AN AMERICAN HOAX.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 641, 14 June 1921, Page 10

AN AMERICAN HOAX.

YOUTHS ADVENTURE AS “PRESIDENT’S COUSIN.’

Everett Harding, of Chicago, now reposes in gaol after a month’s masquerading as a cousin of the President, writes the New York correspondent of “The Times.’’ His adventure came to an end on the arrival of a communication from the White House in Washington. “The young man is unknown to me,” runs the message from the President to the Chicago police, “and his sister has not been invited to the White House.” The charge against Harding is that of issuing a bogus cheque for J. 500 to tee Pennsylvania Railway Company.

The cheque was issued as payment foi a special private car which, as the “President's cousin,” he had chartered .to convey him, his relatives, and friends to the ceremony of the President’s inauguration. In the adjoining ear were members of the Hamilton Club (the leading Republican club in Chicago). When they discovered the President’s relatives they entertained them royally and elected Everett an honorary member of the club. Everett shook hands with the President at the White House, introducing himself with the words : “It’s Everett Harding, of Chicago.” Since then the Hardings of Chicago have been the envy of the neighbours. Everett’s mother and sister Pearl established calling hours, and held a weekly reception- in their drawing-room, decorated with the “Harding blue.”. Politicians from all parts of the State consulted Everett, who is said to have told them he was about to be appointed assistant secretary to the President. Everett, it is said, announced that his sister Pearl, who is 13, was to spend the summer at the White Mouse, the President and Mrs Harding having decided to adopt her. Pearl became known as the “White House baby,” She was photographed for the newspapers and the theatres, and her picture was widely sought by manufacturers for advertising purposes.