Connecticut western news., 1888-03-28
HER TREASURER GONE.
A Trusted Kentucky Official Steals
 State Funds.

Had bombshell been thrown into the Ken lucky Legislature it would have created no more surprise than this message from Gov, Duckner:
 Gentlemen of the Senate and the House of Representatives: It is my painful duty to announce to you the fact that the Treasurer of the State has been suspended from the ex- ercise of his official duties The nasty exami- nation of his books induces the belief that there is a large deficit in hls accounts. This examination was made yesterday The fact is communicated to you at the earliest possible moment for your information and action. It Is believed that the bond of the Treasurer will fully cover any possible deficit that more complete investigation will reveal. In the mean time the Auditor and Secretary of State have been directed to take temporary charge of the office of tho Treasurer.
 sss B. BUcKSEn."
 Accompanying the message was this resolu- tion of the Sinking Fund Commission:
 Whereas, Our attention has been called by the Auditor of Public Accounts and the Secre- tary of State to tho fact that James w. Tate, Treasurer of the State, has postponed from time to time to meet them for the purpose of submitting 10 the examination of his accounts as required by the general statutes, and it having been learned this morning that said James w. Tate has been absent from his office since the 18th inst, therefore we caused to be made an immediate examination of the &C., counts of the Treasury as fully as could be done without his presence and assistance in the short time permitted; and it appearing from this nasty examination that there is in ali probability large deficit in his accounts and believing from the information thus learned that the public funds are in danger if per- mitted to be longer under his control, we here by suspend said James w. Tate from the duties of office of Treasurer of tho Commonwealth of Kentucky"
 It is the duty of the Treasurer to make full statement of the money on hand and of all the affairs of his office every two years on Jan. TO- Two years ago such a statement was made, and everything was found to be correct. When tho time came last January to make the usual examination, Treasurer Tate offered excuses to Auditor Hewitt, and kept posponing the investigation.
 The Auditor recently told Tate that his ex- cuses could not be listened to any longer Tate begged to be allowed few days more, saying he was obliged to go to Louisville on important business. He went to Louisville and telegraphed that he would be in Frankfort next day, but as he didn't come Hewitt began against the State funds on deposit in two banks in Frankfort amounted to S124,000 more than the vouchers called for. He imme- diately reported to the Governor.
 Since the Auditor went over the books the members of the Sinking Fund Commission have found other outstanding checks, which will bring the amount of the deficit to s197,- GOO. Tatcs bondsmen are good for the amount so far discovered.
 What has become of tho money is hard to find out. It is learned that Tate has for years been lending money to nearly all the promi- nent politicians in the State and to many other personal friends. Besides he has been specu- lating to some extent in whiskey. He has a wife and one child, Mrs. Martin, who is with her mother. This morning Q resolution was passed by the House offering S5,000 reward for the capture of Tate. It will pass the Senate. The joint committee to which was referred the Governors message agreed to report in favor of the impeachment of the Treasurer, and this they think is the only way to create vacancy in the Treasurers office
 James w. Tate has held many official posi- tions. He was elected State Treasurer on the Democratic ticket in 1867, and has since then continuously held that office, having been elected ten times and there has been of late years scarcely an opposition to him in his party. Two years ago he carried every county ill the State. No man stood higher among all classes of citizens, and his downfall has caused ono of the greatest sensations ever known in Kentucky. His intimate friends believe he has gone to Mexico. He was known all over the | State as "Honcst Dick Tate"
 A later despatch says the shortage is at least | S400, 900, and that Tate is in Canada.