The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1888-10-24
HB CUT A DIG FIGURE
In Business Circles, but has De-
parted for Parts Unknown,
AND LEFT WITHOUT SETTLING
With the City--The Most Popular
Democratic Politician in Ohio
Falls from Grace-Gone to
Canada to Join bcnuIters.

CLEVELAND, O.. Oct. 2s.-Nearly ever
man, womanahd child in Cleveland ha
heard of CityTreasurer Thomas Axwor
thy, and thousands OF them are person
ally acquainted with him. He is, per
haps, the most popular Democratic poll
tician in Northern Ohio. So highly il
he regarded that he could have beer
nominated for Congress this year il he
had said the word. In business circles
he has cut a very big figure, and the
statement is often made that whatever
he touches turns to gold. He has real
estate, ships that sail the lakes, Goa
mines, and iron ranges and many Other
valuable investments. When at home
he is u prominent figure on the street,
and at every turn is greeted by old and
young, rich and poor, Republicans and
Democrats. He has not been seen re.
Gently, and the oflceholders at the City
Hall have not grasped his hand for many
q long day. Therefore his alb.
sence has caused some confusion
and much inquiry. A law which
provides that the funds Of the
city must be deposited in bank, the
municipality to be credited with the in
terest on the same, was 10 have gone
into effect on tho 10Th inst. Proposals
were asked for, but all the banks but
two refused to make bids. The result
was that the bids received were rejected
and new ones will be solicited. How
ever, Mr.. Axworthy was not in the city
when the proposals were opened and his
absence occasioned some comment. On
Saturday, Mayor Clark Briggs submitted
to the City Board OF Revision partial
report OF his investigation into the busi-
ness methods OF the municipal officials.
Still Mr.. AXwortliy was out OF town,
and yesterday morning, bright and
early, the one inquiry on the streets was: /:
"Where is the City Treasurer" OCca.
sionally the indefinite answer was made
to the effect that he was in New York.
His business and official associates de-
clared that he was there and was stop
ping at the Windsor.
A telegram OF inquiry was sent to that
hotel and the answer returned that Mr..
Axworthy had arrived there on Septem-
Der 90, in the morning, and departed in
the evening for Montreal. There all
trace OF him was lost. Meanwhile his
bondsmen began to investigate. They
are United States Senator II. B. Payne,
and ]. II. Wade, jr, and are pledged for
S500,000. They, together with leading
city officials and attorneys, were in con-
sultation all last night and adjourned
early this morning. Each refuses to say
q word, and all the details OF Mr..
Axworthy's absence will no doubt be
known to-day.
The Finance Committee of the Com
mon Council, after hasty examin-
alton OF the books, state that they be-
lieve that the loss to the city by reason
OF Mr.. Axworthy's disappearance is $780,
600. Senator Payne and J. II. Made, jr.,
the bondsmen Of the City Treasurer, at
9 o'clock this morning, filed petitions
and atiidavits in the Common Pleas
Court praying for an attachment against
Mr.. AXworthy's vessels, real estate and
other property. The schooner Republic
and three quarters interest in the
schooner Page were attached and his
money and stocks in the local banks
were garnisheed. The Sheriff is now at
taching the real property of the missing
treasurer, including his farm on Lorain
street outside the city limits and his
summer residence on Lake avenue.
The National Bank OF Commerce also
began suit for $4,000 to recover on a
promisory note they had discounted. 1t
is said Mr.. Axworthy has 100000 with
him.
1t became known carly this morning
that City Treasurer Axworthy had not
only left the city, but that he was n de-
faulter. The announcement produced n
profound sensation, and in the confusion
which ensued it was impossible to get at
the details. The first excitement OF the
day was oCcasioned by the beginning in
the Common Pleas Court Of actions in
attachment against all OF Axworthy's
vessel property and real estate, and the
serving OF writ OF garnishment upon a
half dozen banks. These actions
were begun by two Of the bondsmen
and the national banks OF commerce.
The city's funds had been deposited in
banks by Axworthy and the actions
against these banks were begun with
the object OF tying up the money he had
left in his flight. At the city hall con-
fusion reigned. The Mayor and Audi
tor were both out OF the city. The
small reserve in the treasury was soon
exhausted and at noon payment on two
warrants was refused.
The Finance Committee OF the Com
mon Council was hastily summoned and
an investigation begun. Late this after
noon it was announced that OF the
$sl6,Ss7 o. turned over to the treasury,
and by him deposited in banks, only
.S447, ,450 O5 remained on deposit. The
shortage, therefore, amounts to $780,
437 50. OF this sum, Treasurer Ak
worthy is believed to have taken at least
$2000 900 in cash with him.
Condensed TELEGRAMS.