The New York herald., 1879-07-15
JOSEPH A. BLAIR'S ACCOUNTS.
ALLEGED DEFICIT IN THE BOOKS OF THE
ACTOR IN THE MoNTcLAIR rRAGEDY-How

ACTOR IN THE MoNTcLAIR TRAGEDY-How
THE RUMoR ORIGINATED.
In Wall street circles yesterday afternoon all sorts
of rumors prevalent concerning Mr. Joseph A.
Blair first teller of the Mechanics Bank, who Is
accused of manslaughter for the killing of his
coachman, John Armstrong. at Montclair. n. D.,
a short time since. 1t claimed that an examina-
ton of Blairs accounts had been made. and that he
was discovered to be defaulter for a large sum.
Another statement that the bank officials would
lose the full amount they had not required Blair
to give any bonds. and as he was totally without
funds himself. The story was bruited about
that Blair had lived far above his means. and
that he had kept an extensive establishment and
large retnue of servants 1t also reported that
since the killing of Armstrong Blair had become
mere wreck. and that it had rendered him unfit for
any kind OF work. In order to ascertain what truth
was in these reports HERALD reporter called last
night on some officials of the bank and found
that the facts had been greatly exaggerated.
Mr. B. b. Sherman, president OF the Mechanics
Bank did inclined to talk very freely about
the matter. He said that he disliked to have
anything to say against Mr.. Blair which might
prejudice the public in any way against him in
his present trouble. To the question whether Mr.
Blair was defaulter President Sherman laughed
and said, mo such thing! The story is very
who has the handling Of great deal of money is lia
BILE be something in his accounts every year.
He pays out much money that by overpaying
little and little more to another it amounts
to something before the year is up"
FORGOT TO INFORM THE BANK.
Mr.. Sherman insisted that the discrepancies in
Mr. Bairs accounts for the Ave years the latter
acting first teller would not amount to than
$500 or $500. Mr. Cook, who first teller of the
bank for forty years. he said. in the habit of
finding discrepancies in his accounts
nually. but always made good the deficiencies
out of his pocket. Mr.. Sher-
man said that when Mr.. Cook died and Mr..
Blair took his place the latter informed of this
fact and he expected to likewise. The trouble
with Mr.. Blair that he kept all such deficiencies
to himself and did not inform any Of the bank
officials concerning them until he got into this Arm
strong trouble. After the shooting he sent friend
to the bank with the information Of these dis
crepancies in his accounts and expressed wish
to have them settled. In answer to q question
whether Blair was connected with the bank at
present Mr. Sherman replied in the negative. saying
that it would not be right to have him acting first
teller, III any capacity while the charge of man.
slaughter was hanging over his head.
Another official OF the bank stated that the dis
crepancies in Mr.. Blar's accounts during his five
years first teller would amount to $1,000 but that
per annum. He also remarked that all
~ passed upon by the board OF directors. who
charge them to the profit and loss account The
only fault in Mr.. Blairs was that he did not
notify some OF the bank officials.
Several friends OF Mr.. Blair, who were interviewed.
denied that the latter was wreck in any sense of
the word and claimed that he was fit for almost any
kind Of business.
WHAT MR.. BLAIR
HERALD reporter called upon Blair last even
ing at his pretty little villa at Montcair N. j. The
house is the Orange road, distance from the
depot and is embowered in a thick grove of trees.
A fall rat Ii
the parlor in his shirt sleeves in response to the
porters inquiry.
II think know what you have come for" said
he. Il have already heard Of the rumors regarding
my connection with the Mechanics Bank"
what have you to say about this charge OF defalca-
tionY' asked the visitor.
~ wish to say now, once for all, that in my
life have misappropriated funds intrusted to my
care This soiemnly declare, and amwilling at any
time to swear to it. In every banking institution
errors az times may occur oslnn M making up
the books and the money agree. Mr.. Cook.
my predecessor used to pay the amount OF whatever
discrepancy that might occur out OF his own pocket
order to have the accounts all correct expecting
be reimbursed by the bank when the cause OF the
discovered at later period. In spite
Of all precautions these will occur but little
investigation and time always sets them right
"You are charged with living too extravagantly for
your income"
1.-The charge is entirely groundless have always
lived within my Legitimate income. Now this man.
John Armstrong, being called my coachman, would
lead some people to suppose that kept complete
retinuo of servants. Why. he was man of general
WORK, Anu Wueu Caue homo from 0NeW 1orA III Inc
afternoon turned i'll aud helped him around the
house. In ali theitrouble have had lately never
dreamed Of this charge OF being defaulter."
Mr. b. air concluded the versation at this point
and the reporter withdrew. The feeling of q large
number or the residents of Montclair. more par
ticularly Of those Indigenous to the Jersey
soil. is hostile to MIR. Blair in connec-
ton with the late tragedy. The gentleman
is evidently of nervous temperament,
but not more So apparently, than many otner young
men may meet with during banking hours en-
gagged in the responsible business of handling money
and honoring drafts Last evening he appeared to
be calm and sefpossessed III speaking of the serious
charges brought against him.