Indianapolis Journal, Indianapolis, Marion County, 20 October 1883 — Page 5

SWINDLING OPERATIONS. The Extensive Business Done by T. C. Gordon & Cos. in Barometers. Their Successors Claim To Be Doing: a Legitimaie Business—The Result ofPostoftice Special Agents’ Investigations. Indianapolis is fast gaining an unenviable notoriety throughout the country by the various fraudulent companies and swindling concerns that operate here, and Postmaster Wildman has been kept pretty busy for several months past in considering complaints and grievances that eoine to him from Maine to California, and from the Lakes to the Gulf. Nearly all the frauds had their origin in the marriage benefit association, which flourished throughout Indiana two years ago, and a lateral development of which are the •‘death-bed” insurance companies and tmtual benefit associations. Among the latter the “Marion Trust Company,” operated by the lamented Collier, was a bright and shining example. A recent scheme, however, rather eclipsed all the others in originality and shrewdness. About two months ago a man giving Ills name as T. C. Gordon came here and opened an office in the Thorpe block under the Arm name of T. C. Gordon & Cos., his racket being the sale of a combined barometer ana thermometer, which was to fill a long felt want. There is some reason to believe that the “Cos.” of the firm, was Arthur L. Blue, who is said to have applied the funds of the United Order of Honor to hie own use and then left the city. The Journal has heretofore given some accounts of Gordan’s operations, but the public generally have an inadequate idea of how extensive they were. His method was as follows: He sent out circulars and advertising posters to postmasrers and small dealers in all parts of the country, in which he desired that tiiev should send him the names of three persons who would act as agents for the sale of his combined barometer and thermometer, representing that there were opportunities for great profits m the business. In consideration of this favor the post- ‘ master was to receive one of the instruments for 28 cents, which were merely to cover the charges for packing and expressage. The results were surprising. Gordon received hundreds of letters a day—each containing the remittances asked for. For nearly two weeks his daily mail consisted of over 1,000 letters—going as high as 1,400 occasionally—and the carrier was obliged to make two trips to his office in the morning, so extensive was his mail. His daily receipts from this source for nearly a mouth would probably average from $l5O to S2OO. Presently complaints began to come in that he was not filling hie orders, and when he was questioned about the matter he acknowledged that he was not, but said that the fault was not his, because he could not get the goods from the manufactory. He said that his partner was Arthur L. Blue, who then had an excellent business standing here, and gave some of the most prominent business men in the city as references, and this disarmed ruspioion. But of the thousands of orders he received, each containing the requisite twenty-eight cents, he did not fill probably more than a dozen, for the instruments cost more than that, and he was finally compelled to flee from the city toescape prosecution for using the mails with fraudulent intentions. Blue left about the same, time, and neither have since rereturned, but there is every probability that they 'will both be arrested before long and subjected to vigorous prosecution.

Gordon’s previous history. For several days past a Journal reporter has been looking into Gordon’s antecedents, and has made some discoveries. His real name 1s B, L. Gardiner, and he is a dead-beat of the old school. He has been connected with several newspapers throughout the country, in various capacities, but has never stayed at any one place for any great length of time, as he had a habit of borrowing money and swindling people on all sides. He was a reporter on the Pittsburg Leader for .a few weeks, and afterwards went to Cincinnati, where he was engaged on the Penny Press. Hio service did not last long with that paper, aud he became advertising agent for those eminent humanitarians, the “i)rs. K. A. K. Surereous.” About eighteen mouths ago he originated another brilliant scheme, and made some money out of it, by traveling ahead of Forepaugh’s show, claiming to be a regularly-accredited agent, nnd soliciting and getting the pav for advertisements which were to go in the printed programmes, but never got there. Forepaugh instituted criminal proceedings against him at Fort Wayne, and he whs again compelled to ilee to avoid punishment. Next, he was heard of at Lawrenceburg, Ind., where, for a few weekH last spring, ho published a “patent-all-over” paper called the “Household Friend.” He left there also under a cloud, with numerous debts unpaid, and went back to Cincinnati. His last business venture, so far as the latest returns Indicate, was in this city in the barometer business, under the name of T. C. Gordon & Cos. He- has a wife and family at Cincinnati, in destitute circumstances, the children, it. Is said, now* beiug in a public benevolent institution. Ho is a man of much shrewdness and cunning, and of good address, and has tnade considerable money by his various schemes, but spent it tu drinking and gambling. It is thought he got in with Blue here, by the latter doing his printing for him. gordan’s successors in business. Just before Gordon left the city he sold out his barometer business to John A, Heidlinger, who is now running it, hut on a different plan. He claims to be doing a square business, and has evidence to support Ida assertions. He now receives Gordou’a mail and says that when he gets a letter containing twenty-eight cents he either sends tho money back or writes to the sender that he will send him barometer upon receipt of twenty-two cents additional, as the ‘instruments cannot be sold for less than fifty cents. He is receiving orders at the rate of 200 or MOO a day, and claims to be sending out the instruments, which ne says cost him about thirty-five cents. Receipts from the various express companies Bhowtnat Mr. Heidliuger has filled hundreds of orders, but the chief difficulty' seems to be that people who sent twenty-eight centß to Gordon want to send twenty-t wo cents additional to Heidlinger and get the instruments, which he declines to send them and consequently there is much complaint. Heidlinger’a office is the same that Gordon had, and he has two young Jadies for clerks, who are kept very busy'. About the time Gordon left nnor tier competitor came Into tne field. This was “E. Fraizier,” a well-appearing young man, who also lias an office in the Thorpe block, and who operates a “queer” insurance company called tile “Globe Mutual Assessment Life Insurance Company.” In the latter his name is given as Marcus E. Frazier, and In the barometer business simply E. Fraizier. His circulars are exactly the same us Gordon’s the only change being the name, and a disclaimer of any connection with the former firm. Heidlinger accordingly issued a circular denouncing Fraizier & Cos. as frauds, because they had made use of his printing matter, as he claimed. Fr.iizier stated to the reporter that lie was going out of the barometer business, as there was no money in it. He said, further, that he could not fill the orders he was receiving, aud was not trying to pet any more, because he could not get, the goods. He claimed that he only went into it for the purpose of getting the names of people throughout the country, whose services he might be able to secure as agents for the Globe. In his office he had probably a dozen barometers, which he explained that he kept to send to Seraons who had sent in orders and would not e “stood oft’,” ami twenty or more empty boxes. Inquiry at the postolfiee developed the fact that he was receiving about 150 letters, and presumably orders, daily. Major Arnold Transferred. Major Isaac Arnold, of the United Stales army, who has been for nearly nine .years in command at the arsenal in this city, received orders from the. War Department yesterday to leave for Ban Antonio, Tex., at his earliest possible convenience, to take charge of the post at that point. Ho will be succeeded here by Major Cress. Major Arnold has made an almost endless number of friends during his sojourn in Indianapolis, by whom the announcement of his transfer will be winoerely regretted. He has already been in this city longer than officers usually remain at one post, however. He will probably leave for his new post of duty about the last of next week, and will be accompanied by his family. List, maiden, though you’re keen of wit, And though of manv charms possessed* You’ll never, never, make a hit Unless with pearly teeth you’re blest. Unless upon your toilet stand. Your Sozudout’s kept close at hand.

THE INDIANAPOLIS JOURNAL, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1883—WITH EXTRA SHEET.

Advice to Mothers* Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup should always be used when children are cutting teeth. It relieves the little sufferer at once; it produces natural, quiet sleep by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes as “bright as a button.” It is very pleasant to taste. It soothes the child, softens the gums, allays all pain, relieves wiud, regulates the bowels, and is the best known remedy for diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Twentyfive cents a bottle. Everyone who has tried the now Zoo-Zoo Plug Tobacco says it is “the best” yet put ou the market. It is made only by the Wilson & McCalhiy Tobacco Cos., of Middletown, O. In order to give every tobacco chewer an opportunity to 1 test the quality of Zoo-Zoo Plug, the mauufacI turers will send free to everyone who will drop I them a postal card asking for it, a sample of I this popular tobacco, and will also semi with j the sample a full list of rewards which they | offer for the return of the tags used on Zoo-Zoo Plug. Zoo-Zoo is for sale by all dealers, and a ' sample can be obtained direct from the nianu- | facturers at the cost of a postal card. That the manufacturers have faith in the quality of this brand is evidenced by their liberal offer, which we trust every one of our readers will avail himself of. Have you thoroughly investigated the Willcox <fe Gibbs Automatic Sewing Machine?—the only one that can be used by the mo9t delicate with perfect safety. 92 East New York street. Read This If you have a large lot of timber that you want sawed into lumber, it will pay you to address John A. Corbin, Jamestown, Iml. Ho has a fiftyhorse mill, and wants a large job of sawing. Can cut two car-loads a day. Would move in a short time. Mother Swan’s Worm syrup, for feverishness, restlessness, worms, const* nation. Tasteless. 25c. Cokticelli Sewing Silk is tlio best in the world. SI GREAT german I MKffljnmiiiiiiiinuHiiinro. | REMEDY IF'"* mo DAM | <iimni!Rfiiui!iini!itiif)D| fUil rftm, | .#>! 'TS 1 ' } Sciatica, Lumbago, || illLflHBIBIi!Mj BACKACHE, a ir™*! ! headache,toothache, §'► ]j| SORE THROAT, l| PllhlMmnmMlll QUINSY, SWELLINGS, IlfllliUilfflll&j | SI-BAINS, I Cutt, Brui.M. I P J FROSTBITES, 11” J BI UVN, ACU.DS, • iiluiUliimiil!iiliiiiii..m||i| | And all other bodily aches v and pains. IB mn 1i ■ f,fty cents * b°ttle- ! i 1 “ jlrf D^e d r S by *li i rV n ii fl languages. mill l i !! 1 llr he Char!es Vogoter Cos. "I;! ’Ulliilr (I (SuowMortoA.VOGE!.Efl*CO) Sjjffii* Baltimore. Uld., U.S. A,

A SURE RECIPE For Fine Complexions. Positive relief ami immunity from complex ioiiul blemishes may be found in Hagan’s Magnolia llalm. A delicate and harmless article. Sold by druggists everywhere. It imparts the most brilliant and life-like tints, ami the closest scrutiny cannot detect its use. All unsightly Discolorations, Eruptions, Ring Marks under the eyes, Sallowness, Redness, Roughness, and the flush of fatigue and excitement are at once dispelled hy the Magnolia Ralm. < It is the one incomparable Cosmetic.

AcjL ■ INDIANAPOLIS^

for infants and Children.

Castorin promotes Digestion and overcomes Flatulency, (Jonstipation, Sour Stomach, Diarrhoea, and Feverishness. It insures health and uuturai sleep, without morphine. “ Castoria is so well adapted to Children that I recommend it as superior to any prescription known to me.” 11. A. Arche a, M. D., 82 Portland Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y.

CENTAUR LINiiVtENT —an absolute cure for Rheumatism, Sprains, Burns, Galls, &c. The most Powerful and Penetrating Paiu-relieving and Healing Remedy known to man.

OUR PRICES OIST SAXONY AND GERMANTOWN YARNS ARE MUCH BELOW PRESENT VALUES. Close buyers are taxing advantage of our low prices. NOTION DEPARTMENT. BYRAM, CORNELIUS & CO., Wholesale Dry Goods and Notions, NOS, 101, 103, & 105 SOUTH MERIDIAN STREET.

33YAD BLOOD. SCROFULOUS. INHERITED. CONTAGIOUS. IN 1870 Scrofulous Ulcers broke out on my body until my breast was one mass of corruption. Some of tln-.se Ulcers were not less than one and one-lialf inches in diameter, the edges rough, ragged, and seemingly dead, the cavity open to the bone and filled with offensive matter. Everything known to the medical faculty was tried in vain. Gradually the bone itself became diseased, and then the suffering began in earnest. Bone Ulcere began to take the place of those hitherto on the surface. I became a mere wreck. For mouths at a time could not get my bauds to my head because of extreme soreness. COULD NOT TURN IN B ED~ Knew not wlmt it was to be an hour even free from pain. Had reason to look upon life itself as a curse. In the summer of 1880, after ten years of this wretched existence, I began to use the Cuticura Remedies, ana after two years’ persistent use of them the last. Ulcer has healed. The dread disease has succumbed. All over the breast where was once a mass of corruption is now a healthy skin. My weight has increased from one hundred and twenty-three to one hundred and fifty-six pounds, and the good work is still going on. I feel myself anew man, ana all through the Cuticura Remedies. JAMEB E. KTCIIARDSON, Custom-house, New Orleans. Sworn to before United States Commissioner J. D. Crawlord. “ tocleanseThe blood ', Os Scrofulous, Inherited and Contagious Humors and thus remove the most prolific cause of nitman suffering, to clear the Skin of Disfiguring Blotches, Itching Tortures, Humiliating Eruptions and Loathsome Sores caused by impure or poisoned blood, to purify and beautify the Skin, and restore the Hair so that no trace of disease remain, Cuticura Resolvent, the new Blood Purifier, diuretic and aperient, and Cuticura and Cuticura Soap, the great Skin Cures and Beantitiers, are infallible. They are the only remedies that succeed when physicians and all other moans fail. GREAT BLOOD The half has not been told as to the great curative powers of the Cuticura Remedies. I have paid hundreds of dollars for medicines to cure diseases of the blood and skin, and never found anything vet to equal the Cuticura Remedies. Providence, R. I. CHAS. A. WILLIAMS. Price of Cuticura, small boxes. 50c; large boxes, sl. Cuticura Resolvent, $1 per bottle. Cuticura Soap, 25c. Cuticura Shaving Soap, 150. Sold by all druggists. POTTER DRUG AND CHEMICAL CO., Boston. Send for “How to Cure Skin Diseases ” mpflT T THE IN luULij, TAILOR, SPECIAL DISPLAY OF FALL SUITINGS. LEADING STYLES! GREAT VARIETY 1 OVERCOATINGS. KERSEYS, MELTONS, AND ALL THE FAVORITE3. FANCY TROUSERINGS. POPULAR PRICES. Pants to measure from $ 5.00 Suits to measure from 20.00 Overcoats to measure from 18.00 TAILOR. 33 and 35 SOOTH ILLINOIS STREET. Two and a half blocks north of Depot. Electric Light. Telephone. UdP’Samples and self-measurement rules maned on application. \U ANT ED -TH E CH E A PEST NEWSP AP E R t! in the West, the Weekly Indiana State Journal. One dollar per year. Ninety cents in clubs of five and over.

What gives our Children rosy cheeks, What cures then* levers, makes them sleep • *Tis Castoria. When babies fret and cry by turns. What cures their colic, kills their worms. But Castoria. What quickly cures Constipation, Sour Stomach, Colds, Indigestion, But. Castorbu Farewell then to Morphine Syrups, Castor Oil aud Paregoric, and Hall Castoriat

limillßMf limUM ■■WO lIMBM IaBMHMI I 111 i— Bill !■ Mil I HI II I■ I ■III! I fll Hill 111 WU II II IT'll "Will I - I l~ rflTI ITT TTIT n I I ' # corner . Corner Christian AvenueS Mississippi and Pratt Sts. —and On c.. 1., st. L. &c.R. R. -45 WEST YARD.] WABASH RAILROAD. E. IT. MEYER, A.. J. MEYER, IN CHARGE. IN CHARGE. A B. MEYER ATS" 33 COMPANY — 'i PRINCIPAL OFFICE 1 I AV 'M 1 1 I 'AIrA VyUdjl N. PENNSYLVANIA ST. VA Vi IV\ Our Coal and Coke is double screened by experienced and able assistants. ALL ORDERS HANDLED PROMPTLY. CAR TRADE A SPECIALTY. TTSTI3IAISJ A-T^OTjIS, lISTD. 57 W. Washington St., CORNER successor to Delaware and South Sts., NffiLOGK, MERRIFIELD & CO. -®*‘ Branch Office. South Yard. | 0 u u. r.. st. L. &C. R. R. J. K<3 13 I IST S. |Z. T. THOMAS, j IN CHARGE. I 1N CHARGE. r-F I'jy-I-r —m- ■■ m l || [ |..Mi.,.L.y T w—H|| I I "I, I FfrWT 1 ™ iqrear&i—w>ia riur:wiir!rt!*WNKJSAi -j.Aiv* AMPLi i-SP-’.

Bedroom Sets! DIFFERENT PATTERNS TO SELECT FIiOAI. We have a very large stock of the latest styles in BEDROOM SETS, ranging in prices from #23.00 to #500.00. They are all new patterns, and well made and well finished. These sets are marked down to prices that can not be equaled even in shoddy and inferior goods, and if you want a BEDROOM SET it will pay you to call and see these belore you purchase. WE DEFY COMPETITION. KING & ELDER, Nos. 43 and 45 S. Meridian Street.

FURNACES • FOR ALL FUELS. Forfabie, or Brick set. Powefur!, Economical. Durable, SimpSe. Thoroughly first-elms in all respects, inspection Solicited, ior Sale by JOHNSTON &BENNETT 02 K. Washington st., Indianapolis. ~NOTICE TO_BUILDERST~ Sealed proposals will he received for bnlldiuß a court-house at Terre Haute, Ind., up to Nov. 120, 1883. Printed speolflcations furnished hv ANDREW GRIMES, Auditor.

i Ilf \r a g $ Id % l AST | | ill 1 H ||fc#IPIAHAPOLI 3d TRADE SUPPLIED IN CASE LOTS BY THE WOODFORD DEAN CO. V INDIANAPOLIS, IND. For sale by tlrugftists aud dealers generally.

ROBBINS k GARRARD, P A R R I A PITQ No. 32 E. Georgia St., UAUIAI.n.Ij.UIJ. Indianapolis. paper; 11ST 13 E AIST A PAOP Kll COMIP A X Y~, MANUFACTURERS, WM. O. DkVAY, Agont. No. 23 E. Maryland slreot. The paper upon which the Journal is printed Is furnished by this company. PAM< >1: S E AGLE^ One Price at 5 and 7 W. Washington street. Our SIO.OO Suit outstrips them all, judging by the salo of them, by at least $3,00 ouch in value; easily done, though In the face of styliau, hence high-piiood opposition. N. B.—Our Overcoats prove the same.

i . 1 |i ' Square Base Burners, Magoo’s Standard Open Stoves, Ranges. Furnaces, Mantels. M’OUATT walker, Nos. <>i and 03 W. Washington Street. SALE— ONLY ONE DOLLAR PICK YEAR the Weekly indiaua Statu Journal. Send tor it.

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