The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-04
FLOYD COUNTY FINANCES.
The Alleged Shortage of Treasurer Weir, of
Kew Albany-0ther Shortages.

S. II. Weir. for the past twelve years the Demo
cratic city treasurer of New Albany. was short
in his accounts. These rumors could not be
traced to any responsible source, although it
was known that Colonel Granger, an expert ac-
countant, under instructions of the finance COM
mlttee. was overhauliug the books. The re-
ports were doubtless exaggerated by the OBJ
stacles put in the way of a perfect investiga-
ton, access to the books being denied and an
attorney employed by the city treasurer. Final
ly the City Council ordered the books to be
placed in the custody Of the city clerk, when the
expert was allowed to proceed without molesta-
ton. While the oyerhauing was proceeding
rumors thick and fast few about. but no definite
charge was made until few days ago, when it
was published in paper as coming
form Colonel Granger. that the
deficit was up in the thousands;
in fact. approximating $1,000 This report
by some was not unexpected, but to the major.
ity of our people it was in the nature OF a shock
and Colonel Granger has since denounced it as
false. There are very few men in any commu-
nifty who have such warm friends as Sam Weir.
Liberal to fault. obliging in disposition. ana
affable in Eanner, he has attached to himself a
faithful following who were loath to believe that
the deficit is SO great. if indeed there be any,
On the other hand, Weir's prominence as
Democratic leader. the active part he has taken
in local, State. and national politics, have made
him many enemies within and without his party.
who are quick to seize anything TO his disadvan-
age and present it in the most unfavorabe aspect.
He undoubtedly spent money, and with open
hands, especially whenever an election occ urred
1t Is said that in every councilmanic election he
contributed literally to the election or friends
in every ward notably in the First, Fourth and
Sixth wards, and to secure the election OF a
brother to county office it is reported he dis
revamped and pointed to as indicating where
the money went. Weirs bond is a good
one; e. G. Hungary. Mrs Weir. Judge
Howk. of the Supreme Court and n
7. DePauw, being upon it. Capt
Moses Irwin, having q rather unpleasant ex-
perience as surety for other parties. withdrew
two years ago. but should deficit be proved, he
will be responsible for any shortage occurring
while he was bondsman. Concurrent with the
report of the shortage comes the rumor that the
bondsmen will resort to the courts to defend
themselves and Weir. In the meanwhile the
Democracy of gallant little Floyd" are not dis
turbed They are used to this sort of thing
and do not fear that the control of municipal
and county affairs will pass away from the
Democrats. In the next campaign they will
again yell "Turn the rascals out" and Examine
the books" with this mental and polite reserva-
ton, except the Democratic rascals and Demo
cratic books of this county and city" Not
many years ago the Democratic sheriff, in
the silent hours Of the night. packed.
to that haven of Democratic defa1lters-Can-
ada. It was known that he was defaulter, but
no Democrat raised his voice demanding the
books to be examined. He afterwards returned,
and made bailiff of the very court from
which he had pilfered Subsequently. a county
treasurer was reported to be short, but no DEM
ocrat burst his suspenders in endeavoring to
have the books overhauled. Again, a Demo
cratic county auditor Vas accused of collecting
$45, 900 more in fees than he was legally emit
tied to. and when confronted by his accusers
placed the fingers of his dexter hand playfuiiy
before his prominent nasal protuberance and
wagging them gently to and fro demanded in
the language of another bright Democratic
do about It'll" The Democratic shriekers
for purity in Office broke no col
lar bones in rushing up. the court
house steps to examine his books. More re-
Gently it has been charged that a county official
screened another whose deficit 81, 200, and
is receiving his reward In fat Office under the
every ISSUE accuses the present sheriff OF dshon-
esty, incompereucy, etc. Yet none of these things
move the Democrats; on the contrary they pass
the word to keep mum, for if all the rottenness
was exposed gallant little Floyd" might go
Republican. The Republicans can do nothing.
The courthouse is nest of Democrats. The
prosecutor all Democrats. The latter Office
is held by G. L. Jewett, and when that is known
it is quantum suf. The administration Of
city affairs is no less deplor able. The Mayors
chair ls filled by 23O pounds of flesh. and
a grain of capability. As q pig sticker
and cutter of tough steers threats he was
compound of obesity and incapacity. Against
his character nothing lis urged, further than that
he Is under the control of a man who has been
repeatedly denounced in the public press. As
ISOLATED with him is a Council which, with few
exceptions, is composed with men with less than
average ability, willing enough to do. but un-
able 10 devise. Is it any wonder that under
such government. the credit of the city is de-
stroyed, and it's obligations dishonoredl A few
more years Of Democratic rule and New Albany
will be good place to emigrate from IL addi-
I, - TO- SD 49, -,
political, rings financial and rings corporate,
and they have the city by the throat A
corporation wants its property exempt from
taxation, and certain streets vacated
for its use, and its demands are granted.
Another corporation asks extension of charter
giving it exclusive rights and privileges, and it
the city to iudorse their bonds to the extent of
$3.50, 000 and in itheir haste to oblige the Mayor
and city clerk set up all night attaching their
signatures. For years the Democrats have held
power, some trusts have been faithfully execu-
ted, but upon them must rest the responsibility
of the present dep1orable state of affairs. Is
there no remedya There is one, but the iron
bound Democrats will not take it. Rather any
thing else than that the Democratic rascals
should be turned out, and the Democratic books
be examined JUNIUs. u
Statement from Expert Granger.
LOUISVILLE, Jan. 3.-Public attention here
and at New Albany. Ind, is being occupied
with the discussion going on over the condition
of the books of the city treasurer. Weir, of the
latter city. Not long ago an investigation was
ordered by the finance committee, and Col. W.
W. Granger, an expert was employed. Col
Granger denies the publication made by a morn
ing paper yesterday, to the effect that he had
stated that Treasurer Wei- was short 500, 900 in
his accounts, and this morning makes the fol-
lowing statement:
To the Members of the Finance iCommittee-when
read the paragraph hereto attached, and which
slipped from Cincinnati daily paper of the 30th
alt, could have been surprised than was.
am wholly ignorant to the of the informa
lion upon which the reporters remarks in said para
graph were based. The reporter certainly
,eived his information from directly indirectly
n fact have not spoken to a reporter of that
paper for three months. The article ay have
however. in this manner: During
friendly call upon Auditor Orr at his Office in Gov
ng,on where number of my friends casually
dropped in. the conversation quite naturally turned
upon the investigation of the books in New Albany.
remarked that the methods pursued in keeping the
accounts in the Office of the city clerk and city
IzG11 A.