Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1859-03-24

10 LIlG UeSt, lLdt oiS WV NV
a Treasurer, and who upon the turn of a
vault key, made lightning descent upon
their meditaleG victim, allow me to state a
few incidents connected with the troubles
of Mr. Bliss. When he communicated to
me his apprehension Of a deficit upon his
part, with an appeal for protection that
would have penetrated any heart, he added
that he intended to protect his suretles In
their possession in a satisfactory amount o!
collatera's, and through them. in that man
ner, arrange for a speedy payment to me OF
what appeared to be the balance due, thus
saving his own exposure and his bail from
inevitable liability; that it was peculiarly
the interest of Messrs. Sullivant and others,
who had SO long reyeled is the nse of the
public money, not TO become involved IN
litigation or controversy with the State, but
unpleasant developments might ensue. Re
garding the direct liability to the Ire asury
Of Messrs Sullivant and other sureties, as
better for the State than the doubtful chan
| ces of recovery upon bail bond, and feel
ing a deep sympathy for Mr. Bliss, agreed,
| without the promise or hope of reward, to
accede to the negotiations proposed by him.
After few interviews,with the parties in
teresled, and subiequ ent to the consumma-
tIrn of the arrangeme Mt 20 extrcate Mr..
Bliss, encountered nothing but prevarica-
ton, delay. indiferen ce, neglect, anG every
other species Of annoyance, and dishop-
orable failure 10 compiywith their promises
tTbap bo pt r mr. Df Il
it was positively agreed that the whole mat
tsr hou,d be settled, and paid within one
year. found very soCn that no attention
was given 10 this subject, except in pursu,
ance Of my calls and urgent request for pay,
meht. protested against such treatment
as displaying bad faith toward me. and a
disaonorable violation Of the Arrangement
10 which had consented.
The parties involved in this liability tC
the State well krow that dis closure a
that time Of any OF the facts narrated here
upon this subject would be to me pulitica
ex;ermina;iou, and the p:obab'e cause o
serious official embarrassment. Hence, nc
mutIer how treacherous their conduct 20
ward me, my mouth was sealed through
motives OF self-preservation. Thus, fol
nearly iour years | was obliged to carry
abaut two-thrds of Mr.. BsO's deficit, in ths
shape of checks Of Messrs Sulivant ant
others, without daring to expose Them an.
, their conduct. When was about 10 re
tire from office, and all unavoidable exposure
. tared them in the face, and ,hr3atene,
prosecution forced them to it, they final
made an ag: cement, and, understand, pal,
d bonus to Bart lit and Smith to pay th
liability for them.
, You have directed my attention 10 casl
n morandum book in the Treasurer's Office
That book conta: rs, in my own hand writing
/ statement OF all the cash, or evidence o
. cash, wh!ch received from Mr.. Bliss upol
assuming oilitG and thereafter. No pay
nen:s were made to the by Dir. Bliss excep
those entered in the book refer ed to- |
1 also contains q correct statement of tn
daily business of the Office between III
dates entered therein, With view 10 beir,
f copied into a more appropriate b ok.
\ Il is due to myself to say, that during m
terms of Off e had constant apprehension
of some, to me, undefnablc, aud undiscov
! e.ed errors in my accounts, h ,lding me tt
greater liability tn n | believed justly de
, vo!ving upon me. To provide against con
;, tingen2y& loss or trouble from this source
hoping. at the same time, and aborng t
q discover whatever wrong could exist. wa
\ induced to make investments, in the sue
4 cess of which trusted to provide for a
A ofiicia Liabilities which nigh: ever be pre-
sented against me.
. In c"ucluding this communication, trus
, | will be pardored the frank expression q
4 the sincere wish of my heart, that may b
permitted TO return to my home, to devot
myself TO the restoration TO the State, q
far as IN my power, Of what | know an
Fl feel to be due. | could have no other ain
D in life until this be accomplished, and to tn
end that | might be in the midst of nobl
t gnd generous people. ]. G. BRESLIN.