MADMAN MAKES £120,000 IN TWO TEARS.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 253, 23 October 1909, Page 15

MADMAN MAKES £120,000 IN TWO TEARS.

THOUSANDS OF CREDULOUS GEBMAJJ DUPES. Herr .Heinrich Bettermann, a man of unsound mind, has succeeded in duping many thousands of educated men and women by telling theu fortunes, and thereby amassing a great fortune for himself and for his partner, Herr Schmidt, of Magdeburg. At the Cologne District Court on September 8 Heinrich Bettermann and Schmidt were indicted on a charge of fraud, and astonishing evidence was given. Bettermann established himself at the village of Broich, near Muelhelm, in West Germany, a little more 'than two years ago as a phrenologist, and subsequently as an astrologer, and by means of extensive advertising offered to foretell future events.

Clients of every class and of all ages came from the first day in scores, and soon swelled Into hundreds and thousands. It frequently happened that Bettermann , s residence at Broich was besieged by credulous persons desirous of hearing his verdict with regard to their future.

His business developed to such an extent that he was obliged to engage Schmidt as business manager. 'With Schmidt's assistance he established seventy branches in different parts of the Continent, and he dealt with the clients of all these establishments by post. According to the evidence given. It appears that Bettermann accumulated a fortune of more than £100.000 within two years, while the substantial sum of approximately £20,000 fell to the share of his partner, Schmidt.

In many cases disastrous results ensued from Bettermann's prophecies. One woman is said to have been Influenced to such an extent by his prediction of her future that she deserted her husband and children and ran away to a foreign country with another man. In other families equally unhappy consequences followed Bettermann's prophecies.

At the trial, 'Professor Aschaffenlmrg appeared as medical expert, and testified that after thoroughly examining Berttermann, he had come to 'the conclusion that he was a man of unsound mind, and not responsible for his actions. The Professor held to his opinion, although it was shown by sworn evidence that Be-ttermanu had declared after his arrest that "If people are so stupid I do not understand why I should not exploit them."

In consequence of Professor Aschaffenburg'e testimony, the Court acquitted Bettermann i but his accomplice, Schmidt, was sentenced to two months' imprisonment.