Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1882-12-09
Proceedings il Richmond

~ stated in yesterdays GAZETTE, The
grand jury of the Hastings Court of Rich
mond found three indictments against Au-
ditor Brown Allen. The State gives the fol-
lowing particulars
Attcrthc jury entered, tic clerk called ).
Brown Allen, Auditor Of the State, as n wit
ness to go before the grand jury. Mr.. Allen
answered, and went up to the clerks desl.
anil was sworn.
hir. Witt Commonwealth Attorney 10
witness: Isuppose. Mr.. Allen, you have AIr.
Sme!ling's bond ?
air Allen No.
Mr. Witt: Where is it
Mr. Allen: returned il to Mr.. Smelling.
Mr. Witt: What right had you to make
way with the records Of your Office?
Mr.. Allen: | didn't know it was wronu.
The Court called the attention of Mr. Al
ian to section 3d. chapter 80 of the State rev.
enue laws, in reference TO taXcollectors'
bonds, which reads: ';Such collector shall
have Il reasonable time allowed him by the
Auditor OF Public Accounts, and shall he
tore ne acts execute y bond approved by the
sad Auditor. conditioned that he will f";th
fully collect The said arrears of taxes, and
account for and pay the same into the
Treasury within the time allowed; the said
bond shall remain filed in the Auditors Of
flee"
Mr.. Allen said that he was not aware Of
the law.
Mr.. Witt: Didn't you issue those instruct
items yourself. and isn't that yonr name
printed on it?
Mr. Allen: Yes.
The Judge said "Mr. Witt, desire that
matter TO be brought to the attention of the
grand jury" and turning to Sergeant Lee
said Sergeant, take Mr.. Allen in custody
and hold him until he furnishes bond for
his appearance before this court tomorrow
to answer Indictment TO be preferred against
him by the grand jury"
Mr. Allen in short while furnished bond
for his appearance with Mr.. J. w. Fisher as
bondsman.
The grand jury returned to the courtroom
at 8 p. III. with an in dictment against John
D. Smelling for forgery, in that che Smelling
forged bond pnrportng to be a bond sign
ed BY himself and his surctes on the list
day of November, when in truth the bond
was not signed until the 7th day of Novem
hcr." The bond purported to have been ac.
knowledged before Emmett Crump ms a no
tary public and witnessed by Emmett Crump
and Meade Haskins
ne grand jury was also engaged in con-
sdcrns the case of Auditor Allen, and in
structed Mr.. Witt to draw up indictments
against Auditor Allen, who, it is alleged, is
charged with several offences:
First. With sccreting and DESTROYING a
record ofhis Office that should have been
kept on file in his Office.
Second. For obstructing the Court in the
discharge of its duties.
Third. As accessory after The fact. know
ing felony had been committed.
The grand jury of the United States Court
was in session all day. anu brought in an in.
dictment against Robert B. NIuntord and
others for a conspiracy. Mr.. Munford is
commissioner ofrevenue of Richmond, and
his indictment is for completely in alleged
forgcries in the case Of supplemental assess
ment lists, by which it is claimed large
number of illegal votes were procured at the
last election.
District Attorney Wise made motion
that the parties named in the Indictment
be arrested and bailed until the 18th dav Of
January.
This was ordered. 1t was decided that
the names of the parties indicted be with
held from publication until they could be
arrested.