigan, in the
early 7Os was looked upon as feat of unusual i'm
rest and probable conviction of the foxy Gleason.
Randolph, when taken into custody, had in his pos
session large amount of counterfeit money. Seeing
better way out of the trouble he had fallen into he
confessed that he had purchased his supply of the
bogus stuff from Frank Gleason, and said it had been
shipped to him by express from New York city. He
had never had personal interview with Gleason; but
had long been In correspondence with him, and felt
sure that he could arrange deal with him in such
way to his arrest with package of counter
felt money in his possession.
After some correspondence between the two coun-
terfeters, meeting was arranged to take place on
the sidewalk the 23d-st. entrance of the Fifth
Avenue Hotel. For the purpose of recognition Ran
dolph was to yellow ribbon in the buttonhole
of the left hand lapel of his coat Gleason when he
appeared with the bogus money was to wear white
designated place. Secret Service officers hover
ing to watch the movements and be ready to
pounce upon Gleason at the opportune moment.
About the time agreed upon, a neatly dressed hol-
left hand buttonhole of his coat and carrying pack
age in his hand, turned the out of Broadway,
walked slowly along, passed Randolph, nodded his
head and gave him significant glance. Passing
a block he suddenly turned and retraced his steps
AS he again passed. he seemed to recognize Randolph
and to hesitate for moment; but moved on toward
Broadway and turned to the right. He now crossed
the street and stepped away briskly.
detective watching his movements, though puz-
zled at the turn of affairs decided arrest the sup
posed Gleason and take the chances, whatever the
result might be. Stepping up to the suspected man,
he placed his hand on his shoulder and invited him
to visit the chief of the Government Secret Service
at his Office.
Indeed" he answered. Il am unable to imagine
what possible business the chief of the Government
Secret Service has with Although my way
to my office in Wall Street, shall gladly make the
call you request.
Got the Wrong Man
WHEN they entered my private Office the detec