The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-12-03
THEOLDSTOR REPEATED
VINE, WOAEN, EXTRAVAGANCE
AND SPECULATION
Cause the Downfall Of a trusted
Man, Who Systematically Steals
500, 0OO-Other Grimes.

CHICAGO, ILL, December 2.-The
Inter. Ocean this morning says: The
most sensational, rs well as the
heaviest defalcation that hes taken
place in Chieggl, probably dui ing lis
commercial history, has just been
brought to light. Miner T. Ames, the
millionaire coal miner, is the victim,
and Theodore S. Mizs, his confidential
book keeper and esshier, and secretary
of the Chicago and M neonk Coal and
Coke COMPANY, at No. 142 Lssslle
street, is the perps traitor OF robbery
that is estimated at 100000, and may
exceed that amount. From his posi-
ton as book keeper, cashier, conf
dental clerk aud secretary of the coal
company, Mzs had absolute control
OF the money OF the company and the
private funds If MIR. Ames, M re is
one of the beet known men in local
business circles, having a very ex-
tensive Acquaintance, ard has also
been one of the most popular men OF
his set. He was a member of the
Union Veteran Club and the Apollo
Club, being singer of much
ability. MiEs is handsome, stylish
talented, but in this case it is the old
story-wine, women and ruin. His
employer, Mr.. Ames, had known him
from infancy, being an old friend of
the young mans father, Edward Mis-,
formerly of Akron, o., but now living
in this city. Theodore has been in
the employ Of Mr.. Ames since 1872.
Within a couple OF years, from the
ii me he entered Mr.. Ames's employ,
he began system tic course of rob.
berry, covering up his dishonesty by
false entries upon the books and by
other schemes. At first his stealings
were comparatively small, but he
soon began operations on q more ex-
tensiye scale, ard Of late years, it ia
rumored, his epeculations frequently
reached the stiff sum of $3.50 in
single month. About week ago Mr..
Ames discovered that something was
wrong with the money accounts. A
brief Investigation convinced him that
large sums were missing. 1t is said
that he then taxed Mizs with dis
honesty, and declared he would en-
gage experts to go over the books.
Mize at once weakened, broke down
and confessed that he was guilty and
had been robbing his employer for
many years. He begged for mercy
and promised restitution so far as il
lay within his power. Since then all
his property which could be found,
including a fine house on Ellis
avenue, have been turned over to Mr.,
Ames. Mis- could not be found last
night, but is believed to be stopping
for the present with his father. Be- |
sides the extravagant manner in |
which he and his wife lived, it is as.
serted that Mize at various times sup
ported three different women upon |
whom he lavished money with a gem
erous hand. To reporter last night,
Mr.. Ames said: 81 am in hopes that
the shortage will prove a great deal |
less than you have been informed. l |
could not tell you exactly what the
amount will be if l wanted to, for |
! don't know myself. l am having
the accounts examined, but it will be |
several days yet before they are in
such a condition that we can tell for |
certain how they stand. Besides, Mr..
Mize has made partial restitution by
turning his property over to me. The
matter is very painful to me, and re-
gard the feelings of Mr.. Mize's family
as of more account than the loss OF the
money. His father and l have been
close friends for thirty years."
The father aud mother of Mise were
seen at their residence. They admit
the truth of some of the charges, but
said the amount taken had been
grossly exaggerated. They claimed
that Mr. Ames had promised TO keep
tbe matter quiet, and that young Mize
went to the office regularly as if moth.
ing had happened. They seid that he
had overdrawn his account, and then
when Mr.. Ames returned from Europe
Theodore confessed and turned over
his.residencs, No. 1856 Ellis avenue, to
his employer, and this, together with
what the parents gave, made balance
in favor OF the son. MIR. Mize stood
at the Office door, looking ploomily
out, as reporter entered. 81 don't
wish to say anything now" he said,
until have talk with Mr.. Ames.
There are, as you know, always two
sides to every story, and this ia no ex-
ceptlon to the rule"
els there any bssis for the statement
that you embszzled $l00,O002"
Gas l sad before, l prefer to await
my interview with Mr.. Ames before
say anything. The matter was ar.
ranged with him satisfactorily and our
relations have continued undisturbed,
and will until l find that be is respon-
sible for this publication"
s------- |