A family of swindlers founded an office. One of them changed his name, called himself trustee, and acted as chief manager. Who would believe that this man, without character and without money, induced several members of parliament to become directors? because “they thought they were doing a kindness to the promoter;” allowing their names to be used as lures to a concern whose shareholders, when it broke up, were found to be “minors, married women, labourers, and small tradesmen.” In a second office, an uncertificated bankrupt, its promoter, appointed himself resident manager. Insurances and annuities to a considerable extent were effected, and then the company, consisting of eleven shareholders and directors united, vanished, and, “like the baseless fabric of a vision, left not a wreck behind.” In another which had been established many years, great names were at its head, and great business was done. But whether the terms were not high enough, or the management was bad, it proved a failure. An extraordinary career was that of the chief manager. Thinking, probably, to recover himself, he had speculated in newspapers; he had established a society in connection with natural history; he called the queen dowager his patron, and had been honoured by a visit from majesty. As some of these could scarcely be called sound investments for an annuity society, he was unfortunately compelled to leave off paying the unhappy annuitants. These special cases arose from want of sufficient control. On inquiry it was discovered that the names of persons who had no existence had been used in some cases, and the names of persons of substance, without their permission, in others. That false statements of authority--that fraudulent prospectuses--that tempting rates of commission--banking accounts with the Bank of England--and, above all, advertisements appealing to the cupidity of the public,--had always proved successful.