The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-06-06
PATERS0N'S EX-TREASURER.
EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLARS SHORT or
THE CITY,S MONEY.


The Surprising News that Followed Close
Upon Complimentary Resolution - An
Investigation by the Finnnce Committee.
John H. Wcstcrvclt was succeeded as City
Treasurer OF Paterson on Monday by Harry
Ridgewny. Mr.. Wcstervelt hud held the Office
for five years, and enjoyed th6>Tespect and
esteem OF tho community. His books were
models OF neatness and accuracy and he was
considered scrupulousy honest. Mr.. Wester-
welt WAS n Democrat. The majority Of tho new
Board Of Aldermen is Republican. Mr. Westcr-
Welt was removed as a party measure. but with
expressions Of regret even on the part OF those
who voted against him that they wcrc obliged
to oppose the retention Of so efficient and honest
man. resolution complimentng him on
his faithful services. offered by Republican
Alderman. was unanimously passed. When.
therefore. 1t WIS told on tho streets OF Paterson
yesterday morning that Mr.. Westervelt was
dcinultcr to tho extent Of several thousand dol
lars, everybody was amazed. Hardly ANYTHING
else wns talked Of in the streets and IN offices;
Mr.. Westeryplt had full faith that he would be
rcappointed Treasurer and his nervous man
ner Hitor his removal was attributed to MS dls-
appointment; Mr. RtdgswaX. was elected
week or ten days ago. but Mr.. Westervolt begged
TO retain the Office until the end Of the month,
in order TO be nblc moro fully to balance up his
accounts. Whom on Monday no turned the
onlcc over 10 his SUCCESSOR, there was sl5.VnO
less on hand thun the balance called Tor. lie
said he would have the mqnsy n later cr anu SUE
he would have the remaining $4,000 in an hour
orso Tho, day passed, however. without his
having paid over the $1,000. This caused tho
lrst tlnge OF suspicion in tho mind oil Mr.
Rdgcwny that all WINS not right.
parted the Information 10 his wife that he had
used $4,000 Of the city's money. and could not
make IL up. 1t was the first she knew. Of Il. He
urged her 20 so to his uncle. +, v. A. Weston
welt one Of his 6ondamen. and tell him OF II, Ms
he was ashamed to DO so himself On, Tuesday
M WeS yn qneqb a P ss and an W ed
| nesday he tho uncel requested the Adermen's
| Finance Committee 20 meet with him. The
| then Mr.. 7. v A. Westcrvelt informed the Com
| mittoe tbnt his nephew. tho lnie Treasurer wns
5000 short in his accounts. II was the first In
| formation that the Finance Committee had re-
| ceved on the subject, and they were nnnzed.
| They sent for the Treasurer's books and care-
| fully examined them. but could Ind no false
| entries. The books we're scrupnlously correct
In every particular There had been no appar-
s she Ia Re balance o M@f hsnd No
| further deficiency has been discovered
| Mr.. Westervelt's bondsmen wero Immediately
good for double the amount Of the bond. which
Is for 100000. Mr. ,Wcstcrysts ,spreties. be
| Westeryclt his fatherl Robert McCulloch, and
Daniel Henry; The bondsnen informed West
| crvelts friends that unless they secured them
| tthe bondsmcn) against loss they would spare
| no trouble TO nave Mr.. Westervet prosecuted
| criminnlly. II Il thought that his friends will
| make an effort 10 raise the amount.
| Mr.. Nestervelts salary was II 400 year.
| He Inns family. most respectfully connected.
| Mr.. Westervcli took nn active part In thentri.
| Elks in New York and attended all their meet
| ings. He WINS also an active member OF the
| Knights OF pythius. II Is believed that he may
| have used some % the money to help along
| friends in trouble. The money Is supposed To-
| have been taken in small amounts from time 10
| time Mr.. Weservet was seen in New York
yesterday 10y several Patersonians who did not
| know anything OF tho detalcaton until they
| reached home last night