Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-09-30
WEALTHY IOWA MERCHANT VIC.
TIM or BLAcKMAiLERs WROTE
SPICY EPisTLEs.
ACCUSED sNNlNpLERs
{ THREATEN RETALIATION
Say They Will Bring Suit Under Mann
Act and For Damages it Case Is
Pushed-vietim Of Alleged Trap De-
ternnined to Push Prosecution Of Ae-
cussd-ls Cedar Rapids Man.

Chicago. Sept. 3o.-The letters which
constituted the basis of threatened
suits against the wealthy Iowa mer-
chant. said to reside in Cedar Rapids,
who alleges he was blacknailed out OF
$4,000 by two young women and a
Chicago attorney, assisted by a
gentleman friend" were submitted 10
Federal Investigator Hinton G. Cla-
baugh yesterday.
The latter has not determined
whether there is a basis for a federal
prosecution, but regardless OF this
phase Of the situation, States Attor-
ney Hoyne, will probably take hand
II the case.
The attorneys representing the Iowa
merchant conferred for a second time
with Mr.. Clabaugh during the day and
left in the evening for the west. They
promised to return next week and
bring the dictagraph records of the
interview between the Chicago law
yer and the Iowa law firm which nego-
tiated the $751; 900 settlement.
Will "Go the Limit"
less OF the humiliation he may suffer,
to prosecute this case to the limit"
said Attorneys c. E. Wheeler and John
Jay, Of Cedar Rapids, the merchants
counsel "If there is no basis for a
federal prosecution. we will submit the
matter to States Attorney Hoyne. II
we can not act, we shall resort to the
civil courts"
The letters written by the Iowa mer-
chant to the two girls who came to
Chicago to take positions range from
curt formality to stilted humor.
One letter. dated June Is, 1915, is
written in the style of formal BUSH
ness comInunication-such as one mer-
chant might write to another
Here's Merchants Letter.
It reads in part as follows:
"Messrs c. and D.-Gentlemen-I
am duly IN receipt of your much
scented communications and can only
plead rush OF business for not giving
them prompter attention, and that II
was not lack Of interest in not writing
you and advising you that should be
only too glad to look over your entire
line.
According to present indications
it viii probably be impossible for me
to be In me city before July, but I
hope It WIN b early in che month, so
that win not miss the opportunity OF
seeing the line. Be sure to keep me
posted on your moves 50 that I will
have no trouble in keeping in touch
with you.
There are two numbers which am
a,,pa ryo,, ut hA oA1a n IN
natural colors. The one Is entitled: "A
IN her pink ones" and the other, Sans
anything / trust that these will be
included in your line. / have given
the case much thought.
Thanking you for writing ana hop
ing to SEQ you soon, Yours very truly,
Secretary"
He Makes Appointment.
Another letter, dated June %, writ
ten by the merchant previous to his
visit to Chicago, when he became the
victim Of the alleged army game" by
being caught IN compromising posi-
ton, is as follows:
Dear c. and Dear D.-Mrs. ----
Gan aunt Of one Of the girls) just teie-
phoned that you wanted a bag, so I
am inc1osing an order so that you can
go to the salesroom at Wells street and
pick out what you want and charge 1t
to us. Had you written me and ex-
planned Just what you wanted. size,
style and color, could have brought 1t,
as we just received a big new line, but
you may be able to find something to
suit you at this place. I hope so.
''Now, 1isten-both OF you am COM
ing in Tuesday morning next, the
twenty seventh-that is, leave here
Monday night. and will call you up by
phone early Tuesday morning, SO be
sure and don't disappoint me, as I am
coming long way and have lots to say
to you. so be sure that both Of you
will be at home. 1t viii stop at the
IIaSalle and telephone from there. II
you want to give any directions you
can have a note at the LaSalle for me
by Monday. I have no Idea where
Clarendon avenue might be, How dc
you get there?
@Now, remember. Tuesday morning !!
will have to leave about noon or soon
after, so want to get there as early
as possible, and want both Of you
there. See? Good-by.
"Just Crazy to Como In"
A third letter dated June 81, 1916
placed in Mr.. Clabaugh's hands reads
as follows: