The 'Free Lot' Scam

David S. Woodhull, of this city, recently, out of curiosity, answered one of the 'free lot' advertisements, which are generally condemned by local real estate men as schemes to catch the gullible. In this case the 'free lot' town is called Cascade City, and is shown on outline maps of the Canadian Northern and Union Pacific and the Great Northern railroads as being between Puget Sound and Spokane. The town is platted into forty blocks of fifty lots each, or twelve lots to the acre. Instead of a free lot, the scheme is to charge for a deed and notary public fees. At this rate it is estimated the schemers could realize $400 per acre. If the land, if indeed there is any land in connection with the scheme, cost $1.50 per acre, something could be realized. The replies to Mr. Woodhull's letters are letters printed in copying ink with typewriter style of type. They are in the usual alluring style and full of 'contemplated improvements,' and as a further clincher for the unwary offer the annex lot for $10, which they claim is the value of the free lot. The company which is operating this scheme calls itself by the grand title of 'State of Washington Land Company,' and claims its office in the 'Chamber of Commerce' building at Chicago.