The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-04-06
The Crow Bar Law in Cleveland
Tricks Of the Bankers.

The Crow Bar Law in Cleveland
Tricks Of the Bankers.
On Saturday, as required by law, Treas
urer Dodge waited on the banks, and de.
manded the taxes, the per centage and
poundage due by them to the State. 1t
was anticipated by many that they would
lock their vaults, refuse to pay, and even
resist any attempts to enforce the collec-
ton of the money. But it seems the wise
acres of the ''institution" had laid their
heads together and concocted trick.
game. over which they now chuckle with
all the extravagant JOY of victors. The
vaults were locked, but the keys were left
in their places. and Mr.. Dodge had only
to make the demand, and proceed forth
with to the vaults and take therefrom the
money due. The officers made no resist
ance but entered their protest against the
entire proceeding.
est City Bank having been organized un-
der the Free Banking Law of 1851. had
but a small tax assessed, and they conse-
quently paid it some months since.
Mr.. Dodge took from the City Bank
$40, $50; from the Merchants Bank, ST.
965; from the Canal Bank. $9,2l6; from
the Commercial Branch Bank. $l1 ,220;
total tax and poundage, S3S 1881. This
amount was Immediately deposited in the
safe of the Cleveland Insurance Company.
and all was we'll. The laws Of the State
were efficiently executed, Mr.. Dodge hav-
ing done his whole duty, and at the same
time acted fairly towards the banks.
At about four clock. a man named
]. G. Deshler. of Buffalo, called on the
Treasurer. and demanded the money as
his property. showing at the same time an
assignment by which the banks had made
over to him (Deshler) the entire amount.
Here was the trick. the creditable game OF
the banks. They sold the $38.98l to Mr..
Deshler for IS cents on dollar! This
bargain was doubtless effected by previous
arrangement, which had been kept in the
dark In anticipation OF this plan. too,
they left the keys in their vaults. Other
versions Of the affair are afoat. One is
TO the effect that Deshler had deposited in
each bank an amount Of notes equal to
the taxes of the bank. and these notes were
placed in such conspicuous position tina,
Mr.. Dodge would take possession of them
first. This is doubtful story however.
Finding the Treasurer would not deliv.
er him what he called "his property
Deshler sued out writ of Replevin in the
U. S. Supreme Court Of Ohio, Mr.. Egan
the clerk Of which. being very convenient
ly and accidentally in the city at the time
This writ having been granted. it was pla-
ced in the hand OF Mr.. Smith United
States Deputy Marshal, and at about o.
clock, demand was made for the money
at the vaults Of the Cleveland Insurance
Company. Mr.. Cri,tenden declined to de.
liver it up except by order of Mr.. Dodge
Consultations were held. Propositions
were made. Time passed away. Final.
ly at midnight the vault doors were thrown
open, and this dishonorable trickery con
sumated. Mr.. Deshler pocketed the mon.
ey. He was then required to give $116..
900 bond to await the action of the U. S
Court in the premises. This security was
given by the Banks. In this affair there
is every evidence of preconcerted action
the parties understood each other well
and their game worked. They took le.
gal, but unfair, advantage of the Treasur'
er
The question now stands. was the mon.
ey after it had passed into Mr.. Dodge's
hands the property of the Bank or Of the
State? The decision of this question viii
involve the constitutionality Of the Grow
Bar Law. But during tedious process
of litigation. the State will suffer, her cred
it be impaired, and the interest on hel
debt perhaps remain unpaid.
The moneyocracy Of the country wa:
vocforous in their support Of the ''Supre
macy Of Law" when the fugitive slave bill
was the topic, but when their Golfers ar.
touched, lo' what magic change occurs
What is Law 10 their heaped-up piles o
gold?-Piain Dealer, March 28.