New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-08-04
A POOL OEFICER MISSING.
JOINT. AGENT BOOTH DISAPPEARS.
AN EXAMINATION BEING MADE OF HIS RAILRoA
ACCpUSTg


ACCOUNTS.
Louis II. Booth. JOINT agent at Castle Garden in
charge Of the immigrant business OF the New-York
Central the Erie, the Pennsy lyanla and the Batl-
more and OHIO railroads. has been absent from his
office since July u. No explanation can
be gwen Of his absence. He had
not obtained leave of absence from Trunk Line
Comm ssioner Fink. and his accounts have been
found to be in condition which has caused the
trunk lines to institute an investigation.
Mr.. Booth assumed the duties of joint agent on
February |. Some time previous the trunk lines
had agreed to pool their immigrant business
and the Office Of joint agent created
for the purpose of securing proper direction of the
imm grants arriving at Castle Garden and destined
for interior places the protection of such travellers
IA regards the route they held tickets for, the ship
ment of their baggage, etc. Mr.. Booth wasselected
Tor the position unanimously by the trunk lines.
lie is about forty years old lie had previously been
connected with the Chicago and Northwestern Rail-
way Company Tor many years-As paymastor
for about eight years aud as general East
ern agent IN New-fork for nearly as many
more lie resigned the latter position short tino
before he was appointed joint agent. His reputa-
ton has been nigh among raj road men and his
integrity has been unimpeached.
Last spring Mir. Booth suffered severely from
rheumatism. For n short time he was unable to
do his work, and even when he was attending
of his friends have recently suggested that Inc ought
10 take a vacation. The last time he was by
the general passenger agents OF the trunk lines was
at their meeting at Commissioner Fink's office a
week ago Yesterday. lie appeared to be suffering
great pain then, aud although 1t was a warm day
he had on "A light ovefcoat. Early this week the
singular absence of the joint agent from his Office
led 10 an examination OF his accounts for tue salts
lection of the Commissioner. They were found TO
be in such confusion that IL was deemed advisable
10 place the matter before the trunk lines. An
CATION by experts Will be begun in the joint
interest OF the roads to-day. liz Is SAID by railroad
men that the confused condition OF the JOINT agents
accounts NAV arise simply from the fact that his
STYLE OF keeping books was unfamiliar to the per-
sons who made the preliminary examination. The
truckmen VINO are employed by the lOint agent
to handle the bagg ge, OF Immigrants
for the railroads received their monthly
pay for July from Commissioner Fink's
Office No provision had been made for their pay
Iuent rs "A consequence of Mr.. Booths absence. Be
lore any examination was ordered OF the Joint
agents accounts irultless attempt was made TO
find where lie was He is SAID to have been
Gently living in Newark, n. j.. with his wife and
family but il is understood that he has not been
home since sunday night
MIR. Booth has mad control of the pay
ment of the clerical and laboring force I'm
ploepd in the Joint railroad Office at Castle Garden
ana also OF tho collection OF charges on baggage
carried by immigrants III excess OF the regular
amount allowed ON each railroad ticket. The total
amount of money passing directly through his
thousand dollars a month. Up to July l, lt is I'M
derstood that his accounts had been audited and
approved as correct.
Railroad at loss to
account for Mr.. Booths absence. IL
was suggested yesterday that his disappearance
mleht be caused by "A condition of mind produced
by the physical pam he has suffered. Secretary
Brydon, IN tue Office of Assistant Commissioner 81
T. Person, who has charge OF the passenger depart-
ment ol the pool lines. and Offices OF the trunk line
roads, declined to talk about Mr.. Booths disappear
ance. Tuey SAID nothing had yet been discovered
in his accounts which would allow them
to make any statement, for fear that they
iunt nraiud0a hta Mr. Fink ia N Richiisll
SDnngs. Dir. Person has been absent from the city
about IA week, but Is expected here to-day. HIS re-
turn Is SAID not to have Deen due TO the unexplained
conduct OF the JOINT agent.
Mr.. Booth has had the reputation OF being pos
sessed of income independent OF his former rail-
road employment.