Los Angeles daily herald., 1888-08-31

has known General Hewitt for score of
wears. He has conceived the idea that
Mr.. Hewitt is an exceedingly indepen-
dent man, very straightforward and
honest man. He did not believe that
he was the man to enter into
anv compact with any one, and pledge
himself in such a manner beforehand.
He knew that the most friendly relations
exist between Mr.. Hewitt and Mr.. He'll
man, but he did not believe that even
the consideration of friendship would be
allowed to influence Mr.. Hewitt in this
matter. With these reflections in mind,
the reporter sought Mr.. Hewitt and asked
him if he had heard of the rumors that
we're afoat.
"Oh," replied General Hewitt, 'I
have never been in the habit of paying
much attention to public rumors. They
10 not 90 for much. But as to the truth
of these particular rumors l may say
this: Before my nomination l never
had word OF conversation with any
banker as to these matters. l made
no promises of any sort and was not
broached on such subject. When l was
nominated l was perfectly free to do
as l pleased with the county funds. My
party left me 80. They passed no reso-
lutions of instruction to me as to what
should do. No Democrat in the
Convention or out Of it has developed
any anxiety as to what shall do in these
premises. l am still a perfectly free
agent, free from any sort OF entangling
alliances, and my party seems to have
confidence in my doing the right thing"
"Well, them" said the reporter, "am
l to understand that you have had no
conversation with any one yet as to
what you shall do with the county funds ?"
"No," said General Hewitt, ''you are
not to SO understand me. But ur-
til l was nominated no man knew
what my intentions were with regard to
the county funds. After my nomination
formed notion as to what ought to be
done with them. Until recently the
taxes of Los Angeles county have not
amounted to very large sum. For the
past two years they have been consider
able money. This year they will repre-
sent a very large sum, and they are
likely to be large for all future time. My
opinion is that an official after his cleo
tion represents the whole community no
matter what party elects him, and that
while good citizen can always be true
to his party in all political fealty, yet he
should administer his office with direct
reference to the best interests of all. Now
in this matter of banks, do not see how
one is to make political capital out of it.
The president Of the bank does not con-
stitute the whole list of stockholders. Mr..
Hellman is a Democrat, but many OF
the stockholders are Republicans. Mr..
Spence and Major Bonebrake are Repub-
licans, but many OF their stockholders
are Democrats. So what is the use OF
trying to make political capital in this
way? Mr.. Hellman is no more concerned
in the politics of his party than the
other gentlemen are in theirs. But this
is not what set out to say. 1t is this
You ask me if have had any under
standing with any one. say |
have now. l came to it few days ago.
My idea was that the county taxes,
amounting to nearly 81 900, 900, would be
better distributed in several banks than
if all deposited in one. My idea is to
select several banks-of course they must
all be substantial concerns. l think the
county funds will do more good if dis
tributed among these. l went to Mr..
Hellman and other bankers and told
them what / thought. They at once
acquiesced in the plan and endorsed it
fully. Now that is all there is about any
understanding between me and Mr..
Hellman; and l hope these statements
will relieve the minds of those who wish
to know what will do with the county
funds. / have found in this matter, as
L have in all others, Mr.. Hellman to be
an exceedingly safe adviser in all finan-
cial questions. Moreover" said the
General, ''this proposition includes banks
outside this city,"