The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-12-16
ERNEST HOWARD ARRESTED.
The President OF the Virginia Stock Ex-
change Charged with Embezzlement.

STAUNToN, VA, Dec. 15.-[Special. =
Ernest Howard, president Of the Virginia
stock Exchange, was arrested to-day,
charged with larceny Of the funds belong
ing to the Exchange. The town has been
greatly excited over the matter all. day.
Howard came here some months since from
New Orleans. His wife spent the summer
at StriblIng Springs, and made good i'm
preston, gaining position with the best peo-
pie here. Howard is neat, trim-looklng
fellow, Of good address, and makes the
impression of having had large experience
IN stock dealings in New York, New Or
leans, and elsewhere. He originated the
idea of the Virginia Stock Exchange and
had himself elected president. The men,
bership of the Exchange is made up largely
Of the real estate agents of Staunton and
neighbOring new towns and cities. How
ard owns nine-tenths Of the stock.
stockholders meeting had been called
for to-day, and when some Of the MEM
bers Of the Exchange called at the Of
fee where the business of the Exchange
has been conducted they found the door
locked. and a notice posted on the door.
signed by Howard as president, announcing
that the stockholders meeting had been ad-
journed to January 9th, 1891. This was
an unexpected hitch, for the members
were anxious TO see financial state
ment of the concern, and believing
that their president was in the office
behind the locked door, member
was lifted by two others present 10 view the
situation through the transOm. The Presl-
dent was there and busy packing up, and a
parley ensued, which resulted in the state
ment that the posted announcement on the
door was all that the president had 10 say
on the subject, and that the financial state
ment would be given at the adjourned meet
ing January 8, 1891.
Not having warrant, Howard was OF
necessity allowed 10 leave the Office; but
before doing so he was careful to dispatch
colored man TO his private quarters, who Is
supposed to have been loaded with all the
valuable papers which Howard desired 10
remove. Howard then left, locking the
door behind him. A warraLt was gotten
out by John +. Lands, member oil the
Exchange, charging Howard with the lar
ceny of fifty dollars, which was served upon
him while he was in the National valley
Bank in the act Of drawing out of his bal
ance. which il reported, however, TO be not
more than 800.
Howard was before Mayor Fultz this al
ternoon, with Captain James Bumgardner
and Colonel w. +. Craig as his counsel, A.
&. Gordon, COmmOnwealth's attorney, APP
pearing Tor the city. Counsel for Howard
demanded that the Commonwealth should
prove the existence of the Virginia Stock
Exchange as a corporation under the laws
of the State as provided in the Code. The
Commonwealth not being prepared with
this evidence, Mayor Fultz postponed the
case until Saturday next, balling the ac.
cused in the sum of 1000 with his counsel
az security.
After Howard's arrest several members
of the Exchange broke open the door OF the
office, forcing an entrance. On the desk
convenient to the hand Of the president
had he been assaulted in his castle, was .
loaded 3S-calibre English bull dog pistol
self-acting and ready for action.
Ii is said that Howard rented the ofhce II
his own name and paid for it out Of his prl,
yate funds, and he has, under advice Ol
counsel. had warrents issued against the
offending members for trespass. Howard
was as cool as any person in the courtroom
and his gentlemanly appearance and calm
behavior won him many friends. 80 lar ne
seems TO have the best OF II.