The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-14
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A RICH INDIAN AGENT.
He Accumulates Fortune in a Few Years
and Becomes q Target for Charges

He Accumulates n Fortune in a Few Years
and Becomes Target for Charges.
Washington Special.
In regard to the recent attempts at vindica-
ton the part of Indian Agent McGillicuddy,
DR.. T. A. Bland. secretary Of the National in
Hills correspondent of the Omaha Republican
says that ex-Indian Agent McGillicuddy owns
and occupies of the most elegant residences
in Rapid City. Oak; that he d:spenses hospi-
tality with a lavish hand, that he is large
stakeholder in. and vice-president of, the Black
Hills National Bank, and in every way
the most prominent magnates of the city. To
those who know that nine years ago. when he
appointed agent at Pine Ridge, Dak., Nc
Gillcuddy was a very poor man, this statement
So, 200 year. He served seven years. All he
could honestly get out OF his Office was $1,000.
Cut of this he had to support himself and
family.
"How did he get SO rich2 Chief Red Cloud
and his people charged that he robbed them of
at least half their rations and annultes. McGil-
Bell, u. s. A., reported to the Commissioner of
Indian Affairs, in 1883. that McGiilcuddy had
been drawing rations and annuities for 2. goo In
dans more than there were at the agency Tho
Indian Office estimated this STEAL or whatever
one chooses to call it, at $l57, 900 year, and
this and other grounds the Indian Office sus-
pended his accounts for very large sums. Sec
ond Comptroller of the Treasury Butler told ma
last fall that McGillicuddy was before the Treas
ury as defaulter in a very large sum. asked
If it would reach q million. and he replied; L
don't think ought to give you the exact figures,
but the total is very large
"a few weeks later the announcement WAC
sent out to the press that McGillicuddy had
been indicated from the charges made By the
Indians, by Indian Inspectors Pollock and Pear
sons. Captain Bell. DR.. Bland and others, his
accounts had been pronounced correct by the
Second Comptroller and the books balanced I
i'll at the time but later called upon Sec
ond Comptroller Butler and asked if he was
willing to tell me how McGillicuddy had got his
accounts with the government adjusted. He
did not seem disposed to make any statement.
1 then asked, how did he explain the charge
made by Captain Bell that he had been drawing
rations, ETC., for 1900 Indians who had
istence except on his rolls.
rell appeared. mir. Terrell DIR. Bland asks for
an explanation said Mr.. Butler, stating the
point. Mr.. Terrell seemed quite embarrassed,
but recovering his composure, said: That is
pr operty account. and such went to the Sec
ond Auditor Then this Office had nothing to do
with it. but simply to accept the statement Of
the audtor? said i. Yes it was question for
the auditor to decide did not ask further
questions. but think Terrell suspected that he
that while it is the duty of the Second Auditor
of the Treasury to audit all accounts OF Indian
agents. yet the Second Comptroller has full
power 80 review and to suspend any item he
finds not satisfactorily explained.
II desire to say behalf of Comptroller But
Ter that am convinced that he knows very lit
tie about tho case. Terrell is the real comp
troler. far as Indian matters are concerned.
and during the ten years have been interested
where a dishonest agent has had much trouble
in getting his accounts settled, nor an honest
agent who failed to find in Terrell unrelent-
ing foe"