Tag: September 1922
Germany’s Dirty Debt: Paying the Price in Dyes
September 28, 1922, marked a peculiar day in the history of international relations as the United States government announced a plan to pay Germany’s debt of $114,000,000 by shipping American dyes to the war-torn nation. Secretary of Commerce, Herbert Hoover, had worked tirelessly to bring this novel solution to life, but the proposal was met…
Blood on the Quays: Smyrna’s Forgotten Massacre
In September 1922, a humanitarian crisis unfolded on the stone quays of Smyrna, a city in what is now western Turkey. The Turkish Nationalists’ brutal raids had left 250,000 Christians in a desperate bid for survival. Despite the pleas of the refugees, a pitifully small number had been rescued, leaving tens of thousands homeless, destitute,…
Arkansas Farmer Outsmarted by Local Merchant
On a typical autumn day in 1922, a local merchant in Prescott, Arkansas, played a cunning trick on a unsuspecting farmer. The merchant, who wished to remain anonymous, approached the farmer in the town square and accused him of not shopping at a local store. Key Facts State: Arkansas Category: White Collar Crime Era: Historical…
Fakes in Fed Badges: Two Impostors Caught in Buffalo
In a brazen attempt to swindle a local businessman, two men were arrested in Buffalo on September 20, 1922, for impersonating federal and police officers. Joseph Stewart, 25, of Washington D.C., and Bartholomew Shea, 30, of Roxbury, Massachusetts, were taken into custody by Dry Agent Edward Harrigan after they were found carrying government badges. The…
Railroad Racketeer Caught Red-Handed in Albuquerque
In a stunning turn of events, authorities apprehended a notorious con artist operating under an assumed name at the Albuquerques Rail Shops. The culprit, whose true identity remains shrouded in mystery, was caught after admitting guilt to the crime. The scheme, which appears to be an ongoing operation, has left officials scrambling to unravel the…
Treacherous Intent: The Rare Conviction of Treason in American History
The streets of America have witnessed their fair share of rebellions and uprisings, but the conviction of treason against the United States is a rare and striking phenomenon. The nation’s capital has seen its share of traitors, but the harsh reality is that few have been punished for their crimes. In the late 18th century,…
Deadly Drink Devastation: Poisoned Hooch Claims 4 Lives Along Manhattan Waterfront
September 16, 1922, saw a grim toll of lives lost to the scourge of poisoned liquor in Manhattan. The latest fatality, Frank Dalley, a 45-year-old man, succumbed to his illness in his home at 402 West 31st Street. Medical Examiner Dr. Shapiro reported Dalley’s case, stating that the victim was a hard drinker. Dr. Shapiro’s…
Crop Threshing Chaos: Farm Labor Shortages Hit Montana
Sept. 11, 1922, Helena, Montana – In a bizarre twist of fate, the usually reliable farm help supply in Montana has taken a drastic turn for the worse. According to the state department of agriculture’s weekly summary, crop conditions are in disarray due to a severe labor shortage. The report, issued for the week ending…
Harding’s Wife Enters Critical Condition, As Turkey’s Brutal Campaign Leaves Thousands Dead
In a shocking turn of events, the wife of US President Warren G. Harding, Mrs. Harding, has fallen gravely ill, sparking widespread anxiety across the nation. The First Lady’s condition has been critical since last Thursday, despite undergoing a major surgical operation several years prior. The surgery was a desperate attempt to treat a long-standing…
Bridge Burner Caught in Web of Deceit
Tulsa, Oklahoma – In a daring midnight raid, deputy United States marshals apprehended R.J. Reeves, a suspect linked to a plot to sabotage the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific railroad bridge south of El Reno. The arrest marked the end of a 48-hour manhunt that had the town on edge. Reeves was taken from his…
