The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-23


fuS to Produce the Records of the
Cornell and Have 10 Book of Ac-
co,nts.
Copied with tho revela ton made in
THE FINES Sunday morning regarding
tho teficit in tho collections made by
the thief Of police in the matter of
fines tho action of tho Council Monday
nigh electrified the city, and was tho
gcneal topic of conversation on the
stretts yesterday.
I've policemen themselves were
stalled. 1t had been reported to them
thai Council had ordered the suspen-
sobof the entire force, and of course
thitwas 4 matter to investigate. AS
corcqucncc the bluecoats could be
sc9 in knots yesterday conversing to-
geter on tho streets about the situa-
tio,.
Chief Morris was the central figure
of attraction, and looked very much
caeworn yesterday morning when he
tot1 his scat behind the desk at the
msyor's court.
EIc was about on the streets during
tn entire day, and was with the city
treasurer portion of the afternoon
discussing the situation, and oppressed
himself as hopeful of coming out all
right in the matter if only Il little time
c,uld be given INN.
a TINES reporter found Chief Morris
at his Office yesterday evening and
asked an interview on the subject, and
BIZ explanation for the benefit of the
public of how he came to be behind in
lis payments to the treasurer.
Mr.. Morris readily complied, and be-
gan by making correction of the state
nent that his confession of Judgment in
.tvor OF tho city had been connived at
Dr. concealed on the records in any way.
lie did SO OF his own free will and
accord.
Tho way tho shortage occurred, con
tinucd Mr.. Morris, twas from tho fact
that / kept the bank account of my own
funds and those Of tho city all under
one head in the bank. In this way they
became mixed up. | hardly know how.
was conducting considerable business
Of my own, and drew on the bank for
funds, not thinking that l had over
drawn my individual account. In this
way the accounts became confused,
although | thought l was about even
until so notified by the treasurer. 1t
was then that | set about trying TO
square up with the city.
mo man has worked harder for Roa
nokc than 7, and have made every
cndcayor, since this shortage was known
IN mn IN StrairhtcD nm
Il am trying TO finish new house on
Eighth avenue, which is valued at
$4,000. Ii could sell this property, |
could easily wipe out all my dcbts in
Roanoke and feel safe and secure.
"But fate, it seems, has retarded the
work. | lacked funds 10 finish up the
work, and as Il consequences cannot
sell the property
II am sure none Of my friends, who
have known me for so long, think that
l had any intention of wronging the
city. 1t was all brought about by care
lessness in my bank accounts"
Mr.. Morris was then asked to explain
the charge made by Mr.. Eek loft in Coun-
Gil Monday night regarding the money
taken from the body of Charles Ross
when he was shot at Marshall's several
months ago.
LAS to that" said he, "it will all be
paid. This money was deposited along
with my individual funds, and court
fines. That is about all l have to say
in reference to the matter. All ask is
little time and all will come right"
Mr.. NJ. G. Thomas. chairman Of the
finance committee of the City Council,
and the former treasurer of Roanoke,
was requested to give some facts con-
corning Mr.. Morris shortage. Said he:
This shortage has only existed since
the administration of Mayor Evans.
When gave up the Office OF treasurer
Mr.. Morris was clear on the books.
There were no outstanding warrants at
all. Mayor Carr was always very par
ticular about seeing that the warrants
were paid each month, and came around
to see that it tailed with his report to
the City Council
at was last fall that the shortage be-
gan, and may have continued at inter
walls up to tho first of January, this
year. Since that time Mayor Evans has
collected all tho fines himself and paid
individually to the treasurer. 1 will
say for Mr.. Evans that he was unaware
of the shortage to such an extent until
last June. lie was then informed of il
by the treasurer, and since then has
been using every effort to get Mr. Nor
ris to straighteD up"
Treasurer C. w. Thomas furnished
the following figures and amounts col
lected by him in fines from Mr.. Morris
since July 1st, 1890.
July, 1890, warrant. .......... S4O4.44
Sept. 1890, warrant. ......... N4lG.6I
Nov, 1890, partial payment. 1,135. Oa
Total. 81 1856. /;