The Forrest City times., 1893-02-03
IN THE ASSEMBLY.
The Governor MISREPRESENTATION
or Respect Notes.


The following message from Governor Fish
oack was read 10 the Joint Assembly Tuesday
afternoon. to-wit:
Gentlemen Of the General Assembly:
In obedience to the duty imposed by our Con-
stitution upon the EXecuiice, l beg to call your
attention to the following facts and recon-
fations:
First-The Burning Board who investigated
The condition OF our State Treasury more than
year ago published September 20, 1891, the
humiliating statement that so far as the books
Of the auditor and treasurer are concerned, II is
Impossible 10 learn from them, in their present
condition whether Woodrufs shortage be only
abont $50 00), or more than sl3s000 This IS true
aud whichever the explanation, it IS inexcusably
isgracetui because II Is true.
Second-'There has recently been offered for
payment to the State Treasurer $500 OF coupons
which, according to the records are stolen prop
srty. They belong TO the state, and are out or
shows may have been lying ia hiding for TWEEN
~ years past. While many thousands OF dollars
Of others are unaccounted for.
Third-There is. according to Simms' report,
S92. $50 Of interest bearing scrip, known as Page
scrip. missing from the vaults of the treasury
and there may be forty fifty. one hundred
thousand dollars Of other fraudulent or stolen
evidence of debt out somewhere, in the markets.
of the world still lying in wait for some dis
honest treasurer to redeem them; nobody or no
record shows how much or where.
Fourth-The bond register shows $1,000 OF
bonds which have been redeemed but are
missing from the vaults of the treasury.
the markets OF the world, it is impossible from
the books or register to tell.
Fifth-The Irregularities and complications
OF the bond register and bookkeeping in the onl-
ces OF auditor and treasurer, originating as ear
~ AZ 1889. preclude the possibility OF knowing
how much fraudulent stolen evidences OF
debt OF various kinds are out against the State,
covertly bidinQ their time when they will be
slipped in and redeemed unawares. just as has
been attempted twice in the past two months.
This condition Of things constitutes con
OF of hiknrty nf n
State, against which there appears to me but
one available remedy. | respectfully recon-
mend this remedy:
/ would suggest the pass age of an act author
iZing and directing the treasurer to give ample
notice in the financial centers of the world that
all evidences OF debt against the State OF Ark-
anSas of whatever kind or description, shall be
brought to the treasurer on or before certain
cate, giving ample time, to be by the state
debt board examined, registered and stamped.
and that all OF such evidences of debt which
shall not be brought in before that date
shall be forever barred from payment; making
IL felony for airy officer of the state after TINS
date. to receive or pay any OF such evidences OF
debt which are not so registered and stamped.
would further suggest that colluslon be-
tween treasurer and auditor be made IA felony
and that where the same error is found IN the
books OF both Offices. it shall be taken as prima
facie evidence of collision.
1t will be alleged know, by those who raw
or the esisting condi on OF things. that Unjust
may be done innccef creditors who may not be
reached by the trea fef'S notices This Is not
at all probable but ii such q case should occur
it will be within the power Of any subsequent
Legislature to rectify any such wrong upon pro-
per proof. 1t is much better that these few, il
any, should be put to the trouble OF such proof
than that our taxpayers be robbed; nobody can
foresee how much. Respectfully submitted
W. NJ. FIsHBACk,
Governor.