The Spokane 'Monte Cristo' Swindles the City
A charismatic stranger dazzled Spokane with tales of gold and a lavish lifestyle, only to leave town with $10,000 in worthless checks.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Arthur Higgins, who came to Spokane a month ago with tales of fabulous gold prospects, recently created a sensation by imitating 'Coal Oil Johnny,' and left town today, leaving about seventy-five creditors to mourn losses in amounts ranging from $3.50 to $750. He spent money freely when he first arrived, visiting variety theaters and throwing handfuls of coins on the stage. He created the impression that he was a modern Monte Cristo and was hired to exhibit himself at a beer hall. He claimed yesterday he was going to Post Falls, Idaho, to visit feminine admirers, but instead hired a hackman to drive him to Marshall to catch a train. Higgins had no difficulty in borrowing money, as people were eager to 'stand in with him' and his generosity. He is estimated to be $10,000 richer after the spree, leaving Peter Deuber out $700 and 'Big Bertha' out $400, along with seventy-five others holding worthless checks. Higgins previously lived at North Bend, where his reputation was that of a common swindler.
“Higgins' check went for almost any amount and he is about $10,000 richer above the money he used to make this show of prodigality.”
Higgins’ grift relies on the same 'fake it 'til you make it' culture that has plagued local real estate and tech booms for over a century. Spokane’s eagerness to believe in a new millionaire reflects a vulnerability to boosterism that remains a feature of regional urban development.
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