davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1918-07-14
Patriotism and Gener-
osity of Citizens
Traded In to Provide
Scandalous Profits for
Backers
By Katharine Wright

ID ETwEEN three and four %illion
I'D dollars contributed by generous
patriotic citizens in New York
City for war charities never reached
The victims for whose aid and com
fort the money was solicited
This is the substance Of recent
estimate made by the District At
torney's Office, which is supplemented
by the statement that notwith standing
all that has been done to stamp out
this evil it is still very far from being
ohliterated
.. In addition to the fakes are the
follies. The failure of many "chari-
ties" to turn over to the objects Of its
ondeavors more than a pittance of the
funds collected has been due not to
deliberate fraud, but to ignorance and
lack of intelligent management.
Limited by the present laws, the Dis
trict Attorney is powerless TO stop the
muddy current of war charity graft
that rolls on its sinister way So is the
Charity Organization. For there is no
Law to prevent any group of in
v.dlviduals from cheating the public in
~the name of charity. The only brake
on the activities of this class of war
protiteers is individual prosecution
upon complaint. And then it may be
too late to recover the amounts sub
scribed
That the grave menace to the com
munity by war charity takers is no
myth was proved in the recent present
ment of the grand jury as the result
Of Investigations conducted by District
Attorney Swami.
Before these Investigations were be-
gun to protect the New York public
and our soldiers and sailors this city
was a veritable paradise for the war
charity sharks. Their numbers were
rwelled by crooks from other cities at
tracted by reports of easy and sub
stantial gains. But now a goodly num-
ber of these criminals have been con-
'ficted, while others are indicted or
awaiting trial.
New-York tribune., 1918-07-14
Russian War Rel,~f
A Great Producer

Another instance Of. charity inpos-
ture was disclosed in the case of
"The American Ambulance in Russia. "
The books Of this organization showed
that upward of $25o,000 was collected.
but it was testified in the proceedings
that only approximately 100000 was
actually devoted to the alleged objects
Of the charity. Where the difference
went has yet to be ascertained, al
though evidence was submitted that fur
coats and silk stockings for members of
the organization We're paid for by the
public under the impression that the
contributions were being used for the
equipment of ambulsnces to be used
by wounded Anne ricans
A motion picture agent for the am
hulane- wrote to the Elks tox q con-
New-York tribune., 1918-07-14
Society," Shone
At This Affair

letter unauthorized by her and
on which Mrs. Oliver Hartman sigma
ture was used introducing "Mrs.
John NJ. Mitchell. member of our
committee" resulted in the voting out
of existence OF the Junior Patriots of
America, an entirely bona fde organ-
zatlon. The benefits given at the
itlppodrome in the interest Of this
charity viii long be remembered for
the distinction of those who partici-
pated. Mrs. Hartman aided in the ar
rest and indictment Of Arthur Curry.
lie was q member of the firm of Curry
Saunders, soliciting agents.
Even the crooks themselves speak
contemptuously of the infantile Gre
dulity displayed by their victims.
"Teach the fnancier to be busi-
ness man. advised Dclehanty after his
arrest
Every road seemed to lead to
heaven. Every person met fell for
the game. 1t was as easy as picking
up rocks on the Palisades. | vas not
the only one doing it. The lead pipe
clnch men came from all over New
York. The word had been passed that
the graft was easiest here, and the
town was soon flied with confidence
men.
That's what spoiled the game. Some
of the low boys weren't satisfied with
a couple hundred dollars a day. and
they began to use blackjack methods.
thcy tried TO blackmail right and left
and people began to sit up and take
rotice. That's when I quit"
The list of misuses of charity an
peals was increased by the astonishing
admission that former Governor Cen
eral of Canada and onetime Vicerov Of
Ireland last May sailed for home under
a benevolent escort provided by the
British government
The Right Hon. Sir John Campbell
Hamilton Gordon, Earl of Aberdeen
Vlscount Formaline, Lord Haddo. Meth
lie, jarves and Kellie, in the peeraqe
of Scotland, Niscount Gordon of Absr-
deem County, Aberdeen, in the United
Kingdom, Baronet OF Nova Scotia. N;ce-
roy of ireland, Governor General NJ
canada and commander in chief of
Prince Edward Island, was nlea5er
tor Irish relief work in America since
1913. He was assisted in his activities
by his lady. Between them they sur
ceeded in raising about $4,000. q per-
centage of which was used for their
personal expenses.
The earl, it was charged, was respon-
sible for the organization known as
The Stickers' Club" The only in
't'ation fee necessary to become a
member vas twenty-five cents. which
purchased sticker or badge. Tho
club played considerable part in
raising funds "to alleviate the suf-
terlngs OF hungry and ailing chill
dren in Ireland" Then there ware
some sixteen theatrical appearances
made by the nobleman in aid of those
charities to which he had already
New-York tribune., 1918-07-14
Former Convicts, So
ciety Women and For.
eign Countesses Find
A m erican Pocket,
Open to Suffering

called the attention Of his we.,.,
American friends. 1t was the little A..
tretemps at Carnegie Hall that s.,
sequently led to real troubls Cha
Chaplin had been announced a. 49,,
liner of the entertainment, bu. ,,t.
the time came he was not 10 ba s.
nor had he sent the letter of rs...,
customary on such occasions. Az o.b.
artists whose services had been :.
nounced were also absent, and co,,a
ering the fact that prices paid 70, ~
mission ranged from 81 to sl5 srs
S25 for boxes, investigations waro ;.
order. The earl and his lady we,s
permitted to roam at large until tbs;,
recent departure on condition sb..
they ceased their efforts on behalf =,
suffering Irish women and children
Mrs. William Cumming storv l..
fitted in and out of the District A.
sorney's Office since April, 1915.
In November, 1917, she was cues
toned about her management of -,
Emergency Relief Fund, but at N,
time Mr.. Klroe found nothing nm,
which to proceed.
Charges were made that William
J. Brown, solicitor, had paid 9a
per cent of his net profits for col.
lecting $40, 900 for the Emergency Re-
lief Fund to Sterling Story as re.
turn for obtaining the position for
Brown with the organization of which
Story's mother was president.
The four counts on which Mrs. Stor,
now stands indicted are public prop.
erty.
Mrs. Dearborn j. Adams of Brook
lyn, and her daughter, Helen, founder
and president of the American Con-
valescent Home Association, decided 70
give up the idea of establis hing such
paradise for our soldiers in France al
though it was claimed by mother and
daughter that Secretary Baker and
Joseph Tumulty both liked the idea.
New-York tribune., 1918-07-14
The Case of the
Arrny-Navy Bazaar

The Army and Navy Bazaar at the
Grand Central Palace started the ball
of investigation rolling, when it was
found that although the total receipts
amounted to s71,475, only 1854 re
mained to provide comforts for Ameri-
can soldiers and sailors, after commits.
slons aud expenses had been paid. This
was IN the autumn of 1917
Investigations revealed startling fig
ures. One important revelation came
when the profit surrounding the
souvenir programme was uncovered
The actual cost of this immortal rec
ord was s670-but $44,4S5 was OBJ.
tanned for it in advance from advertise
ments. Only five thousand programmes
were printed.
The committee supposedly in charge
of this work included the late Mayor
Mitchell and Edward S. Morse, vice
president of the Guaranty Trust Com.
pany. Some Of the solicitors were
National Army soldiers, one from
Camp Upton Subscribers simply
handed over their cheques to the
solicitors. in many cases saying that
they did not want publicity. Six
teen persons donated $4,000 for the
programme, as free gift to the Army
and Navy Field Comforts Committee
1t was disclosed that 5000 names OF
charitably inclined persons were in the
possession of the organizers of the
Iazaar.
The utmost ingenuity was displayed
in persuading people to contribute. One
clever scheme was suggested to Alar
r. ilawley, president Of the Aero Clut
of America. 1t was proposed that the
club have a booth at the bazaar, where
aviation books could be sold, and that
scout aeroplanc be on exhibition in
charge of a committee of women. Fo,
a paltry 25 cents it was stipulated any
one might ENJOY the privilege of writ
ing his name on the wings of the aero
plane soon TO soar over French battle
telds. Mr.. Hawley declined to LEND
his ait to the project or to contribute
IN any way TO the bazaar.
Another and more successful hoax
was perpetrated when tooth paste
manufacturing concern at Newburgh
N. Y. was the victim. A $1,000 ,00C
order for the Allies was promised te
this gullible concern if it would give
900 to the bazaar The companv's
money was refunded, but that was colo
consolation for the $4,000 it had al.
ready spent in installing new machin-
cry to handle the anticipated order.
Alluring stories were circulated abou,
the comfort kits to be bought with the
funds from the bazaar. They would
cost between sl.a5 and s. at retail it
was affirmed, but the Army and Nav,
Field Committee could obtain them for
96 cents at wholesale, so that every
dollar donated would buy substantial,
package, the four cents difference goine
to the account for postage, transporta-
tion and administration expenses.
Among those who are charged by the
grand jury to have protited by the i'll
gotten proceeds of the entertainment,
was George S. +. Sweeney, who actet
as advertising agent for the bazaar
and c. Donald Fox. an organizer.
New-York tribune., 1918-07-14
Notable Contribution
10 Literature of Graft

More than three hundred societies
have been investigated by Assistant
District Attorney Edwin F. Kiroe and
over five hundred witnesses have been
examined in an effort to rid the city of
var charity frauds. In Mr.. Kilroe's
office in the Criminal Courts Building
arc hundreds of documents pertaining
to these cases. The collection is sup
plemented by his lies at his Manhattan
Avenue home. This literature is such
entertaining reading that during his
coming vacation Mr.. kilroc intends to
Put 1t IN a book, volume which
should make the same appeal to lovers
of detective stories as the exploits of
Arsene Lupln, the adventures of Sher-
lock Holmes or the incompatible NJ.
Lecoq.
Working with District Attorney
Swami and Mr.. klroe are two detec
tlvcs, Sergeant Grover Cleveland Brown
and Sergeant August Mayer. These
men go forth each day on round of
Investigations and the cleverest dis
sulsc worn by war charity frauds is
little protection from them. No NUT
tered Help the poor" humble humble
plea of street or subway solicitors will
deceive their sharp ears. Both detec-
t'ves are highly praised by their su-
pcriors for judgment and enterprise in
running down clews and following
trails They are given large measure
of credit for driving from the citv
what he calls the Zone Hundred Per
Cent Boys" and the "Fifty- Fifty Gang. -
Investigations have shown that one
of the most serious forms of imposturc
upon the New York public is the use
Of names upon stationery and letter
heads of committees of prominent
citizens. Men and women of standing
have been incredibly careless in the
matter of lending their names, al
though the very act should include a
lively sense of responsibility in these
matters
Money has been c1torted also from
private individuals by telephone con
Tersations- The victim is informed
hat well hnown citizen is at the
other end of the wire, eager to swell
the funds of his special charity. The
victim. quickly succumbing to tho
fattering idea that he has beer called
upon by SO socially or financially
prominent a person, writes out a
cheaue and thinks little more about it.
The victim seldom thinks of examining
the Endorsement on the back of this
particular chequc when the bank makes
its returns, although were this meas
I'VE Of prudence resoxted to in nine
cases out of ten the name of some
shady hotel. saloon or toDscco shop
would be revealed.
Incredible as it sounds, state SEN
atots have fallen for az vague organ
nation titles as "Our Navy, which
claimed to be a patriotic periodical pa
per- They have cheerfully made out
cheques at the request Of solicitors.
sfterward wondering at the pityine
giances of the officers in charge of
rounding mp these criminals. In one
'"r two cases reported recently at tho
,Dlstrict Attorneys office the Senator's
have refused to appear in person to
substantiate such proofs of childlke
innocence and freedom from guile. but
have contented themselves with send
ing notes on the subject to their
brothers in high places.
Men with criminal records and men
who have 'besn driven cut Of other
New-York tribune., 1918-07-14
A + ew Countesses
Find 1t Easy

Countess Josephine dc Castelvec-
chic, however, managed a benefit a..
the Princess Theatre to aid the projecs
and another was held in the grand
ballroom Of the Plaza Hotel. Mother
and daughter also made collections
IN restaurants, including Healy's
Churchill's and Shanley's
"A chateau somewhere in France
where convalescent American soldiers
could be entertained by American
girls was Mrs. Adams's dream
But 1t was doomed never TO be real
ized, although daughter Helen went al
the way to Palm Beach. after the en-
tertainment, TO raise additional funds
Another titled woman. Countess de
Bois Hebert- Cast de Tilly, was re
ouested to stop collecting funds for
the Rumanian Red Cross. She was un-
known at the Rumenian Club and the
Rumanian consul could find no Official
authority for her activities.
The head of the National Womans
Army decided to cali OF a benefit at q
Park Avenue hotel and TO disband the
organization.
Mrs. Lillian L. Miller, OF Riverside
Drive. collected $3.50 os5ensibly for
the War Baby Cradle. of which Mrs
jules S. Bache Is treasurer. A ms'
named Swanson had asked her TO sell
de luxe editions of "Belgium's Tribute
to King Albert" at $40 3 hook for th'
above charity, wholly without the
knowledge Of the treasurer The
money collected was turned over to
the District Attorney
New-York tribune., 1918-07-14
Colonel Comfy
Was Good Bait

Colonel Comfy" was popular alias.
Last March William L. T. O'Ncill was
indicted on the complaint of John n.
Steele, lawyer, that he had presented
letter OF introduction purporting to
be signed by Captain w. W. Marks, of
New-York tribune., 1918-07-14

we're inspecting the ambulances at the
front, letter from young Tells
mother to Hamilton Fish, jr., who was
at one time secretary, told different
story.
"He knows only Moscow and Petro-
grad hotels and it is a rather demoral-
izing and useless life at his age" walled
the anxious mother. II fear the ex-
perience will not prove profitable to
him and he would have been more use
fully employed at home"
Contributions levied for this organ
ization amounted to sol 900, and among
the individual donations were William
X. Vanderbilt, $4,000; General Electric
Company, $4,000; Andrew Carnegie,
$1,000; Herbert L. Satterlee, $500: Will
lard Straight, $500; Studebaker's Cor
poration, $3.50. 1t was understood that
these funds were to be devoted ex-
clusively to automobiles and surgical
supplies.
The American Ambulance affairs were
ultimately wound up. The bank
balance of $4,000 and the field equip
ment valued at $4,000 were turned over
to the Red Cross and the office fur
nture was sold.
New-York tribune., 1918-07-14
War Charities Discontinued After
Investigation by District Attorneys Office

The Army and Navy Bazaar.
The American Ambulance in Italy.
The American Ambulance in Russia
The 1909 Boys.
The National Womans Army.
The Cripple's Welfare Society
Good Samaritan Circle Of the Faheres France
League of Loyal Americans
Italian Bazaar in the Grand Central Palace November,
American Convalesceut Home Association.
The Penny Week Fund.
The Godfather's League of Our Allies.
Lord and Lady Aberdeen.
New-York tribune., 1918-07-14
Hamilton S Trip
TO Russia

Then there was the little matter of
William Hamilton's trip to Russia, last
ing from January to August, 1917.
There was testimony that in his
capacity as treasurer and yice-chair-
man of the fund he drew substantial
sums for travelling expenses from
many sources. The Foreign Merchan-
dising Corporation was induced to con
tribute $3,250, and C. Fl. Boynton, Of CT
Broadway, $l,l0o. The American Am
bulancc in Russia was relieved Of
sl,1o0 as ITS share of the expenses.
While in Petrograd he received $1,000
from John Moffat as president of the
Russian War Relief. He has since re-
funded $965.
Mr.. Hamilton had congcnial travel
ling companion, one Nelson Fell. While
according to popular report these two
New-York tribune., 1918-07-14

When called to account the explana
tions OF those il charge "ere nearly as
extraordinary as the items.
The silk stockings, for example, it
was explained, were bought for the
papier mache legs of girl dummies
exhibited at ccncy Island. Young men
were charged 1oF cents throw for
trying to ring" them with a small
hoop; the man who succeeded was en-
Nlled to the stockings. Evelyn"
fcstiled that she furnished clothes for
the girls to be worn at the booths.
New-York tribune., 1918-07-14

tribution. He received s6S465 and at
first kept $136.93 as his share of acqui-
sition expenses, the charges were.
we have forty-eight ambulances in
operation on the Russian 'front.'" he
wrote in his letter soliciting contri-
butlors. "They constitute the only
American unit engaged in field service
iii Russia and are supported by popu-
lar subscription"
While this fund fourished an am
hulance stood at the library corner at
Forty second Street and Fifth Avenue
every day. Those in charge solicited
contributions. The money was thrown
on stretcher laid on the sidewalk.
From 500 to $3.50 was gathered in each
cay.
Then there were the entertainments.
These averaged about s22 a week. Local
expenses for these shows were borne
by the patrons, who furnished the hall
and supl lied the ushers, generally Boy
Scouts and young society girls dressed
lis nurses. The shows consisted of mo-
tion pictures, showing amhulances at
work on the Russian front and scenes
in Petrograd during the first revolu-
ton; feature by George Roech, al
ambulance driver, followed by recita-
tions by Mary Lawton.
The driver of the ambulance that
went with the show was dressed in a
Russian army uniform and was adver-
tised as the first of twenty-six girls
who were going to drive ambulances in
Russia. The other twenty-five were
never mobilized
c. Wesley Shedd and Carrct T.
Demarest, two young men who started
AS volunteers to solicit for the fund,
later drew 10 per cent commissions, it
was alleged. Their collections ranged
into high figures.
Extraordinary items appeared on the
books of this fund.
Advertising for a lost watch. sl.20
On the same day to a man who
claimed he got So for finding
the watch ............,.., $50
Gotham silk hosiery. y........... 600
Smith, chauffeur, dinner and
laundry $40
Glass, balance on dog booth. -. 1926.
Laura Morris (Cynthia) . 40 70
Evelyn, dressmakcr .......... 17O.O0
When called to account the explana-
The Cordova daily times., 1918-10-31

WASHINGTON. Oct 3l.-tiftccn Austrian divisions ol' crang Bena and the lavc have been off from through capture by the allies of the Nada mountain pass A wireless the allies along to utmost that d crisis The enemy losses paing.
 The Italians have occupied the uero valley, and threaten Fcrc The Austrians the Grappa exposed to anng movement their immediate retirement expected. The Third Italian army, along the lower liave, is ad vancng despite enemy resistance More than thousand square lomeerS of Italian territory recovered yesterday Ap parenv the whole front is being driven northward
 The dispatches deny the Austrian claim that the territory the Piave evacuated voluntarily.
 / London Report of Allied Success
 LONDON, Oct 31-The entire Italian front is ablazc all the Italian armies being in action The British have reached Ivenzia Francgno. The Italians have occupied Odcrzo
 Says Austrians Are Withdrawing"
 VIENNA Oct 31-The Ausro- IImgarans withdraw ing from Serbia and have crossed the Danube The AuSns also withdrawing from Italian soil
The Cordova daily times., 1918-10-31
TWO HUNDRED CASES OF SPANISH INFLUENZA
 IN s. E. ALASKA CITY

Dr. w. W. Council. territorial health officer, has received word that there are 200 cases of influenza at Ketchi- kan. Governor Riggs advises that the utmost endeayor. be made to pre- vent the spread Of the disease, and for this reason all public meetings will be prohibited
 Dr. Council advises that on the first appearance Of symptoms Of the dis edse he be notified in order that steps may be taken to prevent an epidemic here.
 All public meetings, including the. ater, schools. churches, pool halls and retail stores. must close after the arrival of the next boat here. either from the south or the westward Re tail stores will be compelled to con dCct their business by telephone and tEc delivery system.
The Cordova daily times., 1918-10-31
INFLUENZA ON BOARD !. s.
 TRANSPORT

LONDON. Oct 3l.-A transport carrying six thousand American sol diers has arrived at a British port. During the trip 2.O5O cases of intiu- enza were reported but only one death resulted.
 The success achieved in combating the malady was due to the fact that all on board wore masks
The Cordova daily times., 1918-10-31
BOTH PARTIES
 ARE JUGGLING
 WITH POLITICS

WASHINGTON, Oct 31.-The sen ate Democrats upset the Republican plans for bringing up questions of peace and politics today by making the point of mo quorum" thus forcing an adjournment until tomorrow.
 This program. agreed upon by the be followed daily until after the cleo ton, unless the Republicans in the meantime consent to u recess for the election.
The Cordova daily times., 1918-10-31
SOPHIA WRECK MAY NEVER BE
 INVESTIGATED
. >>>%%>><<>>>>>~ =

OTTAWA, Oct 3l.-The depart mont of marine and fisheries is un- decided about holding an inyestiga. ton into the circumstances surround ing the wreck of the steamship Prin cess Sophi1. If it should decide not to hold all inquiry it will be because there are no survivors, and there is no one alive upon whom rcsponsibil- ity for the disaster could be placed.
The Cordova daily times., 1918-10-31
AMERICANS DOWN 27 ENEMY PLANES
 IN SINGLE DAY

WASHINGTON. Oct. 31.-Gcncral Pershing reported today that Amcri. cans on Wednesday downed twenty one enemy airplanes. Two Americans are missing
The Cordova daily times., 1918-10-31
DUTCH TROOPS
 MUTlN0US AND
 FIREBARRACKS

AMSTERDAM. Oct. 3l.-lt is re ported that Dutch soldiers encamped at Hartskamp have mutinied because of bad food They are said to have set fire to the barracks and plundered the canteens. Unconfrmcd reports say that several men were killed and wounded before the outbreak was quelled.
The Cordova daily times., 1918-10-31
Terms of the Armistice

The entire Turkish force which has been opposing the Brit ish the gris has been captured says official
 The terms of the amsce include the free passage of the Dardanecs to the allied fleet Home Secretary Sir George Cave announced that the other comprise the occupation of the forts the Bospoous necessary the passage of the allied warships through the Bospous the Black and the release of British prisoners.
The Cordova daily times., 1918-10-31
RATIFY
 THEIR TREATY WITH
 THE UNITED STATES

TOXIC. Oct. 31.-The privy council has ratified the renewal of the arbi- tration treaty between Japan and the United States.
The Cordova daily times., 1918-10-31
5. s. VICTORIA IS NOT
 RETURNING VIA C0RD0VA

SEATTLE, Oct. 31.-The steamship Victoria is coming direct to Seattle from Nome. and will not stop at Cor dova, as had been planned
The Cordova daily times., 1918-10-31
ITALIAN FORCES TRAP ENEMY
 IN THEIR HURRIED RETREAT

LONDON, Oct. 31.-The Exchange Tele- graph says that the Austrian commander the Italian front has applied to General Diaz, in mand of the Italian and allied forces the Italian front, for an armistce. The application has been forwarded to the allied council at Versailles.