The Washington herald., 1911-08-12
ALLEGED LAND
SWINDLERS HELD
Continued from Page One.

Form, an attorney of Valentine, Tex,
and later arranged for their release on
bail
Both men freely admitted that they
were promoting the formation of what
was to be called the Texas Orchard
Farm Company. Following the formation
Of the concern they were to buy 200
acres of choice farm land in the Van
Horn valley near Valentine.
According to the police. Uyemura was
approached by Barber. who declared last
night that he was only acting in the
capacity of an agent for Haugan, whom
he met at the house where he boards in
c street northwest. Barber owns a con-
cession at the Glen Echo amusement
park and became acquainted with the
Japanese through the visits of the latter
to the reservation.
Two Shares for $500.
It is alleged in the warrant that Uye-
mura gave $500 to Barber as compensa-
tion for two shares in the prospective
Texas Orchard Farm Company. Uye-
mura alleges that he was led to believe
that Barber and Haugan owned the land
in which he had purchased the shares OF
stock. He declares the two men obtained
In return for his money the Japanese
received a receipt declaring that he would
receive $3.50 for each of his shares within
two or three weeks. The receipt fur
ther stated Uyemura's money was to be
used by the promoters to defray adver-
tising expenses and put the 200 acres
Of land on the market.
Shortly after Uyemura had parted with
his savings, which was on the afternoon
oF n
friend, who is a local business man. The
latter advised Uyemura to go to the
district attorneys office and obtain a
warrant for the arrest of the men.
District Attorney Wilson. after listen
ing to Uyemura's story, caused the issu-
ance Of the warrant on which the two
promoters were arrested.
When arrested. the police say that
Haugan confessed to them that he did
not own the 2200 acres of land. He said
he owned a small strip of valuable farm
property in the vicinity of Valentine,
and that he intended to acquire the 1900
acre tract as soon as he had formed the
concern to purchase 1t.
Good Thing, He Thought.
Barber denied he was a member of
the company which proposed boosting
property. He told the police that he
first met Haugan about two weeks ago.
Haugan made known his scheme to Bar
ber. so the latter declared to the police,
and Barber thought 1t a legitimate and
a good investment.
He declared he told Haugan that he
knew several persons with money and
might be able to do some business in the
way of promoting the scheme. Haugan
assented and agreed to give Barber a
on all stock sold
Uyemura, whom Barber knew to have
was the first person selected by
the two as a prospective customer. Bar
Der presented the scheme to Uyemura
and succeeded in gaining his promise to
invest in the concern. Uyemura, the
police declare. was persuaded to give up
his $40 by the statement that Barber
had already given the same amount for
two shares in the concern.
When Cyemura asked where his re-
ceipt was for the stock he had purchased.
Barber, the police say. told him he had
papers showing the transaction in a safe
in his (Barber's) office. Upon being as
sured that Barber was in the scheme
and had invested his own money in 1t,
the japanese drew his savings from the
bank and gave It over to Barber, who
declares he in turn gave 1t to Haugan,
president Of the Texas Orchard Farm
company.
Acted In Good Faith.
At police headquarters Barber told
the detectives he had just drawn $500
from bank to purchase two shares Of
the stock for himself He declares he
acted in good faith when he interested
the Japanese in the scheme and that
Haugan had practically convinced him
everything concerning the proposition
vas legitimate.
Haugan told the police that he came to
about three weeks ago from
Fergus Falls, MINI. He obtained rooms
at the c street house, and intended to
promote his proposition among Wash
ingtonians. Whether the men received
money from other persons has not been
learned. The police are thoroughly in
the matter and expect to
bring to light sensational developments
the Texas Orchard Farm
Company.