Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1919-12-21
RICE KING FACES CHARGE OF FORGERY
 AS EXPOSE RESULT
Investigation May Reveal How George Begiey
 Built Up Fortune

Poplar Bluff, Mo-, Dec. 17--One of the most spectacular careers in Southeast Missouri, that of George Begley, Jr., 32 years old, of Poplar Bluff, known as the "Rice King of Missouri" has had a dramatic eli max in the disclosure that his great display of wealth, which for he last six years has dazzled his friends and business associates, was made possible by forgery. He admits that he has obtained at least a quarter of million of dol lars with fictitious securities, of which $133 ,050 was obtained from St. Louis banks and individuals.
 When the exposure came, and with it the issuance of warrants against him charging forgery, Beg ley tried to end his life with poi sen. He told his relatives and ln- innate friends that he would rath- CT die than go to prison. Three attempts at self-destruction with in the last week have been unsuc- cessful, though he is still in bed from the effects of bichloride of mercury, and, fer fear that he will again seek means to carry out hls threat, he has been placed under restraint. Men nurses guard him night and day at his home in Pop lar Bluff.
 Claims Total Almost $500,000
 In the hope of recovering their money, Begley's creditors, whose claims total almost $500,00O, have agreed to continue the operation of his large rice fields in Stoddard and Butler counties, i'll order that they may be sold to good adVant- age.
 Voluntary bankruptcy proceed ings, pending in the United States District Court at Cape Girardeau to wind up Begley's affairs, result ed in the election of D. H. Doane, manager of the Begley rice farms, as trustee of the estate.
 At Doan's suggestion he was permitted to purchase $500 worth of hogs to devour vast quantity of spoiled corn and rice, which can be disposed of in no other way at a profit.
 Rice Scheme Is Practical
 Doane was chosen as the logical man to manage the estate for the creditors because of his experience and reputation. He formerly was teacher in the agricultural de- partment of the Missouri State University, for several years State Superintendent of County Farm Agents, formerly farm expert fol the Mississippi Valley Trust Go. of St. Louis, and recognized by the Federal government as an author ity on farm matters. He had been in Begley's employ for a year and in that time had demonstrated that Begley's scheme of raising rice in Missouri was practical one.
 w. H. Meredith of Poplar Bluff attorney for Begley, told the cred itors that he believed they woulo get dollar for dollar. He stated to a reporter at Poplar Bluff yes terday, in the presence of creditors attorneys, that he had not yet as cefCalneu Just HOW lar DeSIey forgeries had extended, but that he was quite sure that at least $250,- 900 was involved.
 Propery Listed at $2-,O00
 In listing his liabilities Begley estimated his indebtedness at $371,' 98S. He scheduled his assets al $422, TAO, but an itemized appraisa of his real and personal property reduced the amount to $21 ,053.13 This did not include his household effects, wearing apparel, jewelry pleasure automobiles or expensive gifts he had presented to his wife Under the law he is entitled to eX emption on about $500 worth ot property. In view of the fact tha1 he maintained an expensive home and lavished costly presents on his wife his creditors have petitionet the referee to direct an investiga tion to see if a portion of these personal effects should not be in c1,,JoS i,, i hn ocfofa