A Counterfeiter's Conscience: How the Salvation Army Led a Seattle Man to Turn Himself In

The first case of an accusing conscience, influenced by religion, that ever came to the notice of the federal authorities in this city was brought to light last Monday afternoon, when Thomas Gorman, a big, healthy iron moulder, walked into Commissioner Emery's office and asked United States District Attorney Brinker to have a warrant issued for his arrest for counterfeiting and passing counterfeit coin. Gorman, who is about 26 years of age, was accompanied to the commissioner's office by two members of the Salvation Army, and stated to Attorney Brinker that several days before he had made a confession to the officers of the army and made up his mind then and there to do the same to the authorities. He said that he had passed $190 in this city and in Tacoma during the past two months and that he made the coin himself, using an electric plater to plate the lead money. When asked by Attorney Brinker if he knew the penalty for such an offense he answered in the negative and said he did not care as long as his conscience, which had been bothering him, was clear and he had surrendered for the crime he had committed.

With this end in view he gave himself up and was sent to jail in default of bonds, where he would have to languish until the next term of court, which will be in June.

The story of how Gorman came to be converted by the Salvation Army is told by members of the army, who say that about three weeks ago he came to the meetings, like many others, with the intention of having some sport, but before he left was ardent in prayer and soon became an active attendant. All this time his conscience was hurting him, and he finally wound up by making a complete confession to the officers of the army and then to the authorities.

Gorman claims that he hid his counterfeiting outfit, which consists of moulds, a battery tin and three or four kinds of acids, in a spot three or four miles from Ballard, and said that he made and passed in this city and Tacoma during the past two or three weeks spurious money amounting to $190. He said that there was no one but himself engaged in the work, although a man stood and watched him in his work one day. This man's name he would not divulge.

On the man's statement Judge Brinker had the warrant issued for the arrest, and after issuing asked Gorman if he knew the penalty for such a crime. The man said, 'No, sir, I do not, and I do not care, as long as my conscience is clear.' When told that he would have to remain in jail until next June, the time set for the next session of court, Gorman said he did not care, and asked to be sent to McNeil's Island in preference to the county jail.

Gorman looks to be about 26 years of age, is smooth-faced and is not an over-prepossessing man. He might impress one as being weak-minded, but in telling his story is deliberate and rational.