Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1888-11-21
AXWORTHY'S OFFER.
C1eve1and's Defaulting Treasurer VIII.
ing to Make Restitution.


ing to Make Restitution.
Thomas Axworthy, the delaulting city
treasurer of Cleveland, who departed
the town $4,000 "short" ard with
$4,000 of other peoples money
in his carpet-sack, has written
Mayor Black a letter. It was sent from
Montreal on October 90, and when the
mayor received it he fastened to Mon
treal in order to have an interview with
Axworthy. He remained there
week and returned to Cleveland
without having seen his man. On
the 18th the mayor gave the newspapers
q copy of the letter. 1t Is as follows:
"Respected Sir: There has no doubt been con-
siderable comment concerning my absence. I
arrived here some time since. l should have
written before. but could not summon the eour-
age to do So l shall have to remain in some
part of the Dominion for perhaps all the time
Tor the following reasons: 1 went East, about
October 1, for the purpose of collecting large
during the last tour years (at the suggestion of
prominent Cleveland parties). I have been re-
ceiving the interest reg ularly, but greatly to my
surprise and horror. when demanded the prin-
cipal was answered, We cannot pay tin fact
it would have been impossible for us to have
done so within four months after we had made
the loans etc, etc. In fact, investigation
proved such to be the case, although I
supposed the parties to be worth millions
I need not dwell on this matter; in tact I
cannot 1t Is too terrible for me to think or
write about. You will know from the position
occupied in your community how my situation
must affect me or any other man that has always
been strictly honest to the letter, THUG over
whemed by circumstances which when too late
he finds he cannot control There was a COM
bination to ruin me and it has succeeded. am
properly and deservedly, perhaps, the sufferer
and an exile
II am not writing to you. however, in extenu-
alton of my Grim nal carelessness and conse-
OT.oQt misery. out writing the pXpcutiva
of the city of Cleveland to advise you that so far
as in my power lies desire to make amends by
turning over my entire property, real and per-
sonal, Tor the benefit of the city or my bonds
men.
IAN action in the proper court will, think,
make this entirely legal. Below give you in
full my entire belongings to which l waive all
right, title or interest; and I will write to my
wife, asking her to quit claim to all the real es-
tate belonging to me my name (for O. NOM
inal considerations My stocks, deeds bills of
sale, ETC., are in box Ca National Bank Of Com
merce."
He then gives list ofhis assets which include
stocks, bonds, notes, houses, land and vessel
property. Many of the stocks are pronounced
by bankers to be worthless and others would
bring but trife. He estimates the value of all
his assets at S979,700. In concluding his letter
he says: Entire assets good, S379,700, which
viii pay all my liabilities. the exact amount
of which the city auditor can alone easily
determine. Could have had four months after
knowing the true situation of affairs, could
have disposed of the above SO as to have met nv
entire obligations, but it is too late. l have
covered up nothing and thus do all possible for
the present, to make all amends 10 my power,
further make good, if needed, by any
shrinkage from above, but 1 think it is
sufficient to cover all. If it will be of any USE
you are hereby authorized and empowered by
me to act as my attorney in fact. and sign for
me all deeds, bills of SALE etc., that may be re-
quired in the transfer of any of the above-named
property. Good bye. God bless the city of
Cleveland and you all is the earnest prayer of
THOMAS AxwoRTHY."
Mayor Babcock will probably make
another trip to Montreal in the hope of
having personal interview with the
defaulter.