Page 3 of 11 Nov 1910 Issue of The Kadoka Press in Kadoka, South-Dakota

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The Kadoka Press (Newspaper) - November 11, 1910, Kadoka, South DakotaIHURING the sixties and and the early seven- ties of the last cen- tury, counterfeiting blossomed nto one of the fine arts, and to such perfection was it brought that, in many instances, it was ex- ceedingly difficult to detect the bogus stuff from the genu- ine. As insidious enemies of the people In every walk of life, counterfeiters may well be classed among the most subtle and dangerous persons with tfhom officers of the law have to cope, liver wide awake and on the alert for treachery in their own ranks, these •Tatty rogues can only be captured and convicted by means of carefully baited traps, or by what is generally known as the stool-pigeon system. Counterfeiters are divided into six distinct classes: First, the capitalist er procurer; second, the engraver; third, the printer; fourth, the whole- sale dealer; fifth, the retailer, and sixth, the shover or circulator. The •apitalist is the most difficult man to reach as he seldom handles any of the plates or spurious money. Hence the chief offender in this line may walk calmly about, defying the detec- tive, each tacitly understanding the other in his relative position; one buspecting and watching, the other patiently and tirelessly picking up, erumb by crumb, convicting evidence. The methods pursued by detectives to entrap counterfeiters are rarely better illustrated than in the following account of the capture of Vi illiam M. Burney, alias “Big Bill” the Koniack- er. one of the foremost wholesale dealers in “queer” of his day. He was born of respectable parentage, reared in the quietude incident to country life, educated and supplied with a sufficient amount of money wherewith to live like a gentleman and, strange- ly enough, he chose a path that led to his ultimate ruin. In the excitement of those tumultu- eus days the city of New York was well stocked with men possessed of a genius for conceiving and conceal- ing crime. Perhaps no other city in the civilized world has ever afforded a better opportunity for fleecing the public. Gurney had been handling counterfeit money for several years but had managed to escape punish- ment. He was one of the chief dis- tributors for Joshua D. Miner, who was the head and front of a power- ful octopus whose tentacles were stretched out In almost every section •f the country. Gurney was by no means unattract- ive In appearance, and there were few men walking Broadway in his day whose physique could compare favorably with his. He stood six feet two inches in height and was corre- spondingly well proportioned, while his expansive chest and well-developed limbs gave him the appearance of a wan possessing the muscular strength a giant. His black eyes were sharp and severe, or mild and pleasant, to suit occasions. In conversation he was easy and interesting and, among strangers, would readily have passed for a gentleman of marked ability. To be a leader among the counterfeit- ing fraternity seemed to have been the crowning glory of his highest am- bition. In the spring of 1869 I was ap- pointed chief of the government se- •ret service and, though I had had experience with General Butler In New Orleans, and later In the Internal revenue service, I was unknown among the counterfeiters. Shortly after my appointment I re- ceived information, at my headquar- ters in Washington, regarding a rather unique affair that had taken place at one of the drinking resorts on Hous- ton street, in New York city. Wil- liam Gurney, with his characteristic push and daring, had invited a party of "queersmen" to partake of a ban- quet at this place. There were 24 persons present at this function, three ex-deteCtives being among the num- ber. On the following day I was furnished with the particulars of this remark- able assembly, and the ex-detectlve who reported It also provided a list of the banqueters. Among other things I learned that my appointment as chief of the secret service was dis- cussed at the affair, and pronounced a good joke upon the government. Gurney addressed his guests, boast- fully declaring that “the new chief might do for a preacher or an Internal revenue clerk, but that he could never cope with shrewd men like the queersmen." "Now is our opportunity," he said, “to reap a rich harvest” At the same time he advised bis friends that he was going to take the new chief into his confidence and keep him well stuffed with fictitious information. “In the meantime,” he continued, “I willdraw out from him his plans and keep myself posted as to his pro- posed movements.” This plan pleased the fancy of the scoundrels, and they agreed that Gur- ney was a great man. They were seated at the tables Imbibing wine, and they drank to Gurney's health while the ex-detectives and counter-, falters Jostled elbows and bandied jokes good-naturedly as they contem- plated the easy times la store for them, men sufWHeatty filled With wtatMMid Utey capped the HOIST BY HIS OWN PETARD a tame affair in comparison with the indulgence of these men. If there were any letters of warning upon the walls, all were too drunk to read them, or they lacked a sober Daniel to in- terpret them. „ Under the circumstances it seemed advisable to allow these merry plot- ters to pursue their way unmolested until sufficiently off their guard to per- mit the successful carrying out of a plan to entrap and apprehend the en- tire party. Much of my time was now spent at my New York office in Bleeker street where, in due time, Gurney called upon me for the purpose “of paying bis respects and tendering some in- formation in regard to counterfeiters.” The artless appearing fellow said that when quite young he had been foolish enough to engage in counterfeiting, but had long since abandoned it and was now ready to render the govern- ment such assistance as he could. I affected to receive him with open arms, and apparently gulped down as truth everything he had to offer. Gur- A /. s ney was well fitted to deceive with a plausible story, for ho seemed candid in manner and well equipped in every way to impose upon the most incred- ulous. The officers of the secret service all considered him a dangerous per- son and none was anxious to encoun- ter a man of such gigantic proportions and apparently desperate character. My first move against Gurney was to send Mike, Bower, a newly-fledged government <rotectlve, to form his ac- quaintance. Bower was selected be- cause his appearance was anything but that of a detective. Bower drifted into Gurney’s “booziug-den” on East Illeeker street where, after loitering around drinking and smoking for a week or two, he one day called Gur- ney aside and told him he was broke and must have a little money. He drew from his Inside pocket a gold watch with a short piece of chain hanging from it, gWing It the appear- ance of having been nipped from the pocket of some unfortunate citizen .! Gurney snapped at the bait at once l and intimated, with a sly wink, that the watch had been stolen. When Bower finally admitted as much Gur- ney seemed pleased and bought the, watch at about one-third its value, remarking;"' “Ybu're all right, my boy. When r&u want anything, come to me.’”-' i r- -• < ’¦ ' After a feWifiays Bower again ap- proached Gertie*, this lime with a diamond muff ulfcafcikart been slipped from ’ tth > faßtanfnga.'iK “I need some more money/' said* Bower. Gurney iaspeote*! the gam with an appreciative eye,' and finally said; •You era a goad one DM you aver handle any of the ‘viewr*’ “1 took a little hand la It one*, ' re- s- tA True Btory tf the Becret Service By' COL. H. C. WHITLEY Former Chief U. S. Secret Service plied Bower cautiously, “but 1 do not like to take the chances any more." “Oh, h—i,” replied Gurney. "We’ve got everything our own way now. The government detectives are all green men and there’s ifo danger of getting caught unless a fellow goes and gives himself up.” Taking from „ his , wal- let a S2O counterfeit note on the Na- tional Shoe and Leather hank of New York city, he added: “Here's some- thing good enough to deceive the dis- ciples.” After some parleying Bower ac- cepted S3OO of the "queer” for the dia- mond, and I now Instructed Bower to stay away from Gurney for a couple of weeks. While Ilower had been working Gurney, that worthy had been coming to my office every few days to work me. He imagined that I fully believed what he said, and that be was regard- ed as a valuable ally. I always re- ceived him kindly, and assured him that I had no desire to make arrests unless forced to do so, and that I did ot/r<sfv not believe in using harsh measures unnecessarily. Gurney fairly chuckled at this simplicity and was thrown completely off his guard. He assumed an air of great mystery and spoke of the possible existence of counterfeit plates that might be reached for a reward. He would not, he declared, accept a dollar' for his personal services but, because of his great fancy for me, was ready to as- sist It, every way possible. He was permitted to blarney along and play the game to bis own liking, secure in the belief that he was completely de- ceiving the government officials. In the meantime the services of an old counterfeiter, fresh from the peni- tentiary, had been secured. Many of his old confederates were now opera- ‘.ng with the Gurney gang and, through him. Bill Butts, a fresh-look- ing detective from one of the western states, was introduced to several of the men who made their headquarters at a saloon on the Bowery. Butts In- formed the barkeeper of the saloon that he had Just aerted a term for “shoving the queer : , At tlrut the 9 counterfeiters and thieves hanging around the place ap- peared to'be suspicious of Butts. One day. however, when these villitns were drinking beer in tfla back room of the place, a fight arose. The de- tective west in with the rest and stretched out several of the fellows, though fee was badly beaten up la the end. and »in addition was . robbed of hip pocketbook and watch. The ethics of the criminal profes- sion are peculiar. When a crowd of crooks fight they frequently rob one another, and if the victim calls to the police to recover his props rty he loses the coafldence of tl* ragape who took part In the fray. But if he keeps silent it is conclusive evidence in their minds that he cannot stand investigation, and this establishes his character beyond doubt It is ac- cepted by them as sufficient voucher that he is a member In good standing In the brotherhood of crooks, and he is then admitted into full fellowship. Shortly after the melee one of the crowd suggested to Bqtts that he call in the police. He promptly replied: “No police for me," and the detective was thereupon received without hesi tation or meutal reservation. During the next seven or eight months Butts worked with this gang of counter- feiters as a shover of queer. "Counterfeit shovers,” as they are called, usually travel in pairs. One fellow carries the bogus money and remains outside, while the other takes one bill, enters a place of busi- ness, purchases some trifle, tenders the counterfeit note in payment, and receives change in good money. If this precaution were not observed, the possession of other counterfeit money, in case of detection and arrest, would Indicate guilt aud lead almost inevitably to conviction. Detective Butts, however, did not pass any counterfeit money but used Instead a good bill in the place of the one he received from the carrier. That was kept for evidence, and in this way he deceived the queersmen for months, and secured evidence to convict about twenty of the Gurney party. While Butts had been busy with the gang of shovers, Bower had been de- voting his time to Gurney and the other leaders. On one occasion Bower purchased SSOO of counterfeit money from Gurney, and this he handed to me as I was on my way to dinner at the Bt. Clair house. As I entered the restaurant I met Gurney looking as cheerful and innocent as a Raphael cherub. The rascal appeared with a bland smile and informed me that he had come there especially to see me about counterfeiting transatcions out west. I took him by the hand, thanked him, and invited him to dine. We selected a table where Gurney could talk without being Overheard. His information, as usual, was in- definite, hearsay, with no particular iwiint to It. He told me that my pol- icy 6f being easy with the counter- feiters was working like a charm—- that'there was no counterfeit money lu circulation in the east —In fact, he had not seen a bad dollar in six month*. At that very moment my hand was resting on the package of counterfeit money that had Just been purchased from him by Bower. A few days later Gurney told Bower, in a boasting way, of this In- terview and. In a burst of enthusiasm, declared that everything about the government detective headquarters was kQdwn to him before It trans- pired. He asserted that he was one of my assistants, and was so puffed up over his Imaginary auceess that he really feallaved ha knew what waa go- ing aa Jp my office The time near teemed ripe for the •rreat af the eatire party whe had discussed my qualifications over thefr wine at the banquet on Houston street. Bower had completely won Gurney's confidence. Telling him that he was about to take a trip to Texas, he inquired If he could buy $3,000 In counterfeit money at a whole- sale figure. “Of course; any amount of It," an- swered Gurney. A deal was arranged for its deliv- ery on the New York side of Fulton Kerry. Bower was to be at a desig- nated spot at a certain time, and Gur- ney was to pass along, hand over the spurious and receive good money in payment. At the appointed time there was a large crowd standing around the ferry landing waiting for the boat. Bower was there, and a few paces from him stood a seemingly honest tinsmith with a Joint of stove-pipe under his arm and a pair of snippers in his hand. His clothes and the soot upon his hands and face bore unmistakable witness to hlB calling. Near by, look- ing in another direction, stood a stout- ly-built business man of ample girth, fei one hand he carried a hat box. In the other a valise. In the immediate vicinity was a tall, reverential ap- pearing gentleman, with neat side whiskers, whose white tie and the ministerial cut of his coat were in keeping with the sanctimonious ex- pression of his face. When the ferry boat struck the dock Gurney stepped off. peered cau- tiously and carefully around, scanning the faces of those who were standing near. Being satisfied that there were no suspicious persons about, he drew a package from under his coat and stepped toward Bower to deliver It. At this instant the ministerial-look- ing man raised his hand. The fat man dropped his luggage and the tin- smith his tools. Both seized Gurney by the arms and held him while the tall brother, with a quick movement, snapped handcuffs on his wrists. Everything was done so quickly that Gurney did not have time to catch his breath before he was securely Ironed. The prisoner was taken to the secret service office. I removed my side whiskers and made some change in my clothing, then entered the office and shook hands with the crestfallen criminal. During that day and evening the government officers were engaged in arresting the sbovers of the gang, against whom Butts had secured evi- dence. Two of the ex-detectives, guests at Gurney's banquet, had al- ready been arrested for passing coun- terfeit money—one at Pittsburg and the other at Cincinnati. By 11 o'clock that night the officers had ar- rested 20 of the gang. They were arranged in a circle at the office, and the right hand of one was hand- cuffed to the left hand of the next. Gurney, appropriately, happened to be tho center-piece. I could not help a feeling of pity for the unfortunates, but they had volun- tarily preyed upon society and trans- gressed the laws of their land, and the common weal required that they be punished. They were all tried and convicted, most of them entering a plea of guilty. The boastful Gurney now fully real- ized the trap into which he had fallen. He had been hoisted by bis own petard, a circumstance that seemed to humiliate him almost be- yond measure. With little or no pres- sure he weakened and confessed that he had received his counterfeit money from Joshua D. Minor, who was the capitalist that owned the plates upon which the National Shoe and Leather twenties were printed. Among the secret service officers Miner was known to be a counter- feiter, but on account of his great wealth and political standing, he was considered a difficult man to grapple with. He was a large city contractor at this time, and employed about one hundred men opening up a new road at the end of Ninth avenue. Gurney was altogether too timid to make a deal with Miner in order to give the officers an opportunity to cap- ture him red-handed, but he finally agreed to go with me to see Miner who, he believed, would surrender the S2O counterfeit plates for the purposa of shortening his sentence. Leaving a carriage on the boule- vard. I walked with Gurney a short distance on Sixty-ninth street towaid Miner's house. We met Miner on the sidewalk and I was Introduced by Gurney, who then explained the trouble he had gotten biuiselt into. Miner said he could do nothing for him and, as a last reaort, 1 requested Miner to step aside with me, where I told him that I was convinced that be was the owner of the counterfeit plates of the National Shoe and 1/iather hauk. This he firmly denied, but I Insisted and threatened to ar- rest blni. He finally said that he would make an effort to secure the plates. I knew what this meant and, upon his promise to meet me the fol- lowing day, I left him. Miner appeared on time, but was still doubtful In regard to bis ability to make the surrender demanded. He was a hard nut to crack but. be- fore we parted. I succeeded in con- vincing him. by the use or language not leas threatening than It waa forcible, that ft was for his Interest to surrender the plates. This he now promised to do and, shortly afu-r an- other Interview at bis home, i re- ceived a check for a piece of baggage at the Grand Central depot. A de- tective went to the baggage room at this depot and obtained an old hair trunk in which were found the plates. According to promiM. Goran?, through nrjr intnrcnaslon nod nxplnna- tion, *u givoa n oonUnoe 0 1 mt« yoorn tnntnnd or tbn *""l"nnn tnace of •ttnm. ' ' • T~ ” iCQwxgni. Mkrg.g **i-grr- j ¦ CURETHATGOLD TODAY _ Ini **/ would rather preserve the health etf m motion than he IU ruler. ” —MUNYON. Thousands of people who are suffering with colds are about today. Tomorrow they may be prostrated with pneumonia. An ounce of prevention ia worth a pound of cure. Get a 25 cent boUle of Mun- yon’a Cold Cure at the nearest drug store. This bottle may be conveniently carried in the vest pocket. H you are not satisfied with the effeota of the rem- edy, send us your empty bottle and we will refund your money. Munyon’s Cold Cure will speedily break up an forms of colds and prevent grippe and pneumonia. ' It checks discharges of the none and eyes, stops sneezing, allays inflammation ana fever, and tones up the system. If you need Medical Advice, write to Munyon’s Doctors. They will oarefnlly diagnose your case and advise yon by mail, absolutely free. You are wider no obligation. Address Munyon's Doctors, Munyon’s Laboratory. 53d and Jefferson streets, Phil- adelphia, Fa. A Terrified Hero. "Did you have any narrow escapes in the surf last summer?” "Yes," replied the life-saver. "One lady whom I rescued was so grateful that she nearly married we." DR. MARTEL'S FEMALE PILLS. Seventeen Years the Standard. Prescribed and recomaieaded for Women’s Ailments. A scientifically pre- pared remew of proven worth. The result from their use is quiok and per- manent. For sale at all Drag Stores. A Sure Sign. “I understand, Mr. Reuben,” said the visitor, “that your son is devoted to the turf.” “Ya-as, I reckon he is,” said the old man. “Jabez kin lay down an the grass for hull hours ’thout makln’ no complaint.”—Harper’s Weekly. Alleviating Circumstances. "Did you say,” asked a gentleman who was looking for rooms, “did you say that a music teacher occupied the next apartment? That cannot be very pleasant.” Harper's Bazar gives the landlady's reply. “Oh,” she said eagerly, “that's nothing, sir. The music teacher has II children, and they make ao much noise that you can’t hear the piano at all.” Expecting Too Much. It was a cold, raw day, but the Nevereweats and the Fearnoughts were playing a game of ban on tbe prairie, just the same. The pitcher of the Neversweats, bis Angers half frozen, failed dismally in getting the balls over the plate. “Aw,” said the captain, ‘‘l t’ought ye wust one o’ dese cold weather pitchers!" "I am,” said the slab artist, blow- ing on his benumbed digits to warm them, “but I ain’t a ice pitcher, blame ye!” He Was a Boston Boy. "Your little boy must be very Intel- ligent,” said a visitor to a Boston school teacher whose flve-year-old eon was forming Greek words with build- ing blocks. “Intelligent!" exclaimed the proud parent. "He is phenomenally gifted. As an example of his early erudition, what do you suppose was the first words he ever spoke?” ‘‘‘Papa’ and ‘mamma’?” “Stuff and nonsense!" ejaculated the father In a tone of disgust. “Why, the day he was 12 months old he sud- denly laid down his algebra and said to me: ‘Father, the longer I live the more indubitable proofs I perceive that there is in Boston as much cul- ture to the square inch as there ever was in the ambient area of ancient Athens!’ ” An Attractive Food Post Toasties So Crisp . So Flavour? So Wholesome So Convenient So Economical So why not order a package from Grocer. “The Memory Ungers** - Postum Cereal Co., Md. Battle Creejc, Mich- s V 3 O/'’f sS-h-5-i « 9 9

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