Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1883-02-01
S25O,OOO SHORT.
An Old, Old Story-GambIin:, Luxurious
Living and Too Froe Use OF tho
Public Eunds

An Old, Ola story-GambIin:, Luxuriou.
Living and Too Free Use of tho
Public Funds.
The news that State Treasurer Vincent
had .swindltd the commonwealth OF
$3.50, 600, fell like a thunder clap on the
IN October last was over S4OO, ,OOO, but q
interest payments. The Gefalcation leaves
s15O,OOO in the treasury. Vincent was
sworn in and began his third term as
treasurer on November 20, last. The law
requires that before taking the oath OF
office the treasurer shall file bond OF
$3.50, 900. This was not done and the
omission is chargeable to the outgoing
Governor Cobb and his administration.
The liability of the old bondsmen ceased
when the new term began, but as all or
nearly all of the deficit occurred before
that time the old bOudsmen will have the
bill to foot. They are Merrill E. Pratt, J..
Driver, j. J. Robinson and J. Crawford,
and are good for the money. The state
will lose the deficit in excess of the bond,
if there be any. The law says the COVER
nor may appoint an expert to examine the
treasurer's Office at any time, but this has
never been done.
Luxurious Living and Gambling.
Vincent is y man of middle age, was a
Confederate soldier, has wife and two
children and is popular. He was for
many years register in chancery of Cham
bers county: was private secretary to
Governor Houston from 1874 to 1878 was
elected treasurer i'll the latter year, re-
elected in 1890, and again last year, despite
a popular opposition to third termism.
His honesty was his strong point, as his
ability was only moderate. His salary as
private secretary was 1900, and he lived
modestly. AS treasurer he got SO, 100.
There was a marked change in the style
of his living when elected treasurer, but it
was reported that he had made some
lucky deals in cotton futures and he was
supposed to live on that. His style OF
living was even luxurious. He kept a
carriage and fine horses, has bought dia
monds for his wife, silver for his table,
a house to live in, furnished it handsomely
and lived in all respects as one of the
upper ten. He was also an amatuer OF
some pretensiOnS as a poker player.
Knowing ones shook their heads, but the
public went on in blind faith that he had
means.
How the Money Was Lost.
He lost most OF the states money III
cotton futures. At Frederick VOLTS
bank alone he bought $119, ,O00t exchange
in New York to cover losses on futures.
These drafts were in favor of Wolfe, and,
it is thought, lie and Wolfe were engaged
in joint speculations. He bought large
amounts from other banks. Vincent LETT
note saying he will straighten it all, but
nobody believes he will ever be heard of
again unless the police capture him. Peo
pie are much aroused, and, while they are
sorry for his wife and friends, they arc
still more so for his bondsmen.
No clue is left as TO the direction he
took on Monday, the night of his flight.
He was not recognized at the depot, and
none of the conductors on Monday night
trains knew him. He had an annual pass
on all the roads, but did not use it. No ono
in Montgomery is suspected of having been
privy to his transactions. He kept it all
to himself, though it is supposed some of
the money was loaned to parties in New
York. His clerk knew the money was
missing several months ago, but Vincent
told him he had balances elsewhere. He
collected $4,000 on Monday and left it
with his wife, and she paid it over. She
suspected nothing. 1t is supposed he took
no money with him.