St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-11-11
The Ex-Treasurer Makes a
straightforward and
Manly Reply.
Books Were Left in the Very
Best Condition Possible
When He Quit.
An Analysis Of the Attacks
That UncoverS Their
Insincerity.
To the Editor of the Globe.


Upon my return bone l find to my
utter amaZement that series of mean
attacks and reflections have been made
upon me, commencing as soon as l was
known to be on the Atlantic and far
enough out of reach TO be unable to de-
fend myself. This must have been eX-
ceedingly annoying to my friends, al
though the purpose of the attempts to
obtain an extra allowance for clerk hire
at the expense or ruin of my reputation
was too clearly apparent.
Shortly before the expiration of my
term. the books and accounts were eX-
amined by the public examiner, both as
to detail and as to methods OF check,
and his official report gave me but the
highest praise. From the time when
this examination took place TO the eX-
piration of my term, devoted my en-
tire time, attention and scrupu-
lous care in checking accounts, the
same as did before, when l
might have just as we'll devoted some
of my time to other business openings
that presented themselves to me, but
| priced good reputation and a
good record above anything else.
Immediately after Mr.. Miller's cleo
ton | invited him to call at
the office, and offered him every facility
as to the details of the office; and for
four weeks after my term had expired l
called at the office almost every day, and
gave the new officials every assistance.
| departed upon my trip with the feel
ing that everything was in good shape.
and knowing that my work would stand
proof in the long run.
A WantOn Insult.
Under these circumstances it is an In
suit which keenly feel, that as soon as
it was known that my back was turned,
and | was too far away to defend my
self, series of mean attacks and re-
Elections were made upon my reputa-
ton, ana every straw should HgraDbed
at that could be thought of any use in
making me ridiculous. AS most of these
attempts have already been thoroughly
exploded, | will confne myself to the
principal ones. Much ado has been
made of the time lost by the
new clerks in looking up references
to assessments, and that they were not
crossed out. L would say that those of
my clerks who attended to this business
could easily find the reference for any
lot in one and half to two minutes.
AS to whether it is better to have these
references crossed out at all L would
line and letting the old references stand
averts the danger of biotchlng up and
obliterating the references, which are
frequently called for and are always
used from time to time. Every pay
ment was always promptly posted, ev-
erything was checked and rechecked to
the last hour of my term, and l defy
Mr.. Miller to show system OF check
equal to 1T.
To cross out these references is but
matter of taste with the treasurer. and
| can only say that experience, OF which
could give some telling examples, has
taught that to do this will result in Se-
rious errors which are very difficult to
rectify. especially if not done by expert
hands and carefully rechecked. The
method of carrying all references to un-
paid assessments into a new line during
a time of the year when there is the
least work in the Office and when the
least number of assessments are unpaid
or open. is much safer, cleaner. more
convenient as we'll as more economical.
as it can always be done in short time.
To ask for an extra allowance for two
additional clerks for this purpose out
side Of the appropriation allowed by
law would be a mere waste OF money.
The matter of interest and penalties
on assessments pending in court is
merely matter of public policy for the
best interests of the city frequently dis
cussed among the city officials, the COM
mon council, the board of public works
and the city attorney. Assessments
are made for the purpose of paving the
contract for the improvement made.
70 ho Of q
contractors were entitled to interest
from the city until the assessments col
lected were sufficient to pay whatever
due; the policy always had been to col
lect the moneys as fast as possible, to
avoid provoking or extending unneceS-
sary itigation-to sell the judgments OBJ
tanned and get the money Into the treas
ury as fast as could reasonably be done.
AS long as an assessment has not
finally been passed upon by the court or
sometimes because no one will purchase
the Judgment, ii it is very heavy, there
are always chances of upsetting the
same upon techuicalities putting the
city out of the use of the money, while
the interest on the amo unit due the con-
tractor kept up and he remained I'M
paid, putting the city to the cost and eX-
penSeS of making new assessments
sixth Street Bridge Matter.
On the Sixth street bridge assessment
the city owed the contractor S96, 295.23,
all payable ont of local assessments.
which were exceedingly heavy, being
$1,000 and upwards per lot. The prop
erty owners entered objections in court
wen | applied for Judgment. The case
has holly contested, and it was consid-
cred doubtful among the city officials
whether the assessment would stand in
court or shat any sale of the delinquent
property could be made.
Under these circumstances, and with
the express understanding of the city
officials, the litigantS were allowed to
come in upon stipulated time, the APP
peaIs were dropped, Judgment was OBJ
tanned upon nearly all except few who
would not come in. sale was made, the
contractor was paid and surplus was
left to the city over and above all eX-
penSeS.
No matter what may be said, all that
was done was for the best interest of the
city. 1t is an easy matter to ridicule, to
Jest, to sheer and to look owl-wise, but
time will tell in the long run. think
Mr.. Miller would better attend to per-
fecting himself in his own matters be-
fore sounding any trumpets.
GEORGE REFS.
st. Paul, Nov. 10. 1892.
A CARELESS POSTURE.