Rare oriental rugs, the most costly tables and chairs, and elaborate
grandfather clocks, together with an amazing amount of polished brass
work and plate glass, were found in each of the imposing offices
raided by the deputy marshals.
The Central States Underwriting & Guarantee Company did a business
commensurate with the costly environment. The books of the concern
show that from February 1, 1903, to August 5, 1906, 643 corporations
throughout the United States paid money to the Central States concern,
and the aggregate amount paid was $340,000.
[Illustration: AT LAST!]
Advertisements were placed in all the leading papers throughout the
country, circulars were distributed broadcast with propositions
that capital could be obtained for corporations and manufacturing
enterprises by addressing this company.
The officers of corporations replying to these advertisements would be
asked to call at the Chicago offices of the companies.
The brokers acquainted with the scheme would then introduce the
corporation officials to alleged capitalists who represented they had
available capital to finance business propositions, and would buy the
underwritten stock, provided the corporation officers would have them
underwritten by responsible guarantee companies.
It is asserted that these alleged capitalists would then advise that
the work be done by the Central States Underwriting & Guarantee
Company, the American Corporation & Securities Company, or the
National Stock & Guarantee Company of San Francisco.