National Republican., 1884-04-05
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LIGHT TO BE TURNED ON
The House District Committee Dispatches
ara Expert 10 spy out the Land.


The House District Committee Dispatches
ara Expert 10 Spy Out the Land.
The resolution introduced in the house
by Mr.. Fielder q few days ago, providing for
an examination into tho financial affairs OF
the district, was considered by the subcom-
mittee Of tho house district committee yes
terday. Mr. Fielder gave his views on the
subject and stated his reasons for asking for
such au investigation. He then introduced
Mr.. j. Walden, an expert accountant of
New York. who he said, would make
an examination 10 discover IL an
investigation was necessary. Tho committee
then heard Mr.. silas Merchant, formerly an
cmploye Of the district in relation to his
discharge. After hearing tho statements the
committee passed resolution, authorizing
Mr.. Fielder and Mr.. Walden to mako the re-
quired examination aud to report Mt the
meeting of the committee to be held this
morning IL an investigation was necessary.
Messrs Fielder and Walden visited tho dis
| trict buildings shortly after noon and were
closeted for some time with Commissioner
| Edmonds. The gentlemen were then intro
duced to the leading officials, who were in
structed TO allow Mr.. Walden to examine any
books and papers he might wish to seo He
| Immediately began work by visited tho col
lectors Office first. Here he made general
| examination of the manner of collecting
and receiving taxes and licenses, aided
by the clerks The auditors office was then
examined, and here Mr.. Walden spent tho
rest of tho day. The system of auditing
inaugurated by Mr.. Tichenor was examined
at length, aud the investigation will be re.
sumed to-day.
While Mr. Walden was making his exami
nations there was noticeable stir among
all the employees, and whispered conversations
about commonplace topics were numerous
especially when the presence Of reporter
was noticed. No one seemed to know of the
whereabouts of Mr.. Walden, and for tho most
of his stay he was invisible.
Tho commissioners were very reticent iT
speaking of the examination. Mr.. Edmonds
however, reiterated his former assertion tina
the affairs of the office were all straight, ant
that errors If any were discovered did no
belong to the present management Com
missioner West would not say anything. Ont
of the commissioners in conversation a few
days ago, intimated that this journal was re
sponsible for "all this row." and would bt
sorry after it was over.
The REPUBLICANS war against "Sta
Chamber" proceedings continues to be looked
upon by tho commissioners as a personal at
tack, and all efforts to dispel this belief il
interested quarters have been unsuccessful
Yet the commissioners hold secret session
three times week.
Mr.. Walden, the gentleman who yesterda,
began the investigation, bears the reputation
of being one of the most expert accountant
in the country, and has OF late unearthet
several frauds in connection with municipa
governments. In 1882 he discovered, after |
years labor discrepancy of the 100000 il
the accounts of the treasurer of the city o
Newatk. N. j., and the latter is now serving
a twenty years term in the states prison.
few weeks ago he began an investigation o
the affairs of tho auditor Of Bayonne N. j.
and the developments. a discrepancy @
$4,000, lead to that official being indicted.
In conversation last night he stated tha
he would lay his views on the subject befor
the subcommittee AS morning. 1t
understood that no will report that tn
district accounts prior to November last ar
in state of tho greatest confusion, and tina
a thorough and systematic investigation vii
be necessary to a complete understanding
He will recommend an investigation.