The daily gazette., 1879-03-28

LING, AND TKLLtNG WHAT HE "DIDk'T
CARE D. FOR"
| Special Correspondence Of the Gazette.
GEORGETOWN, March Il, 1879.
For once in the history of this ancient
town, excitement reigns supreme. The
cool, though not altogether surprising de-
falcation of Clerk of the Peace Town
send, has given the people in this vicini-
, ty, the choicest sensation that they have
enjoyed for years. When / say it is not
surprising, do not mean expectation Of
such au event had forestalled surprise,
but that the habits of the principal actor
have been such of late, as would prepare
the people generally for such an affair.
| The event was briefly announced in my
dispat 2h from Dover to the GAZETTE,
this afternoon, and was sent as soon as it
became talked of at that place a gentle
man who came up from Georgetown on
Wednesday al 4:40, brought the first init
nation that was received there. Although
darkly limited around the State house
during that evening, nothing definite
could be learned until late the next
morning. Even then the full particulars
could not be CLEANED, but a visit to this
place resulted in the gathering OF the full
particulars.
1t appears that the first thing known of
the dsfalcation transpired about IL
o'clock "Wednesday, when Mr.. Charles
e. Stoeckley, one of his bondsmen, went
to the bank on business, ,and there learned
that Townsend had that morning, drawn
| out $1,000 of the county's money, which
had been deposited there in his name
Shortly after that he met Townsend on
! the street and asked him about it. The
answer was, that he was looking out for
"number one" Mr.. StoecKly continued
| to talk with him for some moments, say
ing that he surely had not though sensi-
bly, over the step he was taking and also
impressed upon his mind the leniency
shown him by his bondsmen when he
was arraigned at Dover for immoral con-
duct and neglect of duty. Townsend
then seemed for a moment to respect his
course and said that probably the matter
might yet be adjusted. He asked if there
was not chance for him to compromise
the matter with the bondsmen and by re-
turning the money get them to continue
him in office. Mr.. Stoeckly replied that
after this last step he did not think there
was any possibility of him being retain
ed, no matter what reparati on he made.
He said that the security had been very
lenient with him, but when this step had
been resorted to, he hardly expected they
would repeat their kindness. "Oh well,
L don't care d." repe atsd Townsend,
and with this remark he walk down to-
ward the depot whstling to himself.
Townsend took the north bound train
leaving Georgetown at noon, without
any efforts being made to arrest him. He
was accompanied by one Of his sons, aged
| about IA years. Mr.. Stoeckly having busi-
| ness up the road, also took this train, and
was surprised to see him on board. He
again spoke to Townsend about his rash
act, and received replies similar to those
| which had been given before. Ii any
thing there was more Of The bravo about
him. He was slightly under the Influence
| of liquor.
AT Harrington, Townsend left the
train, and Mr.. Stoeckly, continuing up
the road, lost sight of him. 1t appears
that he remained here over night and
this morning took the early train north,
accompanied by a Harrington hotel
keeper named Solomon. He Is either
supposed to have gone to Philadelphia,
or Petersburgh Va. The fact that the
u I, 4 tl.
represented in a draft on the Corn EX-
change Bank of Philadelphia, brghtens
the belief that he has gone 10 that place.
AS already sald the affair has created
profound sensation here. and public in
dignation runs high.
Many bitter expressions are used
against him, and not the least doubt is
expressed but that he has taken the
money with the deli berate intention of
making away with it, Much sympathy
is expressed, however, for his family
Townsend is the editor and proprietor
of the SasSeG Journal, the only demo-
cratic journal in the county. He came
originally from Easton. Md, and started
the above mentioned paper. A volubili-
ty ofspeech and strenuous party endeav-
oIs soon influenced the leaders of the
party to act in his behalf Influence was
brought to bear upon Governor Cochran
Clerk of the Peace, on the 23d of Janu-
ary, 1877. Ever since his appointment
he has been very much addicted to the
use ofintoXicating liquors, and 1t is said
that even before this the extent TO which
he drank was disgusting. As time went
by these habits grew upon him until he
almost wholly neglected the duties of
both his newspaper and his office. This
latter neglect caused the effort made du-
ring the present session of the Legisla-
ture to get him removed from office. The
result of this effort by which the Cover
nor was induced to lot him remain in Of
flee during his good behavior is well
known to the readers o. the GAZETTE.
Since tins was done it is said he has
fallen into his old bad habits as deeply as
ever.
His bondsmen are as follows: Chas. G.
Stoeckley, Chas. ii. Richards, NJ. d.,
State Senator Isaac Conoway, George
w. Willen, ii. w. Long, John w. Short
and Robert Lambden. They went to
Dover in a body to consult with the Gov
ernor as to his removal of office, aud the
the removal, it is understood, will take
place in day or two.
The vacancy that will be caused by the
removal naturally calls up the question
of who his successor is likely to be.
There are number of applicants. Fore
most on the list is Charles G. Stoeckly,
who perhaps is the most prominent, and
would be able to fill the otfice with abili-
ty and general satisfaction. Beside him
there are VIM. Tomlinson, Of Milford,
gtt. N Il