Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-11

The announcement was made to the
House of Representatives on the 9Th
that Edward Silcott, cashier of the SER
geant-at-arms, had fed with $4,000 of
funds entrusted to bis care, and natur-
ally 1t created great sensation.
The Speaker announced the fact
through communication presented by
the late sergeant-at-arms, j. z. Leedom.
In accordance with Mr.. Leedom's re-
guest for an investigation of his accounts
Mr.. Adams, of Illinois, offered resolu-
tons for the appointment Of a select
committee to make the examination.
The resolutions were adopted and
Messrs. Adams, Stewart, of Vermont;
Payne, Reed, of Louisiana; Holman,
Blount and Hemphill appointed as such
committee.
The first intimation Of the state of af-
fairs was made just before the House
met, and there was an exciting scene in
Mr.. Leedom's Office. Mr.. Leedom, who
was sitting in the rear of his office, was
surrounded by number of members
OF the House, who were rendering adj
vice of all kinds. The most practical
suggestion was adopted at once by Mr..
Leedom, who appeared to be completely
unnerved and unable to act for himself.
and kilograms were dispatched to his
sureties notifying them OF Silcott's dis
appearance and expressing willing
ness to cooperate fully in every effort
to find HIM and secure the return Of the
missing funds. Outside the bank-like
railing across the room stood another
crowd OF members, evidently anxious
for themselves as we'll as for Mr.. Lee
dom, as they put many queries as to the
amount OF money left in the safe and
the prospects of getting their salaries.
During the afternoon the employ es in
the sergeant-at arms' office were busy
going over the books and accounts. A
statement secured from the treasury
shows that last week Silcott, in three
days, drew 1888 Az from the depart
ment. The payments were as follows:
November 81, $36,60S; November 20,
$36, 200; November 30, $60,628; total,
1888, 442. Out of this total con-
siderable sum was paid out to
members, some money was turned
over to the paying teller 10 meet
current needs, and the exact balance
missing, according to tie books, is ST.
800. But number of representatives
were in the habit of keeping individual
deposits with the sergeant-at-arms. and.
in fact, general banking business was
done in the office on q small scale.
What these Losses are has not yet been
ascertained. Inquiry at some of the
banks this afternoon develops the fact
that Silcott paid $4,000 in notes at the
National Metropolitan Bank Saturday.
There are also rumors that he
overdrew his account elsewhere,
but with their customary reserve
the banks fail to say anything in confir-
nation. The heavy total of notes paid
above referred to goes to confirm stories
that are ahoat here of extraordinary
living and rash speculation by the de-
faulter. Later Information is to the eff
feet that the paying teller's funds, al
though in the same safe where Silcott
kept his money, were protected by
separate lock and steel door, which
may explain their preservation. Mr..
Leedom is reported as having said that
he could raise about $4,000, which
would leave deficit of $49, $50 to be
made good by his bondsmen.