The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-01-08
M. 7. POLK,S REGULATION.
Probability that Others Are Impii-
Gated in the DefaIcation.
He Checks His Baggage for Mexico, but Is
Overtaken and Arrested at San
Antonio, Tex.

AAHiA@j OSNNN
Polk, in whose accounts deficit of 100000
was discovered and reported yesterday by
special JOINT legislative committee, is still
missing. From all the information and ru-
mors flying regarding the absconding treas
urer it appears that he went from this city
to Bolivar, his old home, and after remaining
there until yesterday or the day before, left
for parts unknown. 1t is even suggested by
some that he may be concealed in the woods
near the town. In the meantime the inves-
tigation goes on, and some startling disclo-
sures may be expected. The idea prevails
among majority of the members of the
Legislature that others besides Treasurer
Polk are implicated in the swindle, and every
effort will be made to ferret out the parties
interested and bring them to justice 1t is
not known who they are, and suspicion rests
upon no particular ones, but in a general
way half a dozen or more are
accused of having shared the funds. A
prominent business man of this city said
this morning that Mr.. Folks crime was the
result of the defeat OF the 1908 bill. The
5000 900 was paid into his hands to meet the
AlbSACob uLuCl IliuI dCl, anu Witch tuc III
junction suit was begun he had all the
money. Time dragged along until the 1908
was declared unconstitutional, leaving the
money in his possession. He dare not use
it for State purposes, and hence lie used it
for his own, doubtless loaning out much of
it to tide over friends in a close place.
When called upon to produce it he could
~. IL
the 1908 been promptly paid he never would
have been subjected to the temptation.
Throughout the city in circles where Mr..
Polk was known and liked for his generosity,
there is universal regret at the disgrace
which has come upon him, and perhaps no
mans fall was ever more generally regretted.
AS was said by Hon. r. r. Butler, in the
House this morning:
He was not an extravagant man; wore
no fine clothes, kept no horses and car
riages, and was the victim of mad specula-
ton"
1t was rumored this morning that Treas
urer Polk would return to the city to-day or
tomorrow, but on this subject his friends
are singularly reticent, and the general
opinion is he has gone for good and always.
His family, it is understood, will go to
Bolivar, Hardeman county, where he owns
fine farm and pleasant country house. A
resolution was offered in the House this
morning, offering a reward of 800, 600 for the
apprehension of Polk. Whenit came up one
member remarked that that would only be
800, 900 more lost if he is found, as he has
nothing by which the State can reimburse
itself. The resolution was passed over. The
House adopted resolution appointing
joint committee to ferret out all the guilty
parties connected with the alleged default of
the treasurer and to ascertain if possible
where the missing money went, This morn
ing, Immediately after the assembling of the
two houses, the joint select committee ap-
pointed yesterday to settle with the comp
troller and treasurer repaired to the
ceeded to make a detailed investiga-
ton of the treasurer's books and
vouchers The committee state that the work
will probably occupy several weeks, and the
committee are now engaged in getting the
books into shape so that they could be turned
over to treasurer as soon as the Senate saw
fit to appoint one. The committee have not
yet detected any further deficit, but they say
they are safe in saying the amount of short
age will be at least between 100000 and
$780, 900. The committee find, includ-
ing checks, bank accounts and cash, the
amount on hand to be about 100000. As
soon as this committee get the books into
good shape they will appoint experts to go
over them again. 1t is thought more than
probable that the Senate will appoint tenn
Dorary Treasurer some day next week, and
the workings of the treasury will be resumed.
The committee say there has not been found
as was reported, notes for large amounts to
various parties among the papers of the
Treasurer 1t is believed that the chief of
police has some information concerning the
whereabouts of the absent Treasurer In
formation was received tonight that when he
changed cars at Milan he checked his bag
gage for New Orleans. This lends color to
the belief that he has gone to Mexico. The
House to-day tabled a resolution to elect
receiver of the treasury on Tuesday, and re-
quire him to give bond in 100000 for the
faithful performance of his duties.
member of the committee said, at late
hour last night, that kilograms ordering the
arrest Of Polk had been sent to every city
through which he would likely pass, and
that there is reason to believe he will be cap
tured, Should he reach Mexico" said the
committeeman, "there is little hope of his
being brought back to tennessee as there is
no extradition treaty between the United
States and Mexico" 1t will not be a difficult
matter for officers to track Treasurer Polk,
by reason of the fact that he has a wooden
leg with which he walks with difficulty.
Friends of the missing Treasurer fear that he
will commit suicide, in the event he is ar
rested, as he could not face the people whom
he has defrauded of such large sum. Polk
placed too much confidence in his friends
being quite confident, up to few hours be-
fore his departure from the city, that they
would come to his assistance before the legis-
lative committee commenced the examine
ton of his books.
MEMPHIS, Tenn, Jan. GA rumor was
current here tonight that State Treasurer
Marsh T. Polk had committed suicide, but it
was only rumor 1t is generally believed
here that he has gone to Mexico. Mr.. Alexan-
der, relative and manager of his farm near
Boliver, Tenn, was seen in Little Rock
Thursday. He was en- route to Mexico, and
it is thought Polk was with him.
New ORLEANS, La, Jan. IA San An
tonic special reports the arrest there of
Treasurer Polk, of Tennessee.
Polk Said to Have Been Operating in Ten
nessee Bonds.
New York, Jan. 6.-The story of the de-