St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-04-21
WEECO WENT WRONG,
Chaska's County Treasurer a
Defaultep to the Extent
OF $4,000.
Unfortunate and Extravagant
Habits Are the Alleged
Cause.
A Wealthy Butcher Of Spo-
kane Is Sentenced to the
Penitentiary.
Several Sad Deaths Occur
Throughout the North
western Territory.
Special to the Globe.

Special to the Globe.
CHAsKA, April 20.-Upon Friday aft
ernoon, April II, the startling rumOr
became current in Chaska that County
Treasurer Weego was caught several
thousand dollars short in his accounts,
and ever since that time the utmost eX-
citement prevailed. The circumstances
which led to the discovery OF the de-
talcatlon are as follows: Thursday
evening at 7:30 o'clock State Deputy
Examiner Hon. j. p. West arrived in
town on the Hastings & Dakota train
and quietly went to the Sargent house,
where he took lodging and retired
early. lie was recognized by some of
the guests at the hotel. but his pres
ence did not become known in town un-
til the following morning. He remained
in the hotel until the next morning
about 8 o'clock, when he surprised
treasurer Weego in Simmons saloon
and Informed him that he desired to
go with him to the treasurer's office
Immediately to examine his accounts,
as he was in hurry to get away. He
at one proceeded with Mr.. Weego to his
Office, and his books and accounts were
carefully examined and compared with
the money on hand and on deposit in
the Carver County bank. and according
to the statement of said examiner
shortage was discovered of 81, 33334 334 % in
the money that should be in the treas
ury according to the books, for which
Mr.. Weego could give no account. Ex-
aminer West Immediately look posses
sion of the treasurer's Office and notified
the Carver County bank, the depository
of the county funds, not to pay any
more drafts, checks or county orders.
Treasurer Weego Resigns.
On Saturday following, Mr.. .Weego, on
the request of the examiner, signed
resignation, directed 10 the county COM
missioners, and the county auditor i'm
mediately sent out notices to the county
commissioners, calling an extra session
of the county board for the purpose of
appointing eoaRty treasurer to
Deed Mr.. Weego. as they are by law re-
quired. Speculation is rife everywhere
as to the probable causes that led to this
shortage, and unfounded rumors of all
kinds are atloat, but the most people at
lIlUulC It W lllC uillOIIuudl0 anu GaUllGr
eXtravagant habits of MI. Weego. and
believe that the defalcation extends
back for several years, and the money
was mlsappropriated gradually in small
sums at a time, and the fact that
the public examiner, the board of
county auditors and the grand jury al
ways found and reported his accounts
to be correct, gives rise to the opinion
that Mr.. Weego always found some
means of raising the money and placing
it in the treasury during the time when
his books and accounts were examined.
Judging from statements that the eX-
aminer dropped, he already suspected
that everything was not exactly right in
Mr.. WeegO'S accounts, and. therefore,
aimed to take him by surprise. 1t is
reported that eX-Treasurer Weego has
admitted to several persons that the
largest portion of the shortage occurred
during his term of Office commencing
January, 1889, and ending January, 1891,
and that only a small portion of the mis-
sing money was miSapl r0priated by him
during his present term. The loss will
not fall very heavy on any of his bonds
men, as the defalcation probably dates
back for several terms. and each set Of
suretieS to his official bonds are liable
for that part of the shortage that oc-
which the bonds were given. Under
the law it devolves upon the board of
county commissioners to fill va
cancies by appointment that may
happen in the Office of county treas
urer, who holds the Office until
the next general election. That body
met in extra session to-day, and imme- |
diately proceeded to appoint Mr..
Weego's successor. After thoroughly
discussing the situation, they accepted
the resignation of Mr.. Weego, and then
appointed Gerhard Bongard, of Cologne,
on the first formal ballot as his sue
cessor. Mr.. Bongard is an experienced
man enjoying the confidence of all who
know him, and his appointment was
we'll received, and he will undoubtedly
prove an efficient officer.
Another One in Michigan.
Special to the Globe.
MANIsTIQUE. Mich, April 20.--On
charge of embeZZlement DR. ! F. He's