RICH MAN’S SECRET LIFE

Southland Times, Issue 18965, 13 June 1923, Page 7

RICH MAN’S SECRET LIFE

SOCIETY CRIMINAL’S CLUB. The ultra-fashionable section of New Y ork society is greatly intrigued at the claims made by the police to have discovered in the most exclusive circles the existence of a “Crime Club.” “Although full details have not been made public, it is stated that, in their search for relief from the tedium of living in luxury, and craving for new forms of diversion, several of the wealthier men and women have formed a club, membership of which can only be gained by the commission of some crime. According to the report, the idea originated in the brain of a certain young man, son of a wealthy manufacturer of Cleveland, Ohio, who for the past three years has made a name for himself for his extravagance and the rapidity with which he is dissipating the hard-won millions of his parent. After performing many public escapades, this young man suddenly took a serious turn and seemed to be as shy of publicity as formerly he was desirous of continually featuring in the gossip columns of the smart society journals. The reason for this dramatic change, which has hitherto caused much speculation, is now said to be forthcoming. He had brought into being the “Crime Club,” and, as its originator and leader, had himself been responsible for more than one of the more daring criminal enterprises which in the past few months have baffled even the astutest of American detectives.

With him are associated the names of two other well-known men, one of whom is a successful criminal lawyer, three young women, and a following of lesser lights in the galaxy of moneyed stars that shine with such brilliance in the more daring sections of society. Full membership of the club could only be gained by the committing of some breach of the law which, if discovered, would lead to not less than three years’ imprisonment in the penitentiary. Robbery, swindling and blackmail were considered the lightest crimes that any self-respecting member could commit; but murder, it appears, was absolutely barred. The knowledge that they are leading double lives, that whilst they appear amongst their friends as careless, happy-go-lucky people, dancing and dining the time away, in their hearts lurk sinister secrets, secrets which, if known to the world, would quickly cause their appearance in a felon’s dock, has provided them with a thrill they so eagerly seek. Then follows the excitement of planning some daring “coup,” then the actual carrying-out of the crime, and latterly the entirely new sensation of walking abroad, a criminal, against whom the hands of the police may at any moment turn, should a clue have been discovered.

Though the club is supposed to have been in existence for several months, the most elaborate precautions against discovery have been made. It is thought that an oath of secrecy has to be taken by the members, and that the most elaborate precautions against any suggestion of the club’s complicity have been taken, should any member fall into the hands of the police.

In support of this contention, those who are interested in probing the mystery of the “Crime Club,” state that the arrest and conviction of Harold Brunner, a man of independent means, whose trial for forgery caused so great a sensation last year, followed upon an unfortunate attempt to qualify for membership of the club. The details of this truly remarkable state of affairs that have already come to light are stated to be the result of a very unfortunate accident.

The blackmailing of a young woman by a supposed member of the “Crime Club,” was followed by her suicide at her home on Rhode Island. Investigations into her case have led the police along a trail, culminating in discoveries of details referring to the club. It appears that a member unnerved at the fatal termination of the scheme of blackmail, gave information to friends, who, in turn, passed it on to the right quarters.