The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-05-01
DURHAM DROPS OUT.
An Honest Democrat Who Would Not APP
prove n Thieving scheme of Davenport.
lWaShington Special.1

An Honest Democrat Who Would Not APP
prove Thieving scheme of Davenport.
Washington speciall
The disagreement between Atty.-Gen. Miller
and Controller Durham of the treasury has
been made public. The rock that the honest
and sturdy kentuckian split on with the little
Indiana jackleg lawyer was whether he Dur
ham, should approve an account Of John |.
Davenport, chief supervisor of elections in
New York, and a machine republican
politician, of $780, which Davenport
claimed he had expended for carriage
hire. fine badges, etc. Benjamin Harrison. as
president of the United States, had ap proved
of Davenport's outrageous bill, and when il
came TO Controller Durham he refused 10 sp-
prove it, Then little Miller, who is always
choek full OF cOnceit, sent for Controller Dur
ham and demanded to know why he refused 70
approve the account Judge Durham told him
very plainly, but respectfully, that he refused
TO approve il because he believed il was an IL
legal account under the law. He intimated
rather strongly that the president had made
mistake in approving IL.
This made Miller mad and he lost his head
or what little head he has TO lose-and
pitched into Judge Durham and the whole
Cleveland crowd" Judge Durham picked up
his hat and LETT the presence OF the little chap.
and did not return again. though twice invited.
have approved Davenport's account, when it is
remembered the great service which the latter
rendered him in New York last fall. But,
as a matter of fact the approval Of the
account from public business standpoint,
stripped of all political bearing was a scandal
Gus piece of work for the president to do. The
president is authorized, under sec $40 Of the
revised statutes, to approve the accounts Of
ministerial officers for expenses incurred in the
discharge of the duties of their Offices when
has Sc Of ffah fr.r hN-f Nrh~a Il
Davenport, as chief supervisor OF elections, is
not a ministerial officer, as contemplated OF
embraced by the section above alluded 70.
Consequently. Controller Durham did not
think that the president should have approved
Davenport's accounts.
The upshOt of the whole matter is that
Judge Durham received notification this morn
ing that his resignation as first controller of
the treasury had been accepted, TO take effect
at once.
1t is an homer for Judge Durham to be dis
missed from the service under these circum-
stances. He has made splendid record. IL
can be truly stated that he has conducted the
business of his Office honestly, conscientiOusly
and careful, and Il is doubtful If any man has
filled the Ofice with as much care for the peo-
ple's money as Milton J. Durham. He had the
entire confidence of the late administration.
Mr. Cleveland regarded him as one of the most
correct and upright men in the public
vice. The only class Of men with whom
claim agents and men who desired
TO get their illegal accounts approved. His
Office force was greatly attached TO him, and he
was a popular official with all men who came
to call on him on business matters. His strict
business and economical habits in transactinR
the public business undoubtedly saved hun
dreds of thousands OF dollars 20 the treasury.
For four years, he has really been the watch
dog OF the treasury. The amount Of money
paid out under warrants signed by him and
settled by him in that time amounted 10 =, ,200,-
100000. He has had TO watch nearly 200 dis
bursting agents in paying out this enormous
amount, and il is remarkable that not dollar
has been lost 10 the government.
He rendered his resignation March 8 and the
secretary of the treasury requested him TO re-
main until his successor could be appointed.
His interview with the attorney-general a few
days since in regard 10 the account OF John l.
Davenport, which the president had approved,
and his insolent treatment by Atty.-Gen. Miller
in the interview. and his positive refusal to
have any further conference or commu unication
with Miller and his absolute refusal TO approve
the fraudulent account OF the notorious and
corrupt "bulldOzer," Davenport, of course.
brought matters 10 a head, aud his resignation
had been accepted.