AN ACCOMPLISHED SWINDLER'S SCORE OF BETROTHALS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 137, 10 June 1911, Page 17

AN ACCOMPLISHED SWINDLER'S SCORE OF BETROTHALS.

An interesting psychological study Is the international swindler ami former mechanic, Max SchlemunKk, who has just csi-aped. from llcilbron l'rison, where he was awaiting trial. From boyhood S>rbleiuaugk has possessed an extraordinary Inlent for ui-ak-Ins hluiselt an object of admiration, especially to women. He adopted a uiiliuiry uniform and many decorations. Among them he Had contrived to obtain a medal for life-saving, in connection with which ha told stories of liair-brcadth escapes. 110 pretended to have gained laurels In tho American war, and raised himself gradually to the rank of general, ills latest cards ■were printed "Count de I»nssy." and by means of Uiem and forged papers he obtained entrance to the best, families la Berlin. Although well known to tln» police and having spent many years in gaol, Sctaiemaugk continued his manipulation* every time he was liberated. His speciality was making the acquaintance of girls under age, or foolish women, aud proposing marriage to them. A fellow prisoner played the role of valet, ami carried messages. At one time Sohiemangk was formally betroth" ed to twenty women simultaneously, his excellent manners and good appearance duping everybody he met. Finally, with hanlIy a penny in his pocket, he attempted to purchase a country house near Heilbroa for £20.000, which lie trusted would be paid by nis Jatest fiancee, a rich publican's daughter. The father, however, became suspicious, and caused the arrest of Sehipmangk. who filed the -window bars of his cell, and escaped In a waiting automobile. He has not been traced, but his accomplice was arrested. The latter says tho Count de Passy has left Germany for Mexico.