davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
THE TIN-BOx

LEFT BY POLK, THE CONTENTS OF WHICH, IN
PART, TELL THE STORY OF HIS CRIME.
NASHVILLE, TENN. January Q, 1888.
Hon. B. J. Lea, Attorney-General etc., Nashville,
Tenn:
DEAR SIR-In accordance with my noti-
hcation OF a few days ago, herewith hand
you schedule of the assets which Col. NJ. T.
Folk lett In my possession on the eve of his
departure. They were placed by him in
my custody as his counsel, with instructions
TO collect them for the benefit of A. g.
Horsley, r. P. Cole, J. E. r. Carpenter,
VIM. Polk and ]. K. Polk, suretIes on
Ills official bond, who he stated were the
least able to bear the loss, and if there
should be any excess over the amount OF
their liability, then 10 the extent thereof for
the benefit of his other sureties. 1t is proper
for me to say that he informed me that the
walnut lumber interest in North Carolins
and East Tennessee was first liable for the
balance Of purchase money for $25, 900, and
that the property. he thought, was worth
$4,000 in excess of that sum. He exc
cuted TO me bill of sale Of it to facilitate
me in realizing upon it. The bill of sale
and all the documents which he left in
my custody are subject TO your ex.
animation. As you will see from the sched-
ule No. -, there are some notes marked
paid. received the amount due on them
from the makers, who called upon me a,
once, after ascertainipg Col. Folks assets
were in my possession, and desired to pay
me what they owed him, and delivered up
said notes. Said sums, thus paid, have been
placed to nay credit, as trustee, in the Mer-
chants National Bank of Nashville. In my
possession are several policies of insurance
on the life of Col. Polk, and many vouchers
for money paid out by him, which are also
subject to your inspection. Some of the
vouchers and notes are on blanks of the
State treasurer.
In respect to q receipt of Mr.. Spl. Hill for
the sum of $4,000; called that gentleman's
attention to it to-day, and he tells me that il
was private transaction between Col. Polk
aud him, indeed, was his fee in the one
hundred-and-three case; that the money was
paid him at the date of the receipt, and he
desires me to go state. Col. Polk, also stated
to me that he had, from time to time,
loaned his personal friends sums OF
money and taken their obligations Tor the
same, but that except as to one or two
very large amounts, they had no connection
whatever with his Office, bat were of his in
dividual friends, and that while some of
them were on the treasHrer's blanks, they
had been used simply as they were conve-
Dient. The gentlemen who have paid me,
requested me to 80 note it in this communi-
cation. will take pleasure at any time in
furnishing you any information you may
desire in reference to the papers of Col. Polk
in nv possession. Very respectfully,
JN0. W. CHILDRESS, JR.
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
A Rumor that POLK Ha. a gain Escaped.

was iucfeaseo To-Day Dy Inc Legislature to
$4,000.
A Run,Or that Polk las a gain Escaped.
Special to the Appeal
NASHVILLE, January 10-Telegrams re-
ceived here tonight state that Col. NJ. T.
Polk is still in the custody OF the officers at
San Antonio. There are four different per-
IONS claiming to have him under arrest, and
if Polk is delivered over TO the Tennessee
authorities there will likely be some dis
pu!e as to which one is entitled to the
reward of $4,000 offered by the State.
Il. l.. Gosling, United States msrehal at
Austin, Tex, telegraphed Gov. H awkins that
he would reach San Antonio at y o'clock to-
night, and he would telegraph him from that
place as to the true state of affairs. Officers
Fields and Porter, who left here last night
with requisition and warrant for Polk, will
reach Austin at 3:55 o'clock tomorrow after.
noon, and by direction OF DIR. Porter, chair
wSn OF The investigating committee, w. G..
Pryde, Memphis detective, Joined them at
Memphis, and will 90 with them
to Austin. Detective Price, the Pinkerton
detective who first arrested Polk, and after
ward released him, telegraphs that he will
meet the Tennessee officers at Austin to
morrow. Representative Milliksp, mem
ber OF the special committee, said to-day
that he had information before the defslca
tion was made public that Polk would each
day take out all the money that came into
the treasurer's Office. 1t is believed by som.
here that Polk's friends have kept hin
posted as to what has been done towart
efecting his capture, and his return back I,
Tennessee. A rumor was circulated at Il
o'clock tonight that Polk had again es
capped from his captors.
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
CAPITAL NOTES

WAsHIHGToN, January 10.-Brevet-Msi.
Gen. u 3. Towner, colonel OF engineers now
on duty in New York, was placed on the
retired list OF the army to-day at his own
request.
The First National Bank, OF Midland.
Mich, was authorized to begin business with
a capital Of 100000; the First National
Bank, OF Jessup, Ia, with a capital of $780,
OoO, was also authorized to begin business.
The Court Of Claims decides that relieved
army officers are not exempt from the pro-
visions OF that section OF the Revised Stat
utss prohibiting officers OF the government
from prosecuting claims against the United
States.
The thirty-6rst annual meeting of the
United States Agricultural Society was held
to-day at the Department of Agriculture.
John A. King was reelected president, Mai.
Ben Perley Pore secretary, and William Nj.
Fem treasurer, with yice-president from
each State.
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11

~OBsERvER's" communication in reference
20 the public schools was onmitted from yes-
terday's APPEAL by mistake. 1t will be
found in another column to-day. A we
nave already said, Observer" who is in The
same boat as Mr.. Randle, is all wrong. Lat
we want IS more publi schools, teachers of
hiEner capacity, law compiling the at
tendance of children, aud that the schools
Shal be kept open for fen instead Of Eve
mopt hs in each war
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11

| increased pensions to one-armed aud one
legged soldiers, owing 10 the absence Of the
chairman on account of sickness.
Senator Frye introduced joint resolution
providing for the termination of the fisheries
articles treaty between the United States
and Great Britain, concluded at Washing
Ton, May s, 1871, and moved its reference TO
the Committee on Foreign Relations. So
ordered.
Senator Ingalls, offered a resolution direct
ing the Committee on judiciary to inquire
and report what legislation il necessary, and
ascertain and determine when the powers
snd duties OF the presidential Office shall
devolve upon the yice-president in case of
the insbility Of the president to discharge
the banne, and in what manner removal or
disability may be ascertained under the
constitution.
AT the suggestion of Senator Garland the
resolution went over,
The calendar was then proceeded with,
and after passing private bill at the close
of The morning hour Senator Morrill, moved
TO postpone the education and bankruptcy
bills, which was agreed to, and the tariff bill
then taken up for consideration.
and Senator Morrill, addressed the Senate
at length.
Senator Allison also spoke on the subject,
and at the conclusion Of his speech the Sem
ate adjourned.
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11

Watson-6, all Republicans, and for Mr..
Dillin, Senator Csson-1, Republican.
Representatives voting for Greer were
Agee, Anderson, Boyd of Tiptop, Buchsnan,
Buttran, Cssses, Dawson, Eaton, Grishsm,
Hall, Hawkins, Jarvis, Kennedy, Murray,
McAnnslly, McAndrew, McKenna, McLe-
more, McTeer, Nealy, Owings, Read, Rogers,
Vernon, Wilson, Wiltse and Speaker Ram
sey-2S. All Republicans except Buchanan.
Representatives voting for Mr.. DiIlin we're
Baker, Harrison, Lewis, Sykes, Trimble and
Warren. All Republicans except Mr.. w.
ren, Greenbscker.
Mr.. Polk was elected on the Erst ballot,
receiving As votes, against "a for J. NJ. Greer,
OF Knox, and for Joseph &. Dillin, of D.-
wilson. Whole number of votes cast, 80;
necessary to a choice, 45.
These are the facts in the case, and mem
bers Of the present Legislature who csst
their votes for Mr.. Polk, need not attempt
to shift the responsibility on others. They
voted for Mr.. Polk with honest Intentions,
never dreaming at the time that disaster
would come, and it is Too late for them to
say that their hands are clean, at the same
time charging others as being accountable.
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11

Dr. Morrow claims that by agreement with Col :
FOLK his indebtedness was to stand as indemnity
against loss as Col. Folks bondsman, and while
paying the money does not surrender any legal
night under said agreement and contract.
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
CaBI EGRAMS

vienna, January 10.-The compositors'
strike was completely unsuccessful.
COLOMBO, CEYLoN, January 10.-Arsbi
Pasha and HE fellow exiles have arrived
here.
PEsTH, January 10.-The Hungarian gov
ernment has introduced bill authorizing
an exhibition at Pesth in 1885, to which the
State will contribute 400,000h.
MONTREAL, January 10.-The mayor and
corporation have decided 10 make Wednes-
day, January 24th, civil holiday, on the
occasion of The carnival of winter sports
BERLIN, January 10.-In the Rsichstag,
Gen. Won Komek, Minister of War, replying
to a question, said that the government
had no cause either TO increase or improve
the artillery.
LIVERPOOL, January 10.-The Salvage
Association telegraphs that nothing was done
yesterday in removing the masts aud tunnels
Of the City of Brussels, owing to the gale;
but as room as that operation is completed,
the cargo, as far as possibIe,wil be removed.
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
NGRESSIONAL.
THE SHIPPING BILL IN THE HoUsE-BILIs
AND RESOLUTIONS INTRODUCED.

THE SHIPPING BILL IN THE HOUSE-BIIIS
AND RESOLUTIONS INTRODUCED.
WASHINGTON, January 10 House.-A
number OF bills were introduced and referred.
after which ihe Sengte amendments 10 the
agricultural and Indian appropriation bills
were non-concurred in and consideration of
the shipping bill resumed.
Alter discussion the bill went over with ont
action until tomorrow.
The Speaker announced Messrs. Crowley.
Aldrich, Bisbee, Martin and Cox IN. CT "a
special committee TO investigate the
charges against Cbief-Clerk John BsiIev.
and also appointed Messrs. Caswen and L.
Fsvre as conferees on the Indian appropria.
tion bill. Adjourned.
Sendte.-Senator Laphsm presented peti.
ton from members OF the New York Board
of Trade and Transports alton for the passage
of the Lowell bankruptcy bill.
Senator Platt said The Committee on Pen.
sions were unable 10 arrive at conclusions a,
the last meeting respecting the bill grantius
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
CoonerHeard From.

NASHVILLE, January 10.-The committee
hope to make partial report of their labors
on Friday or Saturday. Judge Milliken
and Attorney General Lea were engaged
yesterday in examining into special ques-
tions, such as the liability Of the banks for
the irreguiarity of checks, etc. The COM
mittee state that they will be able to show
how the books of the treasurer passed mus
ter by the legislative committee two years
ago, and that they will show that the trans
action places certain gentlemen, who, it is
claimed, engineered the scheme, in a ques-
tionable light.
The following telegram, addressed to
Treasurer Polk, was received at the capitol
yesterday. 1t was opened by Capt. Fleming
and turned over TO the investigating COM
mittee:
Ell PAso. TEX, January s, 1888
II. T. Polk, Nashville, Tenn:
Await letter of to-day. leave for the mines to-
day. D. B. COOPER.
From this it would seem that Mr.. Cooper
is unconscious ef the situation here.
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
THE STAR-ROUTE TRIAL.
JUDGE wYLIE, BADGEREp BY COUNSEL, LOSES
HIS TEMPER.

HIS TEMPER.
WASHINGTON, January 10.-George M.
Sweeney, clerk in the contract Office, was
called in the Star-rouie trial to identify Of.
fetal papers. The usual squabble ensue1.
The Court, exasperated by the efforts of
counsel TO argue the question, peremptorily
refused 10 hear them. He exclaimed: 81
have never seen liberty of speech abused as
il has been in this case. Everything, even
to the smallest pinhead, gives rise to argu-
menf, and as often as that pinhead arises it
is reargued. We shall none of us survive
this trial il it continues. ] cannot open my
mouth that there is not an objection"
Within fifteen minutes Bliss began reading
a letter. 81 object" said Iugersoll. "Oh,.
WE'LL" answered the c ourt, resignedly. at
is all right" exclaimed Ingersoll, 81 don't
want to argue, but Just want to keep my
hand in" Lsughter.]
A long discussion followed the attempt to
put in evidence written protests from post
masters against continuance of service on
the route under consideration, and they were
finally ruled out
Wilson demanded subpoena against Bliss
to compel him to produce the petition in
connection with the route.
Bliss said the gentleman did not speak the
truth when he said the petition was m ade
the basis of an order for the petition.
Wilson-Your honor, L have too much re-
spect for the Court and myself to reply to
that remark.
Bliss-I've sat here day after day and
hesrd you accuse me of suppressing evil
dence.
Wilson attempted to reply, but the Court
said, "Judge Wilson, you are sick; YOU
should spare yourself these disagreeable
things"
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11

TIL Connecticut tobacco crop in 1880
was worth s2,323,l49, being exceeded in
value only by the hay crop, while the next
important crop, potatoes, was worth only
Sl,6S7,lS6. In Massachusetts, The 1880 to.
6aoco crop was valued at $1,O32,2 ,262, being
exceeded ir Importance only by the hay
and potato crops. Considerable tobacco is
also grown in Southern New Hampshire
and Vermont. The present crop, though
still on the poles, is an exceptionally fine one
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11

PRESIDENT HADpEN will notice that the
grand jury have recommended the establish
ment OF a workhOuse for city prisoners as
well as county. Would it not be we'll for him
to suggest to the Council al its next meeting
the appointment Of committee of that body
to confer with like committee of The County
Court, with view 10 uniting with that body
IN the erection Of suitable buildings and the
purchase OF an engine aud as many stone.
crushers as may be needed to employ forty
or more men in making good streets and
public roads. This is the only legitimate
and economical method of employing county
and citv convini lahnr
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
The Men Who voted for Polk.

The Nashville Banny says that as the
charge has been made, and the impression
sought to be produced that Mr.. Folks elec-
ton was due 10 a combination of Sky-blue
Democrats and Republicans, we have gone
to the trouble of examining the record to see
how the vote was given, and here is the rec
ord, as taken from Senate journal, page 2S7,
and House journal, page 303:
Senators voting for Mr.. Polk: Maj. Alex
snder, Bell, Bib, Carter, Coleman, Mathews,
Mccullough, Perkins, Rsglsud, Smallman,
Smith OF Fentress, Tillman and Speaker
Morgan-6iteen, all Democrats.
Representatives voting for Mr. Polk: !:
Messrs. Bsgwell, Beasley, Boyd of Lauder
dale, Brooks, Bergus, Ccchrane, Cole, Cooper,
Coulter, Davis, Driver, Dulsney, Ezell, Gass,
Hash, Haynes, Head, Higgins, Houston,
Jackson, Jaynes, Jones, Lester, Manson,
Martin, Means, Norris, Pillow, Pummer,
Thompson, Watkins, Wilks and Woodard-
81, all Democrats except Boyd of Lander
dale, and Norris
Senators voting for Mr.. Greer were Dug
gan, Castor, Hill, Huddlesion, Taylor and
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11

THE attention Of The Taxing District
.Commissioners is called 10 the Iecommends.
ton Of the grand jury that the Memphis
and Charleston Railroad Company be COM
PEELED to put up the "pater. guard" at
'front.' Main, Second, T4-rd and Fourth
streets, where they interessct Washington.
and that trains should not be allowed 10 run
at greater speed than four miles sn hour.
An oTdinsuce to this effect should be passed
at the next meeting of the Council.
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
How Polk Procured His Release After
n Is First Arrest.

LAREDO, TEX, January 1O.-Polk, the
Tennessee treasurer, after his first arrest.
was liberated for S50,000 He was re-arrested
while hiding in the brush several miles from
Webb, by United States Marshal Sheehy,
whom Polk offered $4,000 TO release him. II
is reported that Folks nephew and servant
crossed into Mexico with a large amount of
money. The defaulting treasurer was &C.
companied by private detective named
Cameron, whom he had bribed to pilot him
out of he country. The detective was also
arrested, and in turn attempted to bribe
Sheeby to allow him to escape, saying he
had made a good thing and could put
Sheehy in the way of pocketing a few thou
sand. When captured, Folks hands and
clothing were filled with prickIy pear thorns
got from wandering in the thicket.
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11

The report OF the grand jury as TO the
condition of the county poorheuse must fill
every humane man and woman in Shelby
county With shame. 1t says sine accommo-
"dations for the sick, dscrepid and insane
"are shame and a disgrace to the good
"people Of Shelby county. Especially is
"this so with the latter class. A lot-0f old,
"rickety frame shsc.;i.slsp winch to cOnfne
0tbose y'..o are depffved of their reason is
.s.-,nacieut to shock the moral sensibililies Of
"aie Asiatic, much lees the civilized Christian,
especially when we consider that the county
'ouly last year spent some S26, 600 or S2S, 600
sin erecting a mammoth building, better
adapted for college or ballroom purposes
ethan for the poor, the rooms iu which are
adequate for the poor of six countless
Ihere Is not room in it adequate for the
insane, and the rooms for the poor are mere
like hospitsl wards than anything
eIe, and are without water.c close,
conveuiences, thus compelling inc aged,
inhfm and decrspid to 20 down two
flights Of stairs and across yard for sixty
or more feet at all seasons TO reach the out
buildings. Besides this the basement is fre-
quently covered with stagnant water, enough
Of Itself to sill every cue ON the place. The
basement ought to be drained without delay.
ard the ground about the building with
drain tiles. OF conree Judge Horrigan will. in
accordance with The suggestion of the grand
jury, appoint a committee of three judicious
ciiizsns to thoroughly investigate the build
ing recently erected, and he furnishing of
the same, 20 report 10 him, with such ,us-
gestions as they deem proper and Of interest
10 the county.
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
THE CONSCIENCE FUND.
THE PECULIAR CLAIM OF F. NJ HURST, OF
NASHVILLE

WAsHINeToN, January 1O.-Treasurer
Gilfllan has been in correspondence with
F. H. Murst, OF Nashville, T1uu, agent of
the Board of Publication OF the Cumberland
Presbyteriaa Church, with regard to the dis
position Of 5000 which the latter received
fro an anonymous source to be put to the
credit OF the conscience fund in the treasury
OF the United States, but which he deposited
instead to his own credit as agent OF the
Board of Publication, for the benefit of
which he believed the money was intended.
He has informed the Treasurer of the
United States that he is raising a fund to
pay the remainder of the debt contracted by
the board IN its organization, and that un-
lees he shall be instructed to the contrary,
he will put this conscience contribution to
the boards credit The matter was laid be-
fore the Secretary Of the Treasury yesterday.
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
ESTA BLISHED 1910.

The cottou-seed ell manufacture rs and
d dealers OF Memphis will find IN to.da,s
APPEAL telegram Of seemingly very great
interest to them, the suggestion contained in
which they should act on without mo-
ment's delay, if, after reading it, they think
1t OF as much importance as the writer evil
dentlY does.
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
tREIANO
1.py r1oarNor nIr,r,s pr1,rrx

LONDON, January 10.-Lady Florence
Dixie writes that the whole E5000 she re-
ceived for the relief of small farmers and
colliers in West Ireland is expended. She
states that this amount kept a roof over 20
600 persons. She declines to raise another
fund, on the ground that it is the duty of the
government aud the Land League 10 help
the people.
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
COTTON.SEED OIL.
A sugE estfon Of Very Great Importance
TO Manufacturer.

The following dispatch was sent to us last
night, with an earnest request for public.-
ton in the interest of the cotton-seed oil
manufacturers Of Memphis:
"The Tariff Committee propose reducing
the duty on cotton-seed oil 10 twenty-five per
cent. ad valorem from thirty cents per gallon
specific. Such action would be extremely
detrimental 10 .he whole interest in this
country. Notify the entire trade in Men,
phis that We consider it very important that
they should take immediate action BY re-
questing their senators and representatives
by telegraph to protest against any change
from present rate of duty. No time should
be lost"
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
! IN THE COMMITTEE ROOMS

TIE WAYS AND MEANS PACIFIC RAu.
RoADs-MINoR MATTERS.
WASHINGTON, January l0.-The Wavs
and Means Committee to-day reduced the
rate on fence wire from one cent 10 three
fourtbs Of cent per pound.
F-S House Pacific Railroad Committee
to-day authorized Mr.. Flower to report IA
vorsbly the pending bill for the consoIida-
tion Of the Southern Pacific with other roads.
30 as TO form continuous line to the Pacific
coast. II also authorized Mr.. Butterworth
to report tayorably the Andersen bill 10
compel the Kansas Pacific 10 pay the ex-
penses OF surveying and take out patents for
its lands
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
"DIAMOND JOE''
To Extend His Road from Malvern to
Pine BIuR.

Special to the Appeal
LITTLE Rock, January 10.-J. W. Para
more, president of the Texas and ST.. Louis
railroad, and Joe Reynolds, of Chicago, bet
ter known as Diamond Joe," owner of the
Hot Springs railroad, arrived here to-day.
From the fact of their coming together, it is
inferred by the knowing ones that Reynolds
contemplates extending his road from NAL
vern to Pine Bluff, forming a connection
there with Paramore's road.
Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-11
OBITUARY.


AUGUSTA, NE, January 1O.-Hon. Lot NJ.
very little, and his last moments were with
out pain or struggle. The members of his
family and the attending physician were
present at the last moments. The dying
man recognized his family, and with his last
breath attempted to bid them farewell but
with the word on his lips his spirit passed
aHav.