New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-08-22
DEFALCATION At TIE ST. NICHOLAS
HOTEL.
ARREST OF THE DEFAULTER.


About ak weeks ago, the proprietors of the ST.
Nicholas HOTEL in examining their books, Discovered
a deficit in the accounts and that money to consider
able amount was missing The books were now more
thoroughly examined when the extent of the defalca
.ion al every step became more apparent. Suspicion
at once rested upon John NJ Lawer, who has been Tor
number of years connected with the house as book
keeper and close watch forthwith set upon his
movements but nothing discovered thererom.
Mr. John p. Treadwell of the proprietors of the
Hotel having at length become satisfied that the EN-
bezzement had been committed by LswleI, repaired
10 the Jefferson Market Police Court in the early part
of the present week. and there made affidavit setting
forth that LAWYER during the months of June and July
last past felonously took STOLE embezzled and carried
away from the possession of said Treadwe and his
copartners Virgil Whtcomb and Chester Lamb, about
one thousand two hundred and eighty three dollars and
twelve centsand further, that since his engagement
in the house four or five years ago. the said LAWYER had
stolen and embezz!ed s. 900 and upward. Upon the
affidavit of Mr.. Treadwell and others, Justice Elan
dreau Issued warrant for the arrest of the accused
and warrant to search his premises, but in the exc
cuhon Of the latter nothing discovered. LAWYER
was arrested by Officers Elder and McCord, attached
TO the Chiefs Office, three days ago. and for some
or other has been kept prisoner at the hotel
since that time. The following facts were Cleaned
yesterday by our reporter:
few mornings since a gentleman leaving the
house but IL being too early to settle his bill with the
clerk, he left the amount with the night watchman
This attache subsequently handed the money to the
bookkeeper LAWYER, and noticing That he made no
entry of it on the books the Waterman suspected
that something was wrong, and informed Mr. Tread
well Of the circumstance. This incident, with leak
previously discovered, caused still stricter
watch 10 be kept on LAWYERS movements IN
the books false entries were made, and In
many cases Lawler had neglected to make
any entries of moneys received from transient guests
1t is estimated that the embezzlement will not fall far
short Of $1,000 and may possibly exceed that sum-
LAWYER, though under arrest has not yet been taken
before the Magistrate but is confined In Of the
rooms Of the house under the surveillance of Officers
Elder and McCord. The proprietors placed implicit
confidence in LAWYER more particularly from circum
stance that occurred two or three years ago. 1t APP
pears that soon after his engagement with Messrs.
1readwen d Acker, he discovered that one of the
bookkeepers was defraudng the out Of $50 or
Sio per week, by making false entries of moneys ex-
Pended, Out IT was never suspected that he would
prove 70 De guilty Of q similar offense The accused
Sa young man and single, aud very modest and quiet
in his behavior.
Since his arrest we understand that he has confessed
his guilt in the matter and stated that he has taken
over s. 600 since the LIST of January, 1857. With the
moneys thus embezzed, it appears, Lawler has pur-
chased property in or about the City Of Albany which
property he now holds in his own name.
Severai months ago he became quite attached TO a
lady of wealth from California and has Interested him.
cell greatly in her business affairs 1t il said that he
has large amount of this ladys money in his hands
out declines st present to give it mp.
Inc case viii probably be brought before Justice
fiandrsu today when q fun examination will DO