Daily Republican., 1878-12-21
THE CITY TREASURY WAR.
Tho CITY Treasurer Holding the
FOrt-The Democratic Council
Attempt 70 Overdraw Four Ap.
propriations--Che treasurer says
ifThey want War They Can Have

ifThey want War They Can Have
II.
Those who read the proceedings Of
the City Council in last evenings pa.
pers will recollect the sharp arragn-
ment Of the City Treasurer in report
from two members Of the Finance Com
mittee. OF course it could not be ex-
pected that our amiable City Treasurer,
however good natured, could remain
quiet under such charges, but nobody
expected that the very same members
Of Council who made such vigorous
defence of themselves on Thursday
night, should be caught the next day
doing the very thing they charged pre-
ceding Council with doing, and which
they, with Pharasaical complaisancy,
proclaimed themselves innocent Of.
Happening to hear that an attempt
had been made to overdraw no less tn an
four appropriations yesterday, bnt the
attempt being checked by the Treasur-
er, we called upon the latter gentleman
this morning to see whether reports
were true. After few commonplace
remarks, the Treasurer bade us be
seated, when be gave us the following
statement of the condition Of things in
his Office and between him and the City
Council.
The gentlemen OF the Finance Com
mitt.e of City Council, were in error
W hen they reported to Council that'the
Treasurer had allowed five appropria-
tions to be overdrawn four months ago.
They were overdrawn according to the
books of the clerk of the Council gho is
sued the orders, but not according to the
Tr-asurer's hooks, The Council issued
tn. orders, but the Treasurer refused to
pay them therefore they stand on the
Treasurer's books as not overdrawn.
The present Council yesterday attempt
ed to overdraw the salaries, public
buildings, Water and City Hospital ap
propriation, and so far from not requir
ing any watching have to he watched
by the Treasurer the same as all pre-
ceding councils. The Treasurer fur.
th.r says in answer to the statements
Of the gentlemen of tn. Finance Com
mitt-e, that all moneys but the school
moneys are deposited to the credit of
the Mayor and Council OF Wilmington,
that such deposits are illegal. They
are a mere convenience, and are dsposi
ted in that ranner by the sureties Of
the City Treasurer. He is answerahle
for every dollar of his bond.
The Treasurer also says that he held
back out of respect to the feelings of
others a great deal that would in.
mensely strengthen his statement,
whilst it is apparent that but little re.
spect is paid to his feelings or safety.
Matters incorrectly related that places
in wrong position, and that have no
ri yht to be brought forward in a pub
lie document. The Treasurer in the
future will not let the fear of hurting
the standing of others prevent things
from being shown in their true light
before the people. H. cannot say all
now but he strongly objects to the as
sertion of the two gentlemen of the Fl
nance Committee in public document
that If he will devote less time to
writing lengthy communications and
more time to the practical duties of his
Office, he will have no need OF an assis-
tant."
The Treasurer thinks that they have
nothing to do with his correspondence,
but that they should instead of attend
ing to his correspondence, (with which
they have nothing to do) see that the
notes OF the city do not go to protest, as
was n,a-ly done on Saturday last, on .
not o. $2o, 200; al.o to See that they
did not endeavor to overdraw their ap-
propriatons, and put him in danger of
penalty of $1,000 as they did yester
day. They should learn also the duties
o' the Treasurer and the Council, and
know that there is a mass OF duties
p aced upon him by the Co neil which
do not b,long to him, Gas his duties are
prescribed by law aud that these du-
ties he undertook on account of having
a cer to assist him who he knew and
in whom he had confidence, and not by
one given to intoxicttion. The Treas
urer says that with kindness and good
will tow lrds all, h- wiIldefends himself
that he will keep nothing (no matter
who is hurt) that falsies or Injuries
him in his official position or that comes
in the breach between him and his
duty.
The Treaurer's usual placid brow
wore a troubled expression, but under
it was determined look showing that
he held tn. fort and that he was de
t-rmined to hold it at all hazards.
Influential citizens Of both parties
keep continually calling upon him and
congratu 'ating him upon the stand he
has taken.
A well known Democrat called at the
door Of the Treasurer's office this morn
ing while we we'e inside, and calling
the Treasurer to the door. after con-
graduating him upon the stand he had
taken left after telling him to "stick. /"
"My Cd, | never knew had so
many friends. Why here they are call
ing upon me all the time said the
Treasurer, as some one reminded him
. that, "the eyes of Delaware were upon
him.
There seems to be no doubt that the
Treasurer has the strong end of the
lever and he intends to use 1t not only
to protect himself in the duties of his
office, but to punish his enemies.