The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1892-11-02
rnE ERANznEIll CASE.
Captain Prince Makes somo Pertinent Re
marks In ths RrGistor

Captain Prince Makes SOnio Pertinent hs-
marks In the RrGistnr.
The following communication appear
ed in yesterdays Register:
To he Editor Of He Rtgi'tcr:
GENrLEMEN:-It has been the custom
in your paper within the past week to
speak severely OF the motives Of those
who ask questions about the experience
OF the city and the board OF gas trustees
with the late secretary Of the gas works
in money matters. There has been 4
special severity exercised towards the
resolutions introduced by myself IN tho
CITY Council; and among other things
those resolutions have Leon called
anonymous. "
have no disposition to avoid respon-
sibility for those resolutions. They
were offered by myself deliberately and
from good motives. The charge that
there had been heavy shortages in Mr..
Franzheln's dealings rs the secretary Of
tho gas works did not originate with
me. It was, believe, first heard from
the ranks OF the political friends OF tho
accused. / did not take it up or make
1.-THE ground Of my resolutions until |
had satisfied myself, by personal inqui-
ries. that the truth OF the charge was
exceedingly probable. / then felt that
it was due to the city that IN investiga-
ton be had, and that the Council be
advised Of the facts that were already
within the knowledge of the board oil
gas trustees, and be advised OF any
other facts which might be useful, espe-
cially in the limo Of suggesting or pro-
yiding methods of keeping accounts
which would lessen the temptations to
gas officials in the future.
Il has been said that there was a
political motive in those resolutions.
Mr.. Franzheim is candidate for the
office Of the largest financial responsi.
bility in Ohio county-the Office oil
sheriff, which under our law combines
with other duties the functions OF tax
collector and county treasurer. II he
we're seeking employment from a mer..
chant or a private corporation he would
expect to have inquiries made OF his
former employer, especially If there had
been trouble, or even il there was ru-
NOR Of trouble having existed in his
dealings with such former employer.
Here we have, 10 q certain extent, the
same employer. The former employer
was tho city OF Wheeling. The
proposed employer is the county OF
ohio, including the city. Is it nnreas-
enable that the inquiry should be
made? Mr.. Franzheim has, in q linn.
tied form, made the inquiry himself.
should not have introduced my resolu-
tons il his paper had been more eH'
plicit. Since my resolutions we're re:
iected, l hope it may be the pleasure OF
the gas trustees and the committee on
lights, TO whom his paper was referred,
TO take UP the same without further de.
lay. 1t is to be regretted that they have
delayed so long.
II the Board OF Gas Trustees shall
categoricaIly answer or report that the
matters recfted in my resolutions and
the preamble thereto, and OF which
they are said to have knowledge, are un.
true, | shall be happy to make all
amends possible. 1t is the farthest
from my wish to do Mr.. Franzheim any
wrong in this matter. So far as | have
any political motive in the matter, it is
lust this: l want the voters OF Ohio
county to be correctly and authentical-
" informed by the Board OF Gas Trust
ees whether Mr.. Franzheim was, when
he ceased to be secretary OF the gas
works, largely in debt to the city, in his
capacity as secretary, and ii he was,
then whether the fact was made known
BY him, or was discovered without his
aid, and further whether he paid back
more than S6, 5000 on account OF such in
debtedness after it was disco yered. AS
public servant he has not been with
out trial. Can the board OF gas trust
ees make such report OF his previous
conduct as to enable the voters TO say ::
swell done, thou good and faithful
servant. Thou hast been faithful over
few things, We will make thee ruler
over many things"
THOMAS PRINCE.