Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Over 50 Years.] FRIDAY, 20th JULY, 1934. THE GULLIBLE PUBLIC.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 20 July 1934, Page 4

Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Over 50 Years.] FRIDAY, 20th JULY, 1934. THE GULLIBLE PUBLIC.

What is the secret of men who are able to dupe thousands of experienced people so that the wildest stories imaginable are believed and backed by hard cash? The amazing case of “Major Crane, K.M., C.8.E.,” and his phantom millions, and the deplorable manner in which he recently duped so many people in various parts of England, is but one of many heartless frauds perpetrated from time to time. One fool, they say, is born every minute, and it seems that there are many people born to take advantage of fools. Swindlers of the “Major Crane” type are invariably keen psychologists, who live by exploiting the cupidity of human nature. Most people believe in luck, and hope that good fortune will overtake them

iii some miraculous fashion. This is the weakness on which swindlers thrive —otherwise Oscar M. Hartzell would never have got away with the story that he was the rightful heir to the Drake millions. Once a valet, Hartzell managed to live for ten years in firstclass hotels in London because of his plausible manner. Eventually he was deported, and went to America, where he was even more convincing. He made capital out of the most insignificant things. He had, for example, a bowler hat, on the lining of which was the maker’s label with the words: “By special appointment to his Majesty the King.” One of Hartzell’s most impressive tricks was to whip off his hat and exhibit the lining to prove his intimacy with the British Royal Family. He soon became known as “Baron” Hartzell, and spread the tale that he, the rightful heir, was fighting a claim for the Drake millions. He told the people of America that the Drake fortune was worth five thousand million pounds! Some of it, he said, consisted of the Crown jewels. He was also the owner of the whole of the county of Devonshire, as well as 1100 acres in the heart of London. Hartzell told his dupes that most of Sir Francis Drake’s treasure w T as hidden in a ship on the Thames, closely guarded by British troops, and that the real object of the World Economic Conference —convened in London in 1933 —was secretly to discuss the disposal of the Drake fortune. A small, elaborately illustrated booklet was printed, setting forth these and innumerable equally fantastic claims, and circulated throughout the States. Far from being shouted down as a charlatan and an impudent impostor, Hartzell received the strongest support. Fifty thousand small-town farmers, shop girls, typists and clerks contributed a sum of nearly £300,000, which enabled him to live in luxury. When he was arrested eventually he told his victims that he was the descendant of a son born secretly of a marriage between Queen Elizabeth and Sir Francis Drake! Moreover, King George—who was scared of the truth leaking out —had ordered his arrest, On the strength of this staggering claim his dupes unbelted a further £12,000 for Hartzell’s defence. Swindles of this kind would be humorous were they not so tragic, for one can hardly laugh at the ruin of hundreds of simple people.