The Newtown bee., 1890-12-26
NEWSY FAIRFIELD.
THE MoLoNEY TOWN MEETING.

town meeting, Monday, men from all
parts of the town flocked to the Town
hall and nearly every seat was occupied
the meeting to order. After an hours
debate, the meeting passed resolution,
releasing any claim the town might have
against the estate or bondsmen of Dan
lei Moloney. For chairman, Francis B.
Wakeley was nominated, but declined and
nominated Judge w. B. Glover, who ac-
cepted. Lawyer j. ID. Toomey, Jr, Of
fered this resolution:
Whereas Daniel Moloney, for 20 years or
more a courteous, faithful and upright officer
of this town, at the time OF his death, after q
long and painful illness which had practically
rendered him unable to discharge the duties
OF his Office, owed the town of Fairfield a sum
OF money approximating $4,000, for taxes due
said town. collected by him and unsettled for
during his sickness, therefore be it
Resolved, That in recognition of the faithful
services tor so many years rendered to this
town by Daniel Moloney, now deceased, the
sclectmen are hereby instructed in behalf OF
this town to release his estate from any claim
| the town may have on account of any money
due as aforesaid and to release the sureties on
| his bonds as collector OF taxes OF said town
| from any claim for said money which might
| be made by said town against them as such
| sureties.
| Andrew Wakeman asked when this
deficit occurred. While Selectman Haw
kins was absent for this information,
Judge John Ii. Perry asked for the Pc
tition presented to the selectmen. This
also was obtained. 1t was stated that
the discrepancies in Mr. Moloney's ac-
counts occurred in 1884, IS, SO, 'S7 and
amounted to $2072. Alden Gould spoke
on the amount of the towns debt and
feared further increase. The petition
and signers were then read, after which
Judge Perry asked the names of the
bondsmen and was told j. Jennings, Ed
ward Henshaw, Samuel Pike, j. M.
Brothwell, d. O'Dell. He asked if the
deficiency reported was the true amount
and was told that it was. as far as the
books showed. He said that the annual
town meeting in October had voted that
this money should be collected; had
aught occurred since to render this
change necessary or advisable? While
none were more willing to accord to Mr.
Moloney all the good traits mentioned in
the resolution, yet he should like more
information in regard to the matter. F.
b. Wakeley thought that the resolution
just introduced would have caused great
surprise in any other town meeting in
the State; here, nothing in connection
with town affairs causes surprise. True,
bonds were given for the faithful per-
Torrance of the duties of office; but otE-
err circumstances should receive consider
alton. He quoted as precedent the act
ion of the town in approving the doings
of committee who, given $4,000 to re-
model the town house, spent $4,000 or
$4,000 more, the town promptly accept
ing the report and appropriating the adj
ditional money. This, he said, had since
been the policy of the town. Moloney
could not do the business of the Office
properly; had said to him that something
was wrong, but he didn't know what and
had asked him to help look over the books
and make it right. 1t was bad business ;
but the bondsmen, the selectmen, the
town treasurer ought to have looked
more closely after the business of the Of
flee. And yet, his bondsmen had no
reason for doubt, because of his endorse
ment at the polls by both parties. No
doubt the taxpayers would condoDe the
offense, were Moloney to walk in
and explain it all away. He favored the
passage of the resolution, then the adopt
ion of new system in which no appro-
pration could be exceeded and bondsmen
should be held strictly accountable. He
spoke of the insurance of $1,000 held by
Moloney, almost the sole support of his
sister and her helpless father. Why de-
prive her of this slight assistance? Again
the bonds could only be collected at the
end of a long and bitter law suit. VIII
liam Bradley, "Major Billn of Green.
field, said that Moloney had done wei
, until his mind became affected. Had the
bondsmen approached any town officials
; they would have been told that every
thing was satisfactory. But when, a
Moloney's sickness, the selectmen APP
pointed another collector, they released
B. Moloney and his bondsmen and assumed
: the responsibility themselves. He wa
in favor of the resolution. Many other
hadn't done as well as Moloney. An,
= perhaps there wasn't any deficit; per
haps it was simply the result of Dams in
ability to keep accounts properly. Simo
II Banks simply said that the resolution,
+ adopted, would saddle over $1,000 upo
the taxpayers of the town, in none
i spent and to be given. DR. Donaldso
asked for information on the case. III
: was in sympathy with Moloney's family
but thought that the best way was, t
give, If aid was desired, from indiyidus
pockets; he would add to subscription
But if this were to be once done, wher
o would it stop? Why might not the tow
! clerk, or any of his successors, do til
$ same and be forgiven? Where are the 81
e lectmen, whom he had supposed respor
y sible? If they are not, who is? Auditor
g are paid $3.50 year to say town account
n are correct; few years later, deficit
i are found. Major Bradley understood
:. that accounts must be examined monthly
but was informed by the chair tina
monthly reports were to be made to tn
treasurer. Town Treasurer Hobart the
said that monthly reports were regularl
made to him, although Moloney had nc
q always done so. Judge Perry asked th
!, selectmen If they had sought legal adyic
as to their right to give away $4,000 b
q this resolution "No." said Selectma