Here is a new wrinkle in the line of green goods business. Ordinarily the country brother, when he speculates in this class of stock, goes in without regard for the proprieties, for the purpose of making whatever he can out of the scheme, and, if he gets the supply as promised, feels satisfied with the arrangement.

This new idea is something of a variation on the old plan, however, in that it swindles the man who is himself contemplating a swindle on his neighbors and on the government. Instead of sending the customer “green” goods, the swindlers send him a lot of confederate money.

Here is the way the new circular reads:

“Esteemed Sir—You have been recommended to me as being a person in whom I can place implicit faith; who will deal with me honestly and work for mutual interests. I therefore write you this confidential letter, trusting to your honor to use me fairly.

“My business is peculiar. I deal in money of several kinds. I want a shrewd, careful and energetic person in your locality to handle a branch of my business. Probably you are not wealthy, but you can recall some others who have quite suddenly achieved wealth, and the public has never known just how. Mine is a money making method, and will enable you to acquire good cash by exchanging bank bills for coins, etc.

“I will not go into details in this letter, but if you will send me $2, I will send you samples of money representing $50, also complete confidential instructions, lists of prices of various denominations of money.

“The above will enable you to get a proper start, and if you go into the business on a large scale, I will arrange to pay your expenses to Boston, where we can have a personal private conference and make negotiations.

“I enclose a strong envelope, addressed, in which you can place your $2, and it will reach me safely. Rest assured I shall deal with you fairly, Mr. ——, and I expect the same treatment in return.

“P. S.—The samples of money that I will send you are printed from original government plates, therefore, are not counterfeit (or imitation) money.”

It is necessary to read the letter twice in order to appreciate the fine points of composition, the seductive tone of the epistle, and yet, the clever way in which the writer avoids making any damaging admissions.

The opening and the general style is that of the regular “green goods” letter, but it differs in two important points—its tone is not so secret as those epistles generally are, and the address of the sender is given. Furthermore the customer is not required to answer by a secret telegraphic message.

The postscript is particularly inviting, as the writer guaranteed to send money from original government plates, and not counterfeits.