The "sawdust game," was a confidence scam that only swindled those who deserved to be swindled.
The term “bunco” has come to mean to any type of swindle, but in the 19th century it usually referred to a confidence game involving crooked gambling.
The Audacity of a Professional Thief.

The Young Barber. - But a feller can't talk politics without fear of offendin' some one he don't know.
The Wise Barber. - Don't ever mention names, you know; but growl about "political bossism in New York." Each man'll think you're abusing the other party.
"A Pointer." Puck 4 Nov 1891


