Wichita eagle., 1889-04-09
NO EMBEZzLER.
Mr.. Whiteman. of New Mexico, VindicateS
Himself of Grave Charges.

WASHINGTON, April s.-The appointment
of H. Whiteman to be associate justice
of the supreme court Of New Mexico has
developed strange story. For some time
nved in Kansas, stationed a few years at
Wichita, where he was numbered with
the legal fraternity. He went from Wich-
tia TO Albuquerque, where he has since re-
sided engaged in his profession.
AS soon as the announcement of his ap-
pointment was made the Swiss minister
recognized the name as one with a
history which he claimed to know
something about He went before the
committee on Judiciary and stated that
some years ago, seemingly soon after he
moved to New Mexico, he collected $500
for some Swiss heirs and had failed to sur
render to them the money. This was
enough to delay his confirmation, when
Whiteman was telegraphed to put in an
appearance. He did so and stated that he
had the money but could never find the
parties to which he was satisfied the money
belonged. adding that it was in bank.
This for a time seemed to give satisfaction,
when Senator Ingalls, was given some more
information and suggested to Edmunds to
have Whiteman wire the bank for state
u.
stated that it was not in a bank, he did
no3 mean to say THAT; it was in his safe
and no one there knew the combination.
The senate adjourned, and Mr.. White
man found himself in a very unpleasant
position. He had not been rejected, it
was true, but he had been left under a
cloud and without the Office. He went to
the attorney general and told him he was
a victim of misunderstanding on the part
of the senator's. He maintained that there
had been no intention on his part TO mis-
lead either Mr.. Edmunds or Mr.. Ingalls,
What he said to both was exactly true.
lie understood Mr.. Edmunds to ask what
he had done with the money when he col
lected it, and he truthfully replied that he
had deposited it in the two banks, for so
be had done at the time. But he after
wards withdrew it and locked it up
In his safe, aud, therefore, his reply to
Senator Ingalls,, whose question pertained
to the present, was strictly true. Having
made his explanation to Attorney General
Miller Mr.. Whiteman asked a recess ap-
pointment that he might take his place on
the bench and trust to the next session of
the senate to confirm him. The attorney
general considered the application and
then made a proposition to Mr.. White
man. 1t was In effect that the combina-
ton should be furnished and that
the office safe should be opened
and disinterested persons. If the money
was found. as it was claimed it would be,
Mr. Whiteman should receive the recess
appointment. If the money was not there
that would be the end of it. Mr.. White
man agreed that this was fair enough. He
sent the combination to his wife and tele-
grsphed her to this effect:
Give the combination to three good
citizens aud let them open the safe. They
will find an envelope containing s., 500
Let them telegraph the fact to the attor-
new general and | will be reappointed"
The New MeXicans who are here were
duly acquainted with the situation and
for several hours after the message was
sent there was strain of great suspense
on the delegation. Would the envelope
and the money come out of the safe? The
lady or the tiger?" was nothing To this
problem. 1t was admitted that much
depended upon Mrs. Whiteman'S careful
observance of instructions. Yesterday Mr..
Whiteman received a telegram from his
wife saying that the programme had been
carried out, the money had been found,
and as matter of precaution- had been
placed in a bank. The three witnesses
sent message TO the attorney general saw
ing they had seen the safe opened and the
money taken out One of the witnesses
was Judge Hazelton. The cashier
of the bank also sent word
there was $500 on deposit to
Mr.. Whiteman's ST credit. These messages
were laid before the attorney general YES
terday. Mr.. Miller said the result WAS
Mr.. Whiteman. He told him he might
expect the appointment without further
delay. 1t is expected the papers viii be
,Oade ont tomorrow