The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1876-03-23

"
was known to be defaulter. Was he
removed or punished?
In March, 1884, the Secretary of the
Treasury complained of his conduct: in Au-
gust, 1885, he threatened his removal, but
the reasons assigned in the above indorse-
ment forbade it and in August, 1886, this
W. 7. Harris-this pillar of Democracy"
wrote to President Jackson, resigning
his office, and nominated as his successor
Col. Gordon D. Boyd, Of Attala county,"
another ''main pillar Of Democracy in
dorsed by Harris as one who had ''been for
years prominent member of our Tthe Mis-
sissippi Legislature" as "an ardent sup
porter of your General Jackson's1 admin
istratlon, and as can unyielding advocate
of the principles of Democracy"
"Col. Gordon D. Boyd, of Attala coun-
ty, was accordingly appointed, and Secre-
tary Woodbury. quietly entered the follow
ING on the books of the Treasury: "BoL
ance due from Mr.. Harris, Sl09,178 09."
Only five months later the Secretary was
forced to open similar correspondence
with Colonel Gordon d. Boyd. He had
early fell into the 'footsteps of his illus
trlous predecessor" In June, 1887, Secre-
tary Woodbury. appointed Mr. Garesche to
examine he affairs Of the Columbus office,
and the reported Colonel Boyd a defaulter
to the amount of S50,000. Was Boyd re-
moved? Were the Democracy indignant
Were they shocked or outraged at the con-
duct of this "main pillar of Democracy ?"
Mr. Garesche, in his report, says to the
Secretary:
The man Colonel Gordon D. Boyd)
seems really peaitent and am inclined to
think with his friends that he Is honest, and
has been led away from duty by the ex-
ample of his predecessor, and Il certain
loosencss in the code Of morality which
here does not move in so limited circle
as it does with us at home. Another re-
ceirer tconld proJajy .tolio,c IN the foot
steps Of tie t,c0. You will not, therefore
be surprised if recommend his being re-
tanned IN preference to another appoint
ment for he has his hands full now, and
Will not be disposed to speculate any more.
And SO it was decreed. In the October
following, the really pcnitent" and ''hon-
est Boyd was allowed to resign, and the
Secretary, as in the case of Harris, entered
on his books: 81. b. Bqyd is indebted
S50,937 80 as per last statement at the
Trensany"
No foolish outcry on the party of the
Democracy-no silly waste of Indignation
no demand either by General Jackson or
Martin Van Buren, that ''no guilty man cs-
capped"
And the "honcsty" "penitencc" -
Of Boyd may be realizl from the following
from the LouisriNe Joumal of the time
"ANoTuER SUB-TREAsURER-A Mr.
Gordon d. Boyd, some time ago, was ap-
pointed receiver at one of the Mississippi
land offices. Shortly afterwards he proved
to be a defaulter to the amount of $50, 900.
The promul CATION Of the fact did not at all
abash him. He Immediately betook him
self to the stump for the vindication of his
character. i did appropriate the money
to my own use,' exclaimed he, 'and | ex-
pectcd to be able to repay it, but my specu-
lations turned out unfavoaably. TIS ny
miyortuae, and not ny tauA l HOPE,
GENTLEMEN, YOU ARE SATISFIED oh,
.yes, replied has Locofoco heareas, 'tce are
perfectV suttSfed.' "