Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-09-10
Charles Wright Caught in
Counterfeiting Raid.
HOUSE IS BROKEN INTO
He Submits to Arrest at Point OF
Revolver.
BAD QUARTERS FOUND ON HIM
Manipulating Plant in House.
Confederate Is Sought in
Baltimore.


Baltimore.
Charles Wright. colorcd. who. according
10 the police. IL long wanted counter
feiter, was arrested at 1915 Church street
northwest. today by Detective William
Messer of the first precinct.
Secret Service Operative Foster, who
was with Nesser. wanted 10 help, but
was too fat TO climb over the outside
fence. He stayed outside and renewed
his vows 10 bant.
When Messer climbed through a win
dow into the room where Wright was
busy with molds and ladies and some
sort of white alloy-all OF which. 40
cording to the police. constitutes an up
to-date counterfeiting plant Wright
heard him. Grabbing up a pair OF scis-
sors and wicked-looking knife, the ne
gro made a lunge at the detective. But
Messer covered the man with his police
thirty-eight, and Wright calmed down.
When Wright was searched, the police
found, according to their statements,
that the prisoner had a number OF coun-
terfeit quarters in his pockets, and more
counterfeit money in a bag that swung
at his waist.
Another Man Is Sought.
The arrest OF Wright and the expected
arrest of another negro some time tonight
or tomorrow are expected TO wind up q
counterfeiting gang that. according TO
the police. has for six months n oded this
city and Baltimore with spurious coins.
The police say two men have been operat-
frae~ hn
The other man was not at the house
when the raid was made. He tWrighD
told the detectives. they say, that his
confederate went to Baltimore this morn
ing with large number OF counterfeit
quarters in his pockets TO distribute them
in that city.
The arrest of Wright was brought about
by Detectives AIesser and Howes OF the
first precinct. who have been working
on the case for several months. To these
officers credit is also due for the arrest
of two Italians. Frank Rosa and Pap
palardo. who were taken into custody last
February by police of the fourth pre-
cjnct, and who are now serving sentences
for their crime.
Secret Service Agent George F. Foster
was caiieds- -ints me case this morning.
Just before the raid was made. He ac-
companied Detective Messer to the house.
But the fence was too much for him.
Numerous complaints during the past
year have been received by the police Of
counterfeit coin passed on merchants In
the neighborhood of the first precinct.
Capt. Hollinberger. I'm command of that
precinct, instructed his men to be on the
lookout for the counterfeiters or the
showers of the queer He also de-
tailed Detectives Messer and Howes to
the case.
Trail Taken Up Four Months Ago.
About four months ago the detectives
got on the trail OF Wright and his con-
federates. They learned that the men
were purchasing large quantities of old
tableware from secondhand dealers.
watch was set on place near the post
Office frequented BY one OF the men.
Detective Messer saw Wright leave the
junkshop near the post Office about
o'clock this morning with a package
under his arm Questioning the dealer
Messer learned that Wright had pur-
chased some old tableware
Tracking the negro up 1lth street. the
detective followed him TO the Church
street house. After Wright had entereAI
the detective communicated with Chief
Wilkie of the secret service. Asent Pos
ter was sent 10 join the detective al the
house.
The front door and the back gate
were found locked by the detectives
Secret Service Agent Foster remained
on the outside. to keep watch. while
Messer went over the fence.
Messer went over the fence.
also was locked. Peering through the
window, he saw Wright busiiy en-
gagged.
With much care the officer raised the
window. Just as he was about to enter
the room Wright. who had his back 10
the window. heard him. He dropped
the ladle and mold and started 10 At
tack Messer with scissors and knife.
The revolver leveIed at his head in
duced him TO surrender.
u1.~. NoA.
Precinct Detective Fourtney Of the sec
ond precinct and Detective Howes Joined
Secret Service Agent Foster on the out
side OF the house. Fourtney and Howes
entered the house and assisted in search
ing the four rooms.
The detectives found trap door
i'm the kitchen of the house, where the
plant was operated. The trap door leo
to a small compartment In the moor.
a bout two feet square. where, II IS stated.
the counterfeiting outfit was stored al
night
The detectives found a large roll Of
money which, however, proved to be
legal tender. in a trunk on the secono
floor. When a woman, who SAID she
was Wright's wife. stated the money
belonged to her the detectives allowed
her to retain IL.
Wright talked readily about the case.
said the detectives, and told them OF the
this morning of his alleged
The detectives say he told
them that he and the other man had
operated a similar plant In Virginia, q
short distance from the Long bridge, last
winter and early this year.
During the winter Detectives Messer
and Hoges learned of counterfeit money
brought into Washington from Virginia
and tracked the men. When the time
came for a raid the men had disappeared.
A prisoner subsequently caught by the
secret service men promised TO give IN
formation az to the location of the plant
and also the whereabouts Of his conieo-
crate. Later he refused TO do so.
When the workings of the police got
too hot for them i'm Virginia, Wright 10
said to have told the detectives they de-
cIded TO come to Washington.
The plant at the Church street house.
which was confiscated today. contained
plaster of Paris mold for making quar-
ters some old tablewear and tin. OF which
with other metal the counterfeiting COM
position was made. A ladie and ordinary
cook stove also were found.
Secret Service agents In Baltimore were
notified that the other man, who Is de-
scr.ibed as about forty years OF age.
weighing between 40 and 80 pounds,
and with a scali scar on his head, had
gone TO that city this morning. IL Is
thought they will be able TO locate him
in that city,
Tar0est Cheese in the World.