New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-04-30
METHODIST BOOK FRAUDS.

PAPER-GOLD SwEEPINGs AND OvERCHARGES
OF WAGES IN THE BINDERY.
The report of Mr.. Kilbreth, the expert
selected by tho a. thods- Book C"pr''ttee last Sum
mer 10 examine the books the Methodist Book Coz
Germ the hands Of tho printer, and will be sub
united TO tho General Conference early in its session.
Tis report has ~, Inject Of f.baie ut recent Sos
sions OF the Book { "a. ittee, CT has been careAy
kept out OF the hands Of reporters The following
synopsis OF IT.:
Mr.. Kilbroth after quoting the resolutions by which
he was appointed says that In order TO prepare himself
for any allegation the part Of DR.. Lanahap he took
steps to become acquainted with tho methods OF book
keeping employed and, the business is largely con-
Quoted through the postoce he witnessed the opening
OF letters, Of which 1000 received daily saw what
disposition made OF them by DR.. Carlton and tho
clerks in the departments and In this way became con-
versant with the excellences and defects OF the system
He then asked Dr. Lanahan to present complaints and
OF fraud that officer refused to make any
unless he should be allowed to designate an assistant
Mr. Kibreth would not permit this. but expressed his
willingness to allow courtesy what he could not MS
condition. and appointed assistant when the nature
OF the work. then the case, required Dr. Lana
han handed him printed statement Of professional
accountants who had been employed to examine the
books. The stenographic reports Of the testimony given
at the trials and the mass OF evidence collected by HIM
SELF making IN all volume equal in length to the Bible.
he has examined again and again. and has consulted
doubtful points with those who are identified with the
business. DIR. Ianahan refused TO assist him IN his
labors declaring that his appointment was unauthorized
by the laws of the Church
With regard to the complaints which have been made
that the books kept in confused, unntelligble
manner, he denies the charge, and maintains that al
though there was some confusion formerly the system
adopted during the past five years could not well be i'm
proved. He reviews and critlcses the reports OF Dr.
Lanahans accountants and claims that they discovered
only prna Jacie errors which when examined proved 20
be no errors ALL After comparing at great length Dr.
Ianahan's system OF bookkeeping with the method
adopted by himself, he considers the allegations of
fraud In detail.
He asserts that 1t is true that J. T. Porter had con-
troled the purchase Of paper from 1865 to 1862 Mt
Goodenouch states that he had allowed this special
favor TO Mr. Porter on OF very friendly relations
with Dr. Porter. Mr.. Kibreth expresses the opinion
that such al arrangement calculated TO bring sus-
pIcon on the Book Concern. and while he condemns II
as highly improper yet he does not think the Book Con-
Germ suffered any great loss by the arrangement. He
further asserts that instances Mr. Porter charged
excessive prices While DR.. Porter favored his son I'M
lustifably and Mr.. GoodenOush did what very
atural Mr. Kbreth maintains that there ia proc OF
fraud on the part of the latter Dr. Lanahans witnesses
he adds testified FROM interested motives and contra
dicted themselves repeatedly
The Affairs Of the binlcry in a bad condition, al
though legal evidence OF fraud cannot be established
Mr. Hoffman, Superintendent Of the department, did
not keep receipt-book records showing that stock
purchased received although the quantity OF stock
bought was very large. This fact is pronounced highly
discreditabe TO the management OF the Concern For
this Dr. Porter is charged as chiefly Responsible asle
had control of the department. Thirteen or more ques
tons were addressed by the Book Committee TO Mr..
Hoffman. Mr.. Kilbrcth considers them in turn finding
several OF them not proved With regard to the gold
sweepngs he finds that the Agents had allowed 1.-THE SUI
pernendent Of the biDdery to have them, and for this
he thinks they should DO equally censured With regard
to tho sides OF leather found In the tinshop,
he anlrms that the evidence is not to b,
relied upon entirely, although there ars
suspicious circumstances connected with the matter
Concerning Mr. HoGmans alleged dishonesty In the pay
ment of wages, he finds that overeharges wero made
amounting TO several hundred dollars. Mr. Hoffman had
claimed that these advances were mado to workmen
who were sick disabled and his answers satisfied the
Committee and tho examiner also at FIRST sights but
after questioning the wormen employed In the Depart
ment and ascertaning that none OF them remembered
having received such advances OF wages he has reversed
his previous decision. The condition Of the account
books OF the institution generally good especially for
the four five years. prior to which time there were
several questionable items.
TWO REPORTS FROM TIE COMMITTEE.
The Methodist Book Committee met, yesterday, and
completed ts quadrenna report TO the General Confer
ence minority report will be made by Dr. Sliecr Of Bal
timore and DR.. Pike OF New Hampshire who differ from
the of the Committee twelve in number In the opln-
ion that the Book Concern is well managed Tho minor
ity report will state positively that there has been mis-
management and fraud. and will dissent from many Of
Mr.. Kilbreth's judgments.
large number Of delegates 10 the General Conference
arrived IN this city yesterday. preliminary meeting
OF the delegates will DC held in the Sandsst. NJ. H.
Church, Brooklyna p. M today, TO make an assign
ent Of seats for the session. printed list OF the resi-
dences of the members OF the General Conference during
the session has bern Issued Bishop Morris will have
rooms at No. l61 Columbia flights, and Bishops James,
Scott Simpson ard Anes at No. % Pierrepontrst.
CHICKbSAW JOCKEY CLUB RACES.
MEMPHIS, Tenn, April 29.-The first race was