Evening journal., 1891-09-05
PATTISON ON THE STAND
Pennsylvania's Governor Before
the Legislative Committee.
MANY BANK CASHIERS TESTIFY.

rhey All Deny That state Money Was
Solicited by Their Installations and
That Any Interest Was Paid for the
Temporary Custody Of the Funds
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. The state treas
Hry investigating committee appointed by
The senate and house OF representatives
met today at the Continental hotel Gov
srnor Pattison was the first witness called.
and on being sworn was asked by Chair
man Smith If he had any information to
give. The governor said
Governor Pnttison Tentifes.
II was president Of the Chestnut Street
National bank. ! resigned in 1891 There
was a deposit Of 100000 Of the state
money. l do not know whether il was
from Mr.. Boyer or Mr. Livsey. No money
consideration was paid / had no inter
course with any official A bond was pre-
sented, but IL was thought the security Of
the Chestnut Street National bank was
sufficient No agreement, contract or sug-
yestion was ever made No special fayors
were granted 20 any official No money
was paid for campaign purposes. The
sum deposited was subject to Check
Mr Pattiaon's suggeations-
The governor was asked; Would you
have any objection to state wherein any
improvement could be made In the Offices
OF the state.n
"The auditing system of the state is
very incomplete and much improvement
might be made. The system in Philadel-
| phia might be followed with some inn
provements. Efforts have been made TO
improve the present system, but the bills
have failed of passage in the legislature.
As It is now the audits are made irregu-
larly The accounts Of the county treas
urcrs not rendered within thirty days
might be returned to the attorney gem
eral.
II don't see why the system of the United
States government should not be adopted.
It seems to me TO be a perfect system. The
national banks can only have per cent.
upon their deposits, but it makes them
strong in public esteem.
No transactions with Bardsley.
81 never had any transaction with John
Bardsley, directly or Indirectly, as to de-
posits in the Chestnut Street National
bank. / never had any conversation or
communication with him about state or
private money until 1889. / think / met
him but twice. The deposit was not solic-
tied, but was made in the usual way. Al
that time hVd no suspicion Of HIS hon
esty.n
other Cashiers Tastify.
John p. Hopkins, cashier Of the People,
bank, was examined by Mr. Fow, whit
asked what amount Of the states monel
Is in the bank. Hopkins said there wal
100000 OF the sinking fund and 1856, 552 81
Of the general fund on deposit The STATE
deposit was not solicited Howard Lewis
assistant cashier OF the Farmers and
Mechanics bank, testified that on Aug
Il there was on deposit 81 ,92s,74i OF the
general fund. The banks capital is g.,
100000 and the surplus $500, 900. The bank
Is the fiscal agent of the commonwealth
and is paid 10000 annually. He knew Of
no advantage aceruing TO any one for the
use of the money
No knowledge Of Confederation
w. Steele, cashier Of the Chestnut Street
National bank, testified; II am the cashier
Of the bank OF which Governor pattison
was the president Our bank is a state
depository The amount OF state money
on deposit is SIS, 600 Of the general fund
We have none Of the sinking fund Ihave
no knowledge OF any consideration for the
deposit"
~ Think II Was Sent Us"
John B. Stewart, cashier OF the Corn
Exchange National bank, was the last
bank official called, He testified that his
bank was state depository and on Aug
% had SOC, 600 OF the sinking fund money
but none Of the general fund.
How did you obtain the depositrn
Il think it was voluntary; think 1t was
sent to US"
SIS the money subject to checkFn
Yes, il can all be checked out at any
time
The committee then went into executivs
session, and after the doors were reopeneC
Chairman Smith said the committee haC
decided TO call the presidents Of the Farm
.rs and Mechanics, Chestnut Street, Corr
Exchange, Fourth Street and People
banks.