Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-01-06
A Genuin1 Sensation in the SEN
ate This Mtrllng.
The Committee to Investigate The
Treasury Make a Report,
Which Reflects Upon IRE lsurer
Marsh 4. Polk.
Ye.teri,y Afternoon,, Rannsr

House, made their report.
The committee report that they
were appointed by the two Houses
TO investigate the condition of the
state treasury; that they have
performed their duty; that State
Treasurer Polk was absent from
the Capitol and has been ior
two days, aud that it was not known
when he would return; that the com
mittee found his clerk, who stated 10
them that ho had no authority to 90
into the Office; that they had also
received information from Treasurer
Folks bondsmen that the condition
.ot the treasury is such that they ask
that the operation Of the Office be
stopped until an investigation can be
had. y
Mr.. Porter, Of Memphis, the chair.
man OF the committee, stated that as
tar as could be ascertained Mr.. Polk
was S4OO, 900 short in his accounts.
The reference in the report to the
absence of Mr.. Polk caused three
Banner reporters TO make an effort to
see him, but they failed to come up
with him.
Colonel Fleming was questioned
regarding the matter, but be said he
had mo- statement to make prior to
what he may have to say before the
Investigating Committee.
Mr.. Mjlliken, Chairman OF the
House Committee, was found in the
Senate chamber. When asked if he
would tell the Banner ell be knew of
the rqmors concerning the Treasurer 5
default, he replied
Certainly. Mir. Polk is short in
his accounts 100000, or more. We
made hasty examination this morn.
ing, and as much was admitted to us.
We ea1net now ascertain how much
money belonging 10 the State he NAV
have on deposit in banks; or whether
ne has any or not. His books show
there should be good deal, but be
may have his books show this, while
the money is not there"
What is his bout?
"Only 100000. and be often had as
much as $500, 600 in his hands. There
is no telling where the thing has gone,
nor who Elll be implicated before it is
What 3. did Polk do with the
"A lney2'
That's the question: but gentle.
man who knew him intimately-in
fact, one of his bondsmen-is Of the
opinion that he lost it speeulating in
New York. All this could have been
stopped two years ago if the Legisla-
ture had taken the matter In hand
aud 500, 600 saved to the State.n
Senator Emmett Thompson here
came up and said: II introduced
resolution to investigate that Office
TWO years ago. Ny hands are clean,
any hoy 2 W..
Mr. Milliken Is eminently impress.
ed with Mr.. POlk's guilt, and as are
all the committee, and believe they
will haye less trouble in detecting
his deialcations than in bringing him
to trial.
THE REPORT. .aa
Eolloging is the report In full
The joint select committee to settle
with the Comptroller and Treasurer
beg leave to report that they have
visited the Office ofthe Treasurer. and
upon inquiry fnd that the Treasurer
is away from the capitol and has been
Tor two days, aud they are not advised
when be will return. They 9nd hts
clerk, who states that he cannot 70
into the settlement Of the treasurer s
account till his return. They also
have information from his bondsmen,
or some Of them, that the condition of
the Treasury is such that they feel
Justified to recommend that tho work,
iogs Of tho Treasury be stopped until
an examination can be had.
JOINT RESOLUTION BY oHAA.
ploN.
Whereas, The Senate has reason to
believe that NJ. I. Polk, the present
Treasurer, is a defaulter for about
s4OO, 900, AMI whereas, the bond given
by said officer is not sufficient in
amount to secure deficit.
Therefore be it resolved, by the
Senate aud House of Representatives,
That the Attorney General of the
State be, and hereby instructed to
attach instanter, all available assets
belonging to said NJ. I. Polk, provided
that sufficient grounds exist TO the
end that the same may be held for the
ltisfactiOn Of said deficit.
DANIELS AMENDMENT,
Mr.. Daniel offered the following
amendment to Mr.. Champions reso
ution.
That the select joint committee an
pointed to settle with the Comptroller
md Treasurer at once to take charge
,f the Trea'urer's Office and proceed
with the investigation oftEe same and
hat they notify 1T once all corpora
ions and banks holding funds OF the
State that they may hold upon any
)rder, check or warrant signed or pur.
porting to be signed by the Treasurer.
until otherwise ordered
DoDD's AMENDMENT.
Mr.. Dodd offered the following pre-.
lmble and resolution to Mr.. Daniels
amendment:
lie 1t further resolved, That in view
,f the fact that the effort made in the
astGeueral Assembly to have the State
Treasury lunds deposited in some safe
depository was earnestly fought and
defeated, and of the further fact that
The bill to require an additional bond
TO be piven by said official was stolen
from the clerks desk ct said sitting of
the General Assembly when on its
inal reading.
Resolved, That the Committee is
instructed to take the necessary legal
steps immt diateIy to secure the per,
son OF the State Treasurer, MT. Polk,
II having reasons to believe he is a
Mr.. Champions resolution, as
printed, was adopted.
The announcement created a tre.
mendous sensation throughout the
city, aad people collected 10 great
crow Is on the street corners to discuss
the affair An immense throDg con-