The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1874-04-08
The Schneider Investigation.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE TESTIMONY.

very serious charges against Administrator
Schneider and his employees, though very
remarkable in some respects, proves con-
clusively every allegation that has been
made against them by the Bulletin.
1t proves, first, that Mr.. Schneider
violated an ordinance of the city in
receiving city scrip into the treasury,
and in ordering his chief clerk to receive
it unndOrsed. Second, that Mr.. Schneider's
speculation in city securities, which, if not
contrary to law, is contrary to the public
expectations entertained Of the administra-
tor; third, that Mr.. Schneider issued him
self and ordered his chief clerk to issue
warrants that had once been paid in for city
taxes.
These three charges are proved not only
by the testimony adduced, but by Mr..
Schneiders own admission. Are these facts
nothing! Is the fact that the city's credit
was undermined nothing' Is the fact that
holders Of Metropolitan warrants were
losing ten points nothing' Is the fact that
any holder of city scrip, whether employee
OF broker, was . sufferer, nothings If all
these things are nothing, then have we fallen
upon strange times indeed.
In the celebre ted case of Garland, who was
one of Mr.. Schneider's predecessors, it was
alleged by him that he was specializing in
though Mr.. Garland had previously enjoyed
an enviable reputation, his statement was
not credited. Even if Mr.. Schneider has
made nothing by the transactions in which
he has been confessedly engaged, and we
have never asserted that he has, they were
grossly irregular, injurious to the interests
of others, and detrimental to the best inter-
ests of the city.
But to an analysis of the testimony yes
terday Mr.. Rawle, the first witness, states
that he had transaction with Mr.. Harri-
son, Chief Clerk of the Finance Depart
ment, in which he sold him certain time.
Mr.. Harrison admits the fact, and acknowl-
edges having purchased scrip from other
parties. Mr.. Harrison acknowledges hav
: ing exchanged one kind Of warrants
for another under instructions from
Mr.. Schneider - that is serious
admission. He acknowledges having issued
orders by direction, to receive metropolitan
warrants unindorsed. This is a very serious
admission, for such action was in positive
disregard of an existing ordinance. Mr..
Harrison further states that he knew that
Mr.. Schneider purchased city scrip, and re-
fers to one occasion OH which $l47 worth Of
warrants were turned over to him as cash
by Mr.. Schneider.
Mr. Jno. Bach testifies that he attempted
to pay taxes but found that Mr.. Soares, an
other broker, could do it to better advan-
tage, and had 10 give it up.
Mr.. Jules Cassard never bought or sold
any scrip for MIR. Schneider, had bought and
xsold scrip however on his own account.
Mr.. Soares stated that he never had
any particular understanding with Mr..
Schneider, and that the reason he could pay
taxes and licenses cheaper than other bro
kers, was because he bought time transfers
over his counters while others only bought
it as they needed it. This is a severe reflec-
ton upon the entire broker fraternity.
Mr.. Fazende acknowledged the transac-
ton with Mr. Schneider in regard to the ex-
change of Metropolitan warrants, but denies
that Mr.. s. shared in the profits. He denied
: also the knowledge of the existence of a
ring in the City Hall. Mr.. McVean stated
that.
al, as broker, have had great deal to do
with the City Hall. Last year we had to in
dorse everything. This year the clerks stated
that this Endorsement was not necessary. l
myself was requested by clerk in the !
finance Office not to indorse metropolitan
warrants. never paid in any other certii |
Gates this year at all. heard these rumors,
and went to Mr.. Brette's window, and saw
warrant which had been Endorsed.
asked Mr. Schneider about it, and he said
that was impossible. Some brokers were
allowed to pay in some warrants which
others were not allowed to-
Mr.. J. G. Brown, clerk ofthe Sheriff, stated
among other things:
"'There was no objection made by the
finance office when we paid in the batch Of
warrants which hal been once stamped.
thought it was little strange. and sent for
the broker from whom received them and
he stated where he got them"
. We have not time just now to revert to
the testimony of all the other witnesses
which was by the way, very meagre, but to
show that all the testimony was not elected
that might have been, we will cite one case,
and the public may then judge for itself OF
the balance.
H. Bier stated:
know nothing of this matter. never had
any transactions with Mr.. Schneider as
broker. know nothing wrong on the part |
Of Mr.. Schneider or his deputies. Have |
never exchanged one kind OF security for |
another. l was never requested not to