The Wheat Broker Who Vanished With the Proceeds

We received a letter of inquiry not long ago from Mr. D. Suksdorf, a farmer of Spangle, in Spokane county, stating that he had shipped a consignment of wheat to McElveen Co., Seattle, and had failed to receive returns for same, and indeed had heard nothing at all from the McElveen company. He asked us to investigate, and at first we could learn nothing of the firm, further than that their quarters in the Dexter-Horton bank building had been suddenly vacated and that McElveen had disappeared. It now turns out that McElveen, after disposing of the wheat, skipped to San Francisco, leaving his room rent unpaid, and other matters in a very unsatisfactory condition. Later several drafts were received by the Dexter-Horton bank, made out by McElveen, but as there were no funds to his credit they were returned, with the N.G. stamp upon them. This is a case of deliberate fraud, and serious enough to send the perpetrator to the penitentiary for a good long term. McElveen came to Seattle from Calatin, Tenn., bringing recommendations of a very high order from the bank of that town, and other credentials, and gave evidence to show that his family connections were of the very best in that state. He formed a partnership with a Mr. Peyton, also hailing from that section, but it was not long before Peyton withdrew because he did not like the manner in which McElveen did business. Perhaps there are others among our subscribers in the wheat belt who have had dealings with this smooth operator. If so, we will be glad to receive all information that may further enlighten us on the case. When you receive an invitation from a new individual or firm, asking you to ship in your produce, it is well to investigate very thoroughly the standing of such people. They always write you that they want your stuff and want it so bad that they are willing to pay you prices that will give you a handsome margin above that offered by the old established houses. Subscribers of this paper have the privilege of referring to us all new commission firms or brokers, or dealers in any sort of produce, and we will look into their financial standing and business responsibility, and give warning against them if they are not able to show that their credit is good and can be relied upon. That's what we are here for.