Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 May 1902 — Rensselaer Parties Defrauded. [ARTICLE]

Rensselaer Parties Defrauded.

The United Merchandise Supply Co., of Chicago, which has been in business for some years, has defrauded < its patrons and the Chicago police are now making trouble for the members of the firm. The company formed merchandise clubs, the members being promised their choice of various articles of merchandise after they had made thirty-five weekly payments of one dollar each. Drawings were ' 4 held each week and the lucky ones were entitled to receive their $35 article without further payments. Clubs were formed at Rensselaer and other towns along the Monon, besides in Chicago and states adjoining. In Rensselaer a club of fifteen or six- » teen members was formed and about a third of the boys drew out and got their goods after a few weeks’ payments. Eight or nine of the ipembers here failed to draw out and had almost paid out when the collector reased coming. An investigation disclosed the fact that others had been served likewise and the matter was put in the hards of the Chicago police. On complaint of Chicago parties one of the members of the firm, Leo Hoop, was arrested, and had his hearing Tuesday, but as he was arrested under the charge of embezzlement 1 the court discharged him. New warrants were issued and probably before this time he is again under arrest. A Hoop was supposed to be the party who visited here, but proved to be a i brother of the party wanted. The party who did the collecting here went under the name of Hawley, but be is supposed to be either Louis or Willie Hoop and as soon as be can be arrested and reqnsition papers ob- * tained he will be brought here for trial under the charge of obtaining money under false pretenses. Officer Vick and some of the defrauded parties were in Chicago Tuesday to identify the party under arrest and with warrants for Hawley. The party under arrest not being the roan they wanted they waited over until yesterday, by which time the police expected to have him in custody. Joe Reynolds is now a member of the Delphi military company.