Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-12-08
BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
A Demand that the Funds of the City be
Counted.


Counted.
The Board of City Trustees met yester-
day at 10 A. N. Present, Nielsen and Jones,
the former presiding in place of Mayor
Brown, who is confined to his bed with
illness. The weekly report of the Engi-
neer of the Water Works and the monthly
reports of the Superintendent of the Gene
teries, Harbormaster, Chief of Police and
Poundmaster were read and ordered on
file.
Judge H O. Beatty, one of the Funded
Debt Commissioners, appeared before the
Board and stated that Daniel Meyer was
ready, willing and anxious to withdraw his
appeal from Judge Netherlands decision,
providing the City Treasurer withdrew his
appeal. He said he wanted the Trus-
tees to know what the city was
losing by the action of the Treasurer in
this matter. He then reviewed at length
what the Commission accomplished with
the small amount placed at their disposal
some years since, and the large amount of
the city's Indebtedness that could be wiped
out at this time if the money which be-
longs to the Commission could be used for
that purpose. He said if the Commission
had not been handicapped at least $500 900
of the debt could have been paid. He said
there was no reason for this unnecessary
delay unless some one wants to use the
money. He said he had been informed
that the funds had been used for bank
ing purposes. He demanded that the
Board ascertain whether that money
was on hand Count it, and see if
it is there to-day" He said that he
knew only what he was told. The city
warrants were paid out of the same tray
that other moneys are paid out of the
bank. He said it was not morally, but it
was legally wrong. If that money was
kept constantly on hand, IS a special de-
post, in sealed sacks he said he thought
the City Treasurer would not offer so much
opposition to laying it out as directed.
Mr.. Abbott cashier of the bank where
the city funds are deposited, said he
thought the remarks made by Judge
Beatty against private business institu-
ton was unmanly, unwarranted and
against the public interest of the city.
He then reviewed the case, defending Mr.
Porter, who he said was acting in the
interest of his bondsmen and upon
the advice of Messrs Catlin, McKune and
City Attorney Anderson. Whenever they
advise differently Mr. Porters bondsmen
would insist upon his paving out the
money Immediately. The money is there,
he said, and the Trustees were invited to
call and see for themselves. He said the
attack upon Mr.. Porter and the bank was
unjust, backed by selfinterest or contempt
ible meanness.
Judge Beatty-Will you now answer
whether that money is there on special de-
post or not, and whether it is kept in sep
arate bags?
Mr. Abbctt-Some is.
Judge Beatty-HoW much
Mr. Abbott don't know, and you have
no right to ask. Some is on special de-
post.
Judge Beatty want the Board of
Trustees to 90 to the bank and see how
much is sealed up in bags
Mr.. Abbott-On whose authority?
Judge Beatty-Upon your statement
Mr.. Abbott-The Board is invited to do
so at once.
Judge Beatty-And | demand, as a citi-
zen and a taxpayer, that they do so.
Mr.. Abbott-You will not be admitted
within the door; YOU have no business
there.
Mr.. Porter said when Meyer Withdrew
his appeal, then he would act upon the
advice of his lawyers and the Trustees In
addition to the attorneys enumerated by
Mr.. Abbott, he also had the advice OF
Judge benson upon the matter. He was
ready to pay the money over at any mo-
ment they advised him to do so. and his
opinion was that lie would be so advised
after the withdrawal of Meyers appeal.
Mr.. Abbott said he desired to apologize
to MIR. Beatty for the remarks that he had
made, but he had heard so much of this
matter that he had lost his temper
Judge Beatty said he had heard that the
bank was using the money, and it was
against the law, even if it was not morally
wrong. He did not wish Mr.. Porter to
take any chances.
Mr.. Porter My bond is not straw one
Judge Beatty don't think it is.
think your bondsmen are entirely respon-
sble.
Trustee Nielsen said that Mr.. Beatty was
making strong assertions, and asked him if
he had any proofs. eff you have" he
said, 1--WE will investigate, but do not pro-
pose to do so on mere hearsay"
Trustee Jones concurred in the remarks
of Mr.. Nielsen.
Judge Beatty-Mr. Abbott has admitted
that some of the city funds are commingled
with those of the bank. That is enough.
Mr.. Porter-Meyer and Davis would
like nothing better than an opportunity to
scalp US.
Judge Beatty-The City Treasurer's bond
will be sued for the interest on the money
have it in writing. This matter shall nc
longer be all one-sided
Further discussion of the subject was de,
ferred on motion of Trustee Jones, until
all the members of the Board were present
After auditing a number of bills the
Board adjourned.